Every pick has the chance to change a franchise. No matter the spot-first overall or Mr. Irrelevant-a player could flourish into a superstar.
This article highlights the biggest steal from each draft class in the AFC East (and the overall biggest steal of the division). Of course, there will be some honorable mentions at the end since it is not always definitive.
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Buffalo Bills: Dorian Strong, CB, Virginia Tech (Round Six)
Strong was projected to go between rounds three and four.
The high IQ, polished cornerback is an ideal rotational depth piece in a needy defensive back corps. While Strong’s skillset almost inversely reflects his rookie teammate, Maxwell Hairston, the added flexibility will be a bonus.
Keep an eye out for the Virginia Tech product to push up the depth chart in 2025.
Miami Dolphins: Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas (Round Seven)
Some analysts still believed Ewers could go as high as the second round.
Injuries plagued Ewers in college. His talent was never a concern for anyone-Ewers had one of the liveliest and deadliest arms in the country. When in rhythm, few had the precision within 20 yards that he had.
The best ability is availability, though. It makes sense why he fell, but the distance was shocking. In a league that pays over $5 million to backup quarterbacks, one would think the potential of getting a rising star would push Ewers up boards. That, obviously, did not happen.
Ewers now gives Miami flexibility with the newly added Zach Wilson in case that project fails (again).
New York Jets: Tyler Baron, EDGE, Miami (Round Five)
The Jets got contributors across the board in the draft.
Baron brings a consistency and experience level that few have in college. The Miami product developed in multiple roles in Tennessee before finding his final home in Florida. With an above-average pass rush win rate and run stop rate, it is hard to understand why he fell so far.
Baron was a menace in Dallas at the Shrine Bowl as well. It was clear that he was an NFL talent. Being available at the back end of the fifth round was quite a surprise, and New York seized the opportunity.
New England Patriots: Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, LSU (Round Five)
The Patriots had arguably the best draft in the NFL. Even with concerns over Will Campbell’s arm length, the whole class just oozed with talent.
Swinson fell, per sources, due to having some less-than-positive interviews and some hiccups in college. He got into an altercation with Oregon HC Dan Lanning, leading to his departure to LSU. When at LSU, he was suspended for half a game, apparently due to blatant tardiness.
Those two facts would explain why a fringe first-round talent would slip, but it does not explain why he did so to round five.
Here is an excerpt from an article on the site describing Swinson’s skillset: “SEC edge rusher (with) 60 pressures and 9 sacks with over 30% true-pass-rush win rate…The blend of tools, power, grit, and IQ screams round-one talent.”
The Patriots may have stolen a starting edge on day three.
Biggest Steal: Bradyn Swinson, EDGE, New England Patriots
Even with the personality concerns, the value for a top-end SEC edge rusher is too good to not crown the biggest steal.
Getting a starting-quality edge is hard as it is. Finding one on day three of the draft is nearly impossible. Great job to the Patriots for making this happen.
Honorable Mentions
There were lots of picks across most drafts that one would call ‘steals.’ Below are a few of the biggest for the AFC East that missed the top spot.
New York Jets: Azareye’h Thomas, CB, Florida State (Round Three)
Thomas slipped due to a relatively underwhelming 40-yard dash. That, combined with his struggles getting out of his break in Mobile at the Senior Bowl could justify the fall; however, when deployed to his strengths–similar strengths to Sauce Gardner, especially at the catch point–Thomas is unstoppable. He is young, physical, and full of potential.
New England Patriots: Joshua Farmer, DI, Florida State (Round Four)
The Patriots continued to add firepower to their defensive front. Farmer was touted as a round-two prospect into the Senior Bowl. The incredible arm length and explosiveness seemed to catch everyone’s eye. He fell primarily due to his lack of polish and confusingly lackluster testing. Trust the tape over the underwear Olympics, but it was confusing to say the least. Farmer is in the best spot, though. Being able to learn behind Milton Williams and Christian Barmore is a blessing.
Buffalo Bills: Kaden Prather, WR, Maryland (Round Seven)
The Bills focused heavily on defense early in the draft. Any of their day-three picks on the offensive side could have been considered for this award, but Prather takes the cake. Some viewed the Maryland product as a legitimate fringe-starting X in the NFL. His ability to stop on a dime with his near-elite frame was awe-inspiring. It is hard to understand why Prather fell so far, but the Bills rightfully took advantage.
