The NFL draft is complete, and many fans in our community have questions about their favorite AFC East teams.
Let’s take a quick peak at the division mailbag.
Tim Sherman from Conception Bay South, Newfoundland writes: Bills drafting and signing guys with "character" issues," I think too much is being made of this. If you look at each of these guys, I think each has learned from their mistakes and all are very talented.
James Walker: I agree with you to some degree, Tim. I'm not a huge stickler for character issues until it happens in the pros. That means a player, who is being paid millions in many cases, is not professional enough to grow up. People doing dumb things in college are more understandable. The question is, as you mentioned, have Kiko Alonso, Duke Williams and Da’Rick Rogers learned from those mistakes and grown up? No one knows for sure. The Bills simply have to trust their background checks and looks into these players.
@Chrisp4321 via Twitter writes: James, do you think the Bills could have taken Tavon Austin for themselves in the first round and still got EJ Manuel in the second?
Walker: Good question, Chrisp4321. It’s all hypothetical at this point, but there is a good chance Buffalo could have waited until No. 41 to take Manuel. No quarterback was taken in the first 32 picks of the first round. The Jets didn’t take Geno Smith until No. 39. So unless another team was in love with Manuel like Buffalo was, there is a solid chance he could have been a high second-round pick. That meant the Bills could have gotten a highly-rated player at No. 8 or No. 16.
Christian from Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J., writes: Best guess for Mark Sanchez’s record if he were to start vs Geno Smith’s record if he started? At the end I think your right. I still don't see the Jets getting over five wins. Might as well give Geno the experience and see what he's made of.
Walker: That was one of my major points in going with Smith right away, Christian. We already know where the Jets’ train is going with Mark Sanchez. New York is a rebuilding team going nowhere next season with or without Sanchez. Why not spend the year developing your quarterback to springboard Smith into 2014. It’s really the Miami Dolphins’ blueprint from last season. The Dolphins were rebuilding in 2012 and went with his rookie quarterback. Ryan Tannehill earned 16 games of experience, and the Dolphins are now set up well to make a push in Year 2.
Jared from Tampa, Fla., writes: I know most NFL teams do not need or want to bring in Tim Tebow as a quarterback. If Tebow was willing to change positions to TE to you think other teams such as the Bucs would take a realistic look at him?
Walker: Tebow would open more possibilities if he was open to a position change, but it doesn’t appear that’s the case. Tebow believes he’s a quarterback. He’s not a punt protector and an H-back like he was with the New York Jets. We will see if Tebow sticks to that if there’s no interest.
Mike Maynard from Gaithersburg, Md., writes: Yes, the New York Jets are going to be Rich Kotite-bad this year.
Walker: Let’s wait and see, Mike. The talent level certainly isn’t there. Maybe the coaching staff can get the best out of these players and squeeze out a few wins people didn’t expect.
@Show_1 via Twitter writes: The last drafted wide receiver for New England able to be consistent and do anything? Terry Glenn perhaps?
Walker: It hasn’t been that long, Show. Patriots coach Bill Belichick has struggled mightily with receivers, but he did hit 11 years ago with Deion Branch, who had a good career with New England. The problem is for every Branch, there are four busts at receiver like Ben Tate, Taylor Price, Chad Jackson and PK Sam. It’s simply not a strength of Belichick’s. However, New England has potential to finally get it right with rookie receivers Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce.
Chris from Cleveland writes: Hey James, just had a suggestion on a piece for you. I know that you posted an article on Kiper's draft grades but I was thinking you should put out an article with your own draft grades.
Walker: Thanks for the suggestion, Chris. But I’m not huge on grading drafts before any of these players show what they can do. We have specific experts at ESPN.com like Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay for this kind of thing. I prefer to wait two or three years. Maybe I will do a series on grading the 2010 drafts.
@KevJPotter via Twitter writes: Any chance now that Miami drafted Dion Jordan that Jared Odrick gets traded?
Walker: I do not see it, Kev. Odrick is a versatile defensive lineman with some value. He can start inside and outside and doesn’t cost a ton of money. The Dolphins need as many good players as possible and I expect them to hold onto that depth. Jordan is an interesting case, because you’re not exactly sure how well he fits as a 4-3 defensive end. He may need to bulk up. Jordan also has the athleticism to play some outside linebacker, but he would be very raw. The coaching staff has a tremendous talent and must figure out what to do with him.
Let’s take a quick peak at the division mailbag.
Tim Sherman from Conception Bay South, Newfoundland writes: Bills drafting and signing guys with "character" issues," I think too much is being made of this. If you look at each of these guys, I think each has learned from their mistakes and all are very talented.
James Walker: I agree with you to some degree, Tim. I'm not a huge stickler for character issues until it happens in the pros. That means a player, who is being paid millions in many cases, is not professional enough to grow up. People doing dumb things in college are more understandable. The question is, as you mentioned, have Kiko Alonso, Duke Williams and Da’Rick Rogers learned from those mistakes and grown up? No one knows for sure. The Bills simply have to trust their background checks and looks into these players.
@Chrisp4321 via Twitter writes: James, do you think the Bills could have taken Tavon Austin for themselves in the first round and still got EJ Manuel in the second?
Walker: Good question, Chrisp4321. It’s all hypothetical at this point, but there is a good chance Buffalo could have waited until No. 41 to take Manuel. No quarterback was taken in the first 32 picks of the first round. The Jets didn’t take Geno Smith until No. 39. So unless another team was in love with Manuel like Buffalo was, there is a solid chance he could have been a high second-round pick. That meant the Bills could have gotten a highly-rated player at No. 8 or No. 16.
Christian from Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J., writes: Best guess for Mark Sanchez’s record if he were to start vs Geno Smith’s record if he started? At the end I think your right. I still don't see the Jets getting over five wins. Might as well give Geno the experience and see what he's made of.
Walker: That was one of my major points in going with Smith right away, Christian. We already know where the Jets’ train is going with Mark Sanchez. New York is a rebuilding team going nowhere next season with or without Sanchez. Why not spend the year developing your quarterback to springboard Smith into 2014. It’s really the Miami Dolphins’ blueprint from last season. The Dolphins were rebuilding in 2012 and went with his rookie quarterback. Ryan Tannehill earned 16 games of experience, and the Dolphins are now set up well to make a push in Year 2.
Jared from Tampa, Fla., writes: I know most NFL teams do not need or want to bring in Tim Tebow as a quarterback. If Tebow was willing to change positions to TE to you think other teams such as the Bucs would take a realistic look at him?
Walker: Tebow would open more possibilities if he was open to a position change, but it doesn’t appear that’s the case. Tebow believes he’s a quarterback. He’s not a punt protector and an H-back like he was with the New York Jets. We will see if Tebow sticks to that if there’s no interest.
Mike Maynard from Gaithersburg, Md., writes: Yes, the New York Jets are going to be Rich Kotite-bad this year.
Walker: Let’s wait and see, Mike. The talent level certainly isn’t there. Maybe the coaching staff can get the best out of these players and squeeze out a few wins people didn’t expect.
@Show_1 via Twitter writes: The last drafted wide receiver for New England able to be consistent and do anything? Terry Glenn perhaps?
Walker: It hasn’t been that long, Show. Patriots coach Bill Belichick has struggled mightily with receivers, but he did hit 11 years ago with Deion Branch, who had a good career with New England. The problem is for every Branch, there are four busts at receiver like Ben Tate, Taylor Price, Chad Jackson and PK Sam. It’s simply not a strength of Belichick’s. However, New England has potential to finally get it right with rookie receivers Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce.
Chris from Cleveland writes: Hey James, just had a suggestion on a piece for you. I know that you posted an article on Kiper's draft grades but I was thinking you should put out an article with your own draft grades.
Walker: Thanks for the suggestion, Chris. But I’m not huge on grading drafts before any of these players show what they can do. We have specific experts at ESPN.com like Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay for this kind of thing. I prefer to wait two or three years. Maybe I will do a series on grading the 2010 drafts.
@KevJPotter via Twitter writes: Any chance now that Miami drafted Dion Jordan that Jared Odrick gets traded?
Walker: I do not see it, Kev. Odrick is a versatile defensive lineman with some value. He can start inside and outside and doesn’t cost a ton of money. The Dolphins need as many good players as possible and I expect them to hold onto that depth. Jordan is an interesting case, because you’re not exactly sure how well he fits as a 4-3 defensive end. He may need to bulk up. Jordan also has the athleticism to play some outside linebacker, but he would be very raw. The coaching staff has a tremendous talent and must figure out what to do with him.
The Buffalo Bills are one of two AFC East teams that could see a three-way quarterback battle this summer. Rookie first-round pick EJ Manuel will compete in training camp with veterans Kevin Kolb and Tarvaris Jackson.
Will Manuel prevail? The Bills made Manuel the first quarterback off the board with the No. 16 overall pick Thursday. Some criticized Buffalo for taking Manuel that high. However, Manuel has the size, mobility and accuracy to compete for the job and become a starter.
What about Kolb? The former draft and free-agent bust appeared to be turning the corner with the Arizona Cardinals last season before getting injured. Kolb will have a better offensive line in Buffalo to keep him upright.
Finally, does Jackson have a shot? The journeyman quarterback was acquired in a trade with Seattle last year but never saw the field. Now that former starter Ryan Fitzpatrick is out, Buffalo’s quarterback position is open.
Using our SportsNation poll, cast your vote on Buffalo’s Week 1 starter. You can also share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Recently we updated quarterback rankings and running back rankings in the AFC East. Now, let’s take a look at the head-coaching rankings heading into the 2013 season.
No. 1: Bill Belichick, New England Patriots
Analysis: Belichick is the easy choice. He’s mostly dominated the AFC East since joining the Patriots in 2000. Belichick also has five Super Bowl appearances and three championships in New England. He has kept the Patriots consistently in the title hunt and is a sure Hall of Famer.
No. 2: Rex Ryan, New York Jets
Analysis: I can hear some grumbling from our AFC East community with this pick. Ryan could be fired after this season, and he certainly has his flaws. He’s boastful, says things he regrets and is very limited as an offensive coach. But Ryan also is accomplished in his four years as head coach. He’s only had one losing season, is a great defensive mind, and made it to back-to-back AFC title games. It’s hard to rank Ryan lower than No. 2 when the two remaining coaches haven’t accomplished nearly as much.
No. 3: Joe Philbin, Miami Dolphins
Analysis: Philbin did a solid job in his first year in Miami. He won seven games and didn’t have many head-scratching moments. Philbin also has an even-keeled demeanor to handle the highs and lows. One criticism is Philbin may be a bit too much on the conservative side of wanting high-character players, otherwise known in Miami as “Joe Philbin guys.” However, Philbin is not alone in the NFL.
No. 4: Doug Marrone, Buffalo Bills
Analysis: There is no debating this one. Marrone has no track record as head coach of the Bills after leaving Syracuse University. Marrone will get to prove right away how good of a head coach he is. The Bills will host Belichick and the Patriots in Week 1, which provides a huge opportunity for Marrone to make a statement.
No. 1: Bill Belichick, New England Patriots
Analysis: Belichick is the easy choice. He’s mostly dominated the AFC East since joining the Patriots in 2000. Belichick also has five Super Bowl appearances and three championships in New England. He has kept the Patriots consistently in the title hunt and is a sure Hall of Famer.
No. 2: Rex Ryan, New York Jets
Analysis: I can hear some grumbling from our AFC East community with this pick. Ryan could be fired after this season, and he certainly has his flaws. He’s boastful, says things he regrets and is very limited as an offensive coach. But Ryan also is accomplished in his four years as head coach. He’s only had one losing season, is a great defensive mind, and made it to back-to-back AFC title games. It’s hard to rank Ryan lower than No. 2 when the two remaining coaches haven’t accomplished nearly as much.
No. 3: Joe Philbin, Miami Dolphins
Analysis: Philbin did a solid job in his first year in Miami. He won seven games and didn’t have many head-scratching moments. Philbin also has an even-keeled demeanor to handle the highs and lows. One criticism is Philbin may be a bit too much on the conservative side of wanting high-character players, otherwise known in Miami as “Joe Philbin guys.” However, Philbin is not alone in the NFL.
No. 4: Doug Marrone, Buffalo Bills
Analysis: There is no debating this one. Marrone has no track record as head coach of the Bills after leaving Syracuse University. Marrone will get to prove right away how good of a head coach he is. The Bills will host Belichick and the Patriots in Week 1, which provides a huge opportunity for Marrone to make a statement.
The NFL draft brought several big-name rookies to the AFC East. But this is the NFL, where every player has to earn their spot on the roster.
Here is a look at top rookies who will have to compete for starting jobs in training camp.
Miami Dolphins, defensive end
Incumbent: Jared Odrick
Rookie challenger: Dion Jordan
Analysis: This will be a good battle between two former first-round picks. Odrick is solid, but not spectacular, at defensive end. The 2010 first-round pick is stout against the run but only average as a pass-rusher (five sacks in 2012). Jordan, the No. 3 overall pick this year, is the opposite. He brings tremendous potential as a pass-rusher but doesn’t have the ideal bulk to be a run-stuffer as a 4-3 defensive end. The Dolphins must figure out how to use Jordan to maximize his abilities. There is a lot of speculation that Odrick will eventually move inside. But with defensive tackles Randy Starks and Paul Soliai both under contract, I don’t think that happens right away to start the season unless an injury takes place.
Prediction: Odrick
New York Jets, cornerback
Incumbent: Kyle Wilson
Rookie challenger: Dee Milliner
Analysis: We’ve written a ton about the pending, three-way quarterback battle in New York between Mark Sanchez, David Garrard and rookie Geno Smith. So we want to switch things up a little bit and provide more focus on the cornerback competition. Wilson and Milliner are both first-round draft picks just three years apart. Both can play and will have a big role on the team. However, the question is who will start in Week 1? Milliner has to learn Rex Ryan’s complicated defense. Wilson has a three-year head start and played pretty well last season in the absence of Darrelle Revis. He barely holds off Milliner to start the year, but that’s always subject to change.
Prediction: Wilson
Buffalo Bills, wide receiver
Incumbent: T.J. Graham
Rookie challenger: Robert Woods
Analysis: Like with the Jets, we spent a lot of time on the quarterbacks in Buffalo and want to shift that focus. The Bills also will have competition at wide receiver opposite veteran Steve Johnson. Woods was a good value pick for the Bills in the second round. He will battle 2012 third-round pick T.J. Graham, who caught 31 passes for 322 yards and a touchdown as a rookie last season. I think Woods is one of the most NFL-ready receivers in this draft. He’s polished and does nearly everything well. Graham, meanwhile, had lapses in concentration and suffered from drops last year. I think this is Woods’ job to lose.
Prediction: Woods
New England Patriots, receiver
Incumbent: Not applicable
Rookie challenger: Aaron Dobson
Analysis: This is a tough one to predict. The Patriots have brought in a half-dozen new receivers and this is their first time playing in the new system. Veterans like Michael Jenkins and Donald Jones will compete with Dobson, New England’s talented second-round draft pick. It will come down to the receiver who can quickly grasp the offense. That probably rules out the rookie for Week 1.
Prediction: Jenkins
Here is a look at top rookies who will have to compete for starting jobs in training camp.
Miami Dolphins, defensive end
Incumbent: Jared Odrick
Rookie challenger: Dion Jordan
Analysis: This will be a good battle between two former first-round picks. Odrick is solid, but not spectacular, at defensive end. The 2010 first-round pick is stout against the run but only average as a pass-rusher (five sacks in 2012). Jordan, the No. 3 overall pick this year, is the opposite. He brings tremendous potential as a pass-rusher but doesn’t have the ideal bulk to be a run-stuffer as a 4-3 defensive end. The Dolphins must figure out how to use Jordan to maximize his abilities. There is a lot of speculation that Odrick will eventually move inside. But with defensive tackles Randy Starks and Paul Soliai both under contract, I don’t think that happens right away to start the season unless an injury takes place.
Prediction: Odrick
New York Jets, cornerback
Incumbent: Kyle Wilson
Rookie challenger: Dee Milliner
Analysis: We’ve written a ton about the pending, three-way quarterback battle in New York between Mark Sanchez, David Garrard and rookie Geno Smith. So we want to switch things up a little bit and provide more focus on the cornerback competition. Wilson and Milliner are both first-round draft picks just three years apart. Both can play and will have a big role on the team. However, the question is who will start in Week 1? Milliner has to learn Rex Ryan’s complicated defense. Wilson has a three-year head start and played pretty well last season in the absence of Darrelle Revis. He barely holds off Milliner to start the year, but that’s always subject to change.
Prediction: Wilson
Buffalo Bills, wide receiver
Incumbent: T.J. Graham
Rookie challenger: Robert Woods
Analysis: Like with the Jets, we spent a lot of time on the quarterbacks in Buffalo and want to shift that focus. The Bills also will have competition at wide receiver opposite veteran Steve Johnson. Woods was a good value pick for the Bills in the second round. He will battle 2012 third-round pick T.J. Graham, who caught 31 passes for 322 yards and a touchdown as a rookie last season. I think Woods is one of the most NFL-ready receivers in this draft. He’s polished and does nearly everything well. Graham, meanwhile, had lapses in concentration and suffered from drops last year. I think this is Woods’ job to lose.
Prediction: Woods
New England Patriots, receiver
Incumbent: Not applicable
Rookie challenger: Aaron Dobson
Analysis: This is a tough one to predict. The Patriots have brought in a half-dozen new receivers and this is their first time playing in the new system. Veterans like Michael Jenkins and Donald Jones will compete with Dobson, New England’s talented second-round draft pick. It will come down to the receiver who can quickly grasp the offense. That probably rules out the rookie for Week 1.
Prediction: Jenkins
Here are the most interesting stories Wednesday in the AFC East:
- The Miami Dolphins are scheduled to meet this week with free-agent offensive tackles Tyson Clabo and Winston Justice.
- Free-agent linebacker Karlos Dansby is still on the radar for the Buffalo Bills.
- The New England Patriots terminated the contract of former Pro Bowl guard Brian Waters.
- New York Jets head coach Rex Ryan admits the team did not properly use former quarterback Tim Tebow’s skills.
Projecting first-round salaries in AFC East
April, 30, 2013
Apr 30
5:52
PM ET
By
James Walker | ESPN.com
Now that the draft picks are in, it's time to look foward to signing this year's rookie class. Due to the rookie wage scale, working out multi-year agreements with first-year players have never been easier in the NFL. Holdouts have been reduced to virtually zero now that all draft picks are slotted for a certain salary under the collective bargaining agreement.
How much will this year's first-round picks make?
For perspective, here is a look at last year's draft picks. Keep in mind that all 2013 agreements could be slightly higher than last year’s.
DE Dion Jordan, Miami Dolphins
Pick: No. 3 overall
2012 pick: RB Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns
Contract: four years, $20.4 million
Thoughts: The Miami Dolphins traded up to get to the No. 3 spot and selected Jordan. As a result, the Dolphins will have to pay top-three money that will average more than $5 million per season. The expectation is that Jordan will develop into a Pro Bowl player for the Dolphins. If that’s the case, he will be well worth the money.
CB Dee Milliner, New York Jets
Pick: No. 9
2012 pick: LB Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers
Contract: Four years, $12.58 million
Thoughts: The Jets are pretty tight on the salary cap and have two rookie first-round picks. Milliner will be the bigger contract. But it will be a bargain if Milliner becomes the cornerback the Jets expect and can adequately replace Darrelle Revis. Milliner will get about $13 million over the next four seasons. For comparison, Revis will make $16 million with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next season alone.
DL Sheldon Richardson, Jets
Pick: No. 13
2012 pick: WR Michael Floyd, Arizona Cardinals
Contract: Four years, $10 million
Thoughts: Richardson is the second of two draft picks for the Jets. New York has a tight cap, but Richardson will be slightly more affordable than Milliner.
QB EJ Manuel, Buffalo Bills
Pick: No. 16
2012 pick: DE Quinton Coples, Jets
Contract: Four years, $9 million
Thoughts: The Bills received a lot of criticism for taking Manuel No. 16 overall. Many feel it was a reach and some, like ESPN draft expert Todd McShay, even called it “a waste” of the draft pick. But the Bills will get a very affordable quarterback if he develops into a franchise starter. Buffalo will pay Manuel a little over $9 million over the next four years. If Manuel doesn’t pan out, it will have major implications on the football field, but it won’t impact Buffalo’s salary cap all that much.
How much will this year's first-round picks make?
For perspective, here is a look at last year's draft picks. Keep in mind that all 2013 agreements could be slightly higher than last year’s.
DE Dion Jordan, Miami Dolphins
Pick: No. 3 overall
2012 pick: RB Trent Richardson, Cleveland Browns
Contract: four years, $20.4 million
Thoughts: The Miami Dolphins traded up to get to the No. 3 spot and selected Jordan. As a result, the Dolphins will have to pay top-three money that will average more than $5 million per season. The expectation is that Jordan will develop into a Pro Bowl player for the Dolphins. If that’s the case, he will be well worth the money.
CB Dee Milliner, New York Jets
Pick: No. 9
2012 pick: LB Luke Kuechly, Carolina Panthers
Contract: Four years, $12.58 million
Thoughts: The Jets are pretty tight on the salary cap and have two rookie first-round picks. Milliner will be the bigger contract. But it will be a bargain if Milliner becomes the cornerback the Jets expect and can adequately replace Darrelle Revis. Milliner will get about $13 million over the next four seasons. For comparison, Revis will make $16 million with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next season alone.
DL Sheldon Richardson, Jets
Pick: No. 13
2012 pick: WR Michael Floyd, Arizona Cardinals
Contract: Four years, $10 million
Thoughts: Richardson is the second of two draft picks for the Jets. New York has a tight cap, but Richardson will be slightly more affordable than Milliner.
QB EJ Manuel, Buffalo Bills
Pick: No. 16
2012 pick: DE Quinton Coples, Jets
Contract: Four years, $9 million
Thoughts: The Bills received a lot of criticism for taking Manuel No. 16 overall. Many feel it was a reach and some, like ESPN draft expert Todd McShay, even called it “a waste” of the draft pick. But the Bills will get a very affordable quarterback if he develops into a franchise starter. Buffalo will pay Manuel a little over $9 million over the next four years. If Manuel doesn’t pan out, it will have major implications on the football field, but it won’t impact Buffalo’s salary cap all that much.
McShay's best, worst AFC East draft picks
April, 30, 2013
Apr 30
4:00
PM ET
By
James Walker | ESPN.com
The 2013 NFL draft is in the books, and this week provides a chance for reflection and instant analysis.
ESPN draft expert Todd McShay provided his best and worst picks
in the draft. Here were his selections for the AFC East:
Buffalo Bills
Best pick: WR Robert Woods (second round)
Worst pick: QB EJ Manuel (first round)
Thoughts: McShay has been bashing the Manuel pick all week. He called it "a waste" and "a mistake" to take the former Florida State quarterback in the first round. Manuel brings a lot of physical tools to the table but will have to compete with veterans Kevin Kolb and Tarvaris Jackson. Woods was one of my favorite receivers in this draft. I think he has a good chance to start in Week 1 with the Bills.
Miami Dolphins
Best pick: LB Jelani Jenkins (fourth round)
Worst pick: CB Will Davis (third round)
Thoughts: McShay was really high on Jenkins. He missed most of 2012 with injuries but could provide some immediate value on defense and special teams. Davis was the second cornerback taken in addition to Jamar Taylor. Corner was a need position for Miami.
New England Patriots
Best pick: WR Aaron Dobson (second round)
Worst pick: S Duron Harmon (third round)
Thoughts: Dobson has a chance to make an immediate impact in New England. He has a knack for big plays. The worst pick of Harmon was predictable. Most believe he was a seventh-round pick. But this is a typical Bill Belichick move to take a player early that no one expected.
New York Jets
Best pick: CB Dee Milliner (first round)
Worst pick: DT Sheldon Richardson (first round)
Thoughts: Neither player filled huge positions of need. But McShay liked the Milliner pick better than Richardson. Milliner has upside and could be a player who eventually replaces Darrelle Revis, who was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McShay isn’t sure how Richardson fits in Rex Ryan’s defensive scheme.
ESPN draft expert Todd McShay provided his best and worst picks
in the draft. Here were his selections for the AFC East:
Buffalo Bills
Best pick: WR Robert Woods (second round)
Worst pick: QB EJ Manuel (first round)
Thoughts: McShay has been bashing the Manuel pick all week. He called it "a waste" and "a mistake" to take the former Florida State quarterback in the first round. Manuel brings a lot of physical tools to the table but will have to compete with veterans Kevin Kolb and Tarvaris Jackson. Woods was one of my favorite receivers in this draft. I think he has a good chance to start in Week 1 with the Bills.
Miami Dolphins
Best pick: LB Jelani Jenkins (fourth round)
Worst pick: CB Will Davis (third round)
Thoughts: McShay was really high on Jenkins. He missed most of 2012 with injuries but could provide some immediate value on defense and special teams. Davis was the second cornerback taken in addition to Jamar Taylor. Corner was a need position for Miami.
New England Patriots
Best pick: WR Aaron Dobson (second round)
Worst pick: S Duron Harmon (third round)
Thoughts: Dobson has a chance to make an immediate impact in New England. He has a knack for big plays. The worst pick of Harmon was predictable. Most believe he was a seventh-round pick. But this is a typical Bill Belichick move to take a player early that no one expected.
New York Jets
Best pick: CB Dee Milliner (first round)
Worst pick: DT Sheldon Richardson (first round)
Thoughts: Neither player filled huge positions of need. But McShay liked the Milliner pick better than Richardson. Milliner has upside and could be a player who eventually replaces Darrelle Revis, who was traded to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. McShay isn’t sure how Richardson fits in Rex Ryan’s defensive scheme.
The 2013 NFL draft is in the books. So let's chat about it.
Join me at 4 p.m. ET for our latest AFC East chat. We will discuss all the latest developments with the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and New York Jets.
Here is the link. Don't miss the festivities.
Join me at 4 p.m. ET for our latest AFC East chat. We will discuss all the latest developments with the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots and New York Jets.
Here is the link. Don't miss the festivities.
Reports: Jets QB Geno Smith fires agent
April, 30, 2013
Apr 30
1:51
PM ET
By
James Walker | ESPN.com
The Geno Smith draft fallout continues.
SmithThe latest are reports come from Liz Mullen of the Sports Business Journal and Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News, who write that Smith fired his agents at Select Sports just a few days after the NFL draft.
Smith had an awful draft experience on Thursday night. He was in the green room and waited more than three hours for his name to be called. It never happened. Smith stormed out of the green room after the first round. But he returned for Round 2, where he was taken by the New York Jets with the No. 39 overall pick.
According to the Daily News, Smith thought he could be the No. 1 overall pick, which turned out to be a pipe dream. Smith, who will compete for the starting job in New York, must wait five days before hiring his next agent.
Smith had an awful draft experience on Thursday night. He was in the green room and waited more than three hours for his name to be called. It never happened. Smith stormed out of the green room after the first round. But he returned for Round 2, where he was taken by the New York Jets with the No. 39 overall pick.
According to the Daily News, Smith thought he could be the No. 1 overall pick, which turned out to be a pipe dream. Smith, who will compete for the starting job in New York, must wait five days before hiring his next agent.
Power Rankings: No respect for Dolphins?
April, 30, 2013
Apr 30
1:00
PM ET
By
James Walker | ESPN.com
Despite a stellar free agency and a solid draft, the Miami Dolphins still cannot get any respect in ESPN.com’s Power Rankings. Miami is remains in the bottom half of the NFL at No. 18, according our panel. NFC West blogger Mike Sando ranked Miami the lowest at No. 21.
"I wouldn't differentiate much between teams in that middle-of-the-pack category. If you lined up 32 people from tallest to shortest, you'd have a bunch of people in the middle about the same height,” Sando explained. “That's what the rankings are like. The difference between being ranked 15th and 21st is not much in most cases. I moved up Arizona after the Cardinals acquired Carson Palmer. It's not that Palmer is great. He's probably just average. But average is so much better than what the Cardinals were getting from the position last season (when they defeated the Dolphins). I moved up Kansas City and Tampa Bay a little bit while Miami stayed the same on my ballot."
The AFC East division struggled overall. Here were the Power Rankings for the division after the NFL draft:
- 1. New England Patriots, No. 6
- 2. Dolphins, No. 18
- 3. Buffalo Bills, No. 30
- 4. New York Jets, No. 32
The Jets are the worst team in the NFL, according to the Power Rankings. New York is starting a long, hard rebuild and just traded its best player, star cornerback Darrelle Revis. The Jets also have a three-way quarterback controversy with Mark Sanchez, David Garrard and rookie Geno Smith. The Bills, who also have a quarterback competition, were not much better at No. 30.
The Patriots, as expected, finished significantly higher than the rest of the division at No. 6. It’s debatable whether this year’s New England team is better than the 2012 group that lost in the AFC title game. However, the Patriots remain one of the top teams in the conference, despite some roster turnover.
Will the Dolphins, Jets or Bills challenge the Patriots in the AFC East this upcoming season? According to our Power Rankings panel, a significant gap still remains after the draft and free agency.
Jets' QB competition only a three-man race
April, 30, 2013
Apr 30
12:00
PM ET
By
James Walker | ESPN.com
Let’s be realistic: Matt Simms will not be the New York Jets’ starting quarterback in 2013, and neither will Greg McElroy.
That is why New York Jets general manager John Idzik’s claim Tuesday that all five quarterbacks will compete for the starting job this summer in training camp comes off as merely lip service. New York has a legitimate, three-horse race between incumbent starter Mark Sanchez, veteran David Garrard and rookie quarterback Geno Smith. The other two quarterbacks are fillers who probably won't make the 53-man roster in September.
Jets head coach Rex Ryan has a huge challenge ahead of him this summer. It is difficult enough to equally manage reps for two quarterbacks in training camp. Ryan has to do that for three players (not five) in order to give Sanchez, Garrard and Smith a fair shot to win the job. Ryan is a defensive coach who prefers to hand the offense to others. That blew up in Ryan's face with former offensive coordinators Brian Schottenheimer and Tony Sparano. But the Jets have their most proven offensive coordinator in years with Marty Mornhinweg.
The Jets did themselves a huge favor to relieve some of the circus atmosphere by cutting Tim Tebow on Monday. Let’s hope Idzik and the Jets do not add to the circus by having an unprecedented five-way quarterback controversy.
SportsNation: Jets' QB Competition
There may be an open competition for the Jets' starting quarterback spot, but who do you expect will be under center in Week 1?
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Jets head coach Rex Ryan has a huge challenge ahead of him this summer. It is difficult enough to equally manage reps for two quarterbacks in training camp. Ryan has to do that for three players (not five) in order to give Sanchez, Garrard and Smith a fair shot to win the job. Ryan is a defensive coach who prefers to hand the offense to others. That blew up in Ryan's face with former offensive coordinators Brian Schottenheimer and Tony Sparano. But the Jets have their most proven offensive coordinator in years with Marty Mornhinweg.
The Jets did themselves a huge favor to relieve some of the circus atmosphere by cutting Tim Tebow on Monday. Let’s hope Idzik and the Jets do not add to the circus by having an unprecedented five-way quarterback controversy.
Will QB youth movement work in AFC East?
April, 30, 2013
Apr 30
11:00
AM ET
By
James Walker | ESPN.com
AP PhotosGeno Smith, EJ Manual and Ryan Tannehill are part of a trio of young quarterbacks in the AFC East.The first domino dropped one year ago.
Following the hiring of head coach Joe Philbin, the Miami Dolphins wanted a fresh start at quarterback and drafted Ryan Tannehill with No. 8 overall pick. Tannehill quickly developed, had a respectable rookie season and went 7-9 as a starter.
A year later, both the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets followed suit by drafting highly touted quarterbacks. The Bills took former Florida State quarterback EJ Manuel with the No. 16 overall pick in the first round, and the Jets drafted Geno Smith of West Virginia with the seventh selection of the second round, No. 39 overall. The Dolphins, Bills and Jets are all chasing the New England Patriots and future Hall of Famer Tom Brady in the AFC East.
Will the quarterback youth movement work in the division? The AFC East blog talked to an NFL scout this week to get his perspective on each quarterback's strengths, weaknesses and long-term chances for success.
Geno Smith, Jets
NFL scout: "I met him at the combine and he had a real good demeanor. I don't know him under pressure, but he seems like the kind of guy teammates can buy into. He can get streaky. I've watched him in games where you feel no ball is going to hit the ground. Other games I've watched and he missed easy throws by two yards, and you’re like, ‘You’ve got to make that throw.’ The good NFL quarterbacks can get to their second and third options, and Geno has some learning to do with that. But that can come with experience. I think he has upside. But sometimes he came off as a system quarterback where he has predetermined throws. You can do that only to a certain extent in the NFL. If he comes out early and has success, teams will start taking away his strengths and make him play to a weakness. That's where he has to develop. But the ability is there. The accuracy issue he sometimes has is a concern, because some of those incompletions in college are picks in the NFL. He’s not going to play any D-II schools in the NFL. You’re playing the best of the best every week. Even teams that are 2-14 have [athletes] out there. In this league, he’s going to have to be conscientious every play. He needs to be mentally alert."
EJ Manuel, Bills
NFL scout: "When you stand next to him, he's a big man. He’s a physically imposing figure for the quarterback position. He can make plays with his legs, but Manuel really is a passer first. While he made throws at all three levels, he would also miss throws he shouldn’t miss. That’s a concern with him. But the guy completed 68 percent of his passes – that’s pretty good. He’s just going to have some yips where you say ‘What was that?’ I compare him to Jason Campbell, but Manuel can do more as a runner. I think the kid can be an efficient passer and manage the game. He can do the read-option. He’s tough and played with pain. He’s not just a good character guy; he’s a sterling character guy. So I can’t say I’m surprised that Buffalo really likes him -- Manuel has some tools to work with. In the Florida game, he turned it over. That game he didn’t play well, but I don’t have concerns about him in big games. A lot of times he’s going to put your team in position to win. He can compete from Day 1, and I think he’s a possibility to be a Day 1 starter. I wouldn’t be surprised at all. But they got good competition in that way. So if he’s not ready, that’s fine. They’re in a good position where they can develop him. If you look at Buffalo, they’re making their team in the mold of the [Pittsburgh] Steelers. They have running backs, a 3-4 defense and now they have their big quarterback. I like what they’re building."
Analysis: The Manuel pick at No. 16 received a lot of criticism in the media. But the pick was not as much of a surprise for this NFL scout, who was complimentary of Manuel. In fact, the scout said he personally graded Manuel as the highest-rated quarterback this year, followed by Smith and Mike Glennon of NC State. It turned out that was the order of quarterbacks taken off the board. Glennon went in the third round to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Campbell comparison is interesting. Campbell has lasted eight years (and counting) in the NFL after being drafted No. 25 overall in 2005, but he never developed into a franchise quarterback. Manuel has more athleticism and a higher ceiling. Character also is important in a quarterback, and Manuel checked out extremely well from this scout's perspective.
Ryan Tannehill, Dolphins
NFL scout: "The thing you like about him is he’s big, can make all the throws you want and he has mobility. The biggest thing for him is getting acclimated to the NFL game. As a rookie quarterback, I would say he was above average. Making the throws isn’t an issue for him. The major thing is improving the accuracy, and I think he will going forward. I think he can be a top-15 quarterback, I would say. But how much time is he willing to put into learning defenses and knowing what he sees when he gets under center? It’s all about work ethic at this point in his second season. With all that said, Tannehill can definitely be successful, no question. With Miami adding all these pieces, I don’t see anything stopping him from being successful except himself. The thing is he’s got to be accurate, and he has to make good decisions. That’s the two things I look for as a scout. When you look at his stats, it didn’t really reflect what I saw from him on Sundays. The guy can play, and his ability to be efficient within the scheme is there. I don’t see any impediments to his success. Mike Sherman had success with Brett Favre in Green Bay and Joe Philbin with Aaron Rodgers. These things are very important. Those two know how to make things comfortable for a quarterback. Everybody there is behind the quarterback to be successful, and I think he can."
Analysis: Of the three young quarterbacks, the scout said Tannehill has the most potential to be a franchise building block. But Tannehill has a one-year head start in the NFL and played well most weeks last season. That has a lot to do with it. I saw a lot of the same things with Tannehill last season. He has good arm strength, and he also possesses mobility as a former college receiver. The Dolphins added some read-option plays for Tannehill late in the season. The scout brought up a very good point about Tannehill being coached by Sherman and Philbin. Both have been around future Hall of Famers and know what a franchise quarterback looks like. Tannehill is in a fortunate spot to learn from both coaches. Miami also proved it is behind Tannehill 100 percent by boosting his supporting cast. The Dolphins were aggressive in free agency and signed receivers Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson and tight end Dustin Keller.
From this scout’s perspective, all three quarterbacks have potential for promising futures. That is good news if you're a fan of the AFC East. Brady is signed with the Patriots through the 2017 season. Therefore, the young upstarts in the division will compete against Brady for the foreseeable future.
Brady can't dominate the division forever. Several years down the line, one of these three players could take over as the top quarterback in the AFC East.
Here are the most interesting stories Tuesday in the AFC East:
- If there is no interest from NFL teams, former New York Jets backup quarterback Tim Tebow could have a future in the CFL.
- New Buffalo Bills linebacker Jerry Hughes is coming off his best season in 2012.
- Free-agent offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie visited the Miami Dolphins.
- The New England Patriots have nine receivers on their updated roster.
It’s easy to focus on the first- and second-round picks. But great teams are made when the front office hits on sleepers in the middle and later rounds. Here are four sleepers to watch this season.
1. Mike Gillislee, running back
Team/Round: Miami Dolphins, fifth round
2012 stats: 1,152 yards, 10 touchdowns
Analysis: Gillislee has a lot of the skills the Dolphins seek in their quick-hitting West Coast offense. Gillislee runs hard, has good vision and played well against tough competition in the SEC. However, he’s only had one year as a starter and had to wait his turn until his senior year. Last year Reggie Bush drove the coaching staff crazy at times by going left to right instead of plodding forward. Gillislee rarely loses yards and could compliment starter Lamar Miller well. Former second-round pick Daniel Thomas has been a disappointment and is injury prone. There could be potential for Gillislee to find a role behind Miller during his rookie year.
2. Josh Boyce, receiver
Team/Round: New England Patriots, fourth round
2012 stats: 66 receptions, 891 yards, seven touchdowns
Analysis: You always cringle a little when Patriots head coach Bill Belichick drafts wide receivers. For whatever reason, that is the one position Belichick hasn't figured out. But New England may be onto something with its two receiver picks of Boyce and Aaron Dobson. Boyce is the lower pick, so he's the sleeper of the group. He is fast, physical and will definitely get a chance to battle for a roster spot considering New England’s thin receiver position. But the rookie must take advantage this summer of his limited opportunities to make the team.
3. Dustin Hopkins, kicker
Team/Round: Buffalo Bills, sixth round
2012 stats: 25-of-30 field goals
Analysis: Hopkins left Florida State as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history. He has a very strong leg that could be needed in Buffalo, especially late in the year during inclement weather. Hopkins has a tough task of beating longtime Bills kicker Rian Lindell in training camp. Lindell, 36, still has the accuracy but no longer has the distance. Hopkins will be the underdog, but he has the leg to make the team as a late-round pick.
4. Brian Winters, guard
Team/Round: New York Jets, third
2012 stats: 14 starts
Analysis: Winters has been a starter all four years at Kent State, and he has a good chance to keep that streak going in New York. The Jets, led by new general manager John Idzik, must really not think highly of incumbent guard Vladimir Ducasse. Idzik drafted three consecutive guards in the third-, fifth- and sixth-rounds to add competition. Willie Colon is penciled in as one starting guard, but Winters will be the favorite for the other guard opening.
1. Mike Gillislee, running back
Team/Round: Miami Dolphins, fifth round
2012 stats: 1,152 yards, 10 touchdowns
Analysis: Gillislee has a lot of the skills the Dolphins seek in their quick-hitting West Coast offense. Gillislee runs hard, has good vision and played well against tough competition in the SEC. However, he’s only had one year as a starter and had to wait his turn until his senior year. Last year Reggie Bush drove the coaching staff crazy at times by going left to right instead of plodding forward. Gillislee rarely loses yards and could compliment starter Lamar Miller well. Former second-round pick Daniel Thomas has been a disappointment and is injury prone. There could be potential for Gillislee to find a role behind Miller during his rookie year.
2. Josh Boyce, receiver
Team/Round: New England Patriots, fourth round
2012 stats: 66 receptions, 891 yards, seven touchdowns
Analysis: You always cringle a little when Patriots head coach Bill Belichick drafts wide receivers. For whatever reason, that is the one position Belichick hasn't figured out. But New England may be onto something with its two receiver picks of Boyce and Aaron Dobson. Boyce is the lower pick, so he's the sleeper of the group. He is fast, physical and will definitely get a chance to battle for a roster spot considering New England’s thin receiver position. But the rookie must take advantage this summer of his limited opportunities to make the team.
3. Dustin Hopkins, kicker
Team/Round: Buffalo Bills, sixth round
2012 stats: 25-of-30 field goals
Analysis: Hopkins left Florida State as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history. He has a very strong leg that could be needed in Buffalo, especially late in the year during inclement weather. Hopkins has a tough task of beating longtime Bills kicker Rian Lindell in training camp. Lindell, 36, still has the accuracy but no longer has the distance. Hopkins will be the underdog, but he has the leg to make the team as a late-round pick.
4. Brian Winters, guard
Team/Round: New York Jets, third
2012 stats: 14 starts
Analysis: Winters has been a starter all four years at Kent State, and he has a good chance to keep that streak going in New York. The Jets, led by new general manager John Idzik, must really not think highly of incumbent guard Vladimir Ducasse. Idzik drafted three consecutive guards in the third-, fifth- and sixth-rounds to add competition. Willie Colon is penciled in as one starting guard, but Winters will be the favorite for the other guard opening.
The Buffalo Bills were ranked 31st against the run in 2012. Poor linebacker play was a major reason.
That is why it is no surprise Buffalo continued its linebacker makeover by trading Kelvin Sheppard to the Indianapolis Colts for linebacker Jerry Hughes, the Bills announced.
Sheppard played in all 16 games last season and recorded 80 tackles and two sacks. But Sheppard and the rest of Buffalo’s front seven were often pushed around playing a 4-3 defense. The Bills hired defensive coordinator Mike Pettine from the New York Jets to install a 3-4 scheme that can stop the run.
Hughes is a former first-round pick and draft bust in Indianapolis. He has just five sacks in three seasons. But the Bills believe Hughes, 24, may have enough potential to develop into a more consistent outside rusher.
AFC EAST SCOREBOARD
ABOUT THIS BLOG
James Walker
Walker joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the NFL and NBA for the Columbus (Ohio) Dispatch. He's a Temple graduate and Hyattsville, Md. native who lives in Miami.
