AFC Needs Watch: From Edge Rushers to Locker Room Gamble Calls

It’s that time of year again—when NFL rosters start looking like chessboards and front offices play 4D chess trying to piece together a championship puzzle. While most blockbuster moves have come and gone, don’t count out the late-game heroics just yet. Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, Za’Darius Smith, Jadeveon Clowney—they’re still on the market, waiting for that one team to make a splash and say, “We’re coming for the Lombardi.”

The preseason kicks off July 31 with the Chargers and Lions squaring off in Canton at the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. Rookies report first (July 12 for L.A.), while Steelers and Falcons vets bring up the rear (July 23). So, what are the biggest needs shaping up across the AFC as training camp looms?

Let’s break it down by division.

Cincinnati Bengals – Edge Rusher

The Bengals used a first-rounder on Shemar Stewart, thinking they’d checked this box. But holdouts from Stewart and Trey Hendrickson have left the locker room guessing. If both show up, problem solved. If not? Cincinnati could be shopping for another pass-rush magician before kickoff.

And hey, don’t sleep on that defensive tackle situation either—it’s simmering quietly in the background.

Cleveland Browns – Wide Receiver

Five top-100 picks, and somehow… the WR room is still shaky. Jerry Jeudy’s the clear No. 1, but after him? Cedric Tillman and Jamari Thrash are stepping into big roles, and Diontae Johnson’s already on his fifth team in two years. That’s not exactly stability.

Baltimore Ravens – Defensive Line

Even the near-perfect Ravens aren’t immune to cracks in the armor. Nnamdi Madubuike is the rock, but depth? Not so much. Kyle Van Noy and Odafe Oweh are back, and second-round pick Mike Green could be a diamond in the rough—but there’s no guarantee this group hits its ceiling.

Pittsburgh Steelers – Safety

Minkah Fitzpatrick’s exit stung, and Jalen Ramsey’s arrival didn’t quite balance the scales. The safeties? Thornhill and Elliott are solid, but if Pittsburgh thought Fitzpatrick was a weak link last year, maybe this isn’t as bad as it looks. Still, the offensive line’s injury history and the loss of Dan Moore Jr. could bite them when the lights get bright.

AFC South: Youth Movement or Gamble Time?

Indianapolis Colts – Linebacker

Zaire Franklin led the league in tackles last year, but behind him? A question mark. Jaylon Carlies showed flashes as a rookie, but if he stalls or Franklin goes down, Indy could be scrambling fast.

They also lost Ryan Kelly and Will Fries up front, and while rookies Dalton Tucker and Tanor Bortolini got their feet wet, the O-line still feels two deep at best.

Jacksonville Jaguars – Defensive Tackle

Jags are hoping DaVon Hamilton and Arik Armstead bounce back—and that Maason Smith builds on Year 1. But right now, it’s a lot of hope and prayer candles lit in the DT room.

Widely, they’ve got talent in Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr., but beyond that? Parker Washington’s redemption arc might be their only shot.

Houston Texans – Interior Offensive Line

Texans created their own mess by trading away Laremy Tunsil and Kenyon Green. They brought in some veterans, but don’t expect miracles. Aireontae Ersery’s their first-round hope, but he’ll need time to grow. For now, it’s replacement-level land in the trenches.

Tennessee Titans – Wide Receiver

Cam Ward’s got Calvin Ridley to lean on, but after that? Van Jefferson and Tyler Lockett? Yeah, not that Tyler Lockett. The O-line investment should help buy Ward time, but Callahan’s going to have to scheme open a group that doesn’t exactly scream firepower.

Buffalo Bills – Safety

Jordan Hancock’s in the mix, but Buffalo’s safety battle between him, Cole Bishop, and Taylor Rapp is wide open. And with Maxwell Hairston in legal limbo, corner might not be far behind.

Miami Dolphins – Cornerback

Corner’s been a concern since Day One. Kader Kohou’s locked in the slot, but Storm Duck, Ethan Bonner, Jason Marshall Jr., and Artie Burns? That’s not exactly a shutdown trio. And let’s not forget about Cam Smith. With injuries and depth thin, Miami’s DB room is a ticking clock.

New York Jets – Wide Receiver

After Aaron Rodgers came aboard, the Jets stocked up on receivers… only to watch them fade away one by one. Now it’s Garrett Wilson, Allen Lazard, and Josh Reynolds. That’s solid, sure—but where’s the depth?

And don’t forget the defensive tackle spot—Quinnen Williams is elite, but who else?

New England Patriots – Edge Rusher

Edge rusher and linebacker are neck-and-neck here. Free agents and draft picks have filled the gaps, but the ceiling’s low. As for the WR room? Stefon Diggs has questions, and Mack Hollins and Kendrick Bourne aren’t exactly game-changers.

AFC West: Star Power and Slight Cracks

Denver Broncos – Wide Receiver

Sean Payton’s magic touch has helped reshape Denver’s roster, but the WR room is young and unproven. There’s upside, but not a ton of names that’ll make opposing DBs flinch. Safety could use a boost too, especially with Talanoa Hufanga’s injury history.

Los Angeles Chargers – Tight End

Jim Harbaugh’s defense is stacked, but corners remain a concern. And while Khalil Mack and Bud Dupree are still stars, age waits for no man. Offensively, Harbaugh loves his tight ends stretching the field—and right now, Tyler Conklin and Will Dissly are competing with rookie Oronde Gadsden for that role.

Kansas City Chiefs – Offensive Guard

Joe Thuney’s gone, but KC’s added competition at guard with Jaylon Moore and Josh Simmons. Kingsley Suamataia’s holding down the fort for now, but more competition wouldn’t hurt. Running back? Not a priority unless they suddenly decide CEH wasn’t the answer.

Las Vegas Raiders – Linebacker

LB is the glaring weakness in Vegas, where Germaine Pratt, Elandon Roberts, and Devin White hold down spots that lack youth and upside. Rookie WRs could spark something, but corners, safeties, and DTs are also trouble zones waiting to happen.

Every team has holes. Some are manageable. Others? Potential season-breakers. Whether it’s landing that final edge rusher, fixing the leaky secondary, or finding the next hidden gem, the AFC is a chessboard. And the teams that solve their biggest needs before Week 1 will be the ones raising confetti in February.

Let the games begin.