It has been an interesting year in the AFC East. The New England Patriots have gone from last place to holding reign over the division once again. The Buffalo Bills have shown flaws, but still a dangerous team in the AFC. The New York Jets have been the Jets, and the Miami Dolphins have been affixed in a rollercoaster season of turmoil.
As the 2025 NFL season hits the stretch run, the big questions that remain is can Drake Maye and the Patriots make a deep playoff run. Will Josh Allen and the Bills find a way to put it all together and be the Super Bowl contender they were to start the season. The answer to those questions can expose weakness for those teams to address in the 2026 NFL Draft.
While the Jets biggest need is obvious, what direction will the Dolphins take in revamping their roster?
As seen with the Patriots quick turnaround, a strong draft can transform a roster. In this AFC East focused NFL Mock Draft, we take a look at prospects who can help address each team’s most desperate need.
New York Jets (2-8) – Last in AFC East
First round, No. 4: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
The Jets must go with the sure bet at quarterback with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. That sure bet is Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza who is coming off another strong performance in leading the No. 2 ranked Hoosiers to 56-3 win over Perdue in Week 14 of the college football season. Mendoza passed for just 117 yards in limited action, but again showcased the poise in the pocket and decision making the Jets are looking for as a potential franchise signal caller.
First round, No. 28: Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
In selecting a quarterback with their first pick, the Jets want to make sure they build a solid offensive line in front of him. They are set at tackle, but the interior of the offensive line could have some holes with John Simpson and Alijah Vera-Tucker hitting free agency. As they have done over the past couple of drafts, the Jets select an offensive lineman in the first round.
That player is Olaivavega Ioane who has emerged as the top interior lineman in the draft class. Big, powerful and excellent in pass protection, Ioane is a Day 1 starter on an offensive line that would instantly morph into one of the stronger units on the team.
Miami Dolphins (4-7) – 3rd in AFC East
Round 1, No. 10: Mansoor Delane, CB, LSU
The Miami Dolphins are playing better as a team but are also a team in limbo once the 2025 NFL season ends. Whether the Dolphins make a strong push to get back into playoff contention or not, the offseason will be a transitional one for this AFC East squad. One place to start with a top 10 pick is addressing the cornerback position which they do with Mansoor Delane. With both Jack Jones and Rasul Douglas approaching free agency, cornerback will be a desperate need. The emerging cornerback out of LSU fulfills that need.
Despite being on the slender size at 6-foot-0, 190 pounds, Delane’s scheme versatility and overall ball instincts will give the Dolphins an instant upgrade at the position.
Buffalo Bills (7-4) – 2nd in AFC East
Round 1, No. 21: Chris Bell, WR, Louisville
The Buffalo Bills have a couple of needs to address in the draft, but the top priority is getting Josh Allen a viable wide receiver. One name that stands out as a late first round target is Louisville’s Chris Bell. At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, he has the size of a physical wide receiver and has the speed (4.4 40-time). Bell’s combination of size and speed has made him one of college football’s most lethal deep ball threats. Racking in 72 receptions for 917 yards through 11 games with Louisville, Bell addresses the Bills need at both outside and X receiver, especially with his explosive playmaking after the catch.
New England Patriots (10-2) – 1st in AFC East
Round 1, No. 32: R Mason Thomas, ED, Oklahoma
Despite a 10-2 record, the New England Patriots do have a couple of areas of great need. One of those is at the pass rush position. K’Lavon Chaisson and Harold Landry have had their moments, but Mike Vrabel’s next building block must be an edge rusher. A late-round target is Oklahoma’s R Mason Thomas. Although undersized at 6-foot-2, 249 pounds, Thomas is explosive off the edge and plays with a high motor. As a outside linebacker/DE hybrid much like Vrabel was in his playing days, Thomas has high upside and potential the Patriots head coach can tap into.