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          NFL Nation

          Kiper's three-round mock: AFC North style

          • Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff WriterApr 19, 2012, 09:45 AM ET
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              Jamison Hensley is a reporter covering the Baltimore Ravens for ESPN. Jamison joined ESPN in 2011, covering the AFC North before focusing exclusively on the Ravens beginning in 2013. Jamison won the National Sports Media Association Maryland Sportswriter of the Year award in 2018, and he authored a book titled: Flying High: Stories of the Baltimore Ravens. He was the Ravens beat writer for the Baltimore Sun from 2000-2011.
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          In the latest mock draft by Mel Kiper Jr., the ESPN draft analyst goes three rounds. It's an Insider piece,Insider but I can give you a glimpse of the AFC North part of it along with my commentary:

          CINCINNATI BENGALS

          Rd 1 (17) CB Stephon Gilmore, South Carolina

          Rd 1 (21) G David DeCastro, Stanford

          Rd 2 (53) CB Jayron Hosley, Virginia Tech

          Rd 3 (83) G Tony Bergstrom, Utah

          Hensley's comment: Not sure if the Bengals will pass on DeCastro with the 17th pick because there's no guarantee he'll be there at No. 21. DeCastro is one of the best guard prospects in a long time, and Cincinnati has more of a need at that position than cornerback. I agree the Bengals will address cornerback in the first three rounds, but I'm not sold on them taking two with their first three picks. I can see the Bengals taking a wide receiver like Baylor's Kendall Wright early, too.

          CLEVELAND BROWNS

          Rd 1 (4) RB Trent Richardson, Alabama

          Rd 1 (22) T/G Cordy Glenn, Georgia

          Rd 2 (37) QB Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma St.

          Rd 3 (67) CB Dwight Bentley, Louisiana-Lafayette

          Hensley's comment: The Browns should be ecstatic if they can get Richardson and Glenn. Richardson is the top running back in the draft, and Glenn is the most versatile offensive lineman. The selection of Weeden in the second round has become a popular one for the Browns, although I think it's a mistake to take a 28-year-old rookie. Wait, where's the wide receiver? If the Browns can't upgrade at wide receiver with four picks in the first three rounds, that would be a major disappointment.

          BALTIMORE RAVENS

          Rd 1 (29) C Peter Konz, Wisconsin (or trade down)

          Rd 2 (60) OLB Terrell Manning, N.C. State

          Rd 3 (91) WR Joe Adams, Arkansas

          Hensley's slant: I could be way off on this, but I haven't gotten the impression that the Ravens are enamored by Konz. Picking him makes sense, though. He could start at guard and eventually replace Matt Birk at center. Manning can immediately help as a pass rusher and on special teams. But he projects more as a 4-3 outside linebacker. Adams would make an immediate impact as a returner.

          PITTSBURGH STEELERS

          Rd 1 (24) ILB Dont'a Hightower, Alabama

          Rd 2 (56) G/T Jeff Allen, Illinois

          Rd 3 (86) DT Brandon Thompson, Clemson

          Hensley's slant: Everyone expects the Steelers to take Hightower, so you know Pittsburgh is going to surprise and go elsewhere. I can see the Steelers taking a guard or outside linebacker in the first round. Allen would be a smart pick in the second round because he can play guard or tackle. Thompson would be a steal because he's a top-50 prospect.