AFC East rookie grades Buffalo Bills building a winner
As coaches and general managers prepare to make potentially franchise-altering decisions in the 2015 , now is the perfect time to look back and see how the choices made last year played out on the field. Bucky Brooks is reviewing and grading each team's rookie cla s from 2014, as well as highlighting what organizations should hone in on at this month's NFL -- continuing with the AFC East below. Buffalo BillsThe boldly in the 2014 to pluck with the fourth overall pick -- and the rookie pa s catcher didn't disappoint, posting 982 receiving yards and six touchdowns as Buffalo's designated playmaker. Although critics would suggest the team could've stayed at its original position (No. 9) and still landed a -caliber receiver (see: , who went to the at No. 12), the fact that the identified their guy and got positive results from him should earn them a solid review. They also received better-than-anticipated production from linebacker and offensive lineman when they were pre sed into action due to injuries and inconsistent play by those above them.
Kyle Freeland Jersey Offensive lineman is an unknown commodity at this point, but if he develops into a serviceable starter, this cla s could play a pivotal role in Buffalo's re-emergence as a playoff participant under a new regime. Grade: BCombine focus: The lack of a first-round pick in 2015 -- it was surrendered to the in the deal that resulted in Watkins -- prevents the from addre sing their quarterback situation in the draft. Still, the team can add a few pieces to enhance an offense that's on the cusp of leading a playoff run. The offensive line needs some work along the interior, meaning Buffalo should take an extensive look at guys like Duke's , South Carolina's and Florida State's . Additionally, the could explore the po sibility of adding a dynamic tight end, like Minnesota's or Miami's .Miami DolphinsThe landed a couple of key contributors with their first two selections in the 2014 draft. filled a huge need at right tackle and delivered a solid performance as a first-year starter. is a standout po se sion receiver with strong hands
Tyler Anderson Jersey and grit. After playing a key role as the WR3, Landry could work into the starting lineup as a second-year pro. Miami didn't get much from North Dakota State's , but the former small-school standout could develop into a serviceable starter down the road. Grade: C+Combine focus: The must shore up their defense down the middle, particularly at defensive tackle and inside linebacker. Thus, coach Joe Philbin and staff will spend a lot of time a se sing the football character and athleticism of rugged run stoppers like Washington DT , Texas NT and Oklahoma DT or kick the tires on an athletic three-technique like Florida State DT . At inside linebacker, Mi si sippi State's will garner serious interest as the top Mike linebacker on the board, but Miami's and UCLA's will be in play, as well. New England Patriots
Ian Desmond Jersey are driven by a veteran-led roster featuring some of the best players in the game at their respective positions. The spectacular play of quarterback and cornerback allowed rookies to work in anonymity for the . Though defensive tackle and backup signal-caller barely saw the field as first-year pros, both offer enticing potential. and helped shore up the offensive line as key role players down the stretch. Cornerback didn't get a lot of action during the regular season, but -- -- suggested the undrafted rookie was groomed for his role through diligent work on the practice field. Despite the overall group's minimal impact early in the season, the unheralded trio of Stork, Fleming and Butler gave this team something to build off down the stretch. Grade: C+Combine focus: Yes, they captured the Lombardi Trophy in impre sive fashion -- but the need to add some playmakers on the perimeter.
Wade Davis Jersey A speedy receiver like Ohio State's or Miami's could command their attention, as might a versatile, big-bodied target like Stanford's (6-foot-2, 220 pounds). With New England also searching for an all-purpose back, Miami's and Alabama's could find themselves under New England's microscope.New York JetsThe lack of chemistry between front office and coaching staff was certainly reflected in the ' 2014 rookie cla s. Safety was expected to act as the monster in the middle of the defense, but he suffered through an up-and-down season and recorded few splash plays. Tight end gave and a big-bodied target to lean on in key moments, but he didn't provide the playmaking prowe s needed to spark a sagging offense. The rest of the cla s offered scant contributions as backups, spot players and special teamers. This group clearly failed to live up to the expectations of the since-fired duo of coach Rex Ryan and GM John Idzik. Grade: DCombine on NFL NetworkIn advance of the draft, Marcus Mariota and others will
Jonathan Lucroy Jersey look to showcase their skills at the combine (Feb. 17-23), only on NFL Network. Combine focus: From the quarterback position to wide receiver to pa s rusher, the need a number of blue-chip players to compete with the elite teams in the AFC. Completing a thorough examination of the character and talents of Oregon's and Florida State's will be a top priority in Indianapolis, but team officials will also take extended looks at a pair of pa s catchers (Alabama's and West Virginia's ) and an intriguing pa s rusher (Nebraska's ) to determine the best way to rebuild Gang Green. Follow Bucky Brooks on Twitter .