The focus of the 2020 NFL Draft for the AFC East was twofold: Would the Miami Dolphins select their franchise quarterback early, and how would the New England Patriots regroup after a stunning free agency?
The Dolphins answered that shortly, after weeks of speculation, they made no hesitation to take Alabama southpaw Tua Tagovailoa with the fifth overall pick. Meanwhile, the Patriots did not choose a quarterback in any round after Tom Brady's departure, and instead are resting on their stellar defense's laurels.
What happens with the once steady Patriots-led division in 2020?
3. The Jets lose more in 2020, but could be better
The New York Jets, against a much weaker second-half schedule, went on a 6-2 run to finish a strange 2019 NFL season following second-year quarterback Sam Darnold's health return. In the offseason, they lost no. 1 option in wide receiver Robby Anderson and spent most of the free agency period revamping the offensive line for head coach Adam Gase.
Then the Jets selected Louisville offensive tackle Mekhi Becton at No. 11 in the first round of the NFL Draft. To compensate for Anderson's loss, New York miraculously had Baylor wideout Denzel Mims fall into their laps after trading back in the second round 11 spots.
Despite these NFL Draft moves and more, the Jets could very well lose more than nine games in 2020—but it won't all be for bad, as long term the team has a steady identity building in the midst of general manager Joe Douglas' overhaul. They're going to be a tall, strong, and versatile team. It just won't be overly competitive in the coming season.
2. Dolphins go .500
How serious is Tua Tagovailoa's hip injury? It has been on the minds of every NFL Draft scout and many executives since the turn of the new year.
With the quarterback position held down by veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2019, the Dolphins managed to win five games, along with a carousel of running backs. Miami had virtually no help in the backfield last season and gained a cerebral college national champion in Tagovailoa along with help on the O-line, as the Dolphins selected USC tackle Austin Jackson and Louisiana guard Robert Hunt within the first 40 picks of the NFL Draft.
The Dolphins also swung a trade right before the NFL Draft—picking up rusher Matt Breida from the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers. Miami should be a more complete team in 2020 with a great coach in Brian Flores. Depending on Tua's health, they could win as many as eight games.
1. It's the Bills' time
The Bills will win the AFC East in 2020, assuming there is a season. They have a ton of weapons—starting on defense. While the Patriots' D is largely intact from last year's successful campaign (minus the postseason), the Bills have cornerback Tre'Davious White, second-year defensive tackle Ed Oliver, and new NFL Draft rookie AJ Epenesa, a standout defensive end from Iowa.
On offense, rising junior signal-caller Josh Allen gained Stefon Diggs in an offseason trade with the Minnesota Vikings and another wideout in Gabe Davis, a fourth-round NFL Draft pickup out of UCF.
Without a primary challenger like the Patriots, whose offense will be in disarray without Brady, the Bills have enough talent to pull together a division win.
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