Finishing the series on N.F.L. predraft needs with an examination of the A.F.C. East:

Buffalo Bills

Obvious need: left tackle

Demetress Bell is gone; a 2011 fourth-round pick, Chris Hairston, is in his place. Hairston is huge (6 feet 6 inches, 341 pounds) but probably a better fit for the right side or second string.

Hidden need: wide receiver

If Chan Gailey continues to put four or five wideouts on the field regularly, he will need at least one or two more quality guys. Someone with the raw talent to beat man coverage consistently would do wonders for this offense. As it stands, only Steve Johnson can consistently beat man, and he is a limited athlete who has to rely on fundamentals.

An additional note: outside linebacker might appear to be a need for Buffalo, as Kirk Morrison (a noncontributor last year), Spencer Johnson (really a defensive end) or Shawne Merriman (often injured) appear slated for significant playing time. But understand that with the proliferation of today’s passing games, defenses operate out of nickel or dime packages much of the time. So while it’s not ideal, a team can get by with having just two quality linebackers.

Miami Dolphins

Obvious need: quarterback

Still searching for Dan Marino’s replacement …

Hidden need: safety

It’s hard to project Miami’s defensive needs because there are rumblings that the team could switch from a 3-4 to a 4-3. Even if the Dolphins settle on a hybrid scheme (as expected), that would be an unnecessary if not misguided alteration; this is a defense that ranked sixth in points allowed last season. While we wait to see, we will focus on one of the few defensive positions that would not be significantly affected by the schematic change.

The Dolphins recently acquired the former Vikings second-round pick Tyrell Johnson, but that does not mean their safety need was filled. Johnson throughout his career has been as underwhelming as any of Miami’s middle-of-the-road safeties. The only difference is he has wasted more natural talent in the process. The Fins can get by with the safeties they have now (Reshad Jones, Tyrone Culver and Chris Clemons were not awful in a three-man rotation last season), but they still need to keep an eye out for a new face.

New England Patriots

Obvious need: pass-rusher

It is no secret that the inconsistency in edge-rushing is a primary reason New England’s pass defense has been porous in recent years.

Hidden need: cornerback

Yes, this is always a need for the Pats. The “hidden” element here is that this time, depth is not the issue – starting talent is. Compared with his sensational 2010 rookie campaign, Devin McCourty’s 2011 campaign as an outside corner was unfathomably bad — that’s why he was moved to safety on passing downs late in the year. McCourty deserves a chance to bounce back; he was simply too good as a rookie to discard so quickly. But even if he does rebound, opposite him an upgrade is needed over Kyle Arrington. It is great that Arrington gets interceptions (tied for the league lead with seven last season), but those picks come about in part because he is so regularly targeted. Perhaps last year’s high second-round pick, Ras-I Dowling, can stay healthy and contribute. And maybe the newly signed veteran Will Allen can stabilize the spot. History says, however, that trouble will find the Patriots’ secondary. If there’s a talented prospect available, Bill Belichick should take another shot.

Jets

Obvious need: wide receiver

Santonio Holmes and his bad attitude are back, which may seem unfortunate but is actually a blessing. When he’s at his best, Holmes is a top-10 receiver, if not top 5. But he won’t be at his best if there isn’t someone to attract respectable coverage opposite him. Oft-injured Chaz Schilens replaces Plaxico Burress, which on a good day will prove to be a wash. A year later, it is still to be determined if Jeremy Kerley can replace Brad Smith in the slot. With so many question marks across the board, the Jets are in the market for any brand of wideout.

Hidden need: safety

More important than finding a youngster to replace the expensive inside linebacker Bart Scott is finding a third safety to amplify Rex Ryan’s sub-package blitzes. The nature of Ryan’s scheme calls for tremendous versatility and depth in the interior secondary. The free-agent pickup LaRon Landry will be a great fit as a box defender, but it is doubtful the Jets will be pleased with his awareness in center field. With the veteran Eric Smith best suited for utility backup duties, the Jets are clearly in need of a sure-tackling cover safety.

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