While the rest of the AFC North stocked up on physicality and run defense, the Ravens got playmakers.
Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin made it clear. He was still in the shower at M&T Bank Stadium following the Ravens’ 28-14 pounding when he formulated this year’s black and gold draft plan: “add big man presence and physicality.”
The Steelers used three of their first four picks on rugged defensive linemen: Derrick Harmon, Jack Sawyer, and Yahya Black.
It started with the Cleveland Browns trading out of the No. 2-overall pick and one-of-a-kind cornerback/wide receiver Travis Hunter and instead drafting defensive tackle Mason Graham at No. 5 overall.
The Bengals’ first two picks were toolsy EDGE Shemar Stewart and run thumping inside linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. Their fourth pick, off-ball linebacker Barrett Carter, is projected as an excellent quarterback spy.
Meanwhile, the Ravens stockpiled playmakers. Starks has elite ball skills. Green is a sack artist. Even sixth-round defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles is more of a twitchy pass rusher than hulking run stopper.
While the rest of the AFC North seemed focused on slowing down the back-to-back division champions on the ground, the Ravens appeared intent on adding players who can make that splash play or two to get them over the top.
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