AFC North Notes: Bengals, Browns, Steelers

Bengals

Matt Miller of B/R, says it’s “quite clear” the Bengals are drafting LSU QB Joe Burrow at No. 1 overall, despite recent speculation that they could at least consider trading the pick. 

“Barring some kind of Ricky Williams trade up the board, they’re taking [Burrow],” an NFL coach tells Miller. 

As for rumors that Burrow may not be a good fit for the Bengals, an NFL GM believes they are “by design” to coax a team into trading up for him. 

“If you’re Burrow, you probably don’t love the idea of being a Bengal, but you’re too good of a kid to ever say that. So you just sit and let the rumors happen, and maybe someone like Carolina or Miami trades everything they have to come get you. It’s not the worst move ever,” the GM said. 

Browns

During an interview with Mina Kimes of Outside the Lines, Browns DE Myles Garrett re-affirmed that Steelers QB Mason Rudolph directed a racial slur at him, which ultimately ignited the situation. Both Rudolph and the NFL have denied that any slurs were used during the incident.

“He called me the N-word,” Garrett said. “He called me a ‘stupid N-word.'”

“When he said it, it kind of sparked something, but I still tried to let it go and still walk away,” Garrett said. “But once he came back, it kind of reignited the situation. And not only have you escalated things past what they needed to be with such little time in the game left, now you’re trying to re-engage and start a fight again. It’s definitely not entirely his fault, it’s definitely both parties doing something that we shouldn’t have been doing.

“I don’t say the N-word, whether it’s with ‘a’ [or] ‘er.’ To me personally, just shouldn’t be said, and whether it’s by family, friends, anyone. I don’t want to use it because I don’t want [people to] find that appropriate around me for anyone to use.”

Garrett also hinted at a possible cover-up by the NFL. 

“Most quarterbacks wear mics in their helmets,” Garrett said, via Cleveland.com. “He somehow lost his helmet and had to get another one without a mic. There were guys who were mic’d up near me — near us — during that time who didn’t hear anything, and from what I’ve heard, there [may] have been audio during that game that could’ve heard something or could not have heard something, but they don’t want to say.

“So something was said. I know something was said. Now whether the NFL wants to acknowledge it, that’s up to them.’‘

Steelers

• Regarding rumors that he might be a candidate for front office positions outside of Pittsburgh, Steelers GM Kevin Colbert affirmed he’s committed to the Steelers, per Bob Labriola of the team website: “I can say this without any hesitation: as long as the Rooneys and Pittsburgh Steelers want me to be a part of this organization and it’s a good thing for our family, we’ll be here. I’m not looking to go anywhere else.” 
• Colbert didn’t elaborate on Steelers LB Ryan Shazier‘s status for 2020: “When you’re dealing with Ryan you’re not dealing with a timetable. You’re dealing with a guy trying to resurrect his career.” (Labriola)
• The Steelers will decide between former WR Jerricho Cotchery and South Carolina OC Bryan McClendon as their next WR coach soon. (Gerry Dulac)