I have gone on the record as saying that IMO the Ravens are the team to beat in the AFCN. Is there pressure on the Ravens to win? Yes, but no more than the Bengals and Steelers. The Ravens had done an excellent job in FA. They beat a pondering FO in Cincy and got Boldin and left us with not real choice but to take the next best realistic signing in Bryant. +1 for the Ravens. But here in Cincy it is possible that our secondary can handle your WRs just a bit better than your secondary can handle ours unless Heap returns to form. So here, right now, predraft, you have the edge. I still think you lack a real stretch the field WR as neither Mason or Boldin can be considered burners.

I posted on our site yesterday that one of my greatest fears for the season is that you guys draft either McCluster or Jordan Shipley for the slot. No LB, including Lewis in his prime, can cover McCluster 1 on 1. He is listed as a RB but his primary strength is at the Slot position. Shipley is a Wes Welker type only faster. Of course you need upgrades in the corner position and also need to consider that Reed and Ray are nearing the end of their stellar careers. Good picks for their replacement need to be on the agenda but they should be good again this year. If you draft McCluster or Shipley either would start immediately and IMO the division title is yours to lose – or win – whichever way you want to look at it.

The draft is going to be very big this year – more so than usual. Cincy can catch up if we get the right players or Baltimore can pull away. This is going to be interesting.