NFL Draft 2014: Round 1 AFC East Analysis
May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Sammy Watkins (Clemson) poses for a selfie photo with commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number four overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Buffalo Bills at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
After round one of the 2014 NFL draft, the AFC East is slowly growing into a more respected division simply due to the competitiveness between the teams and the fresh talent ushered in each year. If anything, it’s going to be an interesting season.
Buffalo Bills:
-9th pick
-Traded with Cleveland for 4th overall pick
-Selected Clemson WR Sammy Watkins
Analysis: The Buffalo Bills wasted no time in this year’s draft, picking up the most complete receiver in the draft in Sammy Watkins. Watkins’ explosiveness allows him to get yards after the catch while his speed alone makes him a home run threat every down. With Manuel’s ability being questioned by some pessimistic Bills fans, Watkins will help make that transition a bit easier. It should be noted that his character and maturity garnered respect from his college coaches, peers, and NFL scouts. This should be a relief to the Buffalo front office in the wake of Marcell Dareus’ arrest from earlier this week.
Watkins now gives Buffalo a much-needed upgrade in the passing game. Their lack of versatility and experience forced Buffalo to become an elementary offense; this made it difficult to set up the run game and convert in third down situations and the redzone. With the addition of Mike Williams in the offseason, the Buffalo Bills offense looks to make a run for first place in the AFC East. Although some critics think Buffalo gave up too much for Watkins as they lost their first round pick in the 2015 draft, if the bills don’t start showing signs of life it will be a lot harder to keep them in Buffalo.
New York Jets:
-18th pick
– selected FS Calvin Pryor from Louisville
Analysis: Rex Ryan loves defensive backs; Calvin Pryor is the epitome of what Ryan wants in his backfield. An all-around athlete with great ball hawking skills and a knack for knocking the will out of opponents, Pryor brings a new dimension to this New York Jets team. Especially with the addition of Sammy Watkins to Buffalo, the Jets have to prepare their defense to handle a stronger passing attack and Pryor is the perfect pickup for this situation. The Jets received their money’s worth
Along side Ed Reed, this duo could become one of the best in the country. Lord knows they will need it with the way Dee Millner played last season…
Miami Dolphins
-19th pick
-Selected OT Ja’Wuan James from Tennessee
Analysis: The Dolphins bolstered their offensive line with the pickup of James in the 2014 draft. Offensive Tackle was consistently an issue for them last year; now it shouldn’t be an issue. Great pickup for a team who struggled on offense at times, However, don’t overlook Miami as a threat in the AFC East.
New England Patriots
-29th pick
-Selected DT Dominique Easley from Florida
Analysis: Losing Wilfork to an ACL tear last season opened the run game up against the New England defense.An aggressive, powerful force in the middle which will stop the run and allow the defense to acquire more penetration up the middle. Solid pick for the 29th overall with a lot of upside and no risk. New England will need to bolster their run defense if they are going to stop the Fred Jackson/CJ Spiller tandem in Buffalo or the Chris Johnson/Chris Ivory duo in New York.
Thoughts? Comment below!