AFC North Draft Needs

Cleveland Browns (pick #5)
The Browns have been a leaky pass defense for several seasons now, partly because of their inability to generate a consistent pass rush. With only 17 sacks registered last season, look for new head coach Eric Mangini to look for some help up front to pressure the quarterback. The Browns will also be looking to replace LB Willie McGinest, and might achieve both goals in one shot. Some depth in the defensive backfield is on the priority list as well.

Offensively, does anyone really think the Browns would be better off without Braylon Edwards? Maybe if they have a shot at Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech), they will be. And with Jamal Lewis entering Year 10 of his NFL career, what do the Browns do to supplement him in the backfield? Browns fans should expect to see management address the running back position later on in the Draft.

Needs: DE, LB, RB, WR

Cincinnati Bengals (pick #6)
It's a good thing QB Carson Palmer only played in 4 games last year, because the offensive line was not up to the task of protecting their All Pro passer. In giving up 51 sacks, the Bengals were only better than two teams in the NFL: the 49ers and the Lions. And after losing RT Stacy Andrews to free agency, the line play could be worse. The Bengals most pressing need this offseason is along the offensive line, especially for Palmer to return to form. Jason Smith (Baylor) and Andre Smith (Alabama) could both still be available at #6.

On defense, Cincinnati is great at forcing turnovers, but gave up 15 rushing touchdowns and 3.9 yards per carry. There's no shortage of quality front line players in this draft, so expect the front office to use the majority of their selections on defense this weekend.

Needs: OT, LB, C, WR

Baltimore Ravens (pick #26)
The Ravens lost a lot of defense this offseason. CB Chris McAlister had long been a feature on the left side of the field, and is now gone. LB Bart Scott bolted for greener pastures (Jets Green, and money), and guys like LB Ray Lewis, CB Samari Rolle and CT Trevor Pryce are aging rapidly. Coach John Harbaugh can't not to add key defensive players early in this draft.

On offense, it's the same old thing for the Ravens: no playmakers. Thirty-five year old WR Derrick Mason has always been more of a #2 than a #1 one, and with only 12 touchdowns in the last three years, is starting to show his age. They might have a nice tandem at RB if Willis McGahee can stay healthy (huge IF) and if Ray Rice can stay consistent, but could definitely use some help. The line has some issues as well, with 34 year old Willie Anderson and Co. giving up 33 sacks last season.

Needs: DB, LB, WR, OL

Pittsburgh Steelers (pick #32)
Look for the Steelers to do what they always do in the draft: perform well. Their biggest need is on the offensive line, but they need immediate help, not a project. Since the elite of the linemen look to be gone by the time the Steelers are on the clock, they probably won't address that need in the Draft. RBs Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall make a good tandem in the backfield, and the wide receivers and tight ends are in good shape as well.

On the other side of the ball, there are no immediate concerns. Beginning to understand why they won the Super Bowl yet? This is a solid team. They could use some depth in the secondary after losing Bryant McFadden, and their line is getting up there in age, so they will likely tag some future replacements for 31 year old DT Casey Hampton and 33 year old NT Chris Hoke.

Needs: OL, DB