Every AFC team's 3 greatest draft needs
Here, theScore identifies every team's three biggest needs ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft, which takes place April 23-25. First up is the AFC.
AFC I NFC (Tuesday)
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Baltimore Ravens
Need 1: Interior offensive line
The Ravens' decision not to pick up the fifth-year option on Tyler Linderbaum's rookie contract left a gaping hole in the middle of the O-line. Baltimore signed Danny Pinter, but he's better suited as a backup. Left guard also remains a concern, while the addition of right guard John Simpson is a slight upgrade over Daniel Faalele.
Need 2: Edge rusher
Adding Trey Hendrickson hasn't kept Baltimore from searching for more pass-rush help. No Raven had more than five sacks last season, and the 31-year-old Hendrickson is more of a short-term fix than a building block at this point in his career.
Need 3: Wide receiver
Zay Flowers is comfortably atop the depth chart, but there's a significant falloff after him. Rashod Bateman turned in a forgettable 2025, following his career-best season the year before. Finding a legitimate No. 2 wideout for Lamar Jackson to rely on behind Flowers and tight end Mark Andrews is imperative.
Buffalo Bills
Need 1: Linebacker
The Bills didn't address their need at inside linebacker in free agency, leaving Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams as the team's top off-ball LBs. Buffalo needs more reinforcements after allowing 5.1 yards per carry last season, the league's third-worst mark.
Need 2: Edge rusher
New year, same issue. The Bills have repeatedly focused on strengthening their pass rush over the years and should look to address the area again in the draft after ranking 20th in total sacks in '25. Buffalo signed edge rusher Bradley Chubb, but the team still lacks rotational defenders with upside behind him and Greg Rousseau.
Need 3: Wide receiver
Buffalo already made a big move to land DJ Moore, but is it enough? Moore may be on the decline, and Josh Allen needs new weapons to spark a receiver group that includes Joshua Palmer, Khalil Shakir, and Keon Coleman, among others.
Cincinnati Bengals
Need 1: Defensive line
Signing Jonathan Allen addresses Cincinnati's issues within the middle of its D-line, yet the 31-year-old isn't much of a needle-mover anymore. The Bengals haven't used many of their early draft picks on the defensive interior, and it showed last season as they surrendered a league-worst 147.1 rushing yards per game.
Need 2: Linebacker
Cincinnati brought in Boye Mafe and Bryan Cook to beef up the edge and secondary. Now, the Bengals must turn their attention to landing a playmaking tackler alongside Demetrius Knight Jr. and Barrett Carter to improve a unit that whiffed on a league-high 171 tackles in 2025.
Need 3: Interior offensive line
Left tackle Orlando Brown received an extension this offseason, and Amarius Mims is poised to flourish at right tackle. Dylan Fairchild provides hope at left guard, but the club should bolster the rest of an aging interior led by Ted Karras and Dalton Risner, who're both on the wrong side of 30. Improved play in front of Joe Burrow will help protect the franchise quarterback and boost a rushing attack that averaged the fourth-fewest yards (93.6) a year ago.
Cleveland Browns
Need 1: Left tackle
The Browns splurged on beef over general manager Andrew Berry's free-agency shopping spree. Guard Zion Johnson, center Elgton Jenkins, and right tackle Tytus Howard provide plenty of experience to a youthful offense. Meanwhile, left tackle Dawand Jones has ended each of the past three seasons on injured reserve due to severe leg injuries. Finding a more consistent player to anchor the O-line would provide an ideal protector on the blind side.
Need 2: Wide receiver
Rookie tight end Harold Fannin Jr. led all Browns pass-catchers in receptions, yards, and touchdowns in 2025, and none of Cleveland's wideouts caught more than 55 passes. Adding an explosive threat on the perimeter to pair with Jerry Jeudy would be beneficial to whoever lines up at QB.
Need 3: Quarterback
The Browns have drafted 14 passers since 1999 - including two last year - yet their quest to find a franchise quarterback should continue. Shedeur Sanders showed flashes of excitement as a rookie, but he'll have to compete for the starting job with Deshaun Watson this year. Watson, Sanders, and second-year quarterback Dillon Gabriel haven't provided enough spark at the team's most important position.
Denver Broncos
Need 1: Tight end
Sean Payton has found success with tight ends in the past, but the Broncos struggled in that department last year, despite signing Evan Engram. Denver's tight ends combined for only three touchdowns in 2025, and none of them had more than 470 receiving yards.
Need 2: Linebacker
Though the Broncos boast an elite defense, it has room for a new standout inside linebacker after the team parted with veteran Dre Greenlaw. Adding a long-term starter would help this defensive unit remain solid for the foreseeable future.
Need 3: Defensive line
This is another position in which the Broncos don't have a major hole but could use fresh blood after losing John Franklin-Myers in free agency. Denver's defensive line has been strong, deep, and competitive for years, and the club should use the draft to keep the group in good shape.
Houston Texans
Need 1: Offensive line
The Texans are shuffling their O-line for a second straight offseason. Houston traded away Juice Scruggs and Tytus Howard, then brought in Wyatt Teller and Braden Smith, but the moves are a patch rather than a long-term solution. Providing an environment for C.J. Stroud to recapture his impressive 2023 season starts with fortifying the trenches in front of the star quarterback.
Need 2: Defensive tackle
Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson form one of the NFL's most terrifying pass-rushing combos and anchor an elite D-line. But Tim Settle's return to Washington in free agency leaves an opening in the interior. Landing a starting-caliber tackle would help improve the Texans' strength.
Need 3: Running back
Houston should add a home-hitter to the backfield in the draft. Yes, the Texans already traded for David Montgomery, but the veteran is a power back. Woody Marks offers upside with good receiving skills, but he doesn't create many big plays, either. His health was also a factor for most of last season.
Indianapolis Colts
Need 1: Edge rusher
The Colts need to find a tag-team partner for Laiatu Latu, and that task is more challenging in 2026 without a first-round pick. Veteran signees Arden Key and Micheal Clemons fill depth but won't move the needle. Kwity Paye's departure could sting a defensive unit slated to rely more on the unproven JT Tuimoloau.
Need 2: Linebacker
The Colts traded away their most reliable tackler, Zaire Franklin. Although Indianapolis signed a projected starter in Akeem Davis-Gaither, the linebacker group remains thin and pass coverage is a major concern. At least general manager Chris Ballard has a proven track record of finding mid-round gems at the position (Shaq Leonard, E.J. Speed, and Bobby Okereke), and he could use another jackpot.
Need 3: Wide receiver
Alec Pierce received a whopping four-year, $114-million deal following a breakout campaign in which he led the NFL with 21.3 yards per catch. To balance the budget, the Colts traded Michael Pittman Jr. to Pittsburgh. Josh Downs is dynamic but has primarily lined up in the slot. Adding another target helps not only Daniel Jones but also Jonathan Taylor if the passing game can effectively spread out defenses.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Need 1: Defensive line
The Jaguars owned the NFL's stingiest run defense last year, limiting opponents to 85.6 yards per contest. However, getting younger and generating more pressure from the D-line's interior should be a draft priority. Arik Armstead is 32, and his $14-million salary for 2026 isn't guaranteed. Additionally, fellow starter DaVon Hamilton is 29 and headed into a contract year.
Need 2: Linebacker
Jacksonville must find a replacement for Devin Lloyd, who left in free agency. While Ventrell Miller and Jack Kiser will get the first crack at filling the vacancy, finding a talent to replicate Lloyd's Pro Bowl production and coverage skills won't be easy. The Jaguars should explore various options as they seek the right successor.
Need 3: Running back
Jacksonville lost Travis Etienne in free agency, which leaves 2025 fourth-round pick Bhayshul Tuten and free-agent addition Chris Rodriguez Jr. as the team's top tailbacks. Tuten is a breakout candidate after showing flashes as a rookie, but he remains unproven as the No. 1 back. Adding extra competition and speed to the backfield makes sense for the Jaguars.
Kansas City Chiefs
Need 1: Edge rusher
Edge rusher George Karlaftis led the Chiefs with just six sacks in 2025, and struggles on the edge forced Kansas City to deploy Chris Jones outside at times. This team desperately needs a new starter opposite Karlaftis to add life to a defensive front that underperformed last year.
Need 2: Cornerback
Kansas City lost three starting defensive backs this offseason in cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson and safety Bryan Cook. Although K.C. signed a couple of free agents, it's still looking for someone who can make an immediate impact and elevate a secondary that was once a major strength in the Chiefs' dynasty.
Need 3: Wide receiver
The Chiefs need another talented pass-catcher to help Patrick Mahomes. Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy form a solid duo, but Hollywood Brown's departure leaves Tyquan Thornton as the third WR option. Kansas City could also look to add a tight end as a potential successor to Travis Kelce, who turns 37 this year.
Los Angeles Chargers
Need 1: Offensive line
Injuries devastated the Chargers' offensive line last season, culminating in Justin Herbert getting sacked six times in the wild-card round. While tackles Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt are great when healthy, L.A. lacks depth behind them. New center Tyler Biadasz joined in free agency, but the guard spots are up for grabs. The team's top options are former first-rounders Trevor Penning and Cole Strange, the latter signing a two-year deal this offseason.
Need 2: Wide receiver
This position is a draft concern again for the Chargers. Keenan Allen - their leading pass-catcher in 2025 - remains unsigned and turns 34 this year. And although Ladd McConkey is a capable wideout and Quentin Johnston is coming off his best season, this receiver group requires more playmaking potential and depth.
Need 3: Edge rusher
Los Angeles lost Odafe Oweh, who racked up 7.5 sacks in 12 games in 2025. With Khalil Mack now 35, Bud Dupree at 33, and Tuli Tuipulotu - the Chargers' sack leader - on the last year of his rookie contract, the team has a clear need for reinforcements. Adding an edge rusher who brings upside and becomes a full-time starter in the future makes a ton of sense.
Las Vegas Raiders
Need 1: Quarterback
The Raiders have been on the clock for months and are expected to draft Fernando Mendoza first overall. He's the top quarterback prospect available and will address a glaring need for a Las Vegas team that has Aidan O'Connell and Kirk Cousins on the roster.
Need 2: Wide receiver
Once Las Vegas lands Mendoza, the next step is to surround him with explosive weapons. Still lacking an established No. 1 guy, the Raiders' receiver room is a work in progress. Beyond Tre Tucker's and Jalen Nailor's standout speed, the group needs more talent and star power.
Need 3: Defensive line
The Raiders have many needs, but their defensive front should be on their radar on Days 2 and 3 of the draft. Las Vegas' defense is transitioning to a 3-4 scheme under new coordinator Rob Leonard and needs younger tackles who stand out in run defense to anchor the new system.
Miami Dolphins
Need 1: Wide receiver
Where do we even start? The rebuilding Dolphins have holes all over the roster, but their wide receiver room particularly needs a lot of help. With Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill now gone, Malik Washington is the team's top returning wideout. After signing quarterback Malik Willis to a multi-year contract, Miami should focus on giving him a legit weapon.
Need 2: Defensive back
The Dolphins added defensive backs in free agency, but their secondary remains inexperienced and thin on talent with Rasul Douglas and Minkah Fitzpatrick out of the mix. Miami needs as much help as possible to revamp the back of the defense after registering 10 or fewer interceptions in each of the past two seasons.
Need 3: Edge rusher
Miami could also accelerate its rebuild by drafting a quality pass-rusher. The club parted with Bradley Chubb, leaving Chop Robinson as the top edge defender. The free-agent additions of Josh Uche and David Ojabo bring in depth, but they don't offer the Dolphins much upside.
New England Patriots
Need 1: Edge rusher
The 2025 Patriots ranked in the bottom 10 for defensive sacks. New England recently signed Dre'Mont Jones to a three-year deal, but he's unlikely to solve the team's problems alone. The 2026 draft has plenty of talent at edge rusher, and Mike Vrabel should take advantage.
Need 2: Wide receiver
There's a reason the Pats have been linked to A.J. Brown even after signing Romeo Doubs to a four-year, $68-million contract. New England has capable pass-catchers, but their collective ceiling is limited. It's also been missing a proven No. 1 guy since Stefon Diggs' departure.
Need 3: Offensive line
On paper, the Patriots' O-line could be solid - Will Campbell at left tackle, free-agent acquisition Alijah Vera-Tucker and Mike Onwenu at guard, Jared Wilson at center, and Morgan Moses at right tackle. But this could go very wrong, too. The oft-injured Vera-Tucker has never played a full campaign. Moses is 35. And what if Campbell doesn't shake off the brutal final month of his rookie season? Adding offensive line depth at multiple spots is a must for the Pats.
New York Jets
Need 1: Quarterback
Will the Jets prioritize a rookie QB? Probably not. This is a weak class, and they recently traded for Geno Smith. Still, this remains New York's biggest need. Smith led the NFL in interceptions last season, and even if he bounces back in 2026, he's more likely to be a bridge quarterback for the Jets. He could also serve as a mentor in case the organization drafts a developmental passer.
Need 2: Wide receiver
If the season started today, New York would line up with Garrett Wilson, Adonai Mitchell, and probably Isaiah Williams at wide receiver. Evidently, it needs another quality wideout to complement Wilson, who played only seven games in 2025 and somehow still topped the team with 395 receiving yards.
Need 3: Edge rusher
With the Nos. 2 and 16 overall picks in the draft, the Jets are in a great position to address their need at edge rusher. After trading Jermaine Johnson to the Tennessee Titans, New York now lacks a quality defender to play opposite Will McDonald, who led the club with eight sacks in '25.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Need 1: Quarterback
Finding a quarterback for the future remains a priority for the Steelers, regardless of Aaron Rodgers' retirement decision. While it's debatable whether there's a worthy candidate in the 2026 class, hopping off the veteran passer carousel and finding their first long-term solution since Ben Roethlisberger is highly advisable.
Need 2: Left side of offensive line
Broderick Jones left the gate to the starting left tackle role wide open after a neck injury halted his 2025 campaign. Dylan Cook stepped up toward the end of the year but was overwhelmed in the AFC wild-card round by the Houston Texans. Competition for Spencer Anderson at left guard may be necessary after Isaac Seumalo set off for Arizona in free agency.
Need 3: Wide receiver
Opposing defenses face a tall task trying to defend a pair of 6-foot-4 wideouts in DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. The opportunity to replace Calvin Austin with an electric change-of-pace target in Mike McCarthy's scheme could be difficult to pass up.
Tennessee Titans
Need 1: Offensive line
Protecting Cam Ward is a top priority for Tennessee after he took a league-high 55 sacks. The additions of Austin Schlottmann and Cordell Volson are emblematic of the club's efforts to improve protection. Still, the Titans need to bring in as much competition as possible to get this unit on course.
Need 2: Edge rusher
Jermaine Johnson is reuniting with head coach Robert Saleh. Despite limited experience, Oluwafemi Oladejo is projected to bookend the other starting role. Tennessee has two top-35 picks and is in the enviable position of being able to land a coveted pass-rusher equipped for Saleh's scheme.
Need 3: Running back
If the Titans truly want to build around Ward, can they afford to pass on Jeremiyah Love with the No. 4 pick? Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears are serviceable backs, but they don't have the explosive playmaking ability that keeps defensive coordinators awake at night. Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll likely has a soft spot for an elite tailback from his time coaching the New York Giants.