AFC Notes: Dolphins, Jets, Patriots

Dolphins

• Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer writes that Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa likely has an easier path to starting, as he played early as a freshman in college and Miami isn’t expected to be a contender. 

Jets

• The Athletic’s Connor Hughes projects new Jets G Greg Van Roten will win the competition against incumbent G Brian Winters to start at right guard.
• Hughes says the fact Winters is still on the roster is a bit of a surprise given his struggles with health, his level of play and the potential cap savings from cutting him. He adds Van Roten is more athletic which should give him a leg up in the eyes of HC Adam Gase.
• Hughes writes that while the Jets told OT George Fant he could play left tackle when they signed him during free agency, he’s more likely to start on the right side over 2019 third-round OT Chuma Edoga after New York drafted OT Mekhi Becton in the first round. 
• If Jets second-round WR Denzel Mims isn’t ready to start right away as a rookie, Hughes says the Jets will turn to WR Vyncint Smith. New York also signed WR Josh Doctson to compete for the No. 3 receiver spot. 
• Hughes expects Jets 2019 fourth-round pick Trevon Wesco and Daniel Brown to push Ryan Griffin for the No. 2 tight end role. 
• Hughes mentions there’s a possibility fourth-round QB James Morgan could show enough progress in camp and preseason that the Jets would feel comfortable enough handing him the backup job ahead of Joe Flacco, who won’t be healthy for the start of the season anyway. 
• Jets QB Sam Darnold will hold a throwing session in Florida with Mims, WR Jamison Crowder and new Jets WR Breshad Perriman this weekend. (Manish Mehta)
• Jets LB C.J. Mosley said he’s been fully cleared and expects to be ready for the start of training camp. (Hughes)

Patriots

• Michael Giardi spoke to an anonymous Patriots player, who discussed WR Julian Edelman‘s mindset as he approaches his first season without QB Tom Brady: “Julian is Julian. He hates excuses. He hates to lose. He’s already got the red ass about this season. People thinking we’re no good and (that) he’s just a product of Brady.” 
• New England’s coaching staff will not have to report back to the team facility until training camp. (Jim McBride)