The "best player available" method in the NFL Draft is a myth. In some form or fashion, every NFL team weighs need as part of the draft equation, whether it's immediate or part of the organization's long-term planning.

According to Bleacher Report, as the start of the 2021 draft on April 29 nears, every projected lineup has question marks, some more glaring than others. For instance, teams in the AFC NORTH include:

BALTIMORE RAVENS – EDGE-RUSHER

Three of the Baltimore Ravens' top four sacks artists from last season are no longer with the team. Matt Judon, Yannick Ngakoue and Jihad Ward signed free-agents deals with the New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars, respectively. 

The franchise retained Tyus Bowser and Pernell McPhee, so it isn't devoid of edge talent. But those two and their combined five sacks last season are merely a starting point.

The Ravens require more juice to create consistent pressure. Bowser, whom the team selected in the second round of the 2017 class, has the potential to emerge as Baltimore's primary edge-rusher. On the other hand, McPhee turns 33 in December.

Basically, Baltimore doesn't have guaranteed production from its pass-rushers. Even if it gets some from those mentioned, the defensive rotation is thin and requires more consistency.

CINCINNATI BENGALS – OFFENSIVE LINE
The Cincinnati Bengals are sitting pretty with this year's fifth overall pick. 

Three quarterbacks are expected to be off the board within the first three selections. Then, the Atlanta Falcons have a choice between a quarterback or possibly Florida tight end Kyle Pitts. If Atlanta goes in either of those directions, Cincinnati will have its pick of LSU wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase or Oregon offensive tackle Penei Sewell. 

Both are fantastic talents, though the latter is far more important to the franchise.
 
Quarterback Joe Burrow can have all the weapons in the world, but it won't matter if he's trying to throw from his backside. Protection should take priority at all costs, especially since Cincinnati didn't do enough to improve its offensive line in free agency. 

Even if Chase becomes the team's initial pick, the Bengals can address their front five with a quality prospect near the top of Round 2.

CLEVELAND BROWNS – OUTSIDE CORNEBACK

The Cleveland Browns did everything in their power to improve the defense at the start of free agency, and they shouldn't stop there.

Safety John Johnson III and nickel corner Troy Hill are welcome additions after the Browns fielded one of the league's thinnest secondaries. Anthony Walker Jr. will take over at middle linebacker for B.J. Goodson. Takkarist McKinley provides potential at defensive end, while veteran Malik Jackson adds depth to the defense front.

Both defensive end and cornerback are still alarming.

In this case, cornerback gets the nod. The premium position has a projected starter coming back from a significant injury. Nerve damage in Greedy Williams' right shoulder prevented him from playing last season. He could resume his role, but the Browns can't assume that is an inevitability.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS – RUNNING BACK

The Pittsburgh Steelers are basically rebuilding on the fly. 

Ben Roethlisberger returns for yet another season, and the franchise will likely kick the can down the road for another year when it comes to the game's most important position. 
In doing so, general manager Kevin Colbert is forced to build around the 39-year-old and put an offense on the field to match Pittsburgh's standout defense.
 
Typically, the Steelers' offensive line needs would take precedent. They need help at center and left tackle. In this case, a workhorse back would go a long way toward not only improving last year's 32nd-ranked rushing attack but also taking pressure off Big Ben.

The Steelers can enter next season with Alabama's Najee Harris or Clemson's Travis Etienne serving as the offensive focal point.