Projecting AFC East starting rosters for 2022

It’s been a busy offseason in AFC East in 2022.

The Dolphins and Patriots have made changes, the Bills look like they’ve got better and the Jets finally look ready to start competing in the division. Going into the training camps and pre-season, there are plenty of roster battles to be run and lost.

The AFC East has been dominated by the Patriots and now the Bills over the past decade. But this year, there could be a new team to make challenge.

In the second article of this roster projection series, we take an early look at what each team’s starting line-up should look like for the season.

Are these teams any better? Let’s find out. 

Buffalo Bills

The Bills are many people’s Super Bowl favourites for the 2022-23 season. And rightly so.

Buffalo were a whisker away from the AFC Championship game in 2021. But with another year of experience for star quarterback Josh Allen and a new array of targets to aim at, the upcoming season is a great opportunity for the Bills to really kick on.

James Cook is a great selection, his versatility will provide the Bills with an explosive runner back and dynamic receiver option. Devin Singletary’s late form last year should be enough for him to start against the Rams, but expect Cook to become the premier back in Buffalo. He’ll be a valuable asset for Josh Allen during the course of the season.

Up front, the Bills were fairly average on offensive line play in 2021. But signing veteran Pro Bowler Rodger Saffold represents a definite upgrade at right tackle. One area of weakness is possibly tight end, but Dawson Knox enjoyed an improved 2021. He is more than capable to put on a show at the position.

On defense, Buffalo have been doing a great job this offseason of addressing their big needs of cornerback and depth at the linebacker position. Florida cornerback Kaiir Elam should be a day one starter, his size and speed should help him to become a top player in the league.

The Bills improvements on defensive line should pay dividends in 2022, with a huge deal for one of the top rushers in the NFL Von Miller the standout addition. With Shaq Lawson and Jordan Phillips also returning, the rotational value of the Bills defense is huge.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins have arguably been the busiest team across the entire league this offseason.  Since the beginning of March, Miami has made 34 moves, including their own free agents, Mike Gesicki’s franchise tag and restructuring some contracts.

But the biggest deal is undoubtedly the blockbuster trade for Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs. He’ll form a standout receiving partnership with Jaylen Waddle, and another new arrival in Cedrick Wilson.

It’s a big year for QB Tua Tagovailoa, who has divided supporters and fans of league on whether he’s a genuine franchise quarterback. But the addition of six-time Pro Bowler Hill should help Tua take a huge leap in 2022.

Terron Armstead is a massive addition to a weak offensive line, while Michael Deiter to nail down a starting center spot in competition with Connor Williams.

Three new running back options in Miami all bring a wealth of experience and represent a definite upgrade at the position. Sony Michel, Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert have all joined, with a largely rotational role for each expected.

Re-signing Emmanuel Ogbah is probably the most important thing the Dolphins have done this offseason. The versatile edge rusher was possibly their best defender in 2021, so his value to the team is unrivalled. It’ll be exticing to watch Ogbah in tandem with veteran Pro Bowler Melvin Ingram in Miami this year.

The impressive Dolphins secondary continues to improve. The sky is the limit for second year Jevon Holland at safety after a stellar rookie year

Expect the Dolphins to make a surge towards the playoffs in 2022.

New England Patriots

Not too many new arrivals in New England this spring. The Patriots acquired DeVante Harris in a trade with the Dolphins in April. But his production has declined year-on-year since a career high 1,202 receiving yards in 2019.

New England traded away guard Shaq Mason to the Buccaneers, while letting center Ted Karras leave in free agency. Many were surprising when the Patriots reached to take Chattanooga’s Cole Strange in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, but he could turn out to be a great pick.

Overall, the six-time Super Bowl champs have perhaps declined at offensive line. And with a lack of coaching roles following the loss of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels to Las Vegas Raiders, Mac Jones could be in for a tougher season in year two.

On defense, the Patriots were impressive as always in 2021, allowing the third-fewest yards per play (5.1), the second-lowest scoring rate (29.4%) and opponents converted just 36.5% of their third-down attempts.

But the departure of second-team All-Pro J.C. Jackson looks to be a huge loss to the Patriots secondary. Replacing them with Terrance Mitchell and Malcom Butler who hasn’t taken a snap since 2020 (albeit being a Patriots legend), puts question marks on New England’s defensive backs group. It’ll be a big year for Jalen Mills, who signed a four-year contact last offseason.

Matthew Judon was a wrecking ball on the edge, but needs support on the pass rush this year.

Let’s hope head coach Bill Belichick can do a job with this team in 2022.

New York Jets

The Jets are among PFF’s five most improved teams during the 2022 offseason and a ready to become more competitive in Zach Wilson’s second year as a pro. The Jets had one of if not the best draft class in 2022. Their additions on defense include the electric Garrett Wilson, explosive running back Breece Hall and a gem at tight end in Jeremy Ruckert.

Wilson should come in a starter from the off, while Breece Hall will be ready to form a big partnership with Michael Carter in a Jets run game where both will receive a lot of touches. Ultimately, these additions will provide some much needed weapon assets at Zach Wilson’s disposal.

The Jets didn’t really address offensive line during the draft. But fourth-round pick Max Mitchell gives New York a lot of versatility going forward. Laken Tomlinson is the big addition this offseason. His arrival will be a much-needed improvement at guard.

Ahmad ‘Sauce’ Gardner was the big addition for the Jet secondary. Alongside D.J. Reed, New York have rebuilt a very sharp looking group of cornerbacks, with Bryce Hall and Michael Carter II also great rotational options. Elijah Riley could be the surprise starter alongside new singing Jordan Whitehead after an impressive end to 2021.

The return of Carl Lawson from injury will feel like a new signing. Expect a huge breakout from the former Bengals man. We might not see first-round pick Jermaine Johnson II as a day one starter, but he’ll receive plenty of snaps in passing situations. He’s a great addition for the Jets and will be a mainstay of their defensive line for years to come.

Elsewhere, I really like the Jets acquisition of a point-to-prove player in Solomon Thomas. But Sheldon Rankins should by the second tackle alongside Quinnen Williams to start. All-in-all, this is one scary looking defense in New York who should turn heads in 2022.