In a recent mock draft from ESPN's Field Yates, the New England Patriots select Utah offensive lineman Caleb Lomu to further bolster their lackluster offensive line. While the Patriots were crowned kings of the AFC East in 2025, retaining their title through the 2026 season will prove a difficult task.
The Jets, Dolphins, and Bills are all poised to make significant roster changes this offseason. The Jets hold a pair of first-round picks, while the Dolphins' release of both Tyreek Hill and Bradley Chubb points toward a significant rebuild.
The Bills will look to retool as they try to reclaim the division crown they held from 2020 to 2025.
While Yates' draft might not be law, an expert like himself may be able to provide valuable insight into the types of talents AFC East rivals might look to add.
The AFC East has the chance to make significant additions with first round mock draft
New York Jets: ED/LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State (No. 2), DT Caleb Banks, Florida (No. 16)
The Jets have the opportunity to retool their defense in a major way through the draft, and that's exactly what Field Yates has them doing. Arvell Reese is possibly the highest-ceiling player in the entire draft, with 2025 first-rounder Jalon Walker as the comparison.
His versatility will make him a weapon in the front seven, and for a team that needs talent throughout, that versatility could prove king.
Jowon Briggs was a nice find for New York, but the Quinnen Williams trade to the Cowboys necessitates an upgrade on the interior. The Jets were 29th in run defense this season, and adding the massive 6-foot-6, 330-pound Caleb Banks could help change their fortunes.
Banks was thought to be a top-10 talent following the 2024 season, but a broken foot saw him miss the majority of the '25 season. Nonetheless, his talent was on display in his two games this year.
New England averaged 34.5 PPG against the Jets this season, scoring 35 first-half points in Week 17. While New York still has a long way to go, Reese and Banks would make the sledding far more difficult for New England in 2026.
Miami Dolphins: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU (No. 11)
New head coach Jeff Hafley comes from the defensive side of the ball, so his first pick being a defender makes all the sense in the world. Delane was college football's best cornerback in 2025, and he's rewarded by being the first off the board at his position.
He allowed a 40% completion rate this season and didn't allow a touchdown. He had two interceptions. The SEC pedigree will also appeal to top teams, as Daniel Jeremiah's mock draft saw Delane go at No. 5 to the Giants.
The Dolphins desperately need to upgrade at cornerback, and Rasul Douglas is set to hit the open market. New England averaged 35.5 PPG against them this season with lackluster receivers, so if Miami wants to challenge for the division, shoring up the defense will be key.
Buffalo Bills: DT Peter Woods, Clemson (No. 26)
Like Banks, Woods may slip down draft boards due to an uncertain 2025. While Banks' slip was due to injury, Woods' was because of a drop in production. After playing 167 more snaps than in '24, the Clemson Tigers' stats didn't improve dramatically, though some really mock drafts still have him hovering around the top-10.
For the Bills, this is more about best player available than anything else. They selected T.J. Sanders last season after trading up to acquire him, while fourth-round pick Deone Walker is looking to be a steal of a nose tackle. Ed Oliver holds the team's third-highest cap hit.
With Joey Bosa and A.J. Epenesa set to hit free agency, a scheme change could be afoot in Buffalo. Getting Oliver, Walker, Sanders, and Woods on the field might prove difficult, but no one's ever complained about having too many quality defensive linemen.
While the Patriots' selection will be the most important to their success in 2026, they'll also have four other first-round selections to keep a close eye on. The 2026 NFL Draft will be pivotal for the future of the AFC East.