AFC Notes: Bengals, Chiefs, Jaguars, Jets & Ravens

Bengals

• Coley Harvey of ESPN believes Cincinnati will address needs at offensive tackle and outside linebacker through the draft, while also bolstering their depth at pass-rusher and wide receiver.
• Harvey writes that the Bengals are in need of a run-blocking tight end that can be an occasional receiver. With the limited amount of free agents remaining, unrestricted free agent TE Alex Smith could be retained, even though drafting a player could also be a solution.
• Harvey does not think the Bengals will make any moves at defensive tackle because they are “banking” on DT Geno Atkins and DT Devon Still to perform well next season after struggling in 2014.

Chiefs

• Adam Teicher of ESPN mentions FSU C Cam Erving as a logical fit for the Chiefs’ needs and a definite option with the No. 18 overall pick.
• Teicher believes the Chiefs need to look for depth at running back through the draft, but will not be hasty in selecting one during the first round.
• Franchised OLB Justin Houston is likely to stay put in Kansas City due to his high price tag, but there is still a possibility that another team could pursue him between now and after the draft, according to Teicher.

Jaguars

• Michael DiRocco of ESPN believes the Jaguars should draft DE Randy Gregory or OLB Dante Fowler Jr. with the third overall pick, and select an offensive lineman, running back, and an outside linebacker within the next three rounds.
• DiRocco is “leaning more” towards drafting Gregory over Fowler Jr.
• DiRocco expects the Jaguars to draft receivers Amari Cooper or Kevin White if they decide to pass on a pass-rusher.
• The Jaguars expressed interest in WR Dwayne Bowe before he signed with Cleveland, even though GM David Caldwell admitted to wanting to sign a slot receiver.
• DiRocco can see Jacksonville drafting a receiver before signing a free agent.
• As for potential middle-round running back targets, DiRocco lists: Northern Iowa’s David Johnson, Alabama’s T.J. Yeldon and Minnesota’s David Cobb.
• DiRocco does not think the Jaguars will be able to trade TE Marcedes Lewis, due to his $6.65 million salary and $8.2 million cap hit for 2015.

Jets

• Rich Cimini of ESPN thinks the Jets would consider trading down to No. 12 overall with the Browns if they can attain a first or second-round pick in 2016.
• Cimini believes DE Randy Gregory and OLB Dante Fowler Jr. are the most likely players to be taken by the Jets, with receivers Amari Cooper and Kevin White being possibilities.
• Oregon QB Marcus Mariota is also a player to keep an eye on, but Cimini expects him to be drafted prior to the Jets’ No. 6 overall pick.
• Cimini “would be surprised” if the Jets did not select a running back within the first three rounds of the draft.

Ravens

• Jamison Hensley of ESPN believes the Ravens could trade for a veteran tight end due to the limited free agent options.
• Veteran TE Zach Miller is mentioned as a possible target of the remaining free agent tight ends, but Hensley doesn’t think Baltimore would want to sign a player with injury concerns.
• Former Cardinals TE Rob Housler is also listed, but signing him would impact the Ravens compensatory picks if he were to be signed.
• Hensley anticipates the Ravens drafting a wide receiver with the No. 26 overall pick.
• Hensley writes there is “no chance” the Ravens draft WR Dorial Green-Beckham, due to his issues with domestic violence.
• Hensley’s  “best bets” for the Ravens’ first-round selection are: Arizona State WR Jaelen Strong, Ohio State WR Devin Smith, Minnesota TE Maxx Williams, Washington CB Marcus Peters and Virginia OLB Eli Harold.
• Hensley believes the Ravens could draft a running back like Wisconsin’s Melvin Gordon, Georgia’s Todd Gurley, Indiana’s Tevin Coleman and Northern Iowa’s David Johnson, somewhere within the first four rounds of the draft.