The NFL’s free agency period for 2022 begins tomorrow, as does the official league year. It’s always fun to evaluate rosters and project what each needs; this year, each AFCN team’s issues and free agency/draft focus are pretty evident. While all four teams claim to hew to the “best player available” draft method, it’s often a toss-up, and often determined simply by what’s available at a particular draft slot.
Here are the primary and secondary needs of each AFC North team.
Baltimore Ravens
Primary: Offensive Tackle
Secondary: Defensive Tackle
Simply put, the Ravens need large, capable, and somewhat-mobile blockers if they hope to salvage their vaunted and recently handicapped rushing attack, which has been central to Baltimore’s offensive approach in recent years. They also could use some width and girth on the interior of their defense, as the primary group of run stuffers is aging and not as effective as years past. The Ravens have 10 picks, including nine in the first four rounds, so moving up or down incrementally is within their reach if they see blockers or block-eaters they like.
Cleveland Browns
Primary: Wide Receiver
Secondary: Edge
This one’s a little thorny, as QB Baker Mayfield has been accused of not effectively using the wideouts he’s had in the past. Still, the roster void alone dictates a need for receivers, let alone the puzzling decline of Rashard Higgins and the obnoxious exit of Odell Beckham Jr. A case can be made to improve the pass rush as well, as DE Jadeveon Clowney is a free agent, and DE Myles Garrett is at his best when other rushers are drawing attention away from him. Even if Clowney is retained, quality depth never hurts.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Primary: Offensive Line
Secondary: Defensive Line
In the wake of QB Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, many pundits will point to quarterback as the team’s preeminent need, but in a reshuffling/restocking sort of season, fattening up the offensive line, especially in the interior, is paramount. Who wants to put a rookie QB behind an unfinished line? The Steelers also need to address the aging interior of the defensive line. While DT Cam Heyward enjoyed an excellent year in 2021, he needs help, and it’s not coming from oft-injured DT Stephon Tuitt.
Cincinnati Bengals
Primary: Offensive Line
Secondary: Cornerback
By now, the news of QB Joe Burrow’s 2021 pummeling has been well documented. The fact that Burrow enjoyed a great season despite this speaks well of him, but it’s safe to say he can’t endure too many campaigns like this. No QB could. Message to owner Mike Brown: Protect and pay this kid. He’s the future of your franchise. The Bengals could also use some quality depth at cornerback at minimum, and adding a starter would make the entire secondary that much better.
