Chasing the Patriots
- Updated: April 7, 2014
AFC East Report
With the early blitz of free agency signings in the rearview mirror, teams now turn the bulk of their attention to next month’s NFL Draft.
In the AFC East, the storyline remains: Who is going to catch the Patriots?
Let’s analyze the free agency season up to date and see how the four teams have fared so far, and where they should go from here.
New England Patriots
Where they’ve improved: In the first week of free agency the Patriots secondary became an area of concern then quickly turned into an area of strength. After losing Aqib Talib to rival Denver, the Pats added all-world corner Darrelle Revis, then picked up the huge Brandon Browner. Now the Pats have five reliable corners in Revis, Browner, Alfonzo Dennard, Kyle Arrington and the underrated Logan Ryan. The Pats will also show improvement in 2014 by just getting some of their injured players back into the lineup. Most notably, Vince Wilfork, who signed a few weeks after asking for his release, and Jerrod Mayo, a versatile leader at linebacker, return after missing the majority of 2013.
Areas of concern: The Patriots need to add youth at defensive tackle and depth at defensive end. They also lost linebackers Brandon Spikes and Dane Fletcher. Despite Spikes’ limitations in coverage, he remains a defensive tone setter and one of the most disruptive forces against the run in the league. Another position of need is at strong safety where, despite several moves in recent seasons, the Pats have yet to find a capable replacement for Rodney Harrison. The Pats also will be looking to improve its interior offensive line and possibly add some depth and insurance at tight end.
Possible first-round targets at No. 29: S Calvin Pryor; LB Ryan Shazier; DE/OLB Trent Murphy; DT Ra’Shede Hageman; DT Louis Nix; DT/DE Stephon Tuitt
New York Jets
Where they’ve improved: Although I think the signing of Eric Decker was one of the more overrated additions this offseason, he definitely should help a struggling passing game. I actually liked the signing of Raiders wideout Jacoby Ford, who can take the top off defenses and help open up more room for Decker and underrated slot receiver Jeremy Kerley. I’m not sure about how the Michael Vick signing really helps the Jets. Vick’s best days are behind him and it seems like the Jets are already questioning Geno Smith’s ability to lead the team. The Jets could be headed for another quarterback controversy like they had when the brought in Tim Tebow to compete with incumbent Mark Sanchez.
Areas of concern: The Jets have one of the best defensive fronts in football with their own version of the “Son(s) of Anarchy” – Muhammad Wilkerson, Damon Harrison and Sheldon Richardson. The problem is: the loss of Antonio Cromartie leaves the Jets with a very questionable secondary. 2013 first-rounder Dee Milliner really struggled in his rookie season and free agent Dimitri Patterson will likely be slotted as the other staring corner. The loss of offensive tackle Austin Howard softens an already average-at-best offensive line.
Possible first-round targets at No. 18: WR Brandin Cooks; T Zack Martin; S Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix; CB Jason Verrett; TE Jace Amaro
Miami Dolphins
Where they’ve improved: The Dolphins biggest problem – both on and off the field — the past few seasons has definitely been along the offensive line. The signing of Branden Albert was a huge leap in the right direction for the Dolphins. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has shown flashes of star potential , but until the Dolphins give him some protection, he will never reach his potential. The signing of Knowshon Moreno will also give the protection a boost as he is one of the best blitz protectors at his position.
Areas of concern: Although they’ve improved the Dolphins still need to add young talent to the offensive line. The Dolphins also need to add depth to the secondary where Brent Grimes is the only current top-notch talent. The addition of Cortland Finnegan should add toughness, but how much he has left in the tank has to be a concern. Mike Wallace and Brian Hartline make a decent pair of receivers on the outside, but the Dolphins could really use some help in the slot.
Possible first-round targets at No. 19: WR Brandin Cooks; WR Marqise Lee; OT Zack Martin; S Calvin Pryor; LB Ryan Shazier
Buffalo Bills
Where they’ve improved: The Bills have added much-needed toughness with the acquisitions of linebackers Brandon Spikes and Keith Rivers. Spikes especially can be a thumper against the run and will help the team avoid repeat performances like when they allowed 267 yards against the Patriots to end the season. … The addition of receiver Mike Williams is a low-risk, high-reward signing. Williams certainly has his baggage off the field, but brings a skill set that instantly strengthens the Bills receiving corps, while providing the team more positional flexibility early in the draft.
Areas of concern: There is a gaping hole in the Bills secondary, as Jairus Byrd is now a New Orleans Saint. Byrd has been one of the top all-around center fielders in the game and Buffalo will hope Aaron Williams can slide in and adequately handle the role. Even if Williams can handle the starting role, the Bills have very little talented depth at the position. The other major area of concern for Buffalo has to be the offensive line. The Bills have consistently had trouble protecting the quarterback the last several seasons and could really use help at right tackle and overall depth to help keep E.J. Manuel on the field.
Possible first-round targets at No. 9: WR Mike Evans; TE Eric Ebron; T Taylor Lewan; S Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix.
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