NFL Draft Fallout: Bengals target help for Joe Burrow, Ravens eye another Hawkeye

It is hard to believe we are already four weeks into the NFL season, but with the quarter-mark of the season here, we are beginning to get a clearer picture of how some teams could approach the 2027 NFL Draft.

That includes the Cincinnati Bengals, who are asking Joe Burrow to carry far too much of the offense because of their inability to establish a consistent running game. In the first edition of NFL Draft Fallout, we look at a potential Day 2 running back who could help Cincinnati give its offense more balance in 2027.

This week's edition also examines why the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders should be paying close attention to interior offensive linemen in the 2027 NFL Draft. Finally, we look at a potential replacement for Joey Porter Jr. in Pittsburgh after the Steelers traded their former starting cornerback to the Dallas Cowboys.

Bengals must find a way to take pressure off Joe Burrow

One of the biggest reasons the Cincinnati Bengals sit at 2-2 following Sunday’s loss to Jacksonville is their inability to establish a consistent running game. Against the Jaguars, Cincinnati averaged just 1.5 yards per carry, with starting running back Chase Brown managing only 10 yards on nine carries.

This is not simply a one-game problem, either. The Bengals rank near the bottom of the NFL in rushing yards per game, putting far too much pressure on Joe Burrow and the passing game to carry the offense.

While improving the offensive line could help the running game, the Bengals should also make finding a reliable No. 2 running back a priority in the 2027 NFL Draft. Behind Brown, the only other running back to receive meaningful carries this season has been Samaje Perine, who has totaled just 42 rushing yards through four games.

When it comes to where Cincinnati could address the position, it is difficult to see the Bengals using their first-round pick on a running back. With Cincinnati currently sitting in position for a top-15 selection, there is not a running back in the 2027 class who currently warrants that kind of draft capital.

However, the Bengals could strongly consider adding a physical runner like Miami’s Mark Fletcher on Day 2.

Fletcher could be an ideal replacement for Perine because of his downhill running style and physicality. At 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds, Fletcher brings the size and power to complement Brown while giving Cincinnati another legitimate option in the running game.

What makes Fletcher particularly effective is his lower-body strength. He has forced an impressive 80 missed tackles over the past year and a half, including 16 over Miami’s last two games. His combination of power and balance makes him extremely difficult to bring down one-on-one, and he consistently keeps his legs moving through contact to fall forward for additional yards.

Adding Fletcher would give Cincinnati a much-needed physical presence in the backfield and allow the Bengals to take some of the burden off Burrow and their passing game. If they can find that type of complementary back on Day 2, it could go a long way toward making the Bengals’ offense more balanced in 2027.

Commanders’ offensive-line struggles create a 2027 NFL Draft need

Going into Washington’s game against the Indianapolis Colts, the Commanders’ offensive line was already a major concern. The unit ranked 31st in the NFL according to PFF, and its struggles continued against the Colts, particularly in the running game.

Washington’s running backs averaged just 3.3 yards per carry on 15 attempts, with poor blocking up front playing a major role. The biggest problems came at the offensive guard positions, an area the Commanders may need to address in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Washington was without starting right guard Sam Cosmi, who missed the game with a concussion. However, the bigger long-term concern could be at left guard, where Chris Paul has struggled throughout the season. Entering the weekend, Paul ranked 64th among 70 qualifying offensive guards, according to PFF, and his performance against Indianapolis did little to change that evaluation.

The situation becomes even more pressing because Paul is scheduled to become a free agent after the season. If Washington decides not to bring him back, the Commanders could enter the offseason with a significant hole at left guard.

Using a possible top-10 pick on an offensive guard probably would not be the best use of Washington’s resources, but the Commanders should strongly consider addressing the position on Day 2. One player who could make sense is Minnesota offensive guard Greg Johnson.

Johnson has been outstanding for the Gophers this season. He has yet to allow a pressure while earning an impressive 85.3 PFF run-blocking grade. When watching him on film, he looks like a natural fit for Washington’s offense and could have the ability to become a Day 1 starter.

The biggest selling point with Johnson is his well-rounded game. He has the strength to handle defensive tackles in the running game while also possessing the athleticism to develop into one of Washington’s better pass blockers. He also has experience playing every position along the offensive line, giving the Commanders valuable versatility.

If Washington can land Johnson in the second round of the 2027 NFL Draft, it could come away with a high-quality starter while addressing one of the biggest weaknesses on its roster.

Could the Ravens replace one Hawkeye with another?

The Baltimore Ravens may already have reason to rethink their decision to let former starting center Tyler Linderbaum leave in free agency. Part of that could be because of the success Linderbaum has helped the Las Vegas Raiders have this season, but Baltimore's own struggles at center may be the bigger reason.

The Ravens have already used four different players at center this season and were forced to move first-round pick Olaivavega Ioane from offensive guard to center to help fill the vacancy. With the position becoming a revolving door, Baltimore should consider addressing center again this offseason.

If the Ravens do, don't be surprised if they replace one former Iowa Hawkeye with another: current Iowa offensive lineman Kade Pieper.

While Pieper has primarily played guard for Iowa, I actually prefer his projection at center in the NFL. At 298 pounds, he is somewhat undersized for a guard, but his size could be less of a concern at center. He also has the athleticism necessary to make the transition. Pieper set an Iowa offensive guard record with a 4.13-second short shuttle and posted a 1.52-second 10-yard split.

Pieper has experience at center as well, making the potential position switch much more realistic. Iowa moved him to center during the offseason before moving him back to guard when Cael Winter emerged as the team's preferred center. That versatility could be extremely valuable to an NFL team.

No matter where he plays, Pieper has been a standout for the Hawkeyes. This season, he has been extremely reliable in pass protection and has not allowed a quarterback hit.

In the running game, his farm-boy strength shows up consistently. Pieper plays with toughness, intensity and impressive natural power, allowing him to finish blocks and create movement at the point of attack.

The Ravens had to use a first-round pick on Linderbaum in 2022. They may not have to spend nearly that much to find his potential replacement. If Pieper continues to play at this level, Baltimore could potentially land him in the second round of the 2027 NFL Draft.

For a team searching for stability at center, that could represent excellent value, and give the Ravens another Iowa Hawkeye in the middle of their offensive line.

Notre Dame CB could be Steelers’ answer to Joey Porter Jr. trade

The biggest NFL move of the week was the Pittsburgh Steelers trading Joey Porter Jr. to the Dallas Cowboys in exchange for a 2027 sixth-round pick and a 2028 second-round pick. While Pittsburgh received valuable draft capital in the deal, the trade also creates a potential long-term need at cornerback that the Steelers could address in the 2027 NFL Draft.

The Steelers are not suddenly without options at cornerback. Jalen Ramsey and Jamel Dean are both under contract and could occupy two of the starting spots in 2027. Asante Samuel Jr., however, is playing on a one-year contract and could hit free agency after the season. Pittsburgh also has 2026 third-round pick Daylen Everette, who could be given an opportunity to step into a larger role.

Still, the Steelers would be wise to add another young cornerback to the room. Ramsey and Dean will both be over 30 years old next season, making it important for Pittsburgh to begin planning for the future rather than relying entirely on veteran players.

One prospect the Steelers should take a hard look at with one of their two third-round picks is Notre Dame cornerback DJ McKinney. Playing alongside one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2027 NFL Draft, Leonard Moore, McKinney is having an impressive season for the Fighting Irish. He has allowed completions on just 29 percent of the passes thrown his way this season. 

McKinney brings an intriguing combination of size and athleticism. At 6-foot-1, he has the length to compete with bigger receivers while possessing the agility necessary to stay with wideouts in coverage. Those traits, combined with his production, could make him an intriguing developmental option for Pittsburgh.

The biggest concern surrounding McKinney is his medical history. He missed the final three games of the 2025 season because of an unspecified injury and has continued to deal with injuries this season. That medical history could ultimately cause him to slide on draft weekend despite his impressive coverage ability.

If McKinney falls into the third round, where there is a legitimate possibility he could land given his current fourth-round consensus grade on NFL Mock Draft Database, Pittsburgh could be an ideal fit. The Steelers would add a young cornerback with starting potential while also giving themselves some much-needed insurance behind an aging veteran group.

We are still early in the NFL season, and plenty can change between now and the 2027 NFL Draft. However, the first four weeks have already exposed some weaknesses teams will need to address. For Cincinnati, Washington, Baltimore and Pittsburgh, the good news is the 2027 NFL Draft should offer several prospects who could help fill those needs.

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