AFC East Draft Review

Here is part one of eight in my series of draft reviews.
Buffalo Bills (2007 record 7-9)
Number of picks: 10
Best Pick: CB Leodis McKelvin (11th overall)
Sleeper Watch: TE Derek Fine (132nd overall)
Analysis: The Bills addressed their two most pressing needs (WR and CB) with their first two picks. In McKelvin, the Bills got the best CB in the draft. His speed and cover skills will help the defence immediately, and he is also a threat in the punt return game. With their next pick they selected WR James Hardy. They entered the draft looking for a big WR to complement Lee Evans, and they got him in the 6'6 Hardy. My pick as their sleeper for next year will be Fine. I think he will compete for the starting TE job from day one, and could provide a nice option for Trent Edwards. The Bills also addressed some depth issues in the later rounds, by selecting two more CBs as well as an offensive lineman.
Grade: A

Miami Dolphins (2007 record 1-15)
Number of picks: 9
Best Pick: OT Jake Long (1st overall)
Sleeper Watch: QB Chad Henne (57th overall)
Analysis: Long and Henne bring the Michigan connection to Miami, and both could be starters from day one. They got first round value from DE Phillip Merling with the first pick in the second round. At 6'5, 272, Merling should mold into a nice 3-4 DE in Bill Parcells scheme. In Henne, the 'Phins provide competition for last season's second round pick QB John Beck. Both had solid college careers, and either could be starting in September. The Dolphins failed to address their need at WR, but did draft four more big bodies for the Tuna on the second day.
Grade: B+

New England Patriots (2007 record 18-1, lost Super Bowl)
Number of picks: 7
Best Pick: LB Jared Mayo (10th overall)
Sleeper Watch: LB Bo Ruud (197th overall)
Analyis: The Pats did what they had to do, which was get younger on defence. In Mayo, they get the best ILB on the board, and can pair him up with Tedy Bruschi from day one. With their second round pick, they took a gamble on small school CB Terrence Wheatley. Wheatley has the speed and skills to be successful, but will require some grooming. In Ruud, they may have found a huge steal. He is the brother of Buc's starter Barrett. While he is not as talented coming out of college, with a few years in the system, he could be a major steal. They also drafted a third LB and a second CB, as well as a QB to mold into Tom Brady's back up.
Grade: B

New York Jets (2007 record 4-12)
Number of picks: 6
Best Pick: DE/OLB Vernon Gholston
Sleeper Watch: WR Marcus Henry (171st overall)
Analysis: The Jets picked up a versatile player in Gholston, one who will immediately fit into the Jets 3-4 scheme. Extra kudos go to the Jets for stealing Gholston from the Patriots. They traded back up into the first round to select TE Dustin Keller. This may be a reach in the first round, but Keller has the speed to be an efficient option for the Jets. Watch out for Henry, who has the size (6'4) to be a decent red-zone threat as a rookie. The Jets also drafted a developmental QB, as well as depth for their offensive line and in the secondary.
Grade: C+

Stay tuned tomorrow, as we travel to the AFC North.