Grading the Draft: AFC East

Miami Dolphins
1(25): CB Vontae Davis – The Dolphins led the league last year in turnover ratio with +17. Adding such a versatile cover corner like Davis just makes it even more obvious that Bill Parcells wants to build the defense into a powerhouse. Vontae Davis does have some off-field concerns, but being surrounded by veteran players should set him straight. Davis will line up as a nickel corner and should add that extra punch on passing downs. Great pick.
2(12): QB Pat White – This is the third year in a row where the Dolphins have used a 2nd round pick on a quarterback. John Beck in 2007 never panned out, and Chad Henne from last year is the backup QB behind Pennington. Although, with the “Wildcat” becoming a regular play call in Miami, drafting Pat White makes sense. White was rumored to be converted into a receiver, but an option QB in Miami fits better.
2(29): CB Sean Smith – This 6’4″ physical corner is a unique athlete. Smith is a great tackler and may best be suited as a safety.
3(23): WR Patrick Turner – Big, tough receiver, should help in the redzone.
4(8): WR Brian Hartline – Smart player with good speed, a project with upside.
Other Moves: Aside from adding depth with TE John Nalbone and LB Andrew Gardner on day two, this draft was about adding speed.
Draft Grade: B

Buffalo Bills
1(11): DE Aaron Maybin – Speed kills, and Buffalo is excited to see what this pass-rushing specialist from Penn State can do. Buffalo was below average in the sack department last year, and they feel Maybin can add that much needed spark. As of now this underclassman will have to fight to get on the field; with veteran players such as Schobel & Kelsay not willing to give up their starting positions, Maybin may be an expensive back up.
1(28): C Eric Wood – This was the Eagles pick and looked at as a bonus, with contract problems from OT Jason Peters becoming a huge headache. Eric Wood doesn’t replace Jason Peters in the least, but he will add something to the offensive line. Personally, I think the Bills should have gone after an OT with the 11th overall pick and a pass rusher at 28.
2(10): CB Jairus Byrd – A great ball hawking player with lots of upside. Byrd lined up against some of colleges best receivers and should be able to contribute early as a nickel corner. Grid-X thinks the Bills should move this kid to safety; either way, good pick.
2(19): OT Andy Levitre – Not a bad pick up in the second round. Levitre will take time but could crack the lineup early. The Bills O-line is a mess and will look completely different this year. Losing Jason Peters will not go over easy if their QB is rushed on a regular basis.
4(21): TE Shawn Nelson – Could be the best player of the Bills draft. Nelson slipped to the fourth round, but has great size and speed. Nelson ran a 4.56 at the combine and was looked at as one of the top TE’s.
5(11): SS Nic Harris – Another solid pick. Harris is not a blazer but was challenged to hold down the fort at Oklahoma. With a loaded secondary it will be hard for this kid to find a spot, look for him to be special team’s player.
Other Moves: DB’s Cary Harris and Ellis Lankster will have to fight to make the team, but the Bills added some great day 2 prospects.
Draft Grade: C+

New England Patriots
2(2): CB Patrick Chung – Oregon had a lot of good players enter this year’s draft, and Patrick Chung was one of the better ones. Chung has explosive hitting ability and reads plays quickly. He may have to watch from the sidelines in his first year as a Patriot, but will no doubt be the future safety for the Pats. Great pick.
2(8): DT Ron Brace – Another excellent prospect that will add depth to the Patriots. Some thought Brace fell in this draft as he had a first round grade on many boards.
2(9): CB Darius Butler – Butler will be groomed to take over for an aging group of corners. He is smart with a tremendous burst when closing on the ball. The Pats got great value in this year’s draft, grabbing their first three players in excellent spots.
2(26): OT Sebastian Vollmer – Interesting project, a tight end who was converted to offensive tackle. This could be a player that lines up everywhere in the Pats offense, especially in goal line packages. A bit of a reach in the second round.
3(19): WR Brandon Tate – Recovering from a torn ACL injury, but a good prospect for down the road. Tate is an all around athlete that will be a good fit in New England.
3(33): OLB Tyrone McKenzie – Depth player who will be groomed to take the field in the Pats 3-4 defense as a SAM linebacker.
Summary: This draft was all about making sure that New England will have players ready to step in the second the aging veterans begin to falter. Day 2 was a lot like day 1, adding depth on both sides of the ball and drafting the best player available avoiding any sense of need. The Patriots drafted a team high 12 players.
Draft Grade: A

New York Jets
1(5): QB Mark Sanchez – the Jets threw their entire draft at the Cleveland Browns to get the chance to make Sanchez the quarterback of the future. Sanchez is making the move from USC to New York, and in a way, the pressure and prestige is the next logical step. Sanchez can handle the pressure and even has a head start playing at USC which runs a more conventional pro style offense. Although early indications are that Kellen Clemons is the leader in the QB battle, Sanchez should start week one in our minds.
3(1): RB Shonn Greene – Great pick up for the Jets with the contract headaches coming from Thomas Jones. Greene is an every down RB with great size and toughness. He’s listed low on the depth chart these days, but we’re putting the sleeper grade on the kid.
6(20): G Matt Slauson – Depth player at best, may not make the team.
Draft Grade: B