NFL: Intriguing Players to Watch in the AFC East
With the start of the NFL season just around the corner. We are going to highlight a player from every franchise that intrigues us. That can be a rookie asked to start, a player set to breakout or a league star who’s just fun to watch.
Next up the AFC East…
Buffalo Bills - Dorian Williams, LB
Matt Milano’s bicep injury means the Bills defense will be without its talisman for a significant period, similar to last year. A position that once was a strength with Milano and Tremaine Edmunds is now searching for answers again. Those will be answered by third-year man Terrel Bernard and last year’s third-round selection Dorian Williams. The former Tulane ‘backer got his feet wet last year, logging 211 snaps in the regular season and earning a PFF run defense grade of 70.1. He will be the thumper, and how he holds up may dictate the defence’s success.
Miami Dolphins - Jevon Holland, DB
A lot of players in this series will be ones who need to step up and make an impact, but this pick is more about fun. Holland is one of my favourite players to watch on defense. His versatility, speed and awareness make him a tricky customer for opposing quarterbacks to handle. Holland is a true playmaker, logging two interceptions, ten passes defended, two forced fumbles and 69 total tackles. The high-octane offense in Miami gets all the headlines, but come gameday, make sure you are keeping an eye on the defensive backfield.
New England Patriots - Keion White, EDGE
Who knows what a post-Belichick Patriots defense will look like? Jerod Mayo may be one of his key disciples, but can he get the same production out of this group as his mentor? There are young building blocks in place but a lack of high-end talent. With doubts around the health of Christian Barmore, players like Christian Gonzalez and Keion White need to step up. White is a physical mismatch for most at 6’5, 290lbs, but he needs to improve on his 1 sack in 2023—a solid run defender who needs to be a threat to the QB to help this post-Bill defense.
New York Jets - Aaron Rodgers, QB
Could there be another choice in the Big Apple than Aaron Rodgers? Once again, it feels like the performance of the ageing QB will be the defining feature of the Jets season. The problem is everything around Rodgers has changed. This roster got a little older, his body is a bit more banged up, can he evade father time and be a productive passer off the back of such a lengthy absence? Is there fire in his belly still, or is a life in politics catching his gaze? We’ll soon find out. One positive aspect for Rodgers is that GM Joe Douglas has invested heavily in the offensive line. That may be enough for Rodgers to enjoy one last shot at the big one.
Rory-Joe Daniels
NFL & Cfb contributor
AS A LONG-SUFFERING CINCINNATI BENGALS FAN, RORY HAS FOLLOWED THE NFL FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HIS PASSION FOR THE DRAFT LED HIM TO GET ENTANGLED WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND HE HAS BEEN WRITING ABOUT PROSPECTS AND THE CFB LANDSCAPE EVER SINCE.