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The NFL draft is in the books, and the next step is to get rookies signed with their new teams. The new rookie wage scale has helped teams sign players much easier. The drama and potential for holdouts have been taken away now that teams, players and agents already know what kind of contract to expect based on their projected slot.

Here is a quick look at what players made last year, and what the latest AFC East rookies can expect:

No. 8 pick: QB Ryan Tannehill, Miami Dolphins

2011 No. 8 pick: QB Jake Locker, Tennessee Titans (four years, $12.58 million)

No. 10 pick: CB Stephon Gilmore, Buffalo Bills

2011 No. 10 pick: QB Blaine Gabbert, Jacksonville Jaguars (four years, $12 million)

No. 16 pick: DE Quinton Coples, New York Jets

2011 No. 16 pick: DE Ryan Kerrigan, Washington Redskins (four years, $8.72 million)

No. 21 pick: DE Chandler Jones, New England Patriots

2011 No. 21 pick: DT Phil Taylor, Cleveland Browns (four years, $8.1 million)

No. 25 pick: LB Dont'a Hightower, New England Patriots

2011 No. 25 pick: OT James Carpenter, Seattle Seahawks (four years, $7.641 million)

These contracts are absolute bargains for teams. That is why so many were trading into the top 10 at an unprecedented rate.

Even Miami's pick at No. 8 will be cheap compared to what quarterbacks in the draft usually make. Tannehill will average about $3-$4 million per year on his rookie contract? That’s not much risk for the Dolphins. Other AFC East teams will be risking even less thanks to the rookie wage scale.

With the start of the NFL draft hours away, let's take a final glance at AFC East projections.

The last roundup includes ESPN experts Mel Kiper and Todd McShay, Sports Illustrated writer Don Banks, the National Football Post's Wes Bunting, Dallas Morning News writer Rick Gosselin, CBSSports.com senior writer Clark Judge and NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock and Nolan Nawrocki of Pro Football Weekly.

No. 3 Buffalo Bills

• Kiper's pick: Marcell Dareus, Alabama defensive tackle
• McShay's pick: Marcell Dareus, Alabama defensive tackle
• Banks' pick: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri quarterback
• Bunting's pick: Marcell Dareus, Alabama defensive tackle
• Gosselin's pick: Marcell Dareus, Alabama defensive tackle
• Judge's pick: Marcell Dareus, Alabama defensive tackle
• Mayock's pick: Marcell Dareus, Alabama defensive tackle
• Nawrocki's pick: Marcell Dareus, Alabama defensive tackle

No. 15 Miami Dolphins

• Kiper's pick: Mike Pouncey, Florida center
• McShay's pick: Mike Pouncey, Florida center
• Banks' pick: Mike Pouncey, Florida center
• Bunting's pick: Mike Pouncey, Florida center
• Gosselin's pick: Mike Pouncey, Florida center
• Judge's pick: Mike Pouncey, Florida center
• Mayock's pick: Mike Pouncey, Florida center
• Nawrocki's pick: Mike Pouncey, Florida center

No. 17 New England Patriots (from Oakland Raiders)

• Kiper's pick: Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple defensive lineman
• McShay's pick: Cameron Jordan, California defensive end
• Banks' pick: Da'Quan Bowers, Clemson defensive end
• Bunting's pick: Cameron Jordan, California defensive end
• Gosselin's pick: Cameron Jordan, California defensive end
• Judge's pick: Mark Ingram, Alabama running back
• Mayock's pick: Cameron Jordan, California defensive end
• Nawrocki's pick: Christian Ponder, Florida State quarterback

No. 28 New England Patriots

• Kiper's pick: Mark Ingram, Alabama running back
• McShay's pick: Brooks Reed, Arizona defensive end
• Banks' pick: Mark Ingram, Alabama running back
• Bunting's pick: Mark Ingram, Alabama running back
• Gosselin's pick: Danny Watkins, Baylor guard
• Judge's pick: Gabe Carimi, Wisconsin tackle
• Mayock's pick: Jake Locker, Washington quarterback
• Nawrocki's pick: Danny Watkins, Baylor guard

No. 30 New York Jets

• Kiper's pick: Phil Taylor, Baylor nose tackle
• McShay's pick: Akeem Ayers, UCLA outside linebacker
• Banks' pick: Phil Taylor, Baylor nose tackle
• Bunting's pick: Phil Taylor, Baylor nose tackle
• Gosselin's pick: Derek Sherrod, Mississippi State tackle
• Judge's pick: Adrian Clayborn, Iowa defensive end
• Mayock's pick: Akeem Ayers, UCLA outside linebacker
• Nawrocki's pick: Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple defensive lineman

U.S. Department of Labor analysts have confirmed Mel Kiper is the second-busiest man in the country this week and would have been first had the president not felt compelled to hold a weird news conference Wednesday.

Even with Kiper's heavy workload -- imagine how much care must go into crafting his final notes and hair the night before the draft -- he took the time to share his thoughts on our AFC East reader mock draft.

We verified our first round Wednesday with a long-form certification process: a six-week, pick-a-day reader vote.

Kiper's intrepid editor, Chris Sprow, caught up with him to go over the AFC East reader mock draft.

Here are Kiper's thoughts:

• It's hard to argue with any of the top three picks here. If the trade domino doesn't fall, no reason this couldn't happen.
• I'm going to stick with A.J. Green to the Bengals. Blaine Gabbert makes some sense, but if they still believe there's hope they can somehow hold onto Carson Palmer, they don't make that pick. But this could be one they are still undecided on, which is a theme this year.
• If Green isn't there for Cleveland, I don't expect them to pass on Julio Jones, which means I don't think he's still there at No. 10 for the Redskins.
• I like the pick of tackle Anthony Castonzo to Detroit because my gut says they know protecting Matthew Stafford is priority No. 1. I just think they might still see Tyron Smith there.
• Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips will love Robert Quinn if he's around with the 11th pick. If Quinn is not, Aldon Smith could go that high. His tape is phenomenal in spots.
• J.J. Watt and Cameron Jordan are perhaps the most interchangeable picks, so these picks don't seem off at all for the Patriots and Chargers. Could play out that way.
• I'm not as high on Derek Sherrod as some, but would love to be proven wrong. I just think he's there past Philly at No. 23. Slight reach for me.
• Danny Watkins is a definite possibility at No. 28, but I think New England can go in so many different directions because of how many picks they have.
• No Jake Locker? No Andy Dalton? I wouldn't count on it.

The last point lends itself to the nature of our project. We began six weeks ago, and quarterback buzz always ramps up as we draw closer to the draft.

Mock drafts also can't accurately factor trade scenarios, and those kinds of draft-day maneuvers will dictate where quarterbacks are drafted after Cam Newton and Gabbert.

It was nice of Kiper and Sprow to share some bonus analysis for us. Much thanks.

It won't be long until we find out how well we did.

With the 32nd pick in the 2011 AFC East reader mock draft, the Green Bay Packers select ... Akeem Ayers, outside linebacker, UCLA.

We wrapped up the first round with another slim margin. Ayers, a strong candidate for several previous spots, finally found a home -- but by one vote over Georgia outside linebacker Justin Houston.

We have a complete first round, but with two more picks still to make Wednesday(read below).

First, here's our rundown ...

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
27. Atlanta Falcons: Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn
28. New England Patriots: Baylor offensive lineman Danny Watkins
29. Chicago Bears: North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin
30. New York Jets: Arizona defensive end Brooks Reed
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Texas cornerback Aaron Williams
32. Green Bay Packers: UCLA outside linebacker Akeem Ayers

Upon the suggestion of a couple readers, I made the call to extend our mock by forecasting the Patriots' and Bills' picks at Nos. 33 and 34.

Reader mrf042579 made an excellent observation about that decision:

Tim, anyway you could make the Bills pick on Thursday end before the actual draft starts? I think if votes are still being allowed after the start of the real draft, it could potentially mess up the last pick of our mock (as in people voting after the draft starts for a player the Bills wouldn't pick if they don't actually take Miller at #3).

Consider it done. I'll ask for both selections here.

Please place your nominations in the comments section below this article, and make it clear which player you're sending to which team.

The Patriots and Bills are on the clock together. And then we're finished.

With the 31st pick in the 2011 AFC East reader mock draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select ... Aaron Williams, cornerback, Texas.

Slim pickings, for this one.

Only two prospects were nominated, Williams and Baylor defensive tackle Phil Taylor. Williams won by a vote.

But what caught my attention in the comments section were requests from readers frankb1031 and yehya. They asked to extend our mocktastic project to include the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills with the 33rd and 34th picks.

What a great idea that works out perfectly. We can maintain our daily pace and reveal the Bills' selection Friday, when the second round takes place.

Yonder reads our up-to-date mock draft board ...

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
27. Atlanta Falcons: Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn
28. New England Patriots: Baylor offensive lineman Danny Watkins
29. Chicago Bears: North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin
30. New York Jets: Arizona defensive end Brooks Reed
31. Pittsburgh Steelers: Texas cornerback Aaron Williams

The Green Bay Packers are on the clock with the final selection of the first round.

Drop your suggestions in the comments section below or vote under the link on my Facebook page.

With the 30th pick in the 2011 AFC East reader mock draft, the New York Jets select ... Brooks Reed, defensive end, Arizona.

Readers came through with a flurry of suggestions that evolved into an interesting race.

UCLA outside linebacker Akeem Ayers was the early leader. Baylor nose tackle Phil Taylor generated slower, steadier action.

But Reed proponents came on late for a convincing victory. Others to get attention were UCLA safety Rahim Moore and Oregon State defensive tackle Stephen Paea.

A lot of Pac-10 love there.

Regular voter zack10bearden weighed the options:

Akeem Ayers is probably the best pass rusher left, but I don't think he is angry enough for a Rex Ryan defense. They need Phil Taylor to make their current pass rushers better. The key to these 3-4 type defenses is the nose tackle and DEs making the OLBs better.Phil Taylor is a better value at 30

Reader willparuta21 wrote:

Brooks Reed is a monster. He has to be the pick here. Fastest split 10 time out of any DE at the combine. Everyone know that the only way to win the AFC East is if you can pressure Tom Brady. Brooks Reed will help the Jets do that from both the down lineman and outside linebacker position!

Our weeks-long project almost has reached its conclusion.

This is where we stand ...

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
27. Atlanta Falcons: Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn
28. New England Patriots: Baylor offensive lineman Danny Watkins
29. Chicago Bears: North Carolina defensive tackle Marvin Austin
30. New York Jets: Arizona defensive end Brooks Reed

The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the mock clock with the 31st pick.

Even though we've gone through all the AFC East clubs, let's sprint through the finish line on these last two choices. Please submit your Steelers recommendation in the comments section below this article or in the underneath the link on my Facebook page.

» 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: dream scenario/Plan B.

Buffalo Bills

Dream scenario: The Bills went 4-12 last year and haven't made the playoffs in 11 years. They're entering their second season under general manager Buddy Nix and head coach Chan Gailey. They're still laying an organizational foundation. As such, there are holes all over the place. So many, in fact, the Bills can go almost any direction and not make a misguided pick. Their dream player would be Auburn quarterback Cam Newton, but his availability at No. 3 isn't within their control. I believe if Newton is there, the Bills will pounce.

Plan B: If Newton's gone, then Missouri quarterback Blaine Gabbert almost certainly will be on the board for them. At least two of the top three defensive players -- Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus, Texas A&M outside linebacker Von Miller and Louisiana State cornerback Patrick Peterson -- would be there, too.

Miami Dolphins

Dream scenario: The Dolphins' dream scenario would be to get a draft-day phone call from another team desperate to move into the middle of the first round. The Dolphins own the 15th pick, and none of their most pressing needs matches up favorably with that spot. The top two -- maybe three -- quarterbacks will be gone. The Dolphins also need interior line and backfield help, but No. 15 seems too early for those top prospects: Florida center Mike Pouncey and Alabama running back Mark Ingram. But the Dolphins cannot afford to pass on a player they really like and hope he falls to them in the second round because they don't have a second-rounder. They traded it to the Denver Broncos in the Brandon Marshall deal. So the Dolphins would love to trade back in the order a little, snag Pouncey or Ingram or a quarterback such as Ryan Mallett, Christian Ponder, Andy Dalton or Jake Locker and collect another draft choice in the process.

Plan B: If they can't trade back, then they'll be stuck with reaching a little for a player they identify as the best fit for their team.

New England Patriots

Dream scenario: The Patriots hold three of the top 32 picks and two selections in each of the first three rounds. They'll gladly listen to every trade offer and definitely will field some calls. Bill Belichick's dream scenario is to have maximized value when they've made their final selection. If that means collecting more picks and still landing players they like, then so be it. If that means moving up in the order for a specific player and not having to give up much to do so, then so be it. If that means standing pat and making the best pick off their in-house draft board, then so be it.

Plan B: The Patriots have so many picks that they have more than a Plan B. However the draft shakes out, they'll have a Plan Z, Article XXXIV, Section 16, Subsection vii -- and an appendix with 23 more sets of instructions. No other front office enters the draft process with such flexibility.

New York Jets

Dream scenario: The Jets don't seem to be worried much about a dream scenario. Head coach Rex Ryan has laughed and shrugged when discussing the No. 30 slot. They don't have much control over who will be available. Their trade options are severely limited. The Jets don't have a second-round pick to dangle because they lost it in the trade for cornerback Antonio Cromartie. The NFL lockout allows clubs to trade draft choices only, preventing the Jets from packaging players like they did to move up and draft quarterback Mark Sanchez fifth overall in 2009. The Jets probably will be forced to await their turn and hope another team wants to jump in at the end of the first round. Maybe then they can turn their 30th pick into multiple picks.

Plan B: If no one wants their 30th pick, then they'll check out players such as Baylor nose tackle Phil Taylor or UCLA safety Rahim Moore.

In honor ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay releasing an updated mock draft Wednesday, why not take a look at a bunch of them?

This roundup also includes the latest first-round forecast from ESPN expert Mel Kiper , the National Football Post's Wes Bunting, NFL Network analyst Charles Davis, Sports Illustrated senior writer Peter King, Nolan Nawrocki of Pro Football Weekly, CBSSports.com analysts Rob Rang and Chad Reuter and Buffalo News reporter Allen Wilson.

No. 3 Buffalo Bills

• Kiper's pick: Von Miller, Texas A&M outside linebacker
• McShay's pick: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri quarterback
• Bunting's pick: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri quarterback
• Davis' pick: Von Miller, Texas A&M outside linebacker
• King's pick: Von Miller, Texas A&M outside linebacker
• Nawrocki's pick: Cam Newton, Auburn quarterback
• Rang's pick: Von Miller, Texas A&M outside linebacker
• Reuter's pick: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri quarterback
• Wilson's pick: Von Miller, Texas A&M outside linebacker

No. 15 Miami Dolphins

• Kiper's pick: Mark Ingram, Alabama running back
• McShay's pick: Mike Pouncey, Florida center
• Bunting's pick: Mike Pouncey, Florida center
• Davis' pick: Mike Pouncey, Florida center
• King's pick: Andy Dalton, Texas Christian quarterback
• Nawrocki's pick: Ryan Mallett, Arkansas quarterback
• Rang's pick: Mark Ingram, Alabama running back
• Reuter's pick: Mark Ingram, Alabama running back
• Wilson's pick: Mike Pouncey, Florida center

No. 17 New England Patriots (from Oakland Raiders)

• Kiper's pick: Cameron Jordan, California defensive end
• McShay's pick: Anthony Castonzo, Boston College tackle
• Bunting's pick: Cameron Jordan, California defensive end
• Davis' pick: Anthony Castonzo, Boston College tackle
• King's pick: Mike Pouncey, Florida center
• Nawrocki's pick: Anthony Castonzo, Boston College tackle
• Rang's pick: J.J. Watt, Wisconsin defensive end
• Reuter's pick: Aldon Smith, Missouri defensive end
• Wilson's pick: Cameron Jordan, California defensive end

No. 28 New England Patriots

• Kiper's pick: Justin Houston, Georgia outside linebacker
• McShay's pick: Mark Ingram, Alabama running back
• Bunting's pick: Danny Watkins, Baylor guard
• Davis' pick: Akeem Ayers, UCLA outside linebacker
• King's pick: Trade out with the Tennessee Titans
• Nawrocki's pick: Mark Ingram, Alabama running back
• Rang's pick: Danny Watkins, Baylor guard
• Reuter's pick: Cameron Heyward, Ohio State defensive end
• Wilson's pick: Mark Ingram, Alabama running back

No. 30 New York Jets

• Kiper's pick: Cameron Heyward, Ohio State defensive end
• McShay's pick: Phil Taylor, Baylor nose tackle
• Bunting's pick: Justin Houston, Georgia outside linebacker
• Davis' pick: Phil Taylor, Baylor nose tackle
• King's pick: Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple defensive lineman
• Nawrocki's pick: Akeem Ayers, UCLA outside linebacker
• Rang's pick: Phil Taylor, Baylor nose tackle
• Reuter's pick: Jabaal Sheard, Pittsburgh defensive end
• Wilson's pick: Justin Houston, Georgia outside linebacker

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.

First-round mock drafts are ubiquitous.

ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay dares to go deeper. He released a three-round projection Wednesday.

Here's McShay's forecast for the AFC East:

Buffalo Bills

• 3. Von Miller, Texas A&M linebacker
• 34. Christian Ponder, Florida State quarterback
• 68. Lance Kendricks, Wisconsin tight end

Miami Dolphins

• 15. Mike Pouncey, Florida offensive lineman
• 79. Dion Lewis, Pittsburgh running back

New England Patriots

• 17. J.J. Watt, Wisconsin defensive end
• 28. Mark Ingram, Alabama running back
• 33. Clint Boling, Georgia guard
• 60. James Carpenter, Alabama tackle
• 74. Jabaal Sheard, Pittsburgh defensive end
• 92. Marcus Gilchrist, Clemson defensive back

New York Jets

• 30. Phil Taylor, Baylor defensive tackle
• 94. Jerrel Jernigan, Troy receiver

We haven't compiled a mock roundup in a while, but several of the notable analysts updated theirs on Monday.

So let's take a spin around cyberspace to see who has what drafting whom.

Let's take a look at the latest projections from ESPN's Mel Kiper and Todd McShay , the National Football Post's Wes Bunting, NFL.com senior analyst Pat Kirwan, Nolan Nawrocki of Pro Football Weekly, CBSSports.com analysts Rob Rang and Chad Reuter and a computer simulation from Draft Tek.

No. 3 Buffalo Bills

• Kiper's pick: Marcell Dareus, Alabama defensive lineman
• McShay's pick: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri quarterback
• Bunting's pick: Marcell Dareus, Alabama defensive lineman
• Kirwan's pick: Patrick Peterson, Louisiana State cornerback
• Nawrocki's pick: Von Miller, Texas A&M outside linebacker
• Rang's pick: Cam Newton, Auburn quarterback
• Reuter's pick: Blaine Gabbert, Missouri quarterback
• Draft Tek's pick: Nick Fairley, Auburn defensive tackle

No. 15 Miami Dolphins

• Kiper's pick: Mark Ingram, Alabama running back
• McShay's pick: Mark Ingram, Alabama running back
• Bunting's pick: Mark Ingram, Alabama running back
• Kirwan's pick: Prince Amukamara, Nebraska cornerback
• Nawrocki's pick: Jake Locker, Washington quarterback
• Rang's pick: Mark Ingram, Alabama running back
• Reuter's pick: Mark Ingram, Alabama running back
• Draft Tek's pick: Anthony Castonzo, Boston College tackle

No. 17 New England Patriots (from Oakland Raiders)

• Kiper's pick: Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue outside linebacker
• McShay's pick: J.J. Watt, Wisconsin defensive end
• Bunting's pick: J.J. Watt, Wisconsin defensive end
• Kirwan's pick: Tyron Smith, USC tackle
• Nawrocki's pick: Mark Ingram, Alabama running back
• Rang's pick: J.J. Watt, Wisconsin defensive end
• Reuter's pick: Cameron Jordan, California defensive end
• Draft Tek's pick: Aldon Smith, Missouri outside linebacker

No. 28 New England Patriots

• Kiper's pick: Leonard Hankerson, Miami receiver
• McShay's pick: Ryan Kerrigan, Purdue outside linebacker
• Bunting's pick: Danny Watkins, Baylor guard
• Kirwan's pick: Muhammad Wilkerson, Temple defensive tackle
• Nawrocki's pick: Nate Solder, Colorado tackle
• Rang's pick: Danny Watkins, Baylor guard
• Reuter's pick: Danny Watkins, Baylor guard
• Draft Tek's pick: Christian Ballard, Iowa defensive end

No. 30 New York Jets

• Kiper's pick: Rahim Moore, UCLA safety
• McShay's pick: Phil Taylor, Baylor nose tackle
• Bunting's pick: Akeem Ayers, UCLA outside linebacker
• Kirwan's pick: Akeem Ayers, UCLA outside linebacker
• Nawrocki's pick: Phil Taylor, Baylor nose tackle
• Rang's pick: Brooks Reed, Arizona outside linebacker
• Reuter's pick: Jabaal Sheard, Pittsburgh defensive end
• Draft Tek's pick: Phil Taylor, Baylor nose tackle