No conference has boasted more playoff teams than AFC North in 2020. Three of the division’s four teams have done post-season, with the Browns and Steelers facing off in the wild-card round. Cleveland sent Pittsburgh before messing with defending champion Chiefs. The Ravens, who finished behind the Steelers in the regular season standings, upset the Titans before falling to Buffalo in the divisional round.
Each team made significant changes to the list that led to the 2021 NFL Draft. The same can be said of the Bengals, who are trying to get out of the division’s basement after finishing fourth each year in 2018. With the start of the project in just over a week away, we decided to take a look at the current state of each AFC North team. Each team is ranked in order of how well they spent their off-season entering the draft.
1. Cleveland Browns
Good: Cleveland has added some significant players to its defense. Browns signed defensive backs John Johnson III and Troy Hill, two players who helped the Rams brag about the NFL’s top defense in 2020. They also got along with defensive forward Malik Jackson, defender Anthony Walker and Takk McKinley. Browns’ recent outburst was the signing of Jadeveon Clowney. Offensively, Cleveland successfully kept its receiving body in tact, re-signing Rashard Higgins.
The river: Brown lost a key member of the defense with the release of Sheldon Richardson. And while the move has been largely praised by fans and members of the media, Cleveland is rolling the dice with Clowney, who failed to record a single sack in eight games with the Titans in 2020. And while Hill is a nice addition, Browns missed the chance to find a defender no. 2, opposite former Pro Bowler Denzel Ward.
What else needs to be done: Out of necessity, Cleveland will continue to contribute to its defense during the project. Two of our four CBS Sports NFL experts currently have the Browns on former Alabama defensive lineman Christian Barmore with the 26th pick. Our other two experts have Cleveland who fills his need for a linebacker with a choice. Look for Browns to project both a defender and a receiver during the draft.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
Good: Steelers’ contract extension for 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 could play his last season in Pittsburgh. For what could be his last year, the Steelers managed to bring back their receiver no. 1, JuJu Smith-Schuster, for a very affordable price of $ 8 million. Pittsburgh also managed to retain several free agents, including linebacker Zach Banner, defender Cam Sutton and Tyson Alualu. Pittsburgh re-signed veteran Vince Williams after he was initially released. They also brought back linebacker BJ Finney, a key signature in deepening the offensive line.
The river: Pittsburgh has shiny holes in the back, corner and EDGE after losing to 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 needs depth in attack and guard after letting Alejandro Villanueva and Matt Feiler enter the free market.
What else needs to be done: Three names Steelers fans should know before the project include Alabama center Landon Dickerson, Oklahoma State offensive striker Tevon Jenkins and Alabama Najee Harris. There is a very good chance that the Steelers will take one of these players with the 24th general election. Along with addressing these positions, the Steelers will also use some of the nine draft picks in the corner, EDGE, offensive guard, defensive line and inside defender. Pittsburgh is also open to working out a tight ending that can complement Eric Ebron.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
Good: The off-field moves of the Bengals have attracted more attention than anything they have done, in terms of the list moves. The team recently announced a new Ring of Honor while making changes to its uniform. In the field, the Bengals have invested $ 60 million over four years in Trey Hendrickson’s defense. The Bengals added their defense with the signatures of defenders Chidobe Awuzie and Mike Hilton, a former rival of the division with the Steelers. To protect Joe Burrow, Cincinnati added a veteran to the offensive line in offensive attack Riley Reiff.
The river: The Bengals have yet to sign a veteran receiver to replace AJ Green. Cincinnati should also have done more to meet the needs of the EDGE and the offensive line. Reiff and Hendrickson are good starters, but the Bengals will have to invest more in both positions through the draft.
What else needs to be done: Cincinnati will definitely use general option no. 5 to select either Oregon wedge striker Sewell or LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Fans should also not sleep on Bengals taking Kyle Pitts to Florida if Pitts is still on board. After that, the Bengals will likely tackle the crossing before adding depth to the offensive line. Cincinnati also needs deep back after losing to Giovani Bernard to the Buccaneers.
4. Baltimore Ravens
Good: Baltimore has kept some of its core agents free in defenders Tyus Bowser and Pernell McPhee, along with defensive end Derek Wolfe. Among the best signings of the free agent outside of Baltimore is offensive guard Kevin Zeitler, a player the Ravens hope can certainly be a better replacement for Marshal Yanda, who retired after the 2019 season. Also includes receiver Sammy Watkins, a much-needed addition to the Baltimore receiving corps.
The river: Ravens suffered heavy losses with the departures of defenders Jihad Ward, Yannick Ngakoue, Matthew Judon and center Matt Skura. They are also preparing for the likely departure of Orlando Brown Jr. after twice Pro Bowler has expressed a desire to move from left to right. The crows also did little to meet their needs safely.
What else needs to be done: Baltimore has strong needs in terms of offensive attacks, linebacker, safety, EDGE and receiver. And while there are still a few free agents available at each position, the Ravens will first try to fill those holes in the draft before going free again. Baltimore should find a draft pick to select a tight end that may be a viable option for Lamar Jackson in the passing game.
While the receiver cannot be ruled out, Baltimore is more likely to use the 28th overall pick in defense. Two of our project experts have Ravens using the selection to select former TCU fighter Trevon Moehrig. And while they’ll try to meet most of their needs during the project, look for Ravens to sign more free agents in the next few weeks. One player on Baltimore’s radar is veteran left-back Alejandro Villanueva, who was selected for two Pro Bowls while protecting Ben Roethlisberger’s blind.