AFC Notes: Browns, Jets, Ravens

Browns

Browns OL coach Bob Wylie said that OL Shon Coleman is the leading candidate to start at left tackle, but still has “a lot” of competition for the job.

“Coleman is leading the charge (at left tackle). But we have a lot of bodies,” said Wylie, via Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.

Wylie added that Coleman did not have an easy transition to left tackle after playing right tackle during college in 2016.

“It’s a big change. It’s like being a right-handed golfer, then swinging left-handed. It doesn’t happen overnight,” said Wylie.

Regarding the possibility of Browns G Joel Bitonio playing left tackle, Wylie referred to him as an “elite guard” and said he will not be changing positions.

“He is an elite guard, one of the top 4-5 in the league. You put him at tackle and he becomes … what … just a tackle,” said Wylie.

Jets

• Rich Cimini of ESPN “absolutely expects” the Jets to attempt trading for an edge rusher and he lists Broncos OLB Shane Ray and Jaguars DE Dante Fowler as possible targets, considering both players are set to be unrestricted free agents next year.
• Even so, Cimini does not put much stock into the rumors Ray could be an option, given that he is expected to miss the start of the season after undergoing a second wrist surgery.
• As for Fowler, Cimini says he’s the “name to watch” considering that the Jaguars have a surplus at defensive end and likely are unable to afford to keep him long term.
• Cimini mentions Jets QB Teddy Bridgewater as possible trade bait for New York, but admits that the Jets would only trade him if Sam Darnold wins the starting job this summer.

Ravens

Ravens RB Alex Collins said he expects to have a heavier workload in 2018 and is hoping to show he can be a featured running back.

“My intensity stays the same when I’m coming out there, but [an increased role] helps a lot,” Collins said. “But at the end of the day, my mindset, I’m 110 percent, and just getting opportunities and getting more plays, it makes me feel good.”

Overall, Collins says he and the rest of the Ravens’ running backs want to show they can be among the best units in all of the NFL.

“We want to be one of the best groups on the team, and one of the best groups in the NFL, so we just push each other to work hard, minimize mistakes and just get the playbook down,” Collins said, via Garrett Downing of the Ravens’ official site. “Whenever any of our names are called, we know what we’re doing, we’re in the right place at the right time and ready to make a play.”