In what many experts have called the deepest draft in years, key players for seasons to come were available much later than most drafts; you’d be hard-pressed to find a team that did poorly in the draft (unless you’re the Indianapolis Colts).

In the AFC North division, each team had a similar approach to build or improve the foundation of their team: defense. We’ll look at each team’s draft, starting with last season’s division champ.

Cincinnatti Bengals (2013 record: 11-5)

Notable picks:  

CB  Darqueze Dennard (24th overall)

RB  Jeremy Hill (R2, 55th overall)

QB  AJ McCarron (R5, 164th overall)

The Bengals had the best press cornerback in the draft fall right into their lap late in the first round in Dennard; he was projected to go mid-first round to Pittsburgh, but they passed on him. Cincinnatti desperately needed a young, physical corner to come in and make plays his first year, and they definitely hit the mark in that regard. A risky pick by the Bengals came in the second round when they selected Jeremy Hill out of LSU; Hill has been arrested twice in the past three years, but he has all the attributes of a NFL power back and could complement Giovani Bernard quite nicely. They also filled a need at defensive end by selecting sneaky edge rusher Will Clarke in the third round, who will replace free agent Michael Johnson. GRADE: B+

Baltimore Ravens (2013 record: 8-8)

Notable picks:

LB  CJ Mosley (17th overall)

NT  Timmy Jernigan (R2, 48th overall)

FS  Terrence Brooks (R3, 79th overall)

Baltimore landed their prototypical linebacker in Mosley: high motor, high energy, big hitter, plays sideline to sideline (remind you of someone?). Many consider him the biggest steal of the draft because, although being the first LB on most big boards, he was the second one taken in the first round (see Shazier, Ryan). Their next two picks added both depth and talent in Jernigan and Brooks. Although Jernigan will be on the bench behind Haloti Ngata, Terrence Brooks gives the Ravens a nice Ed Reed-type center fielder, who catches everything thrown in his direction. One thing they failed to accomplish was improving their offensive line. Granted, they selected a guard in the fifth round, but they could have used a tackle to replace Michael Oher. GRADE: B

Pittsburgh Steelers (2013 record: 8-8)

Notable picks:

LB  Ryan Shazier (15th overall)

DE  Stephon Tuitt (R2, 46th overall)

WR  Martavis Bryant (R4, 118th overall)

GM Kevin Colbert new the Steelers needed defensive playmakers, and that is exactly what he got with his first two picks, Shazier and Tuitt. Shazier is a speedy, aggressive pass-rushing linebacker who could wreck havoc on opposing offensive lines coming on an inside cross blitz, which the Steelers love to do. Tuitt will have an immediate impact on the right side of the D-line, commonly filled by Brett Keisel over the last decade. He is a 5-technique rusher comparable to former Pro-Bowler Richard Seymour. The addition of Dri Archer reminds some of bust Chris Rainey, who lasted only a year in Pittsburgh. However, landing 6′ 4” wideout Martavis Bryant should have Big Ben jumping for joy, since he has clamored for a tall red-zone WR for some time. Although, the Steelers, much like the Ravens, did not fill their needs until later in the draft. Pittsburgh’s aging secondary could have used the likes of Dennard or Gilbert, but they chose to strengthen the defensive side of the ball first. GRADE: B

Cleveland Browns: (2013 record: 4-12)

Notable picks:

CB  Justin Gilbert (8th overall)

QB  Johnny Manziel (22nd overall)

OT  Joel Bitonio (R2, 35th overall)

Using every resource possible, the Browns traded picks left and right to move up and select the players they wanted, ending up with no selections in rounds 5-7. Justin Gilbert was considered a reach for where he was taken, considering there were other better options available; however, he’s fast, he can play man and zone coverage well, and he is physical enough to compete at a high level. Gilbert is the prototypical NFL corner and should come in and start. But the biggest story was trading up to get Johnny Football with the 22nd pick. No one knows for certain what he will amount to in the NFL, but the potential of multiple Super Bowls and MVP awards was too much for Cleveland not to capitalize on the opportunity.  Although they only had six picks in the draft, they filled needs while strengthening every aspect of their roster. GRADE: A-

All four teams did exceptionally well both filling holes and stockpiling talent in this year’s NFL Draft. Starting with defense, the physical, grueling style of play fans have come to know and appreciate looks to have had a revival from the draft. But, as history shows, in the NFL, nothing is certain.