The 2025 NFL Draft has come to a close, and it’s time to dive into how the teams in the AFC have reshaped their rosters in preparation for the upcoming season. With new faces, fresh strategies, and bold moves, it’s clear that the race for the top spot in the AFC is heating up. From the dominant Baltimore Ravens to the rebuilding Tennessee Titans, let’s take a look at where each team stands following the draft, based on their picks and free-agent acquisitions.
16. Tennessee Titans: A New Beginning, But Still a Long Road Ahead
Despite a significant investment in the draft, the Tennessee Titans find themselves at the bottom of this post-draft ranking. Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick, arrives with much-needed hope for the Titans’ future. “Ward walks into a better situation than Will Levis had,” notes NFL expert Jordan Dajani. However, the addition of new offensive linemen Dan Moore Jr. and Kevin Zeitler, plus draft picks like Chimere Dike, Gunnar Helm, and Elic Ayomanor, leaves a lot to be desired.
While the offense is being built around Ward, there are still concerns, particularly with the pass rush and the unresolved off-field issues surrounding cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. Additionally, the Titans’ defense, though bolstered by a few fresh faces, remains a work in progress. “Mike Borgonzi has been busy laying the foundation for what he wants this team to look like,” Dajani states, but it’s clear the Titans still have a long way to go.
15. Cleveland Browns: The Quarterback Quandary Continues
The Cleveland Browns made some intriguing moves during the draft, but questions about their quarterback situation remain. The Browns had high hopes for landing Travis Hunter, but ended up with defensive tackle Mason Graham. While Graham is a solid pick, the Browns made the more confusing decision of drafting two quarterbacks in Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. This leaves fans wondering: “Who is playing quarterback for this team in 2025?”
Though Cleveland revamped their running back room with Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, the real uncertainty lies under center. With Joe Flacco, Kenny Pickett, and the injured Deshaun Watson all vying for the starting role, the Browns face another season of QB uncertainty. It’s a situation that continues to hinder the team’s playoff aspirations, and the Cleveland fanbase is eager for clarity.
14. Jacksonville Jaguars: Big Moves for Big Results
The Jacksonville Jaguars are a team on the rise. General manager James Gladstone’s aggressive moves during the draft, including trading up to snag Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter, have fans buzzing about what’s to come. “If Trevor Lawrence can stay healthy and Hunter can live up to his Biletnikoff reputation, the Jaguars will definitely be better than 4-13 in 2025,” Dajani predicts.
Alongside Hunter, the Jaguars drafted versatile defensive back Caleb Ransaw from Tulane and one of the fastest running backs in Bhayshul Tuten. The offense, led by Lawrence, is poised for an uptick, provided key players like Hunter can deliver on their potential. With a revamped defense and an offense filled with explosive talent, the Jaguars are well-positioned to climb up the AFC rankings in the coming season.
13. New York Jets: Quarterback Play Will Make or Break 2025
The New York Jets enter 2025 with high hopes, but it all depends on their new quarterback. The Jets’ draft started strong with the selection of right tackle Armand Membou and tight end Mason Taylor. But for this team to take the next step, it’s the quarterback play that will determine their fate. Aaron Glenn’s defense is expected to be solid, but can Justin Fields lead the offense?
“Fields, Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and the new, young pieces on the offensive line will be crucial for how competitive the Jets will be,” Dajani explains. The pressure is on Fields to develop chemistry with his weapons, and if he does, the Jets could surprise a lot of people.
12. Las Vegas Raiders: Geno Smith at the Helm, but Wide Receiver Woes
The Las Vegas Raiders made headlines this offseason by trading for quarterback Geno Smith and giving him a pay raise. While Smith is an upgrade over Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew, he faces a significant downgrade at wide receiver. Gone are the likes of DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, replaced by Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker.
That said, there’s still hope for the offense. “Maybe rookies Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. can step up,” Dajani suggests. The Raiders also drafted star tight end Brock Bowers, and No. 6 overall pick Ashton Jeanty brings promise as a running back. With a revamped defense led by Maxx Crosby, the Raiders have a lot to prove in 2025.
11. Indianapolis Colts: Big Moves in the Secondary, But QB Consistency is Key
The Indianapolis Colts made a solid effort to improve their defense, adding secondary pieces like Camryn Bynum and Charvarius Ward. However, their most important acquisition was tight end Tyler Warren. “With a versatile security blanket like Warren, Daniel Jones and Anthony Richardson’s life will be made easier,” says Dajani.
But with Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield finding success after leaving unfavorable situations, the jury is still out on whether the Colts can find consistency at quarterback. “With more consistency at the quarterback position and an improved defense, how good can the Colts be?” Dajani wonders. The answer will largely depend on the performance of Jones and Richardson in 2025.
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