2011 NFL Team Needs: AFC North

Baltimore Ravens: 3-4 OLB, RT, CB, WR, DL depth, 3-4 ILB

Offensively, the struggles of the Ravens have come from 2 places: the offensive line and Joe Flacco. Flacco’s sporadic struggles are only correctable internally, while the line can be fixed through acquisitions. The regression of the line may be due to the absence of Jared Gaither for the entire season, which also forced right guard Marshal Yanda outside, which essentially downgraded two positions through one loss. In all honesty, the Ravens are probably better moving Oher back to the right side, re-signing Gaither to play left tackle, and moving Yanda back inside to right guard where he was terrific. This is however an unlikely scenario, leaving the Ravens to find a right tackle, which should probably correct the line inconsistencies, which should improve the run game. Adding a deep threat would allow the offense to capitalize on Flacco’s arm and open up underneath opportunities for Boldin and the aging, but still productive Derrick Mason. Defensively, the Ravens aren’t the most talented from top to bottom, but are able to be elite because of their scheme and four studs (Ngata-Lewis-Suggs-Reed). With the talent they have at cornerback, very few teams would be able to finish in pass defense where the Ravens did this season. Adding a good cornerback will allow the defense to take the next step. However, keeping Baltimore’s philosophy in mind, they’ll most likely find yet another rush linebacker to take the pressure off the secondary and continue to flourish despite marginal talent in the backend (Ed Reed aside). Depth on the defensive line and inside linebacker are also minor needs.

Cincinnati Bengals: DE, S, OL, C, RB, WR, QB

The Bengals 27 sacks had them at 4th worst in the league last year and even sadder, 9.5 of those sacks came from rookie Carlos Dunlap in the last 8 games of the season. Dunlap is a truly gifted athlete who is expected to become the Bengals premier pass rusher, but opposite him, they have no one reliable. If the Bengals can pair Dunlap with another defensive end, it’ll work wonders in pass defense. At safety, they’re flooded with busts and former cuts, all who need to be replaced with more talented players with upside. If the organization can re-sign Joseph and find a playmaker in the backend, the pass defense has elite potential, especially if Hall and Joseph player closer to 2009 form, which can be expected with a better pass rush. Offensively, Carson Palmer had a pretty poor year, but the organization remains committed to him as a starter. Finding a young quarterback to groom from the later rounds isn’t out of the question, however. On the offensive line, the Bengals need improvement. The bright spot comes at left tackle and the improved play of Andrew Whitworth. Former 1st round pick Andre Smith hasn’t lived up to expectations, but hasn’t been flat out horrible, and could still secure a starting position at right tackle or guard in the future. Regardless, the offense at least needs better play at right tackle and center next season. Cedric Benson is a free agent and depending on whether the Bengals decide to retain his services, they could have a need at running back. Bernard Scott looks promising, but is unproven. At wide receiver, TO is as good as gone and finding a #1 receiver to supplement Chad and Jermaine Gresham could help salvage Carson’s career. They have a decent cast and Jordan Shipley looks promising, but Chad is a shadow of his old self.

Cleveland Browns: WR, OLB, RT, DE, CB, QB

The Browns are going through a transition process in year two of the Holmgren era. Once they hire a head coach, it would be easier to determine what they’ll need on the defensive side of the ball. Their needs depend on the type of scheme they choose to run next season. Assuming they stick to the 3-4, which has been middle of the road, they need to continue to fix the front 7. Their leading sacker was Marcus Benard who came off the bench behind Matt Roth. Finding a good pass rusher should be objective number one on defense, regardless of scheme. Additionally, if they stay in the 3-4 alignment, a good 5-technique should be high on their list of priorities. In the secondary, Joe Haden and TJ Ward were outstanding pick-ups last season, but finding a better nickel cornerback could help elevate that unit to among the league’s best. On offense though, finding a top flight wide receiver will help more than anything. Right now they have a cast of decent slot guys, but no physically imposing game-changers. The offensive line played pretty well this season, primarily in the run game, but is one right tackle away from being elite, virtually across the board. If the team can keep Colt McCoy upright and surround him with elite weapons, he could become a middle of the road starting quarterback. He lacks the arm strength to push the ball the down the field and in tight windows, so if the opportunity to land a franchise quarterback falls into their lap, they shouldn’t hesitate. However, given Holmgren’s background, he’ll probably look for a head coach that implemented the offensive system he did as a coach and an accurate, intelligent passer like McCoy would do the trick.

Pittsburgh Steelers: OT, OG, CB, ILB, S, RB, DL depth

For years the Steelers have had “needs” on the offensive line, but with Big Ben’s escapability they’ve continued to put it off for the most part. After a year in which they were injury-riddled, they’ll probably put more stock into it this year, or continue adding depth at the very least. Maurkice Pouncey’s rookie success could also tempt them to continue investing high picks into the line as well. At running back, Rashard Mendenhall has been a dependable between-the-tackles runner for the offense, but a back with long speed could complement him well and add even more explosiveness to the offense. On the other side of the ball, the Steelers finished with the league’s best defense and fell only 34 yards short of the all-time 16-game rushing defensive record set by the Ravens in 2000. The only problems on the line come with age and if the opportunity presented itself, finding future starters could be an option. The problems of the defense can be exposed in the back end if the opposing offensive line can contain the deadly duo of Harrison and Woodley off the edges. Ike Taylor is still playing quality ball, but will become a free agent this offseason and neither Bryant McFadden or William Gay are of starting quality. Gay, who looked promising a year or two back, has been repeatedly toasted this year and must be replaced. Ryan Clark at free safety could also be replaced with a more impactful player with range. As if the Steelers needed another elite linebacker, Lawrence Timmons has developed into exactly that. Next to him, 36-year old James Farrior can’t be counted on for many more good seasons and therefore finding depth at inside linebacker will also be important to keeping the front seven intact.

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