2010 NFL Team Needs: AFC North

Baltimore Ravens: CB, 3-4 DE, TE, 3-4 OLB, WR, OT depth

After trading for Anquan Boldin, the Ravens hope to have found their number one receiver. Now all they need to do is search for a number two and a legitimate starting tight end to replace the injury-riddled Todd Heap. The Ravens also seem eager to trade Jared Gaither if the price is right. Their reason for doing so may be two-pronged. One, they want to shift promising tackle Michael Oher to the left side, and don’t expect Gaither to play on the right. Two, they don’t want to tie up the money in Oher and Gaither – who both believe they should be paid as left tackles – for lucrative extensions. In that case, they should start looking for a right tackle, which can be found in the middle rounds. Even if they decide to keep both, a back-up makes sense, though they could find one in the later rounds. On defense, the Ravens need to address their concerns in the secondary. Rookie Lardarius Webb showed some promise, but both he and Fabian Washington went down late in the year, exposing their depth at the position. Up front, they were only a mediocre pass-rushing team and could use another linebacker. More importantly, though, may be replacing Dwan Edwards at defensive end.

Cincinnati Bengals: WR/TE, S, DE, CB depth, OG/C

The biggest priority for the Bengals this offseason should be finding a big, explosive weapon to maximize Carson Palmer’s potential and the Bengals’ offense. Ochocinco and Bryant make a good 1-2 punch, but either at slot receiver or TE there is room to for improvement. Andrew Whitworth and Evan Mathis both emerged toward the end of the season, which diminishes the priority on the offensive line. Still, the Bengals could use some youth on the interior where Bobbie Williams will be 34 this season and Mathis has yet to prove himself beyond a one-year wonder. The defense finally started coming together last season, but a playmaker at safety could really make the secondary dangerous, especially with a talented duo of starting corners. The depth behind them could also be bolstered. Antwan Odom will return to the defensive line, but will they get the player they had last year when he was leading the league in sacks before the injury?

Cleveland Browns: S, WR, QB, 3-4 OLB, DL depth

The Browns brought in new President Mike Holmgren to make personnel decisions and he’s done a nice job bringing in some of his old guys and those connected to the coaching tree he created a decade ago. At quarterback, Delhomme’s career may be virtually done, but I do like what Seneca Wallace brings to a team. I don’t think he’s capable of carrying a team into the playoffs, but he’s a terrific back-up who can keep his team competitive in each game. Even more important than immediately finding that franchise signal-caller will be surrounding him with the talent at wide receiver to help him out. They’ll likely miss out on one of the top two QBs in this year’s draft, but if they can add a true weapon, they’ll have the cast around him (OL, RB, and WR) to make the transition easy. The defense greatly improved down the stretch, but they can get even better with more difference makers in the secondary, especially at safety where they’re weak. Though they added Gocong, it’s uncertain how good he’ll be as a pass rusher, and they could also stand to improve the overall quality of their outside linebackers. Along the DL, Shaun Rogers is a question mark with his impending trial, so they may want to add plenty of depth to ensure stability up front.

Pittsburgh Steelers: CB, OL, 3-4 NT, S, 3-4 DE, RB

The Steelers didn’t get the type of production and consistency they were expecting out of their corners. Everyone played below their capability. Finding a new starter in the secondary could help stabilize the entire unit by lessening the duties of rest. The team also suffered big time without Polamalu, which indicates they could try to improve the depth at safety too. The defensive line needs to be injected with youth. Aaron Smith and Casey Hampton are aging and as the Steelers look forward into the future, they should address both positions. They did draft Ziggy Hood in the first round last year, but he won’t be enough. The Big Ben scandal and the sudden Santonio Holmes departure leaves the Steelers offense in question, yet still their biggest weakness may still be the offensive line. The line simply isn’t good as pass protection. Finding either a new starter inside or outside will help redirect the unit. Even though Parker wasn’t often used last year, I’m not sure the Steelers can go another season without a better back behind Mendenhall.

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