The NFC East is going under some major changes. The Eagles have a new coach and the Cowboys have the feeling that they are rebuilding. The Giants had an off year but could prove to be strong again and the Washington Redskins actually look like they could be the team to beat in the division. Who’d a thunk it?
Well the future starts here so if these teams want to get off to a good start, developing their young talent is the key to success. After grading out the NFC East on the heels of the 2013 NFL Draft, it seems like Eagles may have pulled off the best draft class by possibly landing a franchise tackle and quarterback in the same draft.
That’s tough to go against. Here are the 2013 NFL Draft grades for the NFC East.
Dallas Cowboys
1.) Travis Fredrick, C, Wisconsin
2.) Gavin Escobar, TE, San Diego St.
3.) Terrance Williams, WR, Baylor
3.) J.J. Wilcox, S, Georgia Southern
4.) B.W. Webb, CB, William & Mary
5.) Joseph Randle, RB, Oklahoma St.
6.) Devonte Holloman, OLB, South Carolina
Grade: B-
This grade might surprise some, I know. But allow me to explain. Fredrick is a reach in the first round, however by trading down to the 31st spot, isn’t that bad of a reach plus addresses a vital need with the best prospect and also netted them another pick, Williams. And Williams was a need as well. Dez Bryant is an undeniable talent at receiver but Miles Austin is injury prone and after that the talent level drops off. Escobar in the second might seem excessive with Jason Witten, but Witten is getting up there in age and Escobar could learn a lot while developing behind him. Not to say Escboar also gives quarterback Tony Romo another weapon and allows for two tight end sets like they had with Martellus Bennett. Webb will be a stud in the nickle for Dallas. The sleeper pick here is Randle. Only a junior, Randle provides valuable depth behind injury prone starter DeMarco Murray. In his three seasons at OSU (his last two a fulltime starter), Randle amassed 3,085 yards and 40 touchdowns along with 108 receptions. Randle could be a serious weapon in the Cowboys arsenal.
New York Giants
1.) Justin Pugh, T, Syracuse
2.) Jonathan Hankins, DT, Ohio St.
3.) Damontre Moore, DE, Texas A&M
4.) Ryan Nassib, QB, Syracuse
5.) Cooper Taylor, S, Richmond
7.) Eric Herman, OG, Ohio
7.) Michael Cox, RB, UMass
Grade: C+
The Giants have an interesting draft class this year. Sure they addressed needs but did the juice match the squeeze? Pugh in the first round is a bit of a stretch and could develop at best as a starting right tackle, at worst a starting guard. Nassib seems to have been taken to pair with his former blindside protector; however he could turn into a Matt Schaub type of backup. They also addressed depth at safety with Taylor. The two best picks here are Hankins who will provide quality depth as the G-Men love to rotate their linemen. Moore is also solid for the same reason; however Moore is a better talent than a third-round player. The knock against him comes off the field. If he can get it together, he will be the dynamic player 21.5 sacks in two seasons as an Aggie and with a strong veteran leadership in place Moore could reach his potential.
Philadelphia Eagles
1.) Lane Johnson, T, Oklahoma
2.) Zach Ertz, TE, Stanford
3.) Bennie Logan, DT, LSU
4.) Matt Barkly, QB, USC
5.) Earl Wolff, S, North Carolina St.
7.) Joe Kruger, DE, Utah
7.) Jordan Poyer, CB, Oregon St.
7.) David King, DE, Oklahoma
Grade: B
The Eagles did a good job of grabbing solid players at positions they needed. Of course, there is always an exception to the rule. The exception is Ertz. Tight end wasn’t a real need but it gives the offense another weapon. Outside of that solid, sensible picks all around. Logan in the third will give the Eagles presumed 3-4 defense quality depth at the end position, with potential to develop into a starter. Barkly in the fourth-round is a monumental steal. With both head coach Chip Kelly (Oregon) and Barkly coming from the PAC 12, Kelly has seen plenty of Barkly and knows what he is capable of. The Eagles quarterback competition will be one to watch for sure this summer. The sleeper is Poyer. The former Beaver picked off 13 passes over the past three seasons and has the makeup to be a solid contributor.
Washington Redskins
2.) David Amerson, CB, North Carolina St.
3.) Jordan Reed, TE, Florida
4.) Phillip Thomas, S, Fresno St.
5.) Chris Thompson, RB, Florida St.
5.) Brandon Jenkins, OLB, Florida St.
6.) Baccarri Rambo, S, Georgia
7.) Jawan Jamison, RB, Rutgers
Grade: C
The Skins had no first-round pick due to the Robert Griffin III trade last season. Pretty sure no one in the D.C. area is complaining about that one. With the picks remaining the Redskins brought in some solid talent and some questionable position players. Amerson, Thomas, and Rambo will provide solid assistance in a pass defense that struggled last season. Especially Thomas, he should excel as the ball hawk his 13 interceptions in three seasons prove him to be. The question marks come at the selection of two running backs, Thompson and Jamison. The Redskins already had five running backs on their roster before adding these two. Head coach Mike Shannahan loves his running backs so who knows if a star breaks out like Alfred Morris did last year but as of now it seems like a puzzling move. The selection of Jenkins is an absolute diamond in the rough. Jenkins had 21.5 sacks between sophomore and junior year and was looking like a sure fire first-round pick. Then in his senior year he notched another sack in the first game of the season but that was it. An injury to his left foot derailed his senior season. If he can come back to full strength, watch out.
