Last week, we showcased some of the NFC teams that are in the biggest need to draft a quarterback in the very near future. The AFC is no different, boasting some teams who might want to pick up a signal caller in the 2024 NFL Draft. There have not been many big announcements as to who has openly opted for the draft. Plus, it is still early to get a clear picture as to how the Class of 2024 will look.
Here are a few AFC teams who should draft a quarterback sooner rather than later.
AFC Teams Who Should Draft a Quarterback
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns have made a name for themselves with an unforgiving defense and a top-tier rushing offense. Despite an embarrassing loss to the surging Denver Broncos, the Browns are a favorite to snag a spot in the playoffs. But their quarterback problem needs to be addressed, outside of calling in 38-year-old Joe Flacco.
To quickly recap, Deshaun Watson is out for the season after undergoing shoulder surgery, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson is out with a concussion after a head injury he sustained in the previously-mentioned game against Denver. Having PJ Walker and Flacco as the healthy quarterbacks outside will not bode well for the Browns. While the playoffs are well within reach now, help at the quarterback position needs to arrive quickly for future seasons.
Cincinnati Bengals
One has to feel for Cincinnati Bengals fans. After an uncharacteristically slow start to 2023, Joe Burrow and company flipped the script and improved to a respectable 5-5 record. But disaster struck in their game against Baltimore, where Burrow tore a ligament in his right wrist and was ruled out for the rest of the season. The Cincinnati offensive line has not done the best job protecting Burrow over the years, allowing almost 150 sacks in only 55 games.
Not to mention Burrow’s backups, Jake Browning and A.J. McCarron, are not the effective bailout plans for the Bengals down the line. It is best for the front office to grab a new signal caller, along with a few offensive linemen, who will be ready to step up when things go awry.
Las Vegas Raiders
The atmosphere for the Las Vegas Raiders improved tremendously when they fired Josh McDaniels as head coach, and appointed linebacker coach Antonio Pierce as his successor. Going 2-2 under Pierce, Las Vegas has a new foundation to build upon. However, more work will have to be done, as they currently sit 5-7 on the season. One thing on the Raiders to-do list is looking to haul in another quarterback.
Bringing in Jimmy Garoppolo has failed to bear the desired fruit, with him throwing more interceptions than touchdowns, and the Raiders going 3-5 with him starting. His successor, Aidan O’Connell is just a rookie, so he has a long way to go before he can fully secure the starting job. The front office might want to look into adding to their quarterback depth via the upcoming draft. A little competition never hurt anyone.
New York Jets
In a manner similar to the Bengals, the New York Jets are in significant need of both dependable offensive linemen and an emergency quarterback that they can rely on. With Aaron Rodgers suffering an Achilles injury in his first offensive drive as a Jet, Zach Wilson once again took his place under center. Needless to say, Wilson has not looked good in his 2023 effort, going 3-6 in his nine starts. But New York’s quarterback woes did not stop at Wilson.
In the first-ever NFL Black Friday game, Wilson was benched in favor of Tim Boyle. Not only did the Jets get slaughtered by the Miami Dolphins 34-13, but Boyle also threw a “Hail Mary” that resulted in a 99-yard “Pic-for-6.” Until the offensive side gets overhauled, the Jets will be stuck in obscurity, and every quarterback that they get in the future will suffer the same fate as his predecessor(s).
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