Few teams went into the 2019 season with as high hopes as the Cleveland Browns did last year. With Baker Mayfield running the offense with such terrific targets as Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham Jr., the Browns seemed ready to take the AFC North by storm. The Bengals were down, the Steelers were down, and the Ravens were starting out with a then-unproven quarterback in Lamar Jackson. Sports betting enthusiasts who drank the Cleveland Kool-Aid saw the Browns’ offensive line fail to protect Mayfield as Cleveland missed the postseason again, even though the Bengals and Steelers had down year. It was the Ravens who came out of nowhere to roll to the top seed in the AFC — only to get shocked by the Titans at home in the divisional round of the playoffs. How should each team restock in the NFL draft? As you consider your sports betting odds on the coming NFL season, take a look at our thoughts.
AFC North Mock Draft For 2020
Baltimore Ravens
Draft Picks Available- 1st round (28th overall)
- 2nd (55)
- 2nd (60)
- 3rd (92)
- 3rd (106)
- 4th (129)
- 4th (134)
- 5th (170)
- 7th (225)
The Baltimore Ravens had a shutdown defense…until they didn’t. Derrick Henry gashed the Ravens’ defense in the divisional playoff game. The team needs to add some playmakers at the edge rusher and linebacker position.
Possibilities: Zack Baun (Wisconsin), Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma)
Baltimore’s offense was the tops in the league in terms of points scored, but they were heavy on the run — and heavy on Lamar Jackson running the ball. They have a couple of speedy wideouts but could use a wide receiver built for possession routes across the middle of the field to make their attack even more diverse.
Possibilities: Denzel Mims (Baylor), James Proche (SMU), Justin Jefferson (LSU)
The Ravens lost Marshal Yanda from their offensive line and could be looking for a couple of guards, especially to help open up holes in the running game.
Possibility: Cesar Ruiz (Michigan)
Cincinnati Bengals
Draft Picks Available- 1st round (first overall)
- 2nd (33)
- 3rd (65)
- 4th (107)
- 5th (147)
- 6th (180)
- 7th (215)
The Cincinnati Bengals need a new franchise quarterback. Andy Dalton has had his run, but he seems headed out the door, as the Bengals have all but confirmed that they plan to draft Joe Burrow (LSU) with that top pick.
Burrow will need a better offensive line to protect him than what the Bengals have right now. Both the right tackle and right guard position need upgrades, and the Bengals will find plenty of quality in this year’s draft.
Possibility: Ezra Cleveland (Boise State)
On the defensive side of the ball, the Bengals need more athleticism in their linebacker group. They need speed from side to side of the field, instead of the strong hitters they’ve had in the past…who can’t pursue or cover.
Possibilities: Chase Young (Ohio State), Zack Baun (Wisconsin), Patrick Queen (LSU), Kenneth Murray (Oklahoma)
Cleveland Browns
Draft Picks Available- 1st round (tenth overall)
- 2nd (41)
- 3rd (74)
- 3rd (97)
- 4th (115)
- 6th (187)
- 7th (244)
Yes, Cleveland signed Jack Conklin to fill one of the offensive tackle slots. However, they need at least one more and could use two more.
Possibilities: Tristin Wirfs (Iowa), Mekhi Becton (Louisville)
On the defensive side of the ball, Cleveland has a lot of talent, but they are thin at safety and didn’t bring in anyone via free agency. So a Day 2 pick should shore up the back of the secondary. They also need a linebacker to replace the departing Joe Schobert.
Possibilities: Grant Delpit (S – LSU), Antoine Winfield, Jr (S – Minnesota), Logan Wilson (LB – Wyoming)
Pittsburgh Steelers
Draft Picks Available- 2nd round (49th overall)
- 3rd (102)
- 4th (124)
- 4th (135)
- 6th (198)
- 7th (232)
The Steelers had a very difficult time running the ball last year. It didn’t help that they were playing a second- and third-string quarterback for most of the season, which allowed opposing teams to load the box. However, James Conner is not the answer as a franchise running back because of durability concerns, so the Steelers need to add someone, even if they do it on Day 2.
Possibility: Jonathan Taylor (Wisconsin)
Pittsburgh has talent at wide receiver such as James Washington, JuJu Smith-Schuster and Diontae Johnson. However, they need a speed threat who can stretch opposing defenses, particularly with Smith-Schuster coming in off a disappointing season.
Possibility: Jalen Reagor (TCU)
The offensive line is demonstrating its age, as starts like Alejandro Villaneuva and Maurkice Pouncey have lost a step, so the Steelers should look for youth in the draft.
Possibility: Jonah Jackson (Ohio State)
