AFC Notes: Bengals, Broncos, Browns

Bengals

Bengals Director of Player Personnel Duke Tobin says Cincinnati is unlikely to trade up in the draft because of its success with finding contributors in the mid-rounds. 

“That’s why we are slow to go on getting rid of those picks,” Tobin said via Paul Dehner Jr. of the Cincinnati Enquirer. “When it’s just a pick there is not a name associated with it. So, sometimes people can give up on those pretty quickly. When there is a name associated with it, it becomes a real person, a real player and ability level there. We feel pretty good about our chances at picking players that will help our team in the middle rounds.”

Any move up for the Bengals would likely cost a second-round pick, which have typically turned into productive players for the team. 

“Trading up in Round 1 becomes a very expensive proposition,” said Tobin. “Unless you are pursuing somebody who can totally change your team, it’s hard to convince yourself it’s worth giving up the players you have to give up to do that. There are enough good players who can get to 11 and get what you want without having to go any higher.”

• Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller says there’s talk around the NFL that the Bengals could be a candidate to take a quarterback with their first-round pick. 

Broncos

Broncos FB Andy Janovich is excited about a potentially increased role under former 49ers OC Rich Scangarello. 

“I haven’t gotten all the way through the playbook; if it’s anything like the 49ers, I think my role should increase this year,” Janovich said via Ryan O’Halloran of the Denver Post. “Can’t be anything but excited.”

• TCU DE Ben Banogu said he has a visit scheduled with the Broncos and also met formally with them at the Combine. 

Browns

• According to Scott Petrak, the Browns plan to use RBs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt in a committee after Hunt’s suspension, but Hunt could win the starting job in 2020. 
• Petrak adds to keep an eye on Mississippi State DT Jeffery Simmons as a potential trade-up target. 
• Akron WR Mykel Traylor-Bennett, DB Kyron Brown and DE Jamal Davis will participate in the Browns’ local pro day. (George Thomas)