2023 NFL Draft Grades: AFC East

With the 2023 NFL Draft complete, theScore's NFL editors hand out their initial grades for each team's incoming rookies.

NFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST
AFC
EAST | NORTH | SOUTH | WEST

Buffalo Bills

Grade: A-

Don't focus too much on the volume here. The Bills crushed it with their limited picks. Trading up to capitalize on Kincaid's slide in the first round was a genius move from Brandon Beane. Arguably the best pure pass-catcher in this draft, the Utah standout will be a crucial addition to Buffalo's offense. Torrence is a Day 1 starter who should have been long gone by late in the second round, and Williams is an outstanding coverage linebacker who fills a major need following the free-agent departure of Tremaine Edmunds. As always, good teams stay good.

Miami Dolphins

Grade: C

The Dolphins have dumped a bunch of picks for veteran acquisitions, and a tampering investigation stripped them of their first-rounder, so there isn't a whole lot to work with here. But how can you not love the addition of Achane? One of the fastest players in the draft joining the most speed-dominant offense in the NFL is just too perfect. Good luck keeping up with a unit that features 4.3 speed out wide and in the backfield.

New England Patriots

Grade: B

New England got one of the biggest steals of the first round, trading down and still coming away with Gonzalez. An incredible athlete with natural man-coverage skills, he's an excellent fit for Bill Belichick's defense. White was a nice value pick on Day 2, and Mapu is much more than your classic Belichick FCS pick. Boutte is an interesting name to monitor, too. An expected first-rounder heading into last season, there's little doubt that the natural ability is there - he's more than worth a swing in the sixth round. We would have liked to see more of an early emphasis on offensive playmakers, so it's tough to be too high on the Patriots' haul, but it's a solid group of talent nonetheless.

New York Jets

Grade: C+

McDonald should be a great addition to the Jets' pass-rush group, but their grade takes a hit from us due to what we perceive as a significant reach. This was one of the more surprising picks of Round 1. Tippmann is a nice value at a position of need on Day 2, and Abanikanda is a potential value addition in the fifth round. The Pittsburgh running back is a big-play machine who could be an outstanding complement to Breece Hall.