2016 NFL Draft: AFC North Team Needs

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Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) talks to Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) after their 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. The Ravens won 30-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2016 NFL Draft is almost here and the Baltimore Ravens hope to once again rule the AFC North. The AFC North is always one of the toughest divisions in football. Sure, the Cleveland Browns are never good but they always manage to at least make it interesting (the more interesting they make it the more you have to worry about your team). The Bengals and Steelers provide the Ravens with four grueling battles. In 60 minute increments the most heated contests in the NFL occur in the AFC North.

With the NFL Draft quickly approaching it is time to look at the needs for each AFC North team. How can each team get better and how will these potential improvements impact the divisional power struggle. How will the draft impact the AFC North’s teams in their pursuit of a shot in the playoffs?

The Ravens, Steelers and Bengals are not strangers to the playoffs. While the Bengals haven’t won a playoff game since I was one year old, Marvin Lewis has gotten his team six chances in the postseason. The Ravens are looking to become as familiar with the playoffs as they were from 2008-2012 where they one at least one playoff game every year. I don’t have to tell you about the Steelers playoff success, find any Steelers fan and they’ll tell you how many championships they have won (without being asked). The three AFC powers from the same division hope to get to the playoffs in 2016. The NFL Draft is a good first step for the Ravens and their rivals.

Next: Cleveland Browns Draft Needs

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