NFL Draft 2024 needs for Patriots, Jets, Bills, Dolphins in AFC East, plus pick breakdown
With all respect to the NCAA basketball tournaments and the Masters, April marks the NFL Draft month this year. Commencing on Thursday, April 25, the draft spans seven rounds over three days in Detroit, where all 32 NFL teams will shape their present and future.
As free agency winds down, SB Nation is shifting focus to the NFL Draft. With recent roster movements providing clarity on team needs, let’s delve into the draft needs of all 32 teams, starting with the AFC East.
**New England Patriots**:
– Quarterback (QB)
– Offensive Line (OL)
– Wide Receiver (WR)
– Defensive Back (DB)
– Defensive Line (DL)
The departure of Mac Jones has shifted focus to quarterback options like Bailey Zappe and Jacoby Brissett. With the third overall pick, the Patriots have flexibility to address multiple needs, possibly even trading down for additional assets.
**Miami Dolphins**:
– Interior Offensive Line (IOL)
– Defensive Tackle (DT)
– Offensive Tackle (OT)
– Edge Rusher (EDGE)
– Tight End (TE)
The Dolphins aim to fortify their defensive line and offensive line, considering recent departures and injuries. Adding depth in key positions like EDGE and TE could enhance their roster.
**Buffalo Bills**:
– Safety (S)
– Edge Rusher (EDGE)
– Defensive Line (DL)
– Wide Receiver (WR)
– Running Back (RB)
With potential changes in their safety tandem, the Bills prioritize safety alongside bolstering their defensive line and adding depth at WR. They possess significant draft capital for Day 3, enabling strategic moves.
**New York Jets**:
– Wide Receiver (WR)
– Safety (S)
– Tight End (TE)
– Cornerback (CB)
– Linebacker (LB)
Addressing the offensive line in free agency, the Jets now target WR, TE, and secondary positions in the draft. Providing offensive options for Aaron Rodgers and reinforcing the defense are key priorities.
Here’s the draft selections breakdown for each team:
– New England Patriots: Round 1 (Pick No. 3), Round 2 (Pick No. 34), Round 3 (Pick No. 68), Round 4 (Pick No. 103), Round 5 (Pick No. 137), Round 6 (Picks No. 180, 193), Round 7 (Pick No. 231).
– Miami Dolphins: Round 1 (Pick No. 21), Round 2 (Pick No. 55), Round 5 (Pick No. 158), Round 6 (Picks No. 184, 198), Round 7 (Pick No. 241).
– Buffalo Bills: Round 1 (Pick No. 28), Round 2 (Pick No. 60), Round 4 (Picks No. 128, 133), Round 5 (Picks No. 144, 160, 163), Round 6 (Picks No. 189, 200, 204), Round 7 (Pick No. 248).
– New York Jets: Round 1 (Pick No. 10), Round 3 (Pick No. 72), Round 4 (Picks No. 106, 134), Round 6 (Pick No. 185), Round 7 (Picks No. 256, 257).
