NFC East Draft Grades
Now that the NFL Draft is over, teams can now turn their full attention to the upcoming season. In a Draft that saw a record number of trades (38) in Philadelphia, it’s time to figure out who filled their needs, who got fleeced, and who found a late-round steal. Here are the Draft Grades for the NFC East.
Dallas Cowboys: B
Taco Charlton (1/28) DE, Michigan. Chidobe Awuzie (2/60) CB, Colorado. Jourdan Lewis (3/92) CB, Michigan. Ryan Switzer (4/133) WR, UNC. Xavier Woods (6/191) S, Louisiana Tech. Marquez White (6/216) CB, Florida State. Joey Ivie (7/228) DT, Florida.
Taco Charlton becomes Jerry Jones’ first new “war-daddy”, giving Dallas a sorely-needed edge rusher even though he can disappear at times. Chidobe Awuzie surprisingly fell as far as the late second round, and is a versatile man-cover defensive back who should start for years. Jourdan Lewis is a competitive, technically sound but under-sized corner who should become Rod Marinelli’s new starting nickel CB. Ryan Switzer is a Cole Beasley clone who becomes Dallas’ top returner. Xavier Woods was a Cowboys favourite and is a steal after trading up in the 5th round.
New York Giants: B-
Evan Engram (1/23) TE, Mississippi. Dalvin Tomlinson (2/55) DT, Alabama. Davis Webb (3/87) QB, California. Wayne Gallman (4/140) RB, Clemson. Avery Moss (5/167) DE, Youngstown State. Adam Bisnowaty (6/200) OL, Pittsburgh.
Evan Engram gives Eli Manning another tall possession receiver and redzone weapon, and should be his best tight end since Jeremy Shockey. Dalvin Tomlinson is a good replacement for Johnathan Hankins as a run-stuffer. Davis Webb suits Ben McAdoo’s quick-pass West Coast offense and can sit and develop behind Manning. Wayne Gallman gives the Giants a true downhill runner that they desperately needed. Avery Moss is a versatile but developmental rusher who can play as an end or an outside linebacker. However, the Giants failed to address the offensive line until the sixth round and failed to get a pure linebacker to complete the defense.
Philadelphia Eagles: C
Derek Barnett (1/14) DE, Tennessee. Sidney Jones (2/43) CB, Washington. Rasul Douglas (3/99) CB, West Virginia. Mack Hollins (4/118) WR, UNC. Donnell Pumphrey (4/132) RB San Diego State. Shelton Gibson (5/166) WR, West Virginia. Nate Gerry (5/184) LB/S, Nebraska. Elijah Quells (6/214) DT, Washington.
Derek Barnett gives defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz a dominant young edge rusher to scheme with in a deep rotation. Sidney Jones was perhaps the best corner in the draft before a Pro Day injury. Rasul Douglas is long but slow, although Schwartz likes long corners. Donnell Pumphrey plays like Darren Sproles, but isn’t the downhill runner Philadelphia needed to replace Ryan Mathews. Hollins and Gibson are both deep threats despite Torrey Smith already present on the roster. Nate Gerry is an inconsistent tackle who will mainly play special teams.
Washington Redskins: A
Johnathan Allen (1/17) DL, Alabama. Ryan Anderson (2/49) LB, Alabama. Fabian Moreau (3/81) CB, UCLA. Samaje Peririne (4/114) RB, Oklahoma. Montae Nicholson (4/123) S, Michigan State. Jeremy Sprinkle (5/154) TE, Arkansas. Chase Rouiller (6/199) C, Wyoming. Robert Davis (6/209) WR, Georgia State. Josh Harvey-Clemons (7/230) S, Louisville. Joshua Holsey (7/235) DB, Auburn.
Working from former GM Scott McLoughlan’s board, the Redskins had a great Draft. They took advantage of Johnathan Allen’s unexpected fall to nab a dominant and versatile anchor for the defensive line. Ryan Anderson is an explosive rusher and a well-rounded outside linebacker who should start for years. Fabian Moreau was a potential first-round talent before a Pro Day injury. Samaje Peririne is a well-needed power back, while Jeremy Sprinkle is a solid TE2 and insurance for Jordan Reed.
