Tomorrow night is the start of the 2026 NFL Draft. After months of speculation, 32 teams will choose who they believe will change their history. I’ve gone through every division, analyzing each team’s biggest need this weekend. The eighth, and final one, is the AFC North.
The Ravens weren’t expected to have a first-round pick a month ago. They agreed to a trade with the Las Vegas Raiders for Maxx Crosby, then backed out after he failed a physical. They went on to sign Trey Hendrickson instead, and the need for an edge rusher is gone.
Baltimore lost several players in free agency and will need to find replacements in this Draft. The biggest hole to fill will be in the offensive line. Center Tyler Linderbaum departed in free agency, and he leaves big shoes behind.
The Ravens hold the 14th overall pick in the Draft. They have a perfect shot at the number one guard prospect. Penn State’s Olaivavega Ioane is a premier guard who could immediately protect Lamar Jackson.
Baltimore can also target the wide receiver position here. Zay Flowers is missing a true number two, and there will be plenty of prospects. Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson and Indiana’s Omar Cooper could be realistic options for the newly appointed head coach, Jesse Minter.
The Bengals were slated to pick 10th overall in this Draft. On Saturday night, they traded it to the New York Giants for defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. Their first pick will now come at 41st overall. They added a piece to the trenches, but their secondary is still lacking.
Cincinnati should be looking at cornerback options in the second round. South Carolina’s Brandon Cisse, Indiana’s D’Angelo Ponds, and San Diego State’s Chris Johnson rank 41st, 43rd, and 46th on PFF’s big board.
The Bengals’ defense ranked 31st in the NFL in total yards allowed per game (380.9) and 30th in points allowed per game (28.9). Joe Burrow and the offense can only do so much to stay in games. If Cincy doesn’t strengthen the defense, head coach Zac Taylor could find himself back on the hot seat in 2026.
The Browns have two paths ahead of them on Thursday night: wide receiver and offensive line. They hold the sixth and 24th overall pick, the latter coming from a 2025 Draft night trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
While the Browns are still undecided at QB, Shedeur Sanders seems to be the favorite for the job. Protecting him and adding weapons will be an extremely high priority.
I’m focusing on the receiver position here because Cleveland addressed the offensive line ahead of the Draft. They acquired Tytus Howard from the Houston Texans, signed Zion Johnson to a three-year deal, and brought in Elgton Jenkins. The receiver room still demands attention.
The Browns’ wide receiver room currently features Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, and Isaiah Bond. The three of them are talented pass-catchers, but none have proven to be a WR1 threat.
There’s a real possibility that Cleveland will have its pick of the litter at wide receiver. Ohio State’s Carnell Tate, USC’s Makai Lemon, and Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson are all strong contenders. If Miami tackle, Francis Mauigoa, is off the board, one of these receivers should see a Cleveland area code tomorrow night.
The Steelers’ biggest need is truly at quarterback. With Aaron Rodgers still mulling his future, second-year QB Will Howard is projected to be the starter. Pittsburgh could turn to Alabama’s Ty Simpson here, but that just doesn’t seem realistic.
Pittsburgh holds the 21st overall pick, leaving them in a prime position to strengthen the offensive line. No matter who’s under center, they’ll need to protect him. After the departure of guard Isaac Seumalo, the trenches are even weaker now.
Clemson’s Blake Miller, Alabama’s Kadyn Proctor, and Arizona State’s Max Iheanachor are all viable options for the Steelers at 21. While it seems unlikely, Utah’s Spencer Fano could fall to them if luck is on their side.
Pittsburgh could target the guard position as well. If they’re high on Oregon’s Emmanuel Pregnon or Texas A&M’s Chase Bisontis, the reach may be worth it. The city of Pittsburgh is hosting the Draft tomorrow night. The streets will be full of passionate fans who will surely let them know what they think, regardless of the pick.
The AFC North was flipped on its head in 2025. The Browns, Steelers, and Ravens have all hired new head coaches following the season. The status quo is about to change in the division, and this Draft may look wildly different from years past.
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