Which 2024 NFL Draft picks will be counted on to step up a make contribution for their squads in the AFC North?
With the Baltimore Ravens expected to make another run at the Super Bowl, teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up to have something to say about who takes the North. Even the Cleveland Browns could make some noise in the division if one of their four quarterbacks can rise and take command of the offense.
In what is shaping up as another competitive year in the AFC North, player development can be what sets a team apart. Which Year 2 player can step up and make a big contribution in 2025? Let’s look at 2024 NFL Draft picks primed for success in Year 2.
One Year 2 difference maker for each AFC North team:
Baltimore Ravens – Nate Wiggins, CB
The addition of veteran cornerback Jaire Alexander will help the Ravens’ secondary, but if second-year corner Nate Wiggins breaks out and becomes a lock-down corner watch out AFC North.
Selected with the No. 30 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Wiggins entered the league as one of the top young cornerbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft class. In what was a solid rookie season, Wiggins recorded 33 tackles, 13 pass breakups and a pick-six in the regular season finale that will hopefully set the stage for what’s to come for the young Ravens’ cornerback. With the offense expected to be top notch again with Lamar Jackson leading the way, the Ravens need a boost defensively, particularly the secondary and the emergence of Wiggins could help them finally breakthrough and get to a Super Bowl.
Cincinnati Bengals – Kris Jenkins, DT
Coming off a solid rookie season, the Bengals will lean on even more from Kris Jenkins in Year 2 of his NFL career. In recording a total of 31 tackles and 3.0 sacks, this 2024 NFL Draft second-round pick showed he could hold his own in the NFL. With question marks surrounding the future of Trey Hendrickson, Jenkins could be a player looked at to play a more significant role for the Bengals in 2025.
In looking at his versatility in being able to clog the middle and get to the quarterback, Jenkins could be a difference maker for the Bengals’ defense in a division with offenses that could give the Bengals multi-dimensional looks.
Cleveland Browns– Zak Zinter, G
In looking back at the 2024 NFL Draft for the Cleveland Browns, their top draft pick Michael Hall Jr. would be the selection here, but with the contract extension of Myles Garrett along with the team selecting Mason Graham in the 2025 NFL Draft, Hall Jr. is more of a depth piece for the Browns heading into Year 2. As far as a difference making, it’s hard to ignore guard Zak Zinter and what he could bring to the table in his sophomore season.
With the Browns looking to solidify their offensive line and add depth in front of whoever ends up being the team’s starting quarterback, Zinter’s growth and versatility could be a difference maker on a team that will more than likely commit to the run. The depth the Browns are looking for along the offensive line will be anchored by Zinter in Year 2 with hopes he will eventually take over for Wyatt Teller.
Pittsburgh Steelers– Roman Wilson, WR
The Steelers have been the talk of the NFL this offseason. With two blockbuster deals that have brought in All-Pro players like wide receiver D.K. Metcalf and cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the Steelers are a team aiming to put their stamp on the AFC North. To cap it all off, they have Aaron Rodgers also walking in that door to anchor the ship offensively. In adding tight end Jonnu Smith in the Ramsey trade with the Miami Dolphins and drafting running back Kaleb Johnson, the Steelers need second-year receiver Roman Wilson to step up.
With Metcalf, Robert Woods and the tight end duo of Pat Freiermuth and Smith expected to be the prime targets for Rodgers, Wilson will have an opportunity to shine as a third wide receiver for the Steelers in 2025. After not seeing much football action as a rookie, the Michigan product should be a player who benefits from the addition of a veteran pro like Rodgers. As a mid-range option with down-the-field talent, the emergence of Wilson could make this Steelers’ offense potent at the very least.