Needs Breakdown: The Ravens have multiple needs. Defensive end is their primary need. Baltimore couldn’t get to the quarterback last season but they hope to fix that problem in this draft. The Ravens have Eugene Monroe at left tackle but he’s getting older and the Ravens wouldn’t mind acquiring his replacement in this draft. The Ravens are a 3-4 team defensively. They need to to add a couple of outside linebackers in this draft. The Ravens also need to get younger at wide receiver so look for Ozzie Newsome to draft a receiver on day three.
Cincinnati Bengals: WR, OT, FS, DT
Needs Breakdown: The Bengals suffered several key defections this off-season. The loss of Marvin Jones and Mohammed Sanu will impact their passing game. Cincy did sign veteran Brandon LaFell but they need another receiver so look for the Bengals to address the position with the 24th pick in the first round. The Bengals will also need to address the right tackle position after losing Andre Smith in free agency. The loss of free safety Reggie Nelson in free agency was a surprise because most people thought the Bengals would re-sign him. Nelson ended up with the Raiders. Identifying a free safety with range that can play over the top will also be a priority. Veteran defensive tackle Domata Peko has been a good player for the Bengals but he’s limited in terms of the vertical explosiveness you need from the defensive tackle position. The Bengals could draft a defensive tackle early in this draft.
Cleveland Browns: QB, WR, S, ILB
Needs Breakdown: The Browns have the worst roster in the league. That’s why trading the second over pick made sense. If I were VP of Football Ops Sashi Brown, I would look to trade down again. Especially if the rumors are true that the Browns really like Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook. Cleveland needs to find that franchise quarterback and if they believe that’s Cook, trade down, pick up more assests and draft Cook. The Browns need to draft a receiver that has the potential to be consistently productive. With Tashaun Gipson signing with the Jags and Donte Whitner being released, the Browns need to draft a safety that can start. An inside linebacker who can play all three downs is also a priority. If the Browns lean on their “analytical approach” they won’t get the type of players they need in this draft. They need impact players.
Pittsburgh Steelers: CB, S, OT, TE
Needs Breakdown: It seems like the Steelers need a cornerback every off-season. They really do need to draft a starting corner and there four that have first round potential in this draft. They should be able to get one. Pittsburgh also needs to find a free safety with range that can play over the top. They struggled against the deep ball last season. With the defection of Kelvin Beachum to Jacksonville, Pittsburgh needs to draft a swing tackle, preferably a guy who can eventually play left tackle. Despite signing Ladarius Green to replace the retiring Heath Miller and drafting Jesse James last season, the Steelers could use another tight end to complement those two. Don’t be surprised if they went wide receiver however, especially in the middle rounds.