AFC East: Ed Wang
Video: Ed Wang plants NFL seeds in China
March, 14, 2011
3/14/11
1:35
PM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
Buffalo Bills tackle Ed Wang visits with Michael Smith on "First Take" to discuss Wang's recent trip to China to teach children football. Wang also recalls his White House visit in January to welcome Chinese president Hu Jintao. Wang didn't get to meet Barack Obama then, but knows he can one day with a Super Bowl victory.
» NFC Draft Watch: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South
Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: biggest team needs.
Buffalo Bills
Where would you like to start?
Offense? How about left tackle, right tackle, tight end and -- if there's a great one still on the draft board -- quarterback?
Defense? How about the line, outside linebacker, inside linebacker, cornerback and safety?
Special teams? OK, the Bills are fine there.
But kicker, punter and running back are about the only positions the Bills can draft third overall and not help themselves.
The most pressing needs, however, are tackle and outside linebacker. The Bills haven't drafted an offensive tackle earlier than the fifth round since taking Mike Williams in the first round in 2002, and their line play shows that. They have tried to coach up late draft picks (Demetrius Bell, Ed Wang) and rummaged through free agency (Cornell Green, Mansfield Wrotto, Jonathan Scott, Jamon Meredith) rather than acquire that prized blindside protector.
The Bills were so desperate at outside linebacker they plucked the injury-ravaged Shawne Merriman off waivers last year and then, even though he got hurt again minutes into his first workout, gave him a contract extension.
They can't bank on Merriman to anchor their pass rush. Yet even if he can contribute, they'll need more help. The Bills recorded 27 sacks last year. Only three teams had fewer.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins probably will need a running back. They could stand to upgrade at quarterback if they can.
But they definitely need interior offensive linemen.
They recently re-signed left guard Richie Incognito to an extension, but they still have problems at center and right guard. Although they have two solid book-end tackles in Pro perennial Bowl left tackle Jake Long and veteran Vernon Carey, they've been a mess in between for the past three years.
The Dolphins need to upgrade their power running game. Despite having a capable and healthy backfield tandem in Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams last season, the Dolphins ranked 21st in rushing yards, 29th in yards per carry and 29th in rushing touchdowns.
A stud running back certainly can help, and the Dolphins might have little choice but to take one with their 15th selection. Brown's and Williams' contracts are up. That's why so many draft analysts project the Dolphins will take Alabama running back Mark Ingram and then address the O-line later.
New England Patriots
Funny how things work for the Patriots when it comes to draft picks. The reigning AFC East champs might have the fewest needs but have the most draft picks at their disposal.
The Patriots went 14-2 last season and own two draft choices in each of the first three rounds. So the Patriots have the flexibility to go any number of directions.
The most obvious need is outside linebacker. The Patriots' entire outside linebacking corps mustered 13.5 sacks last year. Dolphins outside linebacker Cameron Wake generated 14 sacks all by himself.
Offensive line is another concern because there are so many question marks. Right guard Stephen Neal retired. Left guard Logan Mankins is upset. Left tackle Matt Light isn't signed. Nick Kaczur is coming off serious back surgery. The timing is right to bring in some fresh O-line blood.
The Patriots had one of the NFL's most entertaining backfields last year, with BenJarvus Green-Ellis rushing for over 1,000 yards and Danny Woodhead making the Jets look foolish for cutting him. But each running back has his limitations, and the Patriots could be on the lookout for an all-purpose back adept at catching a pass and converting a third-and-short.
New York Jets
The Jets are in a weird spot. They finished the season as a team with talent at virtually every position.
But they have a crowded group of free agents and couldn't bring themselves to sign any (aside from giving inside linebacker David Harris the franchise tag) until a new collective bargaining agreement was in place. The Jets want to know what the new salary cap is before moving forward.
That leaves a lot of loose ends for the Jets heading into the draft. Will they need a receiver to replace Santonio Holmes or Braylon Edwards? A cornerback to replace Antonio Cromartie?
The needs we can bank on are outside linebacker and safety.
The Jets must generate a better pass rush and still need to recover from the Vernon Gholston pick that set them back. Outside linebacker Bryan Thomas is competent, but no star. He led the Jets with just six sacks. Calvin Pace had 5.5 sacks. The recently released Jason Taylor added five.
Safety is an area of emphasis because they could have stood to upgrade even before Brodney Pool, Eric Smith and James Ihedigbo became free agents. Jim Leonhard is a Rex Ryan favorite but recovering from a broken shin.
Each Thursday leading up to the NFL draft (April 28-30), the ESPN.com NFL blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today's topic: biggest team needs.
Buffalo Bills
Where would you like to start?
Offense? How about left tackle, right tackle, tight end and -- if there's a great one still on the draft board -- quarterback?
Defense? How about the line, outside linebacker, inside linebacker, cornerback and safety?
Special teams? OK, the Bills are fine there.
But kicker, punter and running back are about the only positions the Bills can draft third overall and not help themselves.
The most pressing needs, however, are tackle and outside linebacker. The Bills haven't drafted an offensive tackle earlier than the fifth round since taking Mike Williams in the first round in 2002, and their line play shows that. They have tried to coach up late draft picks (Demetrius Bell, Ed Wang) and rummaged through free agency (Cornell Green, Mansfield Wrotto, Jonathan Scott, Jamon Meredith) rather than acquire that prized blindside protector.
The Bills were so desperate at outside linebacker they plucked the injury-ravaged Shawne Merriman off waivers last year and then, even though he got hurt again minutes into his first workout, gave him a contract extension.
They can't bank on Merriman to anchor their pass rush. Yet even if he can contribute, they'll need more help. The Bills recorded 27 sacks last year. Only three teams had fewer.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins probably will need a running back. They could stand to upgrade at quarterback if they can.
But they definitely need interior offensive linemen.
They recently re-signed left guard Richie Incognito to an extension, but they still have problems at center and right guard. Although they have two solid book-end tackles in Pro perennial Bowl left tackle Jake Long and veteran Vernon Carey, they've been a mess in between for the past three years.
The Dolphins need to upgrade their power running game. Despite having a capable and healthy backfield tandem in Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams last season, the Dolphins ranked 21st in rushing yards, 29th in yards per carry and 29th in rushing touchdowns.
A stud running back certainly can help, and the Dolphins might have little choice but to take one with their 15th selection. Brown's and Williams' contracts are up. That's why so many draft analysts project the Dolphins will take Alabama running back Mark Ingram and then address the O-line later.
New England Patriots
Funny how things work for the Patriots when it comes to draft picks. The reigning AFC East champs might have the fewest needs but have the most draft picks at their disposal.
The Patriots went 14-2 last season and own two draft choices in each of the first three rounds. So the Patriots have the flexibility to go any number of directions.
The most obvious need is outside linebacker. The Patriots' entire outside linebacking corps mustered 13.5 sacks last year. Dolphins outside linebacker Cameron Wake generated 14 sacks all by himself.
Offensive line is another concern because there are so many question marks. Right guard Stephen Neal retired. Left guard Logan Mankins is upset. Left tackle Matt Light isn't signed. Nick Kaczur is coming off serious back surgery. The timing is right to bring in some fresh O-line blood.
The Patriots had one of the NFL's most entertaining backfields last year, with BenJarvus Green-Ellis rushing for over 1,000 yards and Danny Woodhead making the Jets look foolish for cutting him. But each running back has his limitations, and the Patriots could be on the lookout for an all-purpose back adept at catching a pass and converting a third-and-short.
New York Jets
The Jets are in a weird spot. They finished the season as a team with talent at virtually every position.
But they have a crowded group of free agents and couldn't bring themselves to sign any (aside from giving inside linebacker David Harris the franchise tag) until a new collective bargaining agreement was in place. The Jets want to know what the new salary cap is before moving forward.
That leaves a lot of loose ends for the Jets heading into the draft. Will they need a receiver to replace Santonio Holmes or Braylon Edwards? A cornerback to replace Antonio Cromartie?
The needs we can bank on are outside linebacker and safety.
The Jets must generate a better pass rush and still need to recover from the Vernon Gholston pick that set them back. Outside linebacker Bryan Thomas is competent, but no star. He led the Jets with just six sacks. Calvin Pace had 5.5 sacks. The recently released Jason Taylor added five.
Safety is an area of emphasis because they could have stood to upgrade even before Brodney Pool, Eric Smith and James Ihedigbo became free agents. Jim Leonhard is a Rex Ryan favorite but recovering from a broken shin.
AFC East wire: Bills wary of Cam Newton?
March, 7, 2011
3/07/11
10:49
AM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
Buffalo Bills
- Buffalo News columnist emeritus Larry Felser warns the Bills not to select Auburn quarterback Cam Newton with the third pick.
- Bills offensive lineman Ed Wang has been sharing his love for football with China, Leslie Anne Jones writes from Shanghai for the Buffalo News.
- Miami Herald columnist Armando Salguero sits down with Dolphins CEO Mike Dee, an often overlooked member of the front office.
- South Florida Sun-Sentinel reporter Omar Kelly breaks down the offensive depth for the moment.
- Boston Globe writer Greg A. Bedard examines the Logan Mankins situation and how it took two sides to deteriorate to this point.
- Comcast SportsNet New England columnist Tom E. Curran revisits Drew Bledsoe's mammoth contract one year before his departure in light of Bedard's story.
- Wide receiver Braylon Edwards is trying to get his DUI charge thrown out of court, the Associated Press reports.
- What's the big deal with Bart Scott moonlighting as a pro wrestler? ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini checks into it.
AFC East wire: Byars says players will cave
February, 22, 2011
2/22/11
3:27
PM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
Miami Dolphins
- On the NFL's labor dispute, former Dolphins, Patriots and Jets running back Keith Byars tells Palm Beach Post reporter Brian Biggane: "The players will cave before the owners will."
- Dolphins teammates turned local broadcasters Joe Rose and Kim Bokamper exchange their thoughts on Chad Henne's future and the quarterback situation as a whole.
- NFL.com senior columnist Vic Carucci explains why the Bills would be keen on Auburn quarterback Cam Newton with the third overall draft pick.
- The Associated Press reports offensive lineman Ed Wang traveled to his parents' homeland in China to teach football.
- Given news the Jets will furlough employees if a new collective bargaining agreement isn't reached by March 3, Boston Herald reporter Ian R. Rapoport considers whether the Patriots would do something similar.
- ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss compares the Patriots' recent draft classes to the Ravens' -- and finds the Patriots come up a smidge short.
- Newark Star-Ledger reporter Jenny Vrentas writes about the Jets' decision to raise ticket prices for 2011.
- Eli Kaberon of Pro Football Weekly reports the Jets will let cornerback Antonio Cromartie test free agency, but hope he decides to return.
Buffalo Bills
- Head coach Chan Gailey breaks down all four quarterbacks still alive in the postseason with SI.com scribe Don Banks. The Bills and Dolphins were the only three NFL teams to play all four in the regular season (the Patriots didn't face Aaron Rodgers).
- Andre Reed expects this will be the year he gets inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Buffalo News columnist Jerry Sullivan writes.
- Offensive lineman Ed Wang attended a White House luncheon hosted by Vice President Joe Biden in honor of Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit.
- Palm Beach Post reporter Brian Biggane takes a look at the Dolphins' power structure in their first offseason without Bill Parcells in charge of football operations.
- South Florida Sun-Sentinel columnist Mike Berardino catches up with Dan Reeves to discuss what talent new Dolphins offensive coordinator Brian Daboll might have to work with in 2011.
- Long snapper John Denny was added to the Pro Bowl roster as a coach's selection player.
- Boston Globe columnist Christopher L. Gasper writes the Patriots need to draft a big-time running back to take some of the workload away from a constantly battered Tom Brady.
- Boston Herald writer Ron Borges hands out his season-ending grades for the Patriots' report card.
- With all the trades the Patriots swung, ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss provides a friendly reminder of what draft picks they currently own.
Video: We didn't Wang Chung on Sunday
December, 27, 2010
12/27/10
10:55
AM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
ESPN's Kenny Mayne examines the relationship between New England Patriots safety Pat Chung and Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Ed Wang.
Seasons greetings from Orchard Park, N.Y.
December, 26, 2010
12/26/10
12:07
PM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Cold, gray and windy is the forecast for Sunday's matchup between the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills here at Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Temperature at kickoff will be about 23 degrees, but it will feel like 9 degrees, with winds gusting up to 23 mph. The chance of snow is 50 percent.
New England could clinch the AFC East title and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, while a victory over the Patriots would make Buffalo's season. The Bills have won four out of their past six games, including an overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Buffalo has lost 14 straight games to New England and 19 out of 20 in the series.
The inactives:
New England Patriots
Temperature at kickoff will be about 23 degrees, but it will feel like 9 degrees, with winds gusting up to 23 mph. The chance of snow is 50 percent.
New England could clinch the AFC East title and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs, while a victory over the Patriots would make Buffalo's season. The Bills have won four out of their past six games, including an overtime loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Buffalo has lost 14 straight games to New England and 19 out of 20 in the series.
The inactives:
New England Patriots
- Quarterback Levi Brown
- Running back Jehuu Caulcrick
- Tight end Mike Caussin
- Center Geoff Hangartner
- Guard Colin Brown
- Tackle Ed Wang
- Defensive end John McCargo
- Defensive tackle Kellen Heard
- Running back Thomas Clayton
- Receiver Taylor Price
- Tight end Aaron Hernandez
- Guard Dan Connolly
- Defensive end Mike Wright
- Defensive end Brandon Deaderick
- Defensive tackle Myron Pryor
- Outside linebacker Jermaine Cunningham
Buffalo's O-line needs some duct tape
December, 8, 2010
12/08/10
3:49
PM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The Buffalo Bills can only draw a deep breath and trudge forward.
Injuries continue to pile up like lake-effect snow, but they still need to field a team Sunday.
The biggest concern is their offensive line. A knee injury will sideline center Geoff Hangartner against the Cleveland Browns in Ralph Wilson Stadium and force the Bills to juggle positions and play more backups.
Kraig Urbik, Hangartner's replacement in Sunday's loss to the Minnesota Vikings, went on injured reserve with a knee injury. Left tackle Demetrius Bell missed Wednesday's practice with a knee injury.
"You're putting your head in the sand if you sit there and say 'It doesn't matter. They'll just pick up where everybody left off,'" Bills coach Chan Gailey said. "You have to think 'How much communication can go on? What can they handle? What can't they handle?' And you have to adjust from there.
"But you can't be so simple that you walk out there and you diminish what you can do with the other people on your team. So there's a balance that you try to reach between all of that."
Eric Wood, one of the nation's top collegiate centers in the 2009 draft before the Bills converted him to right guard, will handle the snaps. A couple of rookie tackles who've gotten reps at guard, Cordaro Howard and Ed Wang, will handle Wood's usual spot.
The interior changes likely will impact the run game more than pass protection. The Bills rank 17th in rushing yards per game. The Browns rank 20th in run defense, but 12th in yards per carry allowed.
The Browns rank 17th in sacks with 24. Outside linebacker Marcus Benard leads them with 6.5 sacks.
Injuries continue to pile up like lake-effect snow, but they still need to field a team Sunday.
The biggest concern is their offensive line. A knee injury will sideline center Geoff Hangartner against the Cleveland Browns in Ralph Wilson Stadium and force the Bills to juggle positions and play more backups.
Kraig Urbik, Hangartner's replacement in Sunday's loss to the Minnesota Vikings, went on injured reserve with a knee injury. Left tackle Demetrius Bell missed Wednesday's practice with a knee injury.
"You're putting your head in the sand if you sit there and say 'It doesn't matter. They'll just pick up where everybody left off,'" Bills coach Chan Gailey said. "You have to think 'How much communication can go on? What can they handle? What can't they handle?' And you have to adjust from there.
"But you can't be so simple that you walk out there and you diminish what you can do with the other people on your team. So there's a balance that you try to reach between all of that."
Eric Wood, one of the nation's top collegiate centers in the 2009 draft before the Bills converted him to right guard, will handle the snaps. A couple of rookie tackles who've gotten reps at guard, Cordaro Howard and Ed Wang, will handle Wood's usual spot.
The interior changes likely will impact the run game more than pass protection. The Bills rank 17th in rushing yards per game. The Browns rank 20th in run defense, but 12th in yards per carry allowed.
The Browns rank 17th in sacks with 24. Outside linebacker Marcus Benard leads them with 6.5 sacks.
Bills bench first-round pick Aaron Maybin
October, 24, 2010
10/24/10
12:09
PM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Aaron Maybin might already be nearing the end of the line.
Maybin The 11th overall pick of last year's draft has struggled to get on the field for one of the NFL's worst defenses. Maybin's playing time has dwindled over the past few weeks, and on Sunday he was deactivated against the Baltimore Ravens in M&T Bank Stadium.
The move not only is symbolic of his failure to develop as an NFL pass-rusher, but also must be extra difficult for Maybin to take. Maybin is from Ellicott City, Md., and considers Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis one of his mentors.
Here are the rest of Buffalo's scratches:
The move not only is symbolic of his failure to develop as an NFL pass-rusher, but also must be extra difficult for Maybin to take. Maybin is from Ellicott City, Md., and considers Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis one of his mentors.
Here are the rest of Buffalo's scratches:
- Quarterback Levi Brown
- Offensive lineman Ed Wang
- Offensive lineman Cornell Green
- Defensive end Alex Carrington
- Defensive end John McCargo
- Linebacker Keith Ellison
- Cornerback Terrence McGee
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Here are the scratches from Sunday afternoon's game between the Jacksonville Jaguars and Buffalo Bills in Ralph Wilson Stadium:
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Running back Rashad Jennings
- Guard Kevin Haslam
- Tight end Zach Potter
- Defensive end Aaron Morgan
- Defensive tackle C.J. Mosley
- Defensive tackle Landon Cohen
- Linebacker Justin Durant
- Safety Sean Considine
- Quarterback Levi Brown
- Tackle Mansfield Wrotto
- Tackle Ed Wang
- Defensive end John McCargo
- Linebacker Keith Ellison
- Linebacker Arthur Moats
- Cornerback Terrence McGee
- Safety Bryan Scott
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The New York Jets and Buffalo Bills will be missing some notable starters for Sunday's game in Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Each will be without their best defensive lineman, top cornerback and a quality linebacker.
Here are the inactives (the Jets' D-lineman I referred to is nose tackle Kris Jenkins, who's on injured reserve):
Buffalo Bills
Each will be without their best defensive lineman, top cornerback and a quality linebacker.
Here are the inactives (the Jets' D-lineman I referred to is nose tackle Kris Jenkins, who's on injured reserve):
Buffalo Bills
- Quarterback Levi Brown
- Tackle Jamon Meredith
- Tackle Ed Wang
- Defensive end Marcus Stroud
- Defensive end John McCargo
- Inside linebacker Andra Davis
- Cornerback Terrence McGee
- Safety Cary Harris
- Quarterback Kellen Clemens
- Receiver Patrick Turner
- Tight end Jeff Cumberland
- Tackle Wayne Hunter
- Defensive tackle Marcus Dixon
- Outside linebacker Calvin Pace
- Outside linebacker Jamaal Westerman
- Cornerback Darrelle Revis
Here are the inactives for Sunday's game between the Buffalo Bills and New England Patriots in Gillette Stadium:
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
- Quarterback Brian Brohm
- Tackle Jamon Meredith
- Tackle Ed Wang
- Defensive end Alex Carrington
- Defensive end John McCargo
- Linebacker Paul Posluszny
- Linebacker Antonio Coleman
- Cornerback Cary Harris
- Receiver Taylor Price
- Guard Nick Kaczur
- Guard Quinn Ojinnaka
- Tackle Steve Maneri
- Defensive end Kyle Love
- Defensive lineman Brandon Deaderick
- Linebacker Dane Fletcher
- Cornerback Terrence Wheatley
Here are the inactive lists for Sunday's game between the Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field:
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo Bills
- Quarterback Brian Brohm
- Guard Kraig Urbik
- Tackle Ed Wang
- Defensive end Alex Carrington
- Defensive end John McCargo
- Linebacker Antonio Coleman
- Linebacker Paul Posluszny
- Safety Cary Harris
- Fullback Korey Hall
- Tight end Andrew Quarless
- Guard Nick McDonald
- Tackle T.J. Lang
- Tackle Marshall Newhouse
- Defensive end Mike Neal
- Linebacker Desmond Bishop
- Cornerback Brandon Underwood
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Here are the inactives for Sunday's game between the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills in Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Most notable is Chad Pennington officially assuming the No. 2 role ahead of Tyler Thigpen and the stand-down order to outside linebacker Ikaika Alama-Francis, who might have started but woke up sick in the morning.
Miami Dolphins
Most notable is Chad Pennington officially assuming the No. 2 role ahead of Tyler Thigpen and the stand-down order to outside linebacker Ikaika Alama-Francis, who might have started but woke up sick in the morning.
Miami Dolphins
- Quarterback Tyler Thigpen
- Receiver Roberto Wallace
- Tackle Lydon Murtha
- Tackle Jeremy Parnell
- Outside linebacker Ikaika Alama-Francis
- Defensive end Clifton Geathers
- Defensive end Rob Rose
- Inside linebacker Channing Crowder
- Quarterback Brian Brohm
- Guard Kraig Urbik
- Tackle Ed Wang
- Defensive end Alex Carrington
- Defensive end John McCargo
- Inside linebacker Akin Ayodele
- Inside linebacker Antonio Coleman
- Outside linebacker Reggie Torbor
Were big AFC East offseason needs filled?
August, 31, 2010
8/31/10
9:58
AM ET
By Tim Graham | ESPN.com
On the day the New Orleans Saints held their Super Bowl parade, long before the free-agency period opened and the draft took place, Scouts Inc. analyst Gary Horton examined the top three needs of every NFL team heading into the offseason.
Now that we've gone through offseason workouts, minicamps, training camps and three preseason games, let's take a look at each AFC East need and determine whether it was addressed.
Buffalo Bills
1. Outside linebacker: At the time of Horton's analysis, he didn't know Aaron Schobel would retire. Schobel would have been Buffalo's best pass-rusher in its new 3-4 defense. The Bills signed free agent Reggie Torbor and are hoping a group that also includes Chris Kelsay, Chris Ellis and Aaron Maybin will suffice. Need addressed? No.
2. Left tackle: The Bills chose to stick with Demetrius Bell. The Bills still haven't drafted a tackle earlier than the fifth round since 2002. Of the two they did draft, fifth-rounder Ed Wang is hurt and seventh-rounder Kyle Calloway already has been released. The Bills did sign Oakland Raiders free agent Cornell Green to play right tackle. Need addressed? No.
3. Quarterback: The Bills did next to nothing at quarterback, drafting long-term project Levi Brown in the seventh round and letting Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm shoot it out. Edwards won a not-so-open competition. Need addressed? No.
Miami Dolphins
1. Wide receiver: Did the Dolphins address this need? Hmmm ... Let's see ... Oh, wait. That's right. They traded for Brandon Marshall, who has recorded triple-digit receptions in three straight seasons. Marshall was one of the most enormous transactions of the offseason. Need addressed? Yes.
2. Free safety: The Dolphins drafted Reshad Jones in the fifth round, but sophomore Chris Clemons has held down the position admirably. It won't be tough to outplay last year's starter, Gibril Wilson. Need addressed? Yes.
3. Nose tackle: The situation actually got worse and worse after Horton formed his analysis. Jason Ferguson was suspended eight games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. The Dolphins re-signed Ferguson, but then he retired. The Dolphins didn't draft a nose tackle, choosing to convert defensive end Randy Starks instead. Starks is undersized for a traditional 3-4 nose tackle, but Dolphins coach Tony Sparano has claimed Starks' speed has upgraded the position. Need addressed? Yes.
New England Patriots
1. Outside linebacker: Horton wrote "This defense must generate pass-rush pressure from its outside linebackers, but the Pats are devoid of playmakers and have virtually no depth at this position." They've gotten shallower with the release of Adalius Thomas, who started their playoff game. Tully Banta-Cain and Derrick Burgess are back and penciled in as the starters. The Patriots drafted pass-rusher Jermaine Cunningham 53rd overall, but he has been too hurt to get on the practice field. Need addressed? No.
2. Wide receiver: Wes Welker was looking at a potentially long rehab at the time Horton wrote his offseason preview. Randy Moss' age also was a concern. But Welker's recovery has been quick. Moss has looked phenomenal. Emerging youngsters Julian Edelman, Brandon Tate and third-round draft pick Taylor Price should be more than enough. Need addressed? Yes.
3. Defensive end: Little did Horton know how badly the Patriots would need help here. Left end Ty Warren is done for the year because of a hip injury. Right end Jarvis Green split for the Denver Broncos. The Patriots signed free agent Gerard Warren and have moved last year's super reserve, Mike Wright, into the starting lineup. Need addressed? No.
New York Jets
1. Defensive end: Horton's concern was with the age of incumbents Shaun Ellis and Marques Douglas. Ellis is back. Douglas was a free agent who departed for the Dolphins. The Jets didn't draft any defensive linemen and didn't sign any notable free agents there. They did move Vernon Gholston from outside linebacker to defensive end. Need addressed? No.
2. Safety: Compared to the Jets' banner acquisitions, Brodney Pool was a blip. The Cleveland Browns gave up on him because of recurring concussions, but the Jets' medical staff found his problem was related to migraine headaches. He's a multifaceted safety with a nose for the ball, interception four passes in 10 games last year. Need addressed? Yes.
3. Wide receiver: The Jets practically stole Santonio Holmes from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a fifth-round draft choice. Holmes was the MVP of Super Bowl XLIII and was coming off a 1,248-yard season. But character issues, underscored by a four-game suspension to start the season, made him a bargain. Need addressed? Yes.
Now that we've gone through offseason workouts, minicamps, training camps and three preseason games, let's take a look at each AFC East need and determine whether it was addressed.
Buffalo Bills
1. Outside linebacker: At the time of Horton's analysis, he didn't know Aaron Schobel would retire. Schobel would have been Buffalo's best pass-rusher in its new 3-4 defense. The Bills signed free agent Reggie Torbor and are hoping a group that also includes Chris Kelsay, Chris Ellis and Aaron Maybin will suffice. Need addressed? No.
2. Left tackle: The Bills chose to stick with Demetrius Bell. The Bills still haven't drafted a tackle earlier than the fifth round since 2002. Of the two they did draft, fifth-rounder Ed Wang is hurt and seventh-rounder Kyle Calloway already has been released. The Bills did sign Oakland Raiders free agent Cornell Green to play right tackle. Need addressed? No.
3. Quarterback: The Bills did next to nothing at quarterback, drafting long-term project Levi Brown in the seventh round and letting Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm shoot it out. Edwards won a not-so-open competition. Need addressed? No.
[+] Enlarge
Jonathan Brownfield/US PresswireThe acquisition of Brandon Marshall filled a huge void in the Dolphins' passing game.
1. Wide receiver: Did the Dolphins address this need? Hmmm ... Let's see ... Oh, wait. That's right. They traded for Brandon Marshall, who has recorded triple-digit receptions in three straight seasons. Marshall was one of the most enormous transactions of the offseason. Need addressed? Yes.
2. Free safety: The Dolphins drafted Reshad Jones in the fifth round, but sophomore Chris Clemons has held down the position admirably. It won't be tough to outplay last year's starter, Gibril Wilson. Need addressed? Yes.
3. Nose tackle: The situation actually got worse and worse after Horton formed his analysis. Jason Ferguson was suspended eight games for violating the NFL's policy on performance-enhancing drugs. The Dolphins re-signed Ferguson, but then he retired. The Dolphins didn't draft a nose tackle, choosing to convert defensive end Randy Starks instead. Starks is undersized for a traditional 3-4 nose tackle, but Dolphins coach Tony Sparano has claimed Starks' speed has upgraded the position. Need addressed? Yes.
New England Patriots
1. Outside linebacker: Horton wrote "This defense must generate pass-rush pressure from its outside linebackers, but the Pats are devoid of playmakers and have virtually no depth at this position." They've gotten shallower with the release of Adalius Thomas, who started their playoff game. Tully Banta-Cain and Derrick Burgess are back and penciled in as the starters. The Patriots drafted pass-rusher Jermaine Cunningham 53rd overall, but he has been too hurt to get on the practice field. Need addressed? No.
2. Wide receiver: Wes Welker was looking at a potentially long rehab at the time Horton wrote his offseason preview. Randy Moss' age also was a concern. But Welker's recovery has been quick. Moss has looked phenomenal. Emerging youngsters Julian Edelman, Brandon Tate and third-round draft pick Taylor Price should be more than enough. Need addressed? Yes.
3. Defensive end: Little did Horton know how badly the Patriots would need help here. Left end Ty Warren is done for the year because of a hip injury. Right end Jarvis Green split for the Denver Broncos. The Patriots signed free agent Gerard Warren and have moved last year's super reserve, Mike Wright, into the starting lineup. Need addressed? No.
New York Jets
1. Defensive end: Horton's concern was with the age of incumbents Shaun Ellis and Marques Douglas. Ellis is back. Douglas was a free agent who departed for the Dolphins. The Jets didn't draft any defensive linemen and didn't sign any notable free agents there. They did move Vernon Gholston from outside linebacker to defensive end. Need addressed? No.
2. Safety: Compared to the Jets' banner acquisitions, Brodney Pool was a blip. The Cleveland Browns gave up on him because of recurring concussions, but the Jets' medical staff found his problem was related to migraine headaches. He's a multifaceted safety with a nose for the ball, interception four passes in 10 games last year. Need addressed? Yes.
3. Wide receiver: The Jets practically stole Santonio Holmes from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a fifth-round draft choice. Holmes was the MVP of Super Bowl XLIII and was coming off a 1,248-yard season. But character issues, underscored by a four-game suspension to start the season, made him a bargain. Need addressed? Yes.
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.
