2017 NFL Draft: How the New England Patriots AFC East Rivals Fared in Round One

Though the New England Patriots didn’t have a pick in the first round, each of their AFC East rivals did, and they all went with defensive selections.

The New England Patriots were without a pick in round one of the 2017 NFL Draft, but the Bills Jets and Dolphins all made selections.

All three AFC East teams chose to go with a defensive player in round one on Thursday, presumably to counter New England’s outrageous offense. The Jets had the first pick for any AFC East team at 6th overall.

The Bills traded away their 10th overall selection to the Chiefs and moved down to 27th. The Miami Dolphins held tight with the 22nd overall pick.

New York Jets, 6th Overall: S Jamal Adams, LSU

Jamal Adams was regarded as one the best players in this year’s draft. Some didn’t think he would be available for the Jets at 6th, but wild moves in the top 3 ensured he was.

Adams’ father played in the NFL in New York as well, though it was as a running back for the Giants.

The safety is a leader of the defense, and Adams has the tools to lead at the NFL level. Here’s one AFC South scout’s take on Adams.

"“The people who have been at that program the longest think he might be the best leader LSU has had in years. He’s a no-doubt first-rounder. He can play all over the field and he could have an immediate impact on defense just like Landon Collins did coming out. I love him. I think he’s a winner.”"

Adams will likely plug in as an immediate starter for the Jets. They really made a great pick here.

Miami Dolphins, 22nd Overall: LB Charles Harris, Missouri

The Miami Dolphins addressed their need on the defense with their first pick. Missouri’s Charles Harris was one of the best EDGE players available, and he’ll get his chance in the AFC East.

Harris is raw, and NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein says he still has some work to do.

"“High-cut pass rusher with good athleticism but concerns regarding his ability to drop anchor against the run. Ironically, Harris might be best suited as a penetrator which is something he fought against this season. His hands can be improved as pass rush weapons, but he has agility and footwork that can’t be taught. Harris can play on the edge in a 4-3 or 3-4 front and should be the next in a line of early contributing defensive ends coming out of Missouri.”"

Dolphins fans should be happy with this pick. They got a solid SEC player who should contribute for them almost immediately.

Buffalo Bills, 27th Overall: CB Tre’Davious White, LSU

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Finally, the Buffalo Bills picked at 27th overall as the last AFC East team in the first round. They, like New York, selected an LSU defensive back in Tre’Davious White.

White was a four-year starter for LSU in the SEC, and to Mike Mayock that meant a lot.

"“He was a four-year starter in the SEC, so that tells you something. He’s not flashy or sexy, but he’s one of the more solid cornerbacks in this draft. He plays off, he plays inside, he plays soft, he plays press. … Even though we don’t talk about him like other players in this draft, he’s still a good football player.”"

White is a player that the Bills also hope can step into a fulltime role in year one. Buffalo of course is looking to replace Stephon Gilmore, who is now a member of the New England Patriots.

All in all, the three teams that made selections in round one of the NFL Draft made great picks. Only time will tell if each player pans out like he is supposed to, but for now their fans can all be optimisitic. Still, no one will take down Tom Brady and the Patriots to win the division in 2017.

Next: Patriots Round Two and Three Preview

The New England will make their first pick of the draft in round three later today. Chowder and Champions will surely have you covered with all of the latest news.

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