The NFL Draft is quickly approaching and we at InhaleSports want to provide the best coverage of your favorite NFL team, so we will be doing NFL Draft Previews through each Division. Today we start with the AFC East. We will be predicting each teams first round picks while also identifying each teams needs.
Miami Dolphins: Pick #13
After making a splash in Free Agency last offseason, the Miami Dolphins have had to watch most of their high profile free agency leave Miami this offseason. Olivier Vernon signed a massive contract with the New York Giants, while Lamar Miller, Rashad Mathews, Derrick Shelby and Brent Grimes also found new homes. The Fins signed Isaiah Peed and Jay Ajayi to replace Miller, but a major need for the Fins is secondary, noted by Grimes’ departure. Another need for Miami would be the guard position. Both Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner started at guard last year, and both graded out to the lowest starting quality guard in the NFL. If Miami wants Ryan Tannehill to take the next step in his development, they need to surround him with protection. Regardless of this, the 13th pick might be too high to draft a guard. Look for the Dolphins to pick between Eli Apple of Ohio State and Mackensie Alexander of Clemson
Pick: Mackensie Alexander CB Clemson
Buffalo Bills: Pick #19
The Bills released Mario Williams after this season, and seeing as the former #1 overall pick was lacking in production during his last season, we can expect Buffalo to pick on the defensive side of the draft. The Defensive line group in this draft may be one of the deepest in terms of talent, and the Bills could find a replacement for Williams at the 19th pick. Likewise, the Linebacker position could be used to upgrade the Bills pass rush and defense in general. On the other side of the ball, we can point towards the offensive line as a place of need. While Tyrod Taylor and LeSean McCoy has tremendous seasons, one can only imagine the impact a capable Right Tackle would have on the dynamic offense of Buffalo. Seantrel Henderson has played in this spot for two seasons, and while he hasn’t been terrible, he ranked 44th out of 61 eligible tackles when it came to run blocking. In an offense dictated by a running quarterback and a shifty running back, you need quality protection. Watch for the Bills to pull off the best available defensive pass rusher whether that be A’Shawn Robinson of Alabama or Darron Lee of Ohio State.
Pick: A’Shawn Robinson DL, Alabama
New York Jets: Pick #20
Directly after the Bill, their rival Jets will be picking. And just like the Bills, watch for the Jets to use the draft to fill holes in their defense. The most glaring need would be Linebacker, as they lost former starter Demario Davis in free agency. I see Reggie Ragland fitting well with the Jets’ scheme, as well as bringing leadership and pedigree from Nick Saban’s Alabama. The Jets should also look towards getting a defensive lineman in the draft, but again because of this draft’s deep talent pool at that position, they can easily scoop on up on the second day of the draft.
Pick: Reggie Ragland ILB, Alabama
New England Patriots: No Pick in First Round due to DeflateGate
Honestly, this writer does not believe the Pats should forfeit their first round pick, but I’m not Roger Goodell and therefore I have no say on that matter. That being said, the Pats will probably use the draft to bolster their offensive unit, and retool with Tom Brady. That means getting him some new weapons to throw to, someone besides Gronk. It will also probably mean they will look to draft some Offensive lineman to protect Brady. I could also see the Patriots drafting a defensive lineman. They traded away 2012 first pick Chandler Jones as well as releasing 2014 first round pick Dominique Easley this week. Both defensive lineman, both entering the prime of their career. While they recently signed Terrance “PotRoast” Knighton, bolstering their defensive line would be beneficial to their team goals.
Pick: No Pick
