Grading the Draft: NFC East
Washington Redskins
1(13): DE Brian Orakpo – This former Texas Longhorn will line up alongside Pro Bowler Albert Haynesworth in a pass rush type role. Many thought of Orakpo as a converted linebacker in a 3-4 system, but the Skins want to cause chaos amongst their divisional quarterbacks on a regular basis. Great pick.
3(16): CB Kevin Barnes – Nickel corner with great size, will most likely be a special teamer for his first year. Good potential.
Other Moves: After Orakpo and Barnes, the Redskins draft consists of mostly long shot players, projects, and special teamers. With no 2nd round pick and 4 picks late on day two, the Redskins draft really revolves around Orakpo. While fans might have wanted to see them trade down and gather more picks, we think sitting at 13 and grabbing a starter to add to an already stacked defense was very smart.
Draft Grade: B

Philadelphia Eagles
1(19): WR Jeremy Maclin – Nobody was more surprised than us by this pick. Andy Reid is not one for drafting receivers early, but when a player like Maclin falls this far, you need to break old habits of picking lineman and grab the best player available. Maclin will be an instant starter in the Eagles pass first offense, and should line up all over the field. Maclin is a lot like DeSean Jackson, only bigger.
2(21): RB LeSean McCoy – Maybe the only place McCoy could play early. He has huge upside, great hands, and the size to punch holes up the middle. Many had wished he’d stayed in school, but a year or two behind Westbrook is more educational.
5(17): TE Cornelius Ingram – Another offensive weapon? Fans must be losing their minds. Andy Reid has finally spent picks improving the offense, getting quality weapons for McNabb. Ingram’s stock fell due to an ACL injury, but scouts should have overlooked the injury as his skills as a receiver are excellent. Ingram is one of the top receiving tight ends in this draft.
Other Moves: Trading the 28th overall pick to Buffalo for Jason Peters gives the Eagles a high grade off the bat, but spending the first 3 picks on offensive weapons seals the deal. The Eagles also acquired Ellis Hobbs from NE for late round picks, while also adding an excellent nickel corner in Victor Harris. Might have been Andy Reid’s best draft in years.
Draft Grade: A+ Includes Jason Peters &Ellis Hobbs trade

New York Giants
1(29): WR Hakeem Nicks – Excellent receiver, and fits into the Giants system better than one might think. Nicks has great vision, plays tough, and adjusts well to poorly thrown balls (read into that how you want). Fans might have wanted Braylon or Anquan, but Nicks will do fine. Great pick.
2(13): LB Clint Sintim – Steal, we had Sintim going to the Falcons in the first round. This 6′3″, 260 lb linebacker will beef up the Giants, and will be a monster to watch for on every down.
3(28): OT William Beatty – Another great pick; Beatty also had a first round grade, giving the Giants an excellent start to the draft. Beatty will start most likely at guard or be used for depth, but he could become the starting right tackle sooner than many think.
3(21): WR Ramses Barden – Should find the field early, could fill the hole of Plaxico’s jump ball skills in the red zone. Good pick.
Other Moves: The Giants didn’t stop at Ramses Barden with grabbing excellent value in this draft class, on day 2 the G-Men snagged TE Travis Beckum for depth and RB Andre Brown who could replace Derrick Ward.
Draft Grade: A+ we loved the Giants draft, as they were patient yet productive with the needs at receiver and linebacker.


Dallas Cowboys
3(5): LB Jason Williams – Outstanding speed and quickness; the Cowboys were looking for depth in this draft, and Williams was a great start.
3(11): OT Robert Brewster – 50 game 4 year starter at Ball State as an Offensive Tackle. Will probably be moved to guard, but has the size, smarts, and feet to play at the next level. Good pick, adding depth.
4(1): QB Stephen McGee – Waste of a good player; Romo is young and there is no need for a backup QB after trading for Kitna. Great project for future, but could have been drafted later.
4(10): DE Victor Butler – Another player that will contribute on special teams; long shot to see playing time on defense.
4(20): DE Brandon Williams – Experts are saying he should have stayed in school, but the Cowboys see something in this kid. Williams has excellent pass rushing skills and a good frame to add muscle. Could be one of the gems of this draft class, good pick.
Other Moves: While no one thought the Cowboys would go through day one without a pick, day two turned out to be very productive. The Cowboys have gotten by far too long with no depth, and this draft should improve the little things that help win ball games. After drafting 5 players in the middle rounds, the Cowboys added another 7 players through rounds 5-7, grabbing everything from a kicker to a backup tight end. Time will be the ultimate test for this draft, as many of these players may not make the cut by week one. I’m sure the jury is still out for many fans.
Draft Grade: C -should have traded up.