2024 NFL Draft: What does each team in the AFC East division need? Projected picks

The AFC East teams are strategizing their next moves to fill crucial positions. For example, the New England Patriots and the Washington CoMMAnders are both eyeing their future quarterbacks.

For the Washington CoMMAnders, the spotlight is on their quarterback dileMMA. With an urgent need to secure a reliable signal-caller, speculation has centered on Drake Maye as their potential pick. The Patriots, likewise, are in the market for a quarterback, and rumors suggest they’re leaning toward selecting Jaden Daniels from LSU.

Patriots

Although both teams prioritize the quarterback position, other positions require consideration. For instance, the Patriots feel that tight end is a pressing need, as Tyler Conlan has yet to assert himself as the go-to option fully. Even with the prospect of Aaron Rodgers joining the team, the need for a tight end remains.

In addition to tight end, safety is another area that the Patriots need to address. The departure of Tony Adams and Chuck Clark has left some gaps in the secondary, highlighting a potential weakness. However, the linebacker and defensive line seem relatively stable and do not require immediate attention.

The Patriots must decide between safety and tight end. Despite the need for safety, the prospect of strengthening their offensive arsenal may sway their decision. Therefore, the Patriots are expected to prioritize tight end, with Brock Bowers emerging as a favorable choice.

Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins face some important decisions as they evaluate their roster ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft. With defensive tackle Christian Wilkins out due to injury, there are concerns about the team’s depth in that position and overall standing.

Despite Wilkins’ absence, the Dolphins still have Zach Sieler on their roster, and Neville Gallimore has been brought in, although it’s uncertain how well he will perform. This means that the defensive tackle position is potentially an area of concern for Miami, which raises the question of whether it is their most significant need.

However, the Dolphins also face challenges on the offensive line. Although Liam Eichenberg is the starter at left guard, the unit is far from solidified, and there’s an evident need for improvement, particularly in protecting their quarterback.

On the defensive side, Miami has starters like Kendall Fuller and Jaylen Ramsey in the secondary, along with Cameron Good in the slot. Edge rushers are also returning from injury, providing stability in that area. Additionally, the Dolphins have strengthened their tight end position by adding Jonnu Smith to complement Durham Smith.

Based on their current situation, the Dolphins’ most significant needs are defensive tackle and left guard. Even though the Dolphins may consider addressing left guard with J.C. Latham, who is still available, the focus on defensive tackle remains prominent. However, since no standout left guard prospects are on the board, the team might need to make strategic choices to fortify their roster effectively.

Jets

The New York Jets could select Washington receiver Rome Odunze in the 10th overall pick in this week’s NFL Draft. In addition, the Jets could address their offensive line needs by selecting Dominic Puny in the third round and turning their attention to the quarterback position in the fourth round, drafting Michael Pratt out of Tulane.

The Jets could also bolster their defensive line by selecting Mason Smith from LSU in the same round. They could target safety depth in the sixth round by selecting Dominic Hampton out of Washington.

To round out their draft, the Jets could trade quarterback Zach Wilson and their two seventh-round picks to the Denver Broncos in exchange for a higher sixth-round pick and select Elijah Jones from Boston College, adding depth to their cornerback group.

Bills

The Buffalo Bills have only two picks in the first three rounds of the NFL Draft. One of them is in the first round, at No. 28 overall, which makes it crucial for them to make a wise choice. However, this does not necessarily mean the Bills won’t find a hidden gem later.

For instance, Buffalo selected Andre Reed in the fourth round, at No. 86 overall, in the 1985 NFL Draft. Despite being a late-round pick, he had an illustrious career with the Bills, earning seven Pro Bowl selections and amassing 941 receptions for 13,095 yards and 86 touchdowns in 15 years.

Nonetheless, Brandon Beane, the Bills’ general manager, must select a top player wisely with the 28th overall pick. To ensure that he gets the player he wants, he could trade up using the 2025 second-round pick that the Bills got from Houston in exchange for Stefon Diggs. However, Beane has expressed his reluctance to do so, though it is not entirely off the table.