The dust has settled from the 2015 NFL Draft, and there's plenty of back-patting and finger-wagging going on following an action-packed weekend that saw draft decisions all over the spectrum.
Let's take a look at how the division fared in the eyes of some of the major media outlets and draft graders:
BUFFALO BILLS
Tough to make an impact when you don't have a first-round pick (or a fourth-round pick, for that matter). And while cornerback Ronald Darby and guard John Miller, the team's second- and third-round picks, respectively, will likely see immediate playing time in one fashion or another, there wasn't much from Buffalo's moves that shot off the page. Sixth-round tight end Nick O'Leary could be of some use down the road, particularly in two tight-end sets, but otherwise it was a pretty underwhelming weekend for the Bills.
Bryan Fischer, NFL.com: B-
NEW YORK JETS
Opinions seem to be mixed on the Leonard Williams pick given there really wasn't a need at the position for Gang Green, but nearly everyone is in agreement that the defensive end was the best overall player in the draft. He, along with wide receiver Devin Smith, are solid acquisitions and have instantly made the team better, while GM Mike Maccagnan has shown he is not dilly-dallying and is ready to turn this team around in a hurry.
Opinions seem to be mixed on the Leonard Williams pick given there really wasn't a need at the position for Gang Green, but nearly everyone is in agreement that the defensive end was the best overall player in the draft. He, along with wide receiver Devin Smith, are solid acquisitions and have instantly made the team better, while GM Mike Maccagnan has shown he is not dilly-dallying and is ready to turn this team around in a hurry.
MIAMI DOLPHINS
Opportunity knocked at General Manager Dennis Hickey's door, and he flung the door wide open. Miami got a shot at two top-tier players and took it, grabbing wide receiver DeVante Parker and defensive tackle Jordan Phillips while not having to trade up to get either one. In fact, the team traded down, picked up two fifth-round picks and still grabbed Phillips at No. 52. Now, it's time to put up or shut up.
Sports Illustrated: A-
Bryan Fischer, NFL.com: B+
Rob Rang, CBS Sports: B+
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: B
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Bill Belichick stuck to his typical game plan and didn't overextend himself (shocker), which yielded some pretty solid picks in varying areas of need. Actually picking in the first round was a bit of a surprise for the Pats, but defensive tackle Malcom Brown should be a reliable replacement for the departed Vince Wilfork. Their strong suit (as always) was in the middle rounds, with a pair of offensive linemen and an edge rusher in Tre Mason the highlights of the fourth round.
Rob Rang, CBS Sports: B+
Sports Illustrated: B
Bryan Fischer, NFL.com: B
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: B-
Opportunity knocked at General Manager Dennis Hickey's door, and he flung the door wide open. Miami got a shot at two top-tier players and took it, grabbing wide receiver DeVante Parker and defensive tackle Jordan Phillips while not having to trade up to get either one. In fact, the team traded down, picked up two fifth-round picks and still grabbed Phillips at No. 52. Now, it's time to put up or shut up.
Sports Illustrated: A-
Bryan Fischer, NFL.com: B+
Rob Rang, CBS Sports: B+
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: B
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Bill Belichick stuck to his typical game plan and didn't overextend himself (shocker), which yielded some pretty solid picks in varying areas of need. Actually picking in the first round was a bit of a surprise for the Pats, but defensive tackle Malcom Brown should be a reliable replacement for the departed Vince Wilfork. Their strong suit (as always) was in the middle rounds, with a pair of offensive linemen and an edge rusher in Tre Mason the highlights of the fourth round.
Rob Rang, CBS Sports: B+
Sports Illustrated: B
Bryan Fischer, NFL.com: B
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: B-
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