AFC EAST: Who's number one?

While on Facebook the other day I noticed a friend-of-a-friend had updated his status to say this: "I hate to say it, but the Dolphins are quickly becoming the Yankees of the NFL. But if we can buy a Super Bowl the way the Yankees buy World Series, I can learn to like it..." Yes, this was posted the day the Miami Dolphins traded for WR Brandon Marshall.

This brought to my attention that the Dolphins were now a favorite to make the playoffs and compete for the division title. My friend obviously believes that Marshall will catapault the Dolphins to Super Bowl status, at least division titles. I weighed this in my head for about a minute then remembered the New York Jets and New England Patriots had not been realigned to another division.

The Jets had a spectacular season this past year, but came up short of a Super Bowl appearance and conference championship. With the trade for CB Antonio Cromartie of the San Diego Chargers and Steelers WR Santonio Holmes, the return of everyone else on the NFL's number one rated defense and the draft, New York will be prepared for a Super Bowl run.

The draft is a week away and one that scouts say is the deepest in recent years. New York will have ample opportunity to bolster their defensive line or add a pass rusher. The thought of them improving on defense and offense after last season is very terrifying for other coaching staffs.

New England is returning 9 starters on offense. They add TE Alge Crumpler and WR Julian Edelman steps into the other starting receiver spot while Wes Welker recovers from injury.

Bill Belichick's baby, the defense, returns 10 starters. DE Jarvis Green signed via free agency with the Denver Broncos. New England also holds five picks in the first four rounds. Three in the second alone. Many quality defensive players will be available.

The Miami Dolphins, with three picks in the first four rounds, recently obtained Brandon Marshall. They also signed FA Linebacker Karlos Dansby. Both players significantly upgrade both sides of the ball.

Even with the addition of Dansby, an inside linebacker, Miami still needs to add a pass rusher and nose tackle. Ferguson, 35, is facing an eight-game suspension to start the season and his back-up hasn't been consistent.

Miami allowed pass rusher Joey Porter, 33, to leave via free agency. Porter was a huge contributor in his role and will need to be replaced. The team drafted two cornerbacks last year that started the majority of the season. With the addition of a pass-rusher and nosetackle, Miami's defense could be up there with the Jets'.

With all of this said, I still believe that New York and New England should be favorites to win the AFC East. I would predict the Jets taking the crown. Miami is only behind these two teams because they have less experience in key positions than the Jets and Patriots. At the same time, I would not be surprised if the Dolphins went all the way.