AFC North Notes: Browns, Ravens, Steelers

Browns

Browns RBs coach Stump Mitchell said that while they would like to have Duke Johnson with the team for OTAs, Dontrell Hilliard has taken advantage of the extra practice reps. 

“I would love to see Duke as part of the team in September,” Mitchell said, via Steve Doerschuk of CantonRep.com. “I know it’s voluntary, but I would also like to see him take part in this camp. When you don’t, you give somebody an opportunity. Dontrell has done a helluva job taking advantage of the opportunity.”

“Being down some receivers, Dontrell has played some receiver, which is making him very valuable to this team,” Mitchell added. “He can do everything well. His mindset is that he belongs here.”

Ravens

Regarding veteran free agent DT Gerald McCoy‘s visit with the team, Ravens’ owner Steve Bisciotti said the lineman was “very excited” about Baltimore’s defense and is hopeful he signs with them. 

“Wonderful well-mannered young man. He was very excited about our facility, very excited about our defense. I hope McCoy wants us. That need goes both ways. I hope Gerald McCoy goes home and tells his wife he needs to play for the Ravens,” said Bisciotti, via Jeff Zrebiec.

Bisciotti believes McCoy is a “game wrecker” and said “you need” the pressure he brings.  

“Do I think he’s a need? I think that everybody out there has seen what he can do. I think he’s a bit of a game wrecker and in this day and age, you need that type of pressure from the outside,” said Bisciotti, via Zrebiec. 

Steelers

One side-effect of Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger‘s three-year extension is that it likely relegates second-year QB Mason Rudolph to the bench for the duration of his rookie contract. Rudolph, however, seems to be embracing that role. 

“That’s what it is,” Rudolph said via Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “It’s football. You know you’re one play away sometimes and you got to be ready to go and prepare like you’re the starter. That’s what I’ve always done since I stepped into a high school or college program. You respect the guys in front of you. We have a Hall of Fame quarterback in Mr. Roethlisberger. I just prepare my butt off. I’m just 100 times more comfortable.”