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Ell’s 2025 NFL Rookie X-Factors: AFC North

Ravens

Offense: WR LaJohntay Wester, Colorado

Defense: S/CB Malaki Starks, Georgia

The Ravens’ WR crew has always seemed more depth than depending on one top player. Wester can bring a speed asset as a serious downfield threat despite his size. Emory Jones is another very likely candidate with the O-line struggles, but Wester can be a gadget guy early.

The Ravens’ secondary has shown a decline the past few seasons especially when it counts, Starks can complete the secondary as a solid coverage guy and movable piece. He should be solid next to star Kyle Hamilton replacing Marcus Williams.

Bengals

Offense: G Dylan Fairchild, Georgia

Defense: LB Demetrius Knight Jr., South Carolina

The Bengals continue to fix their O-line after struggles mostly inside last season. Fairchild has already sealed the LG spot known as a good pass blocker he should be a welcome addition for Joe Burrow.

Knight Jr. is known as a solid coverage LB with good instincts and solid tackling he was compared to LB Germaine Pratt and has made him expendable. At 25, he should be a mature player ready for 3 downs while saving the Bengals some money on Pratt. He has famous and NFL bloodlines.

Browns

Offense: QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado

Defense: DT Mason Graham, Michigan

The Browns have needed a franchise guy for a long time and Sanders has been saying and doing all the right things even in the community. With his leadership and work ethic, Sanders should continue to move up the depth chart.

Graham was seen as a top 3 prospect in the draft as a disruptive player vs the pass and the run. Myles Garrett has needed a long-term sidekick and Graham should be able to cause problems whether next to or across from him.

Steelers

Offense: RB Kaleb Johnson, Iowa

Defense: DT/DE Derrick Harmon, Oregon

The Steelers love to run the ball and while Jaylen Warren has proven to be valuable, he doesn’t have the size Najee Harris had. Johnson is a back with the size and skillset to be a 3 down back after getting a heavy workload at Iowa. I expect Johnson to be in the mix early and eventually take the job.

The Steelers invested a high pick in Harmon who should be able to take over a starting spot on the D-line. He has rare athleticism and mobility for his size giving them an immediate upgrade at the position. He gives them inside/outside versatility allowing them to use their depth.

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