AFC East NFL Draft Roundup

Jan 3, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Clemson Tigers wide receiver Sammy Watkins (2) runs against Ohio State Buckeyes during the second half in the 2014 Orange Bowl college football game at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Dolphins were not the only team to pick in the first round of the NFL Draft last night.  Not in the NFL and not in the AFC East.  While for the most part what the rest of the NFL did isn’t a concern, twice a year the Dolphins will face their divisional foes.  With a lot of draft left, the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and New England Patriots all still have work to do but on day one, finding a playmaker could go a long way.

Buffalo Bills:

The Bills wanted a playmaker and there is no question they got one.  Clemoson’s Sammy Watkins is being touted as the best wide receiver prospect since Calvin Johnson.  A rare size of speed, quickness and hands.  The Bills wanted him and they got him.  And it cost them.  Buffalo gave up their number 9 overall pick and a first round pick in next years draft to the Cleveland Browns to move up to one.  In addition they gave swapped mid round picks.  The Bills clearly overpaid but the benefit could pay off if the team can climb up the AFC East division on the legs and hands of Watkins.

It is also being rumored that the team is close to a deal that will send WR Stevie Johnson to San Francisco for a 2015 fourth round pick which could become a third.

New York Jets:

The lack of a Miami Dolphins fan base presence at last nights live draft meant no chants of J.E.T.S…SUCK…Suck…suck.  There was also no boos emanating from their own fan base in attendance.  The Jets selected the top safety in this years draft, Louisville’s Calvin Pryor.  Pryor should be a day one starter for the Jets who were in desperate need of help at the position.   Pryor is a ball hog and has a natural ability to go up and get the ball at it’s highest point.  The Jets have needs on both sides of the ball and are expected to address WR in round two.  In round one however, they got a playmaker.

New England Patriots:

Dominque Easley is a quick three technique defensive lineman.  Easley is a very solid pass rusher and can disrupt the pocket quite easily.  However he has a history of injury issues and missed part of 2013 due to a knee injury. When healthy Easley is a machine but when he is not, but it’s questionable if he is durable enough for the NFL.