The 2024 NFL Draft is this week, and that means every team has its annual chance to inject its roster with an influx of cheap, young talent.
The draft is where champions are made and rebuilding teams are taken to the next level, and some of the teams in the AFC North are certainly looking to make jumps this year.
The Bengals and Ravens are all picking to build around their franchise quarterbacks, while the Steelers and Browns need to continue hitting on draft picks to hide their deficiencies at the position.
Here's what all four of these teams need to achieve at the draft this week.
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2024 NFL Draft Needs (AFC North): Baltimore Ravens
Team Needs: LB, DB, RB
The Ravens have seen a slow drip of talent leave the organization in free agency this year. Patrick Queen left for the Steelers, running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins both joined the Chargers, and those were just a few of the departures.
This is still a great roster centered around reigning MVP Lamar Jackson, but there is work to be done this week to add to this group. A linebacker to join Roquan Smith and replace Queen could be good, as could more support for the defensive backfield.
Keaton Mitchell broke on to the scene as a rookie before his injury, but the Ravens also need to add a running back to help keep him on the field.
2024 NFL Draft Needs (AFC North): Cincinnati Bengals
Team Needs: OL, DB, IDL
The Bengals are coming off of a disappointing season caused by an early season-ending injury to star quarterback Joe Burrow.
Keeping Burrow protected has been an issue to at least some level since he was drafted, so look for the Bengals to draft more help in that department. A receiver at some point to attempt to offset the eventual loss of Tee Higgins could be a good idea as well.
The departure of D.J. Reader to Detroit leaves a vacancy on the interior of the defensive line, and much of the defensive backfield that powered the 2021 Super Bowl appearance has aged out or left the franchise. More help there is paramount to success in the AFC playoffs in this quarterback-heavy conference.
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2024 NFL Draft Needs (AFC North): Cleveland Browns
Team Needs: QB, WR, OL
The Browns, for better or worse (and really for worse), are married to Deshaun Watson at quarterback for the time being. He has been such a disaster in Cleveland that a day two or three pick on a possible future successor makes sense.
Beyond that, receiver is an area of need for Cleveland. Amari Cooper isn't getting any younger, and the other players in that unit don't inspire much confidence.
Cleveland's dominant defense doesn't need too much help, but they'll certainly add more youth here and there when they can. Offensive line also would be a positive help to try to improve this team's already excellent power running game.
2024 NFL Draft Needs (AFC North): Pittsburgh Steelers
Team Needs: WR, OL, DB
Things are pretty straightforward for the Black and Yellow. The trade of Diontae Johnson to Carolina brought Donte Jackson back, but Jackson slotting in as a starter opposite Joey Porter Jr. is not a real solution. Another corner is necessary.
So too is another receiver, as the weapon room outside of George Pickens is looking awfully bare with Johnson gone. The Steelers have a great track record of drafting and developing receivers outside the first round, so look for them to do that here.
Whether it's Russell Wilson or Justin Fields primarily under center for the team this year, more help on the offensive line would be a major plus to give them the best chance to succeed.
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