June AFC Team Dispatches

(Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

BENGALS

It's hard to believe the Bengals drafted Andre Smith with the sixth pick of the draft to play him at right tackle. For now, that's where he is, with former guard Andrew Whitworth at left tackle.

Conventional thinking probably had Smith at left tackle and Anthony Collins, who started and played well at both tackle spots in 2008, at right tackle. Whitworth could then stay at left guard.

Using the combo of Nate Livings and Scott Kooistra at left guard for Whitworth, while Collins languishes on the bench—not at either tackle spot—doesn't seem to make much sense. Monitor this situation in camp.

Is there a fullback worth keeping around? The group of chronically-overweight Jeremi Johnson, seventh-rounder Fui Vakapuna, and incumbent Daniel Coats forms an unimpressive trio likely to compete into camp for the job.

The Bengals tried to nab Viking Naufahu Tahi as a restricted free agent, but the Vikes matched the offer. 

BROWNS

Eric Mangini wants left guard Eric Steinbach to get bigger to benefit the run game, but that has never been Steinbach's game. Right guard Rex Hadnot and Floyd Womack have worked at both guard spots in camp to push him, but neither have done anything to warrant excitement.

Hadnot was chased away from Miami prior to the 2008 season despite starting his entire career.  Womack was repeatedly passed over for younger talent during his career in Seattle.

If Mangini is serious about dumping Steinbach, maybe rookie Alex Mack gets a look there, if he's not starting over Hank Fraley at center. One of the game's better centers the past decade, Kevin Mawae, spent his rookie year in Seattle at guard next to veteran center Ray Donaldson.

There was a nice signing by Cleveland of 2008 Cards starting cornerback Roderick Hood. Cornerback Brandon McDonald was thrown to the wolves in 2008 after Daven Holly was lost prior to the season. The two will compete immediately.

Plus, at worst, Hood is an upgrade over either Hank Poteat or Corey Ivy as third corner.

STEELERS

With Lawrence Timmons' promotion and Larry Foote's release at inside linebacker, the Steelers could go for another body inside for depth.

Someone on a one-year deal from the Napolean Harris-mold would be a fit. Right now, all they have is special-teamer Keyaron Fox.

The Steelers did themselves a favor with a couple low-risk free agent additions: Shaun McDonald and Keiwan Ratliff. McDonald provides insurance for second-year wideout Limas Sweed as the third wide receiver.

Reports on Sweed are good, but he had cases of the dropsies as a rookie. McDonald is only one season removed from an impressive 2007 consisting of 79 catches for 943 yards and six touchdowns for Detroit.

Ratliff is useful in nickel situations and spot starts. With William Gay taking over full-time for departed Bryant McFadden, Ratliff can compete with Deshea Townsend and rookie Keenan Lewis

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