Disaster has struck the AFC North. The Cincinnati Bengals are in disarray after Joe Burrow's injury, and a brief absence from Lamar Jackson has put the Baltimore Ravens further behind the eight ball. Once a division expected to send three teams to the January dance, only the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns have met expectations. For the latter, that brings little excitement.
The injuries to the division's star quarterbacks have put the focus elsewhere. Cincinnati and Baltimore are struggling to stay afloat because their supporting casts are insufficient, injured, or both. Cleveland and Pittsburgh won't be true contenders until their situations under center change, but the Bengals and Ravens must insulate their rosters to withstand adversity and take advantage of their starts.
Subsequently, this division is sprinting towards an incredibly meaningful offseason. The 2026 NFL Draft could hold the keys to each team's long-term success, and as the season takes shape, it's not too early to take a look forward at who these teams can target.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Urgent needs: Quarterback, left tackle, safety
Worth considering: Cornerback, wide receiver
The Steelers are in their all-too-familiar spot of looking like a fringe-playoff team without a route to an elite passing prospect. Aaron Rodgers looks fine, and they are once again set for a Wild Card game, but the top priority in April will once again be a rookie quarterback.
A class that has seen some turbulence under center could take QB off the board; the right passer just might not be available at Nos. 16, 20, or 24. Going back to the well at offensive tackle, where the team recently took Troy Fautanu and Broderick Jones, could prove to be impactful. Jones isn't a starter-level tackle, and there are plenty of capable prospects in this class.
On the other side of the ball, Pittsburgh must address a secondary that has looked vulnerable downfield, whether it be through poor communication or little top-end athleticism. A new starter on the boundary or at free safety would help complete the unit.
Baltimore Ravens
Urgent needs: Guard, edge rusher, cornerback
Worth considering: Defensive tackle, wide receiver
Baltimore's most pressing need is between the tackles, where a guard duo of Daniel Faalele and Andrew Vorhees has crippled the offense nearly as much as Jackson's hamstring. Interior pressure has flushed him out of structure while putting Derrick Henry in harm's way. The quickest path to improving this offense is elevating the offensive line.
A strong receiver class could provide a boost, too. The Ravens are perpetually looking for high-end receiver talent, and while the unit is decent, a true man-beater would move the needle.
Elsewhere, a flurry of injuries has made Baltimore hard to evaluate. However, it's hard to go wrong hunting for high-value positions. The Ravens could use further insulation at edge rusher and corner, especially as Marlon Humphrey's down year continues. Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike's injury adds concern to the interior defensive line, as well.
The Ravens are in trouble. Perhaps a top-15 prospect could ease the pain.
MORE: Top prospects for Ravens fans to watch after Lamar Jackson's injury
Cincinnati Bengals
Urgent needs: Cornerback, defensive tackle, interior offensive line
Worth considering: Linebacker, offensive tackle, tight end, edge rusher
Another season has brought about the same story in Cincinnati. The Bengals cannot stop the run, nor can they compensate with an above-average pass defense. They've fallen behind in the AFC arms race and, despite having an elite quarterback, aren't in the same tier of contender as the Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs.
Improving the spine of this defense at defensive tackle and linebacker is necessary (despite recent investments in the latter), and the looming threat of Trey Hendrickson leaving is an issue. Frankly, the entire defense could use a facelift.
Likewise, Cincinnati's offensive line demands improvement. Burrow continues to miss time, regardless of who's at fault. Protecting him is imperative, both for keeping the offense on schedule and for keeping Burrow upright.
Cleveland Browns
Urgent needs: Quarterback, offensive tackle
Worth considering: Interior offensive line, cornerback
Cleveland drafted two quarterbacks in 2024 and came away without a franchise quarterback. However, the rest of the draft class looks like the Browns' biggest victory of the season. Defensive tackle Mason Graham has played well, running back Quinshon Judkins looks like a long-term starter, and linebacker Carson Schwesinger has been one of the best linebackers in football. Even later-round contributors like Harold Fannin Jr. and Dylan Sampson have real roles.
That's great news, even if it doesn't really matter until they hit under center. If the early going is any indication, Cleveland will have the chance to take that swing again in April.
Besides quarterback, the offensive line will be the offseason's biggest priority. Once an elite unit, it has since degraded into a weakness, most notably at left tackle. Expect heavy turnover up front as the Browns invest significant resources into youth and pedigree at the position.
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