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In two days, 32 teams selected 252 players, ranging from first overall selection Jake Long to Mr. Irrelevant David Vobora. The work is far from over, however...

2008 NFL Draft: AFC Divisional Recap

by Mike Hempel (Scribe)

0

393 reads

Preview/Prediction

April 28, 2008

NFL, AFC East, AFC North, AFC South, AFC West, 2008 NFL Draft, NFL Free Agency, NFL Predictions, Preview/Prediction

In two days, 32 teams selected 252 players, ranging from first overall selection Jake Long to Mr. Irrelevant David Vobora. 

The work is far from over, however.

Front offices all over the league will reconvene to not only sign their draft choices, but to also take a look at the priority undrafted free agents. 

And while these draftees haven't played a snap in the NFL, it's never too early to take a look at what teams filled positional needs, or which teams may have taken a step backward. 

There's no doubt teams and players alike are excited, but with rookie mini-camps soon awaiting, we'll look at which teams are best suited for success in the upcoming NFL season.

 

 AFC East

Buffalo Bills:   Grade: C

Buffalo started and ended the draft very efficiently.  It's the middle rounds I have a problem with.  CB Leodis McKelvin can contribute right away in the return game, and could be the best corner in this draft.  They also found a wideout to go opposite Lee Evans in second-rounder James Hardy.  I was surprised with the selection of Derek Fine, thinking they may go with Kellen Davis from Michigan State.  All things considered, they may leave this year's draft with the best cornerback and wide receiver, two positional needs for a team on the cusp of making the playoffs in '09.

Stud: James Hardy WR

Dud: Derek Fine, TE

Miami Dolphins:    Grade: A-

While most media outlets are automatically dubbing Kansas City for having the best draft, I think the Dolphins quietly solidified needs in this year's draft.  Jake Long is a franchise left tackle, and defensive end Phillip Merling was a steal early in the second round.  The selection of QB Chad Henne confirmed speculation that Bill Parcells isn't sold on John Beck, but Henne has issues of his own as well. Still, a value pick in the second round.  Jalen Parmale may provide a change of pace back along side Ronnie Brown.  Parmale was a power back at Toledo, at 5'11" , 224 lbs, but possesses above average speed. 

Stud: Jake Long, LT

Dud: Kendall Langford, DE

 New England Patriots:    Grade: B-

New England wisely traded down in the first round, and still filled a need at linebacker with Jerod Mayo out of Tennessee.  They continued their focus on getting younger on defense with Shawn Crable, who will fit in perfectly in their 3-4 scheme.  A third round selection of QB Kevin O'Connell surprised many, myself included.  No doubt he's a solid player, but I thought they may go elsewhere with what is still a valued pick in the third round.  Jonathan Wilhite will look to replace the losses in the secondary, although his ball skills are lacking. 

Stud: Shawn Crable, OLB

Dud: Kevin O'Connell, QB

New York Jets:    Grade: C+

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