AFC North: Impact Newcomers

Author:
SI Staff
Publish date:
Jul 14, 2006

AFC North: Impact Newcomers

Steve McNair

The 33-year-old former MVP faces a difficult transition after spending his entire career with the Titans. He takes over an offense that has never had much success in the air, but Baltimore does have a decent receiving corps with Derrick Mason, Mark Clayton and tight end Todd Heap. Even if it takes McNair a while to adjust, he represents a huge upgrade at quarterback for this team.

Joe Jurevicius

After an outstanding season in Seattle last year, he has emerged in offseason workouts as the Browns' No. 1 receiver. He had a career-high 55 catches for 694 yards with 10 touchdowns for the Seahawks in 2005. Depending on how quarterback Charlie Frye plays, Jurevicius could make the Pro Bowl this season.

Sam Adams

He has some folks worried because he sat out most of the offseason workouts, but he's a 12-year veteran who knows what he's doing and should be fine. He's a proven run-stuffer who often takes out more than one blocker, allowing the linebackers to make more plays.

Mike Anderson

The former Bronco is a bruising north-south runner and an excellent complement to starter Jamal Lewis. Anderson can also play fullback and he's a solid receiver. Lewis has had injury problems of late, so there's a good chance Anderson will get a shot to be the No. 1 guy at some point.

Willie McGinest

His experience in a 3-4 and his veteran leadership will prove valuable to a defense that is still adjusting to coach Romeo Crennel's style. McGinest had six sacks last year, down from 9.5 in 2004, but he has enough gas left in the tank to bolster a D that ranked last in the league in sacks a year ago.

Dexter Jackson

Coach Marvin Lewis is elated with the intensity of the former Buccaneer, who's entering his eighth season. Jackson is strong against the run, which helps in the ground-oriented AFC North.

Haloti Ngata

Baltimore hopes the massive rookie out of Oregon can provide the kind of presence in the middle that it had in 2000, when big Sam Adams and Tony Siragusa distracted blockers so linebacker Ray Lewis could make tackles. Ngata moves well for a big man and should produce immediately.

LeCharles Bentley

Cleveland gave Bentley a six-year, $36 million contract, the richest deal ever for a center. The former Saint has appeared in the last two Pro Bowls and instantly upgrades Cleveland's line. The Browns hope Bentley will spearhead a strong running game to take the pressure off young quarterback Charlie Frye.

Anthony Wright

If starter Carson Palmer isn't fully recovered from his knee injury, Wright is the favorite to start. The seven-year veteran struggled in nine games for the Ravens last year, but he has reportedly looked sharp at minicamp. He has a strong arm and should be a decent short-term solution if Palmer misses a game or two.

Trevor Pryce

The 30-year-old Pryce had 64.5 sacks in nine seasons with the Broncos and likely has a couple more good years of chasing quarterbacks in him. He has played tackle and end in his career, which will make him a good fit in coordinator Rex Ryan's multiple-look defense.

AFC North: Impact Newcomers