Sophomore Spotlight: AFC North

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[b]AFC NORTH[/b]: Second-year player spotlight for 2005
Here's a look at five players in the AFC North who didn't make an impact as rookies last season, but who look to play significant roles in 2005.


[b]Robert Geathers, DE[/b] — [b]Cincinnati Bengals[/b]
Geathers broke into the rotation last season and intrigued Cincy coaches with his natural pass rush skills.
This spring, Geathers has focused on adding bulk and the Bengals have penciled him in as a starter entering training camp.Geathers' pass rush potential will play a major role in the continued development of a long-term foundation for the Bengals' defense under Marvin Lewis.


[b]Keiwan Ratliff, CB[/b] — [b]Cincinnati Bengals[/b]
Ratliff opened up plenty of eyes last season with his play at cornerback.
Ratliff doesn't jump out at observers with just average size and speed, but he's very instinctive and physical — two key components of Marvin Lewis defenses. Ratliff isn't afraid to get dirty in run support and likes to press receivers. He should play a significant role in the Bengals' secondary this season.


Sean Jones, S — Cleveland Browns
Jones was supposed to give the Browns much needed athleticism in the secondary in 2004, but he ending up missing his rookie season with a torn ACL.
The former second-round pick from Georgia is working his way back to form and should cement himself as a presence in the Browns' secondary for a long time. Jones will make an immediate impact as an active run supporter and should become a playmaker with his athleticism.


Ricardo Colclough, CB — Pittsburgh Steelers
The cornerback position was an Achilles' heel for the Steelers in recent years because they lacked athleticism. With Colclough, the Steelers hope they have a great matchup athlete for the long-term. His speed and natural cover skills are much needed in the secondary.
Colclough did a solid job in the nickel last season, but should eventually pass veteran Willie Williams into the starting lineup at some point this season.


Max Starks, OT — Pittsburgh Steelers
Starks was groomed behind veteran Oliver Ross last season and saw most of his action in short-yardage situations. The coaches liked what they saw as a run blocker. The biggest test will be how Starks handles playing in space — especially in pass protection — but Starks has a frame that is tough to get around.
The coaches are a little nervous not having much veteran depth across the offensive line, so Starks' development is critical towards the Steelers maintaining consistency on the offensive side of the ball.


More Second-Year Sleepers
The Baltimore Ravens have two second-year players who should make an impact in situational roles.
Clarence Moore will play behind Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton at wide receiver, but has the ability to stretch the field and make an impact in the red zone. Roderick Green is moving from linebacker to defensive end in the conversion to the 4-3. Green can't handle many assignments, but has incredible natural pass rush tools. He could make a significant impact as a nickel rusher this season.

Brian DeLucia has been a frequent contributor to FOXSports.com for several years. He can be reached at bjd@enter.net.

[Guest mongoloido]

I love that the FoxSports guy tossed in a couple Ravens as an afterthought. I get the feeling he did it solely to keep the Ravens fans from crying, not because they are expected to rock.

[Guest Matt_Six]

Didn't maek an impact as a rookie???

Ratliff started some games... he definitely made an impact.