Baltimore Beatdown
Day 1 of the draft saw three new players join the AFC North as first-round picks. On Friday night, 10 more players were added into the division between rounds two and three. All four AFC North squads made at least two picks, with two teams drafting three players. There was a mix of offensive lineman, defensive lineman, and skill position players alike.
Let’s round up all the action that transpired on Day 2 of the draft in the division.
Pick: No. 49
Selection: DT Kris Jenkins, Michigan
With their first of three selections on Day 2, the Bengals nabbed another Michigan defender in defensive tackle Kris Jenkins. Jenkins was a two-year starter and help anchored an elite defensive line and run defense in Ann Arbor. He’s a strong athlete and stout presence against the run with upside to develop more as an interior pass-rusher.
The Bengals’ run defense ranked in the bottom-third of the league last season and they lost starting defensive tackle D.J. Reader in free agency. Thus, Jenkins could carve out a significant role right away for their defense.
Pick: No. 80
Selection: WR Jermaine Burton, Alabama
The Bengals added a notable playmaker in Round 3 by selecting Alabama’s Jermaine Burton. Burton is a big-play threat and led the SEC in yards-per-catch this past season for the Crimson Tide. He has good separation ability and sure hands to make catches in traffic, as well as contested catches.
Cincinnati’s wide receiver core is uncertain with Tyler Boyd still a free agent and Tee Higgins having reportedly requested a trade. Therefore, Burton is a solid insurance pick who can contribute right away with additional long-term upside.
Pick: No. 97
Selection: DT McKinnley Jackson, Texas A&M
For the second time on Friday night, the Bengals drafted a defensive tackle, with the second one being McKinnley Jackson out of Texas A&M. Jackson flashed high-level athleticism in college with the ability to shed blocks. His skill set should complement Jenkins well to form a talented incoming rookie duo on the Bengals’ defensive line.
Pick: No. 51
Selection: C Zach Frazier, West Virginia
The Steelers dipped back into the offensive line well with their second pick of this year’s draft, this time nabbing center Zach Frazier out of West Virginia. Frazier was one of the top center prospects available in the 2024 class and started four seasons in college. He played both center and guard for the Mountaineers but likely fits better at the latter for Pittsburgh.
Frazier is strong in pass protection where he can anchor well and finish blocks. He also has the athleticism to block in space on zone running plays. After the Steelers released veteran Mason Cole, Frazier could compete for starting snaps early.
Pick: No. 84
Selection: WR Roman Wilson, Michigan
As they usually do, the Steelers added a wide receiver in the third round of the draft, selecting Michigan’s Roman Wilson with the No. 84 overall pick. Wilson was a...
