The New England Patriots have won the AFC East seven years in a row. In order to break this unprecedented streak of dominance, the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets need to improve their teams. The cheapest and easiest way to do that is the NFL Draft.
The Patriots' three division rivals drafted a total of 22 players, who may or may not help their respective teams challenge New England's reign. Let's take a look at them
Buffalo Bills
Round | Pick | Name | Position | School |
1 | 19 | Shaq Lawson | DE | Clemson |
2 | 41 | Reggie Ragland | LB | Alabama |
3 | 80 | Adolphus Washington | DT | Ohio State |
4 | 139 | Cardale Jones | QB | Ohio State |
5 | 156 | Jonathan Williams | RB | Arkansas |
6 | 192 | Kolby Listenbee | WR | TCU |
6 | 218 | Kevon Seymour | CB | USC |
The Bills' invested heavily in defense this year, taking three defenders with their three highest picks. Lawson and Ragland in particular should become immediate contributors. The team has also invested a selection in one of the biggest names entering this year's draft: Ohio State quarterback and national champion Cardale Jones.
Furthermore, the Bills have signed former Kansas State fullback Glenn Gronkowski, brother of New England's star tight end Rob Gronkowski, as an undrafted free agent.
Miami Dolphins
Round | Pick | Name | Position | School |
1 | 13 | Laremy Tunsil | OT | Ole Miss |
2 | 38 | Xavien Howard | CB | Baylor |
3 | 73 | Kenyan Drake | RB | Alabama |
3 | 86 | Leonte Carroo | WR | South Carolina |
6 | 186 | Jakeem Grant | WR | Texas Tech |
6 | 204 | Jordan Lucas | DB | Penn State |
7 | 223 | Brandon Doughty | QB | Western Kentucky |
7 | 231 | Thomas Duarte | TE | UCLA |
Miami's main focus this year was improving the team's stagnant offense. The Dolphins did this by selecting one of the best prospects and a former candidate to become the first overall pick, Laremy Tunsil. Tunsil slid to pick 13 after off-field incidents became public just prior to the draft.
The team under new head coach Adam Gase also took two of the better skill position players: Kenyan Drake and Leonte Carroo should both be able to help quarterback Ryan Tannehill immediately.
New York Jets
Round | Pick | Name | Position | School |
1 | 20 | Darron Lee | LB | Ohio State |
2 | 51 | Christian Hackenberg | QB | Penn State |
3 | 83 | Jordan Jenkins | LB | Georgia |
4 | 118 | Juston Burris | CB | North Carolina State |
5 | 158 | Brandon Shell | OT | South Carolina |
7 | 235 | Lechlan Edwards | P | Sam Houston State |
7 | 241 | Charone Peake | WR | Clemson |
The Jets made one of the most intriguing selections of this year's draft in taking Christian Hackenberg in the second round. The former Penn State quarterback enters the Jets' competition for the starting role and gives the team leverage in its negotiations with former Ryan Fitzpatrick.
New York also invested heavily in defense, taking two talented linebackers in the first and third rounds. Both Darron Lee and Jordan Jenkins could very well become day-one starters.