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Here are the most interesting stories Thursday morning in the AFC East:

• The Buffalo Bills new-look 4-3 defense will be on the attack.

Morning take: The key to a successful 4-3 is the defensive line, and that's the strength of the Bills. Mario Williams, Mark Anderson, Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus are as formidable a group as you will find.

• A closer look at Miami Dolphins defensive end Cameron Wake's contract shows it's really a two-year extension that will pay $17 million.

Morning take: Wake is a good player, but this is more in line with Wake's true value. Many Dolphins fans were upset when I said the original report of four years at $49 million was too much. The Dolphins would agree.

• New England Patriots Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski will be on a reality television dating show this offseason.

Morning take: I don't think anyone is surprised. It's another example of "Gronk being Gronk."

• New York Jets defensive end Mike Devito says he was fine with a pay cut this season.

Morning take: Devito was hurt last season and the team drafted Quinton Coples in the first round as his replacement. Devito will be the first defensive end off the bench.

Last week ESPN.com's blog team examined big questions around the NFL. I had four in the AFC East that need to be answered that you can check out here.

This week we want to look at four smaller questions about the AFC East. Credit goes to NFC East blogger Dan Graziano for the idea.

Will the Jets improve safety play?

Opponents found the weakness in the New York Jets' defense in the second half of last season. The Jets were exploited time after time over the middle of the field, particularly by opposing tight ends. It was part of the reason the Jets lost their final three games.

Will New York improved its safety play in 2012? The Jets are banking on LaRon Landry to be an upgrade over Jim Leonhard. Landry is a bigger hitter but his coverage skills are questionable. Landry also has injury concerns. Eric Smith struggled last season but will get another year in the starting lineup. Neither safety is known for coverage.

The corners -- Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie -- will do their job. But the Jets could have the same issues over the middle if Smith and Landry don't step up.

Will Shawne Merriman contribute?

Where does Merriman fit with the 2012 Buffalo Bills? It depends mostly on Merriman's health. The outside linebacker is trying to return from back-to-back season-ending Achilles injuries.

Buffalo could use a rejuvenated "Lights Out" coming off the edge this year. The Bills have made it a point to improve their pass rush by investing most of their free-agent dollars on starting defensive ends Mario Williams and Mark Anderson. Merriman has lacked the burst he had earlier in his career. But if he can add several sacks to the pile for the Bills, that would be a huge bonus.

Can the Miami Dolphins find a second pass-rusher?

Speaking of pass-rushers, the Dolphins have one in Cameron Wake, who just received a $49 million extension. But who will take the pressure and double-teams off Wake, which was a major issue last season?

Miami's defense is strong in many areas. The team is expected to use more 4-3 looks under first-year defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle. Wake will be a threat on one edge, but someone needs to step up on the opposite side.

Miami's second-leading player in sacks last year was Jason Taylor, who is retired. Maybe defensive lineman Jared Odrick has the potential to fill the void. The Dolphins also drafted Olivier Vernon in the third round to bolster the pass rush.

Will Patriots' running game produce?

The reigning AFC champion New England Patriots improved their defense. They upgraded their wide receivers and signed several offensive linemen.

But what about New England's running game? The Patriots did little at tailback. They lost leading rusher BenJarvus Green-Ellis and signed Joseph Addai, which is a downgrade. Addai averaged just 3.7 yards per carry last season.

The key will be the development of second-year running backs Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen. New England hopes one or both players make a big jump in Year 2. The Patriots will be a pass-heavy team. There's no denying that. But the running backs have to make the most of their opportunities when quarterback Tom Brady isn't throwing the ball.

The Miami Dolphins were able to squeeze in a new $49 million contract extension under their tight salary cap this weekend for defensive end Cameron Wake. But with Wake's extension and the Miami's rookie class still unsigned, what does this mean for Jake Long?

Miami's Pro Bowl left tackle is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Long is scheduled to become one of the most sought-after free agents in 2013 if Miami doesn't reach an extension.

Chances appear smaller that something to get done before the start of this season. The market value for an extension with Long will be costly.

Long most likely wants a contract similar or better than Cleveland Browns left tackle Joe Thomas, who received a seven-year, $84 million extension in 2011. Both Long and Thomas are considered the top two left tackles in the league.

There has been recent speculation that Miami's second-round pick of Jonathan Martin, who played left tackle at Stanford, could be insurance in case the team cannot work out an extension. Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland vehemently denied it, and said they plan to keep Long in Miami for a long time.

The Dolphins could cut some veteran players with high salaries to make room for Long. But that would make the rebuilding Dolphins less competitive. The safer assumption is Long could wait another year before his name is called.

The Miami Dolphins solved on of their biggest offseason issues Sunday. The team worked out a $49 million extension with top pass-rusher and outside linebacker Cameron Wake, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Wake displayed his unhappiness this offseason by missing part of the team's offseason workouts. He had conversations with members of the Dolphins and briefly returned. But there was still tension without a new contract.

Wake led Miami in sacks the past two seasons. He was entering the final year of his contract.

We will have more on Wake’s extension coming up next.

I usually don't like to look beyond this season in the NFL because so much can change in a year. But ESPN's resident scout Todd McShay has an interesting mock draft up for 2013.

It's a very early projection. But let's take a look at what McShay has in store for the AFC East:

Miami Dolphins

Pick: No. 8

McShay's pick: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

Thoughts: McShay projects Miami to take one of the best pass-rushers next year. Jones recorded 13.5 sacks as a junior, and expectations are high for Jones in 2012. Pass-rushers are always needed. For example, Dolphins outside linebacker Cameron Wake is entering the final year of his contract and is in the middle of a dispute with the team.

New York Jets

Pick: No. 9

McShay's pick: Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

Thoughts: I'm surprised McShay and Scouts Inc. project New York to have a top-10 pick next year. Are the Jets on their way to another implosion, as the No. 9 overall pick suggests? If that's the case, McShay sees the Jets drafting another pass-rusher in Mingo. This is the norm for Jets coach Rex Ryan. But I think running back and offensive tackle could be more pressing needs by the end of next season.

Buffalo Bills

Pick: No. 17

McShay's pick: Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech

Thoughts: The Bills didn't draft a developmental quarterback this year. So I understand why McShay sees Buffalo taking one in the first round in 2013. Buffalo will need to have someone ready to replace Ryan Fitzpatrick in the next few seasons. But I was surprised that it was Thomas over Oklahoma's Landry Jones, who has more buzz entering this year. But both players will settle it on the field to determine who is the second-best quarterback prospect behind Matt Barkley of USC.

New England Patriots

Pick: No. 32

McShay's pick: Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State

Thoughts: Once again, it's interesting that McShay and Scouts Inc. are vaguely predicting a Super Bowl title for New England. The Patriots have so many receivers already that I'm finding it hard to see New England drafting that position in the first round. The Patriots have few holes. But maybe cornerback or running back could be early targets, depending on how things play out this season.

Here are the most interesting stories Wednesday morning in the AFC East:

• Are the Buffalo Bills "very interested" in Alabama safety Mark Barron?

Morning take: In the week of the draft, this has smokescreen written all over it. Buffalo has two starting-caliber safeties and other needs, such as left tackle, receiver and corner. This sounds like drumming up interest for the No. 10 overall pick.

• New England Patriots left tackle Matt Light was officially put on the team's reserve/retired list.

Morning take: Light made up his mind that he's calling it a career. The Patriots are well-prepared after taking first-round pick Nate Solder in 2011.

• New York Jets are expected to part ways with college scouting talent evaluator Jerry Clinkscales after the draft.

Morning take: Clinkscales had his hits (Nick Mangold, Darrelle Revis) and misses (Vernon Gholston) in New York. But it appears he is taking his talents to the Oakland Raiders.

• Miami Dolphins linebacker Cameron Wake was the only no-show for Tuesday's start of voluntary minicamp.

Morning take: Wake's show/no-show routine might get interesting. It appears things will get resolved. But I don't think this issue goes away until Wake gets a new contract.

Outside linebacker Cameron Wake is in the middle of a contract dispute with the Miami Dolphins. Based on the team's salary cap, this situation will not be a quick fix.

But here's a more immediate question for Miami: Should Wake's holdout impact the team's draft plans next week?

The Dolphins already needed another pass-rusher to complement Wake, who had 8.5 sacks last season, before his holdout took place. The position arguably was on par with other top needs such as right tackle, wide receiver and right guard. A long-term solution at quarterback also can be thrown into that mix.

But with Wake's status unknown, this may solidify pass rush as the Dolphins' biggest priority. Wake is, by far, Miami's best pass-rusher. He led the team in sacks the past two seasons.

What if Wake wants a contract too large for the Dolphins to fit under their thin cap? What if Miami holds its ground? How far is Wake willing to take this?

At the very least, it appears Wake could miss a significant portion of offseason workouts until this is resolved. This could also be an issue leading into training camp. Miami would be wise to draft someone who can get to the quarterback in the first two rounds with the potential to be an immediate starter.

Logic says Wake's situation eventually will be resolved. But contract disputes can be unpredictable, and Miami needs to prepare for various scenarios.

Buffalo Bills

NFL Network analyst and former NFL general manager Charley Casserly weighs in on what the Bills can expect from defensive end Mario Williams.

The Bills have scheduled visits or have already met with 16 of their 30 allotted draft prospects.

Miami Dolphins

Defensive end Cameron Wake, unhappy with his current contract, was missing from the start of the Dolphins' offseason program.

In hopes of filling a void at outside linebacker, the team has worked out free agents Jonathan Goff, Quentin Groves, Gary Guyton and Bryan Kehl.

New England Patriots

Anthony Gonzalez joked on Tuesday about a "policy" that led him to sign with New England. “I was joking with my friends. I have a very strict Hall of Famer only policy,” he said. “Just stay with that group. It’s good. It’s wonderful, obviously. Quarterbacks make receivers look very good, and hopefully I can get some opportunities with him [Tom Brady]."

Re-signing with the Patriots was an easy decision for Matthew Slater.

New York Jets

Woody Johnson says the Jets didn’t trade for Tim Tebow to sell jerseys.

Dustin Keller, Mark Sanchez and Santonio Holmes got an early start on offseason workouts.

Wednesday we opened the floor for our first blogger mock draft of 2012. My vote counts for half and the community board counts for the other half.

The AFC East will stay true to our board. Here are the final results:

Miami Dolphins (No. 8 overall)

Analysis: The Dolphins are in a tough spot, despite having the best pick in the division. I do not like Tannehill at No. 8. But the Dolphins botched their quarterback situation so badly this offseason that I think they almost have to take Tannehill if he’s available. Matt Moore and David Garrard are not the long-term solutions and have just one year left on their contracts. Tannehill provides some hope, even if he’s just holding a clipboard in 2012. Reiff would fill a need, but I wouldn’t draft a right tackle in the top 10. I think Ingram would be solid at No. 8 to provide a pass rush opposite outside linebacker Cameron Wake.

Buffalo Bills (No. 10 overall)

Analysis: I was surprised how fast Floyd is moving up everyone's draft board. Buffalo fans lately are in love with the Notre Dame product. Floyd was the top choice on the community board. I’m still a little nervous about Floyd in the top 10, but he did make the end of my list. I still like Reiff here at left tackle. Buffalo rotated three players there last year, and they need a bookend to protect quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s blind side.

New York Jets (No. 16 overall)

Analysis: Power to the people on this one. I had the same three players as Jets fans in the AFC East blog. But Upshaw and Barron are so close in my book that I’m getting out of the way. If both are on the board, I’m trusting my Jets scouts and going with Upshaw. You'd better be right, Jets scouts. The New York media will get on my case very hard if I pass up the best safety in the draft for a bust, knowing that safety was a huge need.

New England Patriots (No. 27 and No. 31 overall)

Analysis: With two picks at the end of the first round, we went with the top five options. I knew this ballot would be all over the place. But here is what I like most: The final board is defense, defense, defense. That is something we can all agree on. Mercilus was the consensus top pick for myself and Patriots fans. Konz did make the top three, but he would be a backup behind Dan Connolly. Any defensive pick in the first round this year has a chance to start right away for New England's 31st-ranked defense.

The Miami Dolphins are not getting better offensively, but they continue to try to stockpile solid players to their already stout defense.

Miami reportedly is meeting with free agent defensive end Mark Anderson, who recorded 10 sacks for the reigning AFC champion New England Patriots last season. The Dolphins have most positions covered defensively. But one remaining area of need is a good pass-rusher opposite defensive end/linebacker Cameron Wake.

Anderson is a player the Patriots would like to have back. New England needs more pass-rushers, not fewer. But the Patriots are usually patient in free agency and rarely overpay. Meanwhile, Miami has a chance to help itself and simultaneously hurt a division rival.

Also, in more Dolphins news, they signed former New York Jets linebacker Jamaal Westerman to a one-year contract on Friday.

There has been plenty of offseason speculation that the Miami Dolphins would be interested in trading up from the No. 8 overall pick, presumably to land Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.

But something that hasn't been discussed nearly as much in this draft is the idea of Miami trading down. Should the Dolphins consider it?

I think it makes a lot of sense. Miami's needs in the first round (quarterback, right tackle, safety) may not be available or too high for the No. 8 overall pick.

For example, quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Griffin III would both be targets of interest for the Dolphins. But both are expected to go within the top two picks. Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill also could be of interest, considering his ties with Miami offensive coordinator Mike Sherman, but not at No. 8. If Miami trades back, the interest in Tannehill would increase.

Right tackle is a huge position of need for Miami with starter and pending free agent Marc Colombo not expected back. But smart teams do not draft right tackles in the top eight. Left tackles are much more valuable.

Also, is there a safety worthy of the eighth pick in this draft? I don’t see it.

If Miami uses the pick, I think the team should look at the best pass-rusher on the board at No. 8. The Dolphins have outside linebacker Cameron Wake (8.5 sacks), but I don’t think you can ever stockpile enough pass-rushers in today’s NFL. The Super Bowl champion New York Giants are a great example.

But taking a pass-rusher wouldn’t fill Miami’s biggest needs, which is why the team should also consider trading out of the No. 8 pick in April.

We are now in the top 20. The AFC East blog continues its rankings of the top players in the division.

Here are Nos. 17-20:

No. 20: Vontae Davis, CB

Team: Miami Dolphins

Stats: 43 tackles, four interceptions, one sack

Analysis: Davis, like the Dolphins, had a slow start in 2011. But in the second half of the season, Davis may have been the best corner in the AFC East with the exception of Darrelle Revis of the New York Jets. Davis got healthy and focused late in the year and showed why Miami made him a first-round pick. He frustrated receivers in coverage and showed good ball skills and playmaking ability. Davis' next task is to be a legit, No. 1 corner for a full season in 2012, not just part of the season.

No. 19: Cameron Wake, OLB

Team: Dolphins

Stats: 42 tackles, 8.5 sacks

Analysis: Wake faced the harsh reality of becoming a Pro Bowl player following the 2010 season. Opponents were no longer caught by surprise and sent a lot of attention and double-teams Wake’s way, and his numbers were down last season. Wake finished with 8.5 sacks, which is 5.5 fewer than he had the previous year. He still brought consistent pressure and remains the only pure pass-rusher on the Dolphins' defense. Miami may need to get him some help on the opposite edge.

No. 18: Steve Johnson, WR

Team: Buffalo Bills

Stats: 76 receptions, 1,004 yards, seven touchdowns

Analysis: Johnson completed his first back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2010 and 2011. It comes at a good time, because Johnson is one of the biggest free agents in the division. Johnson wants to return to Buffalo and the feeling is mutual. But the Bills don't want to overpay. Johnson is kind of a tweener. He's not a dominant No. 1 receiver, but he’s better than most No. 2 receivers. The Bills and Johnson have been at odds over the receiver's value since last year, and both sides have been unable to close the gap with free agency looming next month.

No. 17: Reggie Bush, RB

Team: Dolphins

Stats: 1,086 yards, six touchdowns, 43 receptions

Analysis: Bush concludes this Dolphins-heavy group in "Walker's Fab 40." He's coming off a career year in which he eclipsed 1,000 yards rushing for the first time. Bush came to Miami to prove he's a feature back. He stayed healthy and proved a lot of critics wrong. Bush is still one of the best players in the open field, and he also showed a lot of strides running in between the tackles. Bush will be even more dangerous in 2012 if the Dolphins are able to land a franchise quarterback.

MIAMI -- Week 13 told us a lot about the AFC East. With the playoff race heating up, we got a much better understanding of the pretenders and contenders.

Here are seven things we learned:

1. The Jets are back in it

It was a great weekend for the New York Jets. Not only did New York handle its business by beating the Washington Redskins, 34-19, but the Jets got help in the AFC wild-card race. The Cincinnati Bengals entered the weekend with the edge for the final wild card but were crushed by the Pittsburgh Steelers, 35-7. The Jets (7-5), Bengals (7-5), Broncos (7-5) and Raiders (7-5) are in the running for the sixth seed. (Denver or Oakland will win the AFC West.) The Jets don't hold many tiebreakers, but they will be in good shape if they continue to win. New York has two winnable games coming up against Kansas City Chiefs (5-7) and at the Philadelphia Eagles (4-8). Their final two games are against the New York Giants and at the surging Miami Dolphins.

2. Sanchez is clutch

Say what you want about Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez. But he's proven over the past three seasons to play his best football in the biggest moments. After another uneven first three quarters, Sanchez came alive again in the fourth Sunday, leading the Jets to two key touchdown drives. Sanchez's best throw was a 30-yard touchdown pass to receiver Santonio Holmes for the go-ahead score. New York running back Shonn Greene punched in the final touchdown to put the game away. Sanchez's final numbers (165 yards, one touchdown) were not impressive. But the Jets have a good chance to make a postseason push if Sanchez continues to play well in the fourth quarter.

3. The Dolphins are dangerous

Their playoff hopes are over and changes are expected after the season. But the Dolphins are a team the Jets and Patriots should be wary of when they meet in the final two weeks of the regular season. The Dolphins dominated the AFC West-leading Raiders in a 34-14 win Sunday. The Dolphins (4-8) are 4-1 in their past five games. The winning streak has quieted talk of changes at head coach and quarterback until the season is over.

"We're having fun," Miami linebacker Kevin Burnett said. "I can't explain how much that takes away the pain and the feeling of being on the losing end of the spectrum."

4. Miami’s defense should stay together

Whatever Miami owner Stephen Ross decides to do after this season, the team should find a way to keep its defense intact. If that means a new head coach and/or general manager must retain most of Miami’s defensive players, so be it. If that means keeping veteran defensive coordinator Mike Nolan on next year's coaching staff, so be it. The Dolphins have the answers on that side of the football. Miami was ranked sixth in the NFL defensively last season. After a slow start, this group is rounding back to its usual form. The Dolphins held the Raiders to 304 yards, including 46 rushing.

"That's our personality: We're a tough, hard-nose type of defense," Dolphins linebacker Cameron Wake said. "When teams come in here and try to run the ball, stopping them is something we take a lot of pride in."

5. The Bills are finished

The AFC East blog said the Buffalo Bills were done following last week's loss to the Jets. But it's pretty much official after Sunday’s 23-17 home loss to the Tennessee Titans. Buffalo is 2-7 since its surprising 3-0 start. The defense needs a major overhaul. Buffalo hasn't stopped anyone consistently all season, and it needs to take a hard look at its scheme and players. Injuries to the offensive line, running back Fred Jackson and receiver Donald Jones have hurt the offense. Buffalo must improve its depth in the offseason to compete in the division for the long haul.

6. Patriots will get a first-round bye

Don't be alarmed by the Indianapolis Colts' late run Sunday. The New England Patriots are cruising. New England led by 28 points entering the fourth quarter before taking its foot off the pedal in a 31-24 win against the winless Colts (0-12). The victory keeps the Patriots (9-3), who have the easiest remaining schedule, in the driver's seat for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. The Baltimore Ravens Pittsburgh Steelers and Houston Texans are also 9-3.

7. Gronkowski is elite

I usually like to wait until a player has a few seasons in the NFL before calling him "elite." But Patriots second-year tight end Rob Gronkowski is developing into something special. He scored three more touchdowns -- two receiving, one rushing -- against Indianapolis. Gronkowski has 13 TD catches in 2011, tying him with Antonio Gates and Vernon Davis for the season record for tight ends. Gronkowski is a lock for his first Pro Bowl. Quarterback Tom Brady and Gronkowski are the most dangerous red-zone combination in the NFL this season.

Scouts Inc. updated its Top 50 NFL players at the midpoint of the season. Every AFC East team was represented.

Here is Scouts Inc.'s list for the division:

• No. 2: New England Patriots QB Tom Brady
• No. 3: New York Jets CB Darrelle Revis
• No. 22: Jets C Nick Mangold
• No. 28: Patriots NT Vince Wilfork
• No. 38: Patriots WR Wes Welker
• No. 40: Miami Dolphins LT Jake Long
• No. 42: Buffalo Bills RB Fred Jackson
• No. 47: Dolphins LB Cameron Wake
• No. 49: Jets WR Santonio Holmes

Do you agree or disagree with these rankings?

Were any players too high? Too low? Did Scouts Inc. leave someone off in the AFC East that deserves to be among the top-50 players?

We'd like to hear your thoughts.

Three AFC East teams will be in action in Week 8. The New York Jets, who are on a two-game winning streak, will get some rest during their bye.

Here are three X factors to watch this weekend:

New England Patriots (5-1)

X factor: TE Aaron Hernandez

Analysis: Hernandez is quickly becoming one of quarterback Tom Brady's favorite targets. He averages nearly seven receptions per contest and has a touchdown in three of his four games. Hernandez and fellow tight end Rob Gronkowski could have some mismatches in the middle of the field against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Patriots' tight ends are more athletic than Pittsburgh's linebackers and have the size advantage over the Steelers' backup cornerbacks.

Buffalo Bills (4-2)

X factor: OL Andy Levitre

Analysis: Levitre, who is Buffalo's best guard, is expected to start at left tackle Sunday against the Washington Redskins. The Bills have been ailing at the position all season and hope to take advantage of Levitre's versatility. He will be Buffalo's third starter at left tackle in seven games. Levitre won't have an easy assignment. He will see a lot of Washington outside linebacker Brian Orakpo, who has 4.5 sacks this season.

Miami Dolphins (0-6)

X factor: LB Cameron Wake

Analysis: On paper, there are not many ways the winless Dolphins can beat the New York Giants (4-2), who are coming off their bye. But New York is beatable in games when quarterback Eli Manning suffers a meltdown. The best way to do that is to pressure Manning. Miami is coming off a season-high six sacks against Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow. Wake had two of the Dolphins' sacks last week. If Wake can be disruptive to Manning, maybe Miami has a shot at an upset.