AFC East draft capsules

By foxsports
Published

6. NEW YORK JETS (4-12)

LAST SEASON: Jets won opener against Oakland, then things went bad in hurry, ultimately costing coach Rex Ryan and GM John Idzik their jobs. QB Geno Smith struggled through his second season, eight-game skid derailed playoff hopes early, and lack of depth at key spots, particularly cornerback, made for one of worst years in franchise history.

THEY NEED: QB, pass-rushing OLB, pass-catching RB, WR.

THEY DON'T NEED: TE, DT, C, PK.

POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: Oregon QB Marcus Mariota, Clemson OLB-DE Vic Beasley, Florida OLB-DE Dante Fowler, Nebraska OLB-DE Randy Gregory.

OUTLOOK: Might be tough for Jets to pass up Mariota if they stay put and he's still there at No. 6. Uncertain whether new GM Mike Maccagnan and coach Todd Bowles believe Smith can be long-term solution, so Jets could add Mariota to Smith, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Matt Simms. Otherwise, pass-rushing threat could top wish list - unless Alabama's Amari Cooper or West Virginia's Kevin White fall to them.

14. MIAMI DOLPHINS (8-8)

LAST SEASON: For second year in row, December collapse cost Dolphins potential postseason berth. They gave up 28, 41, 35 and 37 points in final four games, showing aging defense needed overhaul. Owner Stephen Ross kept GM Dennis Hickey and coach Joe Philbin, who enters his fourth season with 23-25 record. But Ross shook up power structure by hiring former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum. Dolphins say Hickey remains in charge of draft.

THEY NEED: WR, CB, OG, LB, TE.

THEY DON'T NEED: QB, C, DT.

POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: Central Florida receiver Breshad Perriman.

OUTLOOK: Dolphins' top pick might be as difficult to predict as any team's. With defense in decline, they invested heavily by signing free agent tackle Ndamukong Suh to $114 million, six-year deal. Still need CB opposite Pro Bowler Brent Grimes. On offense, biggest need might be another target for QB Ryan Tannehill. Miami added WRs Greg Jennings and Kenny Stills and TE Jordan Cameron, but also lost WRs Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, Brandon Gibson and TE Charles Clay, who combined for 193 catches and 16 touchdowns last year. Guard remains troublesome position and will likely be addressed in first two days.

32. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (12-4)

LAST SEASON: Clinched fourth Super Bowl championship on rookie CB Malcolm Butler's end-zone interception with 20 seconds left in 28-24 win over Seattle. CBs Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner vastly improved secondary in only season as Patriots before leaving as free agents. Oft-injured TE Rob Gronkowski was healthy and dominating presence with 82 catches and powerful blocking. He and WRs Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell gave QB Tom Brady reliable targets. Linebacking was solid despite injuries that sidelined Jerod Mayo most of season and hampered Dont'a Hightower.

THEY NEED: CB, DT, RB, OL.

THEY DON'T NEED: QB, TE, PK.

POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: Florida State DT Eddie Goldman, Connecticut CB Byron Jones, Duke G Laken Tomlinson, Wake Forest CB Kevin Johnson.

OUTLOOK: With last pick in first round, Patriots could see plenty of players they want go off board. They must restock at CB after losing Revis and Browner. DT a priority with Vince Wilfork leaving after 11 seasons and 2014 first-round pick Dominique Easley ending season on injured reserve. Loss of Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen to free agency leaves Patriots thin at RB. OL could use depth with G Dan Connolly exploring free agency after subpar season.

50. BUFFALO BILLS (9-7)

LAST SEASON: Dominating defense which led NFL with 54 sacks and was third with 30 takeaways was unable to overcome sputtering offense and questions at QB. Enjoyed first winning season since 2004, yet extended league's longest active playoff drought to 15 years. Second-year coach Doug Marrone used opt-out clause in contract to step down Dec. 31, leading new owners Terry and Kim Pegula to hire Rex Ryan two weeks later. Bills traded 2015 first-round pick last year to move up five spots and select WR Sammy Watkins fourth overall.

THEY NEED: OL, DBs and QB.

THEY DON'T NEED: RBs, WRs, DLs.

POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: Florida State CBs Ronald Darby or P.J. Williams, Duke G Luken Tomlinson, Utah DB Eric Rowe.

OUTLOOK: Ryan has brought swagger to Buffalo, and vowed to build a bully. Front office has followed through by making numerous bold moves, starting with acquiring RB LeSean McCoy from Philadelphia. Defense returns mostly intact, giving Bills best chance to become playoff contender despite lingering questions at QB.

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