AFC East rookies who will make the biggest impact in 2023

Now that the NFL Draft is over, teams will conduct rookie mini-camps and then organized team activities. Here are four rookies — one for each team — who will likely have the biggest impact in the AFC East:

Buffalo Bills

Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah (First round): Although Buffalo aimed to add another playmaker in the draft, it was surprising that Kincaid was the selection because the Bills signed Dawson Knox to a four-year extension last September. Clearly, GM Brandon Beane was impressed with the former Ute and even struck a deal with Jacksonville to move up for him.

The Bills won't deploy a traditional two-tight end set because Beane envisions a unique alignment where Kincaid is expected to be used as a slot receiver. Kincaid, who recorded 70 receptions for 890 yards last season, operated out of the slot on 55.1% of Utah's passing plays. 

Buffalo struggled to get production from the slot last season, to the point that it dragged Cole Beasley out of retirement in a last-ditch effort to make something happen. Isaiah McKenzie, now with the Colts, led the Bills in receptions from the slot with just 38. 

Quarterback Josh Allen had a down year in 2022, but Buffalo still finished second in points per game (28.4). If he returns to form and Kincaid lives up to expectations, the Bills could easily lead the league in scoring this season.

Miami Dolphins

Devon Achane, RB (Third round): For Miami, which had just four picks in the draft, selecting a running back wasn't a priority. Veterans Jeff Wilson Jr. and Raheem Mostert led the team's rushing attack last season, combining for 1,283 yards. Nonetheless, due to their age and lengthy injury histories, the Dolphins chose to add another explosive weapon to their offense. 

While his 5-foot-8, 188-pound frame might rule him out of becoming a workhorse back, Achane has a knack for making big plays. Last season, he ranked third among SEC tailbacks in explosive runs (35) and designed rushing attempts that gained more than 15 yards (18). 

In ESPN analyst Matt Miller’s list of his top 100 picks in this year's draft, Achane, the 84th overall pick, came in at No. 12.

"There might not be a better pure scheme fit on offense than Achane to the offense in Miami, where his speed and agility will make him a game-changing running back," Miller wrote. 

New England Patriots

Christian Gonzalez, CB (First round): The Patriots have been searching for a No. 1 cornerback after losing Stephon Gilmore and J.C. Jackson in recent years. They were able to select one — and add draft capital — by trading down from pick 14 to 17. 

It wouldn't be a stretch to say that New England secured one of the draft's biggest steals in Gonzalez, regarded by many as the top corner in the class. Taking it a step further, according to ESPN, there was a less than 1 percent chance Gonzalez would be available at the 17th pick.

Gonzalez, an All-Pac-12 First-Teamer, recorded 50 tackles, 11 passes defended and four interceptions in his lone season for the Ducks after two seasons with Colorado. He could be the final piece to complete a well-balanced New England defense, which was third in interceptions and sacks last season while also leading the NFL in pick-sixes.

New York Jets

Joe Tippmann, Inside OL (Second round): After New England swapped first-rounders with Pittsburgh to prevent New York from getting OT Broderick Jones, GM Joe Douglas bolstered the offensive line by grabbing Wisconsin's Tippmann in the second round. Tippmann should provide a steady presence for the new Jets quarterback, who also just relocated from the state of Wisconsin.

The Athletic's Dane Brugler ranked Tippmann as the top center prospect in this year's draft and the No. 43 overall player, the exact slot New York selected the former Badger. During his time in Madison, Tippmann surrendered just nine pressures, four quarterback hits and one sack. 

Despite primarily playing center in school, Tippmann will presumably spend time at guard in his rookie season, with the Jets having re-signed Connor McGovern. However, McGovern's contract is only a one-year deal, so Tippmann will likely serve as New York's center of the future.