Looking at the AFC East in the 2022 NFL Draft, the New York Jets took another step forward in their rebuilding process, while the Buffalo Bills continue to build a Super Bowl caliber roster and Miami and New England left us wanting more. Looking at those four teams in particular, which SEC Football players were drafted by teams within the AFC East?
Which SEC Football players were drafted by AFC East teams in the 2022 NFL Draft?
New York Jets
- Round 1, Pick 26: Florida State DE Jermaine Johnson II
- Round 4, Pick 117: Texas A&M DE Michael Clemons
The Jets knocked it out of the park with this draft. As you may recall, Jermaine Johnson II transferred from Georgia and came into his own in 2021 for Florida State. Many draft analysts had Johnson pegged as a top ten selection. The Jets traded up to pick 26 in order to secure the sliding defensive end. Michael Clemons gained steam as the draft process played out. Clemons will be better in setting the edge against the run than getting after the QB early in his professional career.
Buffalo Bills
- Round 1, Pick 23: Florida CB Kaiir Elam
- Round 2, Pick 63: Georgia RB James Cook
The Buffalo Bills started off hot before cooling off as the 2022 NFL Draft progressed. I am a big fan of Kaiir Elam and had him just outside my top ten overall players in the entire draft. Elam has the traits that the Buffalo Bills look for and should make for an ideal complement to Tre’ White. We thought that the Buffalo Bills would add to their backfield, and smartly the Bills traded down in the 2nd round to acquire more draft capital and still landed the versatile James Cook out of Georgia. The Buffalo Bills were left with an opening as J.D. McKissic returned to Washington during free agency. I imagine that Cook will serve in a similar pass-catching role in the Bills’ offense.
Miami Dolphins
- Round 3, Pick 102: Georgia LB Channing Tindall
The Miami Dolphins traded most of their draft picks away in the trade for speedster Tyreek Hill. The Dolphins did the best they could with their remaining picks as they targeted Georgia LB Channing Tindall in the 3rd round. Many draft analysts considered Tindall to be a 2nd round value.
New England Patriots
- Round 6, Pick 183: South Carolina RB Kevin Harris
- Round 6 Pick 210: LSU OL Chasen Hines
The Patriots have a type of player they draft, and it is as unique a draft process that you will see around the league. Despite already having Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, James White, and Ty Montgomery – the Patriots used two of their draft picks at the running back position. Pierre Strong Jr. is more of a slasher, whereas Kevin Harris is more of the bruising, in between the tackles style of runner who could find a role if Damien Harris were to move on elsewhere in free agency following the 2022 season. Chasen Hines is a rotational interior offensive line depth piece.