2012 NFL Draft: Every AFC East Team's Biggest Needs and Players to Fill Them

The AFC East has been dominated by the New England Patriots over the last decade, but even the Super Bowl runner up has some major roster holes to fill this offseason. 

Let's look at which prospects the Patriots should consider to stay atop the division and the guys the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and Buffalo Bills should have on their radar in their attempt to end New England's reign. 

New England Patriots

Biggest needs: CB, S, DE, WR 

Tom Brady essentially carried the Patriots all season and was a few minutes away from capturing his fourth Super Bowl title. 

His club still has one of the most explosive and efficient offenses in the game, but the defense had its fair share of issues stopping opponents in 2011. 

While they received great contributions from edge-rushers Mark Anderson and Andre Carter, Anderson is a free agent and Carter is coming off a season-ending leg injury. 

A player like Clemson's Andre Branch, who is a pass-rushing specialist with a great burst would be ideal at the end of the first round. Illinois' Whitney Mercilus, who led the nation in sacks this fall would also be welcomed to Bill Belichick's defense. 

They do have two picks in Round 1, so they could grab a top-tier defensive back, as well. 

Virginia's Chase Minnifield or Alabama safety Mark Barron would be ideal selections to strengthen their safety. Both are solid in coverage and don't come with a ton of risk. 

Expect the Pats to use one of their second or third-round picks on a wide receiver, possibly on someone like LSU's Reuben Randle or Arkansas' Joe Adams. 

New York Jets 

Biggest needs: S, RB, OL

Eric Smith was far from impressive in 2011 and Jim Leonhard ended the season on injured reserve. He's also a free agent. 

A big-time upgrade is needed. 

The Jets will thoroughly examine Alabama's Mark Barron, who will miss the Scouting Combine due to a double hernia surgery.

There's also a decent chance they grab one of the better running backs in the 2012 class if Trent Richardson isn't available, like Miami's Lamar Miller or Washington's Chris Polk.

A premier offensive tackle isn't out of the question in the first round either. Ohio State's Mike Adams or Georgia's Cordy Glenn are possibilities. 

In the second round, look for them to add depth to their offensive line if they go safety or running back in Round 1. Florida State's Zebrie Sanders or Miami's Brandon Washington have second-round grades.

Wayne Hunter and Vladimir Ducasse are simply not ideal right tackle options.  

Miami Dolphins 

Biggest needs: QB, OL, S

The Dolphins aren't far away from returning to contender status in the AFC. With a few pieces to complement their solid core of defenders and respectable receiving contingent led by Brandon Marshall, they can win consistently in 2012 and beyond. 

They're in dire need of a franchise quarterback. Matt Moore was a perfect stop-gap option, but is he really the future? 

There's a great chance they will go after Green Bay Packers quarterback Matt Flynn in free agency, mainly due to his ties with new head coach Joe Philbin, but if they don't, they would be smart to look at trade possibilities to grab Robert Griffin III. 

Iowa's Riley Reiff would fit in nicely along Miami's offensive line and some believe he merits top-10 consideration. 

Even a guy like Stanford's Jonathan Martin would work at the right tackle spot, but he's best suited as a left tackle, a position that will be occupied by Jake Long for a while. 

Taking Mark Barron in the first round would be an extreme reach, but Oklahoma State's Markelle Martin or Notre Dame's Harrison Smith are good mid-round options for the Dolphins. 

Buffalo Bills

Biggest needs: DE/OLB, WR, LB

The Bills are making a switch to the 4-3 as their base defensive system in 2012. Regardless of what scheme they're in, they must address their atrocious pass rush. They had 29 quarterback takedowns in 2011, and 10 of them came in one game against the offensively inept Washington Redskins. Opposing signal-callers simply had far too much time to scan the field against Buffalo last season. 

South Carolina's Melvin Ingram, a 6'2'', 278-pound special athlete will add more potency to the rush coming off the edge and he can play in a variety of positions and alignments. 

Alabama's Courtney Upshaw is a safer pick, but doesn't represent as much upside. 

If Alshon Jeffery is available at No. 10, based on what they do or don't do in free agency, he'll be given a long, hard look by general manager Buddy Nix. 

In the second round, they can get better value on a wideout like Arizona's Juron Criner or Miami's Tommy Streeter and will most certain look to address their strong-side linebacker void. 

Nebraska's LaVonte David, Utah State's Bobby Wagner or North Carolina State's Audie Cole project well to that spot at the next level. 

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