AFC North Draft Needs
Welcome back to the Truth Serum! We continue our Draft Needs series with The AFC North.
Baltimore Ravens
WR, C, EDGE
The Ravens offensive line took a large step back last year after the loss of Marshal Yanda. They replaced him in free agency with Kevin Zeitler, but then lost C Matt Skura. With no solid centers left in free agency, look for Baltimore to use the draft to address this need. They picked up Sammy Watkins from Kansas City and should look for more receiver help in the draft so they don’t remain a one-dimensional team relying solely on the legs of QB Lamar Jackson and RB J.K. Dobbins. I believe the final need at EDGE can be addressed still via free agency with many decent players still on the market.
Cleveland Browns
EDGE, LB, WR
As with Baltimore the Browns can easily address their Edge, and possibly their LBs as well, with the remaining free agents left on the market. They could also be in the hunt for wideout help pending the relationship with OBJ coming back from a season ending injury. This is another draft with a deep receiver class so Cleveland may be able to find a late round star to help diversify the offense.
UPDATE: Since this was written Cleveland signed Jadeveon Clowney.
Cincinnati Bengals
TE, G, RB
With the signing of OT Riley Reiff and the release of RB Giovanni Bernard I decided to swap the final Cincinnati team need. TE has long been an issue for the Bengals as they have dealt with inconsistency and injuries at the position for a decade. They need OL help in general to help protect rookie phenom QB Joe Burrow, with the largest hole being at the G position. As far as the RB spot, with Gio gone and Mixon’s injury history, they need a solid solution to be ready to step in. They could also use some WR help with only Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd showing any decent amount of talent on the roster.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are the most complete team in the league and don’t have any team needs…. Ok, so I’m just dreaming, but a man can hope.
C, RB, OT
With the retirement of Maurkice Pouncey and the loss of Alejandro Villanueva to free agency, the Steelers need a lot of offensive line help to not only keep Big Ben safe in the pocket but to also help revitalize the Steelers run game, which was nonexistent last season. The final need relates to that with the question being, who will tote the rock? James Conner is a free agent, and the slew of remaining backs have little to no experience and haven’t impressed with the opportunities they got. With a few noteworthy RBs available in the draft this year, look for the Steelers to make a day 2, or possibly even a day 1, addition at the RB spot.
UPDATE: James Conner has signed to The Arizona Cardinals.
Stay tuned for the AFC West tomorrow and as always, stay true.
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