The AFC North was one of the most hotly-contested divisions in football last season. Pittsburgh ended up on top by season’s end, finishing at 11-5, but both Baltimore and Cincinnati were nipping at their heels all the way until the bitter end.

We did a comprehensive job here at numberFire with our “crossed-out quarterbacks jersey,” highlighting the ineptitude at the position over the last two decades has already added Johnny Manziel to the list.

The Browns ranked 26th in passing offense when adjusted for strength of schedule last season, according to our metrics. And not that anyone in their right mind is suggesting this, but newly-signed Josh McCown, who posted a -31.02 Passing NEP last season (which ranked 68th among all quarterbacks), is not the long-term answer either. McCown guided Tampa Bay to the 31st-ranked passing offense in terms of Adjusted Passing NEP per play last season.

Should Cleveland choose to go quarterback in the first-round for the second consecutive season, keeping the 12th overall pick might not work out. With Jameis Winston guaranteed to be gone, and Marcus Mariota as well, the Browns would need to trade up to get one of the two, or reach for a guy such as Brett Hundley.

If Cleveland decides to stay put at 12th overall, then DeVante Parker or Dorial Green-Beckham could provide a replacement for Josh Gordon, who remains in career limbo. They could also take an interior defensive lineman such as Malcolm Brown.

It’s difficult to predict how a team with so many needs will attack a given draft. For Cleveland, taking the “best player available” approach is ultimately their best bet.

Potential Picks: DT Malcolm Brown (Texas), WR DeVante Parker (Louisville), QB Brett Hundley (UCLA)

Pittsburgh Steelers

Biggest Needs: Cornerback, Linebacker

As a Steelers fan, I have been clamoring for Pittsburgh to take a cornerback in the first round for what seems like an eternity. On offense, Pittsburgh ranks among the league’s best groups, finishing fifth in the league in Adjusted NEP per play last season. On defense, however, major improvements must be made, as the team finished just 27th in Adjusted Defensive NEP per play.

Typically, drafting from the back end of the first round (something that fans often lament, although this means you probably fared well during the regular season) doesn’t always present much value at the position, but the need is painfully obvious.

The Steelers were abysmal last season against the pass, ranking 27th according to our metrics, and did nothing in free agency to remedy the situation.

The projected starters from the current depth chart, William Gay and Cortez Allen, constitute a duo ready to be targeted by opposing offensive play-callers. Ike Taylor’s recent retirement (despite showing obvious sings of decline last season) even further depletes the talent and depth on the back end. And although he was in the declining stages of his career as well, and lined up at safety, Troy Polamalu’s retirement leaves an even greater hole in the secondary.

With the 22nd overall pick, Pittsburgh will likely have their choice of Byron Jones, Jalen Collins, or Kevin Johnson. All three prospects offer shut-down potential and make the most sense for the Steelers’ first-round approach.

Although other needs do still exist -- linebacker, and to some extent, both interior lines -- the defensive secondary, and specifically the cornerback position needs to be priority number one. (Signed, sincerely, a devoted Steelers fan.)

Potential Picks: CB Jalen Collins (LSU), CB Kevin Johnson (Wake Forest), CB Byron Jones (UConn)