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29 July 2008

Fearless Predictions from ESPN

I think Bentley would be a very good pickup IF he can stay healthy. I think he brings some competition for the position. Here is some stats for him, what do you think he is worth?

Roster

LeCharles Bentley

LeCharles Bentley

Height:
6'2"

Weight:
309lbs.

College:
Ohio State

Birthdate:
11/07/1979

Year in NFL:
7

Games Played/Started:

2002 (14/14); 2003 (13/13); 2004 (16/16); 2005 (14/14); 2006 (0/0); 2007 (0/0)

Career Totals

57 games, 57 starts

Career Transactions

Originally drafted by New Orleans in the second round, 44th overall, in the 2002 NFL Draft…Signed by Cleveland to a six-year contract as an unrestricted free agent on March 11, 2006.

Career Highlights

Five-year offensive lineman has started in 57 career games with New Orleans…Voted to Pro Bowl in 2003 and 2005…Two-year starter at center (2004 and 2005) and two-year starter at right guard (2002, 2003)…Voted to the 2003 Pro Bowl, however did not participate due to a knee injury…In 2002, named Sports Illustrated Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Football Weekly All-Rookie Team.

As far as the other predictions, I wouldn't be that surprised with the Browns prediction, they need that rookie playing to keep the veterans in line. I also wouldn't be that surprised to see Maxwell make the Bengals team due to the fact that they have no receivers left, especially if Johnson continues to be a distraction. As far as the Ravens are concerned, I think they need to find a veteran quarterback, maybe Favre, to train him first, but I can see him starting.

Fearless AFC North predictions

July 29, 2008 11:00 AM

Posted by ESPN.com's James Walker

With all four training camps officially underway in the AFC North, there is no better time to look into the crystal ball.

But these predictions are a little different because they don't state the obvious. Many are going out on a limb, which could draw responses such as, "Are you crazy?"

With that in mind, here are four fearless predictions from training camp representing each AFC North team:

1. Cleveland Browns: Rookie LB Alex Hall will make the 53-man roster.

  • This is the most talented team the Browns have had since returning to the NFL in 1999. Still, seventh-round pick Hall from tiny St. Augustine will make the initial 53-man roster. Keep in mind, just one seventh-rounder has made the Browns out of training camp in the Romeo Crennel-Phil Savage era. But Hall, although he's very raw, has just what the Browns need at outside linebacker with athleticism and the ability to rush the passer. Even if that's all Hall can do, it will make it tough for Cleveland to cut him. If Hall proves to be solid on special teams, he could be a lock.

2. Cincinnati Bengals: Marcus Maxwell will win the No. 3 receiver job.

  • I know what you're thinking. Who is Maxwell? My point exactly. Maxwell has been quietly on the lips of the Bengals' coaching staff all offseason for his playmaking and work ethic in practice. The question is can Maxwell translate that into actual games? Maxwell is big at 6-foot-3. He has nice quickness and great hands. It may be enough to replace Chris Henry in 2008. Check here for a profile on Maxwell from Bengals camp later today.

3. Baltimore Ravens: Joe Flacco will start in week one.

  • This will not be a shock to regular readers of this blog. I've held this prediction for months since I watched all three quarterbacks throw in minicamp. There are many unknowns with Flacco. First, he's a rookie. Second, he has yet to take a hit. Third, we don't know how well he can read defenses. But Flacco physically is superior to his two competitors, Troy Smith and Kyle Boller. Flacco is taller, throws the best ball and has the strongest arm. That gives him enough of a chance to win the job in week one.

4. Pittsburgh Steelers: LeCharles Bentley eventually will sign with Pittsburgh.

  • The Steelers and Bengals were two teams within the AFC North that showed preliminary interest in Bentley this summer. Bentley, if healthy, has a chance to make an impact at guard for Pittsburgh. He is a natural center but Justin Hartwig is expected to start there. Although Bentley is a Cleveland native, he was not a happy camper when he left the Browns because of the way his knee injury was handled. So what better way to get back at the Browns by playing for their biggest rival?

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