As the 2026 National Football League Draft approaches, every NFC team is facing the same question: what’s the one move that changes everything? Whether it’s filling a glaring hole, building around a franchise quarterback, or adding the final piece to a contender, this draft is about more than just talent; it’s about direction. Some teams are looking to rebuild. Others are trying to stay on top. But all 16 AFC franchises enter this draft with needs that could define their season and their future.

Here’s a breakdown of the biggest needs for every AFC team heading into the 2026 NFL Draft.

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

QB Josh Allen sure takes heat after playoff losses, but he is often let down by a defense that gives up a ton of points. I would expect the Bills to improve their run defense, which was a sieve at times, and their secondary gave up big plays to Denver in the playoffs. Unfortunately, it may be slim pickings for the positions they need at this point in the draft.

I think they would love it if DT Peter Woods made it to them, as he would fill their biggest need. They could also use another WR, even though they acquired DJMoore for their second-round pick. WR KC Concepcion would be difficult to pass up.

Miami Dolphins

Miami is another team that has the you-name-it, we-need-it holes on both sides of the ball. Fortunately, they have 7 picks in the top 94. They need an offensive lineman, and they may have the thinnest wide receiver room in all of football. On defense, they need a pass rusher and secondary help. I think they would be a lock to take Miami edge Rueben Bain Jr.

If he makes it to them. If he is off the board, then they could take OT Francis Mauigoa with pick 11. The Dolphins also have pick 30 from Denver, and I think they will go receiver here. WR Denzel Boston out of Washington would make a lot of sense.

New England Patriots

The Patriots may find it difficult to repeat last season’s success because they will have a more difficult schedule. I know they could use help on the offensive line because their offense struggled against good defensive teams, and QB Drake Maye was under a ton of pressure. They are also extremely thin at receiver, especially after the departure of WR Stefon Diggs. Defensively, they are sound but could use another pass rusher. UCF edge Malachi Lawrence should be there, but I think they would love it if WR Denzel Boston fell to them instead.

New York Jets

The Jets really need a quarterback, but that won’t happen early unless they reach for Alabama QB Ty Simpson with the 16th overall pick. They have too many holes to fill, especially on defense, and I think they should take LB Arvell Reese, but we can never be too sure.

The Jets have so many needs that I would be open to trading this pick to get more picks. They can go in many directions with pick 16, as Simpson should be there, as mentioned. They can draft WR Makai Lemon out of USC if available, but I think I would pass on WR and draft the best defensive player available.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

The Ravens need help on the offensive line, especially after losing C Tyler Linderbaum to the Raiders. The Ravens are also extremely thin at receiver and need a good red zone threat. OT Spencer Fano is the pundit’s lineman of choice, and I think they are right.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals need offensive line play to protect the big investment they have in QB Joe Burrow, but they will have to wait until the second round. They traded their first-round pick of DT Dexter Lawrence, which fills a big need on defense. The Bengals could also be a candidate to trade up to grab a lineman in the second round.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns probably need a quarterback, but that can wait until 2027. Expect the Browns to spend their entire draft improving the offensive line and receiver room. Ohio St. WR Carnell Tate should be there at pick 6, and I don’t think they will pass on him. Pick 24 should address the offensive line; OT Blake Miller out of Clemson or OT Kadyn Proctor out of Alabama would make sense.

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers need a quarterback, and they could be in the running for Ty Simpson. He would make a lot of sense as QB Aaron Rodgers, who is expected back, will not be there next season. Are the Steelers delusional and think they can win now? If so, they will skip on Simpson and provide Rodgers with another receiving weapon.

I think they would be better off drafting defensive help, as their defense has taken a step back and their rushers are aging.  Edge Akheem Mesidor out of Miami would be a solid pick, or CB Colton Hood would round out the secondary.

AFC South

Houston Texans

Offensive line help is a must. They need to run the ball better and score from the one-yard line. Many blamed RB Woody Marks, but he was hit at or behind the line of scrimmage on many goal-line carries. Plus, QB CJ Stroud needs time to pass, as we have seen him harassed in yearly playoff games, leading to turnovers. Look for them to take an offensive tackle—either Max Iheanachor out of Arizona State or Kadyn Proctor.

Indianapolis Colts

The Colts do not have a first-round pick after trading for CB Sauce Gardner, which means their scouting department is going to have a ton of pressure to find an edge rusher. They struggled to get after the passer, and the defense was exposed against the good teams. On offense, they are extremely thin at wide receiver, which is going to be a position that is extremely difficult to fill after round 2.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars are close to being a Super Bowl team. Did I just say that? The offense is solid, and the only thing holding them back is the defensive line, which is a big problem. They have to get after the quarterback and stop the run. Look for them to draft as many defensive linemen as possible, but will have to wait until the second round to do so, barring a trade back into the first round.

Tennessee Titans

The Titans are the favorites to land RB Jeremiyah Love out of Notre Dame. I know he’s an exciting player and would cause a lot of excitement, but I don’t think he is the right pick. This team has too many holes and is too far away from winning to draft a running back.

I would love to see them draft a top defensive player or trade the pick for a ransom because they need as many defensive front-seven players as they can get, and improve the offensive line. Unfortunately, I think if they keep the pick, they will draft Love, which will be a big downgrade for those picking him early in the second round in best-ball leagues right now.

AFC West

Denver Broncos

The Broncos already upgraded their offense by trading their first-round pick for WR Jaylen Waddle. I don’t know if they really needed a receiver, as I thought they had enough there. Trading the pick is going to make it tough for them to upgrade at the middle linebacker position, which is their biggest need.  I think they would love to add TE Eli Stowers, but would have to trade to get him.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs’ defense has been a strength, and I expect them to continue to add to it. They need an edge pass rusher and a cornerback after trading Trent McDuffie to the Rams. The Chiefs do have two first-round picks, and I think they are a strong candidate to draft Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and then come back for the best corner available at 29. They could also use that pick for the best offensive tackle available.

Las Vegas Raiders

It’s a forgone conclusion that the Raiders will take Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick. After that, they can fill their needs any way they want, as the Raiders did a solid job adding in free agency. Besides having a second- and third-round pick, the Raiders also have three 4th-round picks, so they are in good shape. They are thin at receiver and could use a big red-zone target to complement TE Brock Bowers. They can also round out their secondary, along with the interior defensive line, and add depth to the offensive line.

Los Angeles Chargers

The only position group holding the Chargers back last season was the offensive line. If you look at their losses, it was because they had trouble running the ball and protecting the passer. Not to mention the litany of holding and false start penalties that sent the offense backward. But there is no panic heading into 2026. Both tackles, Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt, were lost for the season, but both will be back.

They also signed center Tyler Biadasz, meaning they have to draft a guard, if not two. Another position of need is along the defensive line. NT Dalvin Tomlinson is getting old and will need some younger legs to help stop the run. I think they take guard Chase Bisontis out of Texas A&M.

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