AFC East Draft Analysis

By: Lily Zhao

Now that the NFL Draft is over and players are reporting to their respective teams, which AFC East teams did the best job in addressing their needs and came out the winner of the 2012 NFL Draft? Well, the Jets, Bills and Dolphins have been making moves all off-season, especially during the free agency and now the draft to close the gap between themselves and the perennial top-seed, the Patriots.

Here's a look at how each team stands after the draft:

MIAMI DOLPHINS

(NBC.com)

Could the Dolphins have a new Dan Marino in their grasp? They certainly hope so. Former Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill was the first quarterback taken in the first round by Miami since Marino in 1983. With the Dolphins drafting Tannehill at number 8, they must believe he'll be the franchise quarterback they're looking for. Coming into the season, the reality of having the rookie quarterback jump incumbent starter Matt Moore and the free-agent signing of David Garrard is not likely. However, Tannehill has all the skills to be that starter two or three years down the road. He's already somewhat familiar with offensive coordinator Mike Sherman, who coached him while he was with the Aggies.

But, to make Tannehill that franchise quarterback, he will need the right pieces around him to succeed. With that said, Tannehill will need weapons in the open field to throw to. After trading veteran wide receiver Brandon Marshall, it's boggling why the Dolphins signed another receiver, B.J. Cunningham from Michigan State, in the sixth round. Cunningham had a mediocre career with the Spartans and has had some off-the-field issues. Furthermore, head coach Joe Philbin made sure to get Tannehill lots of protection up front, drafting OT Jonathan Martin, who could play alongside Pro Bowler Jake Long.

Grade: C

Media analysts believe the Miami Dolphins fared the best out of all the other AFC East teams following the first round of the NFL Draft, where the Dolphins drafted Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.

NEW YORK JETS

(Newyorkjets.com)

GM Mike Tannenbaum and head coach Rex Ryan decided to draft wide receiver Stephen Hill who impressed during the NFL Combine, running the 40-yard dash in a blazing 4.38 seconds. A standout at Georgia Tech, Hill mastered the triple-option, but now has to translate those skills to the Jets offense. The 6-foot-4, 215-pound receiver also adds a big body to the Jets offense. With great hands and speed,  Hill will be among fellow veteran receivers Santonio Holmes, Jeremy Kerley and Dustin Keller. However, New York failed to address two big weaknesses on its offensive line, left guard and right tackle.

Rex Ryan also decided to take a big gamble drafting North Carolina defensive end Quinton Coples. Following an average senior season, Coples failed to deliver on his immense potential. However, the team is hoping he can be the big-time pass rusher they need. But, drafting safeties Antonio Allen and Josh Bush helps the Jets bring in some play-making ability to the team's secondary. At South Carolina, Allen played a safety/linebacker hybrid position and is a sure tackler, especially on the line of scrimmage. What he'll need to work on is learning how to read NFL defenses. Bush recorded six interceptions last season with Notre Dame and has the ability to help the Jets with their weakness at corner, due to his ability to cover tight ends and receivers in the slot, especially in open field.

Grade: B-

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

(sportsagentblog.com)

The Patriots did something no one expected them to do... trade up twice in the first round. Bill Belichick has only done that twice in the past 12 drafts, which should mean he believes Syracuse DE Chandler Jones and Alabama LB Dont'a Hightower will be able to shore up the Patriots defense immediately. Outside of the first round, the Patriots' second-round pick of Illinois defensive back Tavon Wilson was a bit surprising. Wilson recorded 74 tackles and 1 INT last season playing with the Illini.

New England also drafted Nebraska cornerback Alfonzo Dennard who slipped all the way to the seventh round due to an April 21 arrest. Dennard, aside from his off-the-field problems, is a physical cornerback who can play strong at the line and plug up holes. He has good closing speed and good instincts, and the talent to compete for a starting position if he cleans up his act. Last season, he recorded 31 tackles.

Belichick did a solid job in restocking his defense with players who fit the team's profile. If the first-rounders can live up their expectations and if Dennard pans out, this will have been a successful draft for the Patriots.

Grade: B-

BUFFALO BILLS

(postandcourier.com)

The Bills could provide the most competition moving forward this season. Although the team didn't make any flashy picks, the Bills did address their immediate concerns in the secondary and on the offensive line. Following a free agency period where the Bills brought in pass rushers Mario Williams and Mark Anderson, the team also drafted talented cornerback Stephon Gilmore and offensive tackle Cordy Glenn. Gilmore and Glenn have the play-making ability and potential to both be starters this coming season.

Another need Buffalo addressed was on offense. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will hopefully have a new wide receiver to throw to in order to take the pressure off receiver Steve Johnson, and that player could be receiver T.J. Graham. The 6'0'', 188-pound receiver out of NC State caught 46 passes for 757 yards and seven touchdowns last season. He has the speed to compete in the NFL, and was NC State's top return man as well.

                                                                Grade: B+

AFC East Draft Picks

By: Lily Zhao

Here are all the draft picks for each AFC East team:

NEW YORK JETS:

• No. 16: Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina
• No. 43: Stephen Hill, WR, Georgia Tech
• No. 77: Demario Davis, OLB, Arkansas State
• No. 187: Josh Bush, S, Wake Forest
• No. 202: Terrance Ganaway, RB, Baylor
• No. 203: Robert Griffin, G, Baylor
• No. 242: Antonio Allen, S, South Carolina
• No. 244: Jordan White, WR, Western Michigan

MIAMI DOLPHINS:

• No. 8: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
• No. 42: Jonathan Martin, T, Stanford
• No. 72: Olivier Vernon, DE, Miami (FL)
• No. 78: Michael Egnew, TE, Missouri
• No. 97: Lamar Miller, RB, Miami (FL)
• No. 155: Josh Kaddu, OLB, Oregon
• No. 183: B.J. Cunningham, WR, Michigan State
• No. 215: Kheeston Randall, DT, Texas
• No. 227: Rishard Matthew, WR, Nevada

BUFFALO BILLS:

• No. 10: Stephon Gilmore, CB, South Carolina
• No. 41: Cordy Glenn, G, Georgia
• No. 69: TJ Graham, WR, North Carolina State
• No. 105: Nigel Bradham, OLB, Florida State
• No. 124: Ron Brooks, CB, LSU
• No. 144: Zebrie Sanders, T, Florida State
• No. 147: Tank Carder, OLB, TCU
• No. 178: Mark Asper, T, Oregon
• No. 251: John Potter, K, Western Michigan

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

• No. 21: Chandler Jones, DE, Syracuse
• No. 25: Dont'a Hightower, ILB, Alabama
• No. 48: Tavon Wilson, S, Illinois
• No. 90: Jake Bequette, DE, Arkansas
• No. 197: Nate Ebner, CB, Ohio State
• No. 224: Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska
• No. 235: Jeremy Ebert, WR, Northwestern

VIDEO: Brian Lowe on Chandler Jones draft pick

By: Lily Zhao

Patriots.com reporter Brian Lowe says the Patriots knew what they were doing when they traded up to draft Syracuse DE Chandler Jones.

VIDEO: Bill Belichick Press Conference

By: Lily Zhao

Coach Bill Belichick addresses the media following the Patriot's first round of draft picks Thursday night.

Grading the Patriots first round picks

By: Lily Zhao


Following the first day of draft picks, the Patriots ended up doing something surprising... trading up... twice. Bill Belichick has only traded up in the first round twice in the past 12 drafts. The Patriots gave up a third-round pick to move up from 27 to 21 to acquire Syracuse DE Chandler Jones. The team then acquired its 25th pick from the Denver Broncos, selecting Alabama LB Dont'a Hightower.

The question now is how these two defensive players fit into the Patriots defensive scheme. Last season, New England ran a 4-3 out of necessity due to the lockout, which severely shortened the team's ability to workout during the offseason. However, as the season progressed, the defense reverted back to its old 3-4 defensive scheme. And now with Jones and Hightower coming in, it seems the Patriots' defensive scheme could revert back to the 4-3 scheme.

But can Jones and Hightower make an impact next season? Here are my grades for the Patriots' first round selections.

No. 21: CHANDLER JONES, DE, Syracuse

The 6'5'', 265-pound defensive end shot up the draft boards late in the first round. His versatility on the field and his wingspan give New England a big boost on the defensive side of the ball. The Patriots ranked 31st in the league in yards allowed and 14th in the league in sacks last season. Jones was known at Syracuse for his ability to defend the pass rush, but his run defense has been extremely underrated. He has the ability crash the line inside to stop short yardage plays and can frequently get into the backfield to disrupt the quarterback. Furthermore, Jones is versatile. He can play the defensive end position or outside linebacker. His skill set will allow Belichick to move him all over the field. However, his absence in five games last season due to an injury sustained in the Orange's game against Wake Forest means he might be a little raw and could need help adjusting to playing alongside veterans like Vince Wilfork and Jonathan Fanene.

*Does Chandler Jones fit in with the Patriots? Watch the video analysis here.

Grade: B+

No. 25: DONT'A HIGHTOWER, LB, Alabama

(bleacherreport.com)

This 6'4'', 260-pound linebacker was one of the leaders of National Champion Alabama's top-ranked defense last season. He uses his size to plug up the interior gaps on the line due to his great speed and ability to shed blocks. He can also get to the ball-carrier, recording four sacks last season. Furthermore, his versatility on defense and his know-how of picking up on complex schemes will be crucial as a Patriots player. As a student of Nick Saban, one of Belichick's closest friends, Hightower has been trained well for his trip to New England. If he can translate his skills well to the pros, the linebacker corps for the Patriots might be shaping up to be Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes and Dont'a Hightower.

*Can Dont'a Hightower make an impact his rookie season? Watch the video analysis here.


Grade: A-

VIDEO: Mike Reiss talks Patriots offensive draft needs

By: Lily Zhao

ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss spoke to me about what the Patriots need offensively, following the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Mock Draft: New England Patriots 2012

By: Lily Zhao

It's no question the Patriots need defensive players in this year's NFL draft. The main concerns on defense? Well, it comes down to the secondary, mainly the safety, cornerback and defensive end positions. However, New England also needs someone on special teams and on the offensive line. The Patriots have two picks late in the first round, and here are the potential picks I believe the Patriots should take.

Pick #27: New England needs to go with a defensive guy is versatile and has the skills to rush the passer. Defensive lineman Kendall Reyes from Connecticut is a guy who I think will still be left for the Patriots to snag at this pick. And although he will probably be gone this late into the first round, Alabama lineback Dont'a Hightower is another great prospect on defense. He is one of the best rushing the passer and has the natural strength to run through blocks. He can change direction extremely well and runs well downfield.

Pick #31: Janoris Jenkins out of North Alabama could be another player the Patriots should look out for. Despite his troubled past in Florida, Jenkins is one of the best cover corners in the draft. He might be a risky pick, but many scouts have said Jenkins has put his past behind him. If the Patriots draft him, he could do wonders in the backfield, especially since the Patriots were ranked 31st in pass rush last year.

Wildcard Pick: Brandon Boykin out of Georgia could help the Patriots on special teams, especially kickoff returns. He has the speed to out run most defenders and has the hands to play on defense as well. Look for him, along with offensive lineman Brandon Washington from Miami to get some recognition. The Patriots needs to add depth on the offensive line and Washington adds range. He has the ability to and experience at both guard spots and left tackle and has improved manning the blind side.