In what is poised to be another battle in the AFC North, which teams positioned themselves best to challenge the Baltimore Ravens for the division crown following the 2025 NFL Draft?
Well, in an offseason that belonged to the Pittsburgh Steelers, both the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns hope their draft classes help propel them into the mix. With the top two picks for each team expected to make immediate contributions, the middle of the draft is likely what will set teams apart, especially if there is a player selected in the mid round who steps up and instantly shines.
In looking at each team’s 2025 NFL Draft class, there are some players who slipped right into the perfect situation to shine. Here is each AFC North team’s candidate to be that gem.
Not so hidden talents from the 2025 Draft in the AFC North:
Baltimore Ravens – Teddye Buchanan, ILB: The Ravens have a history of finding value in the NFL Draft. By the end of the 2025 NFL season, linebacker Teddye Buchanan will be on that list of value draft picks. Selected with the No. 129 overall pick in the draft, the former California linebacker will compete to start alongside Roquan Smith as the team’s weak side linebacker.
With an impressive NFL Combine in which he recorded the highest vertical jump (40 inches), the athleticism of Buchanan will shine on a veteran Ravens’ defense. In recording 114 total tackles and 5.0 sacks in his last season at Cal, this Ravens rookie can cover well in space and finds ways to get to the ball carrier and make plays. He’ll impress in Year 1 and shine as a playmaker on what could end up being a Super Bowl defense.
Cincinnati Bengals – Barrett Carter, LB: The Bengals will be counting on top picks Shemar Stewart and Demetrius Knight Jr to make contributions in Year 1. But, if they can get another rookie to step up and make a Year 1 impact, it will take some of the sting off the departure of veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt and the contract dispute involving Trey Hendrickson. That’s where fourth round pick Barrett Carter can come in and shine as a mid-round gem.
The former Clemson star was one of the top linebacker prospects entering the 2025 NFL Draft. A Butkus Award finalist (nation’s top LB), this potential mid-round gem is the prototypical type of linebacker with the range and athleticism to make plays anywhere on the field. While Knight Jr will be that linebacker who could get consistent pressure on the quarterback, Carter is the type of linebacker who has the potential to be outstanding in the blitz. With the Bengals looking for big contributions on defense, look for Carter to shine once the team finds his niche and positions him in situations where he can utilize his talent and make plays like he did at Clemson.
Cleveland Browns– Harold Fannin Jr, TE: The Browns loaded up on talent in the 2025 NFL Draft and that includes a player taken with the No. 67 overall pick who is destined to make some noise in the NFL. In taking tight end Harold Fannin Jr. with their first of two third-round picks, the Browns add a playmaker who will have a big opportunity to shine playing behind and in tandem with David Njoku.
With the quarterback situation both intriguing and in flux, a two tight end set along with a strong running game will be vital for the Browns’ offense. That’s where Fannin Jr. can emerge as a secondary tight end option who could flex in certain situations as a big receiver. Coming out of Bowling Green, this exciting pass-catching tight end hauled in 117 receptions for 1,555 yards. He’ll be impactful in the Browns’ offense whether the starting quarterback is veteran Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett or either of the two drafted quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders.
Pittsburgh Steelers– Jack Sawyer, EDGE: The T.J. Watt contract extension will help Jack Sawyer. Selected with the No. 123 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the former Ohio State star was a surprise pick in the draft given what the Steelers already have at outside linebacker. With Watt, Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig holding down that position, there will be a chance for Sawyer to develop as an every-down defensive end in base packages.
With his history of being a big-play standout, Sawyer’s availability in the fourth round will be a steal for Pittsburgh in that they will find ways to get him on the field and utilize his versatility. Imagine Watt and Sawyer on the same side of the ball? That is where the rookie defender could shine with all the attention on Watt. In case of injury, the Steelers now also have depth with Sawyer who has a high motor coming off the edge. However they use him, the terrible towels will be swinging with enthusiasm for a player who looks like he is custom made for the uniform.