The AFC North teams made significant moves in the 2021 NFL Draft, with each addressing key needs. Here's a comprehensive breakdown by team:

Bengals (Picking Early):

• Round 1: WR Ja'Marr Chase (LSU) - Former teammate of QB Joe Burrow
• Round 2: OT Jackson Carman (Clemson) - Projected guard starter
• Round 3: DE Joseph Ossai (Texas) - Notable edge rusher addition
• Later rounds focused on defensive depth
• Mixed reviews due to limited offensive line improvements

Browns (Late First Round):

• Round 1: CB Greg Newsome II (Northwestern) - Immediate starter potential
• Round 2: LB Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (Notre Dame) - Major value pick
• Added WR Anthony Schwartz and OT James Hudson for depth
• Highly praised draft class despite no edge rusher selection

Ravens (Two First-Round Picks):

• Round 1: WR Rashod Bateman (Minnesota) - Immediate impact receiver
• Round 1: EDGE Jayson Oweh (Penn State) - High-upside selection
• Round 3: G Ben Cleveland - Strong run-blocking addition
• Round 4: WR Tylan Wallace - Value pick with potential
• Generally positive reviews for balanced approach

Steelers (Late First Round):

• Round 1: RB Najee Harris (Alabama) - Projected lead back
• Round 2: TE Pat Freiermuth (Penn State) - Top tight end after Kyle Pitts
• Round 3: C Kendrick Green (Illinois) - Future starter potential
• Round 6: EDGE Quincy Roche (Miami) - Value pick
• Mixed reviews with success heavily dependent on Harris's performance

The draft showed different approaches to team building, with the Browns and Ravens receiving the strongest expert evaluations while the Bengals and Steelers faced more scrutiny for their selections.

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