- Football Bettors
- Posts
- One Big Question for Every AFC Team Post-Draft
One Big Question for Every AFC Team Post-Draft
A team-by-team breakdown of remaining roster holes, draft takeaways, and what’s next.
ESPN posted an article today of the biggest 2025 post draft questions for all 32 teams.
I thought some of the answers were underwhelming, so I decided to answer them myself.
Here is my response for each AFC team.
The 2025 RAS NFL service is now on sale. Since launching in 2017, it has delivered eight straight winning seasons and a 58.7% all-time record (+57.4 units) across more than 400 plays. I’ll once again be contributing to the NFL team this year. Every now and then, people ask how they can support my work. The best way is by signing up for the RAS NFL service. Its success helps fund the hundreds of hours of free content I produce throughout the year—across podcasts, newsletters, and video. You can sign up here at the early bird rate of $995, which includes every play from preseason through the Super Bowl.
Buffalo Bills
Big Question: Did they do enough to support Josh Allen?
What are we even asking here? The Bills averaged 30 points per game, gained 6 yards per play, and ranked 2nd in EPA/play last season. Allen is supported. The issue is on defense. Buffalo couldn’t stop the Chiefs on their final two drives in the AFC Championship. The Ravens walked down the field for a near game-tying score (whoops, Mark Andrews) in the Divisional Round. In December, the Rams and Lions each dropped over 40 points. The best way to support Allen is by getting stops. I have no problem with how they drafted.
Miami Dolphins
Big Question: What is the plan at cornerback?
I have no explanation for why Miami passed on corner in Rounds 1 and 2. The ties seem severed with Jalen Ramsey. Right now, they’ll need to sign two, maybe three veterans just to field a serviceable secondary. Bigger picture, I still don’t know what this team wants to be. There’s been no identity under Mike McDaniel for the past 12–18 months. And as a side note, if Tyreek Hill’s situation becomes an issue, this team could spiral fast.
New England Patriots
Big Question: How does the logjam at WR sort out?
Calling it a logjam is generous. How many of these guys are guaranteed starters elsewhere? Diggs is turning 32 and coming off a major knee injury. Douglas is a good slot option, but still unproven. Hollins played ~65% of snaps per game in Buffalo. Boutte, Bourne, Polk, and Baker are fringe starters. Kyle Williams is a third-round rookie. If I’m a Pats fan, I’m hoping two of these guys turn out, rather than trying to sort out a pecking order.
New York Jets
Big Question: Did they leave themselves vulnerable in the middle?
Yes—and it’s a major concern. The Jets ranked 27th in rush success rate allowed last season and were routinely bullied inside. Outside of Quinnen Williams, it’s Derrick Nnadi (PFF grade: 35.0—206th of 219 DTs) and four unproven backups. Unless Aaron Glenn can scheme around it, this will be a big weakness again in 2025.
Baltimore Ravens
Big Question: Does drafting a kicker mean the end of Justin Tucker?
Yes. The off-field accusations are serious—and more than enough for the team to move on. But his play on the field slipped too. Tucker hit a career-low 73% of his kicks last year and is just 7-for-16 from 50+ yards the past two seasons. His range has clearly declined.
Cincinnati Bengals
Big Question: What does the draft say about Trey Hendrickson?
It says there is a chance he stays but I’m surprised he hasn’t already been traded, especially with Chase and Higgins getting paid. New DC Al Golden was brought in for his ability to develop young players. Hendrickson just had a career year, but he’s at the age where edge production starts to dip. Locking into his contract now could backfire and put this team in cap hell for years to come.
Cleveland Browns
Big Question: Who emerges from a crowded QB room?
This feels like Joe Flacco’s job to lose. I don’t think Sanders or Gabriel are talented enough to take it. And if the Browns were confident in Kenny Pickett, they wouldn’t have declined his fifth-year option, signed Flacco, and drafted two more QBs after bringing him on. Stefanski has experience with Flacco, and he fits the system.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Big Question: Will Aaron Rodgers sign with Pittsburgh?
It seems likely. But whether it’s Rodgers or Cousins, the fit is questionable. Metcalf (54% vertical route rate) and Pickens (league-leader in vertical yards since 2022) are both deep threats. Rodgers declined on go routes last year post-injury, and Cousins never had the same throw velocity post-Achilles tear. These aren’t natural fits for a vertical-heavy offense—and the WRs aren’t built to win underneath.
Houston Texans
Big Question: Is the offensive line good enough?
No. This is the worst offensive line on paper heading into the season. But CJ Stroud’s style is part of the issue—he held the ball for over 3 seconds per dropback last year, which contributed to leading the league in pressures against. The WR additions in the draft help fill the void of Diggs/Dell, but I worry about new OC Nick Caley’s tendency to run on early downs as a first time play caller. He comes from a Rams system that ranked 21st in early-down run rate. That’s not what Stroud needs.
Indianapolis Colts
Big Question: Have they done enough at linebacker?
They didn’t need to do anything—and scheme is the reason. Lou Anarumo replaces Gus Bradley, which means a shift away from Cover 3 and zone-heavy packages. Anarumo plays more split-safety, nickel looks, and uses only two LBs often. EJ Speed—one of the worst coverage LBs in football—wasn’t a fit, which is why he was let go. Expect the late-round safety they drafted to convert to linebacker. The front seven, and defense as a whole, will look much better this season than last.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Big Question: Why didn’t they draft a defensive tackle?
It’s surprising, especially since GM James Gladstone emphasized trench play all offseason. But the team is betting on Arik Armstead moving back inside and Year 2 development from Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson. This defense should improve with Ryan Nielsen out and Anthony Campanile in as defensive coordinator. More zone, more discipline and better protection for the run.
Tennessee Titans
Big Question: Does Cam Ward have enough weapons?
No. Calvin Ridley is a lower-end WR1. Lockett was let go by Seattle for a reason after 10 years. There’s nobody else on this roster that scares defenses. Even if they sign Xavier Restrepo—Ward’s top college target—it’s banking on a UDFA breakout. That’s not a winning plan in Year 1.
Denver Broncos
Big Question: Did they do enough at tight end?
I think so. Could they have taken a TE on Day 2? Sure. But betting on Evan Engram repeating some level of his 100+ catch 2023 season is reasonable. He fits what Sean Payton wants—an all-around primary receiving option who can line up anywhere. He may not be the “joker” he was earlier career, but he can fill the role in this Payton system.
Kansas City Chiefs
Big Question: Did they solve their issue at left tackle?
Possibly. I’ll call it 55% yes. Jaylon Moore isn’t the answer, but Josh Simmons might be—if he returns to form. It’s risky because 45% of players with his same patella injury never return to play. But Simmons was a projected top-5 pick before the injury. If the Chiefs medical team got it right, they more than likely landed a franchise left tackle at pick 32.
Las Vegas Raiders
Big Question: What’s the plan at nickel corner?
Sign Mike Hilton. Simple answer. Surprising he’s still unsigned given how many teams need nickel help. Hilton graded 23rd of 223 corners last season. He’d immediately upgrade the Raiders secondary.
Los Angeles Chargers
Big Question: Why didn’t they prioritize OL?
They did! Signing Mekhi Becton—21st of 136 guards per PFF—was a solid move. This draft lacked guard/center talent, and top options went early in round one. Free agency wasn’t deep either—Chicago grabbed the three best options. LA did what it could. Drafting Omarion Hampton (4.35 yards after contact in college) also helps the run game. This offensive line and run game will be fine.