COLUMBUS — The Bengals focused on defense in the NFL draft, using their first three picks to get players they expect to be immediate contributors.
The Cleveland Browns added some quality players but were unable to trade quarterback Baker Mayfield, who remains on the team’s roster and in limbo.
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The Super Bowl runner-up Bengals used five of their six picks in the draft to get defensive players.
Seeking depth for the secondary and defensive line, they traded up three spots to get Nebraska cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt in the second round after taking safety Daxton Hill in the opening round.
Cincinnati is seeking to pump up the pass rush after losing interior lineman Larry Ogunjobi to free agency.
The 6-foot-4, 285-pound Carter started 12 games for the Gators, compiling 32 tackles with eight sacks.
The Bengals selected Michigan defensive back Daxton Hill with the 31st pick of the draft.
The Bengals passed up some other enticing defensive players to get someone they expect to contribute right away in their secondary.
The 6-foot, 191-pound Hill mostly played safety but also some slot cornerback at Michigan.
Coach Zac Taylor says he could fit in at safety or nickel in the Bengals defense.
Browns still shopping Baker
The Browns checked all the boxes in this year’s NFL draft. Except one.
They were unable to trade Mayfield, who became expendable when the team acquired three-time Pro Bowl QB Deshaun Watson last month.
The Browns appeared to be close to making a deal with Carolina on Friday for Mayfield, the No. 1 overall pick in 2018. But talks broke down and the Panthers drafted a quarterback.
Browns general manager Andrew Berry called the Mayfield situation “fluid.”
Cleveland drafted four offensive players, four defensive, and took a kicker this weekend.
The Browns made another trade with Houston, dropping to the third round to take Mississippi State cornerback Martin Emerson.
Following the blockbuster deal to acquire quarterback Deshaun Watson last month, Browns general manager Andrew Berry had the Texans on speed dial and reached out to them in the second round.
The Browns traded three first-round picks for Watson.
While addressing some needs, the Browns were again unable to trade quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Cleveland has had talks with Carolina, but the Panthers seemed to take themselves out of consideration by moving up to select Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral.
The Browns also selected UAB defensive end Alex Wright and Purdue wide receiver David Bell.
Steelers draft skill for rebuilt offense
Retooling the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense is nearly complete after the NFL draft.
The Steelers used five of their seven players on skill position players.
Their haul included quarterback Kenny Pickett and wide receivers George Pickens and Calvin Austin III.
Pittsburgh also drafted running back/tight end Connor Heyward, the younger brother of All-Pro defensive lineman Cam Heyward.
The Steelers will have one of the youngest offenses in the league in 2022, with every projected started age 28 or younger.
The Steelers grabbed Pickett, the former University of Pittsburgh star, with the 20th overall pick.
The move makes Pickett the heir apparent to Ben Roethlisberger, who retired in January.
Pickett spent five seasons working on the other side of the building the Steelers share with the Panthers.
He came into his own last fall when he threw for 42 touchdowns, was named ACC Player of the Year and finished in the Heisman Trophy race behind Alabama quarterback Bryce Young and Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.
The 6-foot-3, 200-pound Pickens should help the Steelers deal with the loss of JuJu Smith-Schuster to Kansas City.
Pickens joins a group that includes Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool.
The Steelers bolstered their defensive line in the third round by selecting DeMarvin Leal out of Texas A&M. Leal had 8 1/2 sacks last year.