Pro Football Focus[/caption]The AFC North has been very consistent, thanks in the most part to the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittsburgh has always seemed be successful in the playoffs, but this year when they didn't qualify, Baltimore went on to win the Super Bowl.
The Cincinnati Bengals have stuggled to make that next step to match the success of the two top teams, while the Cleveland Browns always seem to be bottom-dwellers. But, with the Ravens and Steelers aging, it is possible that the other two teams can build up and become the superior two.
They can only start to achieve this tough task by filling gaps and making key additions. With that, here are the team needs for the AFC North division.
By Jared Goodman
Baltimore Ravens
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Jared Wickerham/Getty Images[/caption]Defensive Tackle
When the Ravens selected nose tackle Terrence Cody in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft, they expected big things. However, Cody has struggled at the starter position for each year he has been there.
Baltimore's other starter is a five-time All-Pro Haloti Ngata, but he has been unable to stay healthy for the past few seasons. It is no secret that the Ravens need to acquire a consistent player at defensive tackle during this off-season if they want to gear up for a championship-repeat.
Free Safety
Although star Ed Reed has announced he will return to the NFL for 2013, his contract with Baltimore has expired. He is approaching 35-years-old and soon will not be a factor in the NFL anymore.
With that in mind, the Ravens will likely try and add a young free safety this off-season to complement strong safety Bernard Pollard who, like Reed, has played exceptionally on a stout Baltimore defense.
If a new free safety is indeed added to their roster, that player will certainly have some big shoes to fill.
Cincinnati Bengals
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Jamie Squire/Getty Images[/caption]Linebacker
It could not be more clear that the Bengals need a linebacker. All three opening-day starting LBs in Rey Maualuga, Manny Lawson and Thomas Howard each have expired contracts, leaving a big hole in Cincinnati.
Undrafted rookie Vontaze Burflict showed that he is a legitimate starter at the position, but right now he is the only one with that particular status on the entire team. The Bengals will certainly look to the draft or free agency to acquire a linebacker.
Running Back
BenJarvus Green-Ellis had a solid year starting at halfback, exceeding expectations in his first year with the team. However, offensive coordinator Jay Gruden said that Green-Ellis would "embrace" a more explosive running back added to the roster, and the team would benefit from it as well.
This is probably correct, because backups Bernard Scott and Brian Leonard may be free-agents and Green-Ellis is not yet near a top-tier RB. Expect Cincinnati to go ahead and select a halfback in the draft for a new, speedy set of legs that can provide a change of pace.
Pittsburgh Steelers
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Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]Linebacker
After the retirement of James Farrior, the Steelers had Larry Foote start at inside-linebacker. He struggled throughout the year and was part of a Steelers defense that uncharacteristically tied for 15th in sacks.
2012 third-rounder Sean Spence was supposed to help solidify the Steelers at linebacker, but after a torn ACL and other ligaments during the regular season -- and now perineal nerve damage -- this will not be the case in the near future.
Pittsburgh may address their linebacker need at 17th overall, as this is a draft that excels at the position.
Strong Safety
While the Steelers have five-time Pro Bowl selection Troy Polamalu available at strong safety, his inabiltiy to remain healthy may lead them to acquire his possible future successor.
Although he may not start for a while, having a young strong safety option gives the Steelers much-needed depth and reassurance in the event Polamalu is unable to play, as we have seen in the past. Look for Pittsburgh to pick up a strong safety in the middle rounds of this year's draft.
Cleveland Browns
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Alex Trautwig/Getty Images[/caption]Tight End
The Browns have lacked a playmaking tight-end in recent years, and starter Benjamin Watson leaving to free agency does not help their case. 2011 fourth-rounder Jordan Cameron does not look like a legitimate starter at the position, so Cleveland will likely turn to the draft of free agency to cover up one of their many holes.
This would likely be a receiving tight end, because the Browns need all the help they can get in the passing game.
Quarterback
After Brandon Weeden's mediocre rookie year, the Browns may look to acquire a new franchise quarterback this off-season. Weeden, unlike most other rookies, is unable to develop properly because he is already approaching 30 years of age.
If the Browns do opt to find a new QB, they may use their sixth overall pick, where Geno Smith, or more likely Matt Barkley, will possibly be available to select.
