The 2026 NFL Draft is fast approaching. Every team in the league is looking for a player who can turn their fortunes around. I’m breaking down all 32 teams’ needs ahead of the Draft, one division at a time. Yesterday, I covered the NFC East. Now it’s time for it’s AFC counterpart.
Buffalo Bills: Linebacker
As long as Josh Allen is the Bills’ quarterback, their Super Bowl window is wide open. The problem right now is that the supporting cast needs upgrades. They can go several ways here. Offensive line, wide receiver, and defensive end are all on the table. One position that should be addressed early is at linebacker.
Buffalo’s defense ranked 28th in rushing yards allowed per game in 2025 (136.2). They did, however, have the number one offense in pass yards allowed per game (156.9). The back end of the defense is solid, but up front, it is sorely lacking.
The Bills also struggled getting to the QB. They ranked 21st in the league in sacks (36) and 26th in QB hurries (41). Finding a top-tier linebacker can solve all of those issues in one fell swoop. The Bills hold the 26th overall pick, so guys like Arvell Reese and Sonny Styles will almost certainly be off the board.
Georgia’s CJ Allen is a strong choice here if he falls past his PFF ranking of 18. Texas Tech’s Jacob Rodriguez could be a great fit as well, but he’s projected to be a round two pick. Buffalo needs to be careful not to reach here.
Miami Dolphins: Wide Receiver
The Dolphins are undergoing a full-blown rebuild in 2026. They’ve hired a new general manager in John Eric-Sullivan and a new head coach in Jeff Hafley. They went on to release Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, then traded Jaylen Waddle to the Denver Broncos.
Miami signed Malik Willis to a three-year, $67.5 million contract. He’ll either cement himself as the QB to build around, or he’ll be a tank commander for the 2027 NFL Draft. He’s desperately missing high-end targets right now.
The Dolphins’ wide receiver room currently consists of Malik Washington, Tutu Atwell, and Jalen Tolbert. They hold two first-round picks this year, 11 and 30. They’ll likely address offense and defense with those two picks. It’s extremely unlikely that Ohio State’s Carnell Tate will make it out of the top 10.
USC’s Makai Lemon, Arizona State’s Jordyn Tyson, and Indiana’s Omar Cooper Jr. are all great prospects with either of Miami’s first-rounders. Any one of them would be a great weapon for Willis as he gets his chance to be a franchise QB.
New England Patriots: Defensive Line
The Patriots could also go with a wide receiver at pick 31 here. They’re missing a true number one, but it doesn’t seem realistic to expect any of the top options to be there. Addressing the defensive line might be a better move.
New England recorded 35 sacks in 2025, ranking 26th in the NFL. They ranked 29th in QB hurries as well, logging 34. Milton Williams is a monster, but they need more than just him.
I think it’s a real possibility that we see the Pats trade out of the first round. If Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell falls to 31, he could be a real option for Mike Vrabel’s team. Positional value will play a role in their process here. Don’t be surprised if they take a weapon and address defense in round two.
New York Jets: Linebacker
I could argue that the Jets need an upgrade at every position on the field. Lucky for them, they have two first-round picks in this year’s Draft, two and 16. They should and likely will immediately address defense with the second overall pick.
The Jets’ defense ranked 29th in rushing yards allowed per game (139.5) and 31st in points allowed per game (29.6). They were also the only team in the league that didn’t record a single interception.
With Fernando Mendoza, the obvious number one pick, New York will have its pick of the litter. Rueben Bain, David Bailey, Arvell Reese, and Sonny Styles will all be on the board. Reese seems to be the most likely option, but there’s no wrong answer here.
The Jets’ biggest need is at quarterback, and if Dante Moore were in this Draft, he’d be the clear pick. They have three first-rounders in 2027 and will find their QB then. In the meantime, defensive-minded head coach Aaron Glenn needs to revamp everything else.
End Of My NFL Draft Rant
The AFC East is a two-team race right now between the Bills and Patriots. Miami and New York are looking to make strides, but they’re still miles behind right now. Both teams are looking to 2027, but this year will lay the foundation for them. Next up in this series is the NFC South.
