Updated Team Needs: AFC East
By Editorial Staff
One of the most important factors when preparing for the NFL Draft is knowing each and every NFL team. NFL Mocks keeps a very close eye on each team and will bring you an updated needs assessment at the end of each month. These needs will help as we prepare to make predictions for the 2011 NFL Draft. Continue to check out our team needs page to find the most recent assessments. Also after looking at the team needs move on over to the Big Board and see what prospects might fit your teams need.
I think we are seeing the impact moving Alan Faneca this offseason is having on the New York Jets. Last year this team was a dominate running team but so far they have struggled to get anything significant going on the ground. Now that cant all be attributed to Matt Slauson but his play hasn’t been to inspiring. I know they used a 2nd round pick in 2010 on Vlad Ducasse but I really don’t see him developing into a starter in the NFL. He struggled during the Senior Bowl and I felt that selecting him in the 2nd round was a major reach. I could also see the Jets looking to replace the oft injured nose tackle Kris Jenkins. That defense is a different monster with out him in the middle clogging the run.
What has been the Dolphins identity the last few years? That is right the Wildcat and running the ball down teams throats. The addition of Brandon Marshall has lead to a few more passing attempts but the backbone of this team is running the ball. Unfortunately for the Dolphins both of their primary backs are aging and Ronnie Brown cant stay healthy. All I have to say is how good would Mark Ingram look manning the wildcat for the Dolphins?
Is the Patriots struggles running the ball a result of the running backs or offensive line or play calling? I think its a little bit of all three but they really don’t have great talent at the running back position. Last week Green-Ellis has the majority of the carries and he was an undrafted free agent addition. This New England offense would benefit greatly from a steady running game, can you image Brady picking apart defenses as they load the box to stop the run? They might also target Mark Ingram but should also take a good look at Daniel Thomas and DeMarco Murray.
Is there a worse team in the NFL? I am still scratching my head after their selection of CJ Spiller. Now I am very high on Spiller and I feel he will be a great player but this team had so many other needs to address. But looking forward to 2011 you don’t have to look any further than the quarterback position. This has been a black hole for the Bills ever since Jim Kelly retired and yes I am counting Rob Johnson and Doug Flutie as failures too. Looking at our Big Board right now the top quarterback is Andrew Luck but Jake Locker and Ryan Mallett are in that discussion too.