AFC Notes: Browns, Ravens, Steelers

Browns

  • Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot writes she wouldn’t expect the Browns to pursue a trade for a big-name cornerback like New England’s Stephon Gilmore or Miami’s Xavien Howard unless one of their guys gets hurt. 
  • Cabot adds the Browns are happy for now with the projected starting trio of Denzel Ward, first-round rookie Greg Newsome, and Greedy Williams
  • Looking forward, Cabot thinks it might be hard for the Browns to pay TE David Njoku what he could get on the open market if he has a decent season. She does think they’ll try harder to keep S Ronnie Harrison

Ravens

  • Ravens’ third-round G Ben Cleveland was placed on the NFI list on Wednesday but became the first player in the league to pass his physical on Thursday. (Howard Balzer)

Steelers

Steelers DE T.J. Watt said he is focused on taking the next step as a team leader this season. 

“I think every year I am trying to take that next step, whether it’s on the field or off the field as a leader,” said Watt, via Teresa Varley of the team’s official site. “Every single guy in this locker room better have that same attitude. We’ve got plenty of guys that can step up and we’re always talking about having that next man up mentality. And when you talk about next man up mentality and having a full offseason to prepare for those slots. It just means there’s going to be a lot of competition in camp and that’s what makes things exciting.”

As for playing alongside Steelers’ new OLB Melvin Ingram, Watt said he’s observed the veteran linebacker during his time with the Chargers. 

“I am excited,” said Watt. “I worked with him during the Pro Bowl and I used to watch Chargers games when Derek [Watt] was playing in San Diego and Los Angeles. He’s just a player that has a lot of burst off the line of scrimmage. He’s got a phenomenal spin move and just seeing him in person, he is a colorful guy and I am excited to work with him.”

Watt believes Ingram is a “premier” edge rusher and thinks the Steelers’ added depth this offseason will be helpful for their defense. 

“I watched him a lot,” said Watt. “I was able to watch a lot of their games. He’s one of the premier rushers in the league and I’ve watched a lot of his film and we connected at the Pro Bowl two or three years ago. He’s a great guy and a great player. I am excited to have him here. I am excited to have more depth, have a guy like Melvin in our rotation, in our room. A guy that I’ve watched a lot of over the years. A guy that I can learn a lot from too. Excited to have more depth, excited for our team.”

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