With the 2026 PML Draft fastly approaching and the first round of free agency over, we take a deep dive into the biggest needs for all 32 teams, discussing long term concerns, cap concerns, or fixing positional weaknesses.
AFC East:
Biggest Need – Offensive Explosiveness:
Puffy has made it clear that he is unable to make most of the draft, so he decided to farm out his draft picks to address some of the holes in his roster. Sending his first and second round picks to the Raiders for Brock Bowers adds a vertical threat to the offense, which should help boost Drake Maye’s efficiency and elevate their 28th ranked passing attack. This team lacks a real burner, 92 speed receiver Kyle Williams is their fastest offensive weapon. The addition of a 93+ speed receiver would help the Patriots stretch the field and inhibit teams from crowding the line of scrimmage.
Biggest Need – Playmakers and Run Stuffers
Buffalo neglected to take part in the first round of free agency, rather they didn’t sign any player in the first round, but that’s not to say they didn’t attempt to sign someone. Buffalo ranked 32nd in rushing defense last season and currently have just 4 linebackers on the roster, none of which bolster higher than a 79 overall. Buffalo has the 9th pick in the draft, they have an opportunity to add a premier playmaker on the defensive side of the ball in Anthony Hill Jr. from Texas. Hill Jr, has been sliding on draft boards due to his combine 40, but Hill was one of the fastest linebackers at the middle linebacker position and has the potential to be one of the highest overall prospects on the defensive side in the draft. If Buffalo passes on bolstering their linebacker core, they are in prime position to add one of the dynamic receivers in this draft. Buffalo traded for Troy Franklin earlier in the season, giving up a 3rd round selection, but the young pass catcher raked in 39 receptions for 671 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Biggest Need – Defensive Backs and Tight End
Miami ended the season on a 5 game losing streak, here’s a team that is desperate to rejuvenate life in the locker room. Somehow Miami’s porous defense only allowed 272 passing yards a game last season, meanwhile they’re track team of an offense ranked 32nd in total yards and 31st in passing yards per game. The Dolphins are set on offense with Achane, Hill, and Waddle, but adding a tight end in the mix could help set the pace since the team lost Darren Waller to retirement, his 58 catches for 917 yards and 10 touchdowns will be difficult to replicate with the current tight ends on the roster. DB Ju Ju Brents is Miami’s leading cornerback on the depth chart, having him atop the depth isn’t ideal for any team. Miami also has Avery Young, who is rated 65 overall, as their starting strong safety. Minkah Fitzpatrick cannot be expected to cover the entire field, Miami will have to address with their first overall selection. Sitting at pick 5, Miami has an opportunity to draft the best corner in the draft or potentially the best safety in Caleb Downs.
Biggest Need – Defensive Backs and Linebackers
Dissimilar to their division rivals, the New York Jets made a splash in free agency by signing David Njoku and Mecole Hardman.Both of these signings were for short term deals, 1 and 2 years respectively. New York clinched out their division from the jaws of defeat when early in the season, it appeared that Buffalo was going to run away with it. New York’s repeat chances are high, but they’ll have to make strides in getting better on defense. They were ranked 20th-26th in all defensive categories last season. New York has just 4 linebackers on the roster, none rated higher than 75 overall. Moreover, Sauce Gardner is the only defensive back on the team with much skill. New York made the playoffs, but to consistently get back there this cycle, they have to focus on improving their secondary in this draft.
