AFC Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

• Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald notes that while the Dolphins could have selected RB Najee Harris over DE Jaelan Phillips, the selection made sense due to how much Miami had to blitz last season.
• Jackson also added that the Dolphins may have to let go of one of the five tight ends they currently have on the roster in Mike Gesicki, Durham Smythe, Cethan Carter, Hunter Long, and Adam Shaheen.
• As for the team moving Robert Hunt from tackle to guard, Jackson is unsure about the decision as Pro Football Focus ranked Hunt as the fifth best of 37 qualifying right tackles.

Jets

• Jets HC Robert Saleh said WR Denzel Mims has been dealing with a non-COVID illness but returned to practice on Friday. (Ralph Vacchiano)
• As for Jets’ new WR Corey Davis (shoulder), Saleh mentioned that the receiver is dealing “with a couple of things,” but would be able to play in a regular-season situation. 
• According to Ian Rapoport, Jets LT Mekhi Becton is dealing with plantar fasciitis and will require a few weeks to recover without surgery. Becton is expected to be recovered prior to training camp. 
• Saleh said that Jets WR Jamison Crowder “definitely has a role” going forward. (Brian Costello)
• Costello notes that the Jets are likely trying to restructure Crowder’s contract given he’s set to make $10 million in 2021.
• Saleh confirmed that New York hosted free-agent OT Morgan Moses for a visit and is interested in him: “Morgan is a fantastic player. He’s played at a very high level. … We’re not going to shy away from adding good football players.” (Ralph Vacchiano)
• Brian Costello says the Jets’ backup quarterback this season is likely not on their roster right now and GM Joe Douglas will need to sign someone for training camp.
• Costello mentions UDFA Isaiah Dunn as someone to watch at cornerback for the Jets.
• Jets DC Jeff Ulbrich made it clear LB C.J. Mosley will have a big role in their defense this season. Ulbrich referred to Mosley as “authentic” and an “alpha leader.” (Ralph Vacchiano)

Patriots

Patriots’ OC Josh McDaniels has good things to say about rookie QB Mac Jones, but that doesn’t mean he will win the starting job over proven veteran QB Cam Newton.

“Look, Mac, he’s won a lot of games in the last year-plus at Alabama,” McDaniels said, via Doug Kyed of NESN. “He’s played in some big games, some pressure situations. He takes care of the football. He’s demonstrated an ability to function at a pretty high level in their system and their offense with their terminology. He competed in a league that is, I would say, is widely regarded as one of the top conferences, if not the top conference, in all of college football. To play the position of quarterback, there’s not just one thing you need to do well. He certainly stood out in certain obvious ways relative to throwing the football, and command, and protecting the ball, and not hurting his football team. A lot to look at and digest when you studied him.”

• Patriots’ RB coach Ivan Fears mentioned that this could be his last season coaching in the NFL: “I’ll let my body determine that one. The signs are coming quickly. I ain’t no way in the world moving like I used to. Father Time is coming fast. He’s on my back pretty damn good.” (Mike Reiss)