AFC North Rankings: Browns appear on top, Ravens must splash on 2021 NFL draft

No conference boasted more playoff teams in 2020 than the AFC North. Three of the division’s four teams have reached the post-season, while the Browns and Steelers face each other in the wild card round. Cleveland sent Pittsburgh before only having a shortage of defending champion Chiefs. The Ravens, who finished behind the Steelers in the classic division for the regular season, upset the Titans before falling to Buffalo in the division round.

Each team made significant roster changes that led to the 2021 NFL draft. One can say the same about the Bengals, who are trying to get out of the division cellar after finishing fourth every year since 2018. With the launch of the concept just over a week away, we decided to take the current state of every AFC North team. Each team is ranked in order of how well their off-season entered the draft.

1. Cleveland Browns

The good: Cleveland added some key players to its defense. The Browns have defensive backs John Johnson III and Troy Hill, two players who helped the Rams boast the NFL’s best passing defense in 2020. They were also able to reach defensive attack Malik Jackson, linebacker Anthony Walker and Takk McKinley . The Browns’ recent splash was the signing of Jadeveon Clowney. Offensively, Cleveland successfully kept its receiving corps in tune by signing Rashard Higgins again.

The bad: The Browns lost a key member of their defense with the release of Sheldon Richardson. And although the move was largely praised by fans and media members, Cleveland threw the dice with Clowney, who in 2020 could not pick up a single bag in eight games with the Titans. And while Hill is a great addition, the Browns missed it. the chance of a no. 2-corner defender against former Pro Bowler Denzel Ward.

What still needs to be done: Out of necessity, Cleveland will continue to contribute his defense during the draft. Two of our four CBS Sports NFL drafts currently have Browns taking former defender Christian Barmore of Alabama with the 26th pick. Our other two experts have Cleveland’s need to fill a lineout ball. Look for the Browns to also set up a cornerback and a receiver during the draft.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The good: The Steelers’ contract extension of Mike Tomlin has ensured that Pittsburgh will have stability for what looks like four important years for the franchise. While signed for the 2021 season, Ben Roethlisberger may be playing his final season in Pittsburgh. Last year, the Steelers were able to bring back its No. 1 receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster, for a very affordable $ 8 million. Pittsburgh was also able to retain several free agents, including offensive lineman Zach Banner, cornerback Cam Sutton and Tyson Alualu. Pittsburgh have re-signed veteran linebacker Vince Williams after initially releasing him. They also brought back veteran linebacker BJ Finney, an important signing that provides depth to the offensive line.

The bad: Pittsburgh has terrifying holes in fullback, cornerback and EDGE rusher after losing James Conner, Steven Nelson, Mike Hilton and Bud Dupree. The Steelers need to find a long-term replacement for center Maurkice Pouncey, who has retired this season. Pittsburgh also need depth at the tackle and wait after letting Alejandro Villanueva and Matt Feiler pass the open market.

What still needs to be done: Three names Steelers fans need to know in the run-up to the draft include Alabama center Landon Dickerson, Oklahoma State attack Tevon Jenkins, and Alabama’s Najee Harris. There is a very good chance that the Steelers will take one of these players with the 24th pick. Along with addressing these positions, the Steelers will also make use of their nine draws at cornerback, EDGE, attacking guard, defensive line and inside lane. Pittsburgh is also open to setting up a tight end that Eric Ebron can complement.

Cincinnati Bengals

The good: The field movements of the Bengals received more attention than anything they did in terms of grid movements. The team recently announced a new Ring of Honor while changing their uniform. On the field, the Bengals have invested $ 60 million over four years in defensive Trey Hendrickson. The Bengals further contributed to their defense with the signing of Chidobe Awuzie and Mike Hilton, a former rival of the Steelers. To protect Joe Burrow, Cincinnati added a veteran to the offensive line in Riley Reiff’s offensive approach.

The bad: The Bengals need to sign another veteran receiver to replace AJ Green. Cincinnati should also have done more to address their needs at EDGE and Offensive. Reiff and Hendrickson are off to a good start, but the Bengals will have to invest more in both positions.

What still needs to be done: Cincinnati will surely use the overall fifth choice to pick either the Oregon pack, Penei Sewell, or the LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Fans should also not sleep on the Bengals, but Kyle Pitts, Florida, if Pitts is still on the board. After that, the Bengals will probably address their pass before adding depth to the offensive line. Cincinnati also need a depth after losing Giovani Bernard to the Buccaneers.

4. Baltimore Ravens

The good: Baltimore retained some of its key free agents in linebackers Tyus Bowser and Pernell McPhee, as well as Derek Wolfe. Baltimore’s best free agent for outside agencies includes attacking guard Kevin Zeitler, a player the Ravens can surely hope for a better replacement for Marshal Yanda, who retired after the 2019 season. It also features receiver Sammy Watkins, a much-needed addition to Baltimore’s receiving corps.

The bad: The Ravens suffered heavy losses with the departure of linebackers Jihad Ward, Yannick Ngakoue, Matthew Judon and center Matt Skura. They are also preparing themselves for the likely departure of Orlando Brown Jr. after the two-time Pro Bowler expressed his desire to pack from left to right. The Ravens also did little to handle their needs safely.

What still needs to be done: Baltimore has great needs for attacking tackle, linebacker, safety, EDGE and receiver. And while there are still a few free agencies available at each position, the Ravens will first try to fill these gaps via the draft before heading back to the open market. Baltimore needs to pick a draft to pick a tight end that could be a viable option for Lamar Jackson in the passing.

Although receiver cannot be ruled out, it is very likely that Baltimore will use the 28th overall pick for defense. Two of our concept experts have the Ravens the choice to pick former TCU safety Trevon Moehrig. And while they will try to satisfy most of their needs during the draft, the Ravens are looking to sign more free agents over the next few weeks. According to Baltimore’s radar, veteran left-back Alejandro Villanueva has been selected for two Pro Bowls while protecting Ben Roethlisberger’s blind.

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