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AFC East Offseason Reports
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AFC East Offseason Grades 2023

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New England Patriots’ Offseason 2023

Draft Highlights:

  • First Round, 17th Overall: CB Christian Gonzalez, Oregon
    • Height: 6-2, Weight: 205 lbs
    • Analysis: Potential shutdown corner, adds depth to the secondary.
  • Second Round, 46th Overall: DE Keion White, Georgia Tech
    • Height: 6-5, Weight: 290 lbs
    • Analysis: Versatile edge rusher, adds pass-rushing ability.
  • Third Round, 76th Overall: LB/S Marte Mapu, Sacramento State
    • Height: 6-3, Weight: 230 lbs
    • Analysis: Intriguing hybrid player, adds athleticism to the linebacker corps.
  • Fourth Round, 107th Overall: C Jake Andrews, Troy
    • Height: 6-3, Weight: 308 lbs
    • Analysis: Interior line depth, potential future starter at center.
  • Fourth Round, 112th Overall: K Chad Ryland, Maryland
    • Height: 6-0, Weight: 195 lbs
    • Analysis: Kicking competition, potential long-term solution at kicker.
  • Fourth Round, 117th Overall: G Sidy Sow, Eastern Michigan
    • Height: 6-5, Weight: 318 lbs
    • Analysis: Offensive line depth, developmental prospect.
  • Fifth Round, 144th Overall: G Atonio Mafi, UCLA
    • Height: 6-3, Weight: 330 lbs
    • Analysis: Interior line depth, adds size and power.
  • Sixth Round, 187th Overall: WR Kayshon Boutte, LSU
    • Height: 6-0, Weight: 197 lbs
    • Analysis: Speedy receiver, potential impact player on offense.

Free Agency:

  • Key Signings:
    • QB Trace McSorley: Depth signing, not viewed as a significant factor.
    • P Corliss Waitman: Fills an obvious need after Jake Bailey‘s release.
    • LB Chris Board: Special teams talent.
    • TE Mike Gesicki: Explosive straight-line athlete, excellent contested catch target.
    • RB James Robinson: Hard-nosed work ethic, consistent performer.
    • WR JuJu Smith-Schuster: Upgrade over Meyers in accumulating yards after the catch.
    • OT Riley Reiff: 11-year veteran, steady starter.
    • OT Calvin Anderson: Spot starter, provides NFL experience at a position lacking a starter.
  • Key Re-Signings:
    • DB Myles Bryant: Re-Signed.
    • OL Yodny Cajuste: Re-Signed, swing tackle with upside.
    • SpT Cody Davis: Re-Signed, reliable veteran special teamer.
    • DL Daniel Ekuale: Re-Signed, primary sub interior pass rusher.
    • LS Joe Cardona: Re-Signed, consistent long snapper.
    • LB Mack Wilson Sr.: Re-Signed, significant role on special teams.
    • S Jabrill Peppers: Re-Signed, safety hybrid mold.
    • DT Carl Davis: Re-Signed, role-playing nose tackle.

Overall Offseason Grade: B

The Patriots have quickly found themselves in what may be the toughest division in football. They were able to add some veterans to their offense via free agency and focused mainly on defense in the draft. Christian Gonzalez has the physical attributes to be a lockdown corner on the outside with the size and speed to hold his own with any type of number 1 receiver he’s going up against. The grade is average as it may not have been enough to help them avoid a last place finish in the AFC East.

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New York Jets’ Offseason 2023

Draft Highlights:

Draft:

  • First Round, 15th Overall: Edge Will McDonald IV, Iowa State
    • Analysis: A dynamic pass rusher who can make an immediate impact on the defensive line.
  • Second Round, 43rd Overall: OL Joe Tippmann, Wisconsin
    • Analysis: A versatile offensive lineman who can provide stability and depth to the offensive front.
  • Fourth Round, 120th Overall: T Carter Warren, Pittsburgh
    • Analysis: A developmental tackle prospect who adds depth to the offensive line.

Free Agency:

  • Key Signings:
  • Key Re-Signings:
    • C Connor McGovern: Re-signed.
    • DE Bryce Huff: Re-signed to his exclusive rights tender.
    • OT Cedric Ogbuehi: Re-signed.
    • G Blake Hance: Re-signed to his exclusive rights tender.
    • DT Isaiah Mack: Re-signed.
  • Key Releases and Trades:
    • WR Denzel Mims: Traded to Detroit.
    • RB Ty Johnson: Released with a non-football injury designation.
    • G Cru Samia: Released.
    • WR Rodney Adams: Waived.
    • DB Zane Lewis: Waived.
  • Extensions:

Overall Offseason Grade: A

The Jets made some significant moves in free agency, including the blockbuster trade for Aaron Rodgers and the addition of key players like Allen Lazard, Randall Cobb, and Adrian Amos. They also re-signed important contributors like Connor McGovern and extended star DT Quinnen Williams. They have gone pretty much all in, although they didn’t try to outbid the Ravens for OBJ.

Miami Dolphins’ Offseason 2023:

Draft:

  • Round 2, 51st Overall: CB Cam Smith, South Carolina
    • Analysis: A skilled cornerback with strong pass defense abilities. Smith’s addition will bolster the secondary and provide depth at the cornerback position.
  • Round 3, 84th Overall: RB De’Von Achane, Texas A&M
    • Analysis: A dynamic running back with excellent speed and versatility. Achane’s addition will add a spark to the Dolphins’ running game and provide an option in the return game.
  • Round 6, 197th Overall: TE Elijah Higgins, Stanford
    • Analysis: A promising tight end prospect who can contribute as a receiver. Higgins adds depth to the tight end position and provides another target in the passing game.
  • Round 7, 238th Overall: OT Ryan Hayes, Michigan
    • Analysis: A developmental offensive tackle who can provide depth at the position. Hayes’ addition will strengthen the offensive line and provide competition at the tackle spot.

Free Agency:

  • Key Signings:
    • TE Durham Smythe: Signed contract extension on April 3, 2023.
    • CB Justin Bethel: Re-signed on March 24, 2023.
    • LB Andrew Van Ginkel: Re-signed on March 23, 2023.
    • LB Malik Reed: Signed as an unrestricted free agent from the Pittsburgh Steelers on March 20, 2023.
    • WR River Cracraft: Re-signed on March 17, 2023.
    • FB John Lovett: Re-signed on March 17, 2023.
    • CB Nik Needham: Re-signed on March 17, 2023.
    • P Jake Bailey: Signed as an unrestricted free agent from the New England Patriots on March 17, 2023.
    • WR Braxton Berrios: Signed as an unrestricted free agent from the New York Jets on March 17, 2023.
    • S DeShon Elliott: Signed as an unrestricted free agent from the Detroit Lions on March 17, 2023.
    • OL Dan Feeney: Signed as an unrestricted free agent from the New York Jets on March 17, 2023.
    • LB David Long Jr.: Signed as an unrestricted free agent from the Tennessee Titans on March 17, 2023.
    • TE Eric Saubert: Signed as an unrestricted free agent from the Denver Broncos on March 17, 2023.
    • QB Mike White: Signed as an unrestricted free agent from the New York Jets on March 16, 2023.
    • T Geron Christian: Re-signed on March 16, 2023.
    • RB Myles Gaskin: Re-signed on March 16, 2023.
    • LB Duke Riley: Re-signed on March 16, 2023.
    • RB Jeff Wilson Jr.: Re-signed on March 16, 2023.
    • CB Jalen Ramsey: Joined the Dolphins via trade from the Los Angeles Rams on March 15, 2023.
    • T Kendall Lamm: Re-signed on March 15, 2023.
    • RB Raheem Mostert: Re-signed on March 15, 2023.
    • RB Salvon Ahmed: Re-signed on March 10, 2023.

Trades:

  • CB Jalen Ramsey: Acquired via trade from the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for TE Hunter Long and a 2023 third-round pick.

Overall Offseason Grade: B+

The Dolphins doubled down on their roster with the trade for Jalen Ramsey. Everything hinges on the health of Tua. They didn’t have a first round selection in the draft, but were able to retain some key depth pieces and add Ramsey to the defense.

Buffalo Bills’ offseason moves for 2023:

Draft:

  • Round 1, Pick 25: TE Dalton Kincaid
    • Analysis: A promising tight end who can contribute as a receiver and blocker. Kincaid’s addition will provide another target in the passing game and enhance the Bills’ offensive versatility.
  • Round 2, Pick 59: G O’Cyrus Torrence
    • Height: 6-5, Weight: 330
    • Analysis: A consensus All-American and first-team All-SEC member. Torrence’s addition will strengthen the interior offensive line, and his experience at both guard positions adds valuable flexibility.
  • Round 3, Pick 91: LB Dorian Williams
    • Height: 6-1, Weight: 228
    • Analysis: A productive linebacker who totaled 306 tackles, 27 tackles for loss, and 9.5 sacks over his college career. Williams’ addition will bolster the linebacker corps and provide a potential impact player on defense.
  • Round 5, Pick 150: WR Justin Shorter
    • Height: 6-4, Weight: 229
    • Analysis: A big-bodied receiver with good production in college. Shorter’s addition will add depth to the receiving corps and provide another red-zone threat.

Free Agency:

  • Key Signings:
    • DT Jordan Phillips: Agreed to a one-year deal, adding a solid veteran to the defensive line.
    • DE Shaq Lawson: Agreed to a one-year deal, providing experienced pass-rushing depth.
    • RB Damien Harris: Agreed to a one-year deal, replacing Devin Singletary and adding a different dimension to the running back room.
    • CB Dane Jackson: Returned to Buffalo on a one-year contract, providing depth at outside corner.
  • Key Releases and Trades:
    • LB Tremaine Edmunds: Allowed to walk in free agency, signed a 4-year, $72 million deal with the Chicago Bears.
  • Key Extensions:
    • Jordan Poyer: Extended, ensuring continuity in the secondary.

Overall Offseason Grade: B

The Bills made some thoughtful moves in free agency, addressing needs on the defensive line with the signings of Jordan Phillips and Shaq Lawson. The addition of Damien Harris provides a new option in the backfield. The decision to let Tremaine Edmunds walk was significant, but the team appears to have a plan in place with rookie Dorian Williams.

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