Ranking AFC North Position Groups: Defense

Coming out of the NFL Draft, there's been no shortage of change among defenses in the AFC North. With the moves they've made, it's an opportunity to rank the various position groups ahead of the 2023 season.

Pete Smith | May 9, 2023

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Cleveland Browns

With the draft complete and the bulk of the free agent moves completed, teams in the NFL are mostly formed ahead of the 2023 season. Teams can keep adding, but short of a significant trade, it's unlikely that anything done at this point is going to change the overall complexion of the team. Yesterday was focused on the offense, so today it's time to look at the defense. While only the Cleveland Browns changed coordinators, every team in the AFC North is overhauling at least one position group on their defense, the results of which could make a play a significant role in determining the division.

The Browns hired Jim Schwartz to run their defense. They are also overhauling the defensive line. Notably, Jadeveon Clowney is gone and the Browns have brought in eight defensive linemen so far and have reason to add more.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made sweeping changes to their linebackers and corners. Linebackers were handled in free agency while they took a multifaceted approach, incorporating free agents and the draft to try to make a relative weakness into a strength.

Numerous factors are at play with the Baltimore Ravens. They haven't gotten the return on their draft investments they've hoped for in recent years as some of their best have gotten older. Now, they are trying to get younger while spending less due to Lamar Jackson's contract extension. The Ravens look strong up the middle, but have questions to answer both at corner and with their edge defenders.

In Cincinnati, the Bengals are trying to handle success, picking and choosing the players they can afford to retain. Both of their starting safeties signed lucrative contracts to play in the NFC South, so they are trying to maintain what has been one of the more efficient defenses in the league.

There's plenty of volatility on this side of the ball, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out this season. Here's where they rank currently.

Edge Defenders

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith are the best starting tandem in the division. Watt has a case to make as the best edge defender in the league and Highsmith has grown into an excellent player across from him. Along with Cam Heyward in the middle, they are a frightening trio.

The Steelers do have questions behind them. They may want to sign another veteran, but they did add Nick Herbig in the draft and still have Quincy Roche who may be more prepared to contribute this season.

2. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are headlined by Trey Hendrickson, but they've built up a nice defensive end rotation. Sam Hubbard is a solid base that can defend the run who can kick him inside on passing downs.

They drafted Myles Murphy in the first round that offers everything Lou Anarumo wants in that position. Murphy could get opportunities to rush from anywhere on the defensive front. Joseph Ossai provided a spark at times last year. Cam Sample and Tarell Basham are probably battling for the final spot, rounding out a group that doesn't give the offense a break.

3. Cleveland Browns

Myles Garrett is arguably the best defensive end in football, but the Browns are still trying to put together an effective edge rotation to go along with him. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo is an ascending player who could be poised for a breakout year in a full-time role.

Unless the Browns plan to sign another veteran, everything behind them is unproven. Alex Wright was drafted as a project and looked incredibly raw as a rookie. They've got a couple of interesting rookies in Isaiah McGuire and Lonnie Phelps. Isaiah Thomas had a few nice moments last year, but might be on the roster bubble.

The Browns find themselves this low because of the harsh reality they faced last year when Garrett missed time with an injury sustained in the a car wreck. It destabilized the entire defense and they still have to prove they can threaten the opponent when he isn't on the field.

4. Baltimore Ravens

Odafe Oweh is an athletic freak that has flashed, but is still trying to figure out how to rush the passer on a consistent basis. Last year's second round pick David Ojabo should be ready to contribute in a meaningful way this year as he is further removed from the Achilles' injury he suffered, but it's anyone's guess how successful that will be. Tyus Bowser can be a useful part of a rotation.

The Ravens need major production out of those three, They've got some younger players and added Tavius Robinson in the draft, but this position group is a major question mark.

It might be prudent to call their neighbors in the DMV, the Washington Commanders to see if Chase Young is attainable.

Defensive Tackles

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

Cam Heyward continues to be the best in the division and will eventually be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Larry Ogunjobi is a professional defensive lineman who plays a high number of reps. He's not special, but he does what the Steelers need him to do.

By selecting Keeanu Benton in the second round of the draft, they have a player who could see plenty of opportunities to contribute early. Even if he's not quite ready to be a true zero, he may be a valuable contributor when they go to an even front.

It's neck and neck between the Steelers and Bengals. It came down to usage. The Bengals use their defensive tackles to get into their subpackages, which are largely comprised of edge rushers. Meanwhile, the Steelers rely on their defensive tackles for production in every situation.

2. Cincinnati Bengals

D.J. Reader and B.J. Hill comprise a gigantic interior that help the Bengals dominate the line of scrimmage, protects their linebackers and which can quickly put opponents into obvious passing situations. Behind them, they have another enormous body in Josh Topou.

The issue for the Bengals has been what happens when they put opponents into obvious passing situations. They do have Jay Tufele, who they'd like to be a pass rushing threat from the interior. Maybe he can improv . However, they can easily lean into their edge rushers, playing some of them inside including Sam Hubbard and Myles Murphy.

3. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have a ton of bodies and upside in this position group, but plenty to prove. With Calais Campbell now a member of the Atlanta Falcons, Michael Pierce is their best and he barely played in 2022.

Justin Madubuike saw a major uptick in reps last year, but his effectiveness dropped. Now acclimated to a larger role, he may see a big improvement this year. Broderick Washington was a solid contributor last year. They also hope to see Travis Jones step up as a second year player.

4. Cleveland Browns

Dalvin Tomlinson was a major upgrade for what the Browns had last year, but they still don't have a starting caliber three-tech. Assuming they sign one of the remaining available free agents, they would still be at the bottom.

Siaki Ika was drafted to play behind Tomlinson. They can't count on Perrion Winfrey, last year's fourth round pick. Jordan Elliott is entering year four and has yet to prove he's an NFL player. They took some flyers on Trysten Hill and Maurice Hurst, but it's difficult to bank on either one.

This all represents improvement for this team, which goes to show just how debilitating this position has been the past few seasons.

Linebackers

1. Baltimore Ravens

Put it this way. If the Ravens don't have the best linebackers in their division, the amount of resources they've invested is embarrassing.

In 2020, the Ravens drafted Patrick Queen in the first round and Malik Harrison in the third round. In 2022, they gave the Chicago Bears a second and fifth round pick for Roquan Smith, then signed him to a five-year $100 million contract. They then used a third round pick in this year's draft to select Trenton Simpson.

The potential stumbling block for the Ravens is if their defensive front isn't the strength it has been. They have big bodies, which should be enough, but the loss of Calais Campbell could prove significant.

If not now for these linebackers, when?

2. Cincinnati Bengals

Germaine Pratt and Logan Wilson are a formidable duo in the middle of the Bengals defense. They benefit from having such a strong interior in front of them which has allowed them to thrive. They have Akeem Davis-Gaither as a utility player with speed when they want a third linebacker on the field as well.

The Bengals are not far behind the Ravens and should the defensive front in Baltimore falter, the Bengals could have a better unit despite having spent a fraction of the resources.

3. Cleveland Browns

This is another position with a stark contrast in the division. The Ravens and Bengals are strong at linebacker. The Browns and Steelers have prioritized other positions and simply hope to get enough out of the linebackers.

The Browns suffered a total of six season-ending injuries to the linebacker position. Anthony Walker Jr. and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah should be better this year, especially with what is expected to be a better defensive front.

Sione Takitaki has largely been used as a SAM linebacker, but showed promise at the MIKE before tearing his ACL, which could keep him out into the season. Tony Fields II had a few productive games as the backup WILL.

It's not a great situation for the Browns with three of their key linebackers still recovering from injuries they suffered last season, but most of their improvement would likely result from better play up front.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers have started almost from scratch this offseason. They moved on from former first round pick Devin Bush, cut Myles Jack and let Robert Spillane walk in free agency.

In their place, they have signed Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts and Tanner Muse. Roberts is a hammer in the running game that does little else. Holcomb is a well rounded player that likely won't come off the field and Muse will likely replace Roberts in passing situations, giving them more range and coverage ability.

This pieces they've assembled look to fit together well and could surpass the Browns, especially behind the talented Steelers defensive front, but it's all theoretical at this point.

Corners

1. Cleveland Browns

The Browns have the best group of corners in this division currently by a wide margin. The other three teams are making significant changes or otherwise overhauling that position.

The different styles and body types give them options on how to defend opponents. Denzel Ward is looking to bounce back from the worst season of his career. Martin Emerson Jr. is a bigger bodied receiver that can compete against receivers like Tee Higgins and George Pickens. Greg Newsome II can do a little bit of everything and they have decent depth with A.J. Green. They just added Cameron Mitchell in the draft as well.

2. Cincinnati Bengals

It was incredibly difficult to choose between the other three teams as they all have major questions at corner. Anarumo has gotten plenty out of less than premier corner talent, which might give them a slight edge. Chido Awuzie has been a terrific signing and been their best corner, but he suffered a torn ACL last year. If he can come back 100 percent, that would make this clearer cut.

There's plenty of optimism surrounding Cam Taylor-Britt entering his second year. Due to injuries, he got a ton of experience in his rookie season and improved over the course of the year. He also offers more size than they've had at the position.

Mile Hilton in the slot has come up with some big plays and gives them options both in coverage as well as blitzing.

The Bengals also added an undersized speedster in D.J. Turner in the draft. He has inside outside versatility and outstanding feet. Not only does he help their depth but gives them some versatility in how they want to cover opponents.

3. Baltimore Ravens

Marlon Humphrey is arguably the best corner in the division, but the Ravens have to find answers everywhere else.

They signed Rock Ya-Sin, who might thrive in Baltimore, but he will part of a battle royale with young players the organization has amassed over the past few seasons to replace Marcus Peters.

Brandon Stephens was drafted as a project with elite athleticism. They also have Jalyn Armour-Davis, Damarious Williams and they just drafted Kyu Blu Kelly this year. Williams might be the favorite for their slot corner role.

On sheer numbers, the Ravens should be able to find enough to complement Humphrey at the position. The Ravens also have an insurance policy, able to hide corner deficiencies with the amount of talent they have at safety.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers could be poised to have a strong group of corners, but they are starting over. After losing Cam Sutton in free agency to the Detroit Lions, the Steelers added four new players to that room. Patrick Peterson was the first, but they selected Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice in the draft, then drafted Chandon Sullivan almost immediately after the draft concluded.

Peterson could be a good fit if the Steelers intend to continue running a heavy amount of zone coverage. Porter and Trice are talented, big bodied press corners that they hope can challenge and disrupt opposing receivers off the line. Arthur Maulet, one of the few holdovers, could find himself as the team's primary slot corner this season.

This position group could become a strength for the Steelers, but it's probably going to take time to get there.

Safeties

1. Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens have an embarrassment of riches at safety. Marcus Williams and Geno Stone would be pretty good, but the addition of Kyle Hamilton has them with arguably the best group in the league. With the transition they are making at corner, they're going to need them.

This group can do a little bit of everything, but they all excel in coverage. So much focus is on how the Ravens will adapt their offense under Monken, but it's just as interesting to see how the defense will evolve the role of Hamilton, who had an outstanding rookie year.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

Minkah Fitzpatrick is arguably the best safety in the league. With Tremaine Edmunds gone, the Steelers made the wise decision to re-sign Damontae Kazee. The Steelers probably wish they could have played Kazee more last season as he was one of the brighter spots on the defense. They also have Keanu Neal that could give them some options and might see time in the slot against bigger personnel groups.

3. Cleveland Browns

The Browns still have Grant Delpit and he could see more time near the line of scrimmage under Jim Schwartz, an area he has thrived. Juan Thornhill replaces John Johnson III and will play the deep middle as a true free safety.

The Browns made a key signing this past week, adding Rodney McLeod to be the team's third safety. He has experience at all three safety spots and could have plenty of opportunities to contribute. McLeod could play in the slot or play a deep safety if the Browns want Delpit in the box in nickel or dime situations.

The Browns hope they have more talent at this position, but feel confident they have a more group that fits better for what the defense wants to do.

4. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals tried to future proof their roster by drafting Dax Hill in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, planning for the loss of Jessie Bates III. They could experience a drop off but they at least planned for that loss. Hill was able to learn the defense last year and found some places to contribute before he transitions to free safety.

However, the loss of Vonn Bell could prove destabilizing for that room. With Bell in Carolina, the Bengals signed Nick Scott in free agency. Maybe defensive coordinator can work some magic on Scott, because that looks like an underwhelming replacement for Bell.

They did draft Jordan Battle out of Alabama to give them some additional help and depth. He had experience at strong safety as well as the slot for the Crimson Tide, playing pretty well. Battle just did not perform well in athletic testing.

Published May 9, 2023

PETE SMITH