2023 AFC East NFL Draft Team Needs | Key Losses, Key Gains, List of Draft Picks, and More!

Buffalo Bills

Draft Picks: 27, 59, 91, 130, 137, 205
Team Needs: LB, WR, OL, RB, DT
Key Players Gained: Connor McGovern (OG), Deonte Harty (WR)
Key Players Lost: Tremaine Edmunds (ILB), Case Keenum (QB), Devin Singleton (RB), Roger Saffold (OG)

I think the Bills can still address their needs fully if they trade out of the first round. By moving on from Tremaine Edmunds, I feel his position is their biggest hole to fill, and there will easily be several guys available outside of the first round. The Bills have a RB-by-committee approach and don’t really need a bell-cow back to carry the load. They more so need a back who might be able to contribute on special teams. I also look for them to add another slot receiver despite picking up Deonte Harty in free agency. One more tidbit to note is that Oliver, Jones and Settle are in the last year of their respective contracts. I expect a late round or even a UDFA addition at DT to come in and groom for the following season.

Miami Dolphins

Draft Picks: 51, 84, 197, 238
Team Needs: TE, RB, DL, OL
Key Players Gained: David Long (LB), Mike White (QB), Braxton Berrios (WR), Dan Feeney (OG), Jalen Ramsey (CB)-trade
Key Players Lost: Elandon Roberts (OLB), Mike Gesicki (TE), Hunter Long (TE)-trade, Byron Jones (CB)-retired, Teddy Bridgewater (QB)

Miami doesn’t have a 1st round pick after tampering violations and only have 4 picks total in this draft to work with. I would imagine they are a candidate to trade down and acquire more picks. After parting ways with Gesicki and Long, you gotta think the Dolphins will add a TE at some point in the draft. The team has an opportunity to improve the quality of their RBs on day 2. With one of their late picks, they should consider improving the depth on their DL given that Christian Wilkins and Zach Sieler are both in the last year of their contracts. Any other pick should address the depth on the OL.

New England Patriots

Draft Picks: 14, 46, 76, 107, 117, 135, 184, 187, 192, 210
Team Needs: CB, WR, OL, DL
Key Players Gained: Juju Smith Schuster (WR), Calvin Anderson (OT), Chris Board (LB), Riley Reiff (OT), Mike Gesicki (TE), James Robinson (RB)
Key Players Lost: Jakobi Meyers (WR), Brian Hoyer (QB), Nelson Agholor (WR), Jonnu Smith (TE)-trade, Devin McCourty (FS)-retired, Isaiah Wynn (OT)

For as long as Bill Belichick has been the Patriots head coach, the Pats always have a surprise on draft day. So, expect anything and everything. They are positioned in the first round to take one of the top CBs or WRs in the draft, and you can bet that the Pats will wheel and deal their way into getting what they want. They definitely need to bring in more OL. Riley Reiff is good, but he isn’t getting any younger. They’ll also bring in some competition at DL to work into the rotation. Their 3rd day picks will likely focus on overall speed that will contribute on special teams.

New York Jets

Draft Picks: 13, 42, 43, 112, 143, 207
Team Needs: QB (?), RT, OC, DL, WR, Edge
Key Players Gained: Allen Lazard (WR), Wes Schweitzer (OG), Mecole Hardman (WR), Quinton Jefferson (DT), Chuck Clark (S)-trade
Key Players Lost: Nathan Shepherd (DL), Sheldon Rankins (DT), Nate Herbig (OG), Mike White (QB), James Robinson (RB), Braxton Berrios (WR), Dan Feeney (OG), Elijah Moore (WR)-trade, George Fant (RT), Joe Flacco (QB)

The QB position appears to be cursed for the Jets and turning to a veteran might soothe their woes. It seems that the Jets are likely to be suitors for Aaron Rodgers; it’s just a matter of time. That being said, the team might have to part with their first round pick in order to seal the deal. In the event that the deal doesn’t get done by day one of the draft, the Jets should address their OL with a player like Darnell Wright or Dawand Jones. Quite honestly, I see them taking the opportunity to rejuvenate their OL overall. They could potentially take the top rated center in the draft. . If they can build a respectable front, then they’ll be able to compete in their division. They should continue rebuilding in the trenches on the defensive side as well by selecting DL. Quinnen Williams is on his rookie contract and is expecting a new deal soon.