Updated Team Needs: AFC North
By Editorial Staff
One of the most important factors when preparing for the NFL Draft is knowing each and every NFL team. NFL Mocks keeps a very close eye on each team and will bring you an updated needs assessment at the end of each month. These needs will help as we prepare to make predictions for the 2011 NFL Draft. Continue to check out our team needs page to find the most recent assessments. Also after looking at the team needs move on over to the Big Board and see what prospects might fit your teams need.
The Top need for the Baltimore Ravens has to be Cornerback. They are really hurting at the position and while Lardarius Webb has make progress and looked good at times he may not be a true shut down cornerback. Adding a top notch cover corner to lock things down on the back end when the Ravens bring pressure is essential. The Ravens will also be dealing with the pending free agency of Fabian Washington and Chris Carr. The Ravens might get lucky because the cornerback class has the potential to be very deep if the top Juniors decide to enter the draft.
The Browns have a ton of needs on both sides of the ball. However, they still are searching for that game changing pass rusher. So they should put a lot of their focus on an edge rushing linebacker or a 3-4 defensive end that can get into the backfield. The problem is 3-4 defensive ends are not always know as the best pass rushers so they might struggle to find someone worthy of where they will be picking. I think someone that might fit nicely is Jared Crick of Nebraska or Cameron Heyward of Ohio State. Also don’t forget the quarterback position where Colt McCoy is suppose to be the future, but can the Browns pass up on someone like Andrew Luck or Jake Locker?
The Steelers have started the season off very strong despite not having Big Ben under center. Moving forward they still need to make some improvements and their top target should be the tackle position. Both tackles have been injury prone and not overly effective when on the field. Pittsburgh had to resort to signing Flozell Adams just to feel comfortable. The Steelers are attempting to get back to their signature power running game and to do so they need to get better up front. Rashad Mendenhall is continuing to emerge as one of the better young backs in the NFL. Depending on where the Steelers are picking they might have a couple choices at the tackle position including Matt Reynolds, Gabe Carimi, and Anthony Castonzo.
This Bengals team has drafted well over the last several years (except Andre Smith). They have good young playmakers across the defense and last year’s picks Gresham and Shipley are already having an impact on offense. The next step for the Bengals is to sure up the aging interior of their offensive line. Bobby Williams is still effective but he is pushing 35 years of age and there isn’t a lot of talent behind him and the other starter Nate Livings. This year’s draft has a few good guards including Justin Boren, Rodney Hudson, and Mike Pouncey.