Rounds of optional OTA’s have kicked off in the grueling heat and while there are players that didn’t make the crucial appearances in this group of workouts, it seems that these “optional practices” have been impressive outings for many.
Recent reports indicate that the offensive line could improve upon their 20th ranked performance in sack total last season. One of those encouraging reports came from RSR’s Tony Lombardi who stated that Bryant McKinnie was among a significant group of players that have showed up looking slimmer and more athletic.
McKinnie and the rest of the front five have to step up their game thanks to the rest of the AFC North boosting their pass rush—maybe making this division the best group of defensive lines.
The Browns didn’t budge in this year’s draft as they stayed put picking at number six. Cleveland reportedly got offers from other teams to move back and gain another selection (they only had five this year), but they were set on their guy Barkevious Mingo from LSU.
Mingo didn’t record incredible sack totals in 2012, but he could be groomed into a terrorizing weapon on the defensive line. Akin to J.J Watt, his 6’5” 240-pound frame helps him “swat like Watt” multiple times per game. Joe Flacco always runs into problems with pesky lineman batting down balls at the line of scrimmage, so the guys up front have to contain Mingo along with Cleveland’s other new addition, Mr. Paul Kruger.
The Bengals defense has been adding more firepower every year, and this one will be no different. The middle of the Ravens’ line seems to always have to double team Geno Atkins or Domata Peko in the middle, and young Carlos Dunlap has been a wrecking ball on the outside. Michael Johnson had a surprising year last year bookending Dunlap posting 11.5 sacks, and the team drafted Margus Hunt from Southern Methodist. Hunt will furthermore solidify the incredible Bengals’ defensive line along with that guy James Harrison who just loves destroying Ravens’ QB’s.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not at all sold with the Pittsburgh defense this year, and they’ll probably finish around .500 at best. The secondary is weaker than ever and the middle of the “Steel Curtain” is pretty poor. Steve McLendon is set to be the starting nose tackle. Who? McLendon?
The outside of the defensive unit is the best part of this once dominating Steeler defense with Lamar Woodley and Brett Keisel being the solid veteran core. Jarvis Jones was added from Georgia, and he could be reason for concern. He should start at some capacity from day one and he’ll provide raw power, something that might be tough to contend with for Michael Oher or Bryant McKinnie. He forces turnovers, hits big, and is a guy that the front line must keep away from Joe Flacco.
Clearly the AFC North has incredible pass-rushing potential. The Ravens are no exception touting Dumervil and Suggs.
As for keeping our own No. 5 clean, the more time the line gets together, the better.
It will be a tough task, but nothing that offensive line coach Andy Moeller’s unit can’t handle.
