The King's Declaration AFC East
by KingJohnIX | 4 years ago | 0 Comments
The King's Declaration AFC East
We are now half way through season 66 and it is time to look at how this year's rookies are impacting the teams that selected them. Every year teams are looking to pull themselves out of the holes they have dug themselves into. Others are looking to put themselves over the hump and make the playoffs and then there are the teams looking for that final piece to make that Super Bowl run. Who accomplished their goals and who is stuck in neutral?
New England Patriots:
Players Drafted: #
72 Jerry Henderson DE
This Will be short and Sweet( or not so much if you’re a Pats Fan). Sitting at 0-8 at the half point they used their pick at the top of the draft for a DE that hasn’t seen the field. This team has a lot of issues and it may be time to start blowing it up. They have dealt away Gilmore should be more coming soon. They are at the bottom of the league in almost every category on both sides of the ball. Scoring 11 points a game, giving up 35. Achieving 250 yards a game giving up over 350. This team is not good and they are playing worse.
New York Jets:
Players Drafted:
#2 Greg Harris QB #31
Ronald Orr DT
#37 Delvin Fox WR
After trading away Darnold many thought the Jets would no longer be the Kings of the East. After the first few game others were saying “Told ya soo” Then Harris came out and pretty much told everyone to STFU with his on the field play. He has lead the Jets to a #1 scoring offense and helped secure the leagues leading rushing attack. The kid is playing well but how well? Well through 8 games he has over 1500 yards 16 tds to 17 ints. But the last 4 games tell the true story, or at least Jets fans hope so, as he has thrown 12 tds to only 6 picks. He may be figuring out this whole NFL thing. Fox is lighting it up in his rookie season with 38 receptions doe 639 yards and 8 touchdowns . He is getting plenty targets are going his way as the RBs seem to be getting the rest of Harris’ targets.
After years of a dominating defense the Jets are getting older and slowing down on that side of the ball, With few picks early in the draft they were only able to draft one defensive player in DT Orr. He is having a decent rookie campaign totalling 9 tackles and 2 sacks so far. He may be earning more and more play time if he continues. The Defense is doing very mediocre this season. Sitting in the middle of the pack of every category. Giving up 24 points a game, over 330 yards including a bottom 10 rush defense.I expect the Jets to focus on the defense in this coming off season.
Miami Dolphins Players Drafted:
#77 Steve Traynor RB
#78 Jarred Harmon CB
With no picks in the first 2 rounds the Dolphins are hoping a couple third round selections will help them get over the hump that has been the New York Jets. Sitting at a respectable 6-4 the dolphins are a very middle of the road team on offense. Averaging just 25 points a game and putting up a mediocre 312 offensive yards a game. They are leaving much to be desired, their average win is by 11 points however their average loss is by more than 2 touchdowns. Traynor is a hit and miss rookie this year. Averaging just 3.5 yards a carry. He is either doing well enough to stable the offense who is fumbling the ball like he is playing hot potato. My guess is the Dolphins will be looking to make a splash this offseason at the RB position. Because their backs just flat out suck.
Rookie CB Harmon has struggled to find his way onto the field this season even after Miami traded away Byron Jones. This is probably due to the breakout season that CB Crossen is having, as he leads the way for DB of the year in the AFC. But luckily this defense hasn’t needed him as they are ranked in the top half of the league in every category. Allowing only 24 points a game and giving up fewer than 230 passing yards and only 90 rushing every week. Season Prediction: 9-7
Buffalo Bills: Drafted Players:
#12 Eddie Correa FS
#40 Shaq Bird CB
#67 J.D. Caldwell OLB
After not re-signing Stefon Diggs this past season many thought that the Bills would need to draft a WR to replace him. But they didn’t they just asked everyone else to step up and answer the call. And that they have, in spades. With 5 guys over 30 catches and 4 of those over 500 yards. This passing game is humming right along. Scoring over 28 points a game and throwing for over 280 yards a game this offense is scary. Once they get the run game to step it up no one will want to see them in the playoffs.
With 3 picks in the rounds focusing on the defensive side of the ball you would think the Bills would be doing a little better. Giving up 25 points a game(15th), over 340 total yards a game(24th) and a terrible rush defense over 105 yards on the ground. How are these rooks contributing? Eddie Correa may just find himself in the DROY running. This kid is ballin out with 23 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 7 interceptions and 1 touchdown. He is making exactly the impact he was drafted for and maybe a little more.He may be competing with fellow Bill J.D. Caldwell as this kid is trying to prove he was the steal of the draft, totaling 42 tackles, 2 sacks, 4 ints and 1 touchdown. CB Bird has yet to see the field in any sort of meaningful time but with this loaded secondary he may just be a good dev piece for the future. Season Prediction: 10-6