| In the second installment of a six-part series, PFW
editor-in-chief Ron Pollack names the strongest units in AFC Central teams. Baltimore Ravens|Cincinnati Bengals|Cleveland
Browns
Jacksonville Jaguars|Pittsburgh
Steelers|Tennessee Titans
Baltimore Ravens: Linebackers.
Peter Boulware has quickly developed into one of the better outside linebackers in the
NFL. He can really get after the quarterback and is turning into a do-it-all linebacker.
MLB Ray Lewis is a tackling machine who really flies around the field. If he isn’t
already the best middle linebacker in the NFL, he is awfully close. Both should be major
stars for years to come. OLB Jamie Sharper has nice potential and bears watching.
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Cincinnati Bengals: Linebackers.
I would have picked their receivers, but Carl Pickens’ unhappiness prevents that.
If he plays elsewhere, the receiving corps suffers. If he returns, the possibility of
lingering anger could be a problem, so I’m going with the Bengals’ linebackers.
Young ILBs Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons have a world of potential. Spikes was
particularly impressive last season. The OLB spots are not nearly as strong, although
Reinard Wilson was a first-rounder in 1997.
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Cleveland Browns: Linebackers.
The offensive line has received more publicity as the Browns’ roster has been
built, but I think the LB corps is slightly better. MLB Chris Spielman is a throwback who
makes plays and provides great leadership. He should be a great locker-room presence for
the Browns. OLB Jamir Miller didn’t cash in on free agency as much as he had hoped,
allowing the Browns to get a tremendous free-agency bargain. Miller is a very talented
player who should be a big-time playmaker. John Thierry was a big-time disappointment for
the Bears, but don’t bet against him developing into a nice player with a change of
setting and position Also in the mix is second-rounder Rahim Abdullah, who has a very
intriguing upside.
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Jacksonville Jaguars: Running backs.
Fred Taylor had a monster rookie campaign, and the guess here is that he will really
take off this season. He has all the tools to be a star for years to come. He also has
excellent offensive tackles to block for him in all-world Tony Boselli and very impressive
Leon Searcy. If newcomers Zach Wiegert and rookie Anthony Cesario can help upgrade the
center of the line, the sky is the limit for Taylor. James Stewart is a very nice luxury
as a backup running back. Tavian Banks can make plays in small doses. Daimon Shelton has
become a pretty good fullback.
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Pittsburgh Steelers: Linebackers.
A lot of people think Levon Kirkland is the best inside linebacker in football. Earl
Holmes, Pittsburgh’s other inside linebacker, is not in Kirkland’s league, but
Holmes is developing very nicely and is a performer to keep an eye on. He would be the
best inside linebacker for a lot of teams in the NFL. OLB Jason Gildon can put heat on
opposing quarterbacks. He had 11 sacks last season. Carlos Emmons is a potential guy at
this point, but based on the Steelers’ track record of developing linebackers, there
is every reason to believe he will become a strong performer. Third-round pick Joey Porter
has the tools to develop into yet another fine Steelers linebacker.
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Tennessee Titans: Running backs.
Eddie George has been a very good yardage guy in the NFL. His yards per carry
weren’t all that impressive last season, but the passing game, which didn’t do
much down the field, may have been at least partially to blame, as it allowed defenses to
stack the line against George. George should benefit from the addition this season of FB
Lorenzo Neal.
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Tuesday: AFC West |
