The best division in the NFL in 2024 was arguably the AFC North, which boasted three playoff teams while all four organizations finished with a record over .500; with a combined divisional record of 43-25, the margin for error is razor-thin.
The Baltimore Ravens have a two-time MVP, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns have a Defensive Player of the Year, and the Cincinnati Bengals have two AFC Championship Game appearances in the last three seasons. Which AFC North position battles ahead of training camp bear monitoring as this heated division continues to improve on the margins?
Top AFC North Position Battles To Watch in NFL Training Camp
Baltimore Ravens: Right Tackle
The Baltimore Ravens will be AFC contenders in 2024, but they made a questionable decision this offseason by trading away former starting right tackle Morgan Moses to the New York Jets.
Now the Ravens will likely lean on an unproven, young player at a key position along the offensive line. Daniel Faalele and rookie Roger Rosengarten are set to duke it out for Baltimore’s starting RT spot. It remains to be seen if that was the right decision for the Ravens to make this offseason.
Cincinnati Bengals: Cornerback
After a disappointing defensive performance last season, the Cincinnati Bengals overhauled that side of the ball this offseason.
KEEP READING: 1 Position Battle To Watch for All 32 Teams in NFL Training Camp
This will force some reshuffling in Cincinnati’s secondary, as Dax Hill will move from safety to cornerback. Hill will likely battle DJ Turner II for the starting spot opposite Cam Taylor-Britt.
Cleveland Browns: Defensive Tackle
The Cleveland Browns are stacked at several positions, including along the defensive line. Which is why it’ll be interesting to see which defensive tackles stick around in Cleveland.
While Shelby Harris and Dalvin Tomlinson are the likely starters, the Browns could be forced to cut a promising player, such as Maurice Hurst II, due to the team’s depth at the position.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Quarterback
After several years of mediocre QB play, the Pittsburgh Steelers are going with a unique approach in 2024 after adding both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields this offseason.
While Wilson certainly has the upper hand given his experience and success, Fields could make things interesting if he shows flashes of his dual-threat ability.