NFL MOCK DRAFT 2022- A LOOK AT THE POTENTIAL FIRST PICKS FOR EVERY TEAM IN THE AFC EAST

NFL / Football

Written by Joel Lefevre

The 2022 NFL draft is just around the corner as teams prepare to choose that player they hope can turn around their fortunes or be the missing piece to take them to the next level.

We will start in the AFC East, where three teams have first-round selections this year with the Miami Dolphins not selecting until round number three. I will break down the first choice I expect to see from each of those franchises, why they need that player, and what that individual brings to the table. The draft takes place in Paradise, Nevada, from April 28-30. The closer we get to that date, though, we may see some changes as to who picks when. For the moment here is a sneak peak of what to expect from the four teams in this division.

Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner | Source (Background Photo): Getty Images

New York Jets- Round 1 - Pick #4 - Ahmad “Sauce” Gardner, cornerback

New York gave up just over 23 completions per game in 2021 as their top selection last year Zach Wilson could not get on the field as much as he would have liked. More often than not their defense failed to hold teams to three-and-out situations and that can wear out even the best defensive units. The Jets' quarterbacking situation seems to be well in hand, but through the air, they struggled to force opposing teams into punting situations, while over 58% of the first down passes against them went for 10 yards or more.

In what is a passing league at the moment, Gardner has the speed and swagger that the Jets need. Robert Saleh is a defensive-minded coach, and he will know that this is a guy you cannot pass up should he be on the board at number four.

New England Patriots- Round 1- Pick #21- Kyle Hamilton, safety

The Pats need a strong safety who can make plays and provide extra help in their secondary schemes. Losing J.C. Jackson over the offseason has left a big void in their coverage game, and while Hamilton plays a different position, he can still address a lot of their needs.

If it were not for the talent in this year’s draft on the defensive line, Hamilton would be selected a lot higher as the safety out of Notre Dame is a game-changer. This 2021 All-American can disrupt any team’s passing game, is excellent at disguising coverage, and can throw some big hits. This could be a great situation for both parties as Hamilton looks to be NFL ready and who better to learn from than one of the most brilliant minds in the NFL, Bill Belichick.

Buffalo Bills-Round 1- Pick #25- Trent McDuffie, cornerback

The Bills are among the big favorites to win the Super Bowl next season with many weapons on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. If there was a weakness in this squad last season, it might have been at cornerback or if you’re a Bills fan you’d argue that it was the overtime rule.

McDuffie is an elite player in zone coverage and a sure-handed tackler who is hard to break away from. He is a great cover man, capable of making some big plays and changing the complexion of a game. Having him on their roster would make a great team look even better and also add some depth should they have injury concerns late in the season.

Miami Dolphins- Round 3- Pick#102- Luke Fortner, center

The Dolphins added a ton of speed offensively over the off-season, but none of that will mean anything unless they can give their QB enough protection.

Luke Fortner has a real knack for recognizing pressure when it comes and adjusting on the fly. He has good hand placement and can leverage the A-gap with the flexibility to play at guard or center. Fortner is the type of blocker that can allow Tua Tagovailoa enough time to find the likes of Tyreek Hill on those slant patterns that the speedy receiver and Patrick Mahomes ran so efficiently in Kansas City.