With free agency almost upon us and the draft less than two months away, it is a vital point of the NFL offseason.
Rosters will moulded in the next few weeks and the offseason’s big questions will soon be answered.
We have already looked at the main needs for each of the 16 NFC teams, so now it is the turn of the AFC.
New England Patriots - QB, TE, WR, RB, OL
Draft pick: 3
Bill Belichick left the defense in reasonably good shape, so Jerod Mayo’s offseason will largely be spent turning around the offense. A quality QB will be available at number three in the draft, but he will need some weapons.
LA Chargers - RB, CB, DT, TE, C
Draft pick: 5
The Jim Harbaugh era is here and if his previous form is anything to go by, expect the Bolts to stock up on big men for the offensive line, a powerful runner and a physical tight end.
Tennessee Titans - OL, WR, CB, Edge, RB
Draft pick: 7
With the Titans backing Will Levis at quarterback, this offseason should focus on building out around him. Help on the line, plus a Derrick Henry replacement are near the top of the list.
New York Jets - OL, WR, S, DT, QB
Draft pick: 10
Big improvements on the offensive line are an obvious need after the Jets’ season went up in smoke after four offensive plays this season. Aaron Rodgers will also want another receiving target and a new backup QB will also be required this offseason.
Denver Broncos - QB, DT, TE, Edge, CB
Draft pick: 12
Replacing Russell Wilson and filling the team’s gaps on defense on a limited budget, given the financial hit they have taken to release the former Seahawk will make this a complicated offseason.
Las Vegas Raiders - QB, OL, CB, RB
Draft pick: 13
The Raiders cannot head into the new season with Aidan O’Connell as their only viable quarterback option and also need to restock the offensive line. Josh Jacobs impending exit means a running back is also needed.
Indianapolis Colts - DT, CB, Edge, S
Draft pick: 15
The decision to franchise tag Michael Pittman Jr means that defense can be the focus in the coming days and weeks, with help needed at the front and back ends of Gus Bradley’s unit.
Jacksonville Jaguars - WR, OL, CB, Edge
Draft pick: 17
Calvin Ridley’s exit means a wide receiver should be taken high up in the draft, but there will also need to be work done on the offensive line. Josh Allen was franchise tagged, but more help on the edge will be needed this season.
Cincinnati Bengals - OL, DT, TE, CB
Draft pick: 18
Offensive and defensive tackle will be the two biggest free agency and draft priorities. Elsewhere, the tight end cupboard is bare in Cincinnati, while Tee Higgins’ franchise tagging takes the pressure off needing to stock up on wideouts.
Pittsburgh Steelers - OL, CB, LB, DT, QB
Draft pick: 20
There is work to be done on the line in Pittsburgh, while the reported visit of Russell Wilson means there could be a question to be asked at quarterback. Help for last season’s beaten-up linebacker corp could also be a wise move.
Miami Dolphins - OL, DT, WR
Draft pick: 21
Impending free agency departures mean that Miami will have to deal with gaps all over their offensive line, while the decision not to tag Christian Wilkins also creates another issue that needs solving. The signing of tight end Jonnu Smith on Friday has crossed off one of their other big needs.
Houston Texans - OL, DT, CB, Edge, RB
Draft pick: 23
The Texans have plenty of salary cap space and will be more concerned about adding depth rather than having to address problem positions this offseason. Injuries hampered the receiver group and offensive line, so expect movement there. This could also be a decent spot for one of the many veteran running back free agents.
Buffalo Bills - DT, Edge, WR, S, CB
Draft pick: 28
A new-look defensive front will be needed in Buffalo next season, while free agency departures will also mean work is needed in the secondary. Another weapon for Josh Allen in the passing game wouldn’t go amiss, either.
Baltimore Ravens - DT, OL, WR, RB, CB, LB
Draft pick: 30
Justin Madubuike will need replacing, while their linebacker corps are also set to take a ding in free agency. Some younger blood at wide receiver is needed, as is another running back option.
Kansas City Chiefs - DT, WR, OL, CB, RB
Draft pick: 32
If the Chiefs are going to earn a historic three-peat, then Chris Jones and L’Jarius Sneed will need to be adequately replaced, which will be easier said than done. And while the offense finally found a rhythm at the end of the season, Patrick Mahomes will need more reliable weapons for the new campaign.
Cleveland Browns - DT, Edge, RB, OT
Draft pick: Traded to the Houston Texans
The Browns are set to see their front seven decimated in free agency, so there will be plenty of holes to fill there. Nick Chubb’s injury and Kareem Hunt’s free agency exit means the running game also needs looking at.
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