The AFC East has been dominated by the New England Patriots for the better part of the last decade. The other teams have challenged the Pats but at the end of the day, all of fallen before New England. But as Tom Brady’s time in the NFL nears the end, the teams that have felt his wrath may start to build up for the big run to take the crown in the AFC East. While the Super Bowl champions might not have many holes to fill, the other three squads have a few glaring needs.
The Jets need to rebuild their offense, Bills need some help on the defensive line, and the Dolphins might be looking for some playmakers on defense. These teams have a lot to do, so it’s time to take a look at what they need to take a step forward.
AFC East Team Needs
New York Jets
Top Free Agents: Bruce Carter (LB), Josh Martin (Edge)
Team needs: QB, OL, CB
Not many positive take-a-ways for the New York Jets this season after finishing 5-11. There are many holes on this roster, but two of the most important are: quarterback and offensive line. According to Pro Football Focus, in 2016 the Jets had the second worst quarterback and their offensive line finished 21st. The bad news for the New York Jets is this draft is not a quarterback or offensive line friendly. Because the Jets selected quarterback Christian Hackenberg in the second round last season, it would be foolish to bail on his development after just one season in the league. If Tony Romo, Jay Cutler, or Kirk Cousins become free-agents this offseason, I would go after one of them and allow Hackenberg to continue his development while not spending more draft picks and your teams future on more average quarterback selections. James Carpenter, the Jets left guard, had an excellent season, but after him, their line trends downhill. Brian Winters recently re-signed, helps sure up the interior offensive line but they could still add a few pieces in free agency. Some names to be aware of are Andrew Norwell (G), Kevin Zeitler (G), Ricky Wagner (T), and Ronald Leary (G). All of these players are young and played significant snaps for their teams last season. During the draft, I would then focus on revamping the defensive backfield. Look for names like Malik Hooker, Marshon Lattimore, Quincy Wilson, Sidney Jones, Marcus Williams, and Marlon Humprey to be possible selections and add much-needed cornerback youth to an aging secondary. The New York Jets will have to shuffle pieces around to make cap space to sign players as they are under the cap by $2MM.
Buffalo Bills
Top Free Agents: Zach Brown (LB), Lorenzo Alexander (Edge), Ryan Groy (OL)
Team needs: DL, WR, Edge
After going 8-8 in 2015, the Buffalo Bills finished 7-9 this past season. Since then, they have fired Rex Ryan and hired former Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott. There are many uncertainties when looking at the Bills roster. They still do not know if they are going to continue to move forward with quarterback Tyrod Taylor, and their first and second round picks were hampered by injuries last season (Shaq Lawson and Reggie Ragland). To say this team has an identity issue is an understatement. The Bills have many needs; among them being pass rusher and linebacker. The good news for this defense is both top picks from last season fit that description; they just need to stay healthy. In free agency, the Bills would be wise to re-sign Zach Brown, Stephon Gilmore, and Lorenzo Alexander while also adding depth at offensive and defensive line. In the draft, I see the Bills honing in on the abundance of defensive talent this draft offers. Names like Jonathon Allen and Solomon Thomas immediately come to mind. The Bills should continue to develop Tyrod Taylor as he seems to be improving after two seasons. Additionally, the Bills should look to add wide receiver depth in this draft because there is an ample supply. The Buffalo Bills have $26.02 MM to spend this offseason.
Miami Dolphins
Top Free Agents: Kenny Stills (WR), Kiko Alonso (LB)
Miami Dolphins: OL, CB, LB
The Miami Dolphins completely flipped the switch in 2016. After finishing 6-10 in 2015, they went 10-6 in 2016; shocking everyone, especially me. Even though they targeted the offensive line last year by selecting Laremy Tunsil with the 13th overall pick, their offensive line still ranked 30/32 teams according to Pro Football Focus. Much of this was because of the loss to Mike Pouncey early on. However, their overall offensive line play was horrendous nonetheless. Like I mentioned earlier when discussing the Jets, this draft is not strong in the offensive line category. I would recommend the Dolphins added value at the offensive line position through free agency as well. Re-signing Kenny Stills and Kiko Alonso would be in the best interest of the team. Overall as a team, the Dolphins are in great shape. Their biggest concern was depth if players got hurt; which they did, and they were still able to win 10 games. Adam Gase has done a terrific job with that offense and Ryan Tannehill. Look for them to add defensive line and cornerback depth in the draft as cornerback is a glaring concern with this team. The Miami Dolphins have $42.34 MM dollars in cap space this offseason.
New England Patriots
Top Free Agents: Dont’a Hightower (LB), Logan Ryan (CB), Martellus Bennett (TE), LaGarrette Blount (RB)
New England Patriots: Edge, LB, TE/CB
There really is not much to say about a team that has won their division eight straight years in a row and 13/14 years. Do not expect big free agent signings out of the Patriots this offseason as they rarely ever acquire players in that fashion. Look for them to re-sign their most important players, sign unexpected (but valuable in their system) players in free agency, draft players the people will question, and develop guys to a level that no one thought they would reach. It is the cycle of being a Patriot. Sure, they could trade Garoppolo to the Browns and have two first round picks, but then why play a season? If that happens, the NFL should just give the Lombardi trophy to them and allow everyone to rest up for a season. Look for the Patriots to draft a hybrid linebacker early in the draft such as Zach Cunningham or Hassan Reddick. Coming off a Super Bowl win, the Patriots have $62.95 MM to work with this offseason. Let’s get something straight; teams that win Super Bowls are never in this good of shape (money wise). Just add this to the list of things Bill Belichick is better at than everyone else. The Patriots are likely to franchise tag Dont’a Hightower (and probably reach an agreement before June), re-sign Martellus Bennett and LaGarrette Blount and let Logan Ryan walk. Somehow the team with the most wins in the division also has the most money to spend.
(All grades per Pro Football Focus).
