This is part 1 of 8 of my post draft series, breaking down each teams draft by division. First up is the AFC East. Let’s get into it.
Buffalo Bills
Day 1
On day 1 the Bills selected Greg Rousseau EDGE from Miami. Rousseau is one of my favorite players in this class and has one of the highest ceilings in the draft. He’s an athletic freak at 6’7 265 that ran a 4.68 40 at Miami’s pro day. He lined up anywhere from a 0-tech to an OLB spot, but was ultimately more effective rushing from inside the tackle. This kid is raw and with the right coaches to develop him, he could be scary good for years to come.
Day 2
Buffalo followed up Rousseau with another EDGE player in Carlos “Boogie” Basham Jr. from Wake Forest at pick 61, and 6’9 325 pound OL Spencer Brown from Northern Iowa. I really love both picks, but especially the selection of Carlos Basham. Basham had all the tools to be a 1st round selection, but lacks consistency which is why he fell.
Day 3
The highlight of day 3 for the Bills was selecting Rachad Wildgoose, who has arguably the best name in the draft, CB out of Wisconsin.
Final Grade : B
I really like the Bills going after 2 EDGE prospects that have high upside with Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison both getting older. Buffalo is for real, and will be great for years to come especially if these draft picks reach their potential.
New York Jets
Day 1
Zach Wilson. My QB4 went #4 and that’s okay because he’s probably the best fit for the Jets. Wilson is going to be a stud but I question how he’ll do right away with his struggles against real competition. The Jets 2nd selection was Alijah Vera-Tucker from USC, who they moved up from 23 to 14 to pick. Tucker will probably slide next to Becton and form a dominant left side for years to come.
Day 2
Elijah Moore was the Jets only pick on day 2, and boy was it a great pick. Moore is a great WR and is a prototypical slot WR, which should be a cheaper replacement for Jamison Crowder down the road. Moore can also play on the outside and be affective like players such as Tyler Lockett.
Day 3
Michael Carter, the RB from UNC is the big pick on day 3 for the Jets and again, another hit. Carter was a beast and had it not been for his teammate, Javonte Williams, he may have ended up as RB1.
Final Grade : B+
The Jets had holes everywhere, and they hit on them offensively, and added secondary help on day 3. All the players I mentioned should help the Jets significantly, although it might not translate into wins right away.
Miami Dolphins
Day 1
Dolphins went 2/2 on day 1, picking up Jaylen Waddle and Jaelan Phillips. Waddle is a human highlight reel with his blazing speed that makes him a threat every down, not just on offense but also on ST where he had 2 PR TDs at Alabama. Phillips is a top 3 defensive player in this draft, and is at a spot the Dolphins need.
Day 2
Day 2 proved to be just as great as day 1, adding 3 players that will make an immediate impact. Jevon Holland is the only questionable pick at 36, only because Trevon Moehrig was still available and the Fins skipped. Liam Eichenberg will slide into the starting RT spot for Miami to be Tua’s blindside protection, as Notre Dame keeps producing quality offensive linemen. Hunter Long should be TE2 in a Brian Flores system that has similarities to New England, and will make an impact.
Day 3
Nothing big, just a couple of 7th rounders as the Dolphins had no 4-6R picks.
Final Grade : A+
I feel the Dolphins hit on every pick, bringing in positions of need and players that will impact the team positively. The Fins were in the playoff hunt last season, and with Tua coming into his 2nd year and this great draft, the Fins might be a sneaky team come playoff time.
New England Patriots
Day 1
As a Pats fan, my heart dropped when the Bears traded up for Fields and ruined my dreams of Justin in a Pats uniform. So we settled for Mac Jones. Don’t get me wrong Mac Jones is a solid player, but doesn’t have anywhere near the same level of potential any of the other 4 top QB’s have. I love the scheme fit for Mac though, and I think he’ll be a solid QB with the weapons the Pats have.
Day 2
Traded up for Christian Barmore and got Ronnie Perkins in the 3rd. 2 moves that were simply great, picking up the best IDL in the draft, and Perkins who has upside but doesn’t have a lot of snaps playing just 262 last season.
Day 3
I personally love the pick of Cameron McGrone. Kid has legit sideline to sideline speed, but does lack in coverage. Could end up being an eventual Hightower replacement.
Final Grade : A-
The Patriots hit on needs, QB, DL, but I would’ve liked to seen a WR taken in one of the first 2 days. I don’t think Agholor, Bource, and Meyers will cut it. With this team trying to get back in the playoffs, I think this draft helps the chance of that happening significantly.
That concludes part 1 of this series. Let me know if there’s anything you agree, or disagree with in the comments below.
Responses
Basham, Moore, and Carter were my 3 favorite picks. Greats job!
Great analysis I agree on all grades except the Jets. Wilson was the obvious choice in my opinion, and trading back up for Vera-Tucker was a great move. For me, they are an A.