The AFC East could have a new champion for the first time since 2009, as the New England Patriots saw quarterback Tom Brady head south to Tampa Bay in free agency, and so far they have added…Brian Hoyer to their list of quarterbacks. The Miami Dolphins have stacked up a huge pile of draft choices as they look to improve, and the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets both have quarterbacks entering their third seasons and who have a great deal of promise. As you consider your sports betting odds on the coming NFL season, take a look at our thoughts on the AFC East draft priorities.
AFC East Mock Draft For 2020
Buffalo Bills
Draft Picks Available- 2nd round (54th overall)
- 3rd (86)
- 4th (128)
- 5th (167)
- 6th (188)
- 6th (201)
- 7th (239)
Tre’Davious White is an elite cornerback, but he can’t cover everyone. The other cornerbacks are Josh Norman, who is on the downward arc of his career, with Taron Johnson playing at nickel back — but with a history of injuries.
Possibilities: Jaylon Johnson (Utah), Noah Igbinoghene (Auburn)
When it comes to edge rusher, the Bills have a good crew for this season, with Trent Murphy, Mario Addison and Jerry Hughes. However, all of those players are over 30, so adding some young depth at this point would be wise.
Possibilities: Julian Okwara (Notre Dame), Josh Uche (Michigan)
Devin Singletary had a solid year at running back last year, but Buffalo likes to use a committee at that position, and they don’t have a lot of depth.
Possibility: Zack Moss (Utah)
Miami Dolphins
Draft Picks Available- 1st round (fifth overall)
- 1st (18)
- 1st (26)
- 2nd (39)
- 2nd (56)
- 3rd (70)
- 4th (141)
- 5th (153)
- 5th (154)
- 5th (173)
- 6th (185)
- 7th (227)
- 7th (246)
- 7th (251)
Yes, Ryan Fitzpatrick led the Dolphins to a victory at New England in Week 17 last year, but he’s not the long-term quarterback solution, and Josh Rosen fizzled out as well. So the Dolphins will use one of their first-round picks to snag a signal-caller. They might even trade up from the fifth slot in the NFL draft to do so.
Possibilities: Justin Herbert (Oregon), Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama)
Ereck Flowers and Ted Karras have arrived to bolster the interior of the offensive line, but the Dolphins need better tackles to protect their quarterback.
Possibility: Josh Jones (Houston)
Reshad Jones left Miami, which means that the Dolphins need a new starting safety. Given how many draft picks the Dolphins have on the first day, I see one of those choices going to bolster that secondary.
Possibility: Xavier McKinney (Alabama)
New England Patriots
Draft Picks Available- 1st round (23rd overall)
- 3rd (87)
- 3rd (98)
- 3rd (100)
- 4th (125)
- 5th (172)
- 6th (195)
- 6th (204)
- 6th (212)
- 6th (213)
- 7th (230)
- 7th (241)
The Patriots can’t seriously be planning to run their offense with whichever quarterback wins the Brian Hoyer – Jarrett Stidham battle in training camp. They released Cody Kessler, which suggests that they’re planning on either adding the likes of Cam Newton or adding a quarterback in the NFL draft.
Possibilities: Jordan Love (Utah State), Jacob Eason (Washington)
Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins have both departed via free agency, which means that the Patriot pass rush has diminished significantly. The Patriots need to add at least one edge rusher.
Possibilities: Yetur Gross-Matos (Penn State), A.J. Epensea (Iowa)
Benjamin Watson retired from the league last month, so the Patriots are in dire need of a tight end. This isn’t a great class for that position, but adding a worker bee who has some ability at that position in one of the later picks makes sense.
Possibility: Cole Kmet (Notre Dame)
New York Jets
Draft Picks Available- 1st round (11th overall)
- 2nd (48)
- 3rd (68)
- 3rd (79)
- 4th (120)
- 5th (158)
- 6th (191)
- 6th (211)
Breshad Perriman is the best wide receiver the Jets have, and after him New York just has a bunch of guys. This is a deep class at wide receiver, and the Jets need a playmaker.
Possibilities: Jerry Jeudy (Alabama, CeeDee Lamb (Oklahoma)
The Jets have already added Greg Van Roten, Connor McGovern and George Fant to solidify their offensive line, but they need an elite blocker there. There still should be a blue-chip tackle available when they come around in the first round.
Possibilities: Jedrick Wills (Alabama), Andrew Thomas (Georgia)
Jordan Jenkins has 15 sacks in the lsat two regular seasons, but the Jets need to add to the edge rusher corps around him. There should be some solid choices waiting on the second day of the draft.
Possibility: K’Lavon Chaisson (LSU)
