2020 Preseason All-AFC East Defense: Bills and Patriots lead the way
By Daniel Bruce
The competition to make the Preseason All-AFC East defense was tough with the talent in the division.
The AFC East is home to two of the best defenses in the NFL last year in the Buffalo Bills and Patriots, while the Miami Dolphins look like they will enter the 2020 season much improved.
With the New England Patriots losing some key defenders this offseason but gaining some valuable youth through the draft, and the Buffalo Bills upgrading on defense these two defenses should be plenty strong. With Miami completely overhauling their defense there are many new players that have invaded the division. The New York Jets made their big splashes last year and kept it status quo on the defensive side of the ball, not making too many changed to their defense.
With the first three picks of the NFL Draft for Nthe Patriots they added all defenders who fit their hybrid scheme on defense. Kyle Dugger can play in the box and can play that “third safety” the Patriots used to employ Duron Harmon at. With Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings they add two players who can come off the edge and fit the prototype they use at the linebacker position. With one of the best secondaries in the league returning they will be able to cover as good as any team in the league.
The Bills bolstered their defensive line through free agency adding Mario Addison, Quinton Jefferson and Vernon Butler, and now have tremendous versatility throughout their defensive line. A.J. Epenesa who was selected in the second round by the Bills adds much needed youth off the edge for the Bills. While adding Josh Norman at cornerback the Bills should thrive this season.
The Dolphins had the most roster turnover in the whole NFL and that took place primarily on the defensive side of the football. They added great talents with Byron Jones and Kyle Van Noy who are now premier talents in the division. They also took a chance on Emmanuel Ogbah who could step in and potentially have a breakout season in Miami.
New York had a pretty quiet offseason on the defensive side of the ball, but made some key additions that will impact their team. They made a really good addition at a spot of weakness adding Pierre Desir who thrived in his last two seasons with the Colts. They also added Ashtyn Davis and Jabari Zuniga in the second and third round of the draft which will help improve their defense.
The competition was tough but this is the 2020 Preseason All-AFC East defense.