2012 NFL Draft: Biggest Draft Need for Every AFC North Team

Like every team in the NFL, all four squads of the AFC North have pressing needs they will try to meet in this year’s draft, to varying success.

The Baltimore Ravens have a few areas of priority this year, but none as great as left guard. They lost their starter, Ben Grubbs, to the New Orleans Saints in free agency, and will be looking to replace him with their first-round pick.

The best-case scenario for the Ravens in this instance is to nab Peter Konz. Konz can start at guard this year and potentially shift to center in the future, once Matt Birk hangs up his cleats.

The Cincinnati Bengals have a few directions they could go in the first round, and with two picks, they have a number of combinations they can go with.

One of their picks is likely to go to a receiver, but the other should be spent on a cornerback. Though they’ve built veteran depth in the secondary this offseason, they need a playmaker to replace Johnathan Joseph, who they lost in free agency last year. Those kinds of corners won’t be found outside of the first or early second rounds.

The Pittsburgh Steelers must address their problems on the offensive line in the first round. They were plagued by underperforming players and injuries on the line last year, so a durable, reliable guard or tackle is a must-add this time around.

In Cleveland, the Browns need a ton of help, primarily on offense. If they want to get an all-around playmaker, one who can put up yards, score points and help out in every way on that side of the ball, they must take running back Trent Richardson.

Richardson is practically guaranteed to be an impact player from day one; it’s not just that the Browns need talent, they need Richardson’s talent. 

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