AFC North Rumors: Ravens, Steelers, Hines

After losing both of their starting guards from 2023, Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson, to free agency, the Ravens have had to find replacements for these crucial positions flanking center Tyler Linderbaum. Although Baltimore considered addressing these gaps in the 2024 NFL Draft, The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec reports that a rush on guards in the third round led the team to avoid the position.

At the start of the third round, the Ravens saw Isaiah Adams, Cooper Beebe, Christian Haynes, Zak Zinter, and Dominick Puni all selected. Similarly, in the fourth round, a sequence that included running backs Jaylen Wright, Bucky Irving, Will Shipley, Ray Davis, and Isaac Guerendo (the last four being selected just before Baltimore’s pick) pushed the team in a different direction, despite the availability of Wisconsin’s Braelon Allen, who was picked shortly after.

These strategic runs, particularly the selection of four running backs just before the Ravens’ turn, appeared deliberate, given Baltimore’s clear intention to strengthen both positions through the draft. Confronted with this challenge, general manager Eric DeCosta pivoted and, instead of drafting overvalued players, the Ravens addressed other needs, selecting Penn State pass rusher Adisa Isaac and Iowa State cornerback T.J. Tampa.

Separately, rookie safety Beau Brade, one of Baltimore’s top undrafted free agent signings from Maryland, will be sidelined for a few weeks after injuring his ankle during the team’s rookie minicamp. Brade, considered a strong candidate to secure a roster spot (the Ravens typically have at least one undrafted player make the team each year), is expected to return before the final break ahead of training camp.

In other news from the NFL’s toughest division:

The Steelers used three of their seven draft picks to enhance their offensive line, including selecting Washington offensive lineman Troy Fautanu with the 20th overall pick. The team was pleased to see Fautanu available, as they had anticipated he might go as high as No. 10. Pittsburgh also had their eye on Georgia offensive tackle Amarius Mims but chose not to trade up when they realized Mims was headed to Cincinnati two picks earlier. After selecting Fautanu, the Steelers immediately focused on West Virginia center Zach Frazier, ensuring he would still be available at No. 51, which he was.

New Browns running back Nyheim Hines, who missed the entire 2023 season due to an ACL tear from a jet skiing accident, is known for his skills in receiving out of the backfield and returning kicks. He is seen as an ideal complement to the recovering lead back Nick Chubb. On the Up & Adams show on FanDuel TV, Hines shared that his rehabilitation is progressing well, and he is on schedule for his recovery.