NFL 2022: Every AFC team’s biggest need and free agent fix
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Guard
For the second consecutive year, the Jaguars finished with the worst record in the NFL and are slated to open the 2022 NFL Draft on the evening of April 28th. The new head coach is Super Bowl champion Doug Pederson, who guided the Eagles to a Lombardi Trophy in 2017.
The team has numerous needs on both sides of the ball. But the Jaguars need to protect quarterback Trevor Lawrence and open some bigger holes for their ground attack.
Sign: G Brandon Scherff (Washington Commanders)
15. Houston Texans: Defensive Tackle
The organization comes off another disappointing year, although the team made steady strides in 2021 under first-time NFL head coach David Culley. But he’s been replaced by veteran sideline leader Lovie Smith, who was the Texans’ defensive coordinator this past season.
Speaking of that side of the ball, Houston has had major problems stopping other teams from running the football and that’s an area that may be addressed sooner than later.
Sign: DT Linval Joseph (Los Angeles Chargers)
14. New York Jets: Edge Rusher
Robert Saleh returns as head coach after a rough debut. But there were some bright spots in 2021 as two of the Jets’ four wins came against the Super Bowl-bound Bengals and the AFC’s top-seeded Tennessee Titans.
The franchise hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2010, the longest current drought in the league. And a defense that has struggled to get after opposing quarterbacks in recent seasons could target a divisional rival.
Sign: DE Jerry Hughes (Buffalo Bills)
13. Denver Broncos: Inside Linebacker
There is once again a new quarterback in the Mile High City. But this time, the Broncos gave up a lot to pry 10-year Russell Wilson away from the Seattle Seahawks. New head coach Nathaniel Hackett inherits a talented roster.
But Denver hasn’t been to the playoffs since winning Super Bowl 50 in 2015 and has posted five straight losing seasons. And a defensive unit that has shown some potential in 2021 could use some more help up the middle.