AFC North under-the-radar rookies

With training camp and preseason underway, unheralded rookies will make strong impressions and climb depth charts. Here are four under-the-radar rookies to watch in the AFC North.

Baltimore Ravens

Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, guard (sixth round): The Ravens are in search of their next left guard after losing in free agency Ben Powers, who allowed zero sacks in 2022. With an open competition underway, Aumavae-Laulu has already earned first-team reps at left guard. Baltimore is clearly intrigued by him.

2021 third-round pick Ben Cleveland may still be the favorite, but its impressive anytime a late-round pick pushes for a starting spot. If Aumavae-Laulu continues to show out in training camp and preseason, he could start.

Cleveland Browns

Cedric Tillman, wide receiver (third round): The Browns didn't make their first selection in the 2023 NFL Draft until the third round, but they might have gotten a steal at pick No. 74. Tillman, "the most physical receiver in the draft class," according to Pro Football Focus, has impressed throughout training camp.

The 6-foot-3, 213-pound receiver played in a mere six games at Tennessee in 2022 due to injury, but he had 64 catches for 1,081 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2021. Tillman is competing against a talented group that includes Amari Cooper, Elijah Moore, Donovan Peoples-Jones and Marquise Goodwin, but if he continues to stand out, it will be difficult to keep the rookie off the field.

He showed flashes of his talent in Cleveland's 21-16 win over the Jets in the Hall of Fame Game.