NOTE: NNR Tonight explores the Browns roster after the 2014 NFL Draft. Join us on 6 PM EDT.
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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 .
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