AFC East: 2015 offseason needs – USA TODAY
Now that the 2014 NFL season is over, it’s time to take a look into preparations for the 2015 season with the NFL scouting combine less than two weeks away in Indianapolis.
NEW YORK JETS
It’s a new era for the Jets. Former Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles is now the head coach and Mike Maccagnan, the former Houston Texans director of college scouting, is now the general manager. That means it’s safe to expect some significant changes. The biggest question is at quarterback, where Geno Smith has struggled with inconsistency in his two seasons with the franchise.
Contract issues: Even though the Jets traded for receiver Percy Harvin last season, his days with the franchise may be numbered. With limited production, Harvin needs to convince the new staff that he’s worth keeping. The heart and soul of the Jets defense, linebacker David Harris, is set to become a free agent, and if he chooses to go elsewhere, will leave a void in production and leadership.
Draft pickings: Holding the No. 6 overall selection, the Jets may be on the outside looking in on the draft’s top quarterbacks. Jameis Winston of Florida State and Marcus Mariota could be the top two picks, leaving New York to figure out an alternate solution. If both players are gone, the Jets could turn to its other biggest need: cornerback.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Despite another disappointing finish, Dolphins owner Stephen Ross gave coach Joe Philbin a vote of support. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t changes forthcoming for the franchise. Miami hired Mike Tannenbaum as executive vice president of football operations. If the Dolphins don’t break away from the average performances of the past three seasons, 2015 may be Philbin’s last chance with the franchise.
Contract issues: Even though he’s under contract through 2018, receiver Mike Wallace is proving to be a headache for the Dolphins. He’s the team’s top-paid player, and because of spotty production and reports of friction in the locker room, the Dolphins could consider parting ways with Wallace. Defensive tackle Jared Odrick is one of the team’s leaders on defense and is set to hit the market and tight end Charles Clay is another player due for a new deal.
Draft pickings: The Dolphins select 14th in the first round, and are in position to nab a starter at one of their positions of need: linebacker, offensive line, or cornerback. Linebackers Randy Gregory of Nebraska and Dante Fowler Jr. of Florida may be off the board by the time the Dolphins pick, but Clemson’s Vic Beasley wouldn’t be a bad option.
BUFFALO BILLS
Like the Jets, Buffalo is undergoing a coaching transition with the introduction of Rex Ryan. After former coach Doug Marrone led the franchise to a 9-7 season, he opted out of his deal. The Bills moved quickly to hire Ryan, a defensive specialist. Because the Bills already had a stingy unit, Ryan should keep the defense in good standing. It’s the offense that has big questions with quarterback E.J. Manuel projected as the starter.
Contract issues: There’s no question the biggest concern facing the Bills is at running back. Both C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson are free agents. The team may not end up re-signing both, but it’s safe to expect them to try to keep one of them. Because Spiller is the younger of the two, he could be the choice, but due to constant injury woes, the Bills could ultimately look elsewhere. Another player set to become a free agent is defensive end Jerry Hughes, who was an integral part of Buffalo’s defense last year.
Draft pickings: Because of last year’s draft-day trade for receiver Sammy Watkins, the Bills are without some of their draft picks. If they want to land a quarterback, they’ll have to wait for after the first round, as the No. 19 pick now belongs to the Cleveland Browns. Expect the Bills to go for value, rather than to make a splashy move, as moving up can be costly for the future of a franchise.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
The Super Bowl champs are in a good spot. They have a solid core of talented players and have an influx of youth on their defense. And, with all other coaching vacancies now filled, the Patriots have a great deal of stability with both of their coordinators still with the team. There’s some work to be done, but if the Patriots are diligent this offseason, they could be Super Bowl contenders again next year.
Contract issues: The biggest question is with the team’s best defensive player. Cornerback Darrelle Revis was added last offseason on a one-year deal worth $7 million. He proved to be worth every cent as one of the game’s premier shutdown corners. Revis has a player option in which the Patriots could retain him for $20 million. Expect the two sides to try to work out an alternate long-term plan. Other notable free agents include safety Devin McCourty, and running backs Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley.
Draft pickings: With their championship season, the Patriots pick No. 32 in the draft, but they still have some needs they can fill. Even though quarterback Tom Brady has one of the most dangerous targets in the NFL in tight end Rob Gronkowski, New England could still use a dynamic, tall receiver to play on the outside. College football’s top wideouts will be gone by the time the Patriots pick, but they can still secure a future starter with the last selection of the first round. Defensive line is another area of need.
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