The 2021 NFL Draft is now in the rearview mirror, and it’s officially football season. Rookie minicamps are underway, and the season is quickly approaching. It’s no secret that NFL franchises are built through the draft. While free agency is a viable option to add pieces, the draft is what forms dynasties. Potentially those late-round gems that become perennial starters. Or you find your franchise QB in the first round. Now, we’re past evaluating teams on their 2021 picks, instead we look at how those picks will be a factor this season. Whether it seemed to be the right pick or not, let’s dive into how the AFC East will be affected by this year’s rookie class.
New York Jets:
The Jets have been struggling for a few years now, but signs point in a more positive direction. Robert Saleh has the reigns and looks to bring energy and a game plan, unlike anything the Jets have seen since Rex Ryan. The coaching staff was overhauled, but the roster needed a lot of work. The Sam Darnold era is over now; his departure makes way for another quarterback adventure. With the second overall pick, New York selected Zach Wilson from BYU. Wilson brings versatility to the Big Apple with his rushing abilities and strong-arm talent. The Gang Green have tried signal-caller after signal-caller but haven’t found the right fit. Will this be the perfect marriage? Only time will tell. But it would be foolish to think Wilson could turn around the Jets in one season. He will immediately impact the squad, and they will improve on last year’s 2-14 record. But it won’t happen overnight. I’d expect New York to compete for third or even second in the division, even though the last place is still the most likely outcome. Also, they decided to trade up in the first round from 23 to 14. With that pick, they chose offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker. It’s evident with their draft choices the Jets are prioritizing Zach Wilson by protecting him and finding him weapons that Darnold never had the luxury of experiencing. Vera-Tucker is considered one of the best interior lineman in this class and instantly bolsters the Jets offensive line. And with Zach Wilson’s scrambling abilities and a young but improved line, the Jets QB will not be on the ground as often this season.
Miami Dolphins:
The South beach squad also had two picks in the first round, which could have an impact right away. With the sixth pick, Miami selected Jaylen Waddle, the wide receiver from Alabama. The Dolphins are bolstering their wide receiver corps in hopes of providing more weapons for a young QB. Waddle factors as the immediate third option behind Will Fuller and DeVante Parker. Look for Waddle to impact the slot for Miami. At Alabama in three years, he finished with just under 2,000 yards receiving and corralled 17 touchdowns. Another addition is edge rusher Jaelan Phillips from the nearby University of Miami. With pick number 18, the Dolphins decided to touch up the defense. Last year Miami ranked second in the league in blitz packages which means they sent more help to attack the QB instead of allowing the edge to penetrate. Phillips is a massive addition to the line, and with his talent should start day one. The only concern is his injury history. If he is healthy, he instantly allows the dolphins to blitz less and rely on a standard rush more often.
New England Patriots:
It’s a new era now in Foxborough. The Mac Jones era. Since Tom Brady’s departure, there have been many questions on a long-term replacement. Even when he was still with the team, it seemed like Jimmy Garropolo or Jacoby Brisset could be the answer. For a brief moment, Jarret Stidham became a potential option. But now, in the NFL Draft, they find their solution in the form of former Alabama national champion winning signal-caller Mac Jones. The rookie should be a good fit in the New England system but don’t expect him to start right away. Cam Newton is still an option and should start until Jones is ready. Give it about six games, and I think New England fans will be calling for Jones, and Bellichick might give him some time.
Buffalo Bills:
Finally, we get to the division favorite, Buffalo Bills. The team is right on the edge of being a legitimate contender, so their draft pick reflected that, and this draft will only impact this upcoming year slightly. The team played it safe in the draft with team needs, but the first-round pick was a little risky. Greg Rousseau was a top 10 candidate months ago, but he slipped into a later round grade throughout the process. But before the conclusion of the first round, Buffalo took a chance on the defensive lineman from Miami. Rousseau could be a big-time contributor in the long run, but I don’t see the effects paying off this season. Count this as a redshirt year of development for the first-rounder.
The rookie class is always a fascinating discussion to see the next new stars. In the AFC East the Jets and Patriot swelcome a franchise altering quarterback while the Bills and Dolphins went in a different direction. Now there’s just a few months before we see how it all plays out.
