Clifton Brown

Ahead of the NFL Draft which begins on Thursday, here's a look at the Ravens' rivals in the AFC North heading into Round 1:

Cleveland Browns: Travis Hunter and Abdul Carter Could Be the Choice at No. 2

2025 Draft Picks:10

Round 1: 2nd overall

Round 2: 33

Round 3: 67, 94

Round 4: 104

Round 6: 179, 192, 200, 216

Round 7: 255

Biggest Needs

Quarterback: After signing former Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco, the Browns seem likely to pass on Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders at No. 2. But Owner Jimmy Haslam finally admitted that theDeshaun Watson signing was a big swing and missand Cleveland is in the market for a young quarterback. The Browns may select a quarterback on Day 2, perhaps Jalen Milroe of Alabama.

Wide receiver: Jerry Jeudy had a 1,200-yard season for the Browns, but he had just four touchdowns and they are seeking more explosive plays. Wide receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter would address that need if he's their choice at No. 2. Hunter wants to play offense and defense in the NFL like he did at Colorado, but no matter how he is utilized, many scouts view him as the top prospect in the draft.

Running back: This is a deep draft for running backs and veteran Nick Chubb has not been re-signed. Cleveland will have options at any point in the draft to add a back who could potentially start as a rookie.

Possible First Round Targets

WR/CB Travis Hunter, Colorado "Cleveland lacks playmakers, and it would get one on both sides of the ball in Hunter. I'd play him primarily on offense, where his speed, ball skills and instincts helped him to 1,258 yards last season. But the Browns could also sprinkle him in at corner, especially in high-stakes parts of the game. Hunter has beenmy No. 1 prospect through the whole draft cycle and has the chance to be special in the pros."Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN

EDGE Abdul Carter, Penn State "The Browns could be weighing taking Carter second and a quarterback in Round 2 versus pickingShedeur Sandersat No. 2 and waiting on an edge rusher until the second round. I think you can make a strong argument that taking Carter and waiting for a second-tier QB in Round 2 is the better option."Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network

QB Shedeur Sanders, Colorado "Good luck finding someone tougher than Sanders. He'll stand in the pocket and take hit (after hit after hit) to make a play downfield. He's not the athlete and doesn't have the arm strength of Cam Ward but he does a lot of things really well. I would like to see him play on time more consistently, but part of that had to do with Colorado's inconsistent offensive line."Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports

Cincinnati Bengals: Draft Could Lean Heavily Toward Improving on Defense

2025 Draft Picks: 6

Round 1: 17th overall

Round 2: 49

Round 3: 81

Round 4: 119

Round 5: 153

Round 6: 193

Biggest Needs

Defensive line: Last season's NFL sack leader Trey Hendrickson is in a contract dispute and has been given permission to seek a trade. Hendrickson had 12.5 more sacks and 21 more quarterback hits than any of his teammates in 2024. Cincinnati's overall defense needs major improvement after yielding at least 30 points in 10 games last season.

Guard: Former starting right guard Alex Cappa signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency. Left guard Cordell Volson was benched in December last year, leaving the competition wide open at both starting guard positions.

Linebacker: The starter at inside linebacker next to Logan Wilson has not been determined. Veteran Oren Burks was signed in free agency, but he started just five games for the Philadelphia Eagles last year, including three in the postseason.

Possible First Round Targets

DT Walter Nolen, Mississippi "The Bengals have a number of defensive options to consider, as the team could plausibly spend itsentiredraft on that side of the ball and I wouldn't bat an eye. That unitstruggledin 2024, giving up 25.5 points per game. Nolen is a disruptive interior rusher, and his best snaps show pure dominance. Finding more consistency would unlock another level of his game."Field Yates, ESPN

EDGE Mike Green, Marshall "Green would be an outstanding complement toTrey Hendricksonif the Bengals are able towork things outwith their star defensive end."Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network

LB Jihaad Campbell, Alabama "Cincinnati could consider offensive guard, but I think I have given the team a defensive prospect in every mock draft since the season's conclusion. The Bengals will almost certainly go defense in Round 1."Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports

Pittsburgh Steelers: Quarterback and Defensive Line Are Positions of Need

2025 Draft Picks: 6

Round 1: 21st overall

Round 3: 83

Round 4: 123

Round 5: 156

Round 6: 185

Round 7: 229

Biggest Needs

Quarterback: Russell Wilson (New York Giants) and Justin Fields (New York Jets) departed in free agency. Aaron Rodgers is still undecided. This year's quarterback class is not considered deep, but the Steelers could take a quarterback at any point.

Defensive Line: Baltimore rushed for 299 yards against the Steelers in the playoffs, and they released defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi in a March salary cap move. Younger depth for the defensive line rotation is needed.

Running back: Najee Harris had 263 carries for Pittsburgh last season and signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in March. Kenneth Gainwell was added during free agency, but Pittsburgh is in the market for a running back.

Possible First Round Targets

DT Derrick Harmon, Oregon "Harmon led all FBS players in pressures from a DT alignment last season (34)Cameron Heywardwill be 36 this season, so I like the idea of building with Harmon andKeeanu Benton. As for the quarterback situation, I'm holding off.Cam WardandShedeur Sandersare off the board. It makes sense to wait until later in the draft (and signAaron Rodgers).Field Yates, ESPN

QB Jaxson Dart, Mississippi"The Steelers' plan at quarterback is not completely clear at the moment. Even if they were to land 41-year-oldAaron Rodgers, they would still need a long-term option at the position, so they take another swing here with Dart."Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network

DT Kenneth Grant, Michigan"When the Steelers (wisely) cut Larry Ogunjobi and (perhaps unwisely) chose not to substantially address the defensive line in free agency, an early-round defensive tackle went from a priority to a necessity. Given the need for a plug-and-play, Day 1 starter and the lack of a second-round pick, Round 1 is the best chance to find one. That makes three defensive tackles the most likely candidates at 21: Oregon's Derrick Harmon, Michigan's Kenneth Grant and Ole Miss' Walter Nolen."Mike DeFabo, The Athletic