With the NFL draft just around the corner, many teams are making the moves necessary to fill obvious gaps and improve their rosters. This group does include two of the NFL’s model franchises, the Denver Broncos and New York Jets. They have very different goals that center on maintaining their places in the league. The new Broncos leadership is clearly intent on competing with the Chiefs for supremacy in the AFC West. On the flip side, the Jets are trying to get back up after losing quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The Denver Broncos enter the draft with a focus on three key positions: running back, cornerback, and wide receiver. Following last season’s up-and-down year, the Broncos are positioning themselves to be top picks as we head toward next season. Their overall ambition would be to at least make the playoffs for the second straight season. Doing so with these pressing needs in the draft might just be key to doing so.
In case you haven’t heard, the New York Jets are preparing for total rejuvenation. They’re hoping to begin a new era under quarterback Justin Fields. Fields has a two-year, $40 million deal signed, with $30 million guaranteed. He adds a creative spark that is dynamic and beyond what the teams have on their roster today. The Jets’ priorities entering the draft include offensive tackle, tight end, and wide receiver—positions they believe are essential for supporting their new leader on the field.
The Cincinnati Bengals are gaining notoriety for handing out contract extensions to their star players. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins received extensions that reflect a shift in the Bengals’ strategy. Historically, they have not made such moves outside of quarterback Joe Burrow’s record-breaking five-year, $275 million deal agreed upon two offseasons ago. This long-term commitment to their core players is a clear indication of the Bengals’ desire to compete in a challenging AFC landscape.
Their community rivals—the Buffalo Bills—are making it a priority to rectify holes that were revealed in last season. They allowed opponents to complete 68.5% of passes against them, revealing some gaping seams that would greatly limit an elite performance. For comparison, the Bills have one of the worst third down conversion rates in the NFL at 43.8%. If they want to be considered serious contenders, there’s a lot of room for improvement in all three areas.
The Kansas City Chiefs are assessing their needs after an embarrassing defeat in the Super Bowl to Philadelphia. The Chiefs were rightly blasted for their pass protection in that game. Consequently, they often look to the draft to help shore up their offensive line.
The Detroit Lions are stuck in doldrums. Edge defenders recorded an NFL-low pass rush win rate of 10.2% last season. For the Lions to become a contender again, protecting their defensive interests must become an organizational priority.
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