ProFootballFocus.com[/caption]Thanks to the New England Patriots, the AFC East division has been represented in the late stages of the playoffs for the majority of years.
However, an up-and-coming team like the Miami Dolphins could soon overtake them with a legitimate franchise quarterback in Ryan Tannehill, a solid defense and great opportunities to make a splash in the off-season.
The Bills and the Jets, however, will need to step up and improve their teams to become a threat to New England.
Here the AFC East team needs, in order of last year's final standings.
Written by Jared Goodman
New England Patriots (12-4)
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USA TODAY Sports[/caption]Cornerback
At the midway point of last season, the Pats cleared up a big hole by signing Aqib Talib. Talib played exceptionally well and was a key component of their playoff run, but ultimately he got injured at the start of their conference championship loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
He helped the team in so many ways, such as allowing Devin McCourty to switch to safety, where he fit in well. However, Talib, along with slot-guy Kyle Arrington, may not rejoin the Patriots this season, and this causes huge concern.
Expect Bill Belichick to go after a cornerback this off-season if their 2012 regulars do not re-sign, as he has shown his capability of fixing glaring holes as soon as he can.
Wide Receiver
Wes Welker has had a long and eventful tenure as a Patriot, but he is a free agent this coming off-season. The same applies to Julian Edelman, who has been a very good piece to the Patriots receiving core.
Star quarterback Tom Brady did take a cap hit to try and clear up room for key players, like the two mentioned, but right now their respective fates are very questionable.
Cal's Keenan Allen could be a guy to keep an eye on for the Patriots in the upcoming draft, because his absence from a receiver-headlined combine could make him slip to their spot at 31.
New England knows his talent is there, and I would be surprised if they didn't try to snatch him up if possible.
Miami Dolphins (7-9)
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Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]Wide Receiver
There is no question that the aforementioned Tannehill needs some talent around him on offense in order to develop at a better pace, and this starts with the receiving core. As leading receiver Brian Hartline is almost inevitably leaving Miami, the team will likely be even thinner at the position.
With possibly about $50 million of cap space, the Fins will look to lure top free agents as outside receivers, and in going after Vincent Jackson last year, general manager Jeff Ireland showed have was not afraid of signing a dominant receiving threat.
Luckily, there are many more solid options at wide receiver in free-agency this off-season, such as Mike Wallace, Dwayne Bowe and Greg Jennings. The Fins will likely make a splash on at least one top outside-threat.
Offensive Tackle
Jake Long was the first-overall pick in 2008, and has played to his full potential in his four seasons with Miami. Unfortunately, it looks like his days are numbered in South Beach, as Long's side "isn't budging on demands" in contract talks.
Jonathan Martin was the other starting tackle in Miami last season, but did not impress, so the Fins will likely be looking to fill one or two tackle spots in the off-season. This is key for Tannehill, because we have seen rookie quarterbacks struggle and get injured due to unstable tackles.
New York Jets (6-10)
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Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]Quarterback
The Jets did not have much to smile about this season, and it started with the quarterback position. Mark Sanchez was benched for Greg McElroy, and certainly those two -- nor Tim Tebow -- are the answer at QB.
Sanchez will return due to financial obligations, but he will not start. With that among other things, New York has a tighter cap-situation, so they will not be able to easily snatch up avaliable quarterbacks that they wish to add.
They did meet with Matt Barkley, and signs point to him being their selection if he is available at ninth-overall.
Running Back
With Shonn Greene drawing interest from teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Denver Broncos, he will not be coming back to the Jets. They will likely look to free agency for a running back, as this draft-class does noticeably lack talent at the position.
A recently released player like Michael Turner comes to mind, because he is a decent veteran who the Jets would certainly benefit from. Clearly, they will have to go for a running back this off-season, because 2011 fourth-rounder Bilal Powell is not capable of starting duties.
Buffalo Bills (6-10)
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Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports[/caption]Quarterback
The Bills addressing the quarterback position will be one of the more interesting storylines in this division. The inconsistent Ryan Fitzpatrick has a $3 million roster-bonus due on March 13. The Bills may restructure his contract and have him compete for the starting QB job amongst draftees or other acquired players.
Assistant GM Doug Wharley did criticize this year's QB class, so it is questionable if the Bills will opt to take a signal-caller with the eighth-overall pick. That being said, look for them to find a player in free-agency who competes for the starting job, such as Nick Foles.
Wide Receiver
Stevie Johnson has emerged as a top-flight receiver for the Bills, but the problem is that they don't really have anyone else in their receiving-corps.
The solution could be found with their eighth-overall pick, as Cordarelle Patterson of Tennessee -- this draft class' indisputable leading WR-- could fall to that spot. If not, there are plenty of other good options in free agency, as mentioned, or other talents like Tavon Austin, who put on a great show at the Scouting Combine.
