AFC East Mock Draft: Analyzing Mel Kiper's Latest Mock for Every AFC East Team

Most NFL draft pundits would give anything to be Mel Kiper, even if they won't admit it publicly. One simply doesn't reach those heights without earning a lot of respect along the way.

That's why, when he releases his mock drafts, everyone stops to take notice.

He doesn't always get it right, but his opinions are valuable because he follows these players closer than perhaps anyone in the business from the start of their college careers all the way through draft day.

Here's his latest mock draft, and here are my thoughts.

8. Miami Dolphins Select Riley Reiff, Tackle, Iowa

Kiper says: "Reiff's tape was exceptional this past season, and given how complete he is right now, stepping in immediately on the right side shouldn't be a problem. ...Reiff makes the quarterback situation that much more appealing, regardless of who takes the snaps. The Dolphins aced their first-round pick last year, also hitting the O-line. Wouldn't hurt them one bit to double down."

My slant: The Dolphins would love to add an offensive tackle to put on the other side of Jake Long, and this would be a great pick to solidify the most important positions on the offensive line—the center with Mike Pouncey, and the two tackles Long and Reiff—for a long time. 

The Dolphins had a hard time protecting the quarterback last year, giving up 52 sacks, third-most in the NFL. Anything they can do to bring that number down would certainly help their chances in 2012, and it may be necessary if Peyton Manning is their guy; one bad hit could spell the end for Manning.

10. Buffalo Bills Select Courtney Upshaw, Outside Linebacker, Alabama

Kiper says: "The pass rush still needs a lot of help, and Upshaw is currently the best 3-4 outside linebacker in the draft. Even as Buffalo looks to shift that defense to a 4-3 (see Denver's draft strategy at No. 2 last year) Upshaw can still easily fit. Don't pass talent because of small scheme questions. He should be able to apply a lot of pressure to opposing quarterbacks from the edge for whoever gets him for 2012."

My slant: Those "small scheme questions" which Kiper speaks of are the same "small scheme questions" that eventually resulted in Aaron Maybin being a poor fit in Buffalo; needless to say, his success in New York proves that much. That being said, Upshaw could actually be a fit at 4-3 defensive end.

There are questions as to whether he's athletic enough to play linebacker in the NFL, where he'll have to move laterally and play with a bit more finesse. Putting his hand in the dirt would allow him to play to his strengths, which just happens to be his strength.

The Bills tallied just 29 sacks as a team in 2011, and anything they can do to increase that number will increase their chances of fielding a better defense in 2012. Upshaw may help them do just that.

16. New York Jets Select Cordy Glenn, Guard, Georgia

Kiper says: "With Tony Sparano coming to town, my guess is shoring up the offensive line will be a priority (just as it was with his last pick in Miami) as the Jets try to get the offense back where they want it. Glenn is a really versatile guy who could probably be adequate at tackle, but could dominate inside. He could start there immediately."

My slant: Mock drafts never cease to amaze me. Here, Kiper says that Glenn is a first-round pick, but elsewhere I've seen him projected in the third round. This is the polarizing part of mock drafts and projections that make the draft such a mystery.

Positionally, the Jets would be smart to go with a guard if they can find one worth taking in the first round. They had a hard time protecting Mark Sanchez and running the ball, and at this point, Vladimir Ducasse is beginning to look more and more like a waste of a second-round draft pick.

27. New England Patriots Select Vinny Curry, Defensive End, Marshall

Kiper says: "Curry is a really good pass-rusher for a team that needs to find some help in that area. I'm not sure he's the best candidate to play OLB in a 3-4, but Bill Belichick can scheme around his personnel as well as anybody, and if he loves a pass-rusher, he'll find a way to make it work. Curry has violent hands and can really get a tackle off-balance. He can also swim to the inside. The Patriots need to add talent to the front seven, and Curry is a start."

My slant: Obviously, Mel Kiper doesn't pay much attention to the Patriots draft. If he did, he would know that the Patriots taking a first-round pass-rusher is about as likely as literally catching lightning in a bottle, and will probably happen the same year as the Sun crashes into the Earth.

If this is the year, though, Curry would be a great boost to the Patriots pass rush. He logged 23 sacks combined in the past two years, and though he hasn't dropped into coverage very much, he has shown the ability to set the edge and rush the passer consistently. The Patriots have typically avoided hybrid prospects in the draft, so this pick would surprise me.

31. New England Patriots Select Kendall Reyes, Defensive Tackle, Connecticut

Kiper says: "When he gets good leverage (which he usually does), Reyes is really strong and will get offensive linemen up off their feet as he pushes them into the backfield. He's not going to shed blocks as a brilliant pass-rusher would, but Reyes can develop into the guy who makes everybody else a better pass-rusher because he demands so much blocking help."

My slant: Another one I've seen mocked as a third- or fourth-round pick. Unless Kiper knows something we don't, this pick could be a big-time reach for the Patriots, and we know how Bill Belichick feels about reaching. He would sooner completely trade out of the first round than reach on a player.

Positionally, though, the pick makes sense. The Patriots could certainly use the help on the defensive line, but would be better suited taking a prospect in a similar mold to J.J. Watt, a guy that can be disruptive, shed blocks and collapse the pocket. 

Follow @ErikFrenz