AFC North Draft Needs: Ravens hunt for edge rushers; Browns want 'bigger, faster' WRs
theScore goes division by division to identify the biggest positional needs for all 32 NFL teams entering the draft.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Cincinnati Bengals
Biggest need: Wide receiver
Other needs: Center, safety, cornerback, defensive line
Finding a No. 2 wide receiver should be of high priority for the Bengals after losing Marvin Jones and Mohamed Sanu in free agency. The team still has A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert, though, so they could afford to wait until after the first round to address the position. Center is another big need, as incumbent starter Russell Bodine struggled last season.
The Bengals brought back George Iloka this offseason, but allowed their other starting safety, Reggie Nelson, to sign elsewhere, and could look to the draft to find his replacement. They're also in need of a replacement for slot cornerback Leon Hall, who remains unsigned.
Potential draft targets: The Bengals are reportedly quite high on Ohio State wide receiver Michael Thomas, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see him land in Cincinnati. Other receiving options include Notre Dame's Will Fuller, Ole Miss' LaQuon Treadwell, and Baylor's Corey Coleman. At centre, they could target Alabama's Ryan Kelly or USC's Max Tuerk.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Biggest need: Cornerback
Other needs: Safety, outside linebacker, defensive line
The Steelers haven't selected a cornerback in the first round since 1997, but that could change this year. William Gay and Ross Cockrell are the only returning corners with experience, and while Senquez Golson's addition helps, it's unclear how much he'll be able to contribute after missing his entire rookie campaign with a shoulder injury. Upgrading the safety position should also be high on the Steelers' list of draft needs.
Outside linebacker isn't a dire need, however James Harrison is approaching his 38th birthday and unconfirmed to play this season, while Jarvis Jones and Arthur Moats have one and two years, respectively, left on their contracts, so they may want to add some depth there. They could also use some depth behind Cameron Heyward and Stephon Tuitt on the defensive line
Potential draft targets: Pre-draft visits don't necessarily reflect actual draft plans, but it's worth noting that 10 of the Steelers' first 14 meetings were with defensive backs. If they decide to address their cornerback need early on, potential targets could include top prospect Jalen Ramsey, Eli Apple, or William Jackson III. Ohio State's Vonn Bell, Clemson's T.J. Green, and Florida's Keanu Neal were among the safeties to visit Pittsburgh.
Baltimore Ravens
Biggest need: Pass rusher
Other needs: Offensive line, cornerback, inside linebacker
Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti made it clear at March's NFL meetings that he wants to add a pass rushers in the draft, referring to himself as a "pass-rush guy." While the Ravens already boast two proven edge rushers in Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil, the former is coming off a torn Achilles and the latter finished with just six sacks last season after racking up 17 in 2014.
The free-agent departure of Kelechi Osemele created a need at left guard, and the Ravens could use some insurance at left tackle behind the injury-plagued Eugene Monroe. They may also look to bolster the inside linebacker position after releasing veteran Daryl Smith.
Potential draft targets: It seems more likely the Ravens will use a first-round pick on an edge rusher than offensive lineman, but they've been linked heavily to Notre Dame's Ronnie Stanley and have said they plan to draft the best player regardless of position at No. 6 overall. Joey Bosa, DeForest Buckner, and Noah Spence are some of the top edge rushers available.
Cleveland Browns
Biggest need: Quarterback
Other needs: Wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line, cornerback, safety
The Browns have a number of question marks heading into the draft, the biggest of which being at quarterback. Robert Griffin III is currently penciled in as the starter, and while he appears humbled and determined, time will tell whether he can recapture his rookie form. New head coach Hue Jackson has also cited a need for "bigger, faster guys" at wide receiver.
Starting center Alex Mack and right tackle Mitchell Schwartz were among the key players lost in free agency, and while the Browns have a few in-house options to replace them, they could also turn to the draft. Danny Shelton failed to live up to expectations in his rookie season, which could prompt the team to address the defensive line early in the draft.
Potential draft targets: The Browns were widely expected to use the No. 2 overall pick on a quarterback, but after trading it away, they may wait until later on to address the position. Linebacker Myles Jack, defensive end Joey Bosa, and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil could fall to Cleveland at No. 8, while Josh Doctson and Michael Thomas both fit the bill of what Jackson's looking for at wide receiver.
