AFC East Mock Draft

Looking At Potential Draft Picks During the Combine

By Kevin Reese

#9-Buffalo Bills – Team Needs: WR, OL, LB, TE, S

The Buffalo Bills will get the ball rolling in the 2014 NFL Draft for the AFC East. The Bills were up and down during the 2013 season, beating quality teams such as the Panthers and the Ravens yet lost by 21 to the Buccaneers. The inconsistent play could be attributed to the Bills’ youth. The Bills played the 2013 season with the third youngest team in the NFL, with an average age of 25.3. However, the Bills put up some very impressive stats in 2013, despite their 6-12 record. The Bills finished the season second in rushing yards per game, sacks, and interceptions, all of which should contribute to more victories going forward.

The Bills, therefore, seem to be set with running back, pass rushers, and pass defenders. The biggest way to improve this team would be to give help to their rookie quarterback, EJ Manuel. The team has large needs at the receiver and offensive tackle positions. At pick No. 9, one of the premier offensive tackles in this draft, such as Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews or Auburn’s Greg Robinson, might not be available. Therefore, the best option for the Bills would be to give Manuel some help on the outside, especially with the cloudy future of the current #1 receiver Stevie Johnson.

And with the ninth pick in the 2014 NFL Draft the Buffalo Bills Select:

Sammy Watkins, WR Clemson

Watkins certainly impressed in his final college game, catching 16 passes for 227 yards and two touchdowns. With his Orange Bowl performance, Watkins cemented himself as the best wide receiver in this draft, and possibly the best skill position player. Buffalo needs a playmaker on the outside of his caliber and his combination of speed and athleticism, Watkins would be a perfect fit of both need and getting the best player available.

#18-New York Jets – Team Needs: WR, RB, OG, OLB, S

The New York Jets were the epitome of a .500 team during the 2013 season. The team alternated wins and losses for the first 10 weeks of the season, before losing three straight but then improving towards the end to finish the season 8-8. The Jets had quality wins against the Saints and Patriots under the leadership of rookie quarterback, Geno Smith. The Jets seem to be getting back to their winning ways from when they reached back-to-back AFC Championship games.

 They played great defense and ran the ball, both of which they did in 2013. The Jets finished third in opposing rushing yards per game and sixth in rushing yards per game. The defense, however, could improve on the back end. The Jets did finish 22nd in passing yards allowed last season. The Jets did spend their first round pick last year on Alabama cornerback Dee Milliner, and along with Antonio Cromartie, the two form a pretty good cornerback duo.

The Jets definitely could use some help at the safety position though. Dawan Landry was solid in his first season as Jets safety but opposite him is a mystery. Ed Reed had a down year after signing with the Jets mid season so finding a long-term replacement might be vital. Wide receiver seems to be the other glaring need for the Jets to help with the development of Smith. The Jets seem to be in the same position as the Bills, even though they had two more wins. Ultimately, need might trump best available at this spot.

And with the 18th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft the New York Jets select:

            Marqise Lee, WR USC

Lee has been ridiculously productive during his time at Southern Cal with quarterback Matt Barkley. The only problem is Matt Barkley wasn’t present at USC this past season as he entered the NFL. Lee’s first two seasons saw him put up a combined 191 receptions, 2,864 yards, and 25 touchdowns, with Barkley at the helm. If he were eligible to enter the NFL Draft after his sophomore season he would’ve, and most likely would’ve ended up a top 10 pick. However, he was forced to stay one more year without Barkley and Lee’s production took a fall. Lee finished with 57 receptions, 791 yards, and four touchdowns. As a result Lee’s draft stock has fallen a bit. Nonetheless, Lee is still a gifted playmaker and would be a huge help to Geno Smith going forward.

#19-Miami Dolphins – Team Needs: OL, DT, OLB, CB, S

The Miami Dolphins 2013 season will always be remembered not what happened on the field, but what happened off of it. The team’s performance was overshadowed by the off-field dispute between offensive lineman Richie Incognito and Jonathan Martin. The two were eventually dismissed from the team and the Dolphins controlled their own fate in the AFC playoff picture going into week 16. Unfortunately, the Dolphins lost the final two weeks of the season and were on the outside looking in at the playoffs. So while the Dolphins were almost able to shake off the loss of two starting lineman, help is still direly needed.

And with the 19th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft the Miami Dolphins select:

            Cyrus Kouandijo, OT Alabama

Kouandijo came out of high school as a five-star recruit and the consensus number one offensive tackle. At Alabama, Kouandijo has been a very integral part on some very good offensive lines. Kouandijo has been listed as short as 6 foot 5 inches and as tall as 6 foot 7 inches. He has been weighed anywhere from 310 to 325 pounds. With measurable like that, Kouandijo really can stand out. Kouandijo will be able to step in right away and help ease the complete offensive line overhaul that is transpiring in Miami right now.

#29-New England Patriots – Team Needs: WR, RB, TE, DE, S

This past season was more of the same for the Patriots. They reached the playoffs, as we’ve been accustomed to during the Tom Brady era, but as of late, they have commonly exited without a Lombardi Trophy. The Pats’ 2013 season was marred by injuries, especially on the defensive side of the ball with notable players such as Vince Wilfork, Jerod Mayo, and Brandon Spikes all being out for the year. So getting healthy and making a good draft pick here, maybe more focused on getting the best player available over picking for need, could put the Pats over the hump in the AFC. Tom Brady, coming off one of his worst statistical seasons, could use some more weapons around him, whether it is a wide receiver, running back, or tight end.

And with the 29th pick in the 2014 NFL Draft the New England Patriots select:

            Eric Ebron, TE University of North Carolina

The absence of tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez was very noticeable last season. The Patriots thrived with their ability to put two tight ends on the field who can create match-up problems all over the field. Ebron seems to be a perfect fit to be able to fill the void left by Aaron Hernandez. The junior tight end out of UNC is listed at 6’4” and 245 pounds, yet he can line up all over the field, something that the Patriots know how to utilize. Adding another weapon at this pick will immensely help the Patriots and Tom Brady going forward, hopefully catapulting them back to where they once were.