2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing Matt Miller's Latest Mock for Every AFC East Team

Mock drafts change on a daily basis leading up to the day of the draft itself, but it's never too early to begin looking at how certain players will fit with certain teams.

That's why, when Bleacher Report lead writer Matt Miller gives his thoughts on the NFL draft, it's worth a second to rubber neck and analyze his thoughts. As much as the stock of these players will change, their fits with the teams and game tape is pretty much set in stone.

So let's take a look at what Matt had to say about the AFC East teams in the draft.

No. 9: Miami Dolphins Select Nick Perry, Defensive End, USC

Matt says: "The first move [in switching to the 4-3] will be finding a defensive end to line up opposite Cameron Wake. Koa Misi, who was drafted to be an outside linebacker, will likely stay at linebacker. Nick Perry is the best athlete at DE in the 2012 class and also shows the most potential as a double-digit sack man."

My slant: With Jason Taylor retiring and a brand new defensive scheme, the Dolphins will be in the market for new talent. The defense made big improvements over the course of the 2011 season, but the Giants proved with their win in Super Bowl XLVI that you simply can't have too many pass-rushers.

In Perry, the Dolphins would get one of the best in the class, as proven with his 22.5 career sacks with USC.

No. 10: Buffalo Bills Sleect Melvin Ingram, Defensive End, South Carolina

Matt says: "Melvin Ingram isn't flashy, but he is a fluid athlete who has spent time at defensive tackle, end and outside linebacker. He has the strength to play in line and the quickness to line up on the edge. In Buffalo he will be used in multiple sets and positions to exploit the best matchup."

My slant: With the Bills also set to make a switch to a 4-3 front, the obvious need is for a pass-rusher. It would have been anyway, though, with the Bills notching 29 sacks as a team last season and just 11.5 of those coming from defensive ends and outside linebackers.

Ingram has widely been considered one of the premier pass-rushing talents in the draft. He could instantly bolster what was clearly Buffalo's weak link in the 2011 season.

No. 16: New York Jets Select Whitney Mercilus, Defensive End Illinois

Matt says: "Mercilus will have to answer questions about the fact that he had just one good season, but teams will be quick to make Aldon Smith comparisons. Both are tall, strong off the line, and have the vision to find the ball. Where they differ is in motor."

My slant: Mercilus moved up heartily from Miller's mock draft last week, from 31 all the way to 16. Such is the craft of mock drafts pre-combine. Mercilus would provide the Jets some much-needed quickness off the edge, with Calvin Pace and Bryan Thomas both over that magic number of 30 years old.

Mercilus was one of the most consistent pass-rushers in college last year, registering a sack in all but two of his games and finishing the season with 16 sacks. Adding 22.5 tackles for loss, he proved his penetration goes beyond getting after the quarterback.

No. 27: New England Patriots Select Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback, South Carolina

Matt says: "During his three years at South Carolina, Gilmore started at cornerback, returned punts and kicks, completed two passes (2-3 for 68 yards), had eight interceptions, and seven sacks. A complete football player is what Stephon Gilmore is, and then some."

My slant: Another cornerback may be enough to make some Patriots fans cringe, but just because they have used one first- or second-round pick on the position in each of the past five drafts, that doesn't exempt them from making this pick.

Just one look at his statistical resumé shows the type of versatility one can expect from Gilmore and that versatility would make him an instant hit with Patriots head coach Bill Belichick.

No. 31: New England Patriots Select Dont'a Hightower, Linebacker, Alabama

Matt says: "Hightower has the athletic ability to play inside or outside linebacker, depending on the scheme. As much as the Patriots switch back and forth between the 3-4 and 4-3, Hightower would easily find a spot in the starting rotation."

My slant: The Patriots need an outside linebacker much more desperately than an inside linebacker, but if Hightower can play consistently on the outside of the defense and at least rush the passer effectively, he would be a fit. 

We know Belichick's relationship with Alabama head coach Nick Saban, and it wouldn't be a big shock to see the two buddies link up in the 2012 draft.

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