AFC North Notes: Bengals, Browns, Steelers

Bengals

• According to Tyler Dragon, the Bengals are planning to reopen their team facilities at some point next week. An exact date has yet to be announced. 

Browns

Regarding new OT Jack Conklin, Browns OL coach Bill Callahan said their staff was very interested in him and praised his improvement throughout the 2019 season. 

“I really like Jack,” Callahan said, via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. “I watched him coming out of Michigan State. I thought he was outstanding there, and what he has done at Tennessee, early in his career, I know he had some misfortune with injury, but last year, he really came on. He had a really good year.”

Callahan said Conklin was the “perfect” fit for their system as a zone blocker and pass protector. 

“You talk about a system fit — you couldn’t get a more perfect tackle in free agency than Jack. He fits the mode for the wide zone game and his pass protection sets, how he short sets and he jumps at the line of scrimmage, which is a tough skill to acquire. Then, of course, in third down and later downs, you can watch him set vertically, and you can see his variance of sets.”

Callahan, who was hired by Cleveland in January, added that he is “getting familiarized” with his new players, while the right guard position is “up for grabs.” 

“I’m still getting familiarized with all the players,” Callahan said. “I haven’t met them all yet – just only virtually. I had done that with them. We haven’t really set a depth chart, listed a starter or named the right guard position. That’s up for grabs.”

Callahan mentioned that they are considering Wyatt Teller, Drew Forbes, Colby Gossett, and Willie Wright as possible right guard candidates. 

“I really believe we have some excellent players in there in Wyatt Teller, Drew Forbes, Colby Gossett and Willie Wright. There are a lot of candidates. There will be a lot of time for competition. I think that will sort itself out as we move along.”

• Browns HC Kevin Stefanski said his offensive system should benefit QB Baker Mayfield next season: “You see the skill set. There’s a reason he went No. 1 overall… We’re excited to put him in a system we think is going to benefit him.” (Fox Sports)

Steelers

• The Pittsburgh Steelers announced that they will begin to reopen their team facilities on Tuesday, May 19 with a limited number of employees on hand: “We will begin the process of opening our facilities on Tuesday, May 19, with a limited number of staff being permitted in our buildings. Health and safety of our employees will continue to be our priority as we phase up to the fully-allowed staff level.” (Brooke Pryor)
• Pryor notes that stay-at-home orders for Allegheny County, where the Steelers’ facilities are located, have been lifted and businesses are in the early phases of reopening.