With the NFL draft days away, the Jets have more than a few needs.
New York will have a choice between Josh Allen, Quinnen Williams and Ed Oliver when it comes to finding a pass-rusher. That, of course, is assuming they keep the No. 3 pick. Either way, they must address that position, in addition to center, cornerback and wide receiver. A blocking tight end would help as well.
Of course, we know all this — we’ve been talking about what the Jets need to do in the draft for weeks. But what about their rivals?
Let’s take a look at what the rest of the AFC East needs to do during the draft.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills have the highest selection out of the Jets’ divisional rivals, sitting at No. 9. Buffalo may be the prime reason that New York selects Ed Oliver at No. 3, rather than trading back and selecting him.
Buffalo’s pressing needs are currently interior defensive line, offensive line and pass-rusher. Their secondary needs include wide receiver, cornerback and tight end. They could go in any of those six directions with their first selection and nobody would bat an eye.
The Bills have a desire to build around their second-year quarterback, Josh Allen. Right now, the only tight ends on their roster are Tyler Kroft and Jason Croom. Picking Iowa’s T.J. Hockenson makes the most sense for Buffalo at No. 9.
Other potential options: Jonah Williams, Andre Dillard, Rashan Gary, Brian Burns and Montez Sweat.
Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are in full-rebuild mode with quarterback being the team’s most pressing need at the moment. The Dolphins seem to have their eyes on the 2020 draft class with ex-Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick bridging the gap, but that doesn’t exclude them from taking one in this draft
With a roster that needs an extreme makeover, the Dolphins’ primary needs are quarterback, tackle, edge rusher and interior offensive line. Needs that are more secondary to those include wide receiver, cornerback, safety and interior defensive line.
At No. 13, New Jersey native Rashan Gary should be the pick. Based on talent and overall merit, he fits the bill, Miami is just hoping that the production matches the traits. After losing Cameron Wake and Robert Quinn, the pass-rush has been reduced to Tank Carradine and former first-round pick Charles Harris. An edge rusher is a much-needed start for the Dolphins.
Other potential options: Andre Dillard, Drew Lock, Tytus Howard, Brian Burns, Montez Sweat and Garrett Bradbury.
New England Patriots
While the Patriots are coming off their sixth Super Bowl, they still have many glaring holes on the roster.
Even after acquiring veterans such as Demaryius Thomas and Michael Bennett, the Patriots still have needs at interior defensive line, pass-rusher and wide receiver. To a lesser extent, tight end, cornerback and linebacker all remain needs as well.
With pick No. 32, the best player available is usually the mantra. National Championship winner and standout IDL Dexter Lawrence could be an option.
Other possible options with the last pick of the first round include A.J. Brown, Drew Lock, Daniel Jones, Dalton Risner, Irv Smith Jr., Jerry Tillery and Chris Lindstrom.
