With the NFL Draft coming at the end of the month, 1SBD's Mark Hogan took a deep dive into each team's projected starters and produced a series of key stats that may indicate teams' strengths and weaknesses.
The comprehensive list of figures - per Pro Football Reference and Over The Cap - are compared to in-division rivals so you can see how your team stacks up across different positions. Read alongside our more in-depth projected starting line ups and these grids give an understanding of where each team's focus should be come April 25-April 27.
Today our focus is on the AFC East. See each team's projected starters with further analysis here: Buffalo Bills; Miami Dolphins; New England Patriots; New York Jets. Follow us on Twitter as we present each division throughout the week.
NOTE: Undrafted players were calculated as the 256th (or last) pick in the draft.
Quarterback
We could speculate over the Patriots turning another late-round draft pick into a future All-Pro quarterback, or how last year's 10th overall selection Josh Rosen could fall into their laps. But that story is told every year. The Dolphins are more interesting: they're set to move forward with a guy that can pass as a starter until Tua Tagovailoa becomes available next year
Do Bills and Jets fans appreciate being out of the quarterback conversation?
Running Back
It's hard to predict who will be the division's most productive running back now that a healthy Sony Michel, Le'Veon Bell and LeSean McCoy make up a large part of the division's ground game. Dolphins' starter Kenyan Drake won't have to share a backfield this year - after Frank Gore and Damien Williams moved on - but he might wish he had more help when he sees the O-Line in front of him.
Wide Receiver
Buffalo transformed its wide receiver corps in free agency but the numbers suggest the players make up a very average starting group. Can Zay Jones, Cole Beasley and John Brown beat defenders one-on-one? The Dolphins own the flashiest of the groups, but the Jets versatility makes them an under-the-radar group.
Tight End
Austin Seferian-Jenkins brings plenty of potential to his new New England home, but his veteran's minimum contract suggests the Patriots have little faith he will escape injury woes. As a result, the Jets move forward with the guy most likely to make an impact in 2019, based on tight end Chris Herndon's play down the stretch last season.
Offensive Line
The Dolphins may regret letting Ju'Wuan James hit free agency now that Isaac Asiata and Zach Sterup are projected starters. The team has the division's least experienced, cheapest starters -- by a long way. The rest of the AFC East just needs to add depth and future starters.
Defensive Line
Trading for Michael Bennett completely changes the feel of the Patriots line, who would have really needed third year man Deatrich Wise to step up otherwise. There's no fear of head coach Bill Belichick scheming this group up regardless. Considering the Bills are sinking over $31 million into their defensive line talent, they need to find a way to get more sacks -- they ranked 26th in the league last year. Like with a lot of the roster, the Dolphins are failing to spend and it will cost them.
Linebacker
Edge rusher has to be high on New York's list, especially with new defensive co-ordinator Gregg Williams' scheme. He loves to bring pressure and Jordan Jenkins alone can't achieve that.
Cornerback
Another key for New York will be getting a quality cornerback. The big Trumaine Johnson signing didn't quite work out in 2018 and Brian Poole is only around for a year. In a more serious position is Buffalo, who signed 2015 first round bust Kevin Johnson in free agency to start opposite Tre'Davious White. Johnson played in just one game last year before being placed on injured reserve for the second time in three years. He would be an unlikely answer at the position.
Safety
The safeties across the division seem solid in comparison to some other positions. Minkah Fitzpatrick had a nice rookie year for the Dolphins after being selected 11th overall. See what happens when you invest in a position, Miami?
Comentários