Grades from the 2024 NFL Draft are in, and it looks like the Cincinnati Bengals fared pretty well. But the rest of the AFC North did some damage too.
Talented college players are set to face the Bengals twice a year for at least the next four years with the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Not every player will pan out, of course, but a few players stand out.
Here are the newest AFC North players the Bengals should be worried about.
Baltimore Ravens
The pick: UNC WR Devontez Walker
It was a pretty mundane draft for the Ravens this year. They stuck to the board nicely throughout all seven rounds, and Walker may end up bringing them the most value in the fourth round. Walker was a vertical specialist during his lone season playing Power 5 football last year and ran a 4.36 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.
The Bengals had struggles containing the Ravens’ offense during their two meetings last year. Walker’s speed matched with Lamar Jackson’s arm at quarterback will open up Baltimore’s passing game even more.
Cleveland Browns
The pick: Ohio State DT Mike Hall Jr.
Another ferocious pass rusher enters the AFC North to the Bengals’ dismay. Hall will join forces with All-Pro edge defender Myles Garrett and the Browns’ stacked defensive line to continue making life difficult for Joe Burrow and Co.
Hall’s pass-rushing chances were limited in college, but he has all the speed and explosion to put up greater numbers in the right scheme. He also ran a 4.75 40-yard dash despite weight 299. That’s Geno Atkins stuff right there.
I’ve been calling for him for the #Browns for 4+ months. It just made too much sense. https://t.co/6I36ESb26F https://t.co/1SOn4WdhNo
— Brandon Little (@BrandonLittleBL) April 27, 2024
Pittsburgh Steelers
The pick: NC State LB Payton Wilson
Pittsburgh took a chance on one of the draft’s biggest wildcards. Wilson had first-round talent in a weak linebacker class, but his injury history is daunting. He’s had at least 10 surgeries since his senior year of high school. The constant setbacks led him to playing six years in college, and his eventual fall to the third round of the draft.
When he’s healthy, Wilson is a top-notch linebacker, and the Steelers know better than most teams how to develop elite talent at that position.
