AFC North: Steelers Draft Browns Draft Target in Second Round

Steelers draft Keeanu Benton, a potential Browns target - April 28

Cleveland Browns still need some bodies at the defensive tackle position and an AFC North rival likely just took one they could have had on their board. Wisconsin’s Keeanu Benton went to the Steelers at pick No. 49.

Benton was the top defensive tackle on the board and one that stands out in the run, as well as a nice pass rush that he showed off this past season. A player that can be a starter from the first day, he has that potential.

Working against players like Nick Chubb in the AFC North, likely had a handprint on what the Steelers are doing here.

Steelers select Joey Porter Jr. to begin day two - April 28

It made just too much sense, at the No. 32 overall pick the Pittsburgh Steelers have selected Joey Porter Jr. With only 31 picks in the first round of the draft, the first pick of the second round is essentially a first-round pick.

Joey Porter player for the Steelers from 1999-2006, and now the Steelers have drafted him to combat the offenses around the AFC North. Porter Jr. is an outside corner from Penn State, and he was very good there despite having just one interception.

A physical corner that will be able to match up with the likes of Amari Cooper and Tee Higgins in the AFC North.

Chase Young “highly unlikely” to be traded during NFL Draft - April 27

Yesterday, multiple reports came out that Washington Commanders would not be picking up the fifth-year option on DE Chase Young, a former No. 2 overall pick out of Ohio State. One report has it that despite trade rumors, it is highly unlikely that Chase is moved during the NFL Draft that begins today.

The consensus I heard this morning from league sources on reported Chase Young trade talk earlier this am..

"Highly unlikely" unless the #Commanders are offered a deal they can't refuse...

Another added, "(like) two 1st rounders."

*Market reaction may consider that high.
— JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) April 27, 2023

Young played 15 games during his first year in the league during the 2020 season and had 7.5 sacks to go along with four forced fumbles. In the last two seasons combined, Young has played in just 12 games due to injury. Over those 12 games, he has just a sack and a half to his name.

Cleveland could certainly be a team that should be interested depending on the price but as the report says it could be pretty steep.

Lamar Jackson a possibility for the San Francisco 49ers? - April 26

Lamar Jackson remains a restricted free agent as May comes about. One report has it that the San Francisco 49ers have looked into a trade for Jackson from the Baltimore Ravens.

“I was told this yesterday. The Niners have monitored everything, including Lamar Jackson,” Dan Patrick said on his show. “They’ve explored that or at least looked at it. They kicked the tires on it."

It would make sense as the 49ers are in a quarterback limbo with Brock Purdy to miss extended time, and questions surrounding Trey Lance’s future with the team.

Jackson would be a natural fit for the 49ers in the pistol, and he certainly would make them an even more dangerous team considering the weapons they already have on offense.

At this time the most likely outcome is the Cleveland Browns still have to play Jackson twice a year with the Ravens. Things on the Jackson front should heat up more after the NFL draft, one would think.

Browns work out former Cardinals DB - April 26

Cleveland Browns worked out a free-agent defensive back prior to the NFL Draft. The team had a workout with former Arizona Cardinals DB Jace Whittaker, per a report.

Whittaker came into the league in 2020 as an undrafted free agent out of Arizona. During that season, Whittaker appeared in four games and made four tackles. During 2021 he played in a couple of games but 2022 was his most impactful season.

This past season Whittaker started four of the six games he played in with the Cardinals and had three passes defended to go along with 24 tackles.

Currently on the roster for the Browns at defensive back are Denzel Ward, Greg Newsome II, Martin Emerson Jr., A.J. Green, Thomas Graham Jr., and Mike Ford.

Expect Cleveland to eye the undrafted free agent market for cornerbacks to bring as camp following the draft.

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