Mock drafts are springing up everywhere with the real thing -- the NFL draft -- just three weeks away.
ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. recently provided his latest mock draft
. Here are his projections for the AFC East:
Pick: No. 8
Kiper selects: Ryan Tannehill, QB, Texas A&M
Analysis: I haven't seen a mock draft recently that doesn't have Tannehill going to Miami. It would be an upset if the Dolphins don't get the former Texas A&M quarterback. Miami needs a quarterback, and the coaching staff likes Tannehill. Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman coached Tannehill in college and is a huge supporter. Tannehill also fits the West Coast system, so it's a match in many ways. The downside is Miami is reaching a bit at No. 8, and Tannehill most likely wouldn't see the field until 2013. The Dolphins need top draft picks who can make an impact next season.
Pick: No. 10
Kiper selects: Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa
Analysis: This is also a common projection for the Bills. The AFC East blog also tabbed Reiff to Buffalo in ESPN.com's mock draft. There have been questions about Reiff's ability to play left tackle at the next level. His best asset might be his run blocking, not pass protection. But Buffalo currently has no answer at left tackle, and Reiff probably could be a starter there from Day 1. Will Reiff develop into an elite, Pro Bowl left tackle? Most experts don't think so. But Reiff is solid across the board, and can help the Bills.
Pick: No. 16
Kiper selects: Courtney Upshaw, LB, Alabama
Analysis: Upshaw is the type of player Jets coach Rex Ryan likes. He's a physical, aggressive linebacker who can rush the passer. The Jets could use all of those traits. Upshaw would be a good fit in New York. He also would add youth to the Jets' group of linebackers, which already includes aging veterans Bart Scott, Calvin Pace and David Harris.
Picks: No. 27 and No. 31
Kiper selects: Shea McClellin, OLB, Boise State; Derek Wolfe, DL, Cincinnati
Analysis: The players projected to go to New England have been all over the place -- McClellin, Wolfe, Chandler Jones, Andre Branch, Peter Konz, this list goes on. I think this is a combination of being at the end of the first round, which makes it unpredictable, and New England being very tight with information. It's difficult to get any pre-draft secrets from behind the Patriots' walls. We do know New England doesn't need help on offense. So expect the Patriots to take players early who they think can make an impact on the defense.