AFC East Defensive Grades: Buffalo Bills need D-line to develop

Secondary

New England Patriots: 1

Buffalo Bills: 2

Miami Dolphins: 3

New York Jets: 4

The Patriots enter 2021 with the best secondary of any team in the AFC East, and arguably the NFL. Stephon Gilmore has reported to training camp, albeit on the PUP list to start with a quad injury. J.C. Jackson emerged as one of the best No. 2 corners in the game last year, recording nine interceptions and three fumble recoveries. Devin McCourty and Adrian Phillips will return at safety while Jalen Mills, who recorded 74 combines tackles in 2020 with the Philadelphia Eagles, has also been added to the group.

Buffalo returns all of its starters from last season, and the group is headlined by standout corner Tre’Davious White and safeties Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde.

The Dolphins place third mainly because of the uncertainty that centers around CB Xavien Howard’s status as he formally requested a trade. Losing him would be a major blow as his 10 interceptions were the most of any player in the league. Miami signed former Dallas Cowboys corner Byron Jones to a massive five-year, $82,500,000 contract last offseason, and he may have to prove his worth as the team’s top corner if Howard is dealt. At safety, Eric Rowe and Brandon Jones are the best returning players while the front office also added free agent Jason McCourty and second-round pick Jevon Holland.

Cornerback will be a position battle to monitor for the Jets in training camp as Bless Austin, Corey Ballentine, Javien Guidry, Bryce Hall, and rookies Michael Carter II, Jason Pinnock, and Brandin Echols will all likely fight for spots. Lamarcus Joyner and Marcus Maye seem locked into starting spots at safety, although 2020 third-round pick Ashtyn Davis could see some time as he returns from a foot injury.