Since 2003, only two times has a team consecutively won the AFC North. The last five titles have belonged to the Cincinnati Bengals or Pittsburgh Steelers. Could this trend continue? The Cleveland Browns have holes to fill everywhere, the Cincinnati Bengals had an extremely disappointing season after winning the AFC North in 2015, the Baltimore Ravens need a playmaker on offense, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have defensive issues. Let’s take a deeper look at what each team in the AFC North needs.
AFC North Team Needs
Cleveland Browns
Top Free Agents: Terrelle Pryor (WR) and Isaiah Crowell (RB)
Team needs: DL, QB, LB
The Cleveland Browns have an arsenal of draft picks in the 2017 NFL draft. This bodes perfectly for them as the draft is stockpiled with elite defensive talent. In the first round, the Browns have both the first and twelfth selections. Many of the talking heads predict the Browns to select Myles Garrett and Deshaun Watson with their first two picks. For this upcoming season, it would be smart for the Browns to focus their energy elsewhere; perhaps on other defensive needs. Cody Kessler had a formidable year in his rookie campaign and they should stick with him for another season. The Browns already took a positive step towards revamping their defense when they re-signed Jamie Collins to a four-year deal. If the Browns choose to franchise tag Pryor instead of signing him to a long-term deal, he could become the highest-paid wide receiver in the league. I would not be surprised if the Browns took a hybrid linebacker or a defensive back early. Keep your eyes peeled for names like Zach Cunningham, Hassan Reddick, Quincy Wilson, Sidney Jones, Marcus Williams, and Marlon Humprey. One of these guys could land with Cleveland on draft night. The Browns have the most cap space of any NFL team with $108.77 MM and they should not be hesitant to spend it.
Cincinnati Bengals
Top Free Agents: Andrew Whitworth (OL), Kevin Zeitler (OL), Brandon LaFell (WR)
Team needs: LB, OL, WR
The Cincinnati Bengals took a major step back this past season after winning the AFC North title in 2015. In 2016, they finished 6-9-1. A major reason I listed offensive line as a major concern is I do not think the Bengals will be able to retain both Whitworth and Zeitler which were their best offensive lineman by far. They also have a gaping hole at inside linebacker. Bengals fans everywhere should be praying Reuben Foster falls to them on draft night. He would be a perfect fit for this team and a tremendous upgrade. Additionally, look for them to add a complimentary receiver. The Bengals have many options to choose from with this upcoming draft class. Names like Zay Jones, Malachi Dupre, Josh Reynolds are names to watch for. While they do have tremendous offensive talent with A.J. Green and Tyler Eifert, a second receiver would really open up this offense. The Cincinnati Bengals have a significant amount of cap space available this offseason at $44.81 MM.
Baltimore Ravens
Top Free Agents: Ricky Wagner (OL), Steve Smith Sr. (Retirement – WR), Lawrence Guy (DL)
Team needs: WR, Edge, S
The Baltimore Ravens steadily improved from a season ago. In 2015, they finished 5-11 and in 2016 they finished 8-8. Sure no team enjoys mediocrity, but steady growth is a sign of improvement. With Steve Smith retiring and rumors about Mike Wallace being cut, the Baltimore Ravens have serious question marks at the receiver position. In 2016, the wide receiver’s for the Baltimore Ravens accounted for 2,689 of the 4,343 receiving yards. Reciever’s not named Wallace and Smith only combined for 873 yards. Adding a wide receiver this off-season is the utmost priority for the Baltimore Ravens. If Corey Davis (WR from Western Michigan) is available for this pick, I do not see the Ravens passing on him. In DEF PEN’s latest mock draft, Taco Charlton is projected to be selected by the Ravens with the 16th overall pick. The former Wolverine went on a tear late in the season, recording 10 sacks in his final 10 games. With Terrell Suggs aging, this would be a smart investment. Allow him to pressure the quarterback opposite of Elvis Dumervil can give opposing quarterbacks nightmares. Furthermore, Eric Weddle was a tremendous addition to this team last offseason. However, I expect the Ravens to shop around for a strong safety this off-season. The Baltimore Ravens only have $15.25 MM of cap space to work with this offseason. Look for them to make moves to increase that number.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Top Free Agents: Le’Veon Bell (RB), James Harrison (Edge), Ross Cockrell (CB), Jarvis Jones (Edge)
Team needs: LB, S, DL
In 2016, the Pittsburgh Steelers were projected to win the division title, the AFC, and some experts even favorited them to win Super Bowl 51. At 11-5, they nearly accomplished just that. The Steelers have some work to do if they want to keep their elite, three-headed monster intact. Rumors have surfaced that if Adrian Peterson gets cut, that cuts the running back franchise tag from $12MM to $8MM. According to Pro Football Talk, this is not true.
Adrian Peterson getting cut won’t affect exclusive RB franchise tag either; non-exclusive tag already is higher, even with his $18 million.
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) February 21, 2017
With all of that being said, it is likely that the Pittsburgh Steelers will franchise tag Le’Veon Bell and work out a long-term deal before the deadline. The Pittsburgh Steelers would also be wise to re-sign James Harrison (edge) and Ross Cockrell (cornerback). The Steelers have a reputation for being a hard-hitting, tremendous defensive team. However, since Dick LeBeau left for the Tennessee Titans, the defense has not played as well. Look for the Steelers to add an outside rusher/linebacker. Jarvis Jones has not lived up to the hype of a first round selection. I imagine they release him and look for a replacement through the draft. According to DEF PEN’s latest mock draft, the Steelers are projected to select Takkarist McKinley, OLB-DE from UCLA. Another name to keep an eye out for is edge rusher Ryan Anderson from Alabama. Additionally, watch for the Steelers to grab a quarterback late. It may be time to start grooming one as Big Ben is on his last leg. The Steelers have $36.63 MM in cap space this offseason.
(All grades per Pro Football Focus).
