The AFC East brought in impressive talent through the 2026 NFL Draft. Although it's still unclear how much of an impact these rookies will have, NFL Mocks is already looking ahead to preview the 2027 draft prospects who could influence the division's future even more.
NFL Mocks offers predictions on which players might be early targets for the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and New York Jets, considering their likely roster needs after the 2026 season. With draft order determined by the lowest Super Bowl odds for 2026, we assess which top prospects would best fill each AFC East team's needs.
The future-changing picks that could redefine the AFC East
No. 2 Miami Dolphins: Jeremiah Smith, WR, Ohio State
The Dolphins land the top playmaker in the nation in Jeremiah Smith with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. After investing in Malik Willis as their quarterback, the idea here is that they will need to surround him with more playmakers.Â
If Willis proves inconsistent as a full-time starter, the draft strategy will be adjusted to target a QB here. As of right now, the Dolphins are searching for dynamic offensive players and see Smith as an excellent choice. Over the past two seasons, he has led the country in both passing yards and touchdown receptions. Adding Smith could reshape the Dolphins' offense for years to come.
No. 3 New York Jets: Arch Manning, QB, Texas
The Jets' eyes light up when they see the Cardinals pass on Manning with the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. After selecting Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr. in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Jets could be just a quarterback away offensively.Â
After a strong second half of the season at Texas in 2025, Manning is back at the top of the heap of talented quarterbacks entering the draft. With his prototypical size at the position and a rifle arm, adding him under center makes the Jets a team to watch heading into the 2027 NFL season.
No. 12 New York Jets: A.J. Holmes Jr., DL, Texas Tech
The Jets continue stacking talent along the defensive line with the selection of Texas Tech star defensive lineman A.J. Holmes. This reunites the 6-foot-3, 300-pound lineman with his college teammate David Bailey who the team selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.Â
In a breakout season in 2025, Holmes was a beast in the middle for Texas Tech, recording 41 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and 4.5 sacks. Jets fans will have to love what the Jets are building on both sides of the ball with this selection.
No. 22 New England Patriots: KJ Bolden, S, Georgia
One glaring need for the Patriots following the 2026 NFL season might be at safety. They fill that need with the selection of one of the nation’s best in Georgia star KJ Bolden.Â
A natural leader with elite sideline-to-sideline range, Bolden has the speed and discipline to anchor an NFL secondary. Mike Vrabel and the Patriots defensive coaches will fall in love with what Bolden brings to the table. In 2025, Bolden accumulated 76 total tackles, 2 interceptions and 5 passes defensed. Lining him up to Craig Woodson gives the Patriots a tandem that will lead the safety unit for years to come.
No. 30 Buffalo Bills: Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, LB, Notre Dame
A key need for the Bills in the 2027 NFL Draft is an athletic linebacker who can strengthen their defense and bring youth to the position. Notre Dame’s Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa is a strong candidate.Â
Standing at 6-foot-3, 230 pounds, Viliamu-Asa is one of the top linebacker prospects in the nation. After suffering a season-ending torn ACL in November of 2025, Viliamu-Asa will be faced with the challenge of regaining his top linebacker status in 2026. How well he bounces back could impact how high he goes in the 2027 NFL Draft. If the draft was today, he falls to the Bills at No. 30, which would be a steal for the Bills given his on-and-off-ball versatility.
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