2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing Matt Miller's AFC East Picks in His Latest Mock

Mock drafts are a beast best left to experts who have researched the 2012 NFL Draft prospects since their inception in college.

Still, it's good to get some insight on which direction each team should and could head in come April 26. Thus, when B/R NFL draft scout/guru Matt Miller released his latest mock draft it only made sense to pop the hood and see what he had churning in the engine.

Let's take a look.

Miami Dolphins: A-

What I like: The Dolphins address all of their major needs with solid value along the way. Most Dolphins fans are clamoring for the quarterback of the future, and whether or not Tannehill is worth a top 10 pick, if you like a quarterback enough and think he's the face of the franchise, this is a pick you have to make. The familiarity with Mike Sherman is a known factor and a big plus as he transitions to the NFL.

The Dolphins issues at safety are well-documented, so adding Harrison Smith in the second round is a no-brainer. Good-not-great value for him at the top of the second, but with their woes in the secondary, it's a smart pick to be sure.

Orson Charles in the third round? Talk about a steal. He was projected in the first round as recently as last month, and we've seen what Philbin can do with a receiving tight end (see: Finley, Jermichael). Great value, and a great add to the offense.

What I don't like: Despite having a ton of receivers on the roster, the future is murky for all of them despite a ton of youth at the position (none of their receivers are currently older than 26 years old). We know Philbin doesn't value a No. 1 receiver enough to go high for one, so taking a couple of mid-round fliers on guys with high upside makes a lot of sense, but we've seen what Philbin can do with lesser talent. I'd like to see him work with Miami's current core, but added depth can't really hurt.

New England Patriots: B+

What I like: Defense, defense, defense. After going big on offense in free agency, it makes sense they'd focus on this side of the ball in the draft.

Andre Branch seems like a bit of a reach in the first round, but as we all know, pass rushers carry big time value on draft day. Getting one you like and one that fits sometimes comes at the expense of a little value, which is why Bill Belichick typically stays away from these guys in the first round. Still, it's a big time need going forward, especially with the departure of Mark Anderson.

Beyond that, the Janoris Jenkins pick has Belichick's name written all over it, even if it seems unlikely. A top 15 talent in the middle of the second round is a steal if ever there was one, and character issues always seem to go away in Foxborough.

Bruce Irvin's a little small to play 3-4 outside linebacker in Belichick's defense, where he typically likes his guys to be 6'4" and 260 (Irvin is 6'3" and 245), but with a late third-round pick, he's worth a shot for his long arms and pass rushing ability.

What I don't like: Criner is a physical talent, to be sure, but the Patriots need someone with polish who can run the whole route tree. We've seen the likes of Brandon Tate and Taylor Price come in with a world of promise only to falter under the pressure of a heavy playbook and precision-style offense.

New York Jets: B

What I like: Weapons for Sanchez. The Jets need to at least give him a chance to flourish, and that's simply not going to happen with their current crop of skill position players. Michael Floyd is a great pick-up for the offense, giving them an outside-the-numbers threat for a change.

Shonn Greene is decent but not excellent, so adding Doug Martin makes sense, especially if the Jets want to return to the "ground-and-pound" style of offense they've become attached to.

Depth in the secondary and on the perimeter of the defense is paramount to New York's success next year, so adding two corners and three "rush" ends is wise. 

As successful as Sione Pouha has been, he can be even better if he doesn't have to carry the burden by himself at nose tackle, so drafting Iowa NT Mike Daniels is yet another smart decision.

What I don't like: No offensive tackle until the seventh round? Wayne Hunter was a sieve. The Jets absolutely have to find a replacement for him in the draft. Chances are slim he's going to turn it around, so finding a talented replacement should be a priority.

Buffalo Bills: B

What I like: As much as most Bills fans are clamoring for Michael Floyd—and he was available with this pick in Matt's mock—picking up an offensive tackle with the first pick makes more sense than adding another wide receiver, especially if Demetrius Bell leaves as a free agent.

Plus, the Bills get good value with Brian Quick in the third round, and a big-bodied receiver to complement their passing game. Great value in the third round, and although he's not a polished route-runner, he has the long speed to threaten a defense over the top.

Overall, I like the depth the Bills acquired at positions of need, specifically offensive tackle and cornerback, where the Bills made two selections at each spot.

What I don't like: With all the money spent and talent acquired at defensive end in free agency, adding two more ends in the draft seems excessive. One would suffice, and the Bills could use the extra pick on a linebacker to help complete the transition to a 4-3.

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