AFC East Post Draft Offseason Grades

By Ryan Whitfield

Twitter: @RyanWhitfieldNE

The draft is in the books, and most Free Agents have been signed (sorry Fitz, but we’ll get to you in a few). So, it’s a time to ask the decade long question. Has the pack closed the gap on perennial AFC East Champions, The New England Patriots? Let’s look at some grades.

New York Jets

Grade D (Pre-draft Grade – C)

They came to the draft with an offseason grade of C, and first Round pick Darron Lee earned them an A in the first Round. But Christian Hackenberg in the second Round? To mix in with Geno Smith and Bryce Petty? Wow, wow, wow. And then, you don’t draft any offensive linemen until the fifth Round? I would’ve gone Lee, MacKensie Alexander and then stocked the O line. Stop playing hardball and sign Ryan Fitzpatrick at this point, your most important spot on the roster is a mess.

Buffalo Bills

Grade D+ (Pre-draft Grade – D)

Another team I just don’t get. Oh right, Rex Ryan. Let me start positive though, I do love the Cardale Jones pick in the 4th. Their front 7 should be filthy, but classic Rex. First three picks he goes defense. Who is catching the ball?? Clay is a decent tight end and Woods is an okay #3 guy. Sammy can only really go deep, so where does that leave you with an average Quarterback? That leaves you on the outside looking in yet again in Upstate NY.

Miami Dolphins

Grade B- (Pre-draft Grade – B-)

Great steal with Tunsil in the first round. There was way better CB talent than Xavier Howard, so swing and a miss there. They added some undersized receivers and I like the Kenyan Drake pick. The additions of Gase, Anderson, and Williams, should put the Dolphins on track this season. Maybe not a playoff team, but a wild card contender and something to build off of 2017.

New England Patriots

Grade B+ (Pre-Draft Grade – B+)

As I wrote a few weeks ago, I love this year’s Free Agents and trade acquisitions. The Pats definitely felt the loss of their first round pick, but they addressed their needs in the draft and made good picks. They needed a third corner, Cyrus Jones. They needed a swing tackle, Joe Thuney who plays guard and tackle, check. Garappolo’s contract is up in two years so they need to start looking for his replacement, so they get Brissett. I love the addition of Malcolm Mitchell, after that they took a couple of projects. Good but not great draft, and a pretty good offseason. B+ seems appropriate to me.