Training camps are literally just around the corner, and man, some AFC teams are heading into battle with some serious question marks still hanging over their rosters. We're talking about the final tweaks, the last chances to fine-tune things before the grind really starts, all with that Super Bowl dream on the horizon. But some teams, especially in the AFC North, look like they're just hoping things work themselves out.
AFC North Linebackers: A Seriously Risky Bet
Cincinnati is looking real dicey at linebacker, and honestly, it’s a head-scratcher. They've got young talent at spots like edge rusher and cornerback, which just needs to step up, but the linebacker unit? That screamed for a veteran presence. Instead, the Bengals are rolling it back with last year's second and fourth-round picks, Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter. Are we really expecting those guys to magically fix the tackling problems up the middle? That's a massive gamble for 2026, and you just know that tackling *has* to be a lot better for them to make any noise. Over in Baltimore, the concerns are piling up all over the place, but linebacker is definitely a glaring one. When your star quarterback, Lamar Jackson, has missed at least four games in three of the past five seasons, that's already a huge red flag. Then you look at the offensive line, which could easily be underwhelming, and a pass game that lacks proven big-bodied targets. Oh, and Derrick Henry, a beast for so long, is now 32 years old. It all adds up to a situation where the linebackers are going to be under immense pressure, and if they're not solidified, the whole defense could crumble.Cleveland's Defensive Line Woes and QB Drama
The Cleveland Browns are another AFC North squad with some wild priorities, or lack thereof. Listen, everyone knows quarterback is the worst position on that roster. Fans are trying to spin Shedeur Sanders pushing Deshaun Watson as a positive, but come on, given Watson’s track record in northeast Ohio, isn’t that actually a massive concern? There just aren't many great options available at the game's most important spot. So, while QB is clearly a mess, the team’s attention is surprisingly on the slot defender and defensive tackle. The slot position apparently got a little boost with safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren joining as the third safety, which is cool I guess. But defensive tackle? That's where the real current problem is. Mike Hall Jr. hasn't blossomed yet, and Maliek Collins is just getting back from injury. Mason Graham is the *only* known commodity in that group. That’s a shaky foundation up front, especially when you need to cover for other roster weaknesses. Remember how the Packers swooped in for Micah Parsons last August, sending Dallas some draft picks and Kenny Clark? Or how the Dolphins grabbed Juju Brents off waivers, and now he's expected to start? Even Luke Fortner, who blocked for breakout rookie Tyler Shough in 2025 with the Jaguars, moved to the Saints and then inked a deal with the rival Panthers this offseason. These moves, big or small, can absolutely have long-term impacts. For the Bengals, Browns, and Ravens, the choices they are making,or *not* making,right now are going to set the tone for the entire 2026 NFL regular season. Can these teams address these glaring holes before it's too late? We're all gonna find out real soon.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.