2024 NFL Draft- AFC North Grades

All 257 picks have been made in the NFL Draft. Who won? Who lost? Draft Nation is here to let you know who stretched too far for a player and who found a diamond in the rough.

Today we review the AFC North:

Baltimore Ravens

Round 1 (30)- CB-Nate Wiggins, Clemson

Wiggins has plenty of length and athleticism to step in and play alongside Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton in their secondary. He ran a 4.28 at the combine and his closing speed will help strengthen the Ravens secondary. A great pick at #30.

Round 2 (62)- T- Roger Rosengarten, Washington

Rosengarten is a high-effort tackle who offers non-stop hustle and is effective at pass blocking. If he can add a little strength, the Ravens may have found themselves their starting right tackle.

Round 3 (93) Edge- Adisa Isaac, Penn State

The Ravens nab another edge rusher from Penn State in round three, as they also drafted Odafe Oweh at #31 in the 2021 NFL Draft. Isaac is a quality pass rusher that Baltimore can add to their rotation. Isaac was a top-50 player in most mocks and some teams had him higher than his teammate Chop Robinson who went in 1st round.

Round 4 (113) WR- Devontez Walker, North Carolina

Another value pick for the Ravens, Walker was a 2nd round talent who lasted until the 4th round. Walker should pair nicely with the speedy Zay Flowers to give the Ravens some flexibility in their route running. Walker is a playmaker without the electric speed of Flowers.

Round 4 (130) CB- T.J. Tampa, Iowa State

The Ravens once again selected a player who has dropped in the draft. T.J. Tampa has tackling skills and also is a playmaker in the pass game. This may be the best value pick of the draft by Baltimore.

Round 5 (165) RB- Rasheen Ali, Marshall

Ali is coming off a biceps injury suffered in the Senior Bowl. He adds depth to the Ravens backfield and is an above average pass catcher who could be a 3rd down type back in the future.

Round 6 (218) QB- Devin Leary, Kentucky

With only Josh Johnson and Malik Cunningham on the roster, the Ravens look to improve their options at backup quarterback with Devin Leary. Leary has a quick release and is efficient at placing the ball where it needs to go.

Round 7 (228) C- Nick Samac, Michigan State

A three-year starter in the Big 10, the Ravens find a potential backup to center Tyler Linderbaum. Samac needs to add strength to be effective in NFL.

Round 7 (250) S- Sanoussi Kane, Purdue

Kane is a project at safety, who’s best bet of making the team is through special teams. Struggled in pass coverage at Purdue.

Final Grade- (B+)

Baltimore improved their secondary and the combination of Zay Flowers and Devontez Walker should keep defensive coordinators up at night.

Cincinnati Bengals

Round 1 (18) T- Amarius Mims, Georgia

The Bengals prepare for life without Orlando Brown and Trent Brown at the tackle position. Mims is considered boom or bust due to his limited experience at tackle, although his upside is through the roof. His size and athleticism is what set him apart from the other right tackle prospects.

Round 2 (49) DT- Kris Jenkins Jr., Michigan

The Bengals needed a defensive tackle and they drafted the best run stopping lineman in the draft. He has a high motor and also the bloodlines to be a long term fixture at the position in Cincinnati. 

Round 3 (80) WR- Jermaine Burton, Alabama

Cincinnati wanted to fill a big need and does so effectively. Jermaine Burton will fill the void from the potential loss of free agent wide receiver Tyler Boyd. This pick could be a steal, as Burton dropped on some boards from character issues. He is a three-level receiver who has excellent explosion and straight line speed.

Round 3 (97) DT- McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M

The Bengals have immensely improved their defensive line with Kris Jenkins and now McKinnley Jackson. Jackson is explosive off the snap and should line up at the defensive tackle position in the 4-3. Should step right into a a rotation in year one.

Round 4 (115) TE- Erick All, Iowa

Erick All is an athletic tight end who may have gone higher if not for multiple injuries in college. His 6’4” frame and athleticism is tough to contain once he catches the ball. He could be a weapon for Joe Burrow and this Bengals offense.

Round 5 (149) DB- Josh Newton, TCU

This is an excellent pick in the 5th round for Cincinnati. They add some depth at the cornerback position and give the defense some options in the nickel and dime packages.

Round 6 (194) TE- Tanner McLachlan, Arizona

The Bengals add their second tight end in the draft. McLachlan is sure handed and will be more of a possession type tight end and run blocker than the earlier pick of Erick All. 

Round 6 (214) DE- Cedric Johnson, Ole Miss

Cedric Johnson has a nice blend of size and speed for an edge rusher taken this late in the draft. He may be a nice insurance piece in case Trey Hendrickson gets his wish granted and is traded out of Cincinnati. 

Round 7 (224) CB- Daijahn Anthony, Ole Miss

Daijahn Anthony was excellent in coverage at Ole Miss and gives the Bengals another option as a nickelback and some depth at the safety position.

Round 7 (237) C- Matt Lee, Miami (Fla)

Another late value find for the Bengals. Lee had a strong season last year for the Hurricanes and should add nice depth to the offensive line.

Final Grade (A-)

Cincinnati takes care of all of their biggest needs and then find some late round values.

Cleveland Browns

Round 2 (54) DT- Michael Hall, Jr., Ohio State

Michael Hall stays close to home and could be a steal at #54 for Cleveland. Hall has a high motor and should be a quality run stopper in the AFC North. He is a bit undersized but should help take some of the doubles off of Myles Garrett. 

Round 3 (85) G- Zak Zinter, Michigan

Zak Zinter is a bit of a question mark after his nasty leg injury this past season. He plays too high and stiff at times and may need a year or two to learn to contribute.

Round 5 (156) WR-Jamari Thrash, Louisville

Thrash ran a 4.46 at the combine and has the tools to be successful at all 3-levels. Not necessarily a big need for Cleveland, he will battle last year’s 3rd round pick Cedric Tillman for playing time.

Round 7 (227) DB- Myles Harden, South Dakota

Myles Harden has the athleticism and versatility to outplay his draft position. Could be a future starter in the nickel package.

Round 7 (243) DT- Jowon Briggs, Cincinnati

Briggs had a solid season in 2022, but took a step back in 2023. He will probably be a practice squad type player for the Browns.

Final Grade (C+)

Cleveland had no first round pick and they stretched a bit on their day 2 picks. The Browns did well on day 3 and overall did a nice job for the picks they had.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Round 1 (20) T- Troy Fautanu, Washington

The Steelers go with a tackle in the first round for the 2nd consecutive year. Fautanu is a bit undersized but is an excellent run blocker who can get to the 2nd level. Should start day one across from last seaon’s #1 pick Broderick Jones.

Round 2 (51) C- Zach Frazier, West Virginia

The Steelers addressed their biggest need and select one of the top centers in the draft. Frazier is an ex-wrestling champion who knows how to use his hands when grappling one-on-one. He should step in and start on day one.

Round 3 (84) WR- Roman Wilson, Michigan

Pittsburgh had a need at wide receiver at the beginning of the off-season and after trading Diontae Johnson it magnified the need. Wilson has the speed and potential to slip into the #2 spot behind Pickens and ahead of Van Jefferson. 

Round 3 (98) LB- Payton Wilson, N.C. State

Payton Wilson has 1st round talent and if not for his knee injuries, including not having an ACL in one of his knees could have gone there. With Elandon Roberts slated to start, Wilson can take his time to adjust to the NFL. He is the most athletic linebacker in the draft, running a 4.43 at the combine, which was the fastest time on day 1. If he stays healthy this is a steal. He is a high volume tackler who will look great next to Patrick Queen inside.

Round 4 (119) G- Mason McCormick, South Dakota State

The Steelers continue to add to their offensive line and may have found a day 3 starter in Mason McCormick. With James Daniels set to hit free agency in 2025 and Isaac Seumalo in 2026, the Steelers may have a player who can step in and start after a year's apprenticeship. McCormick has leadership skills and has strong hands to win battles in the trenches. Another nice pick.

Round 6 (178) DT- Logan Lee, Iowa

The Steelers have an aging defensive line and started the “rebuild” last season with the selection of Keeanu Benton in round 2 last season. Lee is a bit of a “tweener” but will add some versatility and youth to a defensive line that needs both.

Round 6 (195) DB- Ryan Watts, Texas

Watts is 6’3” and plays a physical brand of defense that Pittsburgh loves. At first, he will add depth and be a strong special teamer. With his size and attitude, he could become an in the box safety for the Steelers but will need some time to mature, making the move from college CB to pro safety. 

Final Grade (A-)

For the second consecutive draft the Steelers have filled their needs and have done so getting prospects who can step right in and start.