The rest of the AFC has a ways to go before they bridge the gap with bill Belichick and the Patriots.
By John Sarianides
Its a race to keep up with the New England Patriots in the AFC. Here is what each team needs in order to get better and bridge the gap between them and the Patriots.
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills: WR, CB, ILB, S, TE
The Bills should target a receiver with the 10th overall pick that can play opposite Sammy Watkins. Watkins has been doubled a lot the last two years and can use a running mate that will take pressure off of him. The 2017 draft is loaded at cornerback so look for Buffalo to address their lack of depth at the position in day two. Inside linebacker and safety are also two positions of need.
Miami Dolphins: OT, DT, LB, CB, S
If the Dolphins are going to threaten the Patriots in this division, they are going to need to get more physical upfront. Miami needs to be able to control the line of scrimmage and establish a physical presence, especially with Jay Ajayi as their starting running back. Look for the Dolphins to target some line Western Kentucky’s Forrest Lamp at 22 or Michigan State defensive tackle Malik McDowell. Adding depth to the defense will also be a priority.
New England Patriots: DE, ILB, DT, CB, TE
The Patriots need to juice up their pass rush but they don’t pick until the end of day two thanks to several deals that involved draft picks. Luckily for Bill Belichick, there are plenty of edge rushers in this draft. Look for New England to target either Ohio’s Tarrell Basham or Florida Atlantic’s Trey Hendericksen early in this draft. The Patriots will also target inside linebacker as well.
New York Jets: QB, CB, TE, WR, LB
The Jets have one of the worst rosters in the league and are in the midst of a rebuild. GM Mike Maccagnan will have an opportunity to rebuild the roster through this draft. The Jets should trade the 6th pick if the right offer comes along. If they don’t they should take a quarterback. Either way, the Jets will be one of the teams to watch in this draft.
NFC NORTH
Baltimore Ravens: WR, DE, CB, DT, OL
With Steve Smith gone, the Ravens should target a receiver in the first round. Clemson’s Mike Williams will be gone by the time Baltimore picks at 16. Washington’s John Ross and Western Michigan’s Corey Davis should both still be there. Adding depth along the defensive line and another corner will also be priorities.
Cincinnati Bengals: ILB, CB, WR, TE, DL
The Bengals were once again ravaged by free agency. They will use this draft to replenish the roster. Linebacker and cornerback are two priority positions on defense. Alabama linebacker Reuben Foster would be a good fit at pick number 9. If the Bengals decide to go a different route, they could also go corner or wide receiver with the pick.
Cleveland Browns: QB, DE, ILB, CB, WR
The Browns have a ton of needs and they will have an opportunity over the course of the next two drafts to really re-shape the roster. Texas A&M defensive end Myles Garrett is the best player in this draft so you have to think they’ll take him with the first overall pick. If the Browns pass on Garrett, the feeling around the league is they’ll take North Carolina quarterback Mitchell Trubisky.
Pittsburgh Steelers: OLB, DE, CB, TE, WR
The Steelers always draft well. GM Kevin Colbert is a firm believer in building his roster through the draft. I like Wisconsin outside linebacker T.J Watt for the Steelers at pick 29 of the first round. He would give their pass rush the spark it needs. The Steelers will look to add depth to their receiving corp and secondary as well.
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans: QB, OT, S, TE, ILB
The Texans are telling anyone that will listen that Tom Savage is their quarterback of the now and the future. I don’t buy it. I would not be surprised if they took a quarterback at pick number 25. If they don’t, offensive tackle will be the position of priority. The Texans need a right tackle and there are three tackles that could fit the bill in this draft. Wisconsin’s Ryan Ramcyzk would be a great addition.
Indianapolis Colts: ILB, CB, DT, OLB, OL
New GM Chris Ballard has done a great job of reshaping the Colts roster but he is not done. Ballard will use this draft to fill some holes, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The Colts want to get bigger and younger on defense and this draft will enable them to do that. I would be surprised if Indianapolis didn’t go defense with their first pick in this draft.
Jacksonville Jaguars: RB, OG, OT, DT, TE
Tom Coughlin wants to build a roster that is tough and physical. Coughlin wants new coach Doug Marrone to emphasize the running game more than his predecessor Gus Bradley did. That is why the Jags will ultimately take LSU running back Leonard Fournette with the fourth overall pick. Baring the 49ers surprising us and taking Fournette or someone leapfrogging the Jags, Fournette will be the pick. You saw the impact a top five running back could have on a team last season with Ezekiel Elliot’s performance.
Tennessee Titans: WR, S, DT, DE, OLB
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Titans are fielding phone calls from teams regarding the fifth overall pick. Of course they are. GM Jon Robinson is from the Bill Belichick school of drafting. He wants to accumulate future assets. The best way to do it, trade the picks you have. If the Titans stay put at five, they will probably take one of three players. Ohio State cornerback Marshon Lattimore, LSU safety Jamal Adams or Alabama defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
AFC WEST
Denver Broncos: OT, OG, OLB, TE, DT
John Elway would love to upgrade the offensive line but it will depend on which player is available at pick number 20 of the first round. The Broncos will target all four of the potential first round offensive lineman in this draft. Utah tackle Garrett Bolles and Wisconsin tackle Ryan Ramczyk would be great fits. Elway will also look to add depth at the outside linebacker position and tight end.
Kansas City Chiefs: DT, WR, S, QB, OLB
The Chiefs have other, more pressing needs than quarterback but the prevailing thought around the league is they’ll go quarterback with their first round pick. Texas Tech’s Patrick Mahomes II has been linked to them in recent weeks. Will Andy Reid forgo an opportunity to get an impact player in the short term or draft his quarterback of the future? We shall find out soon enough. Drafting another receiver and a back up tight end along with adding defensive depth will also be priorities.
Los Angeles Chargers: ILB, WR, S, CB, OL
The Chargers have multiple needs. New head coach Anthony Lynn would like to construct a roster that centers around the offensive and defensive lines. Look for the Chargers to address both areas in this draft. Los Angeles does not have any impact defenders so with the 7th pick in the first round, the Chargers could take a chance on Ohio State safety Malik Hooker.
Oakland Raiders: ILB, CB, WR, DT, S
The addition of Marshawn Lynch means the Raiders will not have to prioritize the running back position early in this draft. Oakland can now focus on upgrading the defense. Florida inside linebacker Jarrad Davis and Ohio State cornerback Gareon Conley could be both be targets for the Raiders in the first round. GM Reggie McKenzie would also look at add another receiver and a rotational defensive tackle.