One Prospect Each AFC East Team Should Be Scouting at 2012 NFL Scouting Combine

With so many prospects running so many drills, it can be hard to keep track of everything during the NFL scouting combine.

And though each team will be looking at as many prospects as they can, let's take a look at just one prospect that each team should be looking at this week in Indianapolis.

New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, Linebacker, Alabama

The Jets have a need at linebacker worse than Mike Francesa's need to stir up controversy with the Jets themselves. 

Calvin Pace has gotten progressively less productive over the past few years. Bart Scott has become a two-down player. Bryan Thomas is coming off an injury.

That's a lot of question marks to have at one position, but that's not all. Take one look at the chart, and it's not hard to see that it's time to start thinking about the future.

This is a year where need meets value for the Jets, and their pick at 16th overall figures to come with the promise of one of a few talented linebackers. Upshaw can play inside and outside, and has all the tools to rush the passer from both spots.

Teams are going to want to see him drop into coverage. The tape usually doesn't lie when it comes to a linebacker's ability to do so, but the combine is a good proving ground for him.

New England Patriots: Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

My interest was piqued by this scouting report on NEPatriotsDraft.com, which reads like a veritable bible for a Patriots prospect at wide receiver with his pro-style offense experience, yards-after-catch ability and more. 

Beyond that, it's no secret that the Patriots need a guy who can win the matchups on the outside, and it's no secret that they lack size at wide receiver.

At 6'3" and 220 pounds, Floyd has the kind of size that makes him a nightmare to cover in man coverage, which has been an area where their offense has struggled at times.

The Patriots typically scout based on the three-cone drill, but there are two drills that should be a focal point for Floyd: bench press and 40-yard dash.

He has struggled getting off press coverage at times, and his ability to put up good numbers on the bench could help the perception of his strength.

Those 40-times make the difference between a first-round pick and a third-round pick, too.

Buffalo Bills: Quinton Coples, Defensive End, North Carolina

The Bills have a desperate need for a pass rusher, and if they're unable to land free agent Mario Williams, there are some options available in the draft. If that's the case, the team would be wise to look at Quinton Coples.

We know the guy is a physical specimen, but the question is where his head is at. His inconsistent motor might lend some teams to question his passion for football. Teams will have an opportunity to interview Coples and get a feel for whether he's fully committed to football.  

But whichever teams are scouting Coples are bound to be impressed by his workout numbers, which should all be fairly lofty.

Miami Dolphins: Kevin Zeitler, Guard, Wisconsin

Zeitler got exposed a little against Michigan State and showed that agile interior rushers could give him a hard time, but he is a well-rounded blocker who is ordinarily quick enough to be the first with his hands on the defender. And when that happens, his hands are heavy enough that it's difficult for defenders to disengage.

The problem with him, though, is when he isn't the first one with his hands on his opponent, he tends to get overpowered. If he can put up solid numbers on the bench press, he can help eliminate the stigma that he's not a strong guy.

One thing's for sure about Zeitler: Whether he's strong or not, he was one mighty effective interior run blocker for Wisconsin.

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