Re-grading every NFL team's 2020 rookie class: AFC East
With the 2020 NFL season officially complete, theScore's NFL editors re-evaluate the performance of each team's rookie class.
NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
Buffalo Bills
| Round | Player |
|---|---|
| 2 | DE A.J. Epenesa |
| 3 | RB Zack Moss |
| 4 | WR Gabriel Davis |
| 5 | QB Jake Fromm |
| 6 | K Tyler Bass |
| 6 | WR Isaiah Hodgins |
| 7 | CB Dane Jackson |
Notable UDFAs: TE/FB Reggie Gilliam
Grade: B
Buffalo would have certainly liked to get more out of Epenesa as a rookie, but his defensive role grew toward the end of the season. The Bills can at least be pleased with their success in the middle rounds. Moss appears to have an inside track on the starting running back job in 2021, while Davis played very well for a fourth-rounder when called upon, averaging 17.1 yards per reception and scoring seven touchdowns. General manager Brandon Beane even found his starting kicker in Bass on Day 3. Buffalo's class likely won't feature any All-Pros, but it's a solid group overall.
Miami Dolphins
| Round | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | QB Tua Tagovailoa |
| 1 | OT Austin Jackson |
| 1 | CB Noah Igbinoghene |
| 2 | OL Robert Hunt |
| 2 | DT Raekwon Davis |
| 3 | S Brandon Jones |
| 4 | G Solomon Kindley |
| 5 | DL Jason Strowbridge |
| 5 | DE Curtis Weaver |
| 6 | LS Blake Ferguson |
| 7 | WR/RB Malcolm Perry |
Grade: C+
The Dolphins came away with a mixed bag last April after drafting one of the NFL's more interesting 2020 classes. There are potential gems from the second and third days in Hunt, Davis, Jones, and Kindley - who all earned significant snaps as rookies - but the opening round left something to be desired. When a team holds a top-five pick and two other first-round selections, it's hoping to set a foundation for years to come. We don't feel Miami achieved that, as Jackson was inconsistent at best and Igbinoghene hardly featured last season. The Dolphins' class will pass the eye test if Tagovailoa turns things around, though he didn't come close to replicating Justin Herbert's rookie campaign.
New England Patriots
| Round | Player |
|---|---|
| 2 | S Kyle Dugger |
| 2 | LB Josh Uche |
| 3 | LB Anfernee Jennings |
| 3 | TE Devin Asiasi |
| 3 | TE Dalton Keene |
| 5 | K Justin Rohrwasser |
| 6 | OL Michael Onwenu |
| 6 | OT Justin Herron |
| 6 | LB Cassh Maluia |
| 7 | C Dustin Woodard |
Notable UDFAs: DB Myles Bryant, RB J.J. Taylor
Grade: C-
As has been the trend in recent years, there isn't much to love about the Patriots' 2020 class. Dugger looks like he could be an impact defender, but Uche, Jennings, Asiasi, and Keene didn't exactly inspire confidence as the next four selections. Linebacker and tight end are two positions where young players take longer to develop, but coach Bill Belichick likely wanted to see more potential at those weaker roster spots. The saving grace for New England was Onwenu in the sixth round. The versatile lineman was a diamond in the rough, starting four games at guard and 12 at right tackle, displaying dominant run-blocking skills while impressing in pass-protection.
New York Jets
| Round | Player |
|---|---|
| 1 | OT Mekhi Becton |
| 2 | WR Denzel Mims |
| 3 | S Ashtyn Davis |
| 3 | DE Jabari Zuniga |
| 4 | RB La'Mical Perine |
| 4 | QB James Morgan |
| 4 | OT Cameron Clark |
| 5 | CB Bryce Hall |
| 6 | P Braden Mann |
Notable UDFAs: LB Bryce Huff, CB Lamar Jackson
Grade: B+
The Jets helped lay the foundation for their future with their first two selections, a win for any class. Becton was an excellent rookie and arguably New York's most consistent offensive player in what was a tough campaign. Mims also showed promise after battling injuries, averaging 16.2 yards per reception over his last six games. While Davis, Zuniga, and Hall endured their fair share of first-year bumps, the trio at least carved out roles on defense. A club's early picks typically judge most drafts, and there's a ton of potential in New York's haul from rounds one to three.