All Access: RB Big Board, AFC North Bust Outs, 1-on-1 With Tom Coughlin
We saw two running backs chosen inside the top 12 overall picks of the NFL Draft. Could we see more in 2024? Plus, a look at AFC North players on the brink and Tom Coughlin returns to New Jersey.
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NFL rookies are set to report to training camp in 12 days, a welcome sight to our reading audience! There is no tougher division in football than the AFC North, most notably due to the quarterback power it holds with Joe Burrow (Bengals), Lamar Jackson (Ravens), Deshaun Watson (Browns) and Kenny Pickett (Steelers). However, it takes all 53 come Sunday.
The NFL Draft Bible reveals their 2024 RB Big Board (Top 75) below and we explain why Tom Coughlin was back at MetLife Stadium but first, here’s a look at some breakout candidates around the AFC North.
AFC NORTH BUST OUT PLAYERS
Here are some players on each AFC North team that could be depended upon to have an increased role for the upcoming 2023 season, along with a projected look at the depth for the skill positions.
BALTIMORE RAVENS
Last 5 Years
2022: 10-7 (2nd) | 2021: 8-9 (4th) | 2020: 11-5 (2nd) | 2019: 14-2 (1st) | 2018: 10-6 (1st)
Projected Skill-Position Starters
QB Lamar Jackson | RB JK Dobbins | WR Odell Beckham Jr. | WR Rashod Bateman | WR Zay Flowers | TE Mark Andrews
If RB JK Dobbins can stay healthy, sky’s the limit for how far Baltimore can go. In eight starts, Dobbins flashed sudden burst, elusiveness and tremendous change of direction capabilities, averaging six yards per carry, while picking up 520 rushing yards. With more weapons in the passing game, it could help open up lanes even more for the third-year pro. It was easy to see the potential of TE Isaiah Likely as an undrafted rookie. He was a key member of the offense, nabbing 36 balls for 373 yards and three touchdowns. With so much focus on fellow TE Mark Andrews, it helps create opportunities Likely when the Ravens feature multiple sets. Seeing his targets in the pass game rise from 60-to-100 in year two is reasonable to expect.
Coming out of Penn State DE Odafe Oweh had zero career sacks, was very raw but extremely athletic. The coaching staff has tapped into some of that potential and got eight sacks out of him during his first two seasons. Oweh even earned six starts. However, Baltimore is seeking him to take the next step in his development in what is a make-or-break year. Former first round pick FS Kyle Hamilton is expected to become a full-time starter after making four starts as a rookie.
CINCINNATI BENGALS
Last 5 Years
2022: 12-4 (1st) | 2021: 10-7 (1st) | 2020: 4-11-1 (4th) | 2019: 2-14 (4th) | 2018: 6-10 (4th)
Projected Skill-Position Starters
QB Joe Burrow | RB Joe Mixon | WR Ja'Marr Chase | WR Tee Higgins | WR Tyler Boyd | TE Irv Smith Jr
The Bengals struck gold with the Day Three selection of OG Cordell Volson. By the end of the season, he was the most improved player on the team. His footwork, hand placement and development in pass-blocking made him a permanent starter. Volson could progress towards Pro Bowl status as soon as this year.
Cincinnati took a hit in the secondary during the offseason, which means young players CB Cam Taylor-Brittand SS Dax Hill will be counted on to assume a greater role. Both players were selected early in the 2022 NFL Draft with an eye on the 2023 season. The aggressive Taylor-Britt brings an air of confidence that allows for a short memory. In addition, he possesses a combination of size, speed and instincts, which can tend to lead to creating turnovers. The coaching staff has echoed his preparation and he is locked in as the starter opposite of CB Chidobe Awuzie. As for Hill, he primarily made his contributions on special teams but received more playing time down the stretch. After experimenting with Hill in various roles on defense such as nickelback, he is considered a favorite to land one of the starting safety jobs entering training camp.
CLEVELAND BROWNS
Last 5 Years
2022: 7-10 (4th) | 2021: 8-9 (3rd) | 2020: 11-5 (3rd) | 2019: 6-10 (3rd) | 2018: 7-8-1 (3rd)
Projected Skill-Position Starters
QB Deshaun Watson | RB Nick Chubb | WR Amari Cooper | WR Donavan Peoples-Jones | WR Elijah Moore | TE David Njoku
Former second round pick WR Elijah Moore never found his footing with the Jets. He was acquired by Cleveland during the offseason, in hopes of providing a threat from the slot. With starting WR Amari Cooper and WR Donovan Peoples-Jones lined up on the outside, there won’t be as much attention paid to Moore who has the ability to stretch the opposing defense due to his speed. When you factor TE David Njoku into the equation, the Browns have set up QB DeShaun Watson for success!
On the other side of the ball, CB Greg Newsome II will be counted to step into the slot defender role full-time. After gripes about how he was used at times during last season, Newsome II has taken a fresh approach during the offseason and appears trending towards a career-year under new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. One player whose role is unclear in the new scheme is LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. However, the team has faith he can be a future star with his traits. Whether Schwartz employs him at backer, or safety in a full-time capacity, or keeps him in a hybrid role remains to be seen.
PITTSBURGH STEELERS
Last 5 Years
2022: 9-8 (3rd) | 2021: 9-7-1 (2nd) | 2020: 12-4 (1st) | 2019: 8-8 (2nd) | 2018: 9-6-1 (2nd)
Projected Skill-Position Starters
QB Kenny Pickett | RB Najee Harris | WR George Pickens | WR Allen Robinson II | WR Dionte Johnson | TE Pat Freiermuth
The Steelers offense has undergone a complete facelift over the past few offseasons, as general manager Kevin Colbert has proven to be one of the best talent evaluators being able to rebuild and reload on the fly. With QB Kenny Pickett showing great promise as a rookie, Pittsburgh has injected some excellent youth into the mix for him to target. Lightning-quick slot WR Calvin Austin III generated much-deserved hype during training camp last year but his season was derailed when he suffered a season-ending foot injury. His 4.3-seed is expected to be on full display in 2023 and could be featured in some pre-snap movement schemes, or screens. Now, he must show he can stay healthy. No one will question the durability of TE Pat Freiermuthwho has played in 16 games during each of his first two seasons. There is no doubt that Freiermuth has developed into one of the premier young tight ends in the NFL. If he can take the next step and put it all together on a weekly basis, he has the potential to become an All-Pro.
One player the team has yet to crack the code on is DL DeMarvin Leal, who played defensive tackle, end and outside linebacker. Finding a definitive role such as a 3-4 situational pass-rusher could tap into some of his alluring potential.
This article originally appeared in Lindy’s 2023 Pro Football Magazine, now available here.
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New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin was recently announced as a semifinalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Coach Coughlin also returned to the Meadowlands last month for his annual Sundae Blitz event for The Jay Fund, which has contributed $20M in grants to over 5,600 families who have been impacted by children with cancer. Read more on the story here and watch the full video, along with Chris Snee here. Super Bowl hero David Tyree was also in attendance. Coughlin and Tyree, both Syracuse alumni, expressed their thoughts on the legendary impact of Jim Brown, see it here.
New NFL Draft Watch videos and scouting reports: RB Rocket Sanders, Arkansas | TE Brock Bowers, Georgia| CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
NFL DRAFT BIBLE 2024 PRESEASON RB BIG BOARD
While the RB Class of 2024 does not have a Bijan Robinson-caliber running back, NFL teams could certainly find talent in this group. Multiple rushers are in the mix for RB1. Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen is a physical, imposing back who has proven that he can be a bellcow and accumulate touches in a run-heavy scheme. Meanwhile, Razorback fans are optimistic that Arkansas RB Raheim Sanders, nicknamed “Rocket,” will build on a breakout 2022 campaign while continuing to showcase great burst for his size. Ohio State RB TreVeyon Henderson will try to recreate the magic from his stellar freshman season in 2021 and could himself be an early-round pick if he bounces back and puts it all together for a full season again. All eyes are on Michigan RB Blake Corum, as he hopes to combine with Wolverines QB JJ McCarthy to challenge for a national title again—he may be the fastest RB in the class but his size is a concern. Meanwhile, perhaps the most intriguing prospect of the group is Southern Miss RB Frank Gore Jr., the son of legendary NFL running back Frank Gore. Gore Jr. looks to pick up right where he left off in the 2022 Lending Tree Bowl, in which he racked up an NCAA bowl-record 329 yards on the ground.
RANK | PLAYER | SCHOOL | YEAR | HEIGHT | WEIGHT | FORTY
Braelon Allen, Wisconsin, Jr, 6020, 235, 4.42
Raheim Sanders, Arkansas, Jr, 6010, 227, 4.52
Traveyon Henderson, Ohio State, Jr, 5100, 214, 4.48
Will Shipley, Clemson, Jr, 5100, 205, 4.46
Donovan Edwards, Michigan, Jr, 6000, 204, 4.49
Blake Corum Michigan, Sr, 5070, 210, 4.34
Trey Benson, Florida State, rJr, 6003, 221, 4.38
Montrell Johnson, Florida, Jr, 5110, 218, 4.58
Kendall Milton, Georgia, Sr, 6010, 220, 4.54
Roman Hemby, Maryland, rSo, 5116, 200, 4.48
Josh Williams, LSU, rSr, 5085, 200, 4.57
Jace McClellan, Alabama, Sr, 5100, 212, 4.50
Ja’Quinden Jackson, Utah, rSo, 6016, 225, 4.50
Daijun Edwards, Georgia, Sr, 5092, 202, 4.53
Jo’quavious Marks, Mississippi State, Sr, 5094, 206, 4.52
Ulysses Bentley, Mississippi, rSr, 5094, 191, 4.50
Miyan Williams, Ohio State, rJr, 5008, 225, 4.52
Trey Sanders, TCU, rJr, 5111, 214, 4.46
Kavosiey Smoke, Colorado, rSr, 5092, 210, 4.50
Jaylen Wright, Tennessee, Jr, 5096, 205, 4.39
Jaden Shirden, Monmouth, Jr, 5090, 185, 4.49
Rasheen Ali, Marshall, rSr, 5114, 205, 4.43
George Holani, Boise State, rSr, 5111, 208, 4.59
Nathan Carter, Michigan State, rSo, 5093, 199, 4.45
Devin Neal, Kansas, Jr, 5096, 210, 4.50
Keilan Robinson, Texas, Sr, 5096, 188, 4.43
Carson Steele, UCLA, Jr, 6002, 215, 4.56
Jalen White, Georgia Southern, Sr, 5116, 209, 4.53
Bucky Irving, Oregon, Jr, 5090, 194, 4.48
Jarquez Hunter, Auburn, Jr, 5086, 202, 4.49
Chris Tyree, Notre Dame, Sr, 5095, 197, 4.42
MarShawn Lloyd, USC, rJr, 5090, 215, 4.56
Isaiah Davis, South Dakota State, Sr, 5116, 220, 4.59
Jirehl Brock, Iowa State, rSr, 5112, 222, 4.52
Aidan Robbins, BYU, rSr, 6022, 230, 4.59
Josh Williams, LSU, Jr, 5090, 200, 4.50
Re’Mahn Davis, Kentucky, rSr, 5091, 205, 4.58
Jawhar Jordan, Louisville, rSo, 5100, 180, 4.47
Blake Watson, Memphis, rSr, 5090, 195, 4.56
Jarveon Howard, Alcorn State, rSr, 5100, 200, 4.50
Roydell Williams, Alabama, Jr, 5092, 212, 4.53
Isaiah Ifanse, California, rSr, 5092, 202, 4.48
Nate Noel, Appalachian State, rJr, 5091, 185, 4.46
Frank Gore Jr., Southern Mississippi, rJr, 5080, 195, 4.52
Byron Cardwell, California, rSo, 5116, 210, 4.50
Dylan Laube, New Hampshire, Sr, 5100, 207, 4.50
Noah Whittington, Oregon, rJr, 5081, 194, 4.45
Treshaun Ward, Kansas State, rSr, 5091, 195, 4.53
Samson Evans, Easternn Michigan, rSr, 5116, 219, 4.56
Rodney Hammond Jr., Pittsburgh, Jr, 5086, 200, 4.49
Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech, Jr, 5096, 200, 4.45
Henry Parrish Jr., Miami, rJr, 5102, 190, 4.52
Marcus Major, Oklahoma, rSr, 5115, 228, 4.48
Noah Cain, LSU, rSr, 5096, 226, 4.53
Jabari Small, Tennessee, Jr, 5096, 215, 4.55
Jonathon Brooks, Texas, rSo, 5116, 203, 4.50
Cam Carroll, Florida, rSr, 5116, 229, 4.50
La’Damian Webb, South Alabama, rSr, 5072, 206, 4.46
Audric Estime, Notre Dame, Jr, 5115, 227, 4.50
Camar Wheaton, SMU, rSo, 5095, 185, 4.46
Isaac Guerendo, Louisville,, rSr, 5112, 223, 4.58
Demie Sumo-Kamgbaye, Kentucky, Jr, 5116, 210, 4.55
Cameron Skattebo, Arizona State, rJr, 5091, 212, 4.59
Kimani Vidal, Troy, rJr, 5075, 215, 4.65
Micah Bernard, Utah, rJr, 5112, 202, 4.40
Wesley Kennedy, West Georgia, rSr, 5083, 181, 4.47
Sean Tyler, Minnesota, Jr, 5083, 180, 4.45
Pat Garwo III, Boston College, rSr, 5084, 208, 4.55
Brian Battie, Auburn, rJr, 5066, 165, 4.38
Nakia Watson, Washington State, rSr, 5112, 225, 4.55
Kobe Johnson, Colorado State, 5080, 190, 4.49
Anthony Grant, Nebraska, rSr, 5096, 200, 4.58
Tahj Brooks, Texas Tech, Sr, 5092, 230, 4.58
Chez Mellusi, Wisconsin, rSr, 5106, 210, 4.54
John Emery Jr., LSU, rSr, 5103, 223, 4.46
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