Original Article on The New York Times

A look at the pre-draft needs of the four A.F.C. North teams:Baltimore RavensObvious need: centerIt was wise of General Manager Ozzie Newsome to re-sign Matt Birk. The shrewd technician is 35 but still has plenty left. Of course, plenty left at 35 basically means 16 or so games and then well re-evaluate. The Ravens should search for a quality center to groom and pair with Joe Flacco for the next eight years.Hidden need: left tackleMany people thought the newcomer Bryant McKinnie was sensational last season. The reality was McKinnie had sensational moments in his first few weeks on the job. His overall body of work, however, was too much like his overall actual body: sloppy in spots and not as impressive as you would expect. He regressed as ...(read more)