The most accurate way to grade every team's NFL Draft is to say: Incomplete. But that's no fun. We obviously won't be able to judge for several years, but in terms of addressing needs and getting players of value, here's some of my thoughts on the AFC East, but I'm more interested in yours.
New England Patriots
1 (10) - Jerod Mayo, LB, Tennessee
2 (62) - Terrance Wheatley, CB, Colorado
3 (78) - Shawn Crable, LB, Michigan
3 (94) - Kevin O'Connell, QB, San Diego State
4 (129) - Jonathan Wilhite, CB, Auburn
5 (153) - Matt Slater, WR, UCLA
6 (197) - Bo Ruud, LB, Nebraska
The Patriots had a clear plan going into the draft and that was to get some DB and LB help. As far as addressing those needs, mission accomplished. Mayo will thrive in that environment. I doubt Wheatley can make an immediate impact. O'Connell will be a stud after given time to develop and learning under Tom Brady. B
Miami Dolphins
1 (1) - Jake Long, OT, Michigan
2 (32) - Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson
2 (57) - Chad Henne, QB, Michigan
3 (66) - Kendall Langford, DE, Hampton
4 (110) - Shawn Murphy, OG, Utah State
6 (176) - Jalen Parmele, RB, Toledo
6 (195) - Donald Thomas, OG, Connecticut
6 (204) - Lex Hilliard, RB, Montana
7 (245) - Lionel Dotson, DT, Arizona
I'm going to ignore the bottom half in favor of an outstanding first three selections. Miami addressed the three most important positions on the field and could have very well found themselves the best QB in the draft. Getting Henne at 57 was a steal. A
New York Jets
1 (6) - Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State
1 (30) - Dustin Keller, TE, Purdue
4 (113) - Dwight Lowery, CB, San Jose State
5 (162) - Erik Ainge, QB, Tennessee
6 (171) - Marcus Henry, WR, Kansas
7 (211) - Nate Garner, OT, Arkansas
Eh. Gholston was the necessary pick at No. 6 and hopefully we just become a physical freak who doesn't translate into on the field production. A little puzzled by the 1st round tight end selection. I like Ainge. C+
Buffalo Bills
1 (11) - Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
2 (41) - James Hardy, WR, Indiana
3 (72) - Chris Ellis, DE, Virginia Tech
4 (114) - Reggie Corner, CB, Akron
4 (132) - Derek Fine, TE, Kansas
5 (147) - Alvin Bowen, LB, Iowa State
6 (179) - Xavier Omon, RB, NW MO State
A few other late picks ...
Great first pick. Devin Thomas was a reach, and when you have Randy Moss/Wes Welker/Tom Brady to deal with, drafting the best CB is a smart move. The tall, fast James Hardy was a great pick at 41. Many predict he'll be the best WR in this class. I don't know if I'll go there, but he'll be productive right away. Bonus points for drafting a cornerback named Corner. A-
No team made any substantial ground on New England. Miami put some good people in place to start the rebuilding process and the Jets were, well, the Jets.
Your grades and thoughts below.




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