AFC North: Pittsburgh needs big draft to hold off improving Cleveland

The fifth in a series on division needs leading up to the April 26-27 NFL Draft:

AFC East | NFC East | AFC South | NFC South

Heading into the 2007 season, some considered the AFC North to be the best division in football.

They aren't saying that now.

Virginia OL Branden Albert could help Pittsburgh fill the void left by Alan Faneca's departure. (US Presswire)

The Pittsburgh Steelers won the division, but the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals both had disappointing seasons. The Cleveland Browns surprised with a 10-6 record, but is that something that will be sustained?

The Browns have been the most active team in free agency, adding several key players. But to be the champs, they have to find a way to beat the Steelers, who defeated them twice last year.

Pittsburgh, as is its style, pretty much sat out free agency. The Steelers always choose to focus on the draft. But with Cleveland making strides and the Steelers doing little, Pittsburgh's front office better have two good draft days or the team might be overtaken in the division.

The Ravens and Bengals still have talent, but they have big holes. The question is whether they can plug them well enough with one draft to get back to the playoffs.

This year's draft will be huge in whether this division can return to being a power player.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The skinny: The Steelers have been a good drafting team for a long time. They don't get involved as much as some teams in free agency, in large part because they draft so well. General manager Kevin Colbert does a nice job. But he heads to this draft with some real areas of concern and big holes to fill.

Primary need: Offensive line. Pittsburgh lost Alan Faneca, and the tackles played poorly last year. This is problematic for a team that likes to run the football.

Secondary needs: Cornerback, wide receiver and safety.

Possible targets: Virginia tackle Branden Albert, Kansas State tackle Anthony Collins, South Florida cornerback Mike Jenkins, Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib and Tennessee State cornerback Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie.

Summary: The Steelers are still a quality team. They do need to fix that offensive line. What about Ben Roethlisberger's want for a big receiver? At some point, the corner play has to get better. Steelers fans need not fret -- this organization knows how to find good football players.