2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing Dane Brugler's Most Recent AFC East Picks

Mocks change quite a bit in the weeks leading up to the NFL draft as teams visit with players and new information comes out. One thing that doesn't change, though, is the debate that each mock draft brings.

Dane Brugler of CBS Sports released his most recent first-round mock draft earlier this week. We've yet to analyze one of his mock drafts on the blog, so let's show some love to a respected draft scout.

Here are his picks for the AFC East.

8. Miami Dolphins: Ryan Tannehill, QB (Texas A&M)

My Slant: This is clearly the position of biggest want and need for the Dolphins, but is Tannehill the right prospect? He knows Mike Sherman's offense well, and though the two weren't a real winning combination in college, they put up some big numbers, including more than 37 points per game. 

The Dolphins are at least interested, as Brugler points out they were, "well represented at Tannehill's work out last week with GM Jeff Ireland and head coach Joe Philbin in attendance." The Dolphins do have some options, though, with plenty of needs to fill. South Carolina defensive end Melvin Ingram has been another popular pick to the Dolphins at No. 8.

10. Buffalo Bills: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)

My Slant: Floyd has become a consensus pick for the Bills. While they have wide receivers with potential, they lack a true, game-breaking playmaker outside the numbers. Stevie Johnson is great, but many consider him a No. 2 receiver at his core.

Do the Bills believe in Johnson enough to allow him to carry the load as the No. 1 option? Do they believe in their depth enough to emerge as viable No. 2 and 3 options in the passing game?

If not, this pick makes sense. If they do, they can look other directions. If the Bills want to look in another direction, they could easily target an offensive tackle, and Brugler still has Iowa OT Riley Reiff on the board here.

16. New York Jets: Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB (Alabama)

My Slant: This one makes a ton of sense. The Jets have already expressed their interest in Upshaw, and he plays a position where they really need to find youth and talent. He has the positional flexibility to be a rush end or an outside linebacker, having done both in Alabama's 3-4 defense under Nick Saban. 

The Jets are known for getting after the quarterback, but only put up 35 sacks last year. They could really use a pass-rushing force like Upshaw, especially with Bryan Thomas nearing the end of his career at 34 years old.

Upshaw played very well in a tough conference, showing the requisite toughness to make him a solid addition to the Jets defense.

27. New England Patriots: Mark Barron, S (Alabama)

My Slant: ESPN's NFL draft expert, Mel Kiper Jr., said Friday via Twitter that he expects Barron to be selected in the Top 16. If that's the case and Barron falls to the Patriots here, this is a great instance of need meeting value, which is what we know Bill Belichick looks for in the draft.

He also wouldn't be opposed to grabbing a Saban prospect, as the two head coaches are well connected to one another.

Say what you will about the Patriots defense, but the bottom line is they need depth at safety. They ranked 31st in passing yards allowed and fielded two special teamers—James Ihedigbo and Matthew Slater—as starters at different points in the season.

Adding Barron would be an instant upgrade.

31. New England Patriots: Andre Branch, DE/OLB (Clemson)

My Slant: A pass-rusher in the first round? Don't bank on it, even if it does make a ton of sense.

First of all, the Patriots will likely trade one of their first-round picks, but I won't discredit Dane since he doesn't project trades in his mock.

The Patriots have never drafted a pass-rusher in the first round under Belichick, but it can never happen until it happens, and Branch would be a good fit for New England. Branch can immediately contribute as a pass-rusher and has the potential to develop into a solid outside linebacker in the "Elephant" role that the Patriots have been trying to fill since the departure of Willie McGinest.

The Patriots could especially use a pass-rusher after Mark Anderson was allowed to walk and signed with the Bills.

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