For a second straight year, the Cincinnati Bengals reigned supreme at the top of the AFC North. Joe Burrow and the young offense continued to impress, and they were one bad offensive drive and a costly penalty away from playing in a second straight Super Bowl. There are plenty of questions for the other division teams that must be answered. The Ravens struggled to stay consistent with an injured Lamar Jackson who has a big question mark surrounding him this offseason. The Steelers went into year one without Ben Roethlisberger with Mitch Trubisky tabbed as the starter, but it didn’t take long for Kenny Pickett to take over and impress. And in Cleveland, an offseason filled with QB drama turned into an otherwise forgetful and disappointing season. Here are the 2023 AFC North team needs.
Baltimore Ravens
Team Needs: WR, EDGE, CB
We might have to add quarterback to this list if the Ravens opt to trade Lamar Jackson if they can’t work out a deal and he threatens to sit out on the franchise tag. If that’s the case, forget everything listed here. Assuming they do have Jackson, finally giving him a legit number one wide receiver must be the priority for this team. After that, adding pass rushers will be key and the Ravens front office usually does a stellar job in the draft finding key pieces.
Cincinnati Bengals
Team Needs: OT, TE, DB
After the offensive line reconstruction, pass protection was still an issue for Joe Burrow in his third year in the league. Jacksonville OT Jawaan Taylor is a star who might want to play with a potentially great quarterback and would be a great free agent addition. They must get Burrow some help while adding a legit tight end star. On defense, please don’t make us watch CB Eli Apple start another game in the secondary. The Bengals will be active in spending for a cornerback to stop some of the biggest arms in the AFC with the likes of Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen.
Cleveland Browns
Team Needs: TE, DT, EDGE
Upon his return from suspension, the Deshaun Watson experiment didn’t exactly overwhelm the team with victories. However, with the money the Browns are paying him, he isn’t going anywhere. So going out and getting him a great tight end will help all facets of their offense. Replacing a washed-up DE Jadeveon Clowney and establishing a pass-rush will be the second-biggest need. The defensive line was a major issue. And after failing to trade RB Kareem Hunt for draft capital, the Browns will be left with a hole at backup running back.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Team Needs: OL, CB
It appears that the Steelers have their QB of the future in Kenny Pickett so protecting him and giving RB Najee Harris a legit rushing lane will be the top need this offseason. Their offensive line play didn’t cut it in 2022. After that, focusing on a cornerback can help with some secondary issues. They received a pick from the Bears for WR Chase Claypool which seems like a total steal at this point.