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Draft prospects to target for each NFC East team
ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott. (1:07)
12:41 PM ET
Kevin Weidl
Scouts Inc.
Now that free agency is all but finished and team needs are much more settled than they were a month ago, it's time to turn our attention to the draft.
Draft Prospects For Every Team
NFL Playoffs Scouts Inc. takes a division-by-division look at three NFL draft prospects who make sense for each NFL franchise.
NFC East
We'll be going division-by-division and breaking down which prospects make sense for each team on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3. (Even if a team does not have a pick in a given round -- example: the Patriots in Round 1 -- we'll still recommend a player, as trades can always change the draft order.) Important note: This is not a mock draft. We aren't predicting where players will land. Rather, we're identifying a few prospects who fill needs and/or fit what each team likes to do schematically.
Here's a breakdown of the NFC East.
Jared Goff and Reggie Ragland should both be on the radar of NFC East teams. Getty Images
Dallas Cowboys
Day 1: Jared Goff, QB, Cal
Owner Jerry Jones has reportedly stated that the Cowboys won't take a QB No. 4 overall. But the move that makes the most sense in Round 1 is for Dallas to secure its future at the most important position in sports. Tony Romo is 36 years old and hasn't put together a full season since 2012. Neither Goff nor North Dakota State QB Carson Wentz is ready to be a starter as a rookie. Ideally, the Cowboys are able to get two or three more seasons out of Romo. That would allow Goff -- who is coming from Sonny Dykes' Air Raid system -- time to develop before seeing the field, which is a rarity for a quarterback in today's NFL.
Day 2: Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State
The Greg Hardy experiment is over, and it's hard to put any trust in 2015 second-round pick Randy Gregory, who is suspended for the first four games of 2016 (substance abuse). The Cowboys need to add depth along the edge of their front four. Nassib has athletic limitations, but he brings some pass-rushing upside with his length, quick hands and relentless motor. He'd be a welcome high-character addition to Dallas' roster.
Day 3: Harlan Miller, CB, Southeastern Louisiana State
The Cowboys were able to retain CB Morris Claiborne, but they still need to infuse some youth at the position. Orlando Scandrick is coming off major knee surgery, and 2015 first-round pick Byron Jones has settled in at free safety, where he appears to have a very bright future. Miller could fit the bill here in the midrounds. He did not test particularly well at the combine (4.65 40-yard dash), but he has quality tape showing a nice combination of fluidity and instincts. Miller would fit well within DC Rod Marinelli's scheme, which utilizes plenty of zone coverage.
New York Giants
Day 1: Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
The Giants haven't drafted a linebacker in the first round since Carl Banks in 1984, but the need and fit are there with Ragland, who could step in and replace the retired Jon Beason at ILB from day one. Ragland is one of the top 10 players in this class. He brings outstanding recognition skills and a strong physical presence that would instantly improve the 24th-ranked run defense in 2015. Ragland also has better value on third down than people think, along with the football character and leadership coveted at the position.
Day 2: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
Thomas could be a logical replacement for Rueben Randle, who was lost to the Eagles in free agency. The Ohio State product has quality size and strong ball skills and is one of the more advanced route runners in this year's receiver class. Thomas would be a good complement to Odell Beckham Jr. and a healthy Victor Cruz, who saw action in just six games last year because of injuries.
Michael Thomas has terrific ball skills. John David Mercer/USA TODAY Sports
Day 3: Kevin Byard, S, Middle Tennessee State
After surrendering 4,783 passing yards in 2015 -- second in NFL history, according to ESPN Stats & Information -- the Giants need help in the secondary. They did well to sign Janoris Jenkins, who will replace Prince Amukamara at cornerback, but they still have to find a playmaker at safety to team up with Landon Collins. Byard fits the bill, with quality instincts and a knack for finding the ball (19 career INTs).
Philadelphia Eagles
Day 1: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
The Eagles traded DeMarco Murray to Tennessee, so they need to find a young RB. Ryan Mathews will be 29 years old in October. Elliott brings an excellent combination of power, speed and versatility in the passing game. He has a chance to develop into a foundation back. Elliott's rare competitive edge would fit well in Philadelphia, which is looking to get more physical in the run game.
Ezekiel Elliott has clearly solidified himself as the top running back in this class. Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Day 2*: Joshua Perry, ILB, Ohio State
Philadelphia signed Nigel Bradham in free agency to try to fill the void left by Kiko Alonso, who was recently traded to the Dolphins. But Bradham doesn't appear to be the long-term answer, and Perry would be a quality fit next to Jordan Hicks and Mychal Kendricks at the Sam LB position. Perry shows some tightness in space, but he has outstanding size and natural instincts and is a physical run defender. The Eagles could use one of those after ranking dead last in run defense last season (134.6 ypg).
* Eagles don't currently have Round 2 pick
Day 3: Brandon Shell, OT, South Carolina
Left tackle Jason Peters is entering his 13th season and getting close to the end of his career. The likely plan is to move Lane Johnson from his right tackle position to replace Peters, so looking for a developmental right tackle makes sense. Shell, the son of former Raiders head coach Art Shell, doesn't have ideal athleticism and needs to work on his technique. But his 6-foot-5 frame, 34¾-inch arms and natural power provide him with some upside.
Washington Redskins
Day 1: Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
The Redskins allowed 4.8 yards per carry last season, 31st in the NFL. With DE Jason Hatcher and DT Terrance Knighton likely gone, this team needs to infuse youth and talent along the D-line. Jones has arguably the highest ceiling of any DT, which is saying something, considering how deep this class is at that position. He has an excellent combination of length, power and pure athleticism. Although some inconsistencies show up on tape and he doesn't always play to his talent, Jones would be a good fit in Washington and worth the risk in the back end of the first round.
Chris Jones has arguably the highest ceiling of any DT in this class. Spruce Derden/USA TODAY Sports
Day 2: Artie Burns, CB, Miami
Bashaud Breeland holds down one cornerback spot, while Chris Culliver might not be ready for camp coming off an ACL tear. WR-turned-CB Quinton Dunbar performed admirably last year, but after the team cut bait with 2013 second-round pick David Amerson, the Redskins need another young cover corner. Burns has a strong combination of length and fluidity and is coming off a career-high six interceptions as a senior in 2015. If he gets stronger, particularly against the run, he could develop into a complete corner.
Day 3: Malcolm Mitchell, WR, Georgia
Both DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon hold high numbers against the salary cap and are entering contract years. The Redskins found good value on Day 3 last year with WR Jamison Crowder (fifth round), and adding Mitchell wouldn't be a bad option. He's a polished route runner with quality speed and reliable hands. He also has the versatility to work outside the hashes and in the slot.
ESPN NFL Draft Insider Todd McShay breaks down the strengths and weaknesses of Ohio State running back Ezekiel Elliott. (1:07)
12:41 PM ET
Kevin Weidl
Scouts Inc.
Now that free agency is all but finished and team needs are much more settled than they were a month ago, it's time to turn our attention to the draft.
Draft Prospects For Every Team
NFL Playoffs Scouts Inc. takes a division-by-division look at three NFL draft prospects who make sense for each NFL franchise.
NFC East
We'll be going division-by-division and breaking down which prospects make sense for each team on Day 1, Day 2 and Day 3. (Even if a team does not have a pick in a given round -- example: the Patriots in Round 1 -- we'll still recommend a player, as trades can always change the draft order.) Important note: This is not a mock draft. We aren't predicting where players will land. Rather, we're identifying a few prospects who fill needs and/or fit what each team likes to do schematically.
Here's a breakdown of the NFC East.
Jared Goff and Reggie Ragland should both be on the radar of NFC East teams. Getty Images
Dallas Cowboys
Day 1: Jared Goff, QB, Cal
Owner Jerry Jones has reportedly stated that the Cowboys won't take a QB No. 4 overall. But the move that makes the most sense in Round 1 is for Dallas to secure its future at the most important position in sports. Tony Romo is 36 years old and hasn't put together a full season since 2012. Neither Goff nor North Dakota State QB Carson Wentz is ready to be a starter as a rookie. Ideally, the Cowboys are able to get two or three more seasons out of Romo. That would allow Goff -- who is coming from Sonny Dykes' Air Raid system -- time to develop before seeing the field, which is a rarity for a quarterback in today's NFL.
Day 2: Carl Nassib, DE, Penn State
The Greg Hardy experiment is over, and it's hard to put any trust in 2015 second-round pick Randy Gregory, who is suspended for the first four games of 2016 (substance abuse). The Cowboys need to add depth along the edge of their front four. Nassib has athletic limitations, but he brings some pass-rushing upside with his length, quick hands and relentless motor. He'd be a welcome high-character addition to Dallas' roster.
Day 3: Harlan Miller, CB, Southeastern Louisiana State
The Cowboys were able to retain CB Morris Claiborne, but they still need to infuse some youth at the position. Orlando Scandrick is coming off major knee surgery, and 2015 first-round pick Byron Jones has settled in at free safety, where he appears to have a very bright future. Miller could fit the bill here in the midrounds. He did not test particularly well at the combine (4.65 40-yard dash), but he has quality tape showing a nice combination of fluidity and instincts. Miller would fit well within DC Rod Marinelli's scheme, which utilizes plenty of zone coverage.
New York Giants
Day 1: Reggie Ragland, ILB, Alabama
The Giants haven't drafted a linebacker in the first round since Carl Banks in 1984, but the need and fit are there with Ragland, who could step in and replace the retired Jon Beason at ILB from day one. Ragland is one of the top 10 players in this class. He brings outstanding recognition skills and a strong physical presence that would instantly improve the 24th-ranked run defense in 2015. Ragland also has better value on third down than people think, along with the football character and leadership coveted at the position.
Day 2: Michael Thomas, WR, Ohio State
Thomas could be a logical replacement for Rueben Randle, who was lost to the Eagles in free agency. The Ohio State product has quality size and strong ball skills and is one of the more advanced route runners in this year's receiver class. Thomas would be a good complement to Odell Beckham Jr. and a healthy Victor Cruz, who saw action in just six games last year because of injuries.
Michael Thomas has terrific ball skills. John David Mercer/USA TODAY Sports
Day 3: Kevin Byard, S, Middle Tennessee State
After surrendering 4,783 passing yards in 2015 -- second in NFL history, according to ESPN Stats & Information -- the Giants need help in the secondary. They did well to sign Janoris Jenkins, who will replace Prince Amukamara at cornerback, but they still have to find a playmaker at safety to team up with Landon Collins. Byard fits the bill, with quality instincts and a knack for finding the ball (19 career INTs).
Philadelphia Eagles
Day 1: Ezekiel Elliott, RB, Ohio State
The Eagles traded DeMarco Murray to Tennessee, so they need to find a young RB. Ryan Mathews will be 29 years old in October. Elliott brings an excellent combination of power, speed and versatility in the passing game. He has a chance to develop into a foundation back. Elliott's rare competitive edge would fit well in Philadelphia, which is looking to get more physical in the run game.
Ezekiel Elliott has clearly solidified himself as the top running back in this class. Christian Petersen/Getty Images
Day 2*: Joshua Perry, ILB, Ohio State
Philadelphia signed Nigel Bradham in free agency to try to fill the void left by Kiko Alonso, who was recently traded to the Dolphins. But Bradham doesn't appear to be the long-term answer, and Perry would be a quality fit next to Jordan Hicks and Mychal Kendricks at the Sam LB position. Perry shows some tightness in space, but he has outstanding size and natural instincts and is a physical run defender. The Eagles could use one of those after ranking dead last in run defense last season (134.6 ypg).
* Eagles don't currently have Round 2 pick
Day 3: Brandon Shell, OT, South Carolina
Left tackle Jason Peters is entering his 13th season and getting close to the end of his career. The likely plan is to move Lane Johnson from his right tackle position to replace Peters, so looking for a developmental right tackle makes sense. Shell, the son of former Raiders head coach Art Shell, doesn't have ideal athleticism and needs to work on his technique. But his 6-foot-5 frame, 34¾-inch arms and natural power provide him with some upside.
Washington Redskins
Day 1: Chris Jones, DT, Mississippi State
The Redskins allowed 4.8 yards per carry last season, 31st in the NFL. With DE Jason Hatcher and DT Terrance Knighton likely gone, this team needs to infuse youth and talent along the D-line. Jones has arguably the highest ceiling of any DT, which is saying something, considering how deep this class is at that position. He has an excellent combination of length, power and pure athleticism. Although some inconsistencies show up on tape and he doesn't always play to his talent, Jones would be a good fit in Washington and worth the risk in the back end of the first round.
Chris Jones has arguably the highest ceiling of any DT in this class. Spruce Derden/USA TODAY Sports
Day 2: Artie Burns, CB, Miami
Bashaud Breeland holds down one cornerback spot, while Chris Culliver might not be ready for camp coming off an ACL tear. WR-turned-CB Quinton Dunbar performed admirably last year, but after the team cut bait with 2013 second-round pick David Amerson, the Redskins need another young cover corner. Burns has a strong combination of length and fluidity and is coming off a career-high six interceptions as a senior in 2015. If he gets stronger, particularly against the run, he could develop into a complete corner.
Day 3: Malcolm Mitchell, WR, Georgia
Both DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon hold high numbers against the salary cap and are entering contract years. The Redskins found good value on Day 3 last year with WR Jamison Crowder (fifth round), and adding Mitchell wouldn't be a bad option. He's a polished route runner with quality speed and reliable hands. He also has the versatility to work outside the hashes and in the slot.