AFC East Draft Predictions: 3 Round Mock Draft

New York Jets:

Round 1 (6^th Overall): Vic Beasley, Outside Linebacker Clemson University

After revamping the defense by bringing back both Darrell Revis and Antonio Cromartie, the Jets defense has a chance to be special this year.  If there is a weak spot on the defensive side of the ball, one could argue it’s at outside linebacker.  Beasley is an explosive pass rusher who would most likely slide in immediately at the outside linebacker position in their 3-4 defensive base.   If Beasley pans out like many think he will he could be the missing piece of an elite defense in 2015.

Round 2 (37^th Overall): Dorial Green-Beckham, Wide Receiver University of Missouri

Beckham is the former number one overall recruit out of high school and is one of the most talented players in the country.  Unfortunately, he comes with more baggage than just about any other player coming into the draft.  While the Jets have Decker and Marshall, I believe Decker is more of a number two wide receiver and Marshall only has a year or two left in the tank.  I think the Jets take a gamble on Beckham and hope Todd Bowles is able to get his head screwed on straight.  If he does, he has a potential to be an elite wide receiver in the NFL for the next decade. 

Ameer Abdullah (74^th Overall): Running Back, University of Nebraska

Abdullah has been one of the most consistent running backs in all of college football the last three seasons averaging over 1,300 yards per season during that span.  He is an elite down the field runner and very patient waiting for a hole to open up.  With a big hole at running back Abdullah has the potential to slide in as the Jets feature running back during his rookie season and make a big impact.

Miami Dolphins:

Round 1 (14^th Overall) Devante Parker, Wide Receiver Louisville

After revamping their wide receiver corps this past offseason in which they let Brian Hartline walk in free agency as well as traded Mike Wallace to the Vikings, the Dolphins could use a young talented wide receiver to pair up with Jarvis Landry. While Parker was injured for part of the season, when he was healthy he absolutely dominated competition.  Parker is fast and has ideal size for a wide receiver at 6”3’.  With Stills and Parker on the outside, and Landry in the slot, the Dolphins would have a young athletic wide receiver core for the future. 

Round 2 (47^th Overall): Ronald Darby, Cornerback Florida State

Having lost Finnegan and Wilson in the offseason, the Dolphins will look to address the cornerback position with one of their early picks.  Darby is a great athlete and one of the stars of the NFL combine. Ideally he would slide in as a number two or nickel cornerback as a rookie. 

Round 3: Pick traded to Saints as part of Kenny Stills trade

Buffalo Bills:

Round 1: Pick traded to Browns as part of Sammy Watkins trade

Round 2: (50^th Overall): A.J. Cann, Guard South Carolina

While the addition of Richie Incognito may help the offensive line, it is fair to assume the Bills will be looking to add some youth to the unit.  Cann is one of the best guards in the draft and could most likely slide in as a left guard as a rookie.  Cann is a four-year starter with the Gamecocks and could be the missing piece to solidify Buffalo’s line. 

Round 3 (81^st Overall): Garrett Grayson, Quarterback Colorado State

Through two seasons it looks like E.J. Manuel is not the answer at the quarterback position.  He has underwhelmed when he played and even got benched midway through the 2014 season.  With their 3^rd round pick I believe the Bills will take the best quarterback on the board, in this case Garrett Grayson.  Grayson is a solid pocket passer with a strong arm who could become the quarterback of the future for the Bills if groomed properly. 

New England Patriots:

Round 1 (32^nd Overall): Kevin Johnson, Cornerback Wake Forest

With the departure of Darrell Revis to the New York Jets, the Patriots now have a glaring hole at cornerback.  The Deacon back excels in man coverage and is very disruptive at the line in press coverage.  Johnson is one of the most talented cornerbacks in the draft and could be a starter for the Patriots as a rookie. 

Round 2 (64^th Overall):  Preston Smith, Defensive End Mississippi State

Defensive end is one of the weaker spots on the Patriots Roster.  He has great size and length and is able to get to the quarterback.  He would fit in nicely and give the Patriots a much needed pass rush boost. 

Round 3 (96^th Overall):  Xavier Cooper, Defensive Tackle Washington State

The Patriots continue their revamping of the defensive line by getting an heir apparent for the recently departed Vince Wilfork.  Wilfork was a mainstay for the Patriots the last eleven years, and won’t be easy to replace; however, I believe Cooper has the skills necessary to fill the void in their 3-4 Defense.  He has quick lateral footwork and excels at getting to the quarterback and disrupting plays.  Had 23 tackles for a loss over the past two seasons with the Cougars.

Round 3 (97^th Overall): Clive Walford, Tight End University of Miami

While the Patriots already have the best tight end in the league, they have shown they love their two tight end sets.  They haven’t had another legitimate receiving tight end since Aaron Hernandez was arrested in 2013 .  Walford is an athletic tight end that thrives in the passing game.  He would surely turn into one of Brady’s favorite targets.