AFC East draft watch: Mid-round running backs flash high upside

As the final week of preseason draws to a close, teams are still determining whether they have rookies who can become immediate difference-makers. Here's how each rookie class in the AFC East has fared thus far:

Buffalo Bills

The Bills received standout performances from a number of undrafted rookies during the preseason, but their draft picks left much to be desired.

Wide receiver Keon Coleman, Buffalo's top draft pick, had what he called a " so-so " preseason, catching just two passes for 20 yards in two games. Still, there's little reason to worry about Coleman's lack of production, especially since he'll have one of the NFL's best quarterbacks in Josh Allen throwing him the ball during the regular season.

Second-round safety Cole Bishop could emerge as an important contributor at some point during his rookie season, but he must stay healthy. The former Utah star didn't play in the preseason after suffering a shoulder injury in July. Even though Bishop returned to practice last week, he was sporting a non-contact jersey, so it remains to be seen whether he'll be available for Buffalo's regular season opener.

Running back Ray Davis, a fourth-round pick, showed he belongs in the NFL after putting together a solid preseason, showcasing impressive vision and burst. In two preseason games, Davis rushed for 77 yards on 11 carries, solidifying himself as Buffalo's second-string running back. According to Pro Football Focus , Davis was the sixth-highest-graded running back in the NFL during the preseason (79.1). | Complete class from ESPN

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins only made seven picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, but several of their selections have the potential to be long-term contributors.

Edge-rusher Chop Robinson, the 21st overall pick, will likely assume a starting role out of the gate with Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) and Bradley Chubb (knee) still recovering from their 2023 season-ending injuries. Although Robinson has struggled against the run in the preseason, which was also an issue for him in college, his explosive first step has been on display. In two preseason appearances, Robinson collected three tackles, one for loss and zero sacks.

While Robinson was underwhelming in the preseason, OT Patrick Paul, RB Jaylen Wright and WR Malik Washington stood out as some of Miami's most impactful players. Not only was Paul, a second-round pick out of Houston, an effective run-blocker, but the 6-foot-7, 332-pounder also allowed just one sack and four total pressures across 118 pass-blocking snaps.

Wright, whom Miami traded up to select in the fourth round, has undoubtedly been the most impressive rookie on the team. Across two preseason appearances, the former Tennessee Volunteer rushed for 91 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries in addition to catching four passes for 41 yards. Considering how crowded the Dolphins backfield is, Wright probably won't get many carries as a rookie, but if Raheem Mostert or De'Von Achane miss time with an injury, the explosive tailback is well-positioned to make an impact.

Meanwhile, Washington, the FBS leader in receptions last season, had a quiet preseason before shining in this past Friday's 24-14 loss to Tampa Bay. The sixth-round pick played sparingly on offense but caught one pass for seven yards and tallied 40 yards on one rushing attempt. Additionally, Washington had a 45-yard kickoff return and a 28-yard punt return, providing optimism that he can be a valuable return man. | Complete class from ESPN

New York Jets

The Jets won't rely heavily on their rookies this season, but the draft class has shown promise.

Offensive tackle Olu Fashanu, New York's first-round pick, will serve in a backup role during his rookie season after the team acquired LT Tyron Smith and RT Morgan Moses earlier this offseason. With Fashanu's only pathway to playing time as a rookie being an injury to Smith or Moses, the Jets have experimented with the Penn State product as a swing tackle.

After serving as the starting left tackle in the Aug. 10 preseason opener against the Commanders, Fashanu started at right tackle for New York's Week 2 meeting with Carolina. While the results against Carolina were mixed, Fashanu looked solid overall throughout the preseason, allowing just two pressures in pass protection.

Third-round wideout Malachi Corley was a bit of a disappointment throughout the preseason, catching seven passes for 42 yards in three games. Even so, Corley will likely see time as a gadget player to begin the regular season, and the Jets remain intent on getting the ball in his hands.

RB Braelon Allen, on the other hand, has locked up a key role for the Jets and will be the primary backup for Breece Hall. Allen, the No. 134 overall pick, rushed for 81 yards on just 14 carries in two preseason games. At 6-foot-1 and 235 pounds, Allen could see significant time in short-yardage and goal-line situations this season. | Complete class from ESPN

New England Patriots

According to FanDuel Sportsbook , the Patriots have the lowest projected win total among teams (4.5 games). However, their first rebuilding season under HC Jerod Mayo could be encouraging for the franchise's future, as the Patriots have several rookies who have either earned or are in the mix for starting roles.

No Patriots rookie has garnered more attention than QB Drake Maye, the third overall pick in April's draft. Through two preseason games, Maye has shown flashes of high potential, completing eight of his 14 passes for 66 yards while rushing four times for 15 yards and one touchdown. Maye's solid outings have earned him more first-team reps in practice, though it's still unclear whether he'll be the Week 1 starter, considering veteran Jacoby Brissett will start in Sunday's preseason finale.

However, one rookie who has already secured a starting job is second-round wideout Ja'Lynn Polk. While Polk's preseason totals (five catches for 20 yards) are lackluster, he figures to be a key piece of New England's receiving corps as a rookie.

The offensive line is New England's weakest link, but third-round pick Caedan Wallace and fourth-rounder Layden Robinson could provide a boost. As per Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, both O-linemen have been rotating in with the first-team offense, with Wallace earning reps at right tackle, while Robinson has handled left guard duties. So far in the preseason, Wallace and Robinson have allowed two pressures apiece. | Complete class from ESPN