The Week That Was in the AFC North Blog

This week, one major story broke in the AFC North—the Cleveland Browns giving up their 2013 second-round pick to select wide receiver Josh Gordon in the supplemental draft.

The Baylor product proved quite polarizing in the days leading up to the draft, but based upon the comments to this article I wrote in reaction to the pick on Thursday, it looks like Browns fans are excited about this move.

Andrew Henderson says:

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It seems to me that H&H are trying to give us a team we can be proud of. It may not happen this season but it looks like it will happen soon enough. They have so many young pieces to the puzzle in place and one more solid draft could finish it all off. I like the Gordon pick it should add a strong pulse to the anemic WR corp.

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James R Lane adds:

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I love this move… I honestly believe this is the smartest move {outside of Richardson} that H&H has made this year.

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Anthony C is less optimistic about the pick, however:

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The Supplemental draft hasn't produced any stars or key players lately. I just think it's a waste of a pick, especially a high round selection. Huge Gamble to give up a 2nd.

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Elsewhere around the league, I discussed the possibility of Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Mike Wallace sitting out most or all of the upcoming training camp while he awaits a new contract.

I am of the belief that a resolution will come, but that the process will be slow, and that Wallace won't sit out once the regular season begins.

Chris M makes a tongue-in-cheek comment about Wallace missing camp, echoing a sentiment that has even been uttered by Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin:

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Since Wallace is a one trick pony anyway, how hard will it be for him to learn the playbook? When he is in the huddle, all Ben has to say is, Wallace go deep!!

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Earlier this week, I examined comments made by NFL.com writer Brian McIntyre who said that the Baltimore Ravens may choose to release left tackle Bryant McKinnie during camp.

Beyond the comments, something really stuck out to me: The readers' responses to the associated poll, which asked whether or not the Ravens should part ways with McKinnie, were practically split evenly between the three options. The comments reflected this, as well.

Merle Dixon thinks McKinnie's roster spot is safe:

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Oher is versatile enough to play well at LT in a pinch, but I'd rather see him stay at RT and hopefully become better than his rookie year. Other than that, there is no proven tackle on the Raven's roster. Mckinnie was a pro bowler in 2009 and he should be back to his playing weight which will help with speed rushers. The only way it would make sense to let him go is if they could get Marcus McNeill for a good price for a couple years.

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Geoff Mann broke down McKinnie's playing style and pointed out one of his biggest areas of weakness:

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McKinnie blocks by popping the defensive player back, and then forcing the defensive player to recover, then run around him to get to the QB. He's so big, its not an easy thing to do, and takes most players 1-2 seconds to recover from the pop, and another 3-5 seconds for the run around him. That's enough for a 5 step drop for Flacco, unless the defensive player is fast enough to get around McKinnie quickly.

The major problem is that McKinnie, doesn't put a lot of effort into the second chance block. If he did put in more effort, maybe a second power pop, it would add an extra 3-5 seconds. This would give Flacco more time, allowing him to use his 3rd and 4th wr more often (as that he would have more time to scan the field).

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All week long, I broke down each AFC North team's receiving corps, kicking off the series with the Cincinnati Bengals. One of the commenters' biggest concern was for slot receiver Jordan Shipley and how safe his roster spot really is.

Shipley tore his ACL last season and is still experiencing stiffness in the leg, which may lead to him starting the year on the PUP list. 

Austin Korte believes this is the right course of action:

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I'd rather be safe than sorry with Shipley. They have plenty enough talent for the Slot to hold over for the first 6 weeks while they wait for Jordan.

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Go Bengalz is concerned that the glut of talent at receiver could mean Shipley may be an odd man out:

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Stil [sic] trying to figure out how Shipleys' gonna get adequate playing time. Sanu is an ideal 2 and and with emergence of Jones and Binns and Ship coming off an ACL im not sure how its going to work...

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So those are just a sampling of some of the most-commented-upon articles in the AFC North Blog this week. Thanks for reading, and thanks for contributing your thoughts—keep it up, and you may find yourself featured here in the coming weeks.

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