Grading The 2009 NFL Draft: NFC East
Which Franchise(s) Made The Best Moves In The Draft?
The NFC East has been described as the toughest division in the NFL and after the draft it just got a whole lot tougher with every team strengthening any perceived weakness that they may have had.
Does The Draft Make The Giants Even Stronger?
Watch out NFC East because the Giants are back and they are going to be better than they were last season. By adding both Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden at the wide receiver position, Eli Manning now has two big physical targets to aim for in the red zone. Not only this but by adding the physical running back Andre Brown in the fourth round, the Giants have greater depth in the offensive play-making positions.
Also even though the Giants defence was strong the Virginia OLB Chris Sintim will fit perfectly into the Giants defensive system. The Giants also got a huge break as they were able to select William Beatty (OT) in the 2nd round and though it wasn’t a desperate need, this young athletic tackle can be developed for a starting role in the next few years.
Overall Grade: A
Where Does The Draft Leave The Eagles?
The huge signing of Jason Peters from Buffalo the week before the draft resolved any issue that the Eagles had at the tackle position. This freed the Eagles to add offensive weapons and this is exactly what they did in the draft.
By jumping up to number 19 and selecting WR Jeremy Maclin, the Eagles now have a receiving tandem of Maclin and DeSean Jackson – which could develop into one of the best in the NFL for years to come. Also by selecting LeSean McCoy, the Eagles have found their heir apparent to the ageing Brian Westbrook.
Overall Grade: A-
Does Orakpo Complete The Redskin Defence?
The Redskins may have had only six selections in this years draft but they may have finally found a player to play opposite Andre Carter at defensive end (DE). Brian Orakpowas projected to be selected in the top 10 of the first round but when he fell to number 13 the Redskins jumped at the chance to add him to their roster. Though some had predicted Orakpo to be a hybrid defensive player in the 3-4 scheme, Orakpo will play alongside Albert Haynesworth in a star studded Washington defence. His acquisition will also take the pressure off Carter, who has been central to the Redskin pass rush for the past two seasons.
Though Orakpo was a great pick the Redskins failed to add an offensive lineman to offer greater protection to QB Jason Campbell. As a result Campbell could be facing another difficult season as with poor protection it is unlikely that he will perform to his true ability.
Overall Grade: B
An Evaluation Of The Dallas Cowboys Draft
It was highly unusual to see Jerry Jones and the Cowboys be so inactive on the first day of the draft, especially with a plethora of picks in the later rounds it would have been possible to trade into the action on day one. However let’s not forgot that the Cowboys are one of the most talented outfits in the whole of the NFL and there are few, if any, starting positions which need filling on the roster.
The Cowboys used the draft to add depth and help the special teams. There was one intriguing selection, however, in QB Stephen McGee. Even though he is still a bit raw, he has the talent to be able to develop and challenge current QB, Tony Romo, some time in the future.
Overall Grade: C
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