NFC EAST

New York Giants 

• Kenny Phillips was projected to the NYG in every single mock draft created this year, so it wasn’t a big surprise that they took him. Phillips is a playmaker; he isn’t as fast as Ed Reed, but he has played with and trained with all those Miami safeties. Look for Phillips to step right in, and maybe even be an upgrade over the departed Gibril Wilson.
• Mario Manningham was a steal. I know about character issues and blah blah blah, but this guy now has a huge chip on his shoulder and he won’t be asked to step in right away. He’s going to learn from a similar player in Plaxico, and he does have the wheels, so don’t sleep on Mario. This will really strengthen the NYG receiver corps and should make Eli very happy.
• Adding another DB in Thomas from USC was a good move as well, because this division is full of passers and game breakers, especially at the TE position. The nickel package is now stronger, and the coverage safety is in the mix.  
• The Giants had another strong draft which got value and addressed needs.  Jerry Reese is starting to look like a genius, and he inherited a pretty good corps from Ernie Acorsi, so I see the Giants battling the Cowboys for this division.

 
Dallas   

• Felix Jones was the right pick, even with Mendenhall on the board. He might be better than Julius Jones as a rookie, and he knows how to be a complementary player from splitting carries with Run DMC. Look for Felix in some spread receiver sets and to be that speedy change of pace Dallas needs. Don’t forget, he averaged almost 7 yards per carry in the SEC, that’s amazing!
• Mike Jenkins is another great pick; he is a solid coverage corner and a big hitter, the kind of guy who makes receivers think twice about coming across the middle. With Terrance Newman and Pacman Jones, this might be the best secondary in the league.
• The Anthony Fasano trade was a little weird, but Martellus Bennet is a big man and won’t be asked to catch 50 balls. He’ll be asked to maul some fools in the run game, something he can and will do.
• Tashard Choice was another good pick for Dallas, and he adds depth to an already solid RB group.
• This draft, and another year of experience for Romo, means that Dallas is a pre-season favorite to make it to the Superbowl. 

 
Philadelphia  

• The trade with Carolina skews this draft a bit for Philly, but I think they got the better bargain in that deal. The always smart Eagles brain trust have now traded out of the 1st round 2 years in a row, which means no stupid 1st round contracts hanging around their necks, as well as the cap space to be aggressive for an Asante Samuel. I think the Eagles look good going forward, and those two 1st round picks next year could be very valuable.
• The Trevor Laws pick was a good choice; he’s not the pocket collapser/pass rusher everyone wants, but he is a 50-75 tackle run stopper and a high motor guy. Of course Andy Reid would pick a lineman; he knows the value of the trench fight, and he knows his division is a tough one, especially when the weather turns.
• Desean Jackson was a great pick in the 2nd round. He is already an elite PR/KR guy, which Philly hasn’t had in years, and he has the speed and athleticism to become a very good WR.
• Quintin Demps and Jack Ikegwuonu were good value picks, and should help Philly to defend those spread receiver sets which are so en vogue right now. Demps can learn from the master and maybe even replace Brian Dawkins in a year or two.
• The Eagles are always drafting for the future and rarely have players step in right away, but if Laws and Jackson can make an impact, then Philly might be back in the mix for a wildcard.

   
Washington  

• Honestly, this seemed like a fantasy draft. Two WRs and a TE? Good luck stopping the run with those guys. I just don’t know what Washington was thinking, didn’t they revamp their receivers through free agency just 2 years ago?
• The two receivers might be West-coast prototype, run after the catch guys, but when was the last time a rookie receiver lit it up in that system? Add to that the fact that they have a rookie head coach and a QB who’s on his 4th playbook in 3 years, and this just seems like Washington is rebuilding.
• I think Fred Davis benefited from playing at such a high profile school and with such a quality supporting cast, he just doesn’t seem like a playmaker to me.
• With so many picks, it looks like Washington will add a lot of depth, but it doesn’t say good things about your football team if you have that many open roster spots. A down year for the Redskins is on the horizon.