Required Reading: Links to the Best in AFC North Coverage, 6/6 Edition

Today's AFC North required reading includes examinations on the importance of Trent Richardson to the Browns, an update on the Bengals' safety battle, as well as the contract talks between Joe Flacco and the Ravens and how a veteran tight end can help the Steelers transition to a new offense.

Apparently, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs really did tear his Achilles tendon playing basketball. Initially, he told the team that he had hurt it while doing drills on his own.

Matt Vensel of the Baltimore Sun says that the Ravens aren't likely to give quarterback Joe Flacco a contract extension until the end of the season—or could even use the franchise tag on him next year.

Matt Gray of Bleacher Report says that Cincinnati Bengals safety Taylor Mays has inched ahead in the battle for the starting job.

The Cincinnati Bengals will host three college coaches who are a part of the NFL's Bill Walsh Minority Coaching Fellowship program during the summer, reports the Enquirer's Joe Reedy.

Brian Klein of Bleacher Report looks at the ways that Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur can help build Trent Richardson into an elite NFL running back.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Terry Pluto says that the heart of the Browns' offense will be Trent Richardson, and not quarterback Brandon Weeden (or Colt McCoy).

Bleacher Report's Kyle Stanzel says the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2012 draft class will prove to be the best in the league this season.

The biggest thing that new Steelers tight end Leonard Pope brings to the team is familiarity with offensive coordinator Todd Haley and how he does things, which will be extremely helpful in this time of transition.

Follow @FBALL_Andrea