After a, what can be called “interesting” 1st day of the NFL draft, day 2 seemed to be a little more quiet. It was a day for trying to get falling 1st round talent and movement. There was a trade between 2 teams in the NFC East and that is the division I will be reviewing today. The Cowboys gave up their 3rd round pick to move up 12 spots and switch with the Redskins in the 2nd round. We’ll get to who they picked in a second. So let’s get right into the picks.
New York Giants:
43rd overall – OC Weston Richburg 6’3 298 lbs from Colorado State – Richburg was projected to go in round three or four, so I’m not sure I can endorse this pick. With players like Morgan Moses and Cyrus Kouandjio still on the board, this was a questionable pick in my eyes.
How he fits in – The New York Giants have had a weird offseason, they have about 4 QBs on their roster and about 15 offensive lineman. We know only 8-10 will make the roster, so I really question where exactly Richburg will fit in.
74th overall – DT Jay Bromley 6’3 306 lbs from Syracuse – This was a need pick so it is very understandable. Once again, I just question the value they got on this pick. Bromley was projected for rounds four or five. It’s the guy they want, but they may have reached. Does Jerry Reese know best?
How he fits in – If you take the value out of the pick, Bromley fits in perfectly to a team that lost their big DT in Linval Joseph. He should find significant playing time as a rookie and should be able to make an impact. The pick itself fills a big need.
Dallas Cowboys:
34th overall – DE DeMarcus Lawrence 6’3 251 lbs from Boise State – Lawrence was 1 of the top 3 pass rushers left on the board, the with the loss of DeMarcus Ware, the Cowboys felt the need to give up their 3rd round pick to a divisional foe to move up 12 spots and get the guy they wanted.
How he fits in – With the large void of the pass rushing game plan leaving with Ware, Lawrence will now have to create the pass rush as a somewhat small DE. The Cowboys 4-3 will allow him to play the same position he did in college, even though his size would fit a 3-4 OLB better.
No 3rd round picks – Since the Cowboys gave up their 3rd round pick to the Skins, they had no other picks on the night and have collected Martin to solidify their offensive line and Lawrence to try to get some pass rush in a division of big time offenses.
Philadelphia Eagles:
42nd overall – WR Jordan Matthews 6’2 212 lbs from Venderbilt – Jordan Matthews was a very highly productive WR in college, finishing 2013 with 112 catches and almost 1500 yards. He’s a gifted athlete that Chip Keely will love.
How he fits in – Matthews is a bigger WR that will fill the role left by longtime Eagle, Jason Avant. He has more talent than Avant had and the Eagles hope he can be a big time middle of the field and red zone target for them.
86th overall – WR Josh Huff 5’11 206 lbs from Oregon – This was a bit of a surprise with them taking Matthew in round 2, but Huff is from Oregon, was recruited by Chip Kelly, and he will immediately have a head start on the offense.
How he fits in – This pick was seemingly straight out of Chip Kelly’s back pocket. Kelly knows that Jeremy Maclin is on a one year deal, so in case he loses him next year, he already has his replacement in-house. He will be the 4th WR and could move up fast.
Washington Redskins:
47th overall – OLB Trent Murphy 6’5 250 lbs from Stanford – Murphy is a pass rusher in the mold of Chris Long, someone who just grinds and grinds with no off switch. His motor is always running and he’s the type that you always have room for on your roster.
How he fits in – Murphy will provide depth at the OLB spot behind both Orakpo and Kerrigan. Barring an injury, I don’t see him having a huge impact as a rookie, but that won’t stop this hard were from trying. Good football, team player, type of pick.
66th overall – OT Morgan Moses 6’6 314 lbs from Virginia – Moses was a 1st round talent that somehow slipped to round three. This was a great pickup for the Redskins and Moses will have an impact in the league, even if it’s not year one.
How he fits in – What to the Redskins want to do? They want to run the football and protect their running QB Robert Griffin III, which alone quantifies the pick. Moses was too good of a talent to pass up in the 3rd round.
78th overall – OG Spencer Long 6’5 320 lbs from Nebraska – This one caught me by surprise a bit, because I didn’t think they would go o-line back to back, but it makes sense. Long is versatile and can play both Guard and Center, he adds depth.
How he fits in – Other than being a 1st round talent, you can pretty much copy what I said about Moses and apply the same to Mr. Long. He’s a guy to protect their prized possession. He will be a backup but provide quality depth in the middle of the Redskin line.
Tomorrow will be rounds for through seven of the NFL draft. The Eagles will kick off the 4th round at the top, picking with the 101st pick. The Washington Redskins with be right behind them picking 2nf in the round at 102The New York Giants will be making their 1st selection of the day with the 113th selection, while the Dallas Cowboys will check in tomorrow at pick 119. Check back in after the draft is complete for more analysis on the 4th round through 7th round picks from the final day of the NFL Draft.
