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The scene at the AFC coaches' breakfast in Palm Beach, Fla., was fitting.

To my far left was New York Jets coach Rex Ryan. He was surrounded by a large group of media who wanted to know how the Jets would handle Tim Tebow-mania and whether they could bounce back from a disappointing 2011.

To my immediate left was new Miami Dolphins coach Joe Philbin. A throng of reporters wondered what the rookie head coach had in store for his first season.

On my right was future Hall of Fame coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots. He continually gave non-answers about his team as reporters tried to dig up something -- anything -- about the reigning AFC champions.

In the middle of this madness was Buffalo Bills coach Chan Gailey. His table was relatively empty for most of the hourlong breakfast, with the exception of a few passers-by and this AFC East blogger. Few in the national media cared to know what Gailey and the Bills were up to. They're a small-market team that finished 6-10 last season and hasn't been to the playoffs in 13 years.

But by this time next year, people will be talking about Buffalo. The Bills are my sleeper pick in 2012. Here are five reasons why Buffalo will get over the hump and finish with a winning record:

Reason No. 1: Bills made right moves in free agency

Analysis: I will give myself a pat on the back. I was one of the first to note Buffalo's interest in two-time Pro Bowl defensive end Mario Williams. Despite my prediction, I did not think Buffalo would be able to land the top defensive free agent on the market. But the Bills put on the full-court press and gave Williams 100 million reasons to join them. Buffalo gained an elite pass-rusher and its first game-changer on defense.

The Bills didn't stop there. They continued to improve their anemic pass-rush by signing former Patriots defensive end Mark Anderson, who recorded 10 sacks last season. Williams, Anderson and defensive tackles Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus make up one of the top defensive lines in the NFL. It's a group who can stop the run and get push up the middle while attacking the edges and pressuring the quarterback. Buffalo's talented front four will be a problem for a lot of teams next season.

The Bills also retained their own key free agents. Buffalo re-signed No. 1 receiver Steve Johnson at an affordable rate and starting tight end Scott Chandler.

There are still a few more holes Buffalo would like to fill, but the team is one of the biggest winners in free agency.

Reason No. 2: Double trouble at running back

Analysis: When they are healthy, there may not be a more dynamic running back duo in the NFL than Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller. These two will be headaches for opposing defenses once Buffalo figures out how to blend both into the offense simultaneously. Jackson and Spiller could complement each other well.

Buffalo's coaching staff admittedly did a poor job of balancing the two tailbacks last season. Jackson received a bulk of the carries when healthy, and Spiller finally showed what he could do at the end of the season once Jackson was injured. Now, both are hungry and want the football. Gailey called it "a great problem to have."

Jackson is 31 and coming off a season-ending leg injury. That should open the door for Spiller to get more carries. Will it be a 50-50 split? Probably not. But the Buffalo offense will be dangerous if it can use Spiller and Jackson enough to keep each fresh and productive the entire season.

Reason No. 3: AFC East is weakening

Analysis: A case can be made that the AFC East became a weaker division this offseason. The division wasn't strong to begin with; only the Patriots finished with a winning record in 2011. But the 6-10 Dolphins gutted their roster, getting rid of top players such as Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall and leading tackler and starting safety Yeremiah Bell. Miami also failed to land a franchise quarterback and settled on 34-year-old David Garrard as the potential starter next season. It's early, but it's hard to imagine Miami's finishing with a better record than last season.

Meanwhile, the Jets are an aging team with chemistry issues. New York gave embattled quarterback Mark Sanchez a three-year contract extension and then traded for popular backup Tebow, setting up a potentially explosive situation. The Jets will be on a year-long implosion watch, and their arrow could be trending downward after last season's mediocre 8-8 finish.

The Jets, Dolphins and Bills are all chasing the Patriots, who are clearly the favorites in the division. But the Bills, who split with New England last season, did a solid job to make up some ground.

Reason No. 4: Players are getting healthy

Analysis: I usually try to avoid the injury excuse, because every team has them, but it legitimately applies to the Bills. Buffalo suffered key injures last season at running back (Jackson), defensive tackle (Kyle Williams), linebacker (Shawne Merriman), offensive line (Eric Wood), receiver (Donald Jones) and kicker (Rian Lindell), just to name a few. Bills starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick played much of the season with a painful rib injury. By the second half of the season, the Bills didn't have anywhere near the same depth they had during their 4-1 start.

Most of these players are expected to be back and healthy in 2012. Merriman is perhaps the biggest question mark after his second season-ending Achilles injury. But chances are slim that Buffalo will be hit this hard with injuries again. Health will be key for Buffalo to maintain a successful run over 16 games.

Reason No. 5: Bills have a top-10 pick

Analysis: The Bills have had a productive offseason, but they aren't done yet. They still have a top-10 pick in this month's NFL draft. This is a great opportunity for Buffalo to plug more holes on the roster. The Bills could use a starting-caliber left tackle, another threat at receiver, a cover corner and depth at linebacker.

The Bills also have more than $9 million in cap room to spend. Don't rule out late signings in free agency. After years of not spending to the cap, Buffalo tabbed 2012 as the year to make a push.

All of these reasons make the Bills my ideal sleeper pick for next season. Don't forget that you heard it here first.

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

• Former New York Jets great Joe Namath says the Jets can't land Peyton Manning because they don't have their act together.

Morning take: This is no surprise, as Namath has been arguably the Jets' biggest critic. He does have a point about New York's in-house issues, but it's unknown if that's a huge deterrent.

• Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino thinks Manning would be a good fit in South Florida.

Morning take: The Dolphins haven't had a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback since Marino. Manning has a friendship with Marino and respects his opinion, which could help.

• Contract extensions for starting tight end Scott Chandler and receiver Steve Johnson prove players want to stay with the Buffalo Bills.

Morning take: This is a good sign that Buffalo could be onto something. The Bills are keeping their young talent. But the bigger challenge is convincing top outside free agents to come to Buffalo.

• Could the New England Patriots show interest in free-agent cornerback Cortland Finnegan?

Morning take: Finnegan is arguably the top free-agent corner on the market, but I'm not sure he's a good fit. For starters, he will be pricey. But I also think the Patriots want more athleticism in the secondary.

We continue our early look at free agency in the AFC East. Next up is the Buffalo Bills.

Here is Buffalo's full list of pending free agents, courtesy of Brian McIntyre's compiled list:

Restricted

• OL Chad Rinehart
• OL Kraig Urbik

Unrestricted

• RB Tashard Choice
• WR Derek Hagan
• WR Steve Johnson
• WR Ruvell Martin
• WR Roscoe Parrish
• TE Scott Chandler
• OT Demetrius Bell
• LB Andra Davis
• LB Kirk Morrison
• LB Reggie Torbor
• CB Reggie Corner
• S Bryan Scott
• K Dave Rayner

Analysis: The name that obviously stands out the most is Johnson, Buffalo's leading receiver. The Bills have been at odds about Johnson's value since the regular season. Johnson wants to be paid like a top, No. 1 receiver, upwards of $8 million per year. Buffalo so far seems uncomfortable going that high. Both sides have another month to work this out before Johnson hits the open market. Another player to watch is Chandler, the Bills' starting tight end. The Bills want him back. He's a solid, underrated player in Buffalo's offense. Someone who probably won't return is Parrish. He's been too injury-prone over the past couple of seasons.

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

• What are the odds Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning lands in the AFC East?

Morning take: The odds are probably better than any other division, considering that two teams might have interest. The Miami Dolphins and New York Jets could both use a healthy Manning in their offenses to take their teams to the next level.

• Former New England Patriots safety Rodney Harrison believes quarterback Tom Brady will get another shot at a Super Bowl.

Morning take: It's always hard to predict these things. New England should be in the running next season, and that's all a team can ask for. But so much has to go right to make it all the way to the Super Bowl.

• New Buffalo Bills tight ends coach Pete Metzelaars wants to recruit pending free agent Scott Chandler to return.

Morning take: Chandler is an underrated free agent who doesn't put up big numbers but is a solid player. I'm interested to see what kind of value he commands on the open market.

• New York Jets signed receiver Patrick Turner to a one-year contract.

Morning take: Turner is most famous for replacing Santonio Holmes in the fourth quarter of the regular-season finale. He only had eight receptions but the Jets seem to like his potential.

Here are the latest happenings Tuesday evening in the AFC East:

• Miami Dolphins defensive tackle and pending free agent Paul Soliai was added to the Pro Bowl as an injury replacement.
• The New York Jets hired former Dolphins offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo.
• New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks about the dynamic of offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien working with future offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
• The Buffalo Bills look back at tight end Scott Chandler's best game of the season against the Kansas City Chiefs.
• Here is a recap of this week's AFC East chat, covering a variety of topics.

Free agency begins in less than two months. Teams around the league are planning their strategies and figuring out which big names to pursue.

But where teams stand with the $120-million salary cap next season will be an indicator of which will be aggressive and which won't.

Let's take an early look at the projected 2012 cap numbers in the AFC East:

Buffalo Bills (6-10)

Projected cap: $105.5 million

Key free agents: WR Steve Johnson, TE Scott Chandler, K Rian Lindell

Analysis: The Bills are looking pretty good entering free agency. General manager Buddy Nix says the team will spend to the cap this year. The first order of business is deciding on Johnson's future. The two sides are still a ways apart and I think it's a 50-50 proposition. With or without Johnson, Buffalo has the space to acquire impact players. We mentioned Houston Texans defensive end/linebacker and unrestricted free agent Mario Williams as a possibility to help the Bills' pass rush. But getting Williams -- or any top free agent -- to come to Buffalo will be a tough sell.

Miami Dolphins (6-10)

Projected cap: $114.3 million

Key free agents: DT Paul Soliai, G Vernon Carey, QB Chad Henne

Analysis: The Dolphins are in decent (but not great) shape with the cap. There will be an interesting dynamic in Miami to keep an eye on this offseason. Usually when a new coach comes in, there is huge turnover in the coach's first season. But that probably won't happen with general manager Jeff Ireland still in charge of the 53-man roster. Ireland is not going to cut many of the players he helped bring to Miami. But the Dolphins would have to do something if they want to make enough room to make a splash for a big free agent. Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn is a good example.

New England Patriots (13-3)

Projected cap: $99.9 million

Key free agents: WR Wes Welker, DE Andre Carter, WR Deion Branch

Analysis: It's amazing that the best team in the AFC East also is in the best shape with the cap. The Patriots have done a masterful job and have plenty of money to spend in free agency if they choose. A big chunk of it will go to Welker, who is due for a nice payday. New England won't let Welker slip away. The Patriots also have the tools to acquire defensive help in free agency, as well as sign their two first-round picks and two second-round picks in the draft. The Patriots are in position to be a major force again next season.

New York Jets (8-8)

Projected cap: $125 million

Key free agents: WR Plaxico Burress, DT Sione Pouha, S Jim Leonhard

Analysis: The Jets are the only AFC East team projected to be over the cap. This was a team built to win now and it didn't work out; now New York has to make some trimmings on the roster if it wants to do anything in free agency. There's a good chance Burress and Leonhard won't return. Pouha is a good player and could come back at the right price. Running back LaDainian Tomlinson also is a free agent. But his role was drastically reduced this past season and it's unlikely he will return. Tomlinson is contemplating retirement.

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

• The New England Patriots get ready for the Baltimore Ravens with a ticket to the Super Bowl at stake.

Morning take: Baltimore and New England were the two best teams in the conference from start to finish. I expect a great game that could go either way.

• The Miami Dolphins reportedly will interview Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy.

Morning take: McCoy did a great job designing an offense for Tim Tebow. Don't expect that kind of offense to work in Miami. But McCoy is versatile and developing a buzz around the league for the job he's done this season.

• Here is a look at the Buffalo Bills' 2012 free agents.

Morning take: Everyone is aware that No. 1 receiver Steve Johnson is on this list. But there are some underrated players like tight end Scott Chandler and kicker Rian Lindell who are solid. Buffalo says it will spend up to the cap in free agency this year.

• New York Jets tailback LaDainian Tomlinson says it's possible the wide receivers were doing the anonymous bashing of quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Morning take: It's unfair to speculate who said what when there's no name attached. So I'm not going to go there. But I will say if New York's receivers feel that way about the quarterback, the Jets have some major issues.

MIAMI -- Welcome to the AFC Least.

It's a place where the first-place team has the NFL's worst defense and the last-place team is the hottest in the division.

The two middle teams, well ... let's just say they personify the word "pretender." Just three days after the New York Jets were upset by Tim Tebow and the Denver Broncos, the Bills also were embarrassed in an ugly, 35-8 loss to the Miami Dolphins.

Week 11 exposed the AFC East as a mediocre division. It's late November and only one team -- the New England Patriots (6-3) -- has a winning record. The Jets (5-5) and Bills (5-5) mathematically remain in the playoff hunt. But there's nothing to suggest either team is playoff bound or good enough to make a sustainable run down the stretch.

The Jets lost two games in five days. The Bills are 2-5 in their last seven and on a three-game losing streak. Buffalo has been outscored 109-26 the past three weeks.

"We're not a team that [should] go out and get beat 35-8 and 44-7 last week," Bills tight end Scott Chandler said. "I don’t know if there's any team in the league that loses like that week in and week out. We've been embarrassed the past three weeks."

The game was ugly for Buffalo. It included three straight touchdown drives allowed to start the game, two interceptions on dropped passes and a blocked punt for a touchdown.

Like the Jets a few days ago, bewilderment seemed to be the overall theme with the Bills. There's a lot of questions why this is happening and no one seems to have any answers.

"I wish I could give you an explanation," Bills coach Chan Gailey said bluntly. "I cannot give you an explanation."

Here is our explanation: The AFC East is not good this season.

It starts with the quarterbacks. The quarterbacking in this division has been awful in the past month and average overall this season. Buffalo's Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Jets' Mark Sanchez had good moments early. But both are crashing hard in this crucial time. The pair have combined for just four touchdowns and 12 interceptions in their past three games.

Tom Brady has been terrific, as usual, for New England. He's the biggest reason the Patriots are primed to win the division. New England usually falls when Brady has a bad game. The Patriots are too flawed in other areas to survive poor quarterback play on most weeks.

Miami's Matt Moore is playing like the second-best quarterback in the division, which is telling for the AFC East. He’s not making any mistakes and it’s led to Miami’s third straight victory. Moore threw for 160 yards and three touchdowns Sunday. These are numbers Fitzpatrick and Sanchez would love to have at this point.

Buffalo and New York also have inconsistent defenses. The Bills can’t stop anybody and New York, although stout, hasn’t performed up to the level of the previous two years. This combination has led to mediocrity for both teams.

The good news is the Bills and Jets play each other next week at Met Life Stadium. Some AFC East team has to win that game in what probably is a playoff eliminator for the loser.

"At this point every game is a must-win game," Bills safety Bryan Scott said. "We're moving to the last quarter of the season. We have to put together a string of wins in order to compete and get to where we want to be."

Chandler agrees.

"If you look at the big picture here, there's not too many teams that will get in with six losses," he said. "So, yeah, I think they're all must-wins from here on out."

Can the Jets or Bills suddenly run off a string of wins to get into the postseason? It will take at least 10 victories to make the playoffs in the AFC. That means Buffalo or New York has to go 5-1 the rest of the way. Even with relatively easy strength of schedules, I don't see it.

But the last-place team in the AFC East is actually playing the best football. The Dolphins (3-7) now have won three straight with victories over Buffalo, the Washington Redskins and Kansas City Chiefs. Miami looks like the team fighting for a playoff spot, not the Bills or Jets.

Is it time to rethink Miami's plan in 2012? Is Moore the long-term solution at quarterback? Should coach Tony Sparano and general manager Jeff Ireland keep their jobs for another season? These are all questions for Miami -- the AFC East's bottom team -- that will be resolved in time.

But we can draw one conclusion for the AFC East as a whole. It's a division mired in mediocrity.

The bye weeks are complete in the AFC East. All four teams will be in action this weekend.

Here are four X factors to keep an eye on:

Buffalo Bills (5-2)

X factor: WR David Nelson

Analysis: Jets Pro Bowl cornerback Darrelle Revis could be matched up a lot this week with Bills No. 1 receiver Steve Johnson. That means other receivers, like Nelson, have to step up for Buffalo to be successful. Neslon could see a lot of Kyle Wilson in the slot. Both are among the most improved players in the AFC East this year. Nelson's battles in the slot will be crucial on third down. Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick often looks over the middle to Nelson and tight end Scott Chandler to move the chains.

New York Jets (4-3)

X factor: C Nick Mangold

Analysis: The Jets are back to their ground-and-pound ways and at the center of it is Pro Bowl center Nick Mangold. It's no secret New York will try to control the line of scrimmage against the inconsistent Buffalo defense. But the Bills are coming off their best game of the season -- a 23-0 shutout against the Washington Redskins. Mangold has a tough assignment against Buffalo No. 3 overall pick Marcell Dareus, who recorded 2.5 sacks last week.

New England Patriots (5-2)

X factor: CB Devin McCourty

Analysis: It's time to McCourty to step up. New England's No. 1 corner hasn't made any significant plays this year. He has zero interceptions and only three pass defenses. McCourty is suffering from a major sophomore slump. He recorded eight interceptions as a rookie in 2010. The New York Giants had a solid passing game but No. 1 receiver Hakeem Nicks is ailing with a hamstring injury. McCourty has to win his matchup with Giants receivers for New England's pass defense to be successful.

Miami Dolphins (0-7)

X factor: RB Reggie Bush

Analysis: Bush produced his first 100-yard rushing game of the season against the Giants. He rushed for 103 yards on 15 carries. It helped Miami control the game for three quarters. The Dolphins will need control the clock with their running game again to have a chance to beat the Kansas City Chiefs (4-3) at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs have the NFL's 22nd-ranked run defense. Miami, despite its many struggles, actually has an underrated running game. The Dolphins are 12th in the league in rushing.

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- The NFL's highest-scoring offense might be found in Buffalo, but it was hatched in Pittsburgh.

In the mid-1990s, Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey was a wide receivers coach for the Steelers. Gailey realized he had a deep and talented group, and convinced Pittsburgh -- primarily a running team -- to use more four-receiver sets.

"We kind of evolved to it, to be honest with you," Gailey said. "Ron Erhardt was the offensive coordinator, and we had four really good players. We had Ernie Mills, Andre Hastings, and Charles Johnson and Yancey Thigpen. So we said, 'How can we get them on the field at the same time?'"

The concept helped lead the Steelers to the Super Bowl after the 1995 season. Sixteen years later, Gailey's spread offense is tearing up the NFL once again. The Bills lead the league in scoring with 113 points in three games. Buffalo (3-0) averages 37.7 points per game, is third in total offense and is the only undefeated team in the AFC.

Now, instead of Neil O'Donnell, the Bills have fast-rising quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Thigpen's role as the No. 1 receiver in Gailey's offense is filled by Buffalo's Steve Johnson. Charles Johnson and Hastings are replaced by Donald Jones and David Nelson. Receiver Naaman Roosevelt, tight end Scott Chandler and tailback C.J. Spiller share time as Buffalo's fourth receiver.

Even Kordell "Slash" Stewart, who was used on trick plays by Gailey and Pittsburgh's staff, is comparable to Bills receiver/quarterback/returner Brad Smith. But so far, Buffalo hasn't used many trick plays.

Gailey's system thrives on several core principles. First, by lining up with four receivers, Buffalo is able to "expand the defense." Buffalo's alignment forces defenses to spread out. It creates bigger seams, and makes it easier for the quarterback to read defenses and recognize blitzes.

Fitzpatrick, a Harvard graduate, is one of the smartest quarterbacks in the league. He’s done a great job of reading defenses pre-snap, and changing routes and protection. It's led to Fitzpatrick’s fast start and his earning AFC player of the month honors. He's thrown for 871 yards and nine touchdowns in three games.

"When he's confident, on top of his game and hot, he's really hard to deal with," Matt Williamson of Scouts Inc. said of Fitzpatrick. "I don't know if that's going to keep up for 16 games. But he's on fire right now. He's at the pinnacle of his game."

Buffalo's spread also takes defenses out of their comfort zones. Every base defense in the NFL has three or four linebackers. The Bills, with three and four receivers, create tough choices. If opponents stay in their base defense, they have to cover wide receivers with linebackers. If opponents go away from their base defense, some of the better, front-seven players are taken off the field. That makes it easier to run the football. Bills tailback Fred Jackson is fourth in the NFL in rushing yards (303).

It's a catch-22 opponents have yet to figure out.

"Oakland stayed in a lot of base, and we exploited that," Jones said. "David in the middle, if they're going to keep a linebacker on him, that's a mismatch all day. Kansas City did the same thing.

"That's why we do it: to see what the defense is going to do. Are they going to bring in extra corners, or are they going to stay base? We're going to exploit it, whatever it is."

Buffalo's offense works because it defies stereotypes. With spreads, typically you think of big plays in the passing game but also a lot of sacks and struggles running the ball. Fitzpatrick has been sacked just once this season, and Buffalo is fourth in the league in rushing. The Bills average 5.6 yards per carry.

One of the secrets of Buffalo's success has been its receivers' blocking downfield. Buffalo is second in the NFL with six runs of 20 yards or more.

"This is what we tell our receivers: 'Do you want the running back to block the protection when you're running a route so you can catch a pass?'" Gailey said. "If you do, then when he's running the ball, you block for him because we're in this thing together."

Gailey's selfless team concept is working for the Bills. Buffalo usually sends four receivers out on passing plays, and it's Jackson's responsibility to block the extra rusher.

"I don't know if there's a better pass-protecting back in the league with what he does," Fitzpatrick said. "The fans and everybody watching the game, they see his runs, they see what he does after the catch, but that’s the thing that nobody really talks about and that’s what makes him one of the most complete backs in the game.

"He's taken on defensive linemen, he's taken on defensive ends and he's storming linebackers. Whatever it is, he's the best I've played with in terms of picking up blitzes. There are no stats for that."

The success of Buffalo’s offense has permeated the entire team.

Veteran Bills kicker Rian Lindell has seen a lot of bad offenses in his eight seasons in Buffalo. He provided some insight into how this year's offense has changed things.

"I have a kicking shoe that's tighter, so I don't wear it all game," Lindell said. "It used to be, I would wait until we get to midfield or in field goal range until I put it on. Now, if we get the ball on our own 20, 25 or 30, I say, 'I better put the shoe on. It might be a couple plays, and I have to get warmed up.'"

These Bills believe they can score with anyone. They proved it in a 34-31 shootout victory against New England. The Bills fell behind 21-0 in the first half and became the first NFL team to overcome deficits of 18 or more points in back-to-back weeks. Buffalo trailed by 21-3 at halftime of a 38-35 victory over Oakland in Week 2.

The offense is clicking because players better understand the system, Gailey said. In 2010, Gailey's first year in Buffalo, the Bills were ranked No. 25 offensively. They got off to a horrendous 0-8 start but finished the second half of the season 4-4. The Bills are 7-4 in their past 11 games.

Surprisingly, Buffalo's offensive playbook is not huge, players say. Gailey puts an emphasis on keeping things manageable. He believes that if everyone knows exactly what he's doing, the plays will work and it's easier to hold players accountable.

Many question whether the Bills, a four-win team in 2010, have the staying power to remain in contention. Much of it rests on this offense's ability to perform at a high level over 16 games.

Through three weeks, Buffalo is on pace to score 602 points this season. That would break the NFL record set by the Patriots (589) in 2007.

"I don't know if we'll set records this year," Gailey said. "But it'd be nice if we did."

Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson breaks down the tight ends of each AFC East team. Today: Buffalo Bills.

The Bills clearly rank last in the AFC East at tight end. It is a real area of weakness for Buffalo, and adding a good option there could really help this offense.

Amazingly, Jonathan Stupar’s 12 catches led all Buffalo tight ends last season. He doesn’t excel in any area of playing the position, though. His blocking is suspect, and his receiving skills are far from special. He has only 18 catches over his three-year career. Stupar should be a backup.

Shawn Nelson is the most talented player in this poor stable of tight ends, but he missed the last five games of the season with migraine issues. It is unclear whether this will be a recurring problem, but obviously Buffalo needs Nelson to be on the field. Nelson has much work to do, though, as a blocker.

David Martin, Scott Chandler and Mike Caussin also are in the mix. Martin has had flashes of productivity as a receiver over his 10-year career, but he consistently gets pushed around in the run game. Martin caught only seven passes in 2010. Chandler has done nothing to speak of since entering the league and played only four games last season, but he is a big target with some natural athleticism. Caussin will have to excel on special teams to make the final roster -- especially if Buffalo spends money in free agency to add a legitimate tight end. That would be a great move if Buffalo can pull it off. Zach Miller immediately comes to mind -- he would be perfect for the Bills. And wow, do they need him.

Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.

Tuesday afternoon brought a surge of AFC East roster updates. Teams are scrambling to conduct business before the collective bargaining agreement expires in two days.

The New York Jets have announced they will place the high free-agent tenders on receiver Santonio Holmes and cornerback Antonio Cromartie.

That means (under the current CBA) the team that signed either player would need to compensate the Jets with first- and third-round draft choices. But there's uncertainty over what restricted tenders will mean under the new CBA.

Other Jets are expected to get low tenders.

ESPNNewYork.com's Rich Cimini, citing unnamed league sources, also reports the Jets will retain running back LaDainian Tomlinson. There was speculation the Jets could part ways with Tomlinson, who will turn 32 before the next season.

Also Tuesday, the Buffalo Bills extended restricted free agent tenders to inside linebacker Paul Posluszny, safety Donte Whitner and tight end Scott Chandler.

Also Tuesday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the New England Patriots have signed former Bills defensive tackle Marcus Stroud to a two-year deal. ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss wrote an analysis of the move and surmises Stroud likely will be a first- and second-down defensive end in the Patriots' 3-4 base defense.

INDIANAPOLIS -- The NFL is a league of imitators. One team does something well, another team will try to emulate it.

The New England Patriots seemed progressively retro when they morphed their shotgun offense into sets with multiple tight ends. The Patriots used rookies Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez and in-line blocker Alge Crumpler masterfully.

At the NFL scouting combine in Lucas Oil Stadium, I asked Buffalo Bills coach Chan Gailey if he thought the Patriots' success could spark a trend and make an otherwise weak tight ends class more valuable in this year's draft.

"That's all on who you have," Gailey said. "If you have those two tight ends [the Patriots] had, you've got to think about 'How am I going to use these guys? How am I going to get them in the game?'

"If you get that personnel, you've got to use it."

Gailey doesn't have that personnel. He is a bright offensive coach with a gaping hole at tight end.

Bills tight ends combined for 23 receptions, 187 yards and one touchdown last season.

Jonathan Stupar was their most prolific tight end with a dozen catches for 111 yards and no touchdowns. That was an acceptable week for Gronkowski, Hernandez or New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller.

By comparison, Patriots tight ends combined for 93 catches, 1,161 yards and 18 touchdowns. Keller had a Jets-high 55 catches for 687 yards and five touchdowns. Miami Dolphins tight end Anthony Fasano had 39 receptions for 528 yards and four touchdowns, and that apparently wasn't enough. The Dolphins reportedly gave free agent Jeremy Shockey a physical last week.

Buffalo's disappointment at the position can be summed up with Shawn Nelson, a 2009 fourth-round pick who missed more games while serving a drug suspension (four) than he had receptions (three).

"The question for us is where we want a blocker because we want to run the ball and be effective there," Gailey said. "We'd like to have a pass-catcher.

"We just have to find the best football player at that position, knowing that we have to have at least one blocker and one receiver. You'd like to have two in one. But you may not be able to find that guy."

The Bills are intrigued by Scott Chandler, who they pulled off the waiver wire from the Dallas Cowboys in December.

Chandler has had the misfortune of playing on teams with established tight ends. The San Diego Chargers drafted him in the fourth round in 2007, but they have Antonio Gates. He signed with the Cowboys in 2009, but they have Jason Witten. The New York Giants signed him off the Cowboys' practice squad later that year, but they had Kevin Boss.

Gailey said Chandler "gives us a chance at that" two-way tight end. "So it'll be interesting for me."

Notre Dame tight end Kyle Rudolph is considered by many analysts to be atop this year's draft class. Virgil Green from Nevada has some scouts buzzing, but he's undersized at 6-foot-3 and 249 pounds and is from the H-back mold.