Draft must-haves (AFC)

By: Josh Frey-Sam

One thing about the AFC is that there are a lot of teams that should address their offence.

Why that is, I have no idea.

On Thursday, we looked at the draft must-haves for every team in the NFC. Now we do the same for the other conference.

AFC South

Houston Texans - offensive line

The Texans’ defence is ready to make a playoff run. The offence, however, won’t be until the offensive line is addressed. There isn’t one position on the line that can’t be upgraded.

Indianapolis Colts - another weapon

It’s tough to imagine that this Colts team is going very far with Anthony Richardson or Daniel Jones at the helm, but the team can certainly help its cause by giving them another weapon. Jonathan Taylor is great in the backfield, but their pass-catchers leave a lot to be desired. There needs to be more competition for touches, whether it comes from a WR or a TE.

Tennessee Titans - offensive threat

Quarterback will be addressed right out of the gates, and maybe that is the answer here, but I would also like to see the Titans give Cam Ward an up-and-comer at WR. Calvin Ridley is a solid WR1, but beyond that, there’s not much. Find someone who can help you put points on the board.

Jacksonville Jaguars - cornerback

This secondary needs help. Tyson Campbell is good, but he can’t carry the load alone. The Jags need someone else who can take the ball away.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens - guard

The Ravens struggled to protect Lamar Jackson at points last year, and much of that pressure came from inside. There’s good pieces in place on this offensive line, but the Ravens need to shore up the interior in order for the offence to run optimally.

Pittsburgh Steelers - quarterback

Whether it’s in the first round or they wait until the third round, the Steelers must add to the quarterback room for the future.

Cleveland Browns - quarterback

The post-Deshaun Watson era begins now. The Browns must leave this draft with a potential answer to their biggest problem.

Cincinnati Bengals- linebackers

I marked the Bengals’ linebackers as the worst position group in the AFC North currently. They can not expect success with Germaine Pratt, Oren Burks and Loga Wilson.

AFC West

Denver Broncos - another weapon

The Broncos could be close, but one of their biggest weaknesses is they don’t have someone who truly scares opposing defences. I’m a Courtland Sutton fan, but he’s not a guy you build a defensive game plan around. Could Marvin Mims Jr. or Devaughn Vele take another step? Sure. But the Broncos need a big-play threat, whether that’s out of the backfield or in the passing game.

Kansas City Chiefs - guard or tackle

The Chiefs have lost two Super Bowls in the last four seasons for the same reason — their offensive line was outclassed. Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith are the anchors, and they added Jaylon Moore to play left tackle, but LG and RT still need improvements if they plan on returning to the top of the mountain.

Las Vegas Raiders- wide receiver

The Raiders want to turn this thing around quickly. A potential big-three of Geno Smith, Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers is a good start, but they need another target. Jakobi Meyers is a decent receiving option, but he has no business being a team’s top target.

Los Angeles Chargers - offensive weapon

Remember last year’s wild card game against Houston when Ladd McConkey had nine catches for 197 yards? The next closest player, Will Dissly, had two grabs for 16 yards, while no running back eclipsed 30 yards rushing. The Chargers need some more firepower on offence, because it looks like a team that is ready to take off.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills - wide receiver

This isn’t a need that I see the Bills addressing in the first round, but I think they need to add another young playmaker to that room to grow with Keon Coleman. Khalil Shakir is fine, Coleman should take another step, and even Josh Palmer is a solid WR3 option, but there’s just something underwhelming about this room as a whole. Curtis Samuel, Laviska Shenault Jr. and KJ Hamler round out the room currently.

New England Patriots - wide receiver

Stefon Diggs was a tremendous pickup for this season, but the Patriots need a long-term asset who can grow with Drake Maye. The second round feels like the sweet spot to find someone.

Miami Dolphins - cornerback

This was already a need before Jalen Ramsey requested a trade, but now this has become one of the top pain points for the Fins. Storm Duck, Ifeatu Melifonwu and Kaden Kohou are not it.

New York Jets - right tackle

This is the most pressing need for the club, and it should be addressed with the 7th overall pick. The Jets are a RT away from completing their starting five, a group that could be talked about as one of the best in the league by this time next year.

Thanks for reading and, as always, have a great day.

Josh