Doc's NFL Notebook
AFC North
By James Santelli

Baltimore Ravens

One of the major pieces acquired this offseason to help alleviate the loss of 9-time All-Pro LT Jonathan Ogden is new RG Adrien Clarke. The fourth-year lineman started 14 games for the New York Jets last season, and is expected to compete with 23-year-old Marshal Yanda for the starting right guard position… The Ravens also brought in a slew of new defensive backs this summer in order to improve a unit that allowed an AFC-high 68 passing plays go for over 20 yards. Depth at safety behind Ed Reed comes in the form of third-round draft choice Tom Zbikowski, as well 25-year-old Jim Leonhard, who recorded 54 tackles for the Buffalo Bills last season. Former first-round choice Fabian Washington, acquired in a trade with the Raiders, as well as ex-Green Bay Packer Frank Walker will provide excellent depth at cornerback… First-round pick QB Joe Flacco signed a 5-year, $30 million contract with the Ravens nearly a week before the opening of training camp. Flacco will compete with Kyle Boller and Troy Smith to replace Steve McNair as the starting quarterback.

Cincinnati Bengals

After finishing last in the NFL last season with 22 sacks, it's no surprise that the Bengals chose to address the defensive end position in free agency with ex-Tennessee Titan Antwan Odom. The 26-year-old Odom was second on the Titans and tenth in the AFC with 8 sacks… The other major addition to the team's front seven was first round choice (ninth overall) OLB Keith Rivers. The former USC Trojan will bring fantastic quickness and athleticism to the weakside linebacker slot, and could start right away with a solid camp… Former Arizona Cardinal Darryl Blackstock has also been brought in to add depth to the outside linebacker position. The 25-year-old Blackstock recorded 21 tackles and 3 sacks last season… Bringing a new dimension to the third-ranked passing offense in the AFC will be the addition of new TE Ben Utecht. The fifth-year player caught 31 passes for 364 yards last season, playing second fiddle in Indianapolis to Dallas Clark. Utecht will likely share playing time with current starter, veteran Reggie Kelly.

Cleveland Browns

The fifth-ranked passing offense in the AFC received a substantial upgrade in new wide receiver Donte' Stallworth. The 27-year-old receiver caught 46 passes for 697 yards for the New England Patriots last year. Stallworth (no relation to former Steelers WR John) saw his numbers fall last season compared to previous years, though that owes a lot to him being Tom Brady's third option at wide receiver, behind Wes Welker and Pro Bowler Randy Moss. The former Tennessee Volunteer will likely open up the season as Cleveland's starting WR opposite Braylon Edwards… 29-year-old DT Shaun Rogers was signed to a six-year deal. The two-time Pro Bowler, as well as new DE Corey Williams, should provide an improvement for a front seven that finished 27th in the NFL in rush defense last season… RG Rex Hadnot will likely be the only new starter on the Browns offensive line. Hadnot started the last 55 games for the Miami Dolphins before signing with Cleveland in the offseason.