NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
Draft picks: UCF DT
Trysten Hill (No. 58 overall); Penn State OG
Connor McGovern (No. 90)
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: A
Overall grade: A
Draft analysis: Amari Cooper showed what he could become when teaming with
Dak Prescott last year. Yes, Dallas gave up a first-round pick to get him, but let's remember -- he's just 24 years old, not a veteran who will be in his 30s before too long. If the team can't sign him to a long-term deal, then the grade gets adjusted downward, but I don't see that happening.
Replacing
David Irving just got easier with Hill bringing his quick get-off to Dallas. McGovern could play guard or center, depending on the health of veteran pivot
Travis Frederick. Look for Jerry Jones to try and find more weapons for the offense on Saturday.
New York Giants
Draft picks: Duke QB
Daniel Jones (No. 6 overall); Clemson DT
Dexter Lawrence (No. 17 overall); Georgia CB
Deandre Baker (No. 30 overall); Old Dominion DE
Oshane Ximines (No. 95)
Day 1 grade: B
Day 2 grade: B
Overall grade: B
Draft analysis: I mentioned Jones as a sensible replacement for
Eli Manning back in November. The QB possesses a lot of positive traits, and it was time for the
Giants to find a successor for Manning. However, many people do not believe Jones is an elite prospect, so the value of the pick will be questioned until he proves otherwise. They received an extra first-rounder in the trade of
Odell Beckhamto the
Browns, and they selected Lawrence, a massive defensive tackle, with the pick. If he shows the ability to push the pocket as well as provide a wall inside, he'll be a major success. GM David Gettleman
moved back into Round 1 to pick Baker, the top prospect at a position of need, giving up two Saturday picks (which they had a lot of) in the deal.
Ximines should be a great fit for the
Giants. He's agile and strong on the edge, where they needed an upgrade. But the team really needed to improve its offensive line; addressing the position is a must for Day 3.
Philadelphia Eagles
Draft picks: Washington State OT
Andre Dillard (No. 22 overall); Penn State RB
Miles Sanders (No. 53); Stanford WR
J.J. Arcega-Whiteside (No. 57)
Day 1 grade: A
Day 2 grade: A
Overall grade: A
Draft analysis: Jason Peters has had a great NFL career, but he's 37 years old and his contract is due to expire after next season. Dillard and
Lane Johnsonwill form a great tandem whenever Peters moves on, and giving up a late fourth- and sixth-rounder
to trade up for Dillard was more than acceptable to get an elite pass protector.
The
Eagles decided not to pick Alabama RB
Josh Jacobs in the first round, but they got the second-best back in the draft in the second round. Sanders will be an impact back who could see his role grow quickly with
Jordan Howard due to become a free agent after the 2019 season. Arcega-Whiteside will be a red-zone stud and general safety valve for
Carson Wentz. Expect the
Eagles to go defense with their limited Day 3 selections (two picks).
Washington Redskins
Draft picks: Ohio State QB
Dwayne Haskins (No. 15 overall); Mississippi State OLB
Montez Sweat (No. 26 overall); Ohio State WR
Terry McLaurin (No. 76)
Day 1 grade: B+
Day 2 grade: A
Overall grade: A-
Draft analysis: The fact that they did not have to move up to get Haskins was a major bonus. His arm is live and he has the ability to distribute the football to all parts of the field. Given the murky future of
Alex Smith, finding Haskins waiting for them at No. 15 could prove to be franchise-changing. Finally, Washington
traded up to grab Sweat, who will be a fine pass rusher if
his heart condition does not prevent him from reaching his potential. They really needed depth at outside linebacker, where Sweat fits quite well. I am generally not enamored with giving up future second-round picks, but this guy's talent is worthy of taking that sort of chance.
Haskins' arm and McLaurin's speed will team up to make big plays in Washington as they did in Columbus. The
Redskins have several picks Saturday to address the offensive line and various spots on defense.