AFC North Draft Recap: Injuries Slow Down Early Momentum
As the final week of preseason approaches, AFC North teams are still evaluating their rookie classes to determine who might make an immediate impact. Here’s a look at how each team’s rookies have performed so far:
Baltimore Ravens
Cornerback Nate Wiggins, the Ravens’ 30th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, made an impressive preseason debut against the Philadelphia Eagles, recording three tackles (one for a loss) and defending three passes.
The Ravens were optimistic that Wiggins could develop into a “shutdown” corner, but his progress was stalled after he sustained a minor shoulder sprain. Although he is expected to be ready for the regular season, missing more preseason action could complicate his transition to the NFL.
Meanwhile, Baltimore’s third-round pick, edge rusher Adisa Isaac, has also struggled with injuries. After missing much of the offseason due to a hamstring issue, Isaac now faces a soft-tissue leg injury. He managed four tackles in the second preseason game against the Atlanta Falcons but left the game late due to what was initially thought to be cramps.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals used the 18th overall pick to select offensive tackle Amarius Mims, who has met expectations in training camp. However, he recently suffered a strained pectoral muscle. Head coach Zac Taylor remains optimistic about Mims’s potential availability for Week 1, but he is expected to miss several weeks.
The Bengals also need to fill the gap left by wide receiver Tyler Boyd, who signed with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. Third-round pick Jermaine Burton showed promise with eight catches for 157 yards and two touchdowns this preseason, but his limited usage suggests he might not be high on the depth chart. Interestingly, Burton has also been used as a returner on special teams, a first for him.
Cincinnati also picked tight end Erick All Jr. in the fourth round, adding another talent from Iowa, known for producing top-tier tight ends. However, All is just now returning to practice after being placed on the Active/Non-Football Injury list while recovering from an ACL tear suffered during the 2023 college season.
Cleveland Browns
Without a first-round pick due to the Deshaun Watson trade, the Browns’ first selection came at No. 54 overall, where they picked defensive tackle Michael Hall Jr. The Ohio State product has shown potential during the summer, but his progress has been overshadowed by legal troubles. Hall was charged with domestic violence after allegedly threatening a woman with a gun. He participated in a joint practice with the Minnesota Vikings the next day but left with an injury. Head coach Kevin Stefanski declined to comment further, stating they would let the legal process unfold.
The Browns also invested in wide receiver Jamari Thrash in the fifth round. Thrash has had a decent preseason with six catches for 68 yards but remains buried on the depth chart behind several established receivers, raising questions about his potential impact as a rookie.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers bolstered their offensive line in this year’s draft by selecting offensive tackle Troy Fautanu in the first round and center Zach Frazier in the second. Both players have performed well in training camp, but injuries may determine if they start in Week 1.
Fautanu is expected to start at right tackle when healthy, but his availability for Week 1 is uncertain after suffering a knee injury in the preseason opener. He has been sidelined since but is hopeful to return soon.
Meanwhile, Frazier has spent most of the summer behind veteran Nate Herbig on the depth chart. However, Herbig was placed on the reserve/injured list, likely ending his 2024 season, clearing the way for Frazier to start at center as long as he stays healthy.
The Steelers have also been searching for a new No. 2 wide receiver following the trade of Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers in March. Third-round pick Roman Wilson was a potential candidate but has missed most of training camp due to an ankle injury. Wilson is optimistic about his recovery and hopes to return soon, though missing the preseason has been disappointing for him.
