AFC North Notes: Bengals, Browns, Ravens, Steelers

Bengals

• Jason La Canfora says it’s “very likely” the Bengals will franchise WR A.J. Green in order to keep their weapon in place for presumptive No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow.
• The Athletic’s Jay Morrison mentions Wisconsin LB Zack Baun, Oregon LB Troy Dye, Ohio State LB Malik Harrison and Texas Tech LB Jordyn Brooks as names to watch for the Bengals in the draft to shore up the linebacker position. 
• Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller says the Combine buzz is the Bengals will be looking at wide receiver in the second round. 

Browns

• According to Scott Petrak of BrownsZone.com, the Browns need help at both linebacker and safety. They could potentially benefit from selecting a versatile defender like Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons in the draft. 
• The Browns hold the No. 10 overall pick, and according to Petrak, Simmons’ ability to play both safety and linebacker could make sense for the team if a run on quarterbacks or tackles keeps him on the board.
• Petrak believes a player like Simmons would force GM Andrew Berry to reconsider what to do with the tenth pick. Petrak notes that Berry said on Tuesday that he is open to trading up for the right player.
• Ellis L. Williams of Cleveland.com believes that if the Browns trade back from the tenth overall pick, they should still select an offensive tackle such as USC’s Austin Jackson.
• The Browns met with Iowa OT Tristan Wirfs at the Combine. (Nate Ulrich)
• Jason La Canfora hears that the Browns are paying new GM Andrew Berry about $3.3 million a year.

Ravens

• Jason La Canfora writes that the Ravens are prepared to franchise OLB Matthew Judon this offseason.
• La Canfora adds that he wouldn’t hold his breath about Baltimore getting an extension done with Judon before the tag deadline.

Steelers

• While the Steelers are in a tough cap situation this offseason, Jason La Canfora gets the sense they will do anything within reason to franchise OLB Bud Dupree.
• Jeremy Fowler reports that Steelers QB Mason Rudolph recently resumed throwing after undergoing surgery for a fractured AC joint. Fowler adds that Rudolph is expected to be a full go for offseason work and could get “significant” reps as Ben Roethlisberger recovers from elbow surgery.