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The AFC North blog wanted to know what the fans thought about the drafts for each of the division teams. Now, let's compare your grades against the ones given by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr.:

CINCINNATI BENGALS

The picks: CB Dre Kirkpatrick (first round), G Kevin Zeitler (first round), DT Devon Still (second round), WR Mohamed Sanu (third round), DT Brandon Thompson (third round), TE Orson Charles (fourth round), CB Shaun Prater (fifth round), WR Marvin Jones (fifth round), S George Iloka (fifth round), RB Dan "Boom" Herron (sixth round).

Kiper's grade: A-minus

Fans' grade: A (42 percent in the SportsNation poll)

Fans' comments:

Adam from Dayton: Bengals Draft Grade: A -- I thought that the Bengals did an excellent job in adding depth. The one "head scratcher" that seemed to come about this year was trading their second first round pick when they could have got David DeCastro, the highest-rated guard. Granted they received an extra pick and still grabbed a very big and strong guard a few picks later in Kevin Zeitler with that trade, I think it really boiled down to the fact they could have got the best guard, instead all of Bengal Nation saw him go to the Steelers. All-in-all, everyone knows the AFC North is an old-school run -first division, so beefing up the D-Line with a couple of huge, strong, and athletic linemen was a sound way to go and I for one am happy to see the new blood that the team has. These Bengals have tapped into the fountain of youth rather quickly, yet they are getting better and being built for the future.

Andheez: I went for an A. Kirkpatrick is solid. Zeitler is a beast. Some publications had Still as the top DT pre-combine. Not sold on Sanu, but I think the Charles pick was fantastic. I am not one to ostracize someone for a DUI. Prater, Iloka and Herron probably won't stick, but sounds like Jones was a nice find.

mann_usmc: I give the Bengals a C. Here we go drafting a CB in the first round again. Keep Johnathan Joseph and you can fill other spots (safety). The next four picks draw a big question mark. If you're going to draft an OG, then why not take the best prospect in a decade in DeCastro? You pass on him and allow the Steelers to draft him and all you gain is a third-round pick. That is a big miss in my opinion. Secondly, you draft two DTs when you already have Domata Peko and Geno Atkins. Sure these guys provide depth, but I would think that with my second-round and third-round picks to be a contributor. I wouldn't use draft picks that high for backups.

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CLEVELAND BROWNS

The picks: RB Trent Richardson (first round), QB Brandon Weeden (first round), OT Mitchell Schwartz (second round), NT John Hughes (third round), WR Travis Benjamin (fourth round), LB James-Michael Johnson (fourth round), G Ryan Miller (fifth round), LB Emmanuel Acho (sixth round), DL Billy Winn (sixth round), CB Trevin Wade (seventh round), TE-FB Brad Smelley (seventh round).

Kiper's grade: B-minus

Fans' grade: B (38 percent)

Fans' comments:

Kovacs from Dallas: This draft is an A if Weeden works out but probably a low B or high C if he doesn't. Worst case the draft added two starters at key positions, RB and RT, and much-needed depth at areas where it was badly needed, DT and LB. If that's the worst case it's still a nice-looking haul.

Kyle from Columbus, Ohio: The Browns did a pretty good job of filling some holes and adding some depth. I really like the T. Richardson pick, but I think they reached a little for B. Weeden. My only complaint is that if you decide to take a first-round QB, you have to give him some weapons. T. Benjamin looks like a special-team guy, who may help out in the slot.

JBT1MIAMI: Simple D-minus. I'm still waiting for any fan to address why it's not an issue that Trent Richardson didn't compete at the combine because he had his knee scoped. How is he any better injury-wise than [Montario] Hardesty, knowing he's also had both ankles reconstructed. Why no issue with this? Why not just trade for [Rashard] Mendenhall if it's no issue. He's proven on the pro level. Think Steelers believe this kind of thing is an issue with running backs? I guess it's like training a dog, people have to separate emotional attachment of drafting a hyped running back, and learn about calm reasoning. Emotions just gave the Browns a 3-13 record.

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BALTIMORE RAVENS

The picks: OLB Courtney Upshaw (second round), OT-G Kelechi Osemele (second round), RB Bernard Pierce (third round), C-G Gino Gradkowski (fourth round), S Christian Thompson (fourth round), CB Asa Jackson (fifth round), WR Tommy Streeter (sixth round), DT DeAngelo Tyson (seventh round).

Kiper's grade: B

Fans' grade: B (40 percent)

Fans' comments:

Shadowwolf1001: It's really toss-up. There are some strong picks here that would warrant an A, but there are also some picks I'm not too sure about which probably warrant a B. I'd have to vote B-plus with the potential of an A grade later on.

jdille123: C-plus. Ozzie [Newsome] must have taken this one off. Still got some good talent, but he usually does better.

youmadbromad: I gave them a D because they did not draft a new FG kicker.

Dave from Mansfield, Ohio: I'm giving the Raven a 'B.' They came into the draft with holes at LB, OT, OG and filled all of these needs. However while Upshaw should help feel the void left by Terrell Suggs, Kelechi Osemele should step in and start at guard and hopefully Gino Gradkowski develops as the replacement for Matt Birk. Plus Tommy Streeter has the potential to be a huge steal if his football skills catch up to his physical stature and speed.

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PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The picks: G David DeCastro (first round), OT Mike Adams (second round), ILB Sean Spence (third round), NT Alameda Ta'amu (fourth round), RB Chris Rainey (fifth round), WR Toney Clemons (seventh round), TE David Paulson (seventh round), CB Terrence Frederick (seventh round), G Kelvin Beachum (seventh round).

Kiper's grade: B

Fans' grade: A (61 percent)

Fans' comments:

WhoDeyAJGreen: As a Bengal fan (obviously) and an OSU football fan, I graded them as a A-minus. Great value picks while also filling needs. The player that will make the difference between an A-minus and A-plus is Mike Adams. If he can get his [act] together, then they had one heck of a draft from top to bottom.

It's only days removed from the draft, and no AFC North team has taken the field for a practice yet, but that won't stop us from looking ahead. Each day this week, we'll project the starting lineup for a team in the division. Let's start with the Cincinnati Bengals:

OFFENSE

QB Andy Dalton: The Who Dey Nation asks, Carson who?

RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis: He's the prize of the Bengals' free-agent period.

FB Chris Pressley: Agreed to a two-year extension in March.

WR A.J. Green: He's been working out with Larry Fitzgerald this offseason.

WR Jordan Shipley: The No. 2 wide receiver job is wide open, but I'm giving the nod to Shipley if he's fully recovered from his knee injury.

TE Jermaine Gresham: First Bengals tight end since Dan Ross from the early 1980s to post two seasons of 50 receptions or more.

LT Andrew Whitworth: He often goes overlooked in a division with Joe Thomas in it.

LG Travelle Wharton: A free-agent signing from the Carolina Panthers, where he started 99 games in eight years.

C Kyle Cook: Enters fourth season as the Bengals' starting center.

RG Kevin Zeitler: First-round pick was possibly best run-blocking guard in the draft.

RT Andre Smith: The big question is whether he can continue the progress he made last season.

DEFENSE

LDE Robert Geathers: Recorded 29 tackles last season, his lowest since his 2004 rookie season.

NT Domata Peko: Led defensive line in tackles for second straight year.

RDT Geno Atkins: Topped all NFL interior linemen with eight sacks last season.

RDE Michael Johnson: Regains his starting job after Frostee Rucker signed with the Browns in free agency.

SLB Manny Lawson: Returned to Cincinnati for a one-year, $2.1 million deal.

MLB Rey Maualuga: He could be facing a suspension from the NFL for his latest off-the-field incident.

WLB Thomas Howard: Led team in tackles in first season with the Bengals.

LCB Nate Clements: He has to fight off first-round pick Dre Kirkpatrick to keep his starting job.

SS Taylor Mays: His job looks safe after the Bengals didn't take a safety in the first four rounds of the draft.

FS Reggie Nelson: Re-signed with the Bengals this offseason for $18 million over four years.

RCB Leon Hall: If Hall (Achilles injury) isn't ready to start the season, Bengals can turn to Kirkpatrick, Terence Newman or Adam Jones.

The Cincinnati Bengals added some youthful depth on the defensive line, taking Penn State's Devon Still in the second round.

Some projected last season's Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year to go late in the first round. But Still slid to the Bengals at No. 53 because he's extremely inconsistent.

I thought the more pressing need for the Bengals was wide receiver. Cincinnati could have chosen LSU wideout Rueben Randle.

The Bengals have quality starters on the interior with Geno Atkins and Domata Peko. Cincinnati lost some depth at defensive tackle when Jonathan Fanene signed with the New England Patriots in free agency.

HOUSTON -- The Texans were playing their first playoff game, but it looked like the Bengals were the ones who had never been in the postseason. Careless mistakes -- all self-inflicted misery -- led to 24 straight points by the Texans and a sobering 31-10 defeat Saturday to end the Bengals' surprising season.

It's the kind of effort you want to forget. It's the type of game film you burn. But the best thing the Bengals can do going forward is burn it into their memories.

Cincinnati will be back in the playoffs. It would be surprising if the Bengals didn't return with quarterback Andy Dalton, wide receiver A.J. Green and two first-round picks in this year's draft.

Remember, the Bengals were supposed to be in the race for Andrew Luck this season, not in a playoff field pursuing the Lombardi trophy.

When the Bengals get back, they have to remember the brutal lesson taught to them at a deafening Reliant Stadium: To win in the playoffs, you have to make plays. The Bengals missed out on their first playoff win in 20 years -- the longest current streak of playoff futility in the NFL -- because Texans defensive end J.J. Watt caught the ball and Cincinnati safety Chris Crocker did not.

Watt returned his interception 29 yards for a touchdown late in the first half to give the Texans a lead they wouldn't relinquish. But Crocker dropped the chance at picking off a pass he could have returned for a score that would have tied the game in the third quarter.

"There are a lot of guys who need to take this experience and build upon it," Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said. "I think you can look and see what the Texans have been fighting their butt off to get in this position. They keep putting players together. And they reap the benefits. We have to go beyond this."

This season has been a major success for the Bengals even though there were plenty of failures that got broadcast in their first nationally televised game of the season.

Cincinnati's run defense continued to crumble, giving up 153 yards to Houston's Arian Foster a week after allowing 191 yards to the Ravens' Ray Rice. According to ESPN Stats & Information, Foster gained 102 of those yards before getting touched by Cincinnati. Crocker made another blunder when he failed to push Foster out of bounds on a 42-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Lewis made the head-scratcher of a decision to use both of his replay challenges in the first half. It was compounded by the fact that both challenges failed. Asked whether he was concerned about using up all of his challenges so early, Lewis said, "I wasn't worried about that."

There was even the embarrassment of getting penalized for having 12 men in the huddle on the first third-down play of the second half.

The loss meant the Bengals haven't won a playoff game in 7,768 days. The mindset in the Bengals' locker room, however, was the days ahead.

"We know we can win. We know we can win in the playoffs," defensive tackle Domata Peko said. "We’ll have a good offeseason and we’ll be back again. But this time, we’re going to make a better run. It sucks that we lost, and it’s sad. But look around this locker room -- there are a lot of young guys here. We just have to get better, and the sky is the limit."

The difference between winning and losing in the playoffs comes down to handling the pressure.

The Bengals controlled most of the first half, but everything changed in a span of less than a minute. The turning point was Dalton's interception at the line of scrimmage by Watt, who ran 29 yards for a touchdown late in the first half.

This came three plays after the Texans tied the game with a field goal. So, in a matter of 56 seconds, the Bengals went from being up by three points (10-7) to being down by seven (17-10).

"I didn't really see exactly what happened," said Dalton, who was 27-of-42 for 257 yards and three interceptions. "I just saw it got batted or whatever and then he was running the other way."

The Bengals had a chance to respond with 2:39 left in the third quarter when Crocker broke on T.J. Yates' pass and put himself in position to pick off the Texans rookie quarterback. But the ball bounced off Crocker's hands with only Yates standing between him and the end zone. It would have tied the game at 17.

"Hindsight is 20-20 now. I feel bad enough," Crocker said. "I picked that ball nine out of 10 times. This time, I didn’t pick it off when it mattered the most."

Crocked added, "I just dropped it. Maybe I was thinking of what I was going to do before I actually caught it. Who knows? It was an easy interception."

The Bengals dropped to 1-7 against teams that currently have winning records this season. But Cincinnati wasn't supposed to beat anyone this season.

The Bengals were coming off a 4-12 season that included the longest in-season losing streak in team history (10 losses in a row). Last season, they ranked 22nd in scoring and 24th in points allowed. They were considered the worst team in the NFL entering this season (Cincinnati was No. 32 in the preseason ESPN Power Rankings).

Now, Cincinnati is shooting for back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time in 30 years. In order to do that, the Bengals have to prove they've learned from Saturday's brutal lesson.

"If we can hit [in the draft] like we did this year with the two special guys [Dalton and Green] we got this year, this is going to be a real special football team next year," Bengals left tackle Andrew Whitworth said. "In my six years in the league, even though we ended this season in disappointment, this is the greatest upside that I’ve ever felt this team had."

Perhaps in an attempt to regain their physicality in stopping the run, the Bengals suited up in pads Wednesday after a few weeks of not doing so, according to the team's web site.

In the first 10 games of the season, the Bengals allowed 88.6 yards rushing per game. In the past six, they have given up 131.5.

In Saturday's playoff game, the Bengals will face a Texans offense that ran for 144 yards against them on Dec. 11.

“Let’s get back to when we were No. 1 in rush defense,” defensive tackle Domata Peko told the Bengals' site. “I think that’s why we threw the pads on; to kind of simulate that. You lose sight of the technique if you don’t have your pads on."

He added, "You (have to) stay low and get off blocks, so we’re trying to simulate that. It’s good to get back into pads because we play in pads. I think we needed that. We needed to get back into that. We were playing really great and then we lagged for the last couple of weeks. We had some big runs on us. That stuff doesn’t sit easy for me. I hate that stuff. If someone breaks a big run, I take that personally.”

Under the new collective bargaining agreement, teams can practice in pads once per week in the postseason.

Thumbs up: Cornerback Nate Clements. He made the playoffs for the first time in 11 seasons, a journey that has included six years with the Bills and four with the 49ers. Now, after 165 NFL games, Clements will finally get a taste of postseason football.

Thumbs down: Middle linebacker Rey Maualuga. He failed to get off blocks on the two long touchdown runs by Ray Rice. Maualuga was sealed off on the first run by guard Marshal Yanda and on the second one by fullback Vonta Leach. The bright side is that it did come against two Pro Bowl players.

Stat that sticks: 4 -- Touchdowns of 35 or more yards allowed by the Bengals in two meetings with the Ravens this season. Rice scored on runs of 70 and 51 yards Sunday.

Overheard: “I remember during the lockout people said we weren’t going to win any games this year; we were going to be 0-16. Look at us now. We’re winners. It’s paying off, all the hard work. We were working out during the lockout and I think all that came into play. Now that we have made it into the playoffs, we have to really prove that we belong there.” -- Defensive tackle Domata Peko told the team's website after finishing 9-7 and securing a playoff berth.

When breaking down Sunday's pivotal game against the Houston Texans, Bengals defensive tackle Domata Peko came to this conclusion:

"The best defense will win this game," he told the team's website.

The Texans rank in the top four in the NFL in total yards, rushing yards, passing yards and points allowed. The Bengals are in the top 10 in total yards, rushing yards and passing yards, but they're 14th in points allowed.

Cincinnati was the league's top-ranked defense at the end of October (giving up 278.5 yards per game), but the Bengals have slipped since their bye. In the past six games, Cincinnati has held only one team under 295 yards (the Cleveland Browns) and has allowed an average of 334.8 yards.

"The Texans I think have the best defense in the league, and we were talking about it in the team meeting,” Peko said. "So we have to show up and play a lot better than last week.”

Bengals rookie quarterback Andy Dalton described the Texans defense as "relentless" after watching film of Brian Cushing, J.J. Watt and former Bengal Johnathan Joseph.

"They're not giving up on plays," Dalton said. "They're running around and they're real physical. We've played several times like that. It's something you see right away when you put on the film.”

A look at the key injuries around the division:

BENGALS: WR A.J. Green (knee) returned to practice after missing last Sunday's game. But QB Andy Dalton (right shoulder) was unexpectedly limited, although it's likely not serious. OT Andrew Whitworth (thigh) was also limited. DE Carlos Dunlap (hamstring) and DT Domata Peko (foot) both didn't practice.

BROWNS: RB Montario Hardesty (calf) returned to practice with limited participation, which is a sign that he's progressing. RB Peyton Hillis (hamstring) and SS T.J. Ward (foot) have already been declared out by coach Pat Shurmur.

RAVENS: LB Ray Lewis (toe) is questionable, although he is expected to play Thanksgiving night against San Francisco. His backup, Dannell Ellerbe (thigh), is also questionable.

STEELERS: LB LaMarr Woodley (hamstring) returned to practice, which is good news for the Steelers. WR Emmanuel Sanders (knee) had full participation for the first time in weeks, which is even better news for Pittsburgh. QB Ben Roethlisberger (right thumb) was limited in practice but he'll start Sunday night.

The Bengals are ticked off after falling short the past two weeks against the Steelers and Ravens. That's not good news for the Browns, according to the Bengals players.

"We feel like we flat out didn't beat two teams we should have and now we feel like the next team has to pay," Cincinnati left tackle Andrew Whitworth said, via The Cincinnati Enquirer. "Guys are angry and upset and want to go out and prove the team we are."

That "next team" is the Browns (4-6), who are two games behind Cincinnati (6-4) for third place in the AFC North. The last time the Bengals lost back-to-back games this season, they reeled off five straight wins.

"We have to take out our anger on them," Cincinnati nose tackle Domata Peko told the Bengals' team website. "We can't keep waiting until the fourth quarter to try and win the game."

Maybe I'm wrong, but shouldn't the Browns -- who allowed that easy 41-yard touchdown to A.J. Green in the season opener -- be the ones mad at the Bengals? Or maybe the Browns should be mad at themselves for not being ready.

Here are the latest happenings Wednesday evening in the AFC North:

• Cincinnati Bengals left tackle Andrew Whitworth and defensive lineman Domata Peko will organize future team workouts.
• Should the Baltimore Ravens do "Hard Knocks" with HBO?
• Let's revisit last year's trade involving Brady Quinn and Peyton Hillis.
• The Pittsburgh Steelers will lose one of their full-time trainers to Oregon State.
• Here are Todd McShay's thoughts on the draft prospects of Ohio State quarterback Terrelle Pryor.

Tuesday we continue our week-long series on the top AFC North draft classes of the past decade.

Here is a look at the Cincinnati Bengals:

No. 3: Class of 2006

Best picks: CB Johnathan Joseph (first round), OT Andrew Whitworth (second round), DT Domata Peko (fourth round)

Analysis: Following the first playoff appearance under head coach Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati found three starters in the 2006 draft. Joseph, Whitworth and Peko are all solid players who later contributed to Cincinnati's playoff run and division sweep in 2009. The Bengals locked up Peko and Whitworth to long-term extensions and are negotiating Joseph, although it appears he's likely leaving Cincinnati for free agency. The Bengals also drafted third-round defensive end Frostee Rucker, who has been a backup in the rotation the past four seasons. This might not count for the Bengals, but in 2006 they picked up linebacker Ahmad Brooks in the supplemental draft. Brooks didn't do much in Cincinnati, where he started just seven games. But he's recorded 11 sacks the past two seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.

No. 2: Class of 2003

Best picks: QB Carson Palmer (first round), G Eric Steinbach (second round), FB Jeremi Johnson (fourth round)

Analysis: Coming off a 2-14 record the year prior, the Bengals owned the top pick of every round in the first year under Lewis. Cincinnati naturally hit big, particularly early. The Bengals took Palmer and Steinbach with back-to-back picks, and they were great additions during Cincinnati's first playoff run under Lewis in 2005. The Bengals gave Palmer a long-term extension and made him the franchise building block. They let Steinbach walk, which hurt the offensive line for several seasons. Steinbach signed with the division rival Cleveland Browns in 2007 and is having a good stint there. Johnson also was a quality find in the fourth round. He was a good blocking fullback for six seasons with the Bengals before weight issues caught up with him. A sleeper from the 2003 class was former third-round pick Kelley Washington, who didn't pan out as a top-flight receiver but was a good special-teams contributor during various stops in Cincinnati, New England and Baltimore.

No. 1: Class of 2001

Best picks: DE Justin Smith (first round), WR Chad Johnson/Ochocinco (second round), RB Rudi Johnson (fourth round), WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (seventh round)

Analysis: Without a doubt this is the Bengals' best draft class of the past 10 years. In fact, Cincinnati's 2001 draft is in strong consideration as one of the top drafts in the division for the past decade, which we will reveal in the AFC North blog on Friday. The Bengals landed four longtime starters, and what's impressive is they did it from the top (Smith and Ochocinco), middle (Johnson) and bottom (Houshmandzadeh) of the draft. Even though Lewis didn't join the team for another two years, this class was the start of Cincinnati turning things around. Lewis was able to hit the ground running in 2003 after adding Steinbach and Palmer to this foundation. At one time Cincinnati was considered the team of the future with this young nucleus that included the 2001 and 2003 draft classes. But after the Bengals' wild-card loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2005, this group fell apart. Palmer and Ochocinco are the only remaining players from Cincinnati's top two drafts of the past decade, and both of their futures are in doubt this offseason. Palmer has demanded a trade and threatened to retire, while Ochocinco, now 33, could be moved in the final year of his contract.

On Wednesday we will take an in-depth look at the top draft classes of the Baltimore Ravens.

Last month the AFC North blog said it was time to blow up the Cincinnati Bengals.

Now we will explain how to rebuild this struggling franchise.

Coming off a division title and playoff appearance in 2009, Cincinnati is having its most disappointing season in recent memory. The Bengals are 2-10 and headed toward one of the top picks in the draft.

It will be a very interesting offseason in Cincinnati. The Bengals have key decisions to make on their coaching staff, as well as positions such as quarterback, running back and receiver.

The AFC North blog put on its general manager hat and spent this week sifting through the Bengals' roster to determine who stays and who goes. We came up with a blueprint that will get this team headed in the right direction.

Keep in mind, this is not a prediction of what the Bengals will do. It's our guide to what we believe the Bengals should do.

Head coach

Analysis: Bengals coach Marvin Lewis has four games left on his contract, and to our knowledge there have been no recent negotiations. It's a good time for Lewis to step away. He has fought battles against heavy-handed ownership for eight seasons and done all he could, leading the downtrodden Bengals to two playoff appearances. There is already speculation Lewis may have interest in the head-coaching opening at the University of Pittsburgh, where he has local ties. He dodged that question earlier this week. Don't expect a big-name hire in Cincinnati. The Bengals don't want to pay the kind of money it takes to land someone like Bill Cowher or Jon Gruden, and big-name coaches wouldn't go to a team that doesn't have a GM, ownership makes the football decisions, and there are average facilities and very few scouts. Our best pick is Hue Jackson. He's a former receivers coach in Cincinnati and has done a great job in stops with Baltimore, Atlanta, Washington and Oakland. As offensive coordinator in Oakland this season, he has helped make the Raiders a playoff contender and is very familiar with the AFC North. Jackson is a rising star and would be an excellent choice. Mike Zimmer remains the best in-house candidate. He has the respect of the locker room and helped turn around the defense in recent seasons. Perhaps a Jackson (HC) and Zimmer (DC) tandem would infuse much-needed energy into this team.

Quarterback

Analysis: This is probably the toughest decision the Bengals will make this offseason, but it wasn't difficult for the AFC North blog. We're convinced it's time to part ways with quarterback Carson Palmer. The QB, who is in the middle of a $118.75 million contract, will be one of the NFL's highest-paid players next season with a base salary of $11.5 million. We can't justify paying Palmer that type of money based on his production the past few seasons. The Bengals have a good shot at the No. 1 overall pick, and that's the perfect spot to draft a quarterback. We think Andrew Luck from Stanford is the best of the group. If the Bengals do not have the top pick, maybe Auburn's Cam Newton is another possibility later in the first round. If the Bengals can't land either, our next step would be sticking with Palmer and seeing whether he's willing to take a pay cut. It's a tough business.

Running back

Analysis: We like second-year running back Bernard Scott. But there are still questions about whether he can be a feature tailback. With Cedric Benson's contract expiring, it's time to search for a new running back. The Bengals got solid production out of Benson the past two years at little cost. But he's only averaging 3.5 yards per carry this year, and we need more from that position. We would find a bruising back and pair him with the quicker Scott . Pending free agent Michael Bush, 26, would be a good fit. He's the backup tailback to Darren McFadden and one of Jackson's main weapons in Oakland. The Bengals rarely spend a lot of money in free agency, but this signing would be worth it. Also, we would re-sign backup running back Brian Leonard, who is very good on third down.

Wide receivers

Analysis: We like Chad Ochocinco -- but not at the price the Bengals would have to pay him. A $6 million team option is a bit much for a 32-year-old receiver who's had two bad seasons in three years. We would let Ochocinco walk, but the Bengals will consider keeping him. Teammate and pending free agent Terrell Owens is an interesting case. He's having a great year, but he's 37 and probably wants the security of a multiyear extension. Another team may give it to Owens, but we're looking to get younger at receiver. This is a position we would attack in the draft, probably in the second or third rounds. This also gives Jordan Shipley, who is solid, a bigger role in the offense next year. You can't be strong everywhere when rebuilding.

Tight end

Analysis: No questions here. The Bengals drafted Jermaine Gresham in the first round this year and he has produced (47 receptions for 409 yards and three touchdowns). He's only going to get better next season and beyond.

Offensive and defensive lines

Analysis: The offensive line needs work. Tackle Andrew Whitworth and guard Bobbie Williams are mainstays, but the other three positions could use depth. We would not extend Andre Smith's contract to six years. We're keeping his deal at four years to see whether we can get anything out of him at right tackle in the final two seasons. Some have suggested moving Smith, who broke his foot for the second straight year, to guard. But we're already paying Smith left tackle money to play right tackle. So we definitely wouldn't pay Smith left tackle money to play guard. We would upgrade center and one guard position via the draft and free agency. The defensive line must be more productive, but there are some good young players there. We like Carlos Dunlap's recent production and would start him at defensive end in 2011. He's earned it with his play down the stretch. Geno Atkins has shown flashes and also would be in competition to start at defensive tackle next to veteran Domata Peko. End Robert Geathers hasn't been the same since micro-fracture surgery, and it's time to find his replacement. If the Bengals don't draft a quarterback in the first round, another pass-rushing defensive end would be the logical choice.

Linebackers

Analysis: Bengals outside linebacker Rey Maualuga has played out of position his entire pro career, and it's time to move him to his natural spot at middle linebacker next season. He will be a better player when he can use his best attribute -- his physicality -- instead of constantly chasing tight ends in coverage. Dhani Jones, 32, will be a free agent, and it's time to cut ties with him. Keith Rivers stays outside, but we need another outside linebacker. Maybe Michael Johnson can step into that role. He's not a natural linebacker, but he's athletic enough to play the position. We're also not sure we can trust his consistency for 16 games. We'd probably add someone else via the draft or free agency to compete with Johnson for the starting job.

Secondary

Analysis: The Bengals' secondary had a down year with a lot of injuries, but we still think it's in pretty good shape. Cornerback Johnathan Joseph is the one free agent we believe the Bengals must re-sign. He's the Bengals best cornerback, and the secondary doesn't look the same when he's not playing. Joseph makes corner Leon Hall and the safeties better. There were some negotiations before the season between Joseph and the Bengals, but nothing came to fruition. Adam Jones will return from a season-ending neck injury and is a solid third cornerback. Starting safety Chris Crocker also had a season-ending knee injury and remains under contract. Chinedum Ndukwe, a pending free agent, plays hard and would be a good safety to keep for depth. Roy Williams is often injured and too one dimensional for our liking. So we would let Williams go and try to add another starting safety.

Specialists

Analysis: Punter Kevin Huber stays, although he hasn't had a great year. But the Bengals must find a dependable kicker. Mike Nugent did fine before he was injured, so maybe he's a candidate for training camp when he gets healthy.

Whew! Now that was a major reconstruction.

It's time for the Bengals to rebuild and turn the franchise over to younger players. It's not going to be a quick fix. But if the Bengals follow these moves, they will be better than they were this season and in solid position for long-term success.

The fourth round of the NFL draft is in the books.

Here is a recap of the latest additions in the AFC North:

Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Dennis Pitta, TE, Brigham Young

Skinny: Pitta is the second consecutive tight end the Ravens selected in this draft, joining third-rounder Ed Dickson. It's apparent Baltimore is preparing for its future without former Pro Bowl tight end Todd Heap, who turned 30 in March and has a lengthy injury history.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: Thaddeus Gibson, OLB/DE, Ohio State

Skinny: The Steelers have other needs (cornerback?), but that hasn't stopped them from taking as many pass rushers as possible. Despite an inconsistent college career, Gibson is another player Pittsburgh feels can convert from a college defensive end to outside linebacker.

Cincinnati Bengals

Picks: Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia

Skinny: The Bengals need depth on the defensive line and added another plugger in Atkins. Last year when Domata Peko was injured, it severely hurt the defense. Tank Johnson also battled injuries last season. Cincinnati also selected former Texas linebacker Roddrick Muckelroy with its compensatory pick at the end of the fourth round.

» NFC Busts/Gems: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

» Draft Watch: Biggest needs (2/17) | Busts/gems (2/24) | Schemes, themes (3/3) | Recent history (3/10) | Needs revisited (3/17) | Under-the-radar needs (3/26) | History in that spot (3/31) | Draft approach (4/7) | Decision-makers (4/14) | Dream scenario/Plan B (4/21)

Each Wednesday leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: Busts and late-round gems.

Baltimore Ravens

Busts: The Ravens have one of the most consistent front offices in the NFL, so you have to look all the way back to 2005 to really find an underperforming first-round pick in Mark Clayton. The receiver has shown flashes with several big games in Baltimore. But Clayton never developed the consistency to become a No. 1 receiver. In the second round, linebacker Dan Cody was another miss in 2005. His career never got off the ground, because he couldn't shake the injury bug. Also, it's too early to determine the status of 2009 second-round pick Paul Kruger. But the linebacker/defensive end was mostly a non-factor in his rookie season. Gems: Baltimore has several contributing players that were found in the late and middle rounds. Most recently, 2009 third-round cornerback Lardarius Webb looks like a potential starter and has the ability to return kicks. Pro Bowl fullback Le'Ron McClain was another great, under-the-radar pick in the fourth round in 2007. Starting left tackle Jared Gaither was found in the supplemental draft in 2007 and started 26 games the past two seasons. Other key contributors include starting safety Dawan Landry and punter Sam Koch, who were fifth- and sixth-round picks in 2006, respectively.

Cincinnati Bengals

Busts: It's well-documented that Cincinnati doesn't put nearly the same resources into scouting as most teams, and it shows in its list of draft busts. Eight players the Bengals selected in the first three rounds since 2004 are no longer with the team. Several -- such as first-rounders Chris Perry and David Pollack and second-rounders Odell Thurman and Kenny Irons -- are out of the NFL. Most recently, the career of 2009 No. 6 overall pick Andre Smith got off to a poor start. But he has time to turn things around. Receiver Jerome Simpson, who was a second-round pick in 2008, is running out of chances and may not make the 53-man roster next fall. It's difficult to maintain a steady level of success when you're missing this often in the first and second rounds. Gems: Seventh-round pick Chinedum Ndukwe was not highly touted out of Notre Dame but continued to make plays for the Bengals until coaches had no choice but to play him. Defensive tackle Domata Peko was a fourth-round pick in 2006 who developed into one of Cincinnati's most important players. Last year's sixth-round pick, tailback Bernard Scott, showed flashes as a rookie.

Cleveland Browns

Busts: The Browns are on their third regime in three years. With that kind of turnover, you can expect a lot of misses in the draft as the team continues to switch philosophies. The Phil Savage-Romeo Crennel era began in 2005 with receiver Braylon Edwards and safety Brodney Pool. Edwards didn't live up to expectations and was traded to the New York Jets last season. Pool likely will be let go to free agency. It has been three years, and we still don't know exactly what to make of 2007 first-round pick Brady Quinn. The new regime led by Mike Holmgren doesn't seem too impressed, as the team continues to explore its options at quarterback. Receiver Brian Robiskie and linebacker David Veikune, both second-round picks in 2009, also need to step up for Cleveland in 2010. Gems: Starting fullback Lawrence Vickers, a sixth-round pick in 2006, was another great find. He paved the way for Jamal Lewis to have back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2007 and 2008. Vickers also helped tailback Jerome Harrison (862 rushing yards), another late gem, put up career highs last season. Most recently, 2009 fourth-round pick Kaluka Maiava may turn out to be a decent linebacker from the middle rounds.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Busts: Similar to the Ravens, the Steelers do not make a lot of mistakes at the top of the draft. Six of Pittsburgh's past seven first-round picks are starters. That includes quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, safety Troy Polamalu, receiver Santonio Holmes and tailback Rashard Mendenhall. Pittsburgh has had some issues in the second round. In 2008, the Steelers were hoping Limas Sweed could be the big receiver they were looking for, but that hasn't panned out. In 2004, second-round cornerback Ricardo Colclough had zero starts in four years before being released. Gems: Last year's third-round pick Mike Wallace already is a significant addition to Pittsburgh's offense. His deep speed was needed, and he had 39 receptions for 756 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie. Pittsburgh also has been fortunate to find starting offensive linemen late in the draft. Offensive tackle Willie Colon and guard Chris Kemoeatu were taken in the fourth and sixth rounds, respectively. Dennis Dixon, who was taken in the fifth round in 2008, also could develop into a solid backup quarterback.

Here are the latest happenings Monday evening in the AFC North:

• The Cleveland Browns reportedly have interest in Florida cornerback Joe Haden.
• Cincinnati Bengals Rey Maualuga, Domata Peko and Jonathan Fanene traveled back to Samoa and donated money and clothing to their native country.
• The Baltimore Ravens have 20-to-1 odds to win next year's Super Bowl.
• Former Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Byron Leftwich will be inducted in the Marshall University Hall of Fame.