2012 NFL Draft: Analysis of Matt Miller's AFC East Picks Post-Peyton Manning

Mock drafts are a burden for most NFL draft scouts, but it's one that B/R NFL Draft lead writer Matt Miller takes on willingly. With every big decision, Miller is at the ready with a new mock.

So, when Peyton Manning finally decided on the Denver Broncos, it was clear that a mock draft would be forthcoming. Miller delivered, and we're here to take a look at his picks from an AFC East perspective.

Let's have a peep under the hood of Matt's most recent mock.

8. Miami Dolphins: Michael Floyd, Wide Receiver, Notre Dame

Matt says: "The Miami Dolphins struck out on every quarterback they entertained so far this year (Peyton Manning, Matt Flynn). The one thing they can control to improve the passing game is who they line up at wide receiver. With Floyd in tow, the Dolphins have a viable replacement for Brandon Marshall, whom they traded to Chicago, and a proven target for whomever they bring in to run the show at quarterback."

My slant: This pick made sense when the Dolphins still had Marshall on the roster, and it makes even more sense now. Whether the Dolphins' quarterback is David Garrard, Matt Moore or someone else, they'll certainly be a lot better off with a solid No. 1 option in the passing game. Right now, Miami's No. 1 option is Davone Bess. That has to change.

Floyd ran a solid 4.42 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, which has convinced some of his long speed, but it simply doesn't show up on tape. What does show up, however, is his big-play ability and nose for the end zone.

10. Buffalo Bills: Riley Reiff, Offensive Tackle, Iowa

Matt says: "The [Bills haven't] re-signed left tackle Demetrius Bell, who had an up-and-down career with the team due to inexperience and injury. With Bell not returning—or at least unlikely to return at this point—the Bills need to find a true bookend at left tackle. Riley Reiff is the best available option for Buffalo. He's a former tight end who was coached up under Kirk Ferentz at Iowa and has the technique to be a day-one starter in the NFL."

My slant: The Bills offense has many of the necessary pieces in place, but none of it will matter without talent on the offensive line. The Bills as a team gave up just 23 sacks last year, but as Matt points out, they'll need a left tackle if Bell doesn't return. If that happens and Reiff is available at No. 10, this pick is virtually a no-brainer.

If they're able to keep Bell, however, the Bills could look to add a linebacker or another defensive end here. 

16. New York Jets: Alshon Jeffery, Wide Receiver, South Carolina

Matt says: "The Jets' needs are more than can be filled in one or two draft picks. They have legitimate needs at running back, wide receiver, right tackle, defensive end, outside linebacker and safety. So where do they go in Round 1? Best available player. Alshon Jeffery ranks as my No. 7 overall player and is a top value that also fills a need. Need and value—what an oddly logical choice."

My slant: I've been beating this drum since day one of the offseason: What the Jets need more than talent is leadership and high-character guys in the locker room. Bringing in players who have had weight problems doesn't send a great message to the team.

Jeffery weighed in at 215 pounds at the combine, but then he refused to participate in drills. For a team whose No. 1 wide receiver quit on them in the final game of the season, you'd like to see a little more competitive spirit out of a first-round prospect than what Jeffery displayed with his decision to take a pass on the combine.

27. New England Patriots: Vinny Curry, Outside Linebacker, Marshall

Matt says: "Vinny Curry has a lot of Trent Cole in his game. He's a bit undersized and doesn't have great athleticism, but he has a very good first step and is smart and savvy on the edge. Put Curry in a stand-up position, and he'll attack the quarterback over and over again off the edge."

My slant: The Patriots' need for a pass-rusher hinges on the futures of Mark Anderson and Andre Carter. If they can keep one or both of their 2011 offseason acquisitions, they'll be in good shape. The two combined for 20 sacks last season. That being said, 2012 could possibly be the final year of Carter's career, and thus, finding someone to take his role should be on the priority list somewhere.

If Curry can set the edge and rush the passer as he showed at Marshall, he'll be perfect in Carter's role when he's asked to take over. That being said, his competition will be much better than anything he faced at Marshall, so it's hard to say with any certainty how he'll transition. That's the name of the game in the draft.

31. New England Patriots: Devon Still, Defensive End/Tackle, Penn State

Matt says: "After selecting an outside linebacker to rush the passer earlier in the round, the New England Patriots make a move to bolster their run defense. ...[One] thing Bill Belichick has learned (or should have) is that depth is needed along the defensive line. Devon Still is regarded by many as a first-round prospect, and his ability to take on double-teams makes him an ideal option for the 3-4 defense."

My slant: The Patriots have gone into a free agency frenzy, with one signing after another, but one position they've yet to fully address is the defensive line. Adding Jonathan Fanene is a good start, but it doesn't solve all the problems they faced last year. Brandon Deaderick and Myron Pryor are both promising players, but whether or not they'll reach their full potential remains to be seen.

Regardless, the Patriots love to use a rotation on the defensive line to keep everyone fresh. Adding more depth to the line allows the Patriots more flexibility in their fronts, as well as more options as the game wears on and players wear down.

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