2024 NFL Draft Needs for the AFC
Yes, free agency, franchise tags, and trades will impact NFL Draft needs over the next 60+ days, that’s why this is a “1.0” look at where all 16 AFC teams stand Pre-NFL Combine.
*"HM" = Honorable Mention
Baltimore Ravens
OT, DL, CB, WR
Picks: 30, 62, 93, 130, 133, 163, 225, 247
What is it going to take to get Lamar to the Super Bowl? A WR room of Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and Odell Beckham Jr. has progressed, but OBJ is headed for age 32 and Bateman averages under 400 yards a season in production.
The corner board at #30 is going to be interesting. Can Kool-Aid fall? Are you high enough on T.J. Tampa or Kamari Lassiter? Considering Ronnie Stanley was doing no better than rotational last year, I'd bet OT.
Buffalo Bills
WR, DB
Picks: 28, 60, 99, 128, 158, 161, 197, 201, 205, 245
I’d say keep the window open, but this team needs talent upgrades. WR2 Gabe Davis is a goner and the Bills already needed more giddy up. The safety duo of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer are 33 years old. Kaiir Elam hasn’t been the answer you hoped for in aiding Tre’Davious White (pre-injury).
Of the 3 Top 100 picks, 2 have to be at WR and DB. Some names: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., Khyree Jackson, Keon Coleman, Xavier Legette, Tyler Nubin, and Kam Kinchens.
Cincinnati Bengals
OT, TE, DL
Picks: 18, 49, 80, 115, 147, 174, 195, 234, 251
Discussing trying to protect Joe Burrow is a Draft season tradition. There are other needs, but I can’t fathom not walking out with one of Amarius Mims, Tyler Guyton, or J.C. Latham. P.S. Brock Bowers is not falling to 18.
Cleveland Browns
WR
Picks: 54, 85, 134, 154, 204, 207, 240
Here’s the current Browns WR room:
Amari Cooper - 72 catches, 1250 yards, 5 TD
Elijah Moore - 59 catches, 640 yards, 2 TD
Cedric Tillman - 21 catches, 224 yards, 0 TD
David Bell - 14 catches, 167 yards, 3 TD
Say what you want about Deshaun Watson, that room ain’t cutting it.
Denver Broncos
WR, QB, CB, DL
Picks: 12, 81, 121, 143, 145, 208
If you think Russ is the Broncos’ quarterback in 2024, honey…Sean Payton would rather chug Clorox than work with Russell Wilson. It would be characteristic of Payton to target defensive line or cornerback, but it’s different this time. Jerry Jeudy is also about to be handed a cardboard box, but I’d imagine defense at #81. Khyree Jackson, Jarrian Jones, and Cam Hart are a few Payton types.
Houston Texans
WR, Front 7
Picks: 23, 59, 86, 123, 127, 221, 235, 244
Nick Caserio gets the “Most Improved General Manager” Dundy. To say this franchise is ahead of schedule would be the undersell of the year.
It’s simple: get CJ Stroud additional weapons and protection while bolstering your front 7 with talent upgrades. I’m pulling for Houston to re-sign Jonathan Greenard.
Indianapolis Colts
CB, EDGE, WR
Picks: 15, 46, 82, 117, 149, 192, 231
Chris Ballard notoriously loves traits. Quinyon Mitchell is likely sitting on a platter at 15. Whether it is Mitchell, Terrion Arnold, Cooper DeJean, or Nate Wiggins, it has to be CB at 15 unless a weapon such as Brock Bowers for Anthony Richardson or a freak EDGE athlete like Dallas Turner is too good to say no. The WR and EDGE depth is better than CB at 46 and 82.
Jacksonville Jaguars
WR, IOL, DB, EDGE
Picks: 17, 48, 96, 114, 116, 151, 194, 210, 233
Pending free agent Calvin Ridley remains to be seen as far as a return. Without Rid, 17 might be screaming for Brian Thomas Jr. versus waiting for a later tier. Troy Fautanu is a name to monitor on the interior, though 48 and 96 would probably point more to that need with names like Christian Haynes and Christian Mahogany.
Josh Allen isn’t leaving town, but then again, an additional EDGE to give Travon Walker more snaps kicked inside will be eyed. Jonah Elliss, Adisa Isaac, Bralen Trice, Chris Braswell, and Chop Robinson are a solid board of perspective for 48.
Kansas City Chiefs
WR
Picks: 32, 64, 95, 132, 157, 171, 249
Here’s the crew of receivers with which the 2nd greatest quarterback ever, Patrick Mahomes II, won Super Bowl LVIII: Rashee Rice, Justin Watson, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mecole Hardman, Skyy Moore, Kadarius Toney, Richie James, and Justyn Ross.
Mahomes deserves better. With as few “needs” as they have, Kansas City needs to double dip at receiver in the Top 100. Look at that group of Ladd McConkey, Troy Franklin, Keon Coleman, and AD Mitchell Round 1. Day Two goes for a different style in Jamari Thrash, Javon Baker, Jalen McMillan, & Ja’Lynn Polk, etc.
Las Vegas Raiders
QB, DL, OL, CB
Picks: 13, 44, 77, 112, 146, 209, 220, 226
Quarterback purgatory, party of one. The corner need is blinding. The defensive interior as well. The offensive line is also open for business. Assuming no QB, here's some names:
13 - Terrion Arnold, Quinyon Mitchell, Taliese Fuaga, Byron Murphy II
44 - T.J. Tampa, Kingsley Suamataia, Ruke Orhorhoro, Kris Jenkins
77 - Michael Hall Jr., DeWayne Carter, Jarrian Jones, Dominick Puni
Los Angeles Chargers
TE, CB, DT HM: RB
Picks: 5, 37, 69, 105, 138, 182, 222, 255
Many point to Malik Nabers & Rome Odunze as Los Angeles’s prime target in Round 1, even Joe Alt. I’d applaud. Bowers is the move though.
If any coach in the NFL deserves an elite tight end, it is Jim Harbaugh. In the last decade, Michigan was 2nd nationally in tight end targets and ran 12 personnel (1 running back, 2 tight ends) 3rd most in the country.
Gerald Everett is coming off an average at best (not really) year, is nearly 30, and is headed for Free Agency. Beyond him, the cupboard is starving for a grocery run. Do you think Harbaugh’s about to roll up with Gerald Everett and Donald Parham Jr. for half of his play calls?
A trade back could be ideal for LA if they can say no to the three pass catchers and Joe Alt.
A CB2 for Asante Samuel Jr. and the traditional “Chargers need defensive run interior” can be handled at 37 and 69.
Miami Dolphins
OT
Picks: 21, 55, 156, 185, 199, 238
Best offensive lineman available, preferably a Tackle. Troy Fautanu and Jordan Morgan are undoubtedly my favorite two here as Tackle/Guard versatile. For a more “classic” Tackle, Tyler Guyton, Amarius Mims, and Patrick Paul are a few.
New England Patriots
QB, OT, WR
Picks: 3, 34, 68, 103, 135, 181, 189, 228
The lack of offensive talent on this team is blindingly alarming. It’s the worst in the NFL. Lamar Jackson isn’t winning with the pieces in this offense. Offense, offense, offense……
New York Jets
OT, Pass Catchers
Picks: 10, 72, 111, 113, 186, 252, 253
Mekhi Becton is not your immediate or long-term answer. Accept it. You have to after THE heartbreaking injury. All-in on Aaron Rodgers. Double down. Olu Fashanu and Taliese Fuaga are the leaders, with Tyler Guyton a dark horse. If you can’t say no to Malik Nabers, Rome Odunze, or Brock Bowers, cool beans.
Pittsburgh Steelers
CB, OT, C
Picks: 20, 51, 84, 119, 120, 196, 237
How does Mike Tomlin order his chess pieces? Does he cash in at Center in Round 1 with Jackson Powers-Johnson? Can Zach Frazier fall in Round 2? Can he get Sedrick Van Pran in Round 3? I love Frazier's price/fit as the lead zone blocker of the group. Can Tomlin wait on Tackle? Don't think so. Expect OT at 20. CB2 to pair with Joey Porter may have to wait or be addressed in FA.
Tennessee Titans
OT, WR, DB HM; TE
Picks: 7, 38, 106, 144, 183, 218, 224, 239
Joe Alt to the Titans at #7 might be the most mocked pick in the Draft right now. It makes sense; the chance for Joe Alt to work with legendary, newly hired offensive line coach, Bill Callahan. Not that the Titans needed possibly the best offensive line coach of the last 30 years to be enticed to go Tackle.
This offensive line outside of Peter Skoronski is going to get Will Levis killed. Even if Alt is gone, Taliese Fuaga and Olu Fashanu are great options. That big gap between 38 and 106 will make Brian Callahan and Ran Carthon have to decide between a receiver option for Levis or a secondary addition.
Two names: AD Mitchell and Keon Coleman. Some Day 3 names that fit capital and needs: Tykee Smith, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Max Melton, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., and Ben Sinnott.
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