AFC NoRth: Each team's Biggest need Heading INto the NFL Draft

By Matt Singfield

With the NFL Draft less than a week away, we take a look at the biggest need for each franchise – starting with the AFC North:

Baltimore Ravens: Interior Offensive Line

The interior of the Ravens’ offensive line is clearly their biggest positional need heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. Their starting right guard, Daniel Faalele, has moved to Harbaugh’s Giants and losing Pro Bowl Centre, Tyler Linderbaum, to the Raiders in free agency has only added to the question marks over the three spots between the tackles.

With Lamar Jackson at quarterback, there will always be the expectation of a deep run in the postseason. That can only be possible if he stays protected, and it is something the Ravens failed to do in 2025. The man in charge of picking this year’s draft class, General Manager Eric DeCosta, has been on the record about the depth of this year’s class of offensive linemen. It would be no surprise to see Baltimore use a handful of their 11 draft picks to bolster their group of interior blockers.

Cincinnati Bengals: Cornerback

With the 10th pick in this year’s draft, the Cincinnati Bengals could go in many different directions. The defense has to be the priority here, but you could make the case for any position on that side of the ball. Last season, the unit finished 31st in total, 26th in passing and 32nd in rushing defense. A day 1 difference maker is needed.

Despite already having two starters in the position group, cornerback is still a must for the Bengals. If they can find a shutdown player in this draft, the pass rushers should be afforded more time to make a difference up front. What’s more, a ball-hawking corner back (Hint: Jermod McCoy, Tennessee CB) will give star passer Joe Burrow more opportunities to have the ball in his hands.

Cleveland Browns: Wide Receiver

After adding to their offensive line in free agency, the Cleveland browns still have a hole at Left Tackle, so don’t be surprised to see them address that in the draft. However, in 2025, the Browns had the league’s least productive Wide Receiver room. Both speed and size are needed at that position.

Shedeur Sanders may or may not be the answer at quarterback for Cleveland, but providing him with some weapons to throw to would make his long-term evaluation a lot easier. Best case, the Browns get a young passer and receiver partnership to build their franchise around. Worst case, they come into next year’s draft with a top pick in a deep quarterback class.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Guard

Regardless of whether Aaron Rodgers plays in 2026, the Pittsburgh Steelers need to add to their offensive line, specifically at guard. Losing Isaac Seumalo to the Arizona Cardinals was a big loss and will be felt in the autumn, unless the front office addresses it in the upcoming Draft.

For an organisation that has traditionally been built on an aggressive run game and success in the trenches, shoring up its most important position group makes sense. Playing in a division where you face a plethora of defensive line talent twice a year, only reinforces the idea that any AFC North team cannot afford to ignore its offensive line.

MATT SINGFIELD

NFL/College Football Analyst

Matt is a sports journalist based in London who covers the NFL and college football. He has contributed to Gridiron magazine, as well as a host of online publications. With a background in Sport Science and Sport Psychology, Matt brings a different angle to the traditional sports media outlook.

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