The few weeks between the end of OTAs and the start of training camp officially signal the end of the offseason. It is the quiet before the storm. So let’s take this fresh breath to look back at how the offseason turned out for each division.
There was no shortage of big news and big moves this offseason and some news may have whistled past you in all the commotion. Worry not, Pro Player Insiders has you covered. First up in the rear view: the AFC East.
Buffalo Bills: 3rd
The Bills may have faced the most turnover in the division. Not only is there a new president in Russ Brandon, but there is also a new director of pro personnel, Doug Whaley, who was 
promoted after Buddy Nix retired after the draft. There is the entirely new coaching staff comprised of head coach Doug Marrone, formerly of Syracuse, offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, also from Syracuse, and defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, who comes over from the division rival New York Jets.
Marrone and Hackett are determined to right the ship on offense. The two worked hand-in-hand in turning around Syracuse’s football program. Pettine, a disciple of defensive guru Rex Ryan, will move the team back to a 3-4 defense after playing a 4-3 the previous season. The story is the same in Buffalo as it has been the last few years:a young, talent-loaded roster but unable to put it all together. The new regime in Buffalo could, in time, prove to be the one to finally bring the Bills back to the playoffs after a 13 season absence.
Biggest Addition: Jerry Hughes, OLB
The Bills acquired the former Colts first-round pick in a trade. In his first three seasons, Hughes didn’t live up to the hype of a first round pick. In his first two seasons he only managed one start and one sack. After the Colts switched to a 3-4 last season, Hughes moved to outside linebacker and started six games, providing four sacks. That production could increase playing in Pettine’s blitz heavy scheme.
Biggest Loss: Andy Levitre, OG
The Bills O-line has been a bright spot for the past few seasons. That comes from stability among the starters and that stability comes from Levitre, who has started all 64 games he has played in. His departure to Tennessee leaves a pretty big hole at the left guard spot and will be a key training camp battle.
Biggest Rookie Impact: Robert Woods, WR
Woods provides the Bills with a threat opposite of Stevie Johnson, something the Bills have been severely lacking the past two seasons. Woods will not only give his quarterback (Kevin Kolb or EJ Manuel) a pair of reliable hands but will also open the field for slot receiver T.J. Graham to use his play making speed.
Breakout Player: Da’Norris Searcy, S
Because of Searcy, the Bills felt comfortable letting veteran leader George Wilson walk during free agency. Searcy, a fourth-round pick in ’11, could turn a few heads with his aggressive play and if he so does, the Bills would field one of the most dynamic safety duos as he would team with Pro Bowler Jairus Byrd.
Miami Dolphins: 2nd
In his first season as head coach Joe Philbin turned in a 7-9 season. A decent record considering the implementation of a whole new scheme with a rookie quarterback and flipping the defense from a 3-4 to a 4-3. Philbin and GM Jeff Ireland continue to remake their roster and the entire attitude of the franchise. New uniforms and a logo will help the attitude, the continual revamping of their roster also proves the team is dedicated to winning now and in the long run.
Biggest Addition: Mike Wallace, WR
This goes without saying. Receivers Brian Hartline and Davone Bess both managed over 60 catches, no other receiver had more then 35, that’s not good. Wallace, gives the Dolphins and their young quarterback Ryan Tannehill a legitimate deep threat and number one target. Last year Hartline went over 1,000 yards. This year, both Wallace and Hartline could hit that mark.
Biggest Loss: Jake Long, OT
A franchise left tackle? Yes. A number one overall pick? Not so sure. Either way, losing Long is a big hit. It will force the ‘Phins to shift Jonathan Martin to the left side after a sub-par season on the right side as a rookie. His former position will be securely occupied by veteran Tyson Clabo but the how well Martin can adjust is a big question.
Biggest Rookie Impact: Jamar Taylor, CB
People might expect Dion Jordan’s name here, but let me explain. Cameron Wake posted 15 sacks last season with no help on the other side. Jordan is still bouncing back from an injury and might take a season or two to make an impact. Taylor, however, will be a Day One starter in a thin cornerback unit. Taylor plays fundamentally sound and will help provide solid play.
Breakout Player: Lamar Miller, RB
The Dolphins let Reggie Bush walk with no thought. That’s because of Miller. The Dolphins fourth-round pick last season, Miller has the tools to be an impressive starter. He doesn’t have the fumbling or health issues that have hampered third year back Daniel Thomas and averaged 4.9 yards per carry last year.
New England Patriots: 1st
Normally things are quiet and simple in Foxboro but not this offseason. The Patriots have been media fodder from the start. First it was the departure of Wes Welker, then it was Tom Brady’s flamboyant Kentucky Derby video, Rob Gronkowski’s endless surgeries, the signing of Tim Tebow and now with Aaron Hernandez’s name heavy in the media. Have the Patriots finally lost their way? Probably not, not as long as head coach Bill Belichick is there running the show. It is still hard, however, to run a smooth ship with such rocky seas around you.
Biggest Addition: Tommy Kelly, DT
It was a toss-up between Kelly and safety Adrian Wilson. Kelly got the nod as Wilson could very well not make the roster by final cuts and Kelly provides an instant boost to the defense. Kelly has been a player Belichick has admired for some time. Kelly will build a wall with Vince Wilfork in the middle of the defensive line (both are around 325lbs) and also provide Belichick with the versatility that he loves in players.
Biggest Loss: Wes Welker, WR
Bet you didn’t see this one coming. In his six seasons with New England, Welker became a superstar and Tom Brady’s favorite target. He led the NFL in receptions three times and made the Pro Bowl five times. The only thing that hurts New England more then losing a player like that, is losing him to rival Peyton Manning and his Denver Broncos.
Biggest Rookie Impact: Aaron Dobson, WR
See above. Somebody has to step up and help ease the transition to life without Wes Welker. Dobson is a tall receiver who was Marshall’s leading receiver the past four seasons. The Pats have had success with Marshall receivers in the past (ie Troy Brown, Randy Moss) and Dobson could be the next.
Breakout Player: Ras-I Dowling, CB
Dowling was a second-round draft pick two years ago but has been marred by injuries and thus barely seen the field. He’s only appeared in nine games so far but he impressed in OTAs and looks to finally be healthy. If he can make stay injury free for an entire season, he could be a huge help to the Patriots’ 29th ranked pass defense.
New York Jets: 4th
The Rex Ryan-led New York Jets are virtually in a rebuilding year. An astonishing notion, considering the team was in their second AFC Championship game just four seasons ago. Injuries and terrible contracts derailed the Jets in that time and thus led to GM Mike Tannenbaum’s firing. In steps John Idzik, who was a part of the team that built a strong Seattle Seahawks team. The offseason was highlighted over the questions of whether the team would keep quarterback Mark Sanchez and cornerback Darrelle Revis. Sanchez stayed, Revis left but all is not safe for Sanchez. He is on the hottest of hot seats.
Biggest Addition: Dawan Landry, S
Last year it was LaRon Landry, now it is LaRon’s older brother Dawan. Last season the Jets has the second ranked pass defense. However, they lost both starting safeties from that unit. Landry will steady one of those positions and is familiar with Ryan’s defensive scheme. The two worked together in Baltimore when Landry was a rookie.
Biggest Loss: Dustin Keller, TE
Mark Sanchez was under fire all last season and it continued to offseason. The criticism is deserved but it also doesn’t help when your receiving corps is completely decimated by injuries. Sanchez’s safety blanket has always been Keller and now Keller is with the division rival Dolphins. How well will Sanchez do without his favorite target? We still don’t know but it could get ugly in NYC.
Biggest Rookie Impact: Dee Milliner, CB
The Jets has the second ranked pass defense despite Revis out the entire season with an injury. Antonio Cromartie stepped up and after another contract squabble, Idzik dumped Revis to Tampa Bay. To make up the spot in the starting rotation, Idzik drafted Milliner. The big defender will be a Day One starter and try to help people forget no. 24.
Breakout Player: Chris Ivory, RB
The Jets traded for Ivory after feature back Shonn Greene signed with Tennessee. Ivory has never played a full season due to the New Orleans Saints’ crowded backfield, however has played impressively in his brief appearances. In his three years, his worst yard-per-carry (YPC) average is 4.7 yards. Last season, Ivory’s YPC was 5.4. And for Greene’s YPC? 3.9
