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2 players for Bengals to steal from each AFC North rival

By Rory-Joe Daniels

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 3: Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a pass defended against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter of a game at Empower Field at Mile High on October 3, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 3: Marlon Humphrey #44 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrates a pass defended against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter of a game at Empower Field at Mile High on October 3, 2021 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images)
(Photo by Nick Cammett/Getty Images) /

Cleveland Browns Defensive Player – Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB

The Bengals will have some decisions to make at the linebacker position. Germaine Pratt enters his final contract year in 2022, and Logan Wilson will be eyeing an extension next off-season. Akeem Davis-Gaither will hopefully develop into more than a third-down ‘backer, but there is certainly a question mark over depth.

That’s why I would opt to steal Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah. Despite only going into his second year in the NFL, he has already shown enough to suggest he is the ideal modern-day linebacker. Earning a grade of 76.5 from PFF, he tallied 57 solo tackles, two fumbles, and three sacks. His coverage ability is another boon and would make him an excellent addition next to Wilson.

Cleveland Browns Offensive Player – Joel Bitonio, OG

The most significant gap on this current Bengals offense is certainly at left guard. The offensive line has received a considerable overhaul this offseason, which means that spot remains the only doubt. It will come down to a camp battle between new draftee Cordell Volson and Jackson Carman. Being able to plug in a player of Joel Bitonio’s quality would immediately relieve that headache.

A recent ranking on Touchdown Wire had Bitonio as the best guard in the league. His lowest PFF grade was 74.2 in 2019, and it peaked last season at 93.6. Being equally adept against the passing and running games would help the Bengals thrive.

There would be no clear weak link on an offensive line containing Jonah Williams, Joel Bitonio, Ted Karras, Alex Cappa, and La’el Collins. Joe Mixon and Joe Burrow would be more than happy with that protection unit.

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