NFL Draft Grades for All Four AFC East Teams.
By J.P. Scott
Apr 26, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills Buffalo Bills head coach Doug Marrone (left), first round draft pick quarterback E.J. Manuel (second from left), general manager Buddy Nix (second from right) and president Russ Brandon pose for a photo at the press conference at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Another year, another draft. Hopes everywhere are high. Fans are going over their team’s picks, figuring out where each player fits into their scheme and how they might help bring home a Lombardi Trophy.
Here at MusketFire.com, we know that the knowledgable Patriot fanbase cares not only about what the Pats are doing, but what our divisional foes are cooking as well. As a result, I’ve graded the drafts of each of the four AFC East teams. In addition to a grade, I’ll give a short summary as well as how each team’s fans graded their team drafts on NFL.com
With that, let’s get started.
BUFFALO BILLS — It took guts for Marrone to take any quarterback other than Ryan Nassib. I have to trust and respect him for it. The Bills followed up their first round pick by giving E.J. Manuel two big-time weapons in Marquise Goodwin and Roberts Woods at receiver. I think they got a steal in Jonathan Meeks, the DB out of Clemson. Gragg, Hopkins and Williams were all serviceable picks. I think the gem of their class was Georgia linebacker Kiko Alonso. He has pro-bowl potential.
NFL.COM fan grade: C My Grade: B
MIAMI DOLPHINS — I thought Dion Jordan was the most overrated player in this year’s draft. Even worse, Miami traded up to get him. They redeemed themselves by drafting Boise State corner Jamar Taylor. I like Dallas Thomas at tackle and tight end Dion Sims. Florida running back Mike Gillislee has some serious potential. The rest of their picks didn’t really stand out as anything but potential depth.
NFL.COM fans grade: B My Grade: C+
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS — How dare any of us question Belichick? Almost every year we watch him unceremoniously draft guys we’ve never heard of. This year was no different. I’ve seen Jamie Collins play in person. Solid, but not worth a second round pick. I love Aaron Dobson and see him developing into a star quickly. The rest of New England’s draft was just “o.k.” if you ask me, but I’m hoping that like always, some of these no-name guys turn into fan favorites.
NFL.COM fan grade: C My Grade: C
NEW YORK JETS — Like everyone, I didn’t think they needed Sheldon Richardson. I had Dee Milliner as the best corner in the draft and the perfect replacement for Revis. I do see Geno Smith as an upgrade over Mark Sanchez, so score one for the Jets on that front. The only other pick that stood out to me was Michigan guard William Campbell, who I though was great value as a sixth rounder.
NFL.COM fan grade: C My Grade: B