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Team Needs: AFC North

Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports / Reuters

The AFC North was one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL last season, with three of its four teams advancing to the playoffs with a combined record of 31-16. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens will have limited cap space to work with this offseason, while the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns could be big spenders.

Let's take a look at the players teams may be targeting in free agency and the draft. 

NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST

Pittsburgh Steelers

Positions of need: Cornerback, safety, outside linebacker, running back

The Steelers are in good shape offensively, but have some glaring needs on defense. Linebackers Jason Worilds and James Harrison - who combined for 104 tackles and 13 sacks in 2014 - are both set to become free agents, as is longtime starting cornerback Ike Taylor. 

With limited cap space, the Steelers won't be among the major players in free agency, so they'll need to draft wisely. In addition to adding an impact player in the secondary, Pittsburgh could use another running back, as starter Le'Veon Bell is reportedly facing a two-game suspension for his August arrest on marijuana charges.

Potential free-agent targets: Brandon Flowers provided a big boost to the San Diego Chargers' pass defense in 2014 and could easily slide in as Pittsburgh's No. 1 cornerback. Chris Culliver is also coming off a solid season and may come cheaper than Flowers. 

At linebacker, Jabaal Sheard and Brian Orakpo could be good fits for the Steelers and should fall within their price range. Sheard was slow to pick up Mike Pettine's 3-4 defense in Cleveland, but is still only 25 years old and has local appeal from playing college football at the University of Pittsburgh. While Orakpo has struggled with injuries the past three seasons, he's productive when healthy and may benefit from a change of scenery. 

Cincinnati Bengals

Positions of need: Linebacker, defensive line, tight end

One of the biggest question marks for the Bengals this offseason is at linebacker. Emmanuel Lamur and Rey Maualuga are both set to become free agents and Vontaze Burfict, who is recovering from microfracture knee surgery, may not be ready for training camp. 

After recording a league-worst 20 sacks in 2014, drafting a pass rusher should also be high on Cincinnati's list. Tight end is another area of concern, as Tyler Eifert was limited to one game last season and Jermaine Gresham reportedly won't be back.

Potential free-agent targets: Greg Hardy makes a lot of sense for the Bengals for several reasons. They have the cash, run a 4-3 defense and have a need at defensive end. However, with Hardy's off-field issues, they also have to decide whether the risk is worth it. 

Bruce Carter, A.J. Hawk, Anthony Spencer and Shaun Phillips could be of interest to the Bengals at linebacker. Jordan Cameron - if he can stay healthy - would be a fine replacement for Gresham at tight end.

Baltimore Ravens

Positions of need: Cornerback, safety, offensive tackle, running back, wide receiver

Adding depth in the secondary is a must for the Ravens after losing five cornerbacks to injured reserve in 2014. Jimmy Smith was among those that went down and could be slow working his way back from a Lisfranc sprain. They could also use some help at safety, as former first-round pick Matt Elam struggled in his second season. 

Head coach John Harbaugh remains committed to Eugene Monroe as his starting left tackle, but after his disappointing 2014 campaign, adding depth at that position wouldn't hurt. Running back Justin Forsett and wide receiver Torrey Smith are both set to become free agents and should be high on the Ravens' priority list.

Potential free-agent targets: If the Ravens decide to go the free-agent route to bolster their cornerback position, Byron Maxwell, Brandon Flowers and Kareem Jackson are among those available. This year's list of free-agent safeties is less impressive, so Baltimore may be better off addressing that position through the draft.

After the success of Steve Smith last season, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Ravens add another cap casualty to their roster. Running backs Chris Johnson, DeAngelo Williams and Reggie Bush would fit that bill. 

Cleveland Browns

Positions of need: Linebacker, defensive line, offensive line, wide receiver

The Browns looked to be on their way to securing their first playoff spot in 12 years after starting the season 7-4, but then things went downhill fast. Poor quarterback play, suspect run defense, and lack of depth on the offensive line played a big role in Cleveland's late-season collapse and will need to be addressed. The suspension of Josh Gordon also leaves them with a need at wide receiver.

Owner Jimmy Haslam has already said the Browns will bolster their roster primarily through the draft, which makes sense considering they hold more picks than any other team. That being said, they also have the third-highest cap space in the NFL and could afford to make a run at some big-name free agents as well. 

Potential free-agent targets: The Browns could make a big splash in the free-agent pool by signing Ndamukong Suh, and would be wise to do so after finishing dead last against the run last season. If they're unable to land Suh, other options include Terrance Knighton and Nick Fairley. 

On the offensive side of the ball, Randall Cobb, Cecil Shorts and Jeremy Maclin could all serve as possible replacements for Gordon. If they let Jordan Cameron walk, potential tight-end targets include Jermaine Gresham, Owen Daniels and James Casey.

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