There haven’t exactly been a lot of blue-chip offensive linemen on the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, New England Patriots or New York Jets in recent years. In fact, the division hasn’t had a first-team All-Pro offensive lineman since 2010.
But more than anything else, that might have to do with the fact all four teams in the division have sported superb defensive fronts. And the scary part is that, coming out of the 2015 NFL draft, it’s now fair to wonder if there are any defensive lines in football that are as strong as those belonging to Buffalo, Miami, New England and New York.
The Bills are already stacked up front with Marcell Dareus and Mario Williams. Kyle Williams also has Pro Bowls on his résumé and the fourth member of the quartet, the 26-year-old Jerry Hughes, is back on a new contract after recording 10 sacks at defensive end last season. All four have Pro Bowl ability.
The Dolphins already had four-time Pro Bowler Cameron Wake coming off an 11.5-sack season before bringing in superstar free-agent defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. They also drafted the remarkably talented Jordan Phillips in Round 2 Friday night. Phillips is a project with a very high ceiling, but even if he doesn’t contribute in 2015 the Phins will be jacked up front.
The Patriots already have Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich up front, as well as Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Jerod Mayo in the linebacking corps. They lost the aging Vince Wilfork earlier this offseason but replaced him with a high-value pick in the first round of the draft, somehow landing Texas All-American Malcom Brown with the final pick of Round 1.
And finally, the Jets now have three first-round picks at the defensive line positions. Sheldon Richardson and Muhammad Wilkerson were ranked second and third among all 3-4 defensive ends by Pro Football Focus last season, while USC’s Leonard Williams — whom they grabbed with the No. 6 overall pick — was considered by many to be the best defensive player in this year’s draft.
So if you’re an offensive lineman looking for a new home, you’d be smart to avoid the AFC East.
