AFC Notes: Bengals, Ravens, Steelers

Bengals

• In an agent survey by the Athletic’s Ben Standig, a number of respondents slammed the way Bengals owner Mike Brown runs the team: “I just don’t agree with the way that they do things. I think they’re good people. I just think that when you’ve got four people running a staff when there are other teams with 25 to 40, it’s really hard to do your job and be 100 percent accurate on some things.”
• Another agent said that as far as running his team like a business and making the most money, Brown was doing well: “He’s never made winning a priority. He would tell you winning is the most important thing but he’s never spent like that or ran his franchise like that. And yet his net profit is pretty darn good. And the equity value of his ownership is unprecedented.”
• NFL Media’s Marc Sessler picks Bengals first-round QB Joe Burrow as his breakout candidate to make their first Pro Bowl in 2020. 

Ravens

Ravens QB Robert Griffin called third-round WR Devin Duvernay and sixth-round WR James Proche “phenomenal receivers” who could each line up on the outside. 

“Duvernay and Proche are both phenomenal receivers,” said Griffin, via Todd Karpovich of Sports Illustrated. “I think both of them spend the majority of their time in the slot in college. But I wouldn’t sleep on their ability to play outside.”

Griffin pointed out the Duvernay has obvious speed given his previous experience as a track runner.

“Duvernay, obviously, a track guy,” Griffin said. “We talked about this because I was a track guy as well. We’re football players who ran track. That’s how he kind of how he looks at himself. He’s a tough guy, tracks the ball really well downfield. He’s really fast.”

Griffin also praised Proche’s work ethic and feels he is faster than many people believe. 

“Proche, there’s just something about the way he comes to work every time we go out there,” Griffin said. “And I think he’s a lot faster than people give him credit for. … Going out there watching him work, the kid can play and he has strong hands. He has a desire within him to prove everybody wrong.” 

Griffin reiterated that both Duvernay and Proche “have what it takes” to become impact receivers in the NFL. 

“It really just comes down to be able to showcase what they did in college at the pro level,” Griffin said. “They definitely have what it takes and I’ve seen a lot of guys.”

Steelers

• The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly reiterates the Steelers never seriously looked at adding another quarterback despite being linked by national media to players like QB Jameis Winston. 
• Kaboly says QB Ben Roethlisberger will be the starter for at least the next two seasons after restructuring his contract and Pittsburgh seems content with backup QBs Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges, each who received a lot of experience in 2019. 
• Kaboly notes Steelers QB Paxton Lynch could push Hodges for the third-string job. While Hodges has the advantage of experience, Lynch’s potential as a former first-round pick could give him an edge if he outperforms Hodges in camp. 
• NFL Media’s Marc Sessler picks Steelers LB Devin Bush as his breakout candidate to make their first Pro Bowl in 2020.