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Early 2016 Rookie Analysis - AFC East

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The new NFL season is only three weeks old and whilst some draft experts have already started looking ahead to a new crop of prospects, how are this years rookies coping with the pressures of Sundays? Who has made an impact and who looks out of their depths? Let’s analyze each team’s top selections and see how they have fared so far.

We’ll start with the AFC East, where once again, the Patriots are seemingly running away with the division and the rest are faltering behind – sound familiar?

Buffalo Bills

The Bills were in the hunt for a playoff spot in 2015, only to fade away in December. Rex Ryan kept his job, but there was no doubt about his mandate for 2016 – postseason or bust. Rex Ryan preaches solid Defense and General Manager Doug Whaley helped out during the offseason by focusing on that side of the ball with Buffalo’s first three picks in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Shaw Lawson OLB Clemson – The departure of Mario Williams for Miami left a starting spot for Lawson to grab with both hands. The former Clemson Tiger is an explosive edge rusher with good technique and Rex and his brother Rob will take great delight in moulding him once he returns from injury. The Bills announced in May that the former Clemson standout would undergo shoulder surgery as a preventative measure to prevent the possibility of him aggravating a preexisting shoulder condition during the season. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported that Lawson is likely to return between Weeks 6 and 8 of the regular season.

Reggie Ragland ILB Alabama – Considered by many a first rounder, many thought that Ragland was a steal in the second round. He dominated as a physical Mike Linebacker for Alabama and had been running with the Buffalo first-team base defence before he tore his ACL in August.

Adolphus Washington DE Ohio State – The Bills got another steal in Washington, who is now the highest Bills draft pick who remains healthy. Like Lawson and Ragland, Washington became an immediate starter on the defensive line and didn’t look out of place as a 3-4 defensive end through training camp and preseason.

Miami Dolphins

A remarkable turn of events on draft night meant that, despite picking thirteenth, the Miami Dolphins got themselves the best player in the 2016 draft class.

Laremy Tunsil OT Ole Miss – I said in my pre-draft notes that Laremy Tunsil was the best offensive tackle I had ever scouted and whilst not a particular position of need in south Florida, the Dolphins had to select him as he could solidify their blind side for many years to come.

Tunsil got a sizable test right off the bat with the Seahawks’ defensive line, and he delivered admirably. The former Ole Miss standout had some issues in pass protection, allowing a hit and two hurries but shined in the run game, earning the highest run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus of any rookie offensive lineman. The Miami offensive line has been lightyears better than its 2015 form in pass protection, and Tunsil is one of the big reasons why. He’s only been beaten for three total pressures and hasn’t given up any sacks in 87 pass-blocking snaps as of Week 2.

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Xavien Howard CB Baylor – The dearth of talent at Cornerback meant that despite trading for Byron Maxwell, second round defensive back Xavien Howard has been thrust into the starting lineup. Howard had summer knee surgery and therefore missed all of training camp and the first three preseason games. At times during the season opener at Seattle, Howard was treated like a rookie by Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. Howard made 11 eleven tackles. He wasn’t beaten deep, but he was repeatedly targeted by Wilson and savvy veteran receivers like Doug Baldwin. Howard had a solid game with five tackles against the New England Patriots, but should have been burned by receiver Matthew Slater for a 64-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Howard seems like a keeper for the Dolphins, he is physical, he is tough and he is a sure tackler, something Byron Maxwell is not.

New England Patriots

Trying to predict New England’s draft selections is a futile exercise. Bill Belichick’s vision for his football team and his preparation is something far beyond the capabilities of my football brain.

Cyrus Jones CB Alabama – With no first round pick following the Deflategate saga, cornerback Cyrus Jones was the Patriots’ first selection. Jones has performed slot/nickel duties so far, a role he had a lot of success with at Alabama. He’s also the designated punt returner in New England but fumbled on a punt return against Houston, a game where another Patriots rookie made a name for himself.

Jacob Brissett QB NC State – Leading up to the comprehensive victory over the Texans, Patriots players and coaches talked about the poise with which Brissett handles himself, saying that a prime-time game in his first career NFL start wouldn’t be a moment that is too big for him. Then, the replacement for Tom’s Brady’s replacement went out and proved it by staying within himself (11-19/102 yards/1 Sack/8 Carries – 48 Yards + TD) and playing a smart, efficient game. Brissett did exactly what was asked of him and came away with a win.

New York Jets

I didn’t foresee any Jets rookies making a significant impact this season besides Darron Lee, but he could become a star in New York.

Darron Lee LB Ohio St – Gang Green’s first round selection was all about speed. The former Buckeye was the fastest sideline to sideline Linebacker in the draft and with David Harris and Erin Henderson slated as starters, an injection of pace was a must.

Lee’s stature and abilities fit a pro 4-3 defense. He’s a prototypical WILL outside backer who, when allowed the freedom to roam, tears up the field with speed and ferocity. He simply cannot fit the inside role of a 3-4. That spot is reserved for the much bigger bruising middle linebacker who can shed blocks and still maintain sideline-to-sideline space.

When Sheldon Richardson returned in Week 2, Todd Bowles moved to a four-man base look, a look that features four physical interior lineman for the Jets. Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson lined up on the edge and Leonard Williams and Steve McLendon lined up on the inside, making one giant wall. Now that the 4-3 is here and Bowles is playing more to his personnel, Lee will have plenty of opportunities to lay his ferocity all over the field.

Over the next few weeks we will be analysing the play of rookies across the NFL. Who is showing their worth and who seems out of place?

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