AFC EAST TEAM NEEDS HEADING INTO THE 2024 NFL DRAFT

BUFFALO BILLS

WR - The Bills have a big hole to fill at the top of the depth chart after trading Stefon Diggs to Houston, as well as losing Gabe Davis to free agency. Coming away from the draft with at least one receiver that can make an impact for early as a rookie is the top priority for Buffalo.

Draft fit: Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas, 1st round.
Mitchell is one of the players in this year's class that has the size and athletic traits to be a traditional number one outside receiver. The production is not impressive, but if his play caller and quarterback can get the most out of his rare athletic gifts he can be a hit in the NFL.

S - With Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer both moving on, the Bills should look to add to the back end of the defence on day two or three of the draft.

Draft fit: Kamren Kinchens, S, Miami, 4th round.
Kinchens draft stock has likely taken a hit after a disappointing senior bowl and scouting combine. But the tape shows a safety that can play all over the field and good ball skills.

RB - The running back room in Buffalo, outside of James Cook, is devoid of talent. This is a position that the Bills could look to add a running mate to complement James Cook and take some of the pressure away from the passing attack that may take some time to find its feet after losing Diggs.

Draft fit: Trey Benson, RB, Florida State, 2nd round.
Benson has ideal size and athleticism to transition to the NFL. He plays with good quickness and pad level. Benson could form a nice one two punch with Cook.

MIAMI DOLPHINS

DT - The Miami Dolphins have talented players all over the depth chart on both sides of the ball. However, they did lose star divisive tackle Christian Wilkins to the Raiders. Finding a starting caliber interior defender to replace Wilkins would fill the Dolphin's biggest hole on defense.

Draft fit: Byron Murphy, DT, Texas, 1st round.
The most complete defensive tackle in the class, Murphy would step right in to replace Christian Wilkins.

IOL - Austin Jackson and Armstead could turn out to be one of the better pairs of tackles in the league this year. But on the interior of the line Miami needs to upgrade at the guard positions to help keep Tua clean in the pocket.

Draft fit: Christian Haynes, G, Connecticut, 2nd round.
Haynes improved his draft stock at the senior bowl and should be able to start as a guard in the NFL. Haynes could be a good fit for the zone-blocking scheme in Miami.

WR - It may sound crazy to say a team with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle has a need at receiver. However, the Dolphins could find an upgrade on their wide receiver three role with one of the day three draft picks in a very deep class of pass catchers.

Draft fit: Malik Washinton, WR, Virginia, Day 3.
If he happens to be on the board for the Dolphins, Washington could be a real problem for teams out of the slot. Washington only stands 5’9 but he is fast and explosive and has more of a running back build.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

QB - The Mac Jones era came to a disappointing end. The Patriots need to find a franchise quarterback to rally the team around after also moving on from Bill Belichick. Draft fit: Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina, 1st round.
Tough to call who the Patriots will want to take at number three. Maye has the best upside outside of Caleb Williams. A case could be made that if the Patriots take Maye he should sit behind Jacoby Brissett for a year.

WR - The pass-catching weapons in New England are truly underwhelming. It will be a priority to find playmakers in the passing game that can support the transition for whoever the next quarterback is.

Draft fit: Ladd McConkey, WR, Georgia, 2nd round.
The Patriots need a high-floor player to upgrade the wide receiver room. Ladd is a smooth route runner that can separate from out wide or in the slot. He can also create yards after the catch. He could go in the first round.

OT - This motivation here is the same story as wide receiver. If the Patriots want to find the next franchise QB then supporting him with talent is the best way forward.

Draft Fit: Kingsley Suamataia, T, BYU, 3rd round.
More of a developmental player on day 2. Suamataia has great size for the position but needs NFL coaching and a team that can be patient with him as he develops.

NEW YORK JETS

TE - The New York Jets have one of the most impressive rosters in the NFL, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. After losing Aaron Rodgers at the very beginning of the season last year, poor quarterback play held the team back. This year the Jets have a chance to compete if Aaron Rodgers can return to form. To help Rodgers in his return an upgrade to the tight end position would make sense.

Draft fit: Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia, 1st round.
Coach Salah saw the impact of George Kittle in San Francisco, the Jets could get Bowers at number 10 to bring a complete tight end to New York.

WR - As well as a tight end the Jest should look to draft a wide receiver to add to the weapons in the passing game. Garrett Wilson is a legit number one and Mike Williams is a fine addition on a one-year deal but that shouldn’t stop New York from adding more firepower.

Draft fit: Ja’Lynn Polk, WR, Washington, 3rd round.
Washington will see all three of their leading pass catchers get drafted this year. Polk doesn’t win with smooth route running on tape, but he is a playmaker with outstanding hands in contested catches. Rodgers has had success with receivers that can win in contested catches in the past.

IOL - The starting left and right tackle positions on the offensive line look to be in good shape with Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses. But the Jets could still get better on the interior at guard or center.

Draft fit: Sedrick Van Pran, C, Georgia, 4th round.
Not the most physically gifted center in the class, but Van Pran is an experienced center with an understanding of how to play the position from an elite program.