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Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it’s never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Patriots in 2012.

Dream scenario (15-1): The Patriots take advantage of the easiest strength of schedule in the NFL on their way to home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Barring injury, it's hard not to see New England winning at least 11 or 12 games this year. Note the dream scenario is 15-1, not 16-0. The pressure of going into the playoffs undefeated is immense. New England found out the hard way after the 2007 season, when they came up just short in the Super Bowl against the New York Giants. It would be easier for New England to get that loss out of the way early so the pressure of a perfect season won't be on their shoulders late in the year. The AFC East looks ripe for the Patriots once again. They went 5-1 against the division in 2011, which is key to winning the AFC East and vying for home-field advantage in the AFC.

Nightmare scenario (9-7): Is 9-7 really a nightmare? Not for most teams. But it's Super Bowl or bust for New England, and a nine-win season with the chance to miss the playoffs is probably the worst this team could do considering its talent and easy schedule. Significant injuries are the only thing I can see derailing the Patriots from another playoff run. Quarterback Tom Brady suffered a season-ending knee injury in 2008 and New England still finished 11-5. But this is a different team, especially on defense. A significant injury to Brady, especially early in the season, would be a nightmare and make the Patriots an ordinary team again. I'm not convinced this team is good enough, especially defensively, to hold up like it did a few years ago without its future Hall of Fame quarterback. Also, who knows if Ryan Mallett or Brian Hoyer is good enough to lead the charge? Maybe in time, but the Patriots don't want to find out next season.

Anything can happen in the NFL. There are surprises, injuries, etc. that can change the annual landscape.

However, let's be honest: Only the biggest AFC East homers would pick against the reigning AFC champion New England Patriots winning the division next year. The Patriots have by far the best quarterback, the best head coach, the easiest schedule in the NFL and were within a drive of winning the Super Bowl. Plus, New England was the only AFC East team with a winning record in 2011. The gap is just too wide.

With that said, that brings us to our latest poll question: Who should be the preseason favorite to finish in second place in the division?

Is it last year's second-place team: the New York Jets? They were 8-8 in 2011, which was a disappointment for this talented group. The Jets are a team built to win now and expect a bounce-back year. Is second place in their future?

What about the upstart Buffalo Bills? They had a great offseason that included additions like defensive ends Mario Williams and Mark Anderson and first-round cornerback Stephon Gilmore. The Bills are trying to make it a big year in Buffalo. Can they make the jump?

Finally, will the Miami Dolphins finish in second place? The Dolphins will try to be competitive under first-year head coach Joe Philbin and starting quarterback Matt Moore or David Garrard.

Using our SportsNation poll, vote on which AFC East team most likely will finish in second place. You can also share your thoughts in the comment section below.

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

• New England Patriots teammates Tom Brady and Wes Welker were together at the Kentucky Derby.

Morning take: Brady and Welker have spent a lot of time together this offseason. The pair hope to get it right this time and lead New England to another Super Bowl.

• Who is the biggest rival for the New York Jets?

Morning take: Although the article says the Miami Dolphins, it has to be the Patriots. New York and New England have had more big games, and the rivalry has more hatred.

• A YouTube video helped Monmouth quarterback Alex Tanney get a tryout with the Buffalo Bills.

Morning take: Tanney is a long shot, but his trick throws got him an opportunity. The Bills continue to turn over every rock to find a third quarterback.

• Are the Dolphins changing perceptions?

Morning take: Recently things are slowly improving. But the best way to do it is on the field. Miami has to win, and there’s no way around that.

The NFL released its 2012 preseason schedules Wednesday. It's a tease to the eventual release of the regular-season schedule.

Here are the exhibition schedules in the AFC East:

Buffalo Bills

• Week 1: Washington
• Week 2: at Minnesota
• Week: 3: Pittsburgh
• Week 4: at Detroit

Miami Dolphins

• Week 1: Tampa Bay
• Week 2: at Carolina
• Week 3: Atlanta
• Week 4: at Dallas

New England Patriots

• Week 1: New Orleans
• Week 2: Philadelphia
• Week 3: at Tampa Bay
• Week 4: at New York Giants

New York Jets

• Week 1: at Cincinnati
• Week 2: New York Giants
• Week 3: Carolina
• Week 4: at Philadelphia

A few things stood out. For starters, we have a Super Bowl rematch between the Patriots and Giants. These teams see each other a lot in the preseason, regular season and playoffs. It's almost to the level of being division rivals. Unfortunately, this game is in the final week of the preseason, and we're going to see a ton of backups most of the game. New England also will face the Saints, who are coming off the bounty controversy and suspension of coach Sean Payton.

The new-look Bills' defensive line most likely will debut in the preseason against former Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III and the Washington Redskins. That should be a good test for Buffalo's Mario Williams & Co. Washington is expected to take Griffin with the No. 2 overall pick. The Miami-Tampa Bay preseason opener will be the NFL debut of both Dolphins coach Joe Philbin and Bucs coach Greg Schiano.

The Tom Brady-Peyton Manning quarterback rivalry is one of the best ever. After a one-year hiatus, it is set to return in 2012.

Brady and the reigning AFC champion New England Patriots will host Manning and the new-look Broncos next season. Manning picked the Broncos on Monday from his list of finalists and will resume his Hall of Fame career in Denver.

Expect the Patriots-Broncos game at Gillette Stadium to be a prime-time showdown. The television networks should be gawking over this one, as Manning and Brady haven't played since the 2010 season. If the game is scheduled late in the year, it likely will involve playoff implications.

Including the playoffs, Brady holds an 8-5 career record against Manning.

Future Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss will make his return to Gillette Stadium in 2012, but not as a member of the New England Patriots.

The dynamic receiver is back in the NFL after signing with the San Francisco 49ers late Monday. Moss, 35, will try to add much-needed speed and depth to San Francisco's receiving corps. Here is NFC West blogger Mike Sando's analysis on the signing.

But in terms of the AFC East, the reigning AFC champion Patriots will host Moss and the 49ers next season. We propose that this game should be put in prime time when the NFL announces its 2012 schedule this spring.

There are several good storylines worth mentioning. The first tie is Moss, who spent three-plus seasons in New England. Moss nearly won a Super Bowl after the 2007 season, but New England's undefeated run was stopped by the New York Giants in the Super Bowl.

It also doesn't hurt that New England and San Francisco were two of the NFL's best teams last season. San Francisco lost in overtime to the New York Giants in the NFC title game, and New England lost to New York in the Super Bowl. Both teams are projected as contenders once again.

Finally, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady grew up in California as a big 49ers and Joe Montana fan. Brady, 34, only gets to play his childhood team once every four years. This might be Brady’s last meeting against the 49ers.

Add it all up and there's no reason for this game not to be on Sunday or Monday night.

Here are the most interesting Peyton Manning stories in the AFC East:

• Will there be a reunion between free-agent quarterback Peyton Manning and receiver Reggie Wayne in Miami?

Morning take: The Dolphins have a need at both positions and the pair train together in South Florida. The trio of Manning, Wayne and receiver Brandon Marshall would be dangerous and certainly not out of the realm of possibility.

• How will Manning's decision impact the New England Patriots?

Morning take: The reigning AFC champs can't be concerned with it. The Patriots are going to be contenders regardless of where Manning plays. New England just needs to focus on having a strong offseason.

• The New York Jets have reportedly inquired about Manning.

Morning take: After talking up Mark Sanchez all offseason, you have to wonder how this news will affect him. We will have more on this topic later in the AFC East blog.

• How would the Buffalo Bills feel if Manning joins the AFC East?

Morning take: This is Buffalo's worst nightmare. Having Tom Brady (Patriots) and Manning (Dolphins or Jets) play for division rivals is a sure way to finish third or fourth in the division.

Here's one way the New England Patriots can get back to the Super Bowl: Sign receiver Mike Wallace, one of the best players in free agency.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' Pro Bowler is a restricted free agent who is ripe for the taking. Pittsburgh has salary-cap issues this offseason and cut many of its veteran players. The team also could not afford to put a franchise tag on Wallace.

A first-round pick and a good contract offer are the only things standing in the way of Wallace joining the reigning AFC champions. New England should be the first team in line to throw caution to the wind and pry Wallace from Pittsburgh next week when free agency begins.

Here are several reasons why this is a smart move for New England:

Reason No. 1: Patriots have plenty of draft picks, cap space

This is the perfect year for the Patriots to pounce. Unlike the Steelers, New England has plenty of cap room and more than enough draft picks to make a solid pitch for Wallace.

The cost for Wallace would be a first-round pick and a contract extension. New England has two first-rounders (No. 27 and No. 31) and two second-rounders. Losing one of those early picks would not hurt the Patriots. New England likely would not get an immediate, Pro Bowl-caliber player at the end of the first round anyway. Wallace would count as part of the Patriots' draft class. New England could add a top-10 receiver in his prime.

New England's best chance is to offer Wallace a front-loaded contract. The key is to provide a high amount of guaranteed money and salary in the first season, which would count against this year's cap. The Patriots have that luxury over Pittsburgh and can use it to their advantage.

The Patriots entered the offseason with more cap space than any team in the AFC East. Receiver Wes Welker's franchise tag would take up some of that, but the Patriots still can offer Wallace more than Pittsburgh. New England may have to eventually work out an extension with Welker, as a result, but the Patriots are considering that option anyway.

Reason No. 2: Patriots need a deep threat

Imagine the possibilities: Tom Brady throwing to Welker and Rob Gronkowski underneath, and Wallace and Aaron Hernandez vertically. That would be a passing attack that is tough to stop.

New England's best deep threat last year was Hernandez, its backup tight end. He was the only player who could consistently get vertical and was a threat for making huge plays.

Wallace's speed would bring a unique element to New England's offense. He is arguably the best deep threat in the NFL and has 23 receptions of 40 yards or more the past three seasons. The Patriots' offense hasn't had that type of big-play capability since Randy Moss.

There are criticisms that Wallace is a "one-trick pony." That’s debatable. But getting deep is really all the Patriots would need from Wallace. New England's other receivers and tight ends will take care of the underneath routes and allow Wallace to focus on what he does best.

Reason No. 3: It hurts a big AFC rival

The Steelers are one of the most well-run and respected franchises in the NFL. The ownership, front office and coaching are all top notch.

Therefore, Pittsburgh consistently poses one of the biggest threats to New England in the AFC. The Steelers and Patriots combined for eight Super Bowl appearances the past 11 years. If Pittsburgh didn't get "Tebowed" by the Denver Broncos in January, the Patriots would've had another tough playoff matchup against Pittsburgh. The Steelers beat New England in the regular season.

Signing Wallace away from Pittsburgh would simultaneously strengthen New England and hurt the Steelers' depth at receiver. The Steelers already released team captain and all-time leading receiver Hines Ward. In terms of leadership, Ward leaves a huge void that is tough to replace. Losing Wallace, Pittsburgh's best receiver, would be another big blow.

Pittsburgh also cut starting linebacker James Farrior, starting guard Chris Kemoeatu and veteran defensive end Aaron Smith. Years of manipulating the cap is finally catching up to the Steelers, and it could cost the team Wallace if New England or another team goes after him.

Reason No. 4: No harm, no foul

Let's say the Steelers find a way to match New England's offer. That could still work in New England's favor.

The Patriots would retain their first-round pick and cap room, while forcing Pittsburgh overpay on a front-loaded contract to keep Wallace. The Steelers, as a result, would have more issues with the cap. For the Patriots, there's no harm in trying.

New England also has options. The Patriots could quickly turn its attention to veteran receiver Brandon Lloyd, who is a viable Plan B. Lloyd wants to reunite with new Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and would be happy to join the reigning AFC champs. Instead of the home run (Wallace), New England could settle for a triple (Lloyd).

Going after Wallace in free agency is a win-win for the Patriots, regardless of the result.

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.

Every time a discussion is brought up about the Miami Dolphins' quarterback situation, the last name usually mentioned is last season's starter: Matt Moore.

The forgotten quarterback went 6-3 in his final nine games and set career highs in passing yards (2,497) and touchdowns (16). Yet, every time you see the Dolphins, the team’s brass is talking about finding Moore’s replacement and upgrading at the position.

Here is Miami general manager Jeff Ireland thoughts on Moore from the NFL combine:

"I talked to him the other day, asked him where he’s at. He’s doing good. He’s out in California. Just wanted to say hello. He fits here. We’re glad to have Matt Moore on our roster. Last nine games we went 6-3, that’s pretty good. We’ve got to utilize his strengths. He needs to clean up his footwork and clean up his reads. That’s what the staff is going to do -- he’s going to be a big part of our team."

Moore is on the line of being a very good backup but not a franchise quarterback. Miami is setting its goals high to build a championship team over the next few years. Moore can win enough games to be competitive, but he's not the right starting quarterback to win the Dolphins a Super Bowl.

Ireland and Dolphins owner Stephen Ross both know that, which explains their actions. They are exploring Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn, Robert Griffin III, or any other quarterback who can potentially take Miami to the next level.

Moore's job in 2012 will be similar to last season's. It will be up to Moore to stay ready in the event there is an injury to the starting quarterback and his number is called.

Let's see what’s in the AFC East mailbag this week.

Clinton Buckland from Little Rock, Ark., writes: If Miami lands a healthy Peyton Manning, what would your prediction be to them winning the AFC East, the conference, and even the Super Bowl next year?

James Walker: Whoa, whoa! Slow down, Clinton. It's too early for those kind of predictions. Let the draft, free agency and maybe even the preseason play out first. But it’s safe to say the Dolphins are a great quarterback away from being a contender. If Manning is healthy, and that's the key, he would make Miami a playoff contender. Whether the Dolphins can compete with the New England Patriots in the AFC East and the rest of the conference, let's see how things play out.

Ryan from Miami, Fla., writes: Miami won the coin toss and is entering the draft one spot ahead. But is that going to really change the price tag for trading up to the No.2 spot?

Walker: Yes, Ryan, but only marginally. Teams have a trade value chart that they use to determine the value of each pick. The No. 8 pick is worth more points than the No. 9 pick. That's simple math. But I don't see Miami going into the draft with a need at quarterback anyway. They will chase Manning first and Matt Flynn second. If Miami doesn't have a quarterback by then, the team is in trouble. There will be plenty of suitors for Robert Griffin III, and I don't think Miami will get him at No. 2.

Tony from Denver, Colo., writes: Where do you see Chad Henne ending up this next fall? It seems to me like he would be a solid backup somewhere, and could work on his consistency to try and become a starter sometime in the future.

Walker: My prediction is the New York Jets, Tony. New York is looking for an affordable backup who is good enough to push Mark Sanchez to be the best quarterback he can be, and Henne is a favorite of new Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano from their days in Miami. It makes sense on a lot of levels. But there will be several teams with interest in Henne, especially as a backup.

Paul from Purcellville, Va., writes: Any chance the Jets will cut Bart Scott and use the cap room to pursue Johnathan Vilma?

Walker: Scott has been rumored to be on the chopping block, but I can't say for certain that will be the case. The Jets will have a lot of dead money by cutting some high-priced veterans. I think resructuring, like the Jets did with left tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, is the way to go. Teams save cap space and keep the player. The salary cap is expected to go up soon anyway. So it makes sense to push the hit to future years. Vilma, interestingly enough, started his career with the Jets. But if New York spends on a linebacker this year, it will be more of an edge-rushing type.

PJ from Manasquan, N.J., writes: With extra cap room can the Jets sign Mario Williams or another high-profile pass-rusher?

Walker: I don't see it, PJ. Williams is arguably the best defensive free agent available. Teams will be lining up around the corner and throwing big dollars at Williams next month. The Jets don't have the chips to win that fight. I think safety, right tackle and wide receiver are bigger needs.

Nick from Daytona Beach writes: Since the Buffalo Bills might not be able to retain Steve Johnson, do you think the New England Patriots will pursue him as their deep threat?

Walker: Johnson is not the type of receiver the Patriots are looking for, Nick. Johnson isn't a deep threat or home-run hitter. Brandon Lloyd is more of the type of receiver New England wants. The Patriots need someone who can make big plays and take pressure of receiver Wes Welker and tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski underneath.

Sayid from Brooklyn, N.Y., writes: Do you think its a possibility that the Patriots trade within the top five picks to secure the top CB in the draft?

Walker: The Patriots are much more likely to trade back, Sayid. But I do expect the Patriots to do something unexpected this time, although trading into the top five is not one of those things. New England could use both picks or even go after a player like Pittsburgh Steelers receiver Mike Wallace.

Matthew from Buffalo writes: All this talk about Steve Johnson, I feel any of us are forgetting Scott Chandler. What are the bills going to do with him? Will we try to upgrade or keep him?

Walker: Good question, Matthew. Chandler is a guy who is replaceable for Buffalo, but he has more value to the Bills than anywhere else. He's solid, but he's not a highly-productive player in terms of numbers. So there won't be teams out there giving Chandler a big contract. But the Bills know how well he fits in their scheme, so I expect them to make Chandler a decent offer.

Jeff in Boston writes: Question on the Bills: Does having cornerback Stanford Routt come first to Buffalo demonstrate that the Bills are serious about being players in this year's free-agency class?

Walker: Yes, it does, Jeff. But I think the bigger issue is will Buffalo's efforts be fruitful. Bills fans have emailed their dislike when I say it's hard to recruit free agents to Buffalo. Add in the fact the Bills do not have a winning program and it's even more difficult. This is not a shot at the town and the organization. I'm just pointing out the reality and something that's been proven over the years. Routt was the latest example. He visited the Bills, who pushed hard, and still went elsewhere. I like that Buffalo is trying, but it's going to take some extra effort (and money) to convince top free agents the Bills is the best place for them.

AFC East Hater of the Week

We don't have a homer, but we do have a big-time hater from our AFC East community this week.

Enjoy.

Samuel from Rochester, N.Y., writes: Of course you wouldn’t want to see Manning go to the Jets because you are a writer in Miami. But let me tell you this: With the head coach Miami has now and the OC, that offense will be a West Coast offense. When have you ever seen Peyton play in a West Coast offense? I know you are going to be a hater because you’re a writer in Miami. But remember this: If the New York Jets get Peyton Manning you can kiss your Dolphins goodbye twice a year buddy! Best believe that Eli Manning will be pushing for his brother to come to New York too pal!

Walker: Samuel, I made five valid points why Miami is a great fit for Manning, and you didn't bother to detract any of them. Your comeback is I made those points because I live in Miami, a place that I moved to just five months ago from Cleveland? I'm not a homer for the Dolphins, just like I'm not a homer for the Patriots when I predicted they would win the AFC East (correct), the AFC (correct) and the Super Bowl (just missed). The West Coast offense is a nice point. But that won't stop Stephen Ross and Jeff Ireland from pursuing arguably the best quarterback of our generation. The offense isn't in yet. If Miami gets Manning, the team will make the necessary adjustments with elements of the West Coast and things to make Manning comfortable. As for the Jets, unless Eli Manning can widen New York's salary cap and the Jets cut quarterback Mark Sanchez in the next couple of weeks, they have no chance of getting Peyton Manning. Your team is committed to Sanchez for at least one more year, Samuel. Miami, Washington and Arizona all have better odds for Manning. Congrats, Samuel, on being our AFC East "Hater of the Week."

If you have any other questions, comments or complaints, please send them to our AFC East inbox.

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.

MIAMI -- Memo to Peyton Manning: If things don't work out in Indianapolis over the next several weeks -- and they probably won't -- it's time to take your talents to South Beach.

Yes, Manning should be the next superstar player to land in Miami. The Colts are expected to release Manning before his $28 million bonus is due in March. Indianapolis holds the No. 1 overall pick, which will kick off the Andrew Luck era while simultaneously ending the Manning era.

It's time for Manning, if he's healthy, to make another team a Super Bowl contender. The Dolphins can't make their pitch while Manning is still under contract. But there is nothing illegal about the AFC East blog doing some early legwork and making a pitch for the Dolphins instead.

Here are five reasons why Manning to Miami is the ideal fit:

Reason No. 1: The Dolphins have the right pieces in place

Pro Bowl receiver? Check. Pro Bowl left tackle? Check. A solid running game with a 1,000-yard rusher? Check and check.

Besides a franchise quarterback, Miami's offense doesn't need much. The Dolphins showed how dangerous they can be with a competent quarterback, Matt Moore. Miami made up for its 0-7 start by finishing 6-3 in its final nine games.

The Dolphins would be even better with Manning. He instantly would turn Miami into a contender and a serious threat to supplant the New England Patriots in the AFC East and the conference as a whole.

Brandon Marshall would look like the receiver we saw in the Pro Bowl, where he was the game's MVP. Tailback Reggie Bush would have even more running lanes in 2012. Jake Long, arguably the best left tackle in football, would protect Manning's blind side and his surgically repaired neck. Manning cannot get better blindside protection unless he goes to Cleveland, which has left tackle Joe Thomas. And that’s not happening.

The New York Jets are a mess offensively. The Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins have poor offensive lines. And what receivers would Manning throw to in San Francisco?

Miami has all the right pieces for Manning to step right in and thrive.

Reason No. 2: The defense is primed, ready

Unlike Indianapolis, in Miami not all the pressure would be on Manning to put up 30 points per game. Miami allowed just 19.6 points per game this past season.

Do not be fooled by Miami's final ranking. The Dolphins finished 15th in the NFL in total yards, but that number was skewed by their awful 0-7 start. Miami eventually regained its 2010 form and was a top-10 defense in the second half of the season. The Dolphins have talent at every level defensively, and there's no reason to believe they won't have another strong unit next season.

Miami's defense could help Manning just as much as he could help the defense. The Dolphins' defense and special teams -- led by punter Brandon Fields -- are good at winning the field-position battle. If Manning could put points on the board early, that would help make opposing offenses one-dimensional.

The Dolphins' defense would benefit greatly from the increased scoring and fewer turnovers that Manning would provide.

Reason No. 3: Miami's owner has deep pockets

I don't know if money is important to Manning at this stage of his career. But Miami owner Stephen Ross has deep pockets and is willing to pay whatever is necessary.

Whether searching for a coach or chasing top free agents, Ross has made it clear that money isn’t an issue. The Dolphins are not in bad shape with the salary cap. Unlike the Jets, Miami has some wiggle room to fit Manning in.

If Manning is released, health concerns about his neck will be the primary reason. Therefore, expect Manning to sign an incentive-laden contract that protects his next team if he is injured. But look for Ross and the Dolphins to be among the highest bidders.

Reason No. 4: Location, location, location

Miami provides advantages for Manning on and off the field.

For starters, any offense with Manning will be a pass-heavy scheme. Manning is used to playing indoors and wants to throw the football 30-40 times a game. He can do that in Miami, where the weather is warm all year.

Of Manning's suitors, only the Arizona Cardinals can compete with Miami's weather. The Cardinals also play in a dome, which Manning would prefer. Arizona gets the edge there.

But here is something the Cardinals can't match: Manning reportedly owns property in Miami. His family likes it in South Florida, and the entire transition to the Dolphins would be easier. You cannot underrate the importance of family when Manning makes his final decision.

Reason No. 5: The chance to beat Tom Brady

Let's be honest: There's some unfinished business between Manning and Brady.

The two best quarterbacks of this era have had classic battles over the past dozen years. But Manning sat out this past season while his little brother, Eli Manning, carried the torch in this rivalry and beat Brady for the second time in a Super Bowl.

Peyton hasn't had the same success against Brady. Peyton is 5-8 against him, which includes some big playoff defeats. When both are retired, there will be plenty of debate on which quarterback was better. Brady owns the head-to-head advantage now, a big argument in his favor.

But it’s not too late for Peyton to make up that margin, especially if he comes to the AFC East and plays Brady at least twice a season. The Dolphins can give Peyton the type of supporting cast on offense and defense that it takes to beat Brady.

Brady and Manning are down to their last years, and both desperately want at least one more ring before they retire. Manning should try to get that ring in Miami.