No conference had more playoff teams than the AFC North in 2020. Three of the division’s four teams made it to the postseason, with the Browns and Steelers facing each other in the wildcard round. Cleveland sent Pittsburgh away before just falling short against the defending champion Chiefs. The Ravens, who finished behind the Steelers in the regular season standings, upset the Titans before falling to Buffalo in the division round.
Each team made significant roster changes leading up to the 2021 NFL Draft. The same can be said of the Bengals, who are trying to get out of the divisional basement after finishing fourth every year since 2018. With the start of the tour just over a week away, we decided to take a look at the current status of each AFC North team. Each team is ranked in order of how well their offseason has fared in the draft.
Cleveland Browns
The good: Cleveland has added a number of key players to its defense. The Browns signed defensive defenders John Johnson III and Troy Hill, two players who helped the Rams with the NFL’s best pass defense in 2020. They were also able to face defensive tackle Malik Jackson, linebacker Anthony Walker and Takk McKinley. The Browns’ recent splash was the signing of Jadeveon Clowney. Offensively, Cleveland successfully kept the receiving corps in tact by re-contracting Rashard Higgins.
The bad: The Browns lost an important part of their defense with the release of Sheldon Richardson. And while the move has been largely praised by fans and media members, Cleveland is rolling the dice with Clowney, who failed to pick up a single bag in eight games with the Titans in 2020. And while Hill is a nice addition, the Browns missed the chance to be a No. 2 cornerback can be found opposite the former Pro Bowler Denzel Ward.
What still needs to be done: Cleveland will be forced to continue to contribute to his defense during the draft. Two of our four CBS Sports NFL design experts currently have the Browns taking former Alabama defender Christian Barmore with the 26th pick. Our other two experts have Cleveland filling his need for a linebacker with the pick. Look for the Browns to also line up a corner back and receiver during the design.
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
The good: The contract extension of Mike Tomlin’s Steelers ensured that Pittsburgh will have stability for what appears to be four significant years for the franchise. While signed for the 2021 season, Ben Roethlisberger may be playing his final season in Pittsburgh. For what could be his senior year, the Steelers were able to bring back its # 1 receiver, JuJu Smith-Schuster, for a very affordable $ 8 million. Pittsburgh was also able to retain several internal free agents, including offensive lineman Zach Banner, cornerback Cam Sutton, and Tyson Alualu. Pittsburgh re-signed veteran linebacker Vince Williams after initially releasing him. They also brought back veteran lineman BJ Finney, a key that gave depth to the line of attack.
The bad: Pittsburgh has blatant gaps in running back, 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 stopped this off-season. Pittsburgh also needs depth in addressing and monitoring after Alejandro Villanueva and Matt Feiler enter the open market.
What still needs to be done: Three names Steelers fans should know leading up to the draft include Alabama center Landon Dickerson, Oklahoma state offensive tackle Tevon Jenkins, and Alabama retreat Najee Harris. Chances are, the Steelers will take one of these players with the 24th overall pick. In addition to tackling these positions, the Steelers will also use some of their nine draft picks at cornerback, EDGE, offensive guard, defensive line, and inside linebacker. Pittsburgh is also open to drafting a tight ending to complement Eric Ebron.
3. Cincinnati Bengals
The good: The off-field movements of the Bengal have received more attention than anything they have in regard to roster movements. The team recently announced a new ring of honor and made changes to its uniform. On the field, the Bengals invested $ 60 million in defensive end Trey Hendrickson over four years. The Bengals further bolstered their defense by bringing in cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie and Mike Hilton, a former divisional rival with the Steelers. To help protect Joe Burrow, Cincinnati added a veteran to the offensive line in offensive tackle Riley Reiff.
The bad: The Bengals have yet to sign an experienced receiver to replace AJ Green. Cincinnati should also have done more to meet their needs at EDGE and on the offensive. Reiff and Hendrickson are good starts, but the Bengals will have to invest more in both positions through design.
What still needs to be done: Cincinnati will certainly use the number 5 pick to select either Oregon Penei Sewell or LSU receiver Ja’Marr Chase. Fans shouldn’t be sleeping on the Bengals taking Kyle Pitts into Florida tight end either when Pitts is still on the board. After that, the Bengals will likely tackle their pass rush before adding depth to the attacking line. Cincinnati also needs depth after losing Giovani Bernard to the Buccaneers.
4. Baltimore Ravens
The good: Baltimore kept some of its main internal free agents linebackers Tyus Bowser and Pernell McPhee along with defensive tackle Derek Wolfe. Baltimore’s top outside freelancers include offensive guard Kevin Zeitler, a player the Ravens certainly hope can be 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 great losses with the departures of linebackers Jihad Ward, Yannick Ngakoue, Matthew Judon and center Matt Skura. They are also bracing for the likely departure of Orlando Brown Jr. after the two-time Pro Bowler expressed his desire to tackle from side to side. The Ravens have also done little to meet their security needs.
What still needs to be done: Baltimore has great offensive equipment, linebacker, security, EDGE and receiver needs. And while there are still some free agents available at each position, the Ravens will try to fill these gaps through the draft before going back to the open market. Baltimore should find a draft pick to select a tight end that could be a viable option for Lamar Jackson in the passing game.
While the recipient cannot be ruled out, Baltimore is much more likely to use the 28th overall choice for defense. Two of our trekking experts let the Ravens choose to select former TCU safety Trevon Moehrig. And while they’ll try to meet most of their needs at design time, look for the Ravens to sign more free agents in the coming weeks. One player reportedly on Baltimore’s radar is a veteran left tackling Alejandro Villanueva, who was selected for two Pro Bowls while protecting Ben Roethlisberger’s blind side.