AFC East Rumors: Bills, Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Bills

• The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia writes the two positions that make the most sense for the Bills to target with their first pick in the second round include a big nickel defender and edge rusher.
• As for adding a running back, Buscaglia thinks it might be less of a priority because the Bills love Devin Singletary and want to find a downhill runner to complement him, which isn’t a rare skillset. 
• Buscaglia thinks the Bills will look at cornerbacks and wide receivers in the third round. Of the two, wide receiver is deeper and could be put off for later. 
• Buscaglia writes concerns over Jaguars RB Leonard Fournette‘s fit into the organizational culture are the biggest roadblock to a potential deal. But if the price is a sixth-round pick, that might be a risk worth taking. 
• Notre Dame WR Chase Claypool worked out for the Bills before the shutdown. (John Kryk)

Dolphins

• Joe Schad of the Palm Beach Post lists the top ten options for the Dolphins in the second round of the draft including: OT Isaiah Wilson, RB Cam Akers, S Ashtyn Davis, C Lloyd Cushenberry, LB Terrell Lewis, OL Robert Hunt, WR K.J. Hamler, CB Noah Igbinoghene, RB Zack Moss, and S Jeremy Chinn.
• Dolphins GM Chris Grier (via Joe Schad) discussed the quarterbacks at the top of the draft saying: “We have an idea of who we like. But again, we want to make sure we have all the information. We have medical meetings coming up in the next couple of days.”
• Grier also spoke about the health of QB Tua Tagovailoa saying: “Historically, it can go all over the place. You always want the talent. You talk about the kid, the person, the work ethic. You do look at injuries, it is a factor. which position he plays and such.” 
• Barry Jackson mentions that the Dolphins like both of Georgia’s offensive tackles — left tackle Andrew Thomas and right tackle Isaiah Wilson.
• Jackson reports that the Dolphins are trying to trade for the Lions’ No. 3 overall pick, but without necessarily giving up their No. 5 selection. According to Jackson, Miami could try to get ahead of the Giants and get their No. 1 offensive tackle.
• Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald writes the Dolphins discussed a potential trade with the Patriots for G Joe Thuney.
• Salguero also wouldn’t be surprised to see the Dolphins trade QB Josh Rosen again, particularly if they draft another passer. 
• The Dolphins are showing a lot of interest in Arkansas State DL Kevin Thurmon, per Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline.
• Oregon QB Justin Herbert says he’s spent the most time with the Dolphins and Chargers. (Joe Schad)
• Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports that the Dolphins have recently met with OT Andrew Thomas, OT Tristan Wirfs, QB Jordan Love, S La’Jarius Sneed, OT Austin Jackson, WR Jalen Reagor, CB Trevon Diggs, DE Darrell Taylor, S Kenny Robinson, DT Robert Windsor, DT Rashard Lawrence and DT Derrick Brown. He also adds that it is unclear how much time the team has spent with OT Jedrick Wills, LB Isaiah Simmons, and OT Mekhi Becton.

Jets

• ESPN’s Rich Cimini says Jets GM Joe Douglas is still widely expected to take an offensive tackle at New York’s pick at No. 11 in the first round, with Louisville OT Mekhi Becton and Alabama OT Jedrick Wills two of the top options. 
• Cimini points out Douglas also has an emphasis on character and work ethic, so Becton’s diluted drug test at the Combine could carry some weight, at least when it comes to breaking ties against other prospects. 
• While the Jets also desperately need help at wide receiver, Cimini says the Jets could wait to address the position in the second and third round because this class is so deep. 
• Cimini adds he wouldn’t be surprised to see Douglas trade down given how much the GM likes the middle rounds in this class. 
• However, because of the growing sense that none of the offensive tackles will make it to the Jets at No. 11, the Athletic’s Connor Hughes says the team has started working on a potential trade up. 
• Hughes explains if the Dolphins and Cardinals take tackles, that’s three of the top four off the board with the Giants also expected to address the position. That means the Browns or another team trading up like the Buccaneers could take the last of the premium tackles before the Jets’ pick at No. 11. 
• If all the tackles are gone, Hughes believes the Jets would go for Oklahoma WR CeeDee Lamb over Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III.
• ESPN’s Dan Graziano lists Jets S Jamal Adams as a potential veteran who could be traded during the draft, adding that while it’s not likely it’s a situation people around the NFL are monitoring closely. 
• Becton had a late Zoom call with the Jets this week ahead of the draft. (Jeremy Fowler)
• TCU CB Jeff Gladney had a video interview with the Jets. (Aaron Wilson)
• The Jets had multiple virtual pre-draft meetings with FIU QB James Morgan. (Mike Wells)

Patriots

• ESPN’s Dan Graziano lists Patriots G Joe Thuney as a potential veteran who could be traded during the draft. Graziano points out Patriots HC Bill Belichick protege, Lions HC Matt Patricia, has a major need at guard. 
• Buccaneers TE Rob Gronkowski told reporters he didn’t have the “fire” to play last year and his body needed a rest. (Karen Guregian)
• He added he definitely would have looked into returning if Brady was still in New England but he wasn’t sure about his decision last month when Brady signed with the Buccaneers. (Greg Auman)
• According to Mike Wells, the Patriots are among the teams high on FIU QB James Morgan.