Ranking the most important non-QBs in every AFC East team feat. Miami Dolphins' Tyreek Hill
The race for the AFC East will likely be a war in 2024. Although none of the four teams made the AFC Championship Game in 2023, it's clear that they have three teams in position to contend. Even the New England Patriots, who are entering a rebuilding period, have positive things to hang onto – namely, the development of new franchise quarterback Drake Maye.
But for the Miami Dolphins, New York Jets and Buffalo Bills, it will be likely a brutal battle to see who comes out on top. Aaron Rodgers and Josh Allen are two of the superstars in the division, while Tua Tagovailoa has put up enormous numbers under Mike McDaniel's system.
When analyzing the division apart from their quarterbacks, which players would be the most important players on their respective teams? Here's a closer look – and ranking – between the four AFC East teams.
AFC East non-QB player rankings for 2024 NFL season
#4. New England Patriots: Christian Gonzalez, CB
While this might not be the greatest look since Gonzalez has only played four games in his NFL career, if one has watched the way he played as a rookie, take into consideration the potential during his Oregon days and look at the position depth – then perhaps it starts to make sense.
Last year, the Patriots' defense struggled badly. But that was after Gonzalez went down for the season with a torn labrum. In just three and a half games, he amassed an interception, three passes defended and seemed to be able to cover anyone that went his way.
New England isn't going to compete for the AFC East, so developing their young players is the main goal of the season. Getting Gonzalez to play a full, healthy season would be massive for the future.
#3. Buffalo Bills: Matt Milano, LB
The Buffalo Bills suffered the same fate as the Patriots: their defensive superstar went down for the year early in the season and the unity suffered as a whole. The difference is, while Buffalo had a strong offense to contend, New England had Mac Jones and, well.
Milano is an excellent linebacker who's capable of covering sideline-to-sideline with a great range and also excellent running reads to close gaps. He'll be 30 when the season starts, but there's no other player who's important for the Bills to make a run for the AFC East than Milano – of course, not including Allen.
#2. New York Jets: Tyron Smith, OT
Four snaps. It was all it took for the New York Jets to have their AFC East dream ruined after Aaron Rodgers went down for the season with a torn Achilles. As a result, New York made a great point to improve Rodgers' protection in the entire offensive line, and that included the tackles.
Smith is the most important player on the roster when looking at this prism. Although he's already a veteran who has suffered from injuries throughout his final years with the Dallas Cowboys, it's impossible to deny his quality when he's on the field. Protecting Rodgers' blindside is a must now, and the Jets know this.
#1. Miami Dolphins: Tyreek Hill, WR
How could it be different? Tyreek Hill unlocks Mike McDaniel's system entirely. He's the perfect vertical threat, but no one who watches football thinks that he's just a deep receiver. He amassed 1.799 receiving yards during the 2023 season and had not been injured, he would fulfill his goal and become the first 2,000-yard receiver.
Jaylen Waddle certainly is helped by having Hill next to him – they're not only the best wide receiver duo of the AFC East, but in contention to be the best in the NFL. He's now 30, but there are no signs of decline in his game.
Just like having Aaron Donald was perfect for the rest of the Rams' defense in recent years, Hill's presence opens up a sea of possibilities for the rest of the offense in Miami.