The most important necessity for every AFC team in the NFL Draft of 2024
For the 18 NFL teams that didn’t make the postseason, it’s on to free agency (starts March 13) and the NFL Draft (April 25-27 in Detroit).
Some teams have multiple huge holes to fill in the draft — we’re looking at you, New England Patriots and Los Angeles Chargers — while other teams only need retooling.
As compiled by Yardbarker NFL writers, here’s the most pressing need for every AFC team in the draft.
AFC East
BUFFALO BILLS | Most pressing need: wide receiver | First-round pick: TBD | Despite Buffalo’s improbable AFC East title run, the offense relied heavily on its rushing attack out of necessity as the unit still hasn’t found a reliable No. 2 pass-catching option. Wide receiver Gabe Davis was more inconsistent than ever, recording four games without a catch, and considering he’s set to hit free agency, Buffalo should look for a cheaper replacement.
MIAMI DOLPHINS | Most pressing need: edge-rusher | First-round pick: TBD | The hiring of DC Vic Fangio transformed the pass rush into a top unit, with the defense’s 56 sacks ranking third this season. However, after seeing Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) and Bradley Chubb (ACL) suffer significant season-ending injuries, Miami must bring in at least one edge-rusher in case neither is available for Week 1.
AFC East
BUFFALO BILLS | Most pressing need: wide receiver | First-round pick: TBD | Despite Buffalo’s improbable AFC East title run, the offense relied heavily on its rushing attack out of necessity as the unit still hasn’t found a reliable No. 2 pass-catching option. Wide receiver Gabe Davis was more inconsistent than ever, recording four games without a catch, and considering he’s set to hit free agency, Buffalo should look for a cheaper replacement.
MIAMI DOLPHINS | Most pressing need: edge-rusher | First-round pick: TBD | The hiring of DC Vic Fangio transformed the pass rush into a top unit, with the defense’s 56 sacks ranking third this season. However, after seeing Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) and Bradley Chubb (ACL) suffer significant season-ending injuries, Miami must bring in at least one edge-rusher in case neither is available for Week 1.
NEW YORK JETS | Most pressing need: offensive line | First-round pick: No. 10 | The Jets missed out on current Pittsburgh Steelers OT Broderick Jones in the 2023 draft, and New York must retool the offensive line to keep 40-year-old QB Aaron Rodgers healthy. New York’s 64 sacks allowed were tied for the fourth-most in the NFL in 2023, the second time in three seasons the Jets held that ranking.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS | Most pressing need: quarterback | First-round pick: No. 3 | The Patriots must revamp an offense that averaged the fewest points (13.9) and third-fewest yards per game (265.3) this offseason, and starting fresh at quarterback seems like a good place to begin. Fortunately for New England, it could be in a position to land USC’s Caleb Williams or North Carolina’s Drake Maye. — Colum Dell
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS | Most pressing need: quarterback | First-round pick: No. 13 | Rookie Aidan O’Connell was serviceable in 11 games, completing 62.1 percent of his passes for 12 TDs and seven interceptions. Still, he doesn’t look like a legitimate franchise QB the Raiders (8-9) can build around. Could Michigan junior J.J. McCarthy — who still has a year of eligibility — be enticing at No. 13?
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS | Most pressing need: cornerback | First-round pick: No. 5 | The defense was 30th in the league in passing yards allowed (256.3). Improving the secondary should be their top priority for the Chargers (5-12), and the draft is an excellent place to start. — Clark Dalton
AFC North
BALTIMORE RAVENS | Most pressing need: wide receiver | First-round pick: TBD | Rookie Zay Flowers is a home-run hitter, leading the team in receptions (77) and yards receiving (858). But the Ravens must continue getting younger at the position with wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. (31) and Nelson Agholor (30) set to become free agents following the season.
