There is some major talent entering the AFC East following the 2026 NFL Draft. But it is not the top picks of each team that should have rival teams worried, its talent selected later in the draft who could become difference makers within the division.
The draft classes of the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots, and New York Jets include skilled players with potential to excel. Beyond the top picks for each team are rookies who will have an opportunity to play important roles right away.
AFC East rookies rivals could regret overlooking after the 2026 NFL Draft
Here are the rookie rivals AFC East teams need to watch out for.
Buffalo Bills: Skyler Bell, WR, UConn (No. 125 overall)
Despite trading for D.J. Moore in the offseason, there was still an idea that the Bills would select a wide receiver with one of their top two picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. They decided to wait till late on Day 2 to select former UConn star Skyler Bell with the No. 125 overall pick in the draft.
Due to his physicality as a receiver and vertical explosiveness, Bell may have landed in the best situation possible. In giving Josh Allen another playmaker who can create yards after the catch, the Bills’ offense should have a more versatile look in 2026. With Moore, Kahlil Shakir and third-year wide receiver Keon Coleman expected to be Allen’s top targets at the wide receiver position, a player like Bell has the talent and ability to emerge as a slot weapon who will give opposing AFC East defenses fits.
Look for Bell to make a name for himself right away in Buffalo.
Miami Dolphins: Jacob Rodriguez, LB, Texas Tech (No. 43 overall)
The Dolphins got a stud at linebacker in Jacob Rodriguez.
Following a fantastic showing at the NFL Scouting Combine, Rodriguez increased his draft value tremendously. If not already considered one of the top linebackers in the draft due to his instincts and impact on the field, the former Texas Tech star was projected as high as a late-first round pick. The Dolphins landing him in the second round not only helps new head coach Jeff Hafley revamp the defense with new playmakers, but it also gives Miami a tackling machine who has a knack at creating turnovers.
Although the Dolphins are in a roster reset/upheaval, a player like Rodriguez provides the team with a a tone-setter rival teams in the AFC East will get to know immediately.
New England Patriots: Eli Raridon, TE, Notre Dame (No. 95 overall)
Did the Patriots draft their next great tight end?
With Hunter Henry on the other side of 30, the Patriots had to address the tight end position in the 2026 NFL Draft. After using their top two picks on Caleb Lomu and Gabe Jacas, the Patriots selected former Notre Dame star Eli Raridon with the No. 95 overall pick in the draft.
At 6'6" and 245 pounds, Raridon is a vertical threat thanks to his size, athleticism, and catch radius. Drake Maye will appreciate his tackle-breaking ability and knack for gaining yards after the catch. Despite suffering two ACL repairs that limited his time at Notre Dame, Raridon still has room to grow and can pose a major challenge for AFC East defenses when healthy.
New York Jets: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana (No. 30 overall)
The Jets ended up with three first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft. After using their first two picks on edge rusher David Bailey and tight end Kenyon Sadiq, the Jets traded back into the first round to select Indiana product Omar Cooper Jr. with the No. 30 overall pick.
Coming off a national championship, Cooper Jr. saw his draft stock rise. As one of Fernando Mendoza’s top targets, Cooper Jr. showed off his versatility from the slot and explosiveness after the catch. As a player with Deebo Samuel similarities, Cooper Jr. could be the first-round pick who makes the most impact Year 1 as a secondary option to Garrett Wilson. Given his toughness after the catch, Cooper Jr. could become a menace in the AFC East for years to come.
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