AFC East Draft Focus: Addressing Key Needs for 2025 NFL Season
The 2024 NFL season saw the Buffalo Bills continue their reign in the AFC East, but with a tighter grip than in previous years. The Miami Dolphins, despite a promising start, faltered due to injuries, particularly to Tua Tagovailoa, raising questions about his long-term future. The New York Jets, even with Aaron Rodgers, were a massive disappointment, leading to coaching and management changes. Meanwhile, the New England Patriots are undergoing a significant rebuild under Mike Vrabel, aiming to restore their former glory. As we look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, each team in the AFC East faces critical decisions to address their key needs and improve their chances for success.
Buffalo Bills: Fortifying the Trenches and Secondary
Despite their continued dominance in the AFC East, the Buffalo Bills have some holes to fill if they want to make a deep playoff run. According to a recent episode of the “Bills Breakdown” by Chat Sports, the Bills’ biggest needs heading into the 2025 season are pass rusher, defensive line, and cornerback. The Bills’ lack of cornerback depth was exposed in the AFC Championship, and with Rasul Douglas potentially leaving in free agency, cornerback becomes an even greater priority.
Potential Draft Targets:
- Defensive Line: Kenneth Grant (Michigan) could be a target in the first round to bolster the defensive line.
- Cornerback: Shavon Revel Jr. (East Carolina) is a potential option to address the need for cornerback depth. CBS Sports projects that the Bills will select Georgia’s Malaki Starks, a versatile safety with the size and athleticism to eliminate contested catches.
- Wide Receiver: Jalen Royals (Utah State) could be a target in the second round to provide Josh Allen with another weapon.
Miami Dolphins: Rebuilding the Offensive Line and Secondary
The Miami Dolphins’ explosive offense was hampered by inconsistent offensive line play and injuries in 2024. Addressing the offensive line is the top priority for the Dolphins in the 2025 NFL Draft. Additionally, with Jevon Holland potentially departing, safety becomes a significant need.
Potential Draft Targets:
- Offensive Line: Kelvin Banks Jr. (Texas) is a potential first-round pick who could start at guard and eventually move to tackle. Donovan Jackson (Ohio State) is another option who has experience at both guard and tackle. Tyler Booker (Alabama) is another guard prospect the Dolphins could target.
- Safety: Malaki Starks (Georgia) is a highly-rated safety who could fill the void left by Jevon Holland. Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina) is another safety prospect with “elite traits and outstanding potential”.
New England Patriots: Building Around Drake Maye
The New England Patriots are in full rebuild mode after a disappointing 2024 season. With Mike Vrabel now at the helm, the Patriots are focused on building around quarterback Drake Maye. The most pressing needs are offensive tackle and wide receiver.
Potential Draft Targets:
- Offensive Tackle: Will Campbell (LSU) is a popular pick for the Patriots in mock drafts. He is a hulking tackle who faced top edge rushers in the SEC.
- Wide Receiver: The 2025 NFL Draft class is considered weak at wide receiver, so the Patriots may look to free agency to address this need. However, if they do draft a receiver, Pat Bryant (Illinois) could be a late-round option.
New York Jets: Protecting the Quarterback and Adding Offensive Weapons
The New York Jets’ 2024 season was derailed by injuries and poor offensive performance. With Aaron Rodgers’ future uncertain, the Jets need to address the quarterback position and provide more protection and weapons for whoever is under center.
Potential Draft Targets:
- Offensive Tackle: Will Campbell (LSU) is a potential target to protect the quarterback.
- Tight End: Tyler Warren (Penn State) has emerged as a consensus favorite to be drafted by the Jets.
- Wide Receiver: Tetairoa McMillan (Arizona) is a potential first-round pick who could provide a big target for the Jets’ quarterback.
The 2025 NFL Draft presents a crucial opportunity for each team in the AFC East to address their weaknesses and build for the future. With strategic selections and smart player development, these teams can position themselves for success in the upcoming seasons.