AFC East best teams by position
By Brian Miller
WIDE RECEIVERS
Miami Dolphins
Aug 13, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry (14) escapes the grasp of Chicago Bears free safety Brock Vereen (45) during the first quarter of a preseason NFL football game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
This is purely on paper but the additions of Kenny Stills, Greg Jennings, and DeVante Parker to go along with the very talented Jarvis Landry gives Miami a top fleet of receivers. Stills takes the deep threat position that was vacated by the trade of Mike Wallace to the Vikings. Jennings gives Miami a veteran leader who runs incredibly crisp routes, and DeVante Parker is viewed a the teams future start on the outside. Parker is recovering from foot surgery so it’s unclear when he will be ready to hit the field although he is now jogging for the first time. In his absence the Dolphins are using Jennings, Stills, and Rishard Matthews who looks to be taking the 5th receiver spot.
Buffalo Bills
Aug 14, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) runs with the ball after a catch against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter at a preseason NFL football game at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
The Bills are solid at receiver less so at quarterback. Sammy Watkins is one of the best young receivers in the NFL and is looking to become better while the team also will employ Robert Woods and newly acquired Percy Harvin. In addition the Bills have a strong possession receiver in Chris Hogan who played very well in 2014. The Bills only hold up is quarterback where camp competition will decide the outcome. On paper, again, it’s hard not to look at the Bills wide-outs and see the strength at the position.
New England Patriots
Feb 1, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Super Bowl MVP New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) hugs New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) after winning Super Bowl XLIX at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
How do you not put the Patriots in the top two when they possess the top offense in the division? Simply put, it’s a team effort that utilizes a variety of players at the position and not one singular player. Julian Edelman is the most utilized wide-receiver on the Patriots offense. He assumed the Wes Welker role three years ago. The additions of Brandon Gibson this year and Brandon LaFell last season give the Patriots a potent arsenal of weapons. To be honest, there is not two best units as all four teams have very solid wide-receivers.
New York Jets
August 11, 2015; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) during practice at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Munson/THE STAR-LEDGER via USA TODAY Sports
This isn’t a ranking at wide-receiver. The Jets made a bold trade for the aging yet still very good Brandon Marshall. Marshall’s only downside is his attitude and it’s unclear how he will fare once the balls start getting distributed in season. The question marks at quarterback could make Marshall a hinderance at some point. The Jets will use Marshall opposite Eric Decker who should benefit from the addition of the bigger wide-receiver. The team is also hopeful that rookie Devin Smith will take on a big role this season.