AFC East
Buffalo Bills
Top 5 needs: OT, DL, WR, LB, K
No. of selections: 8
Draft picks: Round 1 (19), Round 2 (49), Round 3 (80), Round 4 (117), Round 4 (139), Round 5 (156), Round 6 (192), Round 6 (218)
Analysis: It wasn't that long ago that the Bills selected both Seantrel Henderson and Cyrus Kouandjio in the same draft to compete for the right tackle spot. Unfortunately, it is looking like neither guy will end up becoming the starter of the future, and the Bills just might agree with that sentiment. The Bills need an upgrade in talent at most of the linebacker positions. It is also looking like time to add depth all along the defensive line.
Miami Dolphins
Top 5 needs: CB, S, OT, OG, DE
No. of selections: 8
Draft picks: Round 1 (13), Round 2 (42), Round 3 (73), Round 4 (107), Round 5 (147), Round 6 (186), Round 7 (227), Round 7 (231)
Analysis: Adding talent to the cornerback position should be one of Miami's top priorities in this draft. Offensively, the Dolphins are going to have to find a swing tackle who might be Branden Albert's future replacement. They need more talent at guard, where there is a log-jam of mediocrity. While the Dolphins have replaced Olivier Vernon with Mario Williams, pass-rushing depth could be a wise investment.
New England Patriots
Top 5 needs: DE, OT, CB, WR, RB
No. of selections: 11
Draft picks: Round 2 (60), Round 2 (61), Round 3 (91), Round 3 (96), Round 6 (196), Round 6 (204), Round 6 (208), Round 6 (214), Round 6 (221), Round 7 (243), Round 7 (250)
Analysis: With Chandler Jones gone via trade to the Arizona Cardinals, the Patriots could look to address that spot at some point on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) of the draft. The Patriots have always been mindful about stockpiling draft selections for their secondary. Then again, New England is just as quick to let cornerbacks and safeties go in free agency. There's no reason to believe the Patriots won't target a talented cornerback this year. The Patriots might not need a deep threat at receiver since Brady doesn't go over the top like he once did, but finding a true WR1 other than a slot receiver (Julian Edelman) would be nice. The Patriots mix and match running backs each year, so while they might add a back, I doubt it will be an early priority. It's time for the Patriots to add some competition into the mix at left tackle.
New York Jets
Top 5 needs: OT, edge rusher, ILB, TE, CB
No. of selections: 6
Draft picks: Round 1 (20), Round 2 (51), Round 3 (83), Round 4 (118), Round 7 (241), Round 7 (235)
Analysis: The Jets need to upgrade the right-tackle spot and it isn't crazy to consider Ryan Clady as a band-aid on the left side, depending on his performance. In other words, the Jets need to take a look at the tackle spot. The Jets' defensive line is full of dominant performers, but the missing ingredient has been a true edge bender at the outside linebacker spot. Finding an edge rusher should be an early round draft priority. Inside linebacker and tight end could be in play early on.
Buffalo Bills
Top 5 needs: OT, DL, WR, LB, K
No. of selections: 8
Draft picks: Round 1 (19), Round 2 (49), Round 3 (80), Round 4 (117), Round 4 (139), Round 5 (156), Round 6 (192), Round 6 (218)
Analysis: It wasn't that long ago that the Bills selected both Seantrel Henderson and Cyrus Kouandjio in the same draft to compete for the right tackle spot. Unfortunately, it is looking like neither guy will end up becoming the starter of the future, and the Bills just might agree with that sentiment. The Bills need an upgrade in talent at most of the linebacker positions. It is also looking like time to add depth all along the defensive line.
Miami Dolphins
Top 5 needs: CB, S, OT, OG, DE
No. of selections: 8
Draft picks: Round 1 (13), Round 2 (42), Round 3 (73), Round 4 (107), Round 5 (147), Round 6 (186), Round 7 (227), Round 7 (231)
Analysis: Adding talent to the cornerback position should be one of Miami's top priorities in this draft. Offensively, the Dolphins are going to have to find a swing tackle who might be Branden Albert's future replacement. They need more talent at guard, where there is a log-jam of mediocrity. While the Dolphins have replaced Olivier Vernon with Mario Williams, pass-rushing depth could be a wise investment.
New England Patriots
Top 5 needs: DE, OT, CB, WR, RB
No. of selections: 11
Draft picks: Round 2 (60), Round 2 (61), Round 3 (91), Round 3 (96), Round 6 (196), Round 6 (204), Round 6 (208), Round 6 (214), Round 6 (221), Round 7 (243), Round 7 (250)
Analysis: With Chandler Jones gone via trade to the Arizona Cardinals, the Patriots could look to address that spot at some point on Day 2 (Rounds 2-3) of the draft. The Patriots have always been mindful about stockpiling draft selections for their secondary. Then again, New England is just as quick to let cornerbacks and safeties go in free agency. There's no reason to believe the Patriots won't target a talented cornerback this year. The Patriots might not need a deep threat at receiver since Brady doesn't go over the top like he once did, but finding a true WR1 other than a slot receiver (Julian Edelman) would be nice. The Patriots mix and match running backs each year, so while they might add a back, I doubt it will be an early priority. It's time for the Patriots to add some competition into the mix at left tackle.
New York Jets
Top 5 needs: OT, edge rusher, ILB, TE, CB
No. of selections: 6
Draft picks: Round 1 (20), Round 2 (51), Round 3 (83), Round 4 (118), Round 7 (241), Round 7 (235)
Analysis: The Jets need to upgrade the right-tackle spot and it isn't crazy to consider Ryan Clady as a band-aid on the left side, depending on his performance. In other words, the Jets need to take a look at the tackle spot. The Jets' defensive line is full of dominant performers, but the missing ingredient has been a true edge bender at the outside linebacker spot. Finding an edge rusher should be an early round draft priority. Inside linebacker and tight end could be in play early on.