Thursday, May 2, 2013

Three AFC East teams touted for undrafted pickups

BY DAN BEGNOCHE

A majority of the excitement that came along with the NFL Draft took place within the AFC East, but it's the teams' moves since then that have been grabbing the spotlight of late. (photo: Tennnessee Journalist, Flickr)

Whether it was the Miami Dolphins moving up to No. 3 for Dion Jordan, the Buffalo Bills at No. 16 with the first round's only quarterback, or Geno Smith dropping down to the New York Jets at No. 39,  many of the big moves last weekend seemed to center around the now-fiercely competitive division.

Heck, even the New England Patriots' not picking in the first round (and getting four picks in return) was impressive.

After the smoke had cleared though, it was time for teams to go out and fill up their rosters, and some equally notable moves were made via the unsigned free-agent field.

NFL.com's Gil Brandt dished out his picks on Wednesday of teams he thought took advantage of the talent that remained, and the Jets were the only division name not to make his top 10 list.

Buffalo, ranked No. 2 on Brandt's list, were touted for its acquisition of two talented wide receivers in  Da'Rick Rogers and Brandon Kaufman, a glaring need on the depth chart. He also liked the pick-up of quarterback Jeff Tuel, who he felt has versatility but was hurt by Washington State's talent level.

Miami appeared at No. 5, with its signing of signal-caller Clay Belton a "developmental quarterback everybody wants." The 'Fins also snatched up wide receiver Terrell Sinkfield, who has some wheels and could make his mark on the specials teams squad.

New England snuck in at No. 10, adding yet more depth at defensive tackle with South Florida's Cory Grissom and tight end (big surprise) with Nevada's Zach Sudfeld. Brandt also noted the signing of Penn State center Stankiewitch, another position the Pats needed to add some depth to.

For Brandt's complete breakdown of the top 10 teams, click here.

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