AFC East stock up, stock down: Dolphins are fine without Dalvin Cook and more

Mekhi Becton, New York Jets offensive tackle: A remarkable body transformation is yielding positive results for Becton, the No. 11 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, whose last two seasons were derailed because of injuries. As he continues to ease into an increased workload, Becton is flashing the potential to be New York's starting right tackle.

Becton didn't allow a pressure in 19 pass-blocking snaps on Saturday, and while it wasn't against the Buccaneers' starters, it's an encouraging performance for his right tackle debut. As a result of Max Mitchell and Billy Turner failing to establish themselves in the right tackle competition, the Jets officially named Becton as the starter for their final preseason game against the Giants. If Becton puts together another solid outing, he'll likely be New York's starting right tackle for Week 1 and perhaps the long term.

Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots wide receiver: While fellow sixth-round wideout Demario Douglas is shaping up to be a lock for the 53-man roster, Boutte, who ESPN's Ryan Clark believes may be "the steal of the draft," is still on the bubble. Even so, Boutte left a strong impression against Green Bay, recording two catches for 49 yards, highlighted by a 42-yard touchdown.

Once considered a top receiver in the 2023 class, Boutte has shown why he drew early buzz during his short time in New England. Aside from a shaky start to training camp, he has been one of the Patriots' top performers at wide receiver, and the more second-year wideout Tyquan Thornton underperforms, the more Boutte will benefit. If Boutte survives the final cuts, he could emerge as another intriguing target for quarterback Mac Jones to throw to this season.

Stock down 

Kaiir Elam, Buffalo Bills cornerback: The former first-rounder didn't have the rookie season Buffalo envisioned when it traded up for him in last year's draft. Elam experienced a rollercoaster 2022 season filled with inconsistent play, injuries and was even a healthy scratch in Week 13. In 13 games, including six starts, Elam recorded 49 tackles and two interceptions while allowing 70.2% of passes to be completed against him.

Elam entered training camp as a leading contender for Buffalo's CB2 job, but his early showings mirror those of his rookie season, and he now trails two other contenders. As the third cornerback to rotate in across from Tre'Davious White this past Saturday, Elam once again had difficulty, allowing three receptions while picking up his second pass interference penalty in as many preseason games. 

Since Elam seems unlikely to start Week 1, maybe Buffalo considers using its third preseason game to showcase the former Florida Gator as a potential trade candidate. 

Tyrel Dodson, Buffalo Bills linebacker: Similar to Elam, Dodson arrived at camp vying for a key starting role and hasn't proven capable of replacing now-Bear Tremaine Edmunds. Despite starting both of Buffalo's preseason games, the 25-year-old was still on the field in the fourth quarter against Pittsburgh, an indication of how the coaching staff views him. 

Last week, HC Sean McDermott told reporters that the middle linebacker position is "an area of concern," and it's anyone's guess who will fill the void left by Edmunds. Although Dodson is listed as the starter, veteran A.J. Klein will likely see more time with the first-team defense against Chicago, assuming the regulars play. 

Zonovan Knight, New York Jets running back: Although Miami didn't sign Cook to its crowded backfield, the Jets added to their embarrassment of riches at the position. Cook is yet to suit up for New York, though it appears the Jets have their odd man out in their running back group in the form of Knight. The 2022 undrafted free agent rushed for 300 yards and started four games last season but only received his opportunity after injuries to Breece Hall and Michael Carter. 

Now that Hall and Carter are healthy, along with the additions of Cook and fifth-round rookie Israel Abanikanda, all signs point to Knight getting released. Knight struggled against Tampa Bay on Saturday, logging eight carries for 33 yards with one fumble while catching three passes for 20 yards with one drop. Considering the amount of money and draft capital New York invested in other players at the position, it makes too much sense to cut ties with Knight.