AFC Notes: Bengals, Browns, Steelers

Bengals

• Aaron Wilson reports that the Bengals love CB William Jackson’s size, speed, and cover skills enough that they turned away multiple NFL teams that inquired about him before the trade deadline last season.  
• Jackson said of playing with a torn shoulder labrum the entire season: “I don’t know how I did it, but I did it. It was painful every game. I’m fully healthy and ready to go.” (Aaron Wilson)
• As for making the NFL, Jackson believes he was a long shot and gives credit to the University of Houston: “Coming up, nobody thought I would be in the NFL. I was a skinny dude, no weight. I was always doubted’ Houston gave me the opportunity to be where I am today. I love Houston and I remember it like it was yesterday. Crazy how fast life takes you.” (Wilson)

Browns

Browns OC Alex Van Pelt said Browns WR Odell Beckham Jr. has been “all in” this offseason and hasn’t missed their voluntary program. 

“He’s all in. he’s bought in, he’s been there and it’s awesome,” Van Pelt said, via Scott Petrak of BrownsZone. “It’s good to have him there. It’s good for him. He’s obviously learning the system.”

Van Pelt added that “everybody’s attendance has been outstanding” with their voluntary offseason program, which is a testament to Browns’ new HC Kevin Stefanski. 

“But to have him involved, everybody involved — everybody’s attendance has been outstanding — and that’s a tribute to Kevin (Stefanski, coach) and the guys that are buying into the program.”

Van Pelt said he’s spoken to Jaguars QBs coach Ben McAdoo about Beckham, given they worked together with the Giants from 2014-2017.

“It’s been great. I’ve known of Odell, obviously,” Van Pelt said. “Ben McAdoo (coached) Odell in New York and everything that Ben talked to me about with him I’ve seen. He’s a worker, he loves football, he’s smart as hell. He’s just been a model guy this offseason”

Steelers

According to Ed Bouchette of The Athletic, the Steelers have not started any negotiations on a new contract for RB James Conner, who is entering the final season of the rookie deal. However, Conner says that he is not concerned about the situation.

“My goal is to win,” Conner said. “I have the opportunity to do that. The special team we got, pieces that were out last year coming back healthy. I’m not playing for a contract or playing not to get hurt. I’m playing to win, that’s what it’s about, to be part of Super Bowl No. 7 for the organization.”