Ask Andrea: The AFC North Mailbag

It's Friday, which means it is yet again time for this week's Ask Andrea AFC North Mailbag. We have three questions to attend to this week, so let's get right into it.

Remember, if you want to submit a question to the Mailbag, you need to follow me on Twitter. There's a convenient "Follow" button below; do so, and you're sure to know when I'm next asking for submissions.

Well, Chris, the Bengals certainly did a lot of work to boost their defensive line this offseason. Though they lost two veteran defensive ends in free agency, Jonathan Fanene and Frostee Rucker, they made a number of additions via free agents and draft picks.

They brought on veterans Derrick Harvey and Jamaal Anderson and drafted two defensive tackles, Devon Still in the second round and Brandon Thompson in the third. They join returning Bengals Geno Atkins, Robert Geathers, Carlos Dunlap, Domata Peko, Pat Sims, Nick Hayden and Michael Johnson on a defensive line that is defined by one word: Rotation.

According to Pro Football Focus, a whopping seven Bengals defensive linemen played 400 or more snaps last year. Everyone gets action in the situations that suit their strengths the best, everyone remains relatively fresh and the Bengals get the added bonus of keeping opposing offenses guessing. I can see why you think they are the best in the division.

It's not as though they're leaps and bounds better than the defensive lines fielded by the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, two units known for their toughness.

The Ravens had a bit of a personnel shakeup, losing defensive end Cory Redding in free agency. But Haloti Ngata, who had 64 tackles and five sacks last year, is still there, as is nose tackle Terrence Cody. The other defensive end job is up for grabs, and it's my opinion that job will go to second-year player Pernell McPhee who had a bit of a breakout rookie season.

In Pittsburgh, their starting defensive line is comprised of ends Brett Kiesel, Cameron Heyward and Ziggy Hood (the latter two should get situational work this year) and likely Steve McClendon at nose tackle to replace the injured Casey Hampton.

Hampton, unless his recovery is extra-speedy, will likely start the season on the PUP list, which does leave the Steelers with some question marks at the position. Though they drafted a nose tackle this year, Alameda Ta'Amu, it will likely be another year until he's ready to really compete for the starting job.

And the Cleveland Browns? Well, they did a lot this year to improve their defensive line, in hopes to better stop the run, but that's a work-in-progress that can't really be judged until the season is well underway.

I can see why you picked the Bengals to have the best defensive line in the division. They have the depth and talent and their rotational approach lends to each of their players strengths. If they're the best, then the Ravens aren't far behind, and the Steelers not far behind Baltimore.

I'm personally nervous about BenJarvus Green-Ellis' fantasy value this year. He should perform better than Cedric Benson did last year—Green-Ellis is a more powerful back and the Bengals' offensive line should be much more well-suited for run blocking with the new additions at guard. 

But I'm still convinced the Bengals are more focused on passing the ball than running it all that often, which could leave Green-Ellis with rather limited touches, similarly to how he was used in New England.

Plus, he'll be splitting carries with Bernard Scott (and, to a lesser extent, Brian Leonard), and if the Bengals choose to go with a hot-hand approach, it will be difficult to determine when it's smart to start Green-Ellis and when he should be benched.

With all that said, I think Green-Ellis' value in Cincinnati will be greater than it was when he was a Patriot, and by no means do I think you should avoid drafting him.

It's so hard to pin down just what he might do this year, is all. He could very easily be a top-10 back but he could also be in the 10-15 range. I'd surely take him, I know that.

I wouldn't say that people are "high on" Carlton Mitchell—I think that it's more like there are high hopes for him making an impact now that Colt McCoy has likely been swapped out for Brandon Weeden. 

Mitchell was a sixth-round pick for the Browns in 2010; he was considered extremely raw, which is why he slipped so far, but his speed and size turned a number of team's heads. The Browns have yet to find a way for Mitchell's athletic gifts to bear fruit, especially considering their passing game has been particularly anemic while Mitchell has been on the roster.

In two seasons, Mitchell's had just three receptions for 31 yards, all of which came last year. Now, he's one of nine receivers vying for a roster spot, and he's going to have to make an impact in camp just to remain employed.

If there's one way to describe Mitchell, it's that he has potential. But he's had that for two seasons already and the Browns have yet to find a way to use him with any regularity. It's quite possible he develops chemistry with Weeden and thus earns himself a roster spot, but right now he's at risk of being cut.

That's all for this week. Remember, follow along on Twitter and get your questions in—the season's but 100 days away, after all.

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