Some more interesting stuff

Mel Kiper has the Browns picking Steinbach, which would be a great pick if it is possible. Interestingly, one of the things that makes this happen in his mock draft is Nick Barnett going at #18, which would be an amazing rise. Of course that makes me wonder how, you know, the Browns need a linebacker or two as well. A few drafts had the Browns picking him in the 2nd round.

Another guy going in the low-20's has been TE Jason Whitten. I'm not initially very excited about picking a TE so high, but on the other hand I think the Browns have a chance to have a pretty special offense if their OL problems can get sorted out.

The rest of the AFC North:

• Baltimore -- supposedly is pining for Leftwich but would take a DT or Boller.
  
• Cincinnati -- Palmer, which is not going to radically affect the 2003 season. They should get a good player in the 2nd round. If you ask me, they have needs almost everywhere so who knows.
  
• Pittsburgh -- DBs and QB. But they are always looking for LBs and DL players. EJ Henderson would look good if he's available. Personally, I think they should pick Grossman or McGahee but they don't usually pick those positions in the first round. Maybe they'll pick up Suggs or another of the promising later-round backs.
  

On a side note, I'd like to state that the "Steeler's linebackers are awesome" attitude is just not true -- it's the team's 3-4 system that turns mid-level talent into big-time players. It's also why you should never sign a former Steeler LB in free agency unless you play a 3-4 defense. And it will be interesting to see how the increase in NFL teams running a 3-4 affects the Steeler's ability to find linebackers that fit that system so well; those same types of players should start going a bit earlier in drafts.