The 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis is more than just a showcase of 40-yard dashes and bench press reps - it’s a critical evaluation window for teams looking to bolster their rosters ahead of the NFL Draft. For the AFC East, a division that features a mix of playoff contenders and rebuilding projects, this year’s combine offers a close-up look at prospects who could fill some glaring needs. Let’s break down one name each AFC East team should have circled as the workouts begin.
Buffalo Bills: Omar Cooper Jr., WR, Indiana
Josh Allen can do a lot - he’s a top-tier quarterback with the arm talent and improvisational skills to carry an offense. But even the best QBs need help, and Buffalo’s wide receiver group hasn’t consistently held up its end of the bargain. The Bills are looking for more than just another body in the receiver room - they need a playmaker, someone who can create separation, generate yards after the catch, and stretch defenses both vertically and horizontally.
Enter Omar Cooper Jr.
The Indiana standout brings a dynamic skill set that fits exactly what Buffalo is missing. He’s explosive off the line, tough after the catch, and has the kind of contact balance that turns short throws into big gains.
Cooper doesn’t just run routes - he runs with purpose after the catch, and that’s something this offense sorely needs. He’s currently projected as a Day 2 pick, but if he tests well in Indy and interviews impressively, don’t be surprised if he climbs into late first-round conversations.
For the Bills, who are looking to ease the burden on Allen and add some juice to the offense, Cooper could be a game-changer.
Miami Dolphins: Caleb Downs, S, Ohio State
With a new head coach in Jeff Hafley, the Dolphins are expected to lean into a defensive identity that values versatility, instincts, and high football IQ - especially in the secondary. That’s where Caleb Downs comes in.
Downs is the kind of safety who doesn’t just fill a role - he defines it. He’s got elite range, sharp instincts, and the kind of ball skills that turn deflections into interceptions. Whether he’s dropping deep in coverage, stepping into the box to stop the run, or blitzing off the edge, Downs has the toolkit to be a foundational piece of Hafley’s defense.
Miami’s secondary has talent, but it’s lacked a true anchor - someone who can simplify the scheme and make plays at all three levels. Downs has the potential to be that guy from day one. If the Dolphins want to rebuild the back end with a player who can lead both vocally and by example, Downs is the name to watch.
New York Jets: Arvell Reese, LB, Ohio State
The Jets’ defense has had its moments, but there’s a clear need for more physicality and consistency in the front seven. That’s where Arvell Reese fits in.
Reese is a versatile linebacker who brings the kind of edge this defense needs - literally and figuratively. He’s capable of playing off the ball or rushing off the edge, and his physicality at the point of attack is exactly what head coach Aaron Glenn - a defensive mind through and through - is looking for.
Reese isn’t just a plug-and-play guy; he’s a moldable piece who could grow into a cornerstone of the Jets’ front seven. His ability to impact both the run and pass game makes him a valuable chess piece in a division filled with offensive playmakers. If the Jets are serious about toughening up the middle of their defense, Reese should be high on their radar in Indianapolis.
New England Patriots: Monroe Freeling, OT, Georgia
If Super Bowl 60 taught us anything, it’s that offensive line play still wins games - and the Patriots are in the middle of a rebuild up front. They need talent, yes, but they also need upside. Monroe Freeling brings both.
The Georgia tackle has the kind of length and athleticism that jumps off the tape. He’s fluid in pass protection, with the footwork to mirror speed rushers and the frame to anchor against power. While he’s still developing, Freeling has the potential to step in and compete right away - either at right tackle or even on the left side if needed.
For New England, which is still figuring out its identity post-Belichick, building from the trenches makes a lot of sense. Freeling isn’t a finished product, but he’s got the tools to be a long-term solution on the edge. If he shows well at the combine - particularly in agility drills and interviews - he could solidify himself as a top target for a team that desperately needs stability up front.
Bottom Line
The combine is where raw potential meets opportunity. For the AFC East, each of these prospects represents more than just a need - they’re potential building blocks. Whether it's Cooper giving Josh Allen a new weapon, Downs reshaping Miami’s secondary, Reese bringing toughness to the Jets’ defense, or Freeling helping New England reestablish its offensive line, these are names to watch closely as the draft process heats up.