The signing of Odell Beckham Jr. suddenly makes the Baltimore Ravens’ offense more convincing and now, each and every offense in the AFC North looks forged heading into the 2023 season. With Joe Burrow obviously the most productive quarterback in the department right now, Lamar’s Jackson’s prestige isn’t settled, and Deshaun Watson and Kenny Pickett are largely a projection right now. Let’s take them out of the equation to compare the offenses in this department. Which AFC North offense is the most productive scenario for a quarterback?
I asked this question to my co-host Bri on our podcast, Browns Bytes, and neither of us had a transparent answer. Each team has an argument to make. Maybe the draft will replace things, but it’s hard to have rookies. Still, assign whatever you want. The Pittsburgh Steelers added Broderick Jones, an addition from Alabama, for example. The Cincinnati Bengals bring in one of the talented tight ends or a running back, and the Ravens provide more offensively. Until they play, they remain unknown.
Here’s a look at the candidates.
Projected offensive line: Orlando Brown Jr. , Cordell Volson, Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, Jonah Williams?Hakeem Adeniji?
Returnee: Joe Mixon
Wide receivers: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Tyler Boyd, Trenton Irwin
Tight Ends: Irv Smith, Tanner Hudson, Devin Asiasi
The Bengals’ right scenario is evolving. Jonah Williams needs to retire and La’El Collins suffered a torn ACL in December. Joe Mixon’s standing on the team is precarious at best and he may simply be upgraded in the upcoming draft. You’ll probably also take a look at your tight finishing position.
The Bengals still offer a wealth in terms of wide receivers, by far the most productive in the division. His offensive line was better at the end of last season and Brown is an improvement over Williams. The Bengals now have some questions in the running game, but is their overwhelming passing offense enough to make up for that potential weakness?
Projected starting offensive line: Jedrick Wills, Joel Bitonio, Ethan Pocic, Wyatt Teller, Jack Conklin
Running back: Nick Chubb
Wide receivers: Amari Cooper, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Elijah Moore, David Bell
Tight Ends: David Njoku, Jordan Akins
The Browns are arguably the division’s top all-around offense. They don’t have any apparent weaknesses. Cleveland has the most productive offensive line and still has the most productive running back.
The organization of pass catchers they’ve put together is really talented and can put together a wonderful package. Cooper was fantastic in his first year in Cleveland and, along with DPJ and Njoku, built a quality line. The addition of Moore provides them with more speed that can work in the groove or outside. The Bengals have better receivers and the Ravens have better tight ends. Does having an All-Pro caliber receiving a threat as a win make another offense more appealing?
Projected starting offensive line: Ronnie Stanley, Ben Cleveland, Tyler Linderbaum, Kevin Zeitler, Morgan Moses
Runner: J. K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards, Hill J.
Wide receivers: Odell Beckham Jr. , Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, Devin Duvernay
Tight Ends: Mark Andrews, Isaiah probably
Despite their inability to do much this offseason, as they are crippled by negotiations with Lamar Jackson and the franchise tag lately on their salary cap, the Ravens have an offense forged.
If Ben Cleveland is really the Ravens’ plan at left guard, they have their starting five. The other four positions are in hands.
J. K. Dobbins is talented, but he’s had limited opportunities to pull it off. It’s helping to have Gus Edwards as that tough change, but the Ravens may still need to keep adding to that group.
Not only is Odell Beckham Jr. the Ravens’ receiver, but he also puts Nelson Agholor in a more suitable role. Rashod Bateman is another talented player who wants to stay healthy and Devin Duvernay has been a multifaceted weapon in their offense.
The Ravens have the most powerful closed organization in the department. Mark Andrews is the best in the department and one in the league. They also discovered a great complement to him in Isaiah Likely.
The Ravens have a strong team, but a very common chorus among key players, who are now coming with Beckham, is “if they can stay healthy. “Is it just an attack on paper or will it last?
Projected offensive line: Dan Moore, Isaac Seumalo, Mason Cole, James Daniels, Chukwuma Okorafor
Running back: Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren
Wide receivers: Diontae Johnson, George Pickens, Gunner Olszewski
Tight Ends: Pat Freuermuth, Connor Heyward
The Steelers have made a great addition to their offensive line with Isaac Seumalo. It’s a team focused on maximizing its interior and is now becoming one of the most productive of the bunch. Taking a stand is still a question mark and may simply be a precedence in the NFL Draft.
Their efforts may lead to Najee Harris’ season. At this point, Harris is averaging just 3. 9 yards consistent with the carry. Improved forward play and more balance can help.
The Steelers have two talented receivers, Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. Chances are, they’re in the market to keep outdoing each other, and in particular, they might be looking for help in the niche. Still, Pickens made a series of impressive sacks as a rookie and Johnson a dynamic playmaker.
Pat Freuermuth is temporarily building himself up as one of the league’s most productive tight ends, opening up his offense. He was exceptional at catching passes in traffic in the middle of the field. Heyward has proven to be a valuable application player, capable of serving as a primary blocker and providing a timely catch.
The Steelers still have a lot of work to do, but they have a stronger argument than some might think. A big component of the Steelers’ offensive belief comes down to an evaluation of their quarterback play. If Joe Burrow was a member of the Steelers, do they have a Super Bowl-caliber offense?
Whether you need to use Burrow or one of the most productive quarterbacks in the league, which AFC North team offers the most productive offensive situation?