Summer position battles: AFC North

The third of eight division-by-division looks at the key position battles for each NFL team heading into training camps.

Baltimore Ravens

Terrell Suggs vs. Adalius Thomas, outside linebacker

Terrell Suggs has been expected to be a great LB. (Getty Images)

Now is the time for Suggs. At least that's what the Ravens hope. Suggs was a first-round pick last year and played well as a rookie in spot duty, but he has to do more to become a full-time starter. Thomas is a special-teams star who has also been an effective player in the defense. It is not going to be easy to keep him on the bench. But, after maturing as a rookie, look for a big year from Suggs.

Edge: Suggs, in large part because the Ravens think it is his time.

Opening-day starter: Suggs is the pick, but Thomas will fight like heck to stay on the field.

Cincinnati Bengals

Chris Perry vs. Rudi Johnson, running back

Johnson's play in 2003 was a big reason the team was able to trade Corey Dillon to New England. He is a tough, hard runner who can also rip off a long run or two. It is his job for now, but the team drafted Perry with the idea he will push Johnson. Perry is a producer from Michigan who gets his yardage inside the tackles. He isn't a speed back, but he has good enough speed. This is a pleasant competition to have for Bengals coaches.

Edge: Johnson gets the edge because of experience.

Opening-day starter: Johnson. This is his year, but he can become an unrestricted free agent after this season.

Cleveland Browns

William Green vs. Lee Suggs, running back

If Green can get his head straight, he can be an effective runner -- if his line improves. He has the ability to cut and slash, but he has to stay on the field. He didn't do that last year when injuries and off-field issues affected him. Green showed in 2002 he has the tools. Suggs, a fourth-round pick last year, missed much of the season recovering from knee surgery, but he came on strong late. Suggs rushed for 186 yards on 26 carries in the final game last season against the Bengals. He has the home-run speed teams love.

Edge: Suggs. He's the cleaner choice of the two.

Opening-day starter: If Green is focused, he's the choice. If not, it has to be Suggs.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike Logan vs. Chris Hope, free safety

The Steelers drafted Hope in the second round a couple of years ago with the idea he would be a play-making safety. So far he has been watching most of the time. Hope has the tools, but it hasn't worked out yet. Logan is a physical player who has played a big role in the Steelers' dime packages the past couple of seasons. He can run, hit and he can blitz. The Steelers have had some doubts whether he can handle a full-time gig. Maybe now is the time.

Edge: Logan. He's more physical, and the Steelers like that.

Opening-day starter: Logan. But it wouldn't be a shock to see Hope play.