Each of the four NFC East teams had needs heading into the 2013 NFL Draft.
Now that all the picks are in, let’s take a look at how each team did.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS: The Redskins were without a first round selection this year due to the trade with the St. Louis Rams last year that brought Robert Griffin III to the nation’s capitol. Even without a first-rounder, the Redskins managed to make the right choices in an effort to fix the league’s 30th-ranked pass defense from last season, with second-round cornerback David Amerson, fourth-round safety Phillip Thomas and sixth-round safety Baccari Rambo. Third-rounder Jordan Reed is a tight end prospect with a great deal of upside who can line up all over the field. Fifth-round picks Brandon Jenkins and Chris Thompson could both prove to be value picks if they can bounce back form injury. Thompson fits Mike Shanahan’s zone scheme and Brandon Jenkins could prove to be a decent edge rusher. Grade: B+
| Rd. | Pos. | Player | College |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 (51st pick) | CB | David Amerson | N.C. State |
| 3 (85) | TE | Jordan Reed | Florida |
| 4 (119) | S | Phillip Thomas | Fresno State |
| 5 (154) | RB | Chris Thompson | Florida State |
| 5 (162) | LB | Brandon Jenkins | Florida State |
| 6 (191) | S | Baccari Rambo | Georgia |
| 7 (228) | RB | Jawan Jamison | Rutgers |
DALLAS COWBOYS: The Cowboys found themselves in a dilemma when it was time to draft in the first round, all of the lineman they were targeting were likely off the board already. What the Cowboys did after that was a head-scratcher, they traded back to 31 in the first and received an extra third round pick as well in exchange for their original pick. Not only did the Cowboys give the defending NFC Champion San Francisco 49ers a chance to move up in the draft, but when they did pick they took Travis Frederick, a lineman many had projected in the second or third round. The Cowboys did bounce back with picks in the second and third rounds, taking Gavin Escobar and Terrance Williams. Although the Williams pick is somewhat questionable since wide receiver shouldn’t have been a need that high in the draft for Dallas. Grade: D+
| Rd. | Pos. | Player | College |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (31) | C | Travis Frederick | Wisconsin |
| 2 (47) | TE | Gavin Escobar | San Diego State |
| 3 (74) | WR | Terrance Williams | Baylor |
| 3 (80) | DB | J.J. Wilcox | Georgia Southern |
| 4 (114) | CB | B.W. Webb | William & Mary |
| 5 (151) | RB | Joseph Randle | Oklahoma State |
| 6 (185) | LB | DeVonte Holloman | South Carolina |
NEW YORK GIANTS: The Giants entered the 2013 NFL Draft looking to improve their offensive line. Many have questioned the Giants decision to draft Justin Pugh in the mid-first, when you consider the draft’s early run on lineman you realize that the talent pool was drained, although it was still a reach. Second-round pick Johnathan Hankins will likely fit the Giants scheme and be a decent two-down run stopper. Third-round defensive end Damontre Moore was a particularly good value. Even though the Giants have zero need at quarterback, you’re only as good as your backup in the NFL and to be honest, they weren’t that good there and Ryan Nassib was worth a fourth-rounder. Grade: C
| Rd. | Pos. | Player | College |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (19) | T | Justin Pugh | Syracuse |
| 2 (49) | DT | Johnathan Hankins | Ohio State |
| 3 (81) | DE | Damontre Moore | Texas A&M |
| 4 (110) | QB | Ryan Nassib | Syracuse |
| 5 (152) | DB | Cooper Taylor | Richmond |
| 7 (225) | G | Eric Herman | Ohio |
| 7 (253) | RB | Michael Cox | Massachusetts |
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: New coach Chip Kelly was looking for building blocks for his new offense and he should get immediate help with first-round offensive tackle Lane Johnson and second-round tight end Zach Ertz. The athleticism of Johnson, a high school quarterback, will make him a prime candidate for Kelly’s up-tempo offense and possible zone-read/read-option scheme. The trade to move up and get Matt Barkley was questionable as many draft experts believe Barkley may never be more than a backup quarterback in the NFL, and the Eagles looked to already have competition at that position. Earl Wolff is an intriguing pick in the fifth-round, he has good speed (4.4 at the combine) and athletic ability (39 inch vertical) but is a bit small. Wolff could work his way into the lineup before the year is finished. Grade: B+
| Rd. | Pos. | Player | College |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (4) | T | Lane Johnson | Oklahoma |
| 2 (35) | TE | Zach Ertz | Stanford |
| 3 (67) | DT | Bennie Logan | LSU |
| 4 (98) | QB | Matt Barkley | Southern Cal |
| 5 (136) | FS | Earl Wolff | N.C State |
| 7 (212) | DE | Joe Kruger | Utah |
| 7 (218) | CB | Jordan Poyer | Oregon State |
| 9 (239) | DB | David King | Oklahoma |
