{"id":914,"date":"2007-04-26T23:16:26","date_gmt":"2007-04-27T04:16:26","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.jetnation.com\/?p=914"},"modified":"2010-07-31T15:11:26","modified_gmt":"2010-07-31T15:11:26","slug":"afc-east-team-needs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/miletestsite.com\/jets\/2007\/04\/26\/afc-east-team-needs\/","title":{"rendered":"AFC East Team Needs"},"content":{"rendered":"

AFC EAST:\u00c2\u00a0 BUFFALO BILLS TEAM NEEDS<\/strong><\/p>\n

2006 Record:\u00c2\u00a0 7-9-0 — First Selection: Round 1, Pick 12\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2
\n2006: Donte Whitner (S)
\n2005: Roscoe Parrish (WR)
\n2004: Lee Evans (WR)
\n2003: Willis McGahee (RB)
\n2002: Mike Williams (OT)<\/p>\n

League Rankings:<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2
\nOffense: Run (27th) Pass (28th) Overall (30th)\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2
\nDefense: Run (28th) Pass (7th) Overall (18th)\u00c2<\/p>\n

1. Running Back<\/strong>: With the loss of Willis McGahee, Buffalo is in need of a feature back, especially considering how critical the running game can be once the weather turns freezing in late November and December.\u00c2\u00a0 They retained Anthony Thomas, but he is not the answer.<\/p>\n

2. Defensive Tackle<\/strong>: The Bills need help stopping the run.\u00c2\u00a0 The linebackers are quick but a bit undersized and this hurts the team when trying to stop inside runs.\u00c2\u00a0 It also means the defensive tackles have to occupy blockers to keep them off the linebackers.\u00c2\u00a0 The trio of Tim Anderson, Larry Tripplett and Kyle Williams needs upgrading.\u00c2\u00a0 In addition to being undersized against the run, they produced only 2.5 sacks all season, all of them by Tripplett.\u00c2\u00a0 Rookie Jason Jefferson has more size and potential but rarely took the field in 2006.\u00c2\u00a0 The Bills really need a big body to clog the middle, especially after passing up Haloti Ngata last season.<\/p>\n

3. Cornerback<\/strong>: The loss of free agent Nate Clements is a big blow to the Bills.\u00c2\u00a0 Clements is undersized but is one of the top cover men in the game.\u00c2\u00a0 They have held on to Kiwaukee Thomas, who was also an unrestricted and used a third round pick on Ashton Youboty last season, however neither appears ready to step in and start.\u00c2\u00a0 This is an area the Bills need to address early in the draft.<\/p>\n

4. Wide Receiver<\/strong>: Lee Evans is an above average wide receiver but there is a big drop off at the number two and three receiver spots.\u00c2\u00a0 Peerless Price had 49 catches but averaged just 8.2 yards per reception, no longer the playmaker he was in his first stop in Buffalo.\u00c2\u00a0 Josh Reed is inconsistent and struggles to separate from quality defensive backs, while Roscoe Parrish has great speed and hands but is only 5\u00e2\u20ac\u21229\u00e2\u20ac? and is best utilized in the slot.\u00c2\u00a0 Reed and Parrish are solid backups if they upgrade.<\/p>\n

5. Linebacker<\/strong>: The Bills lost London Fletcher-Baker who was their leading tackler the past five seasons.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 This area should be addressed if not on the first day of the draft, early on in day two, as the Bills will not improve against the run without an upgrade here.<\/p>\n

Draft Rewind*<\/strong> Before last year\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s draft when Michael Huff (Oakland) and Donte\u00e2\u20ac\u2122 Whitner (Buffalo) were both taken in the Top-10 picks there had only been two true safety prospects, Roy Williams (Dallas, #8, 2002) and Sean Taylor (Washington, #5, 2004) taken within the Top-10 selections of the draft since the start of the 2000 draft.<\/p>\n

AFC EAST: MIAMI DOLPHINS TEAM NEEDS<\/strong><\/p>\n

2006 Record: 6-10-0 — First Selection: Round 1, Pick 9\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a02006: Jason Allen (S)
\n2005: Ronnie Brown (RB)
\n2004: Vernon Carey (OT)
\n2003: Eddie Moore (LB)
\n2002: Seth McKinney (C)<\/p>\n

League Rankings:<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2
\nOffense:\u00c2\u00a0 Run (22nd) Pass (13th) Overall (20th)\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2
\nDefense: Run (8th) Pass (5th) Overall (4th)<\/p>\n

1. Quarterback<\/strong>: As of press time, the Dolphins had agreed on a trade with the Chiefs for Trent Green but were still in negotiations with the veteran quarterback on a contract they could agree upon.\u00c2\u00a0 Then David Carr was released and there was talk that the team may opt in that direction instead.\u00c2\u00a0 Nothing has been officially announced so for now, this remains a need.\u00c2\u00a0 Should the Dolphins do either of the aforementioned, it is likely that the Dante Culpepper experiment will be over in Miami.\u00c2\u00a0 Backup quarterback Joey Harrington was let go and Cleo Lemon remains a work in progress.<\/p>\n

2. Offensive Line<\/strong>: The Dolphins need better pass protection and some guards who can pull more effectively than the current duo.\u00c2\u00a0 There is not much in terms of quality depth at either guard or tackle.\u00c2\u00a0 Left tackle in particular is a sore spot, which makes Levi Brown a player they may target in the first round.<\/p>\n

3. Wide Receiver<\/strong>: Whomever is the starting signal caller, they will need better and more targets to throw to, especially with Wes Welker gone.\u00c2\u00a0 Az-Zahir Hakim is not a replacement and Derek Hagan remains a work in progress.\u00c2\u00a0 Furthermore, receiver is among the deepest positions in this draft and there will be quality available in rounds two and three.<\/p>\n

4. Defensive Tackle<\/strong>: The position was solid in 2006 and while Vonnie Holliday will be back and Keith Traylor is there, they may lose Jeff Zgonina, an unrestricted free agent and there is a lot of age at this position.\u00c2\u00a0 A few strong bodies to clog the middle are needed for 2007.<\/p>\n

5. Defensive Back<\/strong>: Depending on what the new regime sees in Jason Allen, a surprise first round pick last season, will dictate whether corner or safety is a more pressing need.\u00c2\u00a0 Free safety is the weakest position, especially if Allen moves to corner in hopes of jumpstarting his career.<\/p>\n

Draft Fact<\/strong>* *A total of 19 defensive backs were taken on the “First Day” (Rounds 1-3) of last year’s NFL Draft with 11 of them being cornerbacks, a year before (2005) there were 18 corners drafted in the first three rounds of the draft… the totals from the previous five drafts were 12, 11, 10, 12, 11, so an average of basically 12 true cornerbacks have been taken on the “First Day” of the drafts held been 2000-2006 (85 corners over seven years).<\/p>\n

AFC EAST: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS TEAM NEEDS<\/strong><\/p>\n

2006 Record: 12-4-0 — First Selection: Round 1, Pick 24 (from Seattle)
\n2006: Laurence Maroney (RB)
\n2005: Logan Mankins (G)
\n2004: Vince Wilfork (DT)
\n2003: Ty Warren (DE)
\n2002: Daniel Graham (TE)<\/p>\n

League Rankings:<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2
\nOffense: Run (12th) Pass (12th) Overall (11th)\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2
\nDefense: Run (5th) Pass (12th) Overall (6th)<\/p>\n

1. Cornerback<\/strong>: Starter Asante Samuel is an unrestricted free agent but the Pats put the franchise tag on him.\u00c2\u00a0 The other starter, Ellis Hobbs, is often beaten by double moves because he is overaggressive.\u00c2\u00a0 Chad Scott will be 33 next season and he has already lost a step or two.\u00c2\u00a0 He cannot be counted on to start 16 games at this stage in his career.\u00c2\u00a0 Even if Samuel stays, he has yet to sign the tender, the Patriots need to get younger and faster at this position.<\/p>\n

2. Safety:<\/strong> Rodney Harrison has been the emotional leader of the secondary but he is now 34 and is missing more time due to injuries each year.\u00c2\u00a0 James Sanders was benched early in the year but showed improved awareness as the season progressed.\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0 Willie Anderson has potential but the Pats are not sure if he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s a safety or a corner.\u00c2\u00a0 Eugene Wilson is coming off a season-ending injury and may not be back.<\/p>\n

3. Offensive Tackle<\/strong>: Matt Light struggled in 2006 after five very strong years at left tackle.\u00c2\u00a0 While his run blocking is still top notch, Light had a tough time with many of the league\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s better pass rushers.\u00c2\u00a0 The Pats cannot afford to allow Tom Brady to be vulnerable on his blind side.\u00c2\u00a0 The right side is strong with Nick Kaczur.\u00c2\u00a0 Depth on both sides is needed.<\/p>\n

4. Inside Linebacker<\/strong>: Teddy Bruschi will be 34 next season, while Mike Vrabel will be 32.\u00c2\u00a0 Junior Seau said he wants to return but he will be 38 and backup Larry Izzo will be 33 and is also an unrestricted free agent.\u00c2\u00a0 The Pats need some youth at this position and possibly someone who can step in and produce right away.<\/p>\n

5. Guard<\/strong>: Since the filled their holes at wide receiver and outside linebacker via free agency, we\u00e2\u20ac\u2122ll go with guard at this spot.\u00c2\u00a0 New England needs to upgrade this area but it is more of a depth need.\u00c2\u00a0 Stephen Neal is still good but he\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s turning 31 this season and has a lot of wear on his treads.\u00c2\u00a0 Upgrading the backups at this position would be a big help for the Pats.<\/p>\n

Draft Fact*<\/strong> The last player taken from LSU #1 overall in the NFL Draft was running back Billy Cannon in 1960 by the Los Angeles Rams, the highest rated LSU quarterback drafted in recent memory was Tom Hodson, who was taken in the 3rd round of the 1990 NFL Draft by New England.<\/p>\n

AFC EAST: NEW YORK JETS TEAM NEEDS<\/strong><\/p>\n

2006 Record: 10-6-0 — First Selection: Round 1, Pick 25<\/p>\n

2006: D\u00e2\u20ac\u2122Brickashaw Ferguson (OT)
\n2005: Mike Nugent (K)
\n2004: Jonathan Vilma (LB)
\n2003: Dewayne Robertson (DT)
\n2002: Bryan Thomas (DE)<\/p>\n

League Rankings<\/strong>\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2
\nOffense: Run (20th) Pass (17th) Overall (25th)\u00c2
\nDefense: Run (24th) Pass (14th) Overall (20th)\u00c2<\/p>\n

1. Offensive Line:<\/strong> Yes, the Jets addressed this spot last season, using both of their first round picks to pluck a pair of starters, nonetheless, there is more work that needs to be done, in particular on the right side.\u00c2\u00a0 The weak link is at right tackle, while their best guard, Pete Kendall is 34 years old and approaching retirement.\u00c2\u00a0 Thomas Jones upgraded the running back position, but he could benefit from a stronger unit blocking for him.<\/p>\n

2. Defensive Line<\/strong>: If the Jets want to play a 3-4, they need a nose tackle who can fit the position.\u00c2\u00a0 Former top pick Dewayne Robertson is built for a 4-3 and while he gives top effort, he is not a natural nose tackle.\u00c2\u00a0 As a result, the Jets had trouble stopping the run all season.\u00c2\u00a0 Kimo von Oelhoffen starts at one end and he will be 36 next season.\u00c2\u00a0 The Jets may want him back, but not as a starter.\u00c2\u00a0 The Jets were forced to blitz to pressure the quarterback.\u00c2\u00a0 They have added several pieces to the end rotation, making that a less pressing need.<\/p>\n

3. Cornerback<\/strong>: The quality at this position falls off dramatically after Andre Dyson.\u00c2\u00a0 Justin Miller shows flashes but looks lost at times and would be better off as a nickel back.\u00c2\u00a0 A number two starter at this position would be a big help to the Jets.<\/p>\n

4. Tight End<\/strong>: During the \u00e2\u20ac\u0153Chad Pennington Era\u00e2\u20ac? the Jets have inexplicable not added a tight end as a security blanket for the signal caller.\u00c2\u00a0 The Doug Jolley trade blew up in their face, maybe it is time to invest a draft pick for a pass catcher to complement Chris Baker\u00e2\u20ac\u2122s blocking.<\/p>\n

5. Linebacker<\/strong>: The Jets have talent here but it doesn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t fit the scheme they are trying to play.\u00c2\u00a0 Jonathan Vilma can be a force in a 4-3 defense but in a 3-4 he gets lost in traffic and isn\u00e2\u20ac\u2122t able to use his smarts and speed to pursue sideline-to-sideline.\u00c2\u00a0 Victor Hobson is also a bit undersized at 6\u00e2\u20ac\u21220\u00e2\u20ac?.\u00c2\u00a0 The Jets either need to revert back to a 4-3 defense or bring in some linebackers better suited to a 3-4.\u00c2<\/p>\n

Draft Fact*<\/strong> The NY Jets had the #4 overall pick last year, which they used to take offensive tackle D\u00e2\u20ac\u2122Brickashaw Ferguson, back in 2003 they used the same #4 selection to pick Dewayne Robertson, DT… they have had a Top-10 pick in the draft a total of five other times since 1990, using those picks to select two linebackers, one tight end, one running back and one wide receiver, Keyshawn Johnson in 1996.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

AFC EAST:\u00c2\u00a0 BUFFALO BILLS TEAM NEEDS 2006 Record:\u00c2\u00a0 7-9-0 — First Selection: Round 1, Pick 12\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2 2006: Donte Whitner (S) 2005: Roscoe Parrish (WR) 2004: Lee Evans (WR) 2003: Willis McGahee (RB) 2002: Mike Williams (OT) League Rankings:\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2 Offense: Run (27th) Pass (28th) Overall (30th)\u00c2\u00a0\u00c2 Defense: Run (28th) Pass (7th) Overall (18th)\u00c2 1. Running Back: […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[14],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-914","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-nfl-news"},"acf":[],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/peLffi-eK","jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/miletestsite.com\/jets\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/914","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/miletestsite.com\/jets\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/miletestsite.com\/jets\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miletestsite.com\/jets\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miletestsite.com\/jets\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=914"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/miletestsite.com\/jets\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/914\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4635,"href":"https:\/\/miletestsite.com\/jets\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/914\/revisions\/4635"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/miletestsite.com\/jets\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=914"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miletestsite.com\/jets\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=914"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miletestsite.com\/jets\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=914"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}