The rest of the AFC East has been futilely chasing the England Patriots over the past 15 seasons. After busy offseasons, the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets have improved their talent bases and could finally have enough to mount a charge for the division crown. As we steamroll toward training camp, I will rank the AFC East rosters position by position to see where each team ranks.

When discussing the tight end position in the AFC East, and for that matter the entire NFL, it’s the Patriots and then everyone else. The Dolphins, Jets and Bills are all improving at the position, but they have a long way to go before possibly challenging the Pats.

Rob Gronkowski is the best tight end in the game. At 6-foot-6, 265 pounds, Gronk can do all that is asked of a tight end. He can block, play in-line, on the outside and is a mismatch for defenses. He also is good after the catch and able to threaten defenses on deep routes. Gronk’s presence alone gives New England the best situation at tight end in the league, however, the Pats improved the position during the offseason by bringing in Scott Chandler, a 6-foot-7, 260-pound target. The addition of Chandler gives the Pats two enormous targets, while also providing an option to spell Gronk on occasion. Michael Hoomanawanui is also in the mix and is a valuable member of the team, providing the Patriots with a tough blocking tight end who excels in the run game.

Putting the Dolphins at No. 2 is tenuous, but it’s based on Miami’s hopes that Jordan Cameron can play a full 16-game schedule. When healthy, Cameron is a special player. He’s big, fast and can be effective on short and deep routes. In 2013, Cameron had 80 catches and seven touchdowns in 15 games, and if the Dolphins can get close to that production from the 6-foot-5, 260-pounder, they will be in business. Dion Sims and Arthur Lynch provide depth at the position. Sims is a capable backup, but he isn’t going to threaten the deep seams. Lynch, a 2014 draft pick, has a chance to stick because of his all-around potential.

The Jets have a good mix of talent at the position. Jeff Cumberland is the best all-around player they have at the position. While not elite in any category, he’s a solid blocker and receiver. The best receiver of the group is Jace Amaro, who had an uneven rookie season, but has all the skills to be a top receiving tight end. The Jets added another option in free agency by bringing in Kellen Davis, who is a decent receiver and is big enough at 6-foot-7, 265 pounds, to hold up in the running game. In the end, much of how this position group fares will depend on the development of Amaro.

The addition of Charles Clay greatly improves the position over last season for the Bills, but their lack of a physical blocking presence leaves them slightly behind the Jets and Dolphins. Clay is one of the top ‘move’ tight ends in the league. Due to his quickness, he is a tough cover for any linebacker or safety and will provide the Bills with another pass-catching threat. Nick O’Leary isn’t a burner, but he’s a savvy route runner with elite ball skills. He should immediately find a spot as a rotational player as a rookie. Chris Gragg is another H-back type with good athleticism and the potential to develop into a starting-caliber performer.

Other AFC East Positional Rankings

Quarterback
Running Back
Offensive Line

Nick Sardina is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Nick onTwitter @nicksardina13, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google