The AFC North sent three teams to the playoffs in 2023. Heading into the draft, there is one fit for each AFC North team that makes the most sense.
A Perfect Draft Fit For Each AFC North Team
Baltimore Ravens
Cooper Beebee – OL Kansas State
After letting a few impact players along the offensive line leave in free agency, the Ravens need to replenish this position. Over the years, Baltimore has favored players with position versatility. The organization also knows how to draft offensive linemen and develop them. At Kansas State, Beebee was stellar in protection and played all along the offensive line. The Baltimore fit for Beebee means landing somewhere he can compete for a starting spot but would not be required to step into the lineup in week 1.
Cincinnati Bengals
Brian Thomas – WR LSU
The Cincinnati Bengals need help on offense. Gone are names like Tyler Boyd, Irv Smith Jr., and Joe Mixon. The trio combined for 188 targets in 2023 (per pro-football-reference). Add that to the fact that Tee Higgins could be playing elsewhere next season, and the need becomes pressing for Cincinnati. For the Bengals, Thomas would give them someone who can stretch the field and create explosive plays. At LSU, Thomas and Malik Nabers formed a lethal tandem. His impact in Cincinnati could be similar, given the amount of talent the Bengals have at receiver with Higgins and Jamaar Chase. Thomas has a background in basketball and has developed into one of the top names in the NFL Draft after coming to LSU as a four-star recruit. His skill-set would give Joe Burrow a legitimate red zone threat and help take the Bengals offense to another level.
Cleveland Browns
Maason Smith – DL LSU
This pick would be purely developmental for the Browns. Shelby Harris and Dalvin Tomlinson are short-term answers to the defensive tackle position in Cleveland. The talent at the edge rusher position drops off by the time they pick in the second round, so the Browns must be calculated with their selection. The team has shown over the years they look for high pedigree in the draft and through trades. Names like Grant Delpit, Dawand Jones, and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoa come to mind. Smith entered his 2023 season at LSU as a hot name but did not live up to the hype. He still has enticing traits and could become a highly productive player with the right coaching.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Xavier Legette – WR South Carolina
With their second-round pick, the Steelers could land a player with much to prove in Legette. The team needs to bolster the receiving room, and they’ve had luck finding receivers in this range. Legette’s skill set would offer a nice contrast to what the Steelers have on hand. Lining up opposite George Pickens, the former South Carolina star could do some damage in Pittsburgh. He’s tough to bring down after the catch and has a good catch radius. Legette would give Russell Wilson or Justin Fields a dominant down-field threat who can also do the dirty work.
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