NFL: Intriguing Players to Watch in the AFC North
With the start of the NFL season just around the corner. We are going to highlight a player from every franchise that intrigues us. That can be a rookie asked to start, a player set to breakout or a league star who’s just fun to watch.
We start with the AFC North…
Baltimore Ravens - Roger Rosengarten, OT
It can be quite easy to overlook glaring problems on good teams. Is this the case with Roger Rosengarten and the Baltimore Ravens? The Ravens have realistic AFC championship hopes, but the right-hand side of the line will be anchored by a second-round rookie. Rosengarten has had a strong offseason and outplayed Patrick Mekari. In pre-season action, he only conceded two pressures in 86 snaps. But, the real questions will come when the live bullets fly—starting in week one against George Karlaftis and the Chiefs.
Cincinnati Bengals - Dax Hill, CB
The 2023 season was a disaster for the Bengals’ defense, but perhaps most keenly for Dax Hill. The first-rounder was the anointed successor to Jessie Bates at free safety, and after a year under him, he was promoted to the starting spot. But, a lack of leadership and experience in the secondary led to constant missteps and the concession of big play after big play. Hill was gifted a second chance this offseason. Moved to cornerback, where his speed and man coverage can be utilised. Despite expectations of adding depth only, Hill outplayed DJ Turner and won a starting spot. Does Hill have it in his locker to defend elite receivers in the NFL? We’ll soon find out.
Cleveland Browns - Jerry Jeudy, WR
Is there anything left in Jerry Jeudy’s tank? Traded from the Broncos for a fifth and sixth-rounder, he became the poster boy for a series of draft missteps in Denver. The Browns are bullish on the talent, though, handing him $58 million over three years. He has speed and freakish talent, but who can blame him for not putting it all together for the Broncos? Jeudy may get the one-on-one matchups needed to showcase his ability with a new home and fellow Alabama Amari Cooper opposite him. How he performs will be a big factor in the success of this offense.
Pittsburgh Steelers - Patrick Queen, LB
Patrick Queen and the Pittsburgh Steelers feel like the perfect fit. A heavy-hitting linebacker who flies around the field. The tone-setter this team has missed in recent seasons. However, Queen benefitted from a Mike Macdonald defense and a Roquan Smith-sized comfort blanket in Baltimore. Well, the training wheels are off now. Even with TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick around him, Queen will be the beating heart of this defense. Can he become a top-5 player at his position?
Rory-Joe Daniels
NFL & Cfb contributor
AS A LONG-SUFFERING CINCINNATI BENGALS FAN, RORY HAS FOLLOWED THE NFL FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HIS PASSION FOR THE DRAFT LED HIM TO GET ENTANGLED WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND HE HAS BEEN WRITING ABOUT PROSPECTS AND THE CFB LANDSCAPE EVER SINCE.