2011 NFL Draft First Round Review: AFC North
Cincinnati Bengals: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia (4th overall)
A.J. Green is a fantastic player, but who is throwing him passes? The Bengals have a huge void at quarterback, but getting Green is a good contingency plan if nothing else. He is probably the best offensive player in the draft, and can really change an offense around. The Bengals have drafted a ton of receivers over the last few years, but this one might finally be a keeper.
Cleveland Browns: Phil Taylor, DT, Baylor (21st overall)
The Browns did some wheeling and dealing, and made one of the biggest trades of the first round when they moved down with the Atlanta Falcons. The Browns held the 27th pick briefly before moving up with the Kansas City Chiefs to select Phil Taylor, a run stuffing nose tackle from Baylor. This is high for Taylor if you ask me, but it was a great day for the Browns because they picked up an additional first round pick in next year’s draft to move around like they did.
Baltimore Ravens: Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado (27th overall)
The Ravens were trying to trade down with the Chicago Bears allegedly before making their pick, which actually passed them by before they wound up with Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith, one of the most gifted players in the draft. Smith is a 6’2″ cornerback with blazing speed, and he should be able to contribute right away for the Ravens.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Cameron Heyward, DT/DE, Ohio State
Cameron Heyward is one of the hardest working players in the draft, and is a player that the Steelers and their fans are going to absolutely love. He will pair with Evander Hood at the defensive end position in their 3-4 scheme, and get to the quarterback and make plays.