AFC East Rumors: Bills, Dolphins, Patriots

Bills

• Bills GM Brandon Beane tells Jeff Darlington that he absolutely believes they have ammo to get to No. 2 overall without giving up much in future years. However, Beane isn’t sure they would need to move up to that point to get their guy.
• Darlington says that Beane covets at least one quarterbacks as a franchise player.
• Beane made clear to Darlington that he doesn’t plan to get robbed by anyone, especially the Giants at No. 2 overall in a trade up the board. Darlington explains Beane’s leverage for avoiding this comes down to his belief that he could still potentially get his guy at No. 4, 5 or 6 overall.
• Beane said that the No. 22 overall pick is the key to a potential trade into Top 5 while ensuring that they don’t mortgage their future.
• All things considered, Darlington says that Bills are “THE team to watch that could throw top of the draft into a frenzy.“

Dolphins

• According to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins would love if a top linebacker such as Georgia’s Roquan Smith or Virginia Tech’s Tremaine Edmunds ends up being available to them at No. 11 overall.
• Jackson mentions that Miami likes Washington DT Vita Vea, but there are questions about investing the No. 11 pick in a player who may only play less than half of the snaps.
• If Smith and Edmunds are off the board, Jackson says the Dolphins could consider trading down and grabbing either Louisville QB Lamar Jackson, Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch or Alabama LB Rashaan Evans.
• One speculative option tossed out by Jackson would be to trade down to No. 14 with the Packers and take one of those three players.
• Jackson adds that Miami has shown interest in South Carolina State LB Darius Leonard and Auburn G Braden Smith during the pre-draft process.
• Florida International QB Alex McGough had a private dinner meeting with the Dolphins Tuesday night. (Aaron Wilson)

Patriots

• Peter King has a theory about Patriots TE Rob Gronkowski‘s recent announcement that he’s returning for the 2018 season.
• King wonders if the Patriots asked Gronkowski to know his intentions about playing before this draft or they couldn’t guarantee he’d be on their roster.
• King adds that if the Patriots could get a 2018 or 2019 second-round pick for Gronkowski, it’s possible Bill Belichick would have considered moving him based on the prior deals he’s made involving notable players.