AFC DRAFT NEEDS FOR EVERY TEAM AFTER FREE AGENCY

With the main thrust of 2024 NFL free agency behind us, the draft is the next major event on the horizon.

Looking around the AFC, it’s still the Kansas City Chiefs and everyone else—even after a flurry of activity from a handful of hopeful contenders. Kansas City has advanced to four of the past five Super Bowls, winning three, putting the Chiefs in the role of the hunted.

To chase them down, let’s look at what holes the other 15 teams must fill to reach the summit (while also seeing how Kansas City can get even better).

Baltimore Ravens

Position needs: ILB, G, CB

The Ravens watched a host of front-seven defenders depart this offseason, including Patrick Queen, Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy. Baltimore clearly needs to replenish in those areas while also finding a corner to pair with Marlon Humphrey. Offensively, guards John Simpson and Kevin Zeitler left, creating immediate needs up front to protect Lamar Jackson.

Buffalo Bills

Position needs: C, Edge, DB

Buffalo isn’t depleted in the secondary, but the Bills should target youth in the draft. After losing safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, along with corners Dane Jackson and Tre’Davious White, there are needs in both areas. Offensively, who is going to step in for center Mitch Morse, who played the last five years in the pivot?

Cincinnati Bengals

Position needs: OT, TE, DT

The Bengals slapped a Band-Aid on right tackle with the addition of Trent Brown, but it’s only a one-year deal. Cincinnati has to finally figure out its offensive line, which also includes bringing in competition at guard. Defensively, there’s a need at defensive tackle alongside newcomer Sheldon Rankins after the departure of D.J. Reader.

Cleveland Browns

Position needs: LB, RB, DT

After losing linebacker Sione Takitaki to the Patriots in free agency, Cleveland has to replace him in the draft. Takitaki was solid in 2023, posting 65 tackles, two sacks and an interception while playing 61% of snaps. Elsewhere, Nick Chubb is coming off multiple torn ligaments and is 28 years old, so it’s time for a future investment.

Denver Broncos

Position needs: QB, ILB, CB

With the Broncos, it’s easier to name the positions they have solved. Denver could go a host of different directions in the draft, but quarterback is the most pressing issue. Then there’s the matter of solving the second level on defense after the departure of linebacker Josey Jewell in free agency. Finally, who plays opposite Patrick Surtain II?

Houston Texans

Position needs: CB, IOL, DT

The Texans have the look of a contender, but there are still some holes to be addressed. Houston has to figure out who replaces Sheldon Rankins, with Denico Autry coming over as a soon-to-be 34-year-old free agent. Also, who joins a talented secondary featuring corner Derek Stingley Jr. and safety Jalen Pitre?

Indianapolis Colts

Position needs: CB, S, WR

Colts general manager Chris Ballard did a nice job retaining some of the club’s best talent, re-signing receiver Michael Pittman Jr. and corner Kenny Moore II. However, in both spots, Indianapolis needs a talent upgrade, especially in the secondary. It wouldn’t be surprising if the Colts go receiver and corner in the first two rounds.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Position needs: CB, G, S

Jacksonville signed safety Darnell Savage and corner Ronald Darby, but long-term needs still persist at both spots. The Jaguars have to shore up a pitiful pass defense from a year ago, and offensively, should be upgrading at guard. Corner could also be a potential first-round target.

Kansas City Chiefs

Position needs: OT, WR, DT

By re-signing Chris Jones and adding receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown in free agency, the Chiefs aren’t forced to take any position in the first round. However, they have clear needs at left tackle and receiver. The good news for Kansas City? Both areas are loaded across the top 50 picks.

Las Vegas Raiders

Position needs: QB, CB, RB

The Raiders have the 13th pick, making it difficult to get a quarterback in the first round without trading up. However, Las Vegas could address other key needs, including a top-tier corner or even an offensive lineman. Additionally, the Raiders should be looking for a late-round running back to replace Josh Jacobs.

Los Angeles Chargers

Position needs: WR, IOL, CB

It’s a full-blown rebuild for the Chargers, especially after Mike Williams was released and Keenan Allen was dealt to the Chicago Bears. Picking at No. 5, Los Angeles could go with a stud tackle such as Notre Dame’s Joe Alt or a top receiver such as Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. or LSU’s Malik Nabers.

Miami Dolphins

Position needs: IOL, DB, DT

The Dolphins lost plenty in free agency, including defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, guard Robert Hunt, corner Xavien Howard, safety Brandon Jones and others. In the draft, Miami needs to find replacements along both fronts while also adding a few pieces in the secondary. It’s a pivotal draft for GM Chris Grier.

New England Patriots

Position needs: QB, WR, OT

The Patriots have pressing issues at quarterback and receiver, and New England needs help along the line with Brown leaving for a one-year deal with the Bengals. In head coach Jerod Mayo’s first draft post-Bill Belichick, it’s time to be aggressive in remaking the unit.

New York Jets

Position needs: OT, QB, WR

Not surprisingly, the Jets have to address multiple areas of their offense, including at quarterback, where Aaron Rodgers turns 41 this season while trying to rebound from a torn Achilles. Around Rodgers, the Jets must find youth at tackle after adding a pair of 33-year-olds in Morgan Moses and Tyron Smith.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Position needs: WR, CB, C

After trading Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh has a need at receiver. In a draft loaded with pass catchers, the Steelers should have options. Furthermore, GM Omar Khan will certainly look to upgrade along the offensive line, while also adding another corner to play alongside Donte Jackson and Joey Porter Jr.

Tennessee Titans

Position needs: OT, ILB, CB

The Titans did plenty to upgrade their offense, signing receiver Calvin Ridley, center Lloyd Cushenberry and running back Tony Pollard in free agency. Still, there’s a need to get better at tackle, something that could happen with Tennessee’s top-10 pick. Finally, look for GM Ran Carthon to target a cornerback early in the draft to pair with Chidobe Awuzie and L’Jarius Sneed.

2024-03-28T11:20:19Z dg43tfdfdgfd