Every AFC team's biggest need heading into 2022 NFL Draft
theScore goes division by division to identify every AFC team's biggest need ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft, which runs April 28-30.
AFC I NFC
AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Biggest need: Cornerback
The Bills boast one of the AFC's most well-rounded rosters. But reinforcements at cornerback are needed with Levi Wallace leaving in free agency and Tre'Davious White coming off a torn ACL. Ahmad Gardner and Derek Stingley Jr. will likely be gone by the time Buffalo picks at No. 25, but this class has a solid second tier of prospects at the position.
Top early-round targets: Andrew Booth Jr., Trent McDuffie, Kaiir Elam
Miami Dolphins
Biggest need: Linebacker
The Dolphins enter the draft with only four picks after their blockbuster acquisition of Tyreek Hill. The first of those comes at No. 102 overall, so Miami won't have a chance to fill the hole at the center of its defense with a top prospect. Still, the club should have options to find a linebacker with above-average coverage skills who can step in as a rotational piece in 2022.
Top early-round targets: JoJo Domann, Channing Tindall, Terrel Bernard
New England Patriots
Biggest need: Cornerback
The Patriots didn't make much of an effort to retain J.C. Jackson in free agency, creating a major long-term need at cornerback. Following the trade for receiver DeVante Parker, it's now their clear No. 1 priority. While New England has experienced veterans like Malcolm Butler and Jalen Mills, it lacks the top-tier talent necessary to run its man-heavy scheme.
Top early-round targets: Derek Stingley Jr., Roger McCreary, Andrew Booth Jr.
New York Jets
Biggest need: Wide receiver
The Jets' wide receiver group isn't the team's worst unit; the trio of Corey Davis, Elijah Moore, and Braxton Berrios is solid. But New York clearly wants to upgrade after chasing Hill and inquiring about DK Metcalf, and it's easy to understand why. This isn't New York's least talented position, but it is the position that could dictate how much quarterback Zach Wilson improves in Year 2.
Top early-round targets: Garrett Wilson, Drake London, Chris Olave
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
Biggest need: Edge rusher
The Ravens thought they had a short-term fix at outside linebacker with the signing of Za'Darius Smith, only for the veteran to back out of their agreement. Odafe Oweh looked promising as a rookie, but beyond the sophomore is only Tyus Bowser - who's coming off an Achilles injury - Daelin Hayes, and Jaylon Ferguson. Even if Baltimore brings back Justin Houston, it needs to add a pass-rusher in the opening two rounds.
Top early-round targets: George Karlaftis, Jermaine Johnson III, Boye Mafe
Cincinnati Bengals
Biggest need: Cornerback
The Bengals are set to use the best-player-available strategy early after reinforcing their offensive line with a flurry of free-agency moves. They simply don't have any glaring weaknesses. But in a conference stacked with star quarterbacks, bolstering the cornerback position even further could make all the difference.
Top early-round targets: Cam Taylor-Britt, Roger McCreary, Andrew Booth Jr.
Cleveland Browns
Biggest need: Defensive tackle
The Browns have one of the worst groups of defensive tackles in the NFL, with only Jordan Elliott, Tommy Togiai, and Taven Bryan on the roster. Cleveland doesn't have a first-round pick, and interior defensive line is one of the draft's weaker position groups. The Browns will likely have to use a second- or third-round pick to land a player who can help straight away.
Top early-round targets: Perrion Winfrey, Phidarian Mathis, John Ridgeway
Pittsburgh Steelers
Biggest need: Quarterback
For the first time in 18 years, the Steelers enter the season with questions at quarterback following Ben Roethlisberger's retirement. Mason Rudolph is nothing more than a backup, and free-agent addition Mitchell Trubisky could have untapped potential but is highly unlikely to become a long-term option. Though this quarterback class is underwhelming, that could mean Pittsburgh will have a shot at landing its desired prospect despite picking at No. 20 overall.
Top early-round targets: Malik Willis, Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder
AFC South
Houston Texans
Biggest need: Edge rusher
The Texans tied for 27th with only 32 sacks last season, and the losses of Whitney Mercilus and Jacob Martin further weakened their pass-rushing group. Houston could use the No. 3 overall pick on an offensive lineman, but it may find the elite group of edge rushers too enticing to pass up as it looks for cornerstone pieces to rebuild around.
Top early-round targets: Travon Walker, Aidan Hutchinson, Kayvon Thibodeaux
Indianapolis Colts
Biggest need: Wide receiver
If Matt Ryan is to return to form with the Colts, the former MVP needs better receiving weapons. Michael Pittman is Indianapolis' only proven wideout after producing his first 1,000-yard season in 2021. Ashton Dulin - who has 243 yards in three years - and the oft-injured Parris Campbell are currently slated to start.
Top early-round targets: Skyy Moore, Jahan Dotson, George Pickens
Jacksonville Jaguars
Biggest need: Edge rusher
The Jaguars' wild free-agent spending spree filled big holes at wide receiver and on the offensive line, leaving pass-rusher as the team's most obvious need. While it's possible Jacksonville gives Trevor Lawrence another pass protector, the team seems to be planning to take the best edge player on the board at No. 1 overall.
Top early-round targets: Travon Walker, Aidan Hutchinson, Kayvon Thibodeaux
Tennessee Titans
Biggest need: Offensive line
The Titans' offensive line needs a retooling after regressing in 2021, especially if Ryan Tannehill is to rebound this season. Left tackle and center are set with Taylor Lewan and Ben Jones, respectively. But Tennessee has a big hole at right tackle and could also eye long-term upgrades for both guard spots.
Top early-round targets: Zion Johnson, Trevor Penning, Bernhard Raimann
AFC West
Denver Broncos
Biggest need: Offensive tackle
Russell Wilson isn't quite as nimble as he was just a few years ago, and he dealt with poor protection from the Seahawks for too long. Garett Bolles is a solid left tackle, but he'll turn 30 in May. The Broncos' right tackle spot, meanwhile, is a question mark. They signed Billy Turner and have a couple of other options in Calvin Anderson and Tom Compton but probably want to shoot higher with one of their early picks.
Top early-round targets: Nicholas Petit-Frere, Abraham Lucas, Tyler Smith
Kansas City Chiefs
Biggest need: Wide receiver
The Chiefs somewhat mitigated the loss of Hill with the free-agent additions of JuJu Smith-Schuster and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, who signed one- and three-year deals, respectively. But Kansas City needs a long-term option to partner with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and it has multiple first-round picks with which to land one.
Top early-round targets: Jameson Williams, George Pickens, Jalen Tolbert
Las Vegas Raiders
Biggest need: Defensive tackle
While the Raiders brought back Johnathan Hankins and signed Bilal Nichols to bolster their interior defensive line, neither is a real difference-maker. Las Vegas' depth is also severely lacking. The outside pass rush should be a strength with Maxx Crosby and Chandler Jones, but it could be even better if supported by a greater threat from the interior.
Top early-round targets: Phidarian Mathis, Matthew Butler, Haskell Garrett
Los Angeles Chargers
Biggest need: Offensive tackle
Justin Herbert is an MVP-in-waiting, and the Chargers were smart to bolster his protection last offseason with Rashawn Slater, Corey Linsley, and Matt Feiler. But an offensive line is only as good as its weakest spot. Right tackle Storm Norton gave up nine sacks while starting most of last season in place of the injured Bryan Bulaga, whom the team cut in March.
Top early-round targets: Trevor Penning, Charles Cross, Kenyon Green