Per Mel Kiper via ESPN Insider: The draft is obviously the focal point of the NFL offseason for me, but it certainly doesn't end there. The picks are only half the equation. How they fit is where the draft is really made. And part of that has to factor in the personnel that teams have added around them. So with the draft clearly in mind, let's do a quick summer audit on the situations of the teams in the AFC East. This is the eighth and final installment of this series; you can find all the pieces in one place by going here. What I'll do is hit three things: 1. A crucial influx such as an impact player or position group. 2. Question marks that still linger. 3. If the team had a chance to pick anyone from the 2011 draft class right now to address a hole, whom it would be. (Whether a team has an early pick in next year's draft isn't the issue -- it's just a hypothetical involving top college talent and current needs.) So call it a checkup and a look-ahead wrapped together -- part deep projection, part current need. AFC East Buffalo Bills Crucial influx: Obviously the decision-makers in Buffalo felt that the conventional way to help a passing game that managed to throw for only 2,515 yards last season (30th in the NFL) wasn't to just keep adding bodies on either the offensive line or at the quarterback position. After those units combined for a dreadful season of both throwing and protection, Buffalo decided to create something of a diversion. In C.J. Spiller, it added a player who can help the quarterback with both big plays and as a running back who can catch the ball. He also can assist the offensive line by turning small gaps into big gains. At least that must be the reasoning. It looks as though the Bills still could add a lineman (Chester Pitts), but at least on offense, they're aiming for jelling over personnel changes aside from Spiller. That said, in trying to build out the proper personnel for their 3-4 defense, the Bills were very active in the draft, and if the dividends aren't immediate, at least they've added some solid building blocks up front in Alex Carrington and Torell Troup. The question marks: Not to batter this point too hard, but Ed Wang is the tackle the Bills added in the fifth round, and he's already hurt. Kyle Calloway is another lineman they added, but he could be moved around and is purely developmental. This team just won't know what it has in Trent Edwards unless it can protect him, and it's hard to promise that the Bills will do that a lot better this season, although continuity counts for something. I wish they would have grabbed a developmental quarterback sooner than Levi Brown in the seventh round. Some people will mention the loss of Terrell Owens, but I like the pick of former UConn wide receiver Marcus Easley, who has a lot of physical skills to go with his size. A definite sleeper. Next April's pick, now: Clint Boling, OT, Georgia Bulldogs An athletic guy who has a lot of versatility, making him a good fit as Buffalo seeks balance with a developing signal-caller and a growing running game. Miami Dolphins Crucial influx: In terms of the draft, I don't think anybody considered Jared Odrick a bad pick, but I've seen him only as a 3-4 defensive end, and that is where Miami will use him. I've heard him miscast as a guy who can be a disruptive defensive tackle, and that's not the case. He should be a very active and very disruptive player if he continues to develop. The guy I really like -- and I was slow to come around on him -- is Koa Misi. He fits the Dolphins' scheme better than I originally assessed, and, believe it or not, has even shown he could have great coverage skills. He's a capable tackler and should be a solid edge rusher as well. Given what the Dolphins have on the right side, he should start early in his career. Obviously, Brandon Marshall adds a whole new dimension to the passing game. I still think people might overstate him as a downfield guy; I tend to think he'll help Chad Henne just as much on the shorter stuff. The question mark: With the departure of Jason Ferguson, the Dolphins look pretty thin at nose tackle, and that's such a key position within the 3-4. They've signed some journeyman help, but that's a position where they'll need Randy Starks to stay healthy, and even then, at 305 pounds, he's not quite the pure clogger you want. Next April's pick, now: Noel Devine, RB, West Virginia Mountaineers I don't see Devine as a first-round guy, but he'd be one guy I'd love to add to the current Miami roster to augment the Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams Show. A speedster could be fun in the Wildcat and simply add dimension the Fins don't have.
New England Patriots Crucial influx: Keep an eye on Jermaine Cunningham, the Patriots' second-round pick out of Florida. On a defense full of good players, he was the most disruptive. He has the ideal measurements to thrive as an edge guy in Bill Belichick's 3-4 defensive scheme and could be a steal. Devin McCourty provides immediate depth in the secondary and could transition quickly into a starting role ahead of Shawn Springs. For value, remember that Brandon Spikes spent a good portion of the season on my Big Board as college football's best middle linebacker. He was overtaken by Rolando McClain, but anybody who watched the film enough knows there isn't a 54-pick difference between those two. Spikes ran terrible 40-yard dash times and got punished; there's no way around that fact. But he won't be asked to run a 40 inside that defense, and the Patriots could have a steal. On offense, Rob Gronkowski, when healthy, provides a big-time red zone threat for Tom Brady and is another guy who has skills that rate higher than his draft position. The question mark: The Pats had a ton of picks, and I'm surprised they didn't go with the most dangerous running back left on the board with one of them. Laurence Maroney consistently underwhelms, and after that there's really no speed or home run threat from the backfield. The Patriots always have varied priorities on draft day because of the way they stockpile picks and always keep the next draft in mind, but if Maroney goes down, it's hard to imagine a less dynamic group of backs. Next April's pick, now: Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State Wildcats I'm thinking of a guy they could plug in now who would help. Thomas has a solid size-speed combination. New York Jets Crucial influx: The Jets had only four picks, but I was impressed with what they did. Nobody has a better set of cornerbacks -- and it might not be close -- now that Kyle Wilson is a part of this secondary. Vladimir Ducasse is a guard who's often considered a tackle, but as a guard, he provides immediate depth. It was hard to imagine when Joe McKnight came out of high school that he would be available in Round 4, and those skills still exist. In a specialist role as a mostly third-down guy with pass-catching skills, he could have a really good career. Even John Conner is a good pick. Tony Richardson is one of the oldest players in the league, and Conner can be a good fullback early in his career. Santonio Holmes is obviously the big get in terms of veterans who were added. It was no secret that the Jets needed to give Mark Sanchez more options in the passing game, although this team still will do most of its damage on the ground. It seems silly to overlook the presence of LaDainian Tomlinson, so I'd still say that if he's your clear No. 2, your running game is probably in decent shape. The question mark: I think the Jets will hold their breath on every play this season with Kris Jenkins. He can be such a massive difference in your scheme when he's healthy, but let's remember that he's not just coming off a significant injury but is also a 10-year veteran. The personnel is still there for this to be a very good defense, but after this draft, I'd be surprised if the Jets don't use next spring to load up on depth all over that defense. Next April's pick, now: Jerrell Powe, DT, Ole Miss Rebels If Jenkins is around to tutor Powe next season, he could be the perfect fit to take over as the anchor of Rex Ryan's 3-4.
Pretty good write up, although I don't see Miami drafting Devine. I say there are 3 other positions we would go after before a RB...... DT, FS, ILB
Ricky is 33 and injury prone Ronnie is 28, so it's not a bad idea. Yeah I would think Dolphins would need to continue developing their defense.
Prime...you were right about them needing a running back. I have no idea why MARSHALL~TROLL thinks the Fins need an inside linebacker when they have Crowder and Dansby on the roster already. It's blatantly obvious after the Merling injury and Douglas signing that the Fins need help on the defensive line...even with the Odrick selection. They desperately need a pass rusher as well.
No, ILB. BUT, thats if Crowder keeps having seasons like he's had. I think that Sporano will try to find someone to go along side Dansby that will produce.
When someone like Charlie Anderson is starting on your defense, you need to replace them ASAP. To me, it seems like you failed to pay attention to your team's draft - you say they need an ILB and a free safety...yet, they drafted two good prospects at both positions this year: AJ Edds and Reshad Jones
Well we just drafted Misi, and assuming ( I know you can't assume) we are set with Wake and Misi on the outside. RB's come a dime a dozen and you can pick up a good back in the later rounds.
Well RB is in his final year and he's said no long term deals have been talked about. Mayber Kiper knows something we don't. In 5 seasons Ronnie has had only one 1,000 yard rushing season, I know it's partly due to injury and sharing. Still that was shocking to me. He's missed 20 of the possible 80 games and many think he's not an elite back, Tiki Barber for one, (if that counts for anything). I think he's pretty explosive and I'm surprised he is entering this year without a longterm deal, not surprised the Phins haven't approached him though. Ricky Williams was extended last year through 2010, so the Phins could have a very different look in the backfield next season. I'd be shocked if they let Ronnie walk, unless he gets injured again.
There have been a lot of reports stating that if RB can have a good year without sustaining an injury, that Miami will tag him in 2011. (if there is a such thing in 2011)
Oh, I ASSUMED Charlie Anderson would start over a CFL superstar that's done absolutely nothing in the NFL. I already told you that I like the Misi selection, but he's not a pass rusher. He's a high motor guy, but he'll never crank out high sack numbers - he is good against the run though. Running backs do come a dime a dozen - must be why both of the starting running backs on the Fins were top five picks (...and I know the Dolfags didn't draft Ricky - but they did trade two first rounders for him). If a team has a chance to grab a potentially elite back, they will.
Misi is a pass rusher. In Miami He will be. Also I don't understand how you say Wake has done nothing in the NFL. He had 5.5 sacks last year and 23 tackles and a forced fumble in very limited snaps.
I could care less what Kiper has to say about prospects. Misi had 11 sacks in three seasons at Utah - he's never had over 5 sacks in a season. Wake is a huge question mark. He's not a proven player and in my opinion, that won't change.
When did this become a Miami Dolfins forum??? I jump on here once in a while to get some news, and I have to see a Dolfins fan wasting his day away typing to people who don't care about him or his team. It's pathetic enough watching us grown men spending time debating hypothetical situations about our own team all day... rival fans coming on just adds a new level of patheticness. Honestly, based on your post count, you must spend an easy 2 hours a day on here. Considering you have to sleep about 8 hours a day, work about 9 hours a day, crapping, showering, cleaning and eating takes about 3 hours a day. You are now left with 4 hours per day to yourself, and you are choosing to spend half of that time on a Jets Message board as a Miami fan. Basically, 50% of your free time is dedicated to this.
Misi played DE at Utah, He' playing SOLB in Miami. ANd everyone is entitled to there opnions, and if you don't care what Kiper says, why should anyone care what you say. It's ALL opnion.
