Top Five AFC East Rookies in 2015
By Andrew Eisch
Every season following the NFL Draft, analysts around the league analyze each team’s selections in the previous draft, and how the players can fit into their organization in the upcoming season. Among the AFC East, 30 players were drafted in the 2015 NFL draft, among others who were picked up post-draft as undrafted free agents. Today, I will take you through some of the most intriguing rookies drafted into the AFC East in 2015, and their potential impact on the field.
1. DeVante Parker, WR, Miami Dolphins
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The most intriguing selection in the AFC East goes to the Miami Dolphins’ DeVante Parker. With the 14th overall selection, the Dolphins filled a huge void they had after the departure of Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, and Brandon Gibson. Weighting in at 6’3″, 209 lbs. Parker will find himself among the top of the Dolphin’s depth chart with newly acquired Kenny Stills and Greg Jennings. With his long physique and athleticism watch for Parker to be the anchor to the Dolphin’s receiving game.
2. Leonard Williams, DE, New York Jets
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Another first round selection, the New York Jets selected a brawny defensive end from USC, named Leonard Williams. At USC, Williams provided a powerful presence for the Trojans, as he accumulated 21 sacks in his three-year career. Although he most likely won’t find the top of the depth chart in his rookie season except in the case of an injury, Williams will still find himself on the field throughout his first season. Williams is projected to back up Muhammad Wilkerson at left defensive end.
3. Nick O’Leary, TE, Buffalo Bills
Perhaps a late-round surprise around the league, Nick O’Leary was a top target from Jameis Winston in his career at Florida State. Selected in the sixth round of the draft, O’Leary provides a physical, reliable middle-of-field receiver. Due to the offseason acquisition of Charles Clay, O’Leary will likely find himself lining up on the line of scrimmage as a tight end or in the H-back set. With the addition of O’Leary, the Bills now have two reliable tight ends who could take the field at the same time. O’Leary was named the 2014 best college tight end (John Mackey Award) and will look to bring his college success to Buffalo.
4. Jay Ajayi, RB, Miami Dolphins
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Another late round draft pick with potential was drafted in the fifth round by the Miami Dolphins. Jay Ajayi, a player who was considered a sleeper pick out of Boise State, rushed for 1,823 last season and found himself on multiple teams’ draft boards in late rounds. Falling to the Dolphins in the fifth round, Ajayi will likely provide a 1-2 punch with Lamar Miller; the Miami Dolphins may have an impact rookie in the backfield in 2015
5. Malcolm Brown, DT, New England Patriots
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With the last selection of day one of the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots added depth to the core of their defensive line. With the offseason departure of Vince Wilfork, the Patriots added help with Alan Branch through free agency, and through the draft with Malcolm Brown. Wilfork served primarily as a run-stopper for the Patriots over the past decade, and with his departure, Brown will likely see valuable minutes as a rookie for the Patriots.
Honorable mention: AJ Derby (TE, New England), Bryce Petty (QB, New York), Devin Smith (WR, New York), Mike Hull (LB, Miami).
Which AFC East rookies do you think will have the biggest impact on the field in 2015?