As many a fan can admit, you sometimes find yourself wishing you had a player from a team you despise. We are going to be taking that one step further today. Combining all of the players from the offensive side of the ball to make The 2018 AFC North All-Division Team.
The 2018 AFC North All-Division Team: The Offense
Quarterback – Ben Roethlisberger – Pittsburgh Steelers
Big Ben has been sitting atop the division as best quarterback for a decade. The gap is getting narrower as Roethlisberger ages, but it is still his for the time being. The accolades and stats easily surpass anyone else in the division. Ben does need to keep his eye out for the newest quarterback in the division in Tyrod Taylor. With no true threat to the throne, the title is in Ben’s hands until he retires.
Running Back – Le’Veon Bell – Pittsburgh Steelers
After another season of contract talks and potential holdouts, Bell is ready to go. After signing a one year deal, look for Bell to provide another incredible season. Not just the best in the division, Bell may be the best in the NFL. There is a slight worry with Bell, as most backs have a down season after 400 touches. Can Bell break the mold entering into his age 26 season?
Wide Receiver – Antonio Brown – Pittsburgh Steelers
There should be no wonder why this team is consistently a dangerous offense. Like Bell, Brown is arguably the best at his position in the entire league. Brown has put up incredible numbers over the last five seasons. With 582 catches, 7848 yards, and 52 touchdowns over that span. Entering into his age 30 season, don’t expect anything less than another stellar season.
Wide Receiver – A.J. Green – Cincinnati Bengals
Green came into the league in 2011, and was instantly a star. The only thing that has slowed him down was an injury riddled 2016 campaign. Despite playing with Andy Dalton, Green has made the Pro Bowl every year in the league. If paired with an elite quarterback, there is no telling the heights Green could reach. Look for Green to add another 1,000 yard season to his resume in 2018.
Slot receiver – Jarvis Landry – Cleveland Browns
Coming over from the Miami Dolphins, Landry is also now a rich man. After signing a 5 year, $75.5 million deal, Landry is now the 3rd highest paid receiver in the NFL. Landry lead the league in 2017 with 112 receptions. As he joins Cleveland, he should be able to increase his yards per catch with the surrounding offensive talent. He finds himself part of a new look Browns team looking to surprise not just the North, but the NFL as well. Tyrod Taylor, Josh Gordon, Carlos Hyde, and Jarvis Landry could easily become an exciting team to watch.
Tight End – David Njoku – Cleveland Browns
By the end of the year, Cleveland could challenge the Steelers for the most talented offense in the division. Not in top end talent, but in depth, Njoku is part of that. After a rookie season full of ups and downs, he is looking to find more consistency in his game. Although he is far away from his ceiling, Njoku is still the best tight end in the division. If Tyler Eifert could stay healthy, he would easily top this list. As that isn’t the case, Njoku could easily be the name in this spot for years to come. The surprise could be Hayden Hurst, as his advanced age could lead to early production.
Left Tackle – Ronnie Stanley – Baltimore Ravens
Since 1997, the title of best left tackle in football belonged to two people, both whom resided in this division. From Jonathan Ogden to Joe Thomas, there is an opening now for someone new in the division. This easily could have gone to Cordy Glenn in Cincinnati or Alejandro Villanueva in Pittsburgh. Shoring up the left side of the line, Stanley is going to be an important cog in the Ravens season. For now, with his youth and rising ability, Ronnie Stanley is the best left tackle in the division.
Left Guard – Joel Bitonio – Cleveland Browns
After Joe Thomas retired, the pressure is going to be on Bitonio to show he is a great player solo. Although there are rumblings that the Browns may be moving him to left tackle. Having played his entire pro career at guard, expectations are rising daily. Bitonio is incredibly well rounded, earning top 20 grades at both run-blocking and pass-blocking. If he can transfer to tackle and keep up the production, he will become one of the better tackles in the league
Center – Maurkice Pouncey – Pittsburgh Steelers
Pouncey has been leading the way on the Steelers offensive line since 2010. Having made the pro bowl every year he has been healthy, that is the biggest question surrounding him. If Pouncey is able to play all year, look for his offensive teammates to have another incredible year. Even though he graded low last year according to some, he is still a great center capable of leading any team’s offensive line.
Right Guard – Marshal Yanda – Baltimore Ravens
The easiest call on offensive line in this division is Yanda. Although he is getting older and coming off of injury, he is easily the best offensive lineman regardless of position. Consistently underrated and overlooked by the public, Yanda has been one of the best in the league for a decade. As long as Yanda stays healthy, he should put together another All-Pro season. Look for him to lead the charge, helping the surrounding youth of the Ravens make a playoff charge in 2018.
Right Tackle – Marcus Gilbert – Pittsburgh Steelers
Like so many other lineman, Gilbert has the ability to be a top ten lineman if healthy. Gilbert has received a couple grades throughout the years that have listed him in or near the top ten. Throughout the years the Steelers have struggled with injuries on their offensive line. If Gilbert is in, he should easily pave the way for Bell next to David DeCastro.
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