NFL Draft 2006: A Recap of the 2006 NFL Draft in the AFC North Division

Cincinnati Bengals- The Cincinnati Bengals had a strong defensive 2006 NFL Draft, after several drafts dedicated to remedying offensive woes over the last fifteen years. Cornerback Johnathan Joseph, the 24th pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, gives an already strong defensive backfield one more body to solidify the defensive side of the ball. Defensive tackle Domata Peko of Michigan State (fourth round of 2006 NFL Draft), linebacker AJ Nicholson of Florida State (fifth round of 2006 NFL Draft), and defensive end Frostee Rucker of USC (third round of 2006 NFL Draft) all point toward coach Marvin Lewis’ defensive bias and strengthen the Bengals for a Super Bowl run in 2006.
2006 NFL Draft grade: B+

Baltimore Ravens- The Ravens, with pressure put on by superstar linebacker Ray Lewis, went after defensive needs early on in the 2006 NFL Draft. The twelfth selection overall in the 2006 NFL Draft, defensive tackle Haloti Ngata of Oregon, gives the Ravens defense some teeth in the middle and should allow Lewis to shed blockers and make plays. Offensive lineman Chris Chester, a second round pick in the 2006 NFL Draft, gives some support to a floundering Ravens offense. Cornerback David Pittman (third round in the 2006 NFL Draft), wide receiver Demetrius Williams (fourth round in the 2006 NFL Draft), and safety Dawan Landry (fifth round in the 2006 NFL Draft) give them depth at the skill positions on offense and defense. But none of this matters if the Ravens can’t figure out the concept of the forward pass and Brian Billick’s attempts to get back to the playoffs may be dashed against the rocks.
2006 NFL Draft grade: B-