NFL Draft grade for the AFC North

NFL Draft (2)

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In my opinion it is useless to grade a draft before the players have spent 3 seasons in the league. As a result, here are my grades for the AFC North in the 2011 draft.

Cleveland A

While the Browns ended up with a number of keepers, only one was a pro bowler.

21 Phillip Taylor DT Baylor – Solid starter that needs to get in better shape.

37 Jabaal Sheard DE Pittsburgh – Starter but suffered due to the change to a 3-4

59 Greg Little WR North Carolina – Starter that drops a lot of balls and should be replaced.

102 Jordan Cameron TE USC – Pro bowl starter

137 Buster Skrine DB Tennessee-Chattanooga – Undersized nickle back.

150 Jason Pinkston T Pittsburgh – Decent starter with a recent history of injury.

Cincinnati B+

The Bengals had fewer players make the team but they became part of a 3 time playoff team.

4 A.J. Green WR Georgia – All pro and one of the best in the league.

35 Andy Dalton QB Texas Christian – Under achiever that did lead the team to 3 playoffs with no wins.

101 Clint Boling G Georgia – Decent starter that could be replaced by 14 pick Russell Bodine.

Baltimore C

The Ratbirds got a couple of starters and some solid backups from the 2011 draft.

27 Jimmy Smith CB Colorado – Decent starter with 3 train car loads of baggage.

58 Torrey Smith WR Maryland – Starter with speed that continues to develop.

85 Jah Reid T Central Florida – Hanger-on backup LG that has yet to contribute.

164 Chykie Brown DB Texas – Part time starter/nickle back that needs to be replaced.

165 Pernell McPhee DE Mississippi State – Borderline backup outside linebacker.

180 Tyrod Taylor QB Virginia Tech – Seldom used backup QB who may lose his job to 2014 pick Keith Wenning.

Pittsburgh C-

The Steelers got a couple of starters and a backup..

31 Cameron Heyward DE Ohio State – Solid starter.

63 Marcus Gilbert T Florida – Decent starter at RT.

128 Cortez Allen DB The Citadel – Dime back that plays OK.

162 Chris Carter LB Fresno State – Substitute starter that needs to be replaced.

That is what I think. Tell us what you think.

NOTE: Check out the live News, Notes and Rumors show on Monday, Thursday and Friday at 6 PM Eastern on or https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/. On Samantha Bunten of NBC Sports, former NFL scout Kelron Sykes and I talk NFL draft with just a little Indians and Cavs thrown in. The archive is available on https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/. Please join us.

Bill Smith is a former coach of several semi-pro teams, has officiated both football and basketball, done color on radio for college football and basketball and has scouted talent. He edits https://fryingpansports.com. He has also published several novels on and a non-fiction work at http://www.merriam-press.com/. Follow him on twitter @NNRonDSN to get the schedule of Special News, Notes and Rumors broadcasts. You can hear the previous shows on https://fryingpansports.com/radio-show/ and the live show Mondays at 6 PM Eastern time on .

He also edits .

To keep up with the News, Notes & Rumors podcasts, follow me on twitter @NNRonDSN.

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