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Leave it to Rex Ryan, Mike Tannenbaum and the New York Jets to roll the dice. After the first two days, it's obvious the Jets are going all or nothing in the 2012 NFL draft.

New York's first two picks -- enigmatic defensive end Quinton Coples and inconsistent wide receiver Stephen Hill -- make a statement. It says the Jets are targeting raw talent over consistency and production.

That's always a risky move, particularly coming off a year when the Jets underachieved and imploded down the stretch.

The Jets have locker room issues. They may have a contract issue with Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis. And there's a potential quarterback controversy hovering over the team.

The least New York could do was make safe draft picks. But that clearly wasn't the case.

The Jets are swinging for the fences with Coples and Hill. They may hit two home runs or they could strike out on both. The difference is the Jets are not the rival New England Patriots or crosstown New York Giants. The Jets cannot afford to whiff on top draft picks.

The Jets traded up four spots to take Hill. He was taken with the No. 43 overall pick, which is a solid value if he pans out.

Hill is a physical marvel with a rare combination of size and speed for the position. He averaged 29.3 yards per catch last season but had only 28 receptions. If Hill can put it all together, he could be a steal and a good deep threat in New York's "ground-and-pound" offense.

Coples is a top-10 talent whose stock fell dramatically because of questions about his motivation. There is speculation that he (at worst) quit on the Tar Heels last season and (at best) was on cruise control.

The production from Coples' junior year to senior year certainly shows something happened. Now, the Jets have to handle the fallout.

"I think that's a fair question," Ryan said of Coples' motor. "The guy did have seven sacks as an interior lineman, that’s pretty good numbers-wise. But I think expectations going into the season, he might’ve been behind Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III; he’s probably the highest-rated player going into the season based on the previous season, with the 10 sacks. You don’t see that from an interior lineman, a guy that's 6-6 and 285 pounds. So, I think maybe [he] did not meet those [expectations] as a player."

The rookie did not want to address his motivation issues in college with the media and just wants to look forward.

"I've been working hard, to be the best I can be and be the best Jet I can," Coples said. "What happened last year is what happened last year. I’m looking forward to being one of the best pass-rushers."

What matters most is what Coples and Hill do in the pros. The past can be an indication of things to come or a learning experience, depending on the person.

New York did make a seemingly safe pick in the third round with linebacker Demario Davis. But it's going to take good coaching and leadership in New York to get the best out of Coples and Hill. Ryan is a good defensive coach, so no worries there. Leadership with the Jets is a much bigger issue.

Last year proved that someone needs to step up and take hold of the team. Earlier this offseason, I wrote that top players in New York such as Revis, quarterback Mark Sanchez and Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold have to do a better job of keeping everyone in line.

Like their top draft picks this year, the Jets are a boom or bust team in 2012.

New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow was not given a warm welcome at Yankee Stadium this weekend. Tebow reportedly was booed in front of the baseball-dominated crowd, along with NBA star Dwyane Wade, Sunday during a game between the Yankees and Los Angeles Angeles.

Tebow is one of the most polarizing athletes in sports, but he's also one of the most popular. Just recently, Tebow drew about 15,000 people to a speaking engagement on Easter Sunday in Texas. A couple in Florida also paid $100,000 to spend a day with Tebow, further confirming his popularity.

So why did Tebow receive a not-so-warm welcome in the Bronx? Surely, there were New York Giants fans in the house Sunday night. After all, New York is a Giants town, not a Jets town.

But here's the one thing that's consistent about New York sports fans: You have to earn their respect. No athlete is given a free pass in the Big Apple, and Tebow won't be the exception. He will be cheered on the football field in New York once he helps the Jets win games.

New York is such a huge media market that it always needs royalty in place.

So who is the current sports king of New York? Can new Jets quarterback Tim Tebow fill that void?

The crown right now is on the head of New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning. He’s won two Super Bowls in the past five seasons and went through the ringer with New York fans and media. Manning persevered and came out on the other side a stronger person and better quarterback. He showed the toughness it takes to be a professional athlete in New York, and he’s earned Gotham’s respect. That crown will be hard to take.

But every sports king needs a sports prince. That is where Tebow-mania has the potential to take over.

Tebow already comes to the media capital of the world with an immense fan base. The Gang Green No. 15 jersey sales will go through the roof. Tebow just needs to do his part on the field, which he did in Denver last year by leading the Broncos to the playoffs. Based on his character and work ethic, we already know no one is going to work harder. Those are admirable traits that the New York metropolitan area will respect.

The competition for New York’s No. 2 athlete has some contenders. I consider Derek Jeter, 37, in his own category. He's run New York for so long that he's in the "King of New York" Hall of Fame. He's more of the governor or mayor at this point. Leave the rotating crowns to the younger guys. Let's look at five who are in the running for the prince role behind Manning:

• Jeremy Lin, PG, Knicks: For about a three-week period, there was nothing bigger in sports than Lin. His story of going undrafted out of Harvard to starring for the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden captured the imagination of the sports world. But the Knicks have since fizzled out and so has Lin’s momentum. He’s still averaging a solid 14.9 points and 6.3 assists per game. But the Knicks are a game below .500 and in danger of missing the playoffs.
• Carmelo Anthony, F, Knicks: He came to New York with a ton of fanfare, but there are already signs that Anthony is starting to wear out his welcome. The Knicks seemed to play better without him this year, which isn’t a good sign. Maybe that’s just a coincidence, but that hasn’t stopped New Yorkers from pointing that out as the Knicks currently stand with a losing record (23-24). Anthony is averaging 20.3 points per game and his star has fallen significantly in the King of New York race.

More Coverage of the Tebow Trade

• Broncos deal Tebow to Jets
• Walker: Sanchez is the key
• Bryant: Don't cry for Tim Tebow
• Williamson: Denver had to end it
• Horton: Deal makes sense for Jets
• O'Connor: Jets made the right call
• Cimini: Logic-defying move
• Vote: Sanchez's job in jeopardy?

• Henrik Lundqvist, G, Rangers: Now, here is a dark-horse competitor. He already has the nickname “King Henrik,” and the New York Rangers are in first place and one of the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. Winning matters more than numbers, but Lundqvist is putting up both. He has a 1.87 goals against average and a stellar 34-15 record as of Wednesday. If the Rangers win the cup, look out.
• Mark Sanchez, QB, Jets: Similar to Anthony, Sanchez had "King of New York" potential upon his arrival, but production and results have dipped of late. That basically kills his chances, especially now that Manning has that spot for the rival Giants. Sanchez helped lead the Jets to back-to-back AFC title games his first two years and was on his way to being New York royalty. But failing to get over that hump and crashing and burning last year has put him back in the pack. Having Tebow-mania waiting behind him also doesn’t help.
• Darrelle Revis, CB, Jets: Revis Island gained a good following, but it’s hard for a cornerback to get that kind of recognition -- especially a quiet cornerback like Revis. Knowing Revis, he probably doesn’t want this kind of spotlight and publicity. He leads by working hard and being the best cornerback on the field. The Jets need to win, though, and go far for everyone in New York to truly appreciate what Revis can do.

Unless Tebow can win two Super Bowls in New York -- which isn't likely, the crown isn't leaving Manning's head any time soon. But Tebow has such a huge fan base that there is potential to capture the imagination of New Yorkers and challenge for the No. 2 spot.

Hall of Fame running back Marshall Faulk is a former teammate and close friend of quarterback Peyton Manning. That is why you have to take Faulk's opinion seriously when he says Manning will not go to the NFC and the Miami Dolphins are potential favorites.

Faulk seemed adamant Wednesday that you can pretty much cross off 16 NFC teams, including the Arizona Cardinals and Washington Redskins, who are both considered strong contenders to sign Manning.

"If you're in the NFC, you're out. The Mannings (won't) play a regular-season game," said Faulk, also referring to quarterback Eli Manning of the New York Giants. "They're not gonna stop each other from going to the Super Bowl. Meeting in the Super Bowl? How great would that be for the family?"

Faulk continued by saying "There's no way, there's no way, there's no way" when NFC teams were mentioned. Faulk didn't seem as sure where Manning will land but mentioned Miami as a possibility.

"Matt Flynn just doesn't do it," Faulk said. "(He's) not Aaron Rodgers, let's be honest."

If Faulk is accurate about his good friend, Peyton Manning, this is an interesting development. Teams like the Dolphins and New York Jets would basically have their competition cut in half, especially with strong suitors like Arizona, Seattle and Washington out of the mix. We will see if Faulk's prediction holds true.

The AFC East blog continues its series this week on ranking team needs in the division.

On Wednesday, we take a look at the reigning AFC East champion New England Patriots, who finished 13-3 last season.

No. 1 need: Cornerback

Analysis: If you watched the Patriots all season, this shouldn't come as a surprise. New England's 31st-ranked pass defense was horrific last year. Even casual observers who only watched the Patriots in the Super Bowl saw New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning carve up New England and earn MVP honors. New England starting cornerback Devin McCourty took a big step back last season. Kyle Arrington had a lot of interceptions but also gave up plenty of big plays. McCourty is young and can still improve, but I don't think his ceiling is high enough to become a Darrelle Revis-type corner, who can shut down one side of the field. If New England feels it can get that caliber of corner free agency or the draft, the team should jump on it.

No. 2 need: Safety

Analysis: Many would argue safety is New England's biggest need, and it's certainly a valid debate. However, the reason I put cornerback over safety is because corner is more valuable in today's NFL. In my opinion, cornerback is the second-hardest position to play behind quarterback. You take the corner over the elite safety every time. But there's no avoiding New England's need at safety. Patrick Chung is a good, young player who needs someone next to him to take the pressure off on the back end. This is a great year for safeties in free agency. Therefore, New England could have this need filled before the draft.

No. 3 need: Pass-rusher

Analysis: This need could be helped if New England retains free-agent defensive end Mark Anderson, Andre Carter, or both. The Patriots' two best pass-rushers are set to hit the open market. Anderson most likely will generate more interest due to Carter’s season-ending quad injury. He had a great year with the Patriots and registered 10 sacks. But even if New England keeps Anderson, the team needs another threat on defense to get to the quarterback.

That is our list for the Patriots. Using our SportsNation poll, let us know if you agree or disagree on team needs for New England.

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.

The New York Jets reportedly have given starting linebacker Bart Scott permission to seek a trade. Scott’s agent told ESPNNewYork's Rich Cimini that the linebacker would go to the New York Giants "in a heartbeat."

Are the defending Super Bowl champions a good landing spot for Scott? Here are some thoughts:

• I think this would be a good fit for Scott. It's well-documented that the Giants lacked linebacker depth this past season. A hard-nosed player like Scott would bring more toughness, depth and attitude to the group. For Scott, he doesn't have to go far. The Giants and Jets play in the same stadium, and the Giants also train closer to the Meadowlands.
• But there is no reason for the Giants to help the Jets by giving up a late-round pick and taking on Scott’s $4.2 million salary. Scott, 31, experienced declining production in 2011. His 66 tackles were his lowest total in seven seasons. It's doubtful there will be much (or any) interest in Scott under his current contract. The Giants, if interested, can simply wait until Scott is released, negotiate a more reasonable contract and preserve a draft pick.
• Either way, Scott’s return to the Jets appears unlikely. Having permission to seek a trade usually is the first step to parting ways. The team usually is trying to get a parting gift -- a draft pick or two -- on the way out the door. That seems unlikely for the Jets.

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

• New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski made his first comments about his controversial, post-Super Bowl dancing after losing to the New York Giants.

Morning take: As I said a few weeks ago, this is "Gronk being Gronk." You have to take the loose personality with the immense talent. But Gronkowski made a point that you can't question his work ethic on the field. He's proved it the past two years.

• The Buffalo Bills reportedly made progress at the NFL combine this week with pending free-agent receiver Steve Johnson.

Morning take: The back-and-forth story of Johnson and Buffalo continues. This is a big weekend for both sides to get closer to a contract. Time is running short.

• Is Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill the best option for the Miami Dolphins?

Morning take: The Dolphins aren't getting Andrew Luck and chances are slim for Robert Griffin III. So Tannehill makes sense if Miami drafts a rookie quarterback. I’m just not convinced Tannehill is a good pick at No. 8. There are more than seven better players in this draft.

• The New York Jets will reportedly put a first-round tender on outside linebacker Aaron Maybin.

Morning take: Maybin has come a long way to being a valued member of the Jets. He went from a draft bust in Buffalo to arguably the Jets’ best pass-rusher last season.

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

• Would New York Giants tailback and pending free agent Brandon Jacobs be a fit for the Jets?

Morning take: The Jets already have a big back in Shonn Greene, so I don't see it as a good fit. The Jets need more of a home-run hitter at the position instead of Jacobs.

• Free-agent cornerback Stanford Routt talks about his visit with the Buffalo Bills.

Morning take: I like that Buffalo is being aggressive. Routt was cut by the Raiders, and the Bills were one of the first teams looking to upgrade their cornerback position. This also gives you an idea of where Buffalo thinks it needs to get better.

• Here is another mock draft for the New England Patriots.

Morning take: Everyone sees New England going defense with the first two picks, and for good reason. I think the only exception is if there is a stud wide receiver available late in the first round.

• Will Dolphins guard Vernon Carey return to Miami in free agency?

Morning take: It's hard to predict free agents when there's a coaching change. You don't know which players the coach likes and doesn't like. But Carey is a solid guard worth keeping. The Dolphins already need a right tackle.

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

• Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington provides a cautionary tale about pursuing injured quarterbacks like Peyton Manning.

Morning take: Pennington's career is all but officially over after multiple shoulder surgeries. Manning has a neck injury, which is more unpredictable. But Manning also is a much better quarterback, making it worth the risk.

• Here is video of a New York Giants "fan" who rooted for the wrong quarterback: Mark Sanchez of the Jets.

Morning take: This is pretty funny. This person must have been a huge Giants fan since 2012.

• What are your season grades for the New England Patriots players?

Morning take: Rob Gronkowski, Tom Brady and Vince Wilfork are among the standouts. But click the link to see which New England players didn't make the grade.

• Former Buffalo Bills receiver Andre Reed said it's tough waiting for the Hall of Fame.

Morning take: If there was a year for Reed to get in, this was it. The 2012 class is not star-studded. It will get tougher for Reed next year and in subsequent years as bigger names come down the pike.

NFL Films does a wonderful job replaying live sound from the previous week's games. That is why I was interested to hear what players and coaches had to say during Sunday's Super Bowl XLVI between the New England Patriots and New York Giants.

It was an emotional game where momentum swung from New York to New England and back to New York. The Giants won the game, 21-17. But there were two very interesting tidbits I took from New England's perspective.

First, following a fourth-quarter drop by Patriots receiver Wes Welker, NFL referee John Parry said to another official: "That was the game." Keep in mind New England was winning, 17-15, late and was about to punt the ball deep in New York's territory.

It showed even officials involved in the Super Bowl knew that New England's 31st-ranked defense wasn't going to make a big stop to win a championship. The ref's thought process at that moment wasn't any different from the media and fans who closely watched the Patriots all season.

Second, on New York's final drive, Patriots coach Bill Belichick encouraged his defense to let the Giants throw to Mario Manningham, who made the big 38-yard grab to get New York's Super Bowl-winning drive started.

"This is still a [Victor] Cruz and [Hakeem] Nicks game," Belichick said on the sidelines. "I know we're right on them. It's tight but those are still the guys. Make them go to Manningham, make them go to [Bear] Pascoe. Let's make sure we get Cruz and Nicks."

The Patriots were a team this season that thrived and executed under pressure. But these fourth-quarter mishaps by Welker and Belichick/New England's defense were the difference in Super Bowl XLVI.

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

• Will the Super Bowl run by the New York Giants motivate the cross-town rival Jets?

Morning take: It should. The Giants were only one game better than the Jets in the standings in the regular season. But chemistry and getting hot at the right time made the difference. The Jets have to play second fiddle to the reigning champs in their own market for another year.

• Is New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady entering the twilight of his career?

Morning take: I wouldn't write off Brady just yet. He did just throw for the second-most passing yards ever at age 34. I think Brady has at least two or three good years left as long as he stays healthy.

• Should the Miami Dolphins proceed with caution with Peyton Manning?

Morning take: Yes, the Dolphins need to be cautious. If Manning is released, it will be because, in part, he's physically limited due to his neck. The Dolphins have to do their medical homework on Manning before giving him a big contract.

• Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick won't use his rib injury as an excuse.

Morning take: That's admirable. Fitzpatrick's play tailed off in the second half of the season but he never complained. If not for teammate David Nelson, this topic would have never come up.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Well, I guess that next New England Patriots dynasty will have to wait until 2013.

I stayed with my preseason pick to win Super Bowl XLVI and felt really confident about it. But I was wrong. The New York Giants beat New England, 21-17, on Sunday.

We run a full-accountability blog here in the AFC East division. So it's time to own up to my statements leading up to the Super Bowl.

Enjoy.

• Jan. 27 Walker writes: "Whoops! Did I reveal my prediction too soon? Oh well. There was no point in waiting. The Patriots will beat the Giants on Feb. 5 to win the fourth Super Bowl of the Bill Belichick era."
• Jan. 27 Walker writes: "This is not only revenge for the Patriots, this is double revenge."
• Jan. 27 Walker writes: "Teams simply don't beat New England three times in a row. [Bill] Belichick and Tom Brady are too good and too locked in to allow it. New England's defense is also playing much better in the postseason."
• Jan. 27 Walker writes: "A lot of people, particularly in the AFC East blog, have criticized my Patriots predictions all season. But I have been right about them every single tie. New England was my Super Bowl pick in August, and I've never wavered."
• Jan. 27 Walker writes: "Are the Patriots quietly building another dynasty? New England is the only team to win back-to-back Super Bowls in the past dozen years. If any organization is consistent enough to pull it off, it's New England."
• Feb. 2 Walker says: "I think the Giants are playing with fire here. This is right in the Patriots’ wheelhouse. They are a quiet team, they don’t say anything, and they love it when people doubt them."
• Feb. 3 Walker writes: "I picked the Patriots in the preseason, so there’s no point in backing out now. I doubt Tom Brady will have two bad games in a row, especially against an inconsistent Giants secondary."
• Feb. 5 Walker writes: "Most experts are picking the Giants anyway, so this falls in line with that. I've been right about the Patriots all season and am sticking with that pick in the final game."

Remember last week, Walker?

But on a serious note, it has been a fun and exciting first season in the AFC East blog, right down to the final Hail Mary pass in Super Bowl XLVI. Thank you all for reading the blog and making for an easy transition.

We will continue to provide daily insight on the AFC East and start to turn the page toward the offseason for the Patriots, New York Jets, Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills.

INDIANAPOLIS -- I've had many players tell me losing the Super Bowl is the worst feeling in sports. It takes so much work to get there, so much sacrifice, and to come up short makes the loser question if it's worth getting there in the first place.

In our latest version of "Caption this," we have the agony of defeat featuring Patriots quarterback Tom Brady. The New York Giants beat Brady and the Patriots for the second time in four years during Super Bowl XLVI.

So what is Brady thinking during this long, painful walk back to the locker room? There are tons of possibilities.

Be creative and, as always, keep it clean.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The New York Jets were in a very tough spot the past two weeks. The AFC East rival New England Patriots played against the Jets' neighboring rival New York Giants in Super Bowl XLVI. It was a lose-lose situation for the Jets.

One team had to win a championship and be in direct competition with the Jets. It turned out the Giants -- a team that shares the same stadium and market with the Jets -- won their second Super Bowl in four years with a 21-17 victory over New England.

On Sunday night Jets owner Woody Johnson congratulated both adversaries in a statement released by the team:

"On behalf of the New York Jets, I would like to congratulate the Mara and Tisch families, Coach [Tom] Coughlin and the entire New York Giants organization. It was a closely contested game that showcased all of the best elements that our sport has to offer. The Giants demonstrated poise and resolve in earning a hard-fought victory in Super Bowl XLVI. Also, I want to congratulate the Kraft family, Coach [Bill] Belichick and the New England Patriots on a tremendous effort and an excellent season."

There is no debating the Giants are New York's team. They are dominating the market with two recent Super Bowls, and the Jets have no choice but to respect it (kiss the rings?) and play second fiddle.

The Jets also are chasing the Patriots in the AFC East. The 2011 season was a disaster, as New England swept the Jets relatively easily and the Jets imploded. The Jets were 0-3 against both Super Bowl teams.

Johnson and the Jets know they have a lot of work to do this offseason to narrow the gap with their two biggest rivals.