Mel Kiper: AFC North First-Round Breakdown

In Mel Kiper's first two mock drafts, he had the Bengals selecting Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green with the No. 4 overall pick. Kiper just came out with his latest mock draft (on ESPN In$ider) and he changed things up a little. I'm going to guide you through the first round for the AFC North, saving the Bengals for last because I want to make you squirm. Is the picture above foreshadowing or am I just messing with you?

Read on.

First the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Baylor guard Danny Watkins with the No. 31 overall pick.

With Florida guard Mike Pouncey long gone in this mock, Kiper says Watkins is the pick. The Steelers need depth and youth on their offensive line. But I believe Pittsburgh is the most likely AFC North team to trade up in this draft. The Steelers are coming off a Super Bowl appearance and were very close to winning a championship. They only need a few pieces, and if the right cornerback or offensive lineman is available, the Steelers shouldn't be afraid to part ways with some of their picks.

Then, since we're going in reverse order here, come the Baltimore Ravens with the No. 26 overall pick. They select Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith.

Kiper remains steadfast in believing the Ravens will take a cornerback in the first round. In his second mock draft, the pick was corner Aaron Williams of Texas. In this mock draft, it's Smith. The Ravens do have the propensity to take the best available player, but I think they will address a need in the first round. Baltimore definitely could use help at offensive tackle and also with its pass rush. According to Kiper's mock, Colorado offensive tackle Nate Solder would be available at No. 26, and that would be a great value pick for Baltimore. With starting cornerback Domonique Foxworth returning, I would be surprised if Baltimore takes a corner early.

Next are the Cleveland Browns, who draft right after the Bengals with the No. 6 overall pick. According to Kiper, they select Georgia wide receiver A.J. Green.

The best receiver in the draft goes to Cleveland, according to Kiper. The Browns' receivers desperately need help, and Green would give them a legitimate No. 1 option in their new West Coast offense. I'm not against this pick, but there is a lot of debate in Cleveland about whether this team should address its defensive line in the first round. I think the Browns are leaning more in that direction. Cleveland is going to a 4-3 scheme in 2011 and need help at both defensive end and defensive tackle. There should be some good prospects there at No. 6.

And finally, we come to the Cincinnati Bengals, who have the No. 4 overall pick. Mel Kiper believes that they will spend their first-round pick on Auburn quarterback Cam Newton................. it was foreshadowing.

Newton is the most polarizing player in the NFL draft, and Kiper believes the Bengals will take him at No. 4. Cincinnati's quarterback position is in turmoil with starter Carson Palmer demanding a trade and threatening to retire. But is Newton the right replacement? He has tremendous athleticism but also comes with boom or bust potential. Because of his athleticism and one year of starting experience, some have compared Newton to Akili Smith. Right or wrong, those comparisons will only increase if he goes to Cincinnati.

What are your thoughts?