In less than a month, Roger Goodell will walk on to the stage and announce the first 32 selections of the 2015 NFL Draft. It marks the final, major step of the offseason as teams make additions to their roster, addressing needs and trying to put themselves in position for Super Bowl contention in 2015.
The AFC North is once again filled with intrigue from top to bottom. At the bottom, the Cleveland Browns remain a debacle with questions all across the board, including the front office. Meanwhile in Pittsburgh, there are changes going on with the defense and more personnel are needed as they transition to a new era.
In Cincinnati, the team is once again set to compete for the division, but they have to make up for the weakness at quarterback by strengthening other positions. Lastly in Baltimore, the Ravens continue to fight tough in the playoffs but need a few more pieces to get past teams like the New England Patriots.
Let's examine each AFC North team needs as we head into the draft.
Baltimore Ravens: Wide Receiver
After letting Torrey Smith head to San Francisco and reunite with Anquan Boldin, Joe Flacco is left looking at the Ravens' front office and wondering who he will throw to this season. While Steve Smith had a solid season in 2014, he is entering his 16th season and his ability is declining.
Baltimore is in a nice situation with the 26th pick. While some of the top wide receivers will be off the board, there is still plenty of young, talent in a deep class. The Ravens could look at someone who could stretch the field, similar to the role Torrey Smith played or they might aim for a more physical, possession receiver.
The need for a pass-catcher is magnified given the question marks at tight end with Dennis Pitta's career in doubt. While the running game should remain a strongpoint, this offense needs balance and adding a big play wide receiver can help Flacco and the Ravens potentially take the next step in 2015.
Cincinnati Bengals: Offensive Tackle
As the Bengals get ready for another season with Andrew Whitworth locking down the left side, they should think about the future at left tackle. While the 33-year-old has been outstanding throughout his career, he is nearing his final games and will enter free agency next season as a 34-year-old free agent. It would be in Cincinnati's best interest to draft his protégé.
To make matters worse, right tackle Andre Smith is recovering from a torn triceps and is entering a contract year. Now is the time for Cincinnati to address the offensive line and it could come in the first round. With the 21st pick, the Bengals would love to see LSU's La'el Collins fall right into their laps. Some have concerns about his ability to play left tackle at the next level.
He won't need to play there right away, he also offers the versatility to be an excellent right tackle or flip inside and shine at guard. Collins would be a Swiss-army knife of the Bengals' offensive line, whom they could move around in case of injuries or struggles. If Collins is on the board at 21, Cincinnati should set the land-speed record to submit their pick.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Cornerback
The days of the Steel Curtain in the 1970's and the stout era of defense led by James Harrison, Ike Taylor, Troy Polamalu and many others, is over. While Harrison and Polamalu are still with the Steelers, they are in their 30's and far past their prime.
As Pittsburgh continues to build their defense once again, they must look towards the secondary, more specifically at cornerback. The Cortez Allen-Antwon Blake duo simply isn't going to work, unless Pittsburgh wants to give up 30-plus points a game. The Steelers may not get a chance at Marcus Peters with the 22nd pick, but that still leaves Wake Forest's Kevin Johnson or Michigan State's Trae Waynes.
Either player could instantly slide in and start immediately. This is simply a need that the Steelers can no longer ignore and they don't have the excuse of there not being any reasonable fits available at 22. Pittsburgh has the talent on offense to win the AFC North next season, but they must continue to build the defense.
Cleveland Browns: Wide Receiver
While Cleveland certainly needs help at nose tackle, they can't afford to walk out of the first round without taking a wide receiver. Josh Gordon is one again suspended, Jordan Cameron is gone and whoever Cleveland lines up behind center will have to rely on Dwayne Bowe and Andrew Hawkins.
Johnny Manziel is not a bust, he is a young quarterback who needs a healthy offensive line and talented wide receivers to support him, just like almost everyone quarterback in the league. The Browns have two chances to take a wide receiver and could walk away with one of the top-three in this class if one of Kevin White, Amari Cooper or DeVante Parker are available at 11. If all three are off the board, they could roll the dice on someone like Nelson Agholor, Breshad Perriman or Dorial Green-Beckham with the 19th pick.
It doesn't matter if Cleveland uses the 12th or 19th pick to address the position. The Browns just have to end the first day knowing they added a No.1-type receiver who their quarterback can rely on as a go-to weapon. If Cleveland ignores this need early once again, they are setting up their offense to fail all over again.