Which AFC East Team Has the Best Defensive Line?

With a new look and a new attitude, the Buffalo Bills look poised to field not just the best defensive line in the AFC East, but the best in the NFL.

Theirs isn't the only talented group of defensive linemen in the AFC East, but it's one of two that has no significant question marks.

Lists sometimes write themselves, and this was certainly one of those times (note: thought was put into the rankings 2-4).

1. Buffalo Bills

With big-name talent from one end to another in Mark Anderson, Marcell Dareus, Kyle Williams and Mario Williams, quarterbacks are probably already having nightmares.

In a division dominated by Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, the Bills have learned from the ways of the Houston Texans, who worked to build a solid pass rush that could fluster Peyton Manning. 

The Bills finished with just 29 sacks in 2011, but that number could increase by 15 or more with the revamped defensive scheme and personnel. The 4-3 will also allow Dareus and Kyle Williams, both of whom are seen as better interior pass rushers, to get upfield after the quarterback.

One thing the Bills should consider, however, is adding depth. Not to say that one injury would cripple their defensive line, but it couldn't hurt; plus, I'm sure Mario Williams and Mark Anderson will need to give their wheels a break at some point.

2. New York Jets

With the 33-year-old Sione Pouha anchoring the middle of the defense, the Jets may need to find a bit more depth at nose tackle. They've done well at finding fits for their scheme, though, by adding Muhammad Wilkerson in the first round in 2011 and having found a diamond in the rough in Mike DeVito.

Where the Jets need help is at outside linebacker. They have a great situational defensive end/outside linebacker in Aaron Maybin, but they would like to find someone who's capable of contributing a bit more often than just in passing situations.

Based purely on their defensive linemen, though, the Jets have one of the best groups in the league. The importance of a stout three-man line in Rex's 46 defense can't be understated. The ability of those men to hold their blockers is key to the blitzers getting free.

3. New England Patriots

Vince Wilfork and Kyle Love both figure to contribute heavily in 2012, just as they did in 2011. The reason for that is that the Patriots simply lack depth on the interior of the defensive line. They might consider adding to that group in the draft.

Andre Carter's future contributions also remain a question mark. After a career resurgence in 2011 went awry with a knee injury to end the season, Carter will spend much of the offseason rehabbing. The Patriots may also be switching to more of a 3-4 look, which became the predominant alignment in Carter's absence.

The Patriots will likely continue to run their hybrid front, but that's all the more reason for them to acquire more talent along the defensive line, specifically in the form of pocket-crushing defensive tackles.

4. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins front has some major question marks across the board. First and foremost, Cameron Wake is sitting out of the voluntary workouts in dispute of his contract, and he may not be around until training camp or even later. His long-term future with the team is a question mark.

Secondly, defensive tackle Jared Odrick was drafted in the first round in 2010, when the team was still building toward a 3-4. What will his role be? The team also re-signed Paul Soliai. He's a solid player, but he has mainly played nose tackle in the 3-4. Can he make the transition to a 4-3 defensive tackle?

The Dolphins have a lot of talented players, they just have to figure out a way to use them all that makes sense schematically. It also wouldn't hurt if they were to find a replacement for Jason Taylor.

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