2024 NFL Draft: Get your popcorn ready for these 4 rookies in the AFC East

The AFC East is shaping up to be a more competitive division in 2024.  With the major losses the Buffalo Bills took this offseason, the Miami Dolphins look to be the class of the division.  But can a healthy Aaron Rodgers put the New York Jets in the mix and how will the New England Patriots look without Bill Belichick at the helm?

It will be an interesting season indeed, but what will make it more interesting is the rookie draft classes for each team.  Obviously, the Patriots had the biggest pick in selecting Drake Maye with the No. 3 overall pick in the draft, but which 2024 NFL Draft selections will bring some excitement to the division?

2024 NFL Draft selections already generating buzz in the AFC East

Which rookies have already created some intrigue and will cause fans to get their popcorn ready?  NFL Mocks looks at each team’s most captivating draft pick as far as post-draft hype and the energy they are already bringing to their teams.

Buffalo Bills – RB Ray Davis (Round 4– Pick 128)

The tempting pick here was either of the second-round picks wide receiver Keon Coleman or safety Cole Bishop.  Each of these top two picks fill a need for the Buffalo Bills, but it is tough to overlook running back Ray Davis selected with the No. 128 overall pick in the draft.

A tough, hard-nosed running back, Davis will compliment James Cook well as the team’s power back who also has reliable hands as a pass-catcher as well.  At 5-foot-8, 2011 pounds, the former Kentucky star doesn’t tower over anyone, but his power, quickness and downhill running style will win over Bills fans quickly as Davis will bring energy and depth to the Bills running game.

Coming off a final season at Kentucky in which he rushed for 1,129 yards with 14 rushing TDs along with 7 TDs catching the ball, Davis is a touchdown maker who gives Josh Allen another weapon and give Cook some major competition as the Bills’ lead back by midseason. 

Miami Dolphins – EDGE Chop Robinson (Round 1, Pick 21)

The Dolphins already have Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips terrorizing opposing quarterbacks when healthy, but that didn’t stop this AFC East squad from drafting Penn State’s Chop Robinson with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Miami could’ve added an offensive lineman at this spot, but they couldn’t pass up a chance to take a talent like Robinson who sparked the NFL Combine with a 4.48 40-Yard time.  Athletic and obviously fast, this 6-foot-3, 254-pound edge defender is raw, but his explosiveness will lead him to some big plays during his rookie season.  He’ll also get to learn from both Chubb and Phillips as he’ll serve as insurance in case either of the two are not ready to start the season.  But, when all are healthy and available, the Dolphins’ defense is setting up to be a nightmare up front with a trio of pass rushers who will fuel each other. 

New England Patriots – WR Javon Baker (Round 4 – Pick 110)

Trash talk or confidence? 

New England Patriots fourth-round pick Javon Baker is the rookie to watch here.  Yes, Drake Maye and second-round pick Ja’Lynn Polk will draw the most interest as the top two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, but it will be hard to ignore the confidence and what Baker does on the field for the Patriots throughout camp and through the preseason.

The 6-foot-1, 202-pound receiver out of UCF already told Patriots fans to get their popcorn ready, but can the rookie receiver due his talking on the field and become a top target for the team in 2024?

While QB is a big question mark for the team in 2024, the wide receiver position is stacked with a bunch of No. 2 and No. 3 receivers.  Can Baker emerge out of the pack as an eventual No. 1 target for Maye or Jacoby Brissett as the season moves forward?  If he does, this Patriots rookie will not only backup his talk, he’ll have the entire NFL getting their popcorn ready.

New York Jets – WR Malachi Corley (Round 3 – Pick 65

With Aaron Rodgers back and ready to lead the offense, the Jets mission this offseason was to get as many weapons for the veteran quarterback as possible.

New York decided to take care of the offensive line with the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.  But their third-round pick, Western Kentucky’s Malachi Corley, could turn out to be the team’s more interesting picks in this draft.

In the offseason, the Jets did add veteran receiver Mike Williams to the mix to go along with Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard, so there shouldn’t be too much pressure on Corley to make a big impact right away, which is probably why he will.

As a physical receiver who has a knack for breaking tackles and creating yards after the catch, the Western Kentucky product should become an instant fan favorite in New York and a favorite target for Rodgers who has a knack for forming chemistry with less known receivers. 

The Rodgers to Corley connection is one to watch in 2024!