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INDIANAPOLIS -- The big injury news during Super Bowl week is the left ankle of New England Patriots Pro Bowl tight end Rob Gronkowski.

The extent of the injury hasn't been revealed by the Patriots, who would only say Gronkowski is day-to-day. But Gronkowski's father, Gordy Gronkowski, said his son has a high ankle sprain, which is one of the worst forms to the ankle joint.

Assuming Rob Gronkowski's dad is accurate, the AFC East blog caught up with ESPN injury expert Stephania Bell to examine the issues of the injury. Bell provided insight into the challenges Rob Gronkowski potentially faces.

Stephania, besides the location, what are some differences with a regular ankle sprain and a high ankle sprain?

Stephania Bell: Standard ankle sprains tend to be what we call lateral ankle sprains. Many people refer to them as basketball sprains, because it's what you see a lot in basketball when a guy goes up for a shot and maybe lands on another player's foot. His ankle rolls and turns in, which sprains and injures the ligaments on the front and lateral side of the ankle. In a high ankle sprain, the injury is usually a little bit different. The foot is typically pointed outward and is a rotational injury most of the time. If you go back and look at the view of when Gronkowski sprained his ankle, you can actually see some of that when he got caught from behind. It kind of forced his foot to twist so his toes were pointing outward. So that rotational component injures the ligament that basically attaches to the top of the ankle, which is called the "high ankle." It attaches the two lower leg bones where the roof of the ankle is formed.

Players often complain that the injury is very painful. Where does the pain come from?

SB: What makes it difficult functionally is every time you step on your foot, it creates a force that wants to spread those two lower leg bones apart. Every time you take a normal step and your shin bone, if you will, advances over your ankle, which is what normally happens when you step forward, those ligaments are under stress. They are attached there to help prevent those two bones from spreading. When there's injury there, because of the stress on those ligaments, that's why it's so painful. That's why when you saw Ben Roethlisberger's high ankle sprain, he couldn't step into his throws. Why couldn't he step into them? He couldn't put that full weight over the ankle because he couldn't advance the leg bone over the ankle joint without recreating that severe pain. And [Steelers center] Maurkice Pouncey, the reason he couldn't play in the Super Bowl with it is because of the stance he has to get in. That really stresses full weight bearing over that ankle joint.

You mentioned Roethlisberger and Pouncey, who play quarterback and center, respectively. Does Rob Gronkowski have any advantage or disadvantage over those two playing tight end?

SB: I think it's tough for him. Every time he takes a step it's hard to have your normal mechanics. Part of what Gronkowski does is he moves down the field. So everything mobility wise will be compromised. It's going to be harder for him to run. I'm not saying he won't be able to. One thing that's important to emphasize is we don't know the degree of his injury. So it's hard to know what kind of problem it will be. But the bonus the Patriots have is two weeks. Last week I wasn't surprised at all that he didn't practice. The idea is to keep him non-weight bearing, keep him in a boot, protect that area and accomplish as much healing in that area as you can. Really the key is to ensure he has as much maneuverability as possible by the time he gets to the game.

With the NFL draft one day away, Scouts Inc. analysts Kevin Weidl and Steve Muench tap into the latest buzz.

They discuss the possibility quarterbacks come off the board with the first two picks. That would leave the Buffalo Bills with virtually no choice but to draft a defender at No. 3, but they'd get the best one in the entire draft class.

Also discussed is Florida center Mike Pouncey to the Miami Dolphins at No. 15 or to the New England Patriots at No. 17.

"First Take" host Dana Jacobson talks with the Pouncey twins about playing on the offensive line together in the NFL. Florida center Mike Pouncey has frequently been projected to the Miami Dolphins with the 15th pick, and some think he could land with the New England Patriots.

Maurkice Pouncey was a rookie Pro Bowl center for the Pittsburgh Steelers last season.

With the 26th pick in the 2011 AFC East reader mock draft, the Baltimore Ravens select ... Brandon Harris, cornerback, Miami.

Readers felt the Ravens' biggest need was at cornerback. With Jimmy Smith taken off the draft board one pick earlier, Harris was the next one in line.

Ohio State defensive end Cameron Heyward also received a healthy number of votes but fell a few short in our mission to draw up the most accurate first-round mock we can.

Here's where we stand with six picks to go ...

1. Carolina Panthers: Auburn quarterback Cam Newton
2. Denver Broncos: Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus
3. Buffalo Bills: Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert
5. Arizona Cardinals: Louisiana State cornerback Patrick Peterson
6. Cleveland Browns: Georgia receiver A.J. Green
7. San Francisco 49ers: Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara
8. Tennessee Titans: Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley
9. Dallas Cowboys: USC tackle Tyron Smith
10. Washington Redskins: Alabama receiver Julio Jones
11. Houston Texans: North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn
12. Minnesota Vikings: Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers
13. Detroit Lions: Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo
14. St. Louis Rams: Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget
15. Miami Dolphins: Alabama running back Mark Ingram
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith
17. New England Patriots: Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt
18. San Diego Chargers: California defensive end Cameron Jordan
19. New York Giants: Florida center Mike Pouncey
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carimi
22. Indianapolis Colts: Colorado tackle Nate Solder
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Mississippi State tackle Derek Sherrod
24. New Orleans Saints: Temple defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson
25. Seattle Seahawks: Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith
26. Baltimore Ravens: Miami cornerback Brandon Harris

The Atlanta Falcons hold the 27th selection and are up.

Please drop your nomination in the comments section below this article. Facebook friends can cast their ballots on my page under the link.

As a reminder, you can visit ESPN.com's draft page if you'd like to research team needs and top prospects with analysis from Mel Kiper, Todd McShay and Scouts Inc.

With the 25th pick in the 2011 AFC East reader mock draft, the Seattle Seahawks select ... Jimmy Smith, cornerback, Colorado.

Smith has been nominated for many previous picks but never generated enough votes to get the nod. He barely earned this spot ahead of Washington quarterback Jake Locker.

Of the five players readers nominated, three were quarterbacks. Ryan Mallett of Arkansas and Christian Ponder of Florida State also were mentioned.

Seven slots remain to be filled in our mock project. Two of them belong to the AFC East's playoff teams from last year, the New England Patriots at No. 28 and the New York Jets at No. 30.

As a reminder of what we're doing, readers are voting each weekday to choose which prospects will represent the AFC East blog in a mock draft. After the real draft next week, we'll compare our mock to those from ESPN draft experts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay to see how we fared.

Here's what out first round looks like so far ...

1. Carolina Panthers: Auburn quarterback Cam Newton
2. Denver Broncos: Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus
3. Buffalo Bills: Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert
5. Arizona Cardinals: Louisiana State cornerback Patrick Peterson
6. Cleveland Browns: Georgia receiver A.J. Green
7. San Francisco 49ers: Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara
8. Tennessee Titans: Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley
9. Dallas Cowboys: USC tackle Tyron Smith
10. Washington Redskins: Alabama receiver Julio Jones
11. Houston Texans: North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn
12. Minnesota Vikings: Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers
13. Detroit Lions: Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo
14. St. Louis Rams: Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget
15. Miami Dolphins: Alabama running back Mark Ingram
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith
17. New England Patriots: Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt
18. San Diego Chargers: California defensive end Cameron Jordan
19. New York Giants: Florida center Mike Pouncey
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carimi
22. Indianapolis Colts: Colorado tackle Nate Solder
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Mississippi State tackle Derek Sherrod
24. New Orleans Saints: Temple defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson
25. Seattle Seahawks: Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith

The Baltimore Ravens are on the clock with the 26th choice.

Please drop your recommendation in the comments section below this article. Those who get their links to the AFC East blog via my Facebook page can submit a nomination under the link there.

With the 24th pick in the 2011 AFC East reader mock draft, the New Orleans Saints select ... Muhammad Wilkerson, defensive end, Temple.

Readers fired a shotgun at the remaining names on the draft board. Ten players -- all on defense -- were nominated for the Saints' selection. The first non-BCS player in our mock came out on top.

Wilkerson still won comfortably because most nominees received just one or two votes. Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn came in second.

I want to thank everybody for keeping the momentum on our mock endeavor. We're about to hit the homestretch, with the last two AFC East picks coming up next week -- the New England Patriots and New York Jets.

What we have ...

1. Carolina Panthers: Auburn quarterback Cam Newton
2. Denver Broncos: Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus
3. Buffalo Bills: Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert
5. Arizona Cardinals: Louisiana State cornerback Patrick Peterson
6. Cleveland Browns: Georgia receiver A.J. Green
7. San Francisco 49ers: Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara
8. Tennessee Titans: Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley
9. Dallas Cowboys: USC tackle Tyron Smith
10. Washington Redskins: Alabama receiver Julio Jones
11. Houston Texans: North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn
12. Minnesota Vikings: Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers
13. Detroit Lions: Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo
14. St. Louis Rams: Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget
15. Miami Dolphins: Alabama running back Mark Ingram
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith
17. New England Patriots: Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt
18. San Diego Chargers: California defensive end Cameron Jordan
19. New York Giants: Florida center Mike Pouncey
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carimi
22. Indianapolis Colts: Colorado tackle Nate Solder
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Mississippi State tackle Derek Sherrod
24. New Orleans Saints: Temple defensive end Muhammad Wilkerson

The Seattle Seahawks are next up with the 25th selection.

I'll count up the votes left in the comments section below this article and any left on my Facebook page and reveal it Monday.

With the 23rd pick in the 2011 AFC East reader mock draft, the Philadelphia Eagles select ... Derek Sherrod, tackle, Mississippi State.

Sherrod emerged as the choice ahead of Colorado cornerback Jimmy Smith in a razor-thin vote.

ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay agrees with the choice. McShay also projects Philadelphia to grab Sherrod in this slot. But colleague Mel Kiper suggests that's a reach. Kiper sees Sherrod going to the Packers with the first round's final pick.

Our lineup card to date reads ...

1. Carolina Panthers: Auburn quarterback Cam Newton
2. Denver Broncos: Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus
3. Buffalo Bills: Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert
5. Arizona Cardinals: Louisiana State cornerback Patrick Peterson
6. Cleveland Browns: Georgia receiver A.J. Green
7. San Francisco 49ers: Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara
8. Tennessee Titans: Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley
9. Dallas Cowboys: USC tackle Tyron Smith
10. Washington Redskins: Alabama receiver Julio Jones
11. Houston Texans: North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn
12. Minnesota Vikings: Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers
13. Detroit Lions: Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo
14. St. Louis Rams: Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget
15. Miami Dolphins: Alabama running back Mark Ingram
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith
17. New England Patriots: Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt
18. San Diego Chargers: California defensive end Cameron Jordan
19. New York Giants: Florida center Mike Pouncey
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carimi
22. Indianapolis Colts: Colorado tackle Nate Solder
23. Philadelphia Eagles: Mississippi State tackle Derek Sherrod

The New Orleans Saints are next up in the order with the 24th selection.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Please submit your vote in the comments section of this article or underneath the link on my Facebook page.

With the 22nd pick in the 2011 AFC East reader mock draft, the Indianapolis Colts select ... Nate Solder, tackle, Colorado.

In one of the emptiest ballot boxes we've had so far in our 32-part series, Solder edged out Mississippi State tackle Derek Sherrod. At least voters were adamant the Colts needed a tackle to help protect Peyton Manning.

Interestingly, the player who finished third was Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett.

Here's our imaginary round so far ...

1. Carolina Panthers: Auburn quarterback Cam Newton
2. Denver Broncos: Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus
3. Buffalo Bills: Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert
5. Arizona Cardinals: Louisiana State cornerback Patrick Peterson
6. Cleveland Browns: Georgia receiver A.J. Green
7. San Francisco 49ers: Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara
8. Tennessee Titans: Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley
9. Dallas Cowboys: USC tackle Tyron Smith
10. Washington Redskins: Alabama receiver Julio Jones
11. Houston Texans: North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn
12. Minnesota Vikings: Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers
13. Detroit Lions: Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo
14. St. Louis Rams: Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget
15. Miami Dolphins: Alabama running back Mark Ingram
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith
17. New England Patriots: Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt
18. San Diego Chargers: California defensive end Cameron Jordan
19. New York Giants: Florida center Mike Pouncey
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carimi
22. Indianapolis Colts: Colorado tackle Nate Solder

We're down to the final 10 picks. The Philadelphia Eagles are on the clock with the 23rd selection.

Predict who the Eagles will pick in the comments section beneath this article or beneath the link on my Facebook page.

With the 21st pick in the 2011 AFC East reader mock draft, the Kansas City Chiefs select ... Gabe Carimi, tackle, Wisconsin.

This pick provided a wonderful example about the value of providing a reason for your vote in addition to merely submitting one.

After three of the first five nominations were for Baylor nose tackle Phil Taylor, frequent commenter frankb1031 wrote of the Chiefs:

"they took DT Glenn Dorsey(4 sacks in 3 years) #5 in 2008 and DE Tyson Jackson(1 sack in 2 years) #3 in 2009, they also took a safety in 2010 ... so i think they will take an offensive player in the draft ... Dorsey and Jackson didnt really pan out as top 5 worthy and i think they could use a NT like Phil Taylor or a DE/OLB like Justin Houston or Brooks Reed but i just cant see them having 3 first round picks all on the DLINE ... if they stay at 21 in think they will pick OT GABE CARIMI and he starts right away at RT"

Carimi went on to accumulate the most votes, and frankb1031's explanation probably played a role.

Much thanks to him and all the other regulars who have kept this project running for the past few weeks.

Our mock draft board to date ...

1. Carolina Panthers: Auburn quarterback Cam Newton
2. Denver Broncos: Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus
3. Buffalo Bills: Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert
5. Arizona Cardinals: Louisiana State cornerback Patrick Peterson
6. Cleveland Browns: Georgia receiver A.J. Green
7. San Francisco 49ers: Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara
8. Tennessee Titans: Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley
9. Dallas Cowboys: USC tackle Tyron Smith
10. Washington Redskins: Alabama receiver Julio Jones
11. Houston Texans: North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn
12. Minnesota Vikings: Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers
13. Detroit Lions: Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo
14. St. Louis Rams: Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget
15. Miami Dolphins: Alabama running back Mark Ingram
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith
17. New England Patriots: Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt
18. San Diego Chargers: California defensive end Cameron Jordan
19. New York Giants: Florida center Mike Pouncey
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan
21. Kansas City Chiefs: Wisconsin tackle Gabe Carimi

The Indianapolis Colts own the 22nd pick and are on the proverbial clock.

Please drop your vote in the comments section below this article or venture over to my Facebook page and leave it beneath the link.

With the 20th pick in the 2011 AFC East reader mock draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select ... Ryan Kerrigan, defensive end, Purdue.

Kerrigan has been a popular nominee for the past several picks but couldn't get enough votes until now.

ESPN draft cleric Mel Kiper agrees with you. He also has Kerrigan landing with the Bucs in this spot.

We're entering the final third of the order, with two more AFC East picks to come. Let's keep up the momentum.

Your first round so far ...

1. Carolina Panthers: Auburn quarterback Cam Newton
2. Denver Broncos: Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus
3. Buffalo Bills: Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert
5. Arizona Cardinals: Louisiana State cornerback Patrick Peterson
6. Cleveland Browns: Georgia receiver A.J. Green
7. San Francisco 49ers: Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara
8. Tennessee Titans: Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley
9. Dallas Cowboys: USC tackle Tyron Smith
10. Washington Redskins: Alabama receiver Julio Jones
11. Houston Texans: North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn
12. Minnesota Vikings: Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers
13. Detroit Lions: Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo
14. St. Louis Rams: Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget
15. Miami Dolphins: Alabama running back Mark Ingram
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith
17. New England Patriots: Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt
18. San Diego Chargers: California defensive end Cameron Jordan
19. New York Giants: Florida center Mike Pouncey
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Purdue defensive end Ryan Kerrigan

The Kansas City Chiefs are on the clock with the 21st choice.

Discuss your nominees in the comments section below this article or visit my Facebook page to submit a vote underneath the link.

With the 19th pick in the 2011 AFC East reader mock draft, the New York Giants select ... Mike Pouncey, center, Florida.

Pouncey is one of the more intriguing prospects in this year's draft class. His stock has been buoyed by his brother, Maurkice Pouncey, who was selected for the Pro Bowl last season as a rookie.

Mike Pouncey has generated even more buzz lately. Miami Dolphins fans are interested in him to solidify their interior line because he also can play guard, but Pouncey tweeted Wednesday he expects to be drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, who own the ninth pick.

ESPN draft generalissimo Mel Kiper also has Pouncey going to the Giants here. Mock draft frenemy Todd McShay has Pouncey headed to the Dolphins.

Off our board so far ...

1. Carolina Panthers: Auburn quarterback Cam Newton
2. Denver Broncos: Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus
3. Buffalo Bills: Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert
5. Arizona Cardinals: Louisiana State cornerback Patrick Peterson
6. Cleveland Browns: Georgia receiver A.J. Green
7. San Francisco 49ers: Nebraska cornerback Prince Amukamara
8. Tennessee Titans: Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley
9. Dallas Cowboys: USC tackle Tyron Smith
10. Washington Redskins: Alabama receiver Julio Jones
11. Houston Texans: North Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn
12. Minnesota Vikings: Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers
13. Detroit Lions: Boston College tackle Anthony Castonzo
14. St. Louis Rams: Illinois defensive tackle Corey Liuget
15. Miami Dolphins: Alabama running back Mark Ingram
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Missouri defensive end Aldon Smith
17. New England Patriots: Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt
18. San Diego Chargers: California defensive end Cameron Jordan
19. New York Giants: Florida center Mike Pouncey

Next up are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at No. 20. Vote for their selection by casting your vote in the comments section under this article or by swinging over to my Facebook page to drop a name beneath the story link.

This project runs on weekdays only, so we'll reveal the tally on Monday morning.

Nobody can say for sure when the 2011 NFL season will begin or what the free-agency period will resemble.

But we do know there will be a draft in April.

Rather than depress everybody with labor musings, let's focus on the only player personnel activities we can count on.

To set the stage for draft season and the NFL scouting combine in two weeks, I canvassed four evaluators I respect to compile a list of positional needs for the AFC East.

I asked National Football Post scouting guru Wes Bunting, Scouts Inc. draft analyst Steve Muench, Pro Football Weekly senior editor Nolan Nawrocki, and CBSSports.com senior analyst Rob Rang to share their rundown of shortcomings for each club.

I merged their insights to come up with a consensus. From there, I targeted some candidates who fit the profile of need combined with draft position.

The new collective bargaining agreement can impact these projections significantly. If a CBA can be hammered out before the draft, then perhaps teams will be able to address some needs via free agency. Otherwise, front offices will have more roster uncertainties than usual when they're on the clock in Radio City Music Hall.

Buffalo Bills

Pick: Third.

Consensus needs: Offensive line, quarterback, defensive tackle, outside linebacker.

Analysis: An asterisk should be affixed to any Bills forecast. Few experts would have rated running back as a target area last year, but they selected C.J. Spiller ninth overall out of Clemson. So who knows what they're thinking?

All four analysts rated offensive line either first or second among the Bills' most needful areas. Nawrocki and Muench were specific about tackles -- a position the Bills haven't drafted earlier than the fifth round since 2002. Nawrocki called tackle the No. 1 priority.

Muench and Bunting rated quarterback as the most important position.

The good news for the Bills is that they likely will be able to take the first quarterback or tackle off the board if they choose.

But none of the analysts projected the Bills to take an offensive lineman third overall. The best prospects simply aren't considered worth that high of a slot.

"Ryan Fitzpatrick is an excellent backup and stopgap, but he's an adequate at best starter," Muench said. "If the Bills can get Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert at No. 3, then I think they pull the trigger."

Rang labeled defensive line Buffalo's biggest concern, noting opponents averaged a gaudy 169.6 rushing yards last season, and this year's draft class is deep along the defensive front.

Who could be there: Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus and Clemson defensive end Da'Quan Bowers are top candidates. Gabbert should be on the board when the Bills pick. Auburn quarterback Cam Newton almost certainly will be available. The two teams drafting ahead of the Bills, the Carolina Panthers and Denver Broncos, aren't expected to take a quarterback.

Miami Dolphins

Pick: 15th.

Consensus needs: Running back, interior offensive line, quarterback.

Analysis: Of the four AFC East teams, the Dolphins presented the most straightforward consensus among the panel. Three of four rated running back as the chief concern. Three of four listed guard second.

Two experts listed quarterback, with Bunting deeming it the greatest deficiency. Even so, Bunting added Alabama running back Mark Ingram is an attractive possibility in the first round.

Free agency mysteries could put the Dolphins in a backfield bind. Contracts for Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are about to expire.

"Running back is an obvious concern," Rang said. "Lex Hilliard could surprise if given a real opportunity, but many believe the Dolphins will be tempted by Ingram in the first round."

Muench found quarterback to be an interesting position for Miami in the draft.

"The argument could be made that quarterback is the Dolphins' top need," Muench said, "but not from a draft perspective. Miami won't find a better quarterback than Chad Henne at pick 15, and trading up will prove difficult.

"If the Dolphins have decided to move on from Henne, then signing a free agent or trading for a quarterback makes the most sense. Regardless, they should take a chance on a developmental prospect in the middle rounds."

Who could be there: The Bills' slot is the only one in the AFC East that comes with some clarity. The middle of the first round is dicey to predict. Will Ingram still be on the board? The Dolphins also could be tempted to grab Newton if he's still waiting by his phone or Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett, although multiple reports suggest Mallett's stock is plummeting. As for interior linemen, the 15th slot seems way too soon for anybody in this year's class. The top candidate is Florida guard Mike Pouncey, younger brother of Pittsburgh Steelers rookie Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey.

New England Patriots

Pick: 17th and 28th.

Consensus needs: Outside linebacker, offensive line, running back, defensive end.

Analysis: The Patriots have a pair of first-round choices to address their needs. They also have two picks each in the second and third rounds. With so much inventory to wheel and deal, it's hard to speculate what Bill Belichick will do or where he will end up picking within the first couple rounds.

None of the four analysts prioritized the same top position for New England, but all of them ranked outside linebacker among their top three needs.

Nawrocki was specific in stating the Patriots need a five-technique defensive end, although veteran Ty Warren is returning from a hip injury that sidelined him for 2010.

Bunting's emphasis was on a do-it-all running back. BenJarvus Green-Ellis had a nice campaign as the AFC East's lone 1,000-yard rusher, but he's not a threat in the passing game. Danny Woodhead is a top-notch complementary player, but he doesn't have the size to be a workhorse.

Three of the four analysts viewed New England's offensive line as an issue dependent upon the ability to re-sign Pro Bowl guard Logan Mankins and ambiguity over the futures of veteran left tackle Matt Light and right guard Stephen Neal.

"Light has been a solid bookend for the past 10 years, but he turns 33 this offseason, and explosive edge rushers gave him problems last year," Muench said. "It's also worth pointing out that New England wants its young tight ends making plays downfield and not helping in pass protection."

Who could be there: Pass-rushers always are a hot commodity, and this year is no different. Defensive ends and outside linebackers can be difficult to sort because teams will project them into different roles. UCLA outside linebacker Akeem Ayers and Missouri outside linebacker Aldon Smith are strong possibilities. It's foreseeable New England will be considering the fifth or sixth best defensive end on its board at No. 17 -- if you believe the Patriots will keep that pick, of course. Purdue's Ryan Kerrigan and Wisconsin's J.J. Watt project in that range. Illinois running back Mikel Leshoure is considered second in this year's class behind Ingram.

New York Jets

Pick: 30th.

Consensus needs: Outside linebacker, wide receiver, defensive line, safety.

Analysis: Analysts were fragmented on the Jets, and a major reason for that is their volume of free agents and the degree of difficulty general manager Mike Tannenbaum will have in re-signing the most important ones.

"Collectively, their roster is one of the strongest in the league, but they do have some questions to answer," Nawrocki said.

For instance, receiver either could be a huge offseason weakness or a major strength. Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith are free agents, but Tannenbaum stated he intends to re-sign them all. The likelihood of that happening is dubious, as illustrated by three of the four panelists rating wide receiver either second or third for the Jets.

Nawrocki and Rang each listed outside linebacker first.

"The Jets must account for the failure of Vernon Gholston, who likely will be released soon, and get younger at outside linebacker," Nawrocki said.

Gholston was the sixth overall selection in the 2008 draft and has failed to record an NFL sack. Jason Taylor had five sacks last season, but he'll turn 37 at the start of next season and might not be back.

"The Jets need a pass-rusher to take the next step," Rang said. "If there is a 3-4 outside linebacker prospect they like on the board at No. 30, he's the favorite."

Muench rated free safety as the Jets' biggest need. Not only could the Jets stand to upgrade that position, but also Brodney Pool and Eric Smith are free agents.

"As good as this defense is," Muench said, "imagine if Rex Ryan had a safety that can match up with receivers and play a center-field role like he had with Ed Reed in Baltimore."

Who could be there: Draft boards are highly unreliable by the end of the first round. Prospects you thought would go in the top 15 drop into the 20s. A player expected to be available early in the second round is long gone. Nawrocki's mock draft has Ayers slipping to the Jets. Bunting and Rang each have Baylor defensive tackle Phil Taylor slotted 30th.

PITTSBURGH -- The New York Jets' season concluded Sunday night at Heinz Field with a 24-19 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship Game.

What it means: For the second straight season, the Jets reached the precipice and failed to advance to the Super Bowl. The Steelers amassed a 24-0 lead, and the Jets chipped away, but couldn't make up their deficit. The Steelers are going for the third time in six years.

Hero: Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall was a brahma bull. He ran 27 times for 121 yards and a touchdown. He rushed for more yards against New York than any other back since Rex Ryan took over the Jets in 2009. Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte rushed for 113 yards on Dec. 13.

Goats: The Jets' run offense and run defense didn't show up until it was too late. They were flat and flat-footed. The Jets had 1 yard rushing on five carries in the first half, while their defense missed countless tackles.

Admirable effort: Nobody can hang the loss on Mark Sanchez. He did just about all he could without a run game to help them avoid third-and-long situations. Sanchez played better than Ben Roethlisberger. Sanchez completed 20 of his 33 passes for 233 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. Roethlisberger was 10-of-19 for 133 yards and no touchdowns with two interceptions.

Pivotal play: The last points the Steelers put on the board came on cornerback Ike Taylor's blindside strip sack of Sanchez near the end of the first half. Cornerback William Gay scooped it up and ran 19 yards into the end zone. The play proved to be the difference.

Bridesmaid revisited: Jets running back LaDainian Tomlinson (10 seasons), fullback Tony Richardson (16 seasons) and pass-rusher Jason Taylor (14 seasons) each failed once again to reach his first Super Bowl.

Injury of note: Even more impressive about Mendenhall's evening was that all but the first series was without Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey, who went down with a left ankle injury and didn't return.

What's next: The Jets have an interesting offseason ahead. They have several free agents to address, including receivers Santonio Holmes, Braylon Edwards and Brad Smith, defensive end Shaun Ellis, linebacker David Harris and cornerback Antonio Cromartie.

PITTSBURGH -- Halftime thoughts from Heinz Field, where the New York Jets are getting whipped by the Pittsburgh Steelers 24-3 in the AFC Championship Game:

• The story so far has been the run games. The Steelers have been dominant. Rashard Mendenhall is stomping all over the Jets' defense. He has 17 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown already. Poor tackling has doomed the Jets.
• The Jets, meanwhile, have rushed for 1 yard as a team. They had minus-2 yards with 6:51 left in the half.
• From ESPN Stats & Information: The only team to win the AFC or NFC Championship after trailing by 14 or more points at halftime was the 2006 Indianapolis Colts. They trailed the New England Patriots 21-6 at the intermission.
• The Steelers scored their final points of the half on an Ike Taylor strip sack that William Gay collected and ran in for a 19-yard touchdown with about a minute left. Mark Sanchez was hurt on the play but returned to the game and looked good in the hurry-up offense. The Jets managed a field goal, but their signs of life probably came too late.
• Sanchez's stat line so far: 7 of 15 for 63 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions.
• Ben Roethlisberger: 7 of 14 for 96 yards and no touchdowns with one interception. He ran 2 yards for a touchdown.
• The Steelers kept the opening possession for 15 plays and more than nine minutes. Their time of possession in the first quarter was 10:49. The Jets had one series. They haven't scored a touchdown in 14 straight first quarters.
• The Jets repeatedly wound up in 3rd-and-long situations. They converted a 3rd-and-10 on their first series, but were done in by third downs with 14, 12, 7 and 17 yards to go.
• The Jets caught their first big break with 12:32 left in the half. The Steelers had a fourth-and-1 situation at the Jets' 32 and tried to pass. Roethlisberger dumped a pass to Mendenhall, but the ball caromed to Bryan Thomas for an interception.
• The Steelers lost Pro Bowl center Maurkice Pouncey to a left ankle injury at the end of the opening drive. Pouncey is the best lineman on an otherwise pedestrian offensive line, but they continued to run well without him. He was replaced by Doug Legursky.

They're not stopping with Jason Taylor.

The transaction processing plant known as the New York Jets' front office remains open for business with the NFL draft starting Thursday night.

Rich Cimini, for ESPNNewYork.com, writes the Jets are shopping perennial Pro Bowl guard Alan Faneca and quarterback Kellen Clemens for draft picks.

Cimini reports the Jets have been trying to move Faneca "for several weeks" and might cut him if they can't find any takers.

Faneca is a key member of an offensive line that ranks among the top two or three in the NFL. He was selected to his ninth consecutive Pro Bowl last season, but he has been slipping in recent years. He will turn 34 before the end of the season and has a $7.5 million base salary.

Football Outsiders managing editor Bill Barnwell recently produced a study of linemen who blow the most pass-blocking assignments. Faneca was the NFL's most frequently beaten left guard. He gave up seven sacks and three quarterback hurries.

Cimini wonders if the Jets want to move Faneca as part of a plan to draft blue-chip Idaho guard Mike Iupati, who some teams project as a tackle, or Florida center Maurkice Pouncey, who also can play guard.