One prospect each AFC East team should watch at the 2026 NFL Combine

Buffalo Bills 

Indiana Wide Receiver Omar Cooper Jr.

Buffalo's passing attack relies heavily on Josh Allen's elite playmaking, but the wide receiver room has struggled with consistency, depth, and ability to create separation — especially on the boundary and in creating yards after catch (YAC). With this next wide receiver, they need an explosive, versatile piece who can win underneath, stretch the field, and generate chunk plays. Cooper fits that mold perfectly as a realistic Day 2 pick. He shines post-catch, showcasing his ability to break tackles due to his contact balance and strong lower body. This takes some pressure off Allen, who's always relying on himself. If the Bills fall in love with him, he could sneak his way into the first round. 

Miami Dolphins

Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs

New head coach Jeff Hafley emphasizes versatile, instinctive defensive backs who can cover, tackle, and disrupt from multiple alignments. The Dolphins need a centerpiece to rebuild the back end — someone with elite range, football IQ, and ball skills to generate turnovers and simplify play-calling. Downs checks every box as a high-impact, scheme-versatile safety who could anchor the unit immediately. 

New York Jets

Ohio State Linebacker Arvell Reese

Reese fits as a high-impact defender who could anchor the unit long-term, addressing the lack of consistent and physical presence at the point of attack. He's a versatile prospect who can play both off the edge and off-ball linebacker, and can be molded by defensive expert and head coach Aaron Glenn. 

New England Patriots

Georgia Offensive Tackle Monroe Freeling

During Super Bowl 60, we all observed that the offensive line is still a work in progress. Freeling's profile aligns perfectly as a developmental yet immediate-impact piece who could compete for the right tackle spot or potentially left tackle, providing length and fluidity in pass protection.