AFC North Notes: Bengals, Browns, Steelers

Bengals

According to Bengals HC Marvin Lewis, third-round DE Sam Hubbard has been “way ahead of the curve.”

“He has been way ahead of the curve,” Lewis said, via WCPO. “We’re just excited about that. He’s going to really complement and add to our football team right away. I’m just excited because he’s probably out here a little mature beyond his years right now.”

Hubbard is one of 22 unsigned 2018 draft picks.

Browns

Browns first-round QB Baker Mayfield mentioned during an appearance on the “ThomaHawk Show” that Tyrod Taylor has been an “unbelievable” mentor to him.

“They traded a third-round pick to Tyrod just doesn’t make sense,” Mayfield said, via Pro Football Talk. “We got a lot more out of that than anybody else could. The guy that he is for this franchise, for all of our teammates is unbelievable. For me to watch him and learn him has been great. He sets the bar high, shows up, his work ethic, it’s a great situation for me to come into to have someone like that. It’s good for me.”

Mayfield is one of 22 unsigned 2018 draft picks.

Steelers

Steelers franchise RB Le’Veon Bell isn’t worried about the possibility of wearing down due to all of the carries he’s received in recent years.

“I don’t really compare myself to a lot of other running backs — that’s no offense to any other running back, but just the fact that I can see and avoid hits,” Bell said, via Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. “It’s not like when I get the ball 30 times or 35 times and I’m really taking 30 car crashes. Either I’m delivering the blow or I’m getting to the ground. I’m sore after games, but it’s not like I’m aching. I don’t have to miss practices. I can go full speed and be good.”

We have Bell featured in our Top 25 – 2019 NFL Free Agents list.