FantasyPros - Fantasy Football Podcast

Episode: Updated NFL Draft Needs For Every AFC Team (Ep. 1985)
Date: March 25, 2026
Hosts: Joe “Joey P.” Pisapia, Andrew Erickson, Derek “Debro” Brown

Episode Overview

In this episode, the FantasyPros crew delivers an in-depth, team-by-team breakdown of every AFC franchise’s updated needs heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. With free agency reshaping several rosters but leaving key holes, Joe Pisapia, Andrew Erickson, and Derek Brown assess where each AFC team must focus—and where fantasy managers should pay attention.

The conversation is lively and opinionated, filled with football insight, sharp one-liners, and the hosts’ signature banter. If you want a sense of the AFC landscape before draft weekend, this episode covers every major storyline—whether you’re prepping for dynasty drafts or building next year’s fantasy cheat sheet.

Key Discussion Points & Team Needs

AFC East

Buffalo Bills

• Offensive Line Needs:
  • Lost David Edwards at guard, need interior OL depth.
    • “Their depth is kind of thin in terms of interior offensive line.” – Andrew ([02:28])
• Defensive Concerns:
  • Return of Ed Oliver helps, but free agent signings flopped—need DT and edge.
  • Linebacker is a major hole after losing Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson.
    • “They need linebacking help…that’s a glaring hole.” – Debro ([04:02])
• Secondary and Wide Receiver Depth:
  • Corner and WR could use reinforcements; DJ Moore is only part of the answer.

Miami Dolphins

• Everything is in Play:
  • “It’s basically everything.” – Andrew ([05:55])
• Priority positions: Cornerback and wide receiver, but tackle is also crucial.
• Draft Approach:
  • Debro advocates corner in the first, WR in the third (“so many good wide receivers on the board in the third round” – Debro [06:25])
  • Andrew sees them going OL first: “They want to run the football…got to upgrade at the interior” ([07:32])
  • Emphasis on building the O-line for QB evaluation and long-term stability.

New England Patriots

• Biggest Needs: Tackle (especially right now), then edge.
  • “It's tackle number one and edge number two for me.” – Joey P ([11:25])
• AJ Brown Speculation:
  • If AJ Brown isn’t acquired, focus on tackle, as aging starters and depth issues loom large.
  • Will Campbell debate: Is he a long-term answer at tackle or destined to move inside?
    • “He does deserve a chance…this is a prove-it year for him.” – Andrew ([13:29])
  • Debro defends Campbell’s rookie year: “He wasn’t bad as a rookie, and if the arm conversation wasn’t a conversation and we just went based off of his play…” ([11:31])

New York Jets

• Massive Roster Overhaul Needed:
  • “Jets need everything. I mean, they need head coach…they need a new owner…they need quarterback…” – Joey P ([16:20])
• Quarterback Debate:
  • Hosts agree not to force a QB pick this year—better to wait for a stronger class.
    • “I am firmly out, out, out, out on Ty Simpson.” – Debro ([17:56])
• Other Needs:
  • Corner, edge, WR (to pair with Garrett Wilson), and continued OL depth.

AFC North

Baltimore Ravens

• Team Hit Hard by Departures:
  • “They just lost a lot of talent…and that’s what happens with these top-end rosters.” – Andrew ([22:33])
• Priority Positions:
  • Center (lost Linderbaum), cornerback (Humphrey in contract year), wide receiver (“what does Lamar Jackson have to throw to this year” – Debro [26:03])
  • TE, RB, and DT also on the radar given age/injuries and shallow depth.

Cincinnati Bengals

• Defensive Rebuild Priority:
  • “They should draft all defensive players in the draft.” – Andrew ([29:26])
  • Linebackers possibly worst in the NFL, edge still needs help, and secondary needs improvement.
• Burrow Dilemma:
  • “If he went somewhere else, the Bengals would have a better chance to…restart.” ([28:30])
  • Hosts question if Bengals are “wasting” Joe Burrow’s career in current state.

Cleveland Browns

• Primary Needs:
  • Offensive tackle (especially left), then wide receiver; possibly Ty Simpson as a developmental QB.
  • Day 1 starter at left tackle could be drafted at 6 overall.
    • “Monroe Freeling, come on down.” – Debro ([33:23])
  • Safety depth mentioned for future planning.

Pittsburgh Steelers

• Top Needs: Guard (Seumalo departed), then linebacker and quarterback of the future.
• WR Debate:
  • The Michael Pittman Jr. trade signals health concerns and may leave a hole after one year; DK Metcalf is the only stable WR.
    • “The lack of compensation…says something about the state of his back and his health.” – Debro ([34:56])
• Secondary Concerns:
  • Multiple short-term contracts and poor play last year indicate need for safety/corner help.
    • “Remember how easy it was to throw on the Steelers defense last year? 4th most passing yards allowed per game.” – Andrew ([37:19])

AFC South

Houston Texans

• OL Debate:
  • Joey P asserts OL is top three needs; Andrew isn’t so sure post-free agency upgrades.
• Defensive Emphasis:
  • Edge, linebacker (both off-ball and depth), and DT important after run defense struggles and free agent losses.
• Potential for WR or RB investment:
  • WR for depth behind Collins/Tank Dell; RB2 to pair with David Montgomery also mentioned.

Indianapolis Colts

• Linebacker and Edge:
  • “Losing Jermaine Pratt. They traded away Zaire Franklin…definitely needs linebacker help.” – Debro ([42:12])
  • Edge rushers needed after Quiddy Pay departure; focus on getting younger and faster on defense (per Ballard).
• Receiver Concerns:
  • Alec Pierce’s improvement is needed, and the team lacks an outside WR.
• Offensive Tackle:
  • Right tackle vacancy after Braden Smith departure.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• Defense First:
  • Linebacker after losing Devin Lloyd, edge to pair with Josh Allen.
  • DT and safety also viable directions, considering age/flux at positions.
  • “Jacksonville’s been very methodical…retaining their own players.” – Andrew ([44:01])

Tennessee Titans

• OL and Offensive Weapons:
  • Offensive guard replacement for Zeitler; need more firepower for QB Cam Ward (WR, RB, TE).
  • Debro: “They probably feel better about their wide receiver room than I do.” ([46:30])
• Possible Defensive Pick:
  • Coaching tendencies might lead to investment on defense with early capital.

AFC West

Denver Broncos

• Minimal Needs, True Contender:
  • “Now you’re this close to the Super Bowl, you don’t have a ton of needs.” – Andrew ([48:14])
• Depth Targets:
  • Edge/DE after John Franklin Myers loss, guard (Powers aging/injured), possible TE upgrade, and future cornerback need.
• Best Player Available Approach.
  • “It’s BPA and honestly…they might go corner and nobody’s going to see it coming.” – Debro ([50:03])

Kansas City Chiefs

• Overhaul Required in Secondary:
  • Lost whole CB group in offseason; “they need multiple corners.” – Debro ([51:21])
• Other Major Needs:
  • Edge rusher, WR (need legit starter who can beat man), right tackle.
  • Kelsey’s “three-year deal” isn’t truly three years; succession at TE soon.
• Draft Approach:
  • Tackle run in this draft may force KC’s hand early on OL need.

Las Vegas Raiders

• Quarterback at 1, Then Protection & Weapons:
  • “What’s next [after Mendoza]? Protect him and then…get him someone to throw the ball to.” – Andrew ([54:20])
• Main Needs:
  • RT, WR, DT (after Christian Wilkins left), per Debro and Andrew.
• Positive Free Agency Remains, But Gaps Exist

Los Angeles Chargers

• Upgrades Needed at Defensive Edge, LB, and CB:
  • “They need to add somebody on edge outside of Khalil Mack.” – Debro ([55:29])
  • Secondary is held together by coaching and Derwin James; needs a legit difference-maker.
• OL Depth Still a Question Mark:
  • Guards from last year gone; need more protection for Herbert.
  • “The talent is there. It’s always there for them—it’s just about getting to the finish line.” – Andrew ([57:08])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Jets need everything. I mean, they need a head coach…owner…quarterback.” – Joey P ([16:20])
• “You could talk about edge, you could talk about safety, you could talk about long-term tackle…honestly, it’s BPA for the Dolphins.” – Debro ([06:05])
• “If the Patriots don’t take [a tackle] at that 31st overall pick, then they’re going to be left holding the bag.” – Andrew ([10:30])
• “If you look at this team, they definitely need linebacker help…they need a starter outside Alec Pierce.” – Debro (Colts, [42:12])
• “If I told you Joe Burrow was going to get to another Super Bowl…is it with the Bengals or another team? That would be my guess too.” – Joey P ([31:14])
• “Remember how easy it was to throw on the Steelers defense last year?” – Andrew ([37:19])
• “Best player available…they might go corner and nobody’s going to see it coming.” – Debro (Broncos, [50:03])
• “For everything holy and sacred in this world, can we please get a wide receiver to KC that could beat man coverage.” – Debro ([51:21])

Timeline of Key Segments (Timestamps)

• Buffalo Bills needs discussion: [02:28] – [05:31]
• Dolphins debate (corner/WR/OL): [05:31] – [09:08]
• Patriots priorities & Campbell debate: [09:08] – [15:26]
• Jets’ roster and QB discussion: [16:20] – [21:23]
• Baltimore Ravens reset: [22:33] – [27:06]
• Bengals “wasting” Burrow?: [28:30] – [31:41]
• Browns’ tackle vs. WR: [31:55] – [33:31]
• Steelers WR, OL, and future QB: [34:11] – [37:19]
• Texans OL debate: [38:32] – [40:39]
• Colts, Jags, and Titans rundown: [42:02] – [47:58]
• Broncos, Chiefs, Raiders, Chargers deep-dive: [48:02] – [57:28]

Overall Tone & Takeaways

• Informative, Fast-Paced, and Playful:

  • Banter and friendly digs mix with detailed analysis.
  • Hosts frequently challenge each other, especially when discussing OL needs and player evaluations.
  • They use concrete examples and cite specific players, contracts, injury histories, and coaching trends to offer actionable team needs.

• Fantasy Implications:

  • Several rookie classes (WR, OT, S) are described as deep, creating possibilities for fantasy managers.
  • Situational context—like impending free agents and one-year deals—flag which depth chart spots are most likely to change.

Final Take

This episode delivers everything a fantasy and NFL Draft enthusiast wants: detailed team-by-team needs, strong debate, and plenty of insight into how each AFC roster might change before the season. If you’re prepping for dynasty rookie drafts, knowing which teams will add weapons or shore up their lines is must-have intel—and the FantasyPros crew brings it with expertise and energy.

(For full NFC breakdown, listen to their upcoming episode and subscribe to the Tailgate NFL channel.)