There are few questions at defensive line in the AFC East, but there is some uncertainty at linebacker within the division as we head into the 2015 season.

The New England Patriots boast the best unit in the division. Jamie Collins, who is entering his third season, teams with Dont’a Hightower and veteran Jerod Mayo to give the Patriots an experienced and versatile unit. All three starters are relatively interchangeable and can play all three positions. Collins’ ability to do any and every task a linebacker is asked to perform makes him one of the best in the game. Hightower is a tough and physical presence who is a tone-setter.

If Mayo can return to form after missing the bulk of the last two seasons, the Patriots will have one of the top units in the entire league. Adding depth is Dane Fletcher, who can play the pass and run. Rookie Matt Wells is an athletic linebacker, who could fit as a sub-package player early in his career. The only question here is if the Pats have enough quality depth behind the starting unit?

Right behind the Patriots are the New York Jets, who could have one of top overall defenses in the league this season. Demario Davis and David Harris provide the Jets with two instinctive, hard-hitting inside linebackers. Quinton Coples and Calvin Pace are long-levered outside linebackers who can really set the edge. Adding some pass rush is Jason Babin and third-round pick, Lorenzo Mauldin, who could both see time in sub-packages.

Joe Mays adds depth on the inside should Harris or Davis miss time or need to be spelled. If the Jets can get more pressure from their outside linebackers, this defense will be downright frightening.

In acquiring running back LeSean McCoy the Buffalo Bills sent talented middle linebacker Kiko Alonso packing for the Philadelphia Eagles. Rex Ryan and his staff made the move party because of the faith they have in Preston Brown to fill the role. If Brown, who enters his second season out of Louisville, can do the job, the Bills will have a solid starting unit.

Nigel Bradham is on the rise, posting 104 tackles at strongside linebacker in 2014. The biggest question remains on the weakside where Randell Johnson and Tony Steward figure to battle for the starting role. Ty Powell provides depth on the inside to spell Brown.

The Miami Dolphins have once again reshuffled its linebacking corps. In the middle, Koa Misi returns after shifting to the inside during the 2014 season. Miami has to like the athleticism it has on the outside with Jelani Jenkins and Chris McCain. Both Jenkins and McCain have great potential, however, they have plenty to prove and must consistently get it done on the field.

Should Misi struggle, Kelvin Sheppard could provide an option in the middle. Rookie Mike Hull is an instinctive player, who should quickly find a way to contribute. Hull has the football smarts and versatility to play any of the three positions, although he seems best suited in the middle, or on the strong side.

Other AFC East Positional Rankings

Quarterback
Running Back
Offensive Line
Tight End
Wide Receiver
Defensive 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