AFC Notes: Bengals, Deshaun Watson, Browns, Ravens

Bengals

• ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Nebraska WR Samori Toure is making a pre-draft visit with the Bengals.
• Wake Forest CB Ja’Sir Taylor has visited with the Bengals, according to PFN’s Aaron Wilson.
• Oklahoma EDGE Isaiah Thomas has met virtually with the Bengals. (Justin Melo)

Browns

• According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has said he likely won’t place QB Deshaun Watson on the exempt list while their investigation plays out due to the lack of criminal charges, meaning a suspension or fine are more likely. In the meantime, Watson will prepare as though he will be the starter for Week 1.
• Cabot also spoke to owner Jimmy Haslem who said the team doesn’t currently plan to build a new stadium and will continue to develop FirstEnergy Stadium: “Our part now is going to focus on how we bring the stadium up to a better standard, so I think we’ve started interviewing and thinking about architects, engineers. We’re in the beginning stage to start having those conversations and then hopefully marry it with the work the city and the partnerships are doing with the waterfront development. Hopefully, we’ll get there.’’
• Cabot is also a firm believer that the Browns will explore any and all opportunities to upgrade their receivers, including making a trade before, during, or after the draft.
• Cabot adds that GM Andrew Berry is still on the hunt for a No. 2 receiver and is looking into prospects Treylon Burks and Christian Watson. There is also the possibility that the team may bring back veteran WR Jarvis Landry or trade up to grab a receiver they have their eye on during the draft.
• The lawyers representing Watson and the 22 civil suits against him have reached a joint agreement that there will be no trial dates set between August 1 of this year and March 1, 2023. (Adam Ferrise)
• San Diego State P Matt Araiza, who could be picked early on Day 3, has had a private workout with a handful of teams, including the Browns. (Tony Pauline)
• Arizona State CB Chase Lucas will have pre-draft meetings with the Browns and Patriots this week, per Mike Garafolo.

Ravens

Ravens GM Eric DeCosta mentioned that the team has a plan in place if LT Ronnie Stanley is unable to go when the season begins.

“The question is really a good one, but the fact remains that we’re not sure how Ronnie is going to rebound,” DeCosta said, via RavensWire.com. “We’re optimistic. We feel … I don’t want to speak for Ronnie, and I wouldn’t speak in specifics, but we feel like he’s on a good pace to come back. In saying that, we brought in Morgan [Moses]. We have Ja’Wuan [James] on hand as well. Ja’Wuan James, who we brought in last year. We feel that there’s an opportunity in the Draft to address the tackle spot at some point, whether it’s in the first round or in the fourth round. There are good players all throughout this year; it’s a very, very deep position class. So, there are a lot of different ways for us to skin the cat, and we’ll do that at some point.”