The NFC North is witnessing a resurgence in traditional, trench-focused football, with teams revamping their offensive lines to compete effectively. This offseason, the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, Baltimore Ravens, and Cincinnati Bengals have all made significant moves to bolster their offensive tackle positions, recognizing their critical role in a run-heavy league. The Ravens top the rankings with Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten, while the Steelers show depth and versatility with Broderick Jones and new first-round pick Max Iheanachor. The Bengals feature big names like Orlando Brown Jr. and Amarius Mims, despite some struggles, and the Browns are starting fresh with Tytus Howard and rookie Spencer Fano. The emphasis on offensive line strength is a clear trend across the division.

By the Numbers
  • Ronnie Stanley allowed just 28 pressures and four sacks over 857 snaps in 2025.
  • Orlando Brown Jr. allowed 46 pressures and nine sacks while committing 10 penalties last season.
  • Max Iheanachor, a first-round pick, is projected to fill a vital role at right tackle.
State of Play
  • The Ravens maintain a strong starting duo at tackle but lack depth beyond their starters.
  • The Steelers have a versatile group, with a strong front featuring Jones, Iheanachor, and Fautanu.
  • The Bengals need to address depth issues despite having high-profile talent, with Brown's performance under scrutiny.
  • The Browns are redesigned with new talent but have questions about the adaptability of key players like Fano.
What's Next

As teams prepare for training camp, the focus will shift to evaluating new acquisitions and addressing any gaps in depth. The Ravens may look to add depth and competition, while the Steelers will finalize their tackle alignment with health concerns on Jones. The Bengals need to improve Brown's performance to solidify their line, and the Browns will need to assess Fano’s fit as he transitions to the NFL.

Bottom Line

Investing in offensive line strength is crucial as teams aim to dominate in a league that values physical play. Each team in the AFC North has made strides, but success will depend on managing injuries and ensuring new players can effectively contribute. Depth is a recurring theme that could significantly impact each team's offensive performance throughout the season.