With the NFL Draft now in the books, we’re going team by team, division by division, breaking down how each group fared, with grades and a quick look ahead. We’re starting in the NFC East, and it’s a good place to begin.
You’d be hard pressed to find a division that had a better weekend. Everything seemed to fall into place, especially in round one, where each team landed high-end talent, often at a perceived discount. Just look at the Giants grabbing Arvell Reese at five after he was projected near the very top of the board, or Dallas landing Caleb Downs outside the top ten.
And it didn’t stop there. The value continued into days two and three, with picks that filled needs and avoided major reaches. There aren’t many obvious misses here, which made this division one of the tougher ones to grade.
Dallas Cowboys
Round 1 (No. 11, from MIA): S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Round 1 (No. 23, from PHI): EDGE Malachi Lawrence, UCF
Round 3 (No. 95): LB/EDGE Jaishawn Barham, Michigan
Round 4 (No. 112): OT Drew Shelton, Penn State
Round 4 (No. 114, from PHI): CB Devin Moore, Florida
Round 5 (No. 137, from PHI): EDGE LT Overton, Alabama
Round 7 (No. 218): WR Anthony Smith, East Carolina
*Also acquired LB Dee Winters via trade with San Francisco.
Christian Parker could not have asked for a better group to begin his tenure as defensive coordinator. It starts with Caleb Downs. The top player on many boards, including mine, Downs is an ultra-versatile defender who can line up anywhere from the slot to free safety. His instincts and feel for the game stand out immediately, and he will have a major role right away.
The Cowboys also attacked the front seven, adding multiple versatile defenders. Malachi Lawrence brings an explosive first step and a deep pass-rush arsenal, though he still needs to develop as a run defender. Jaishawn Barham helps balance that, working best as an outside linebacker who can diagnose and disrupt run schemes, even if coverage remains a question. LT Overton adds depth on the edge and should carve out a situational role early.
Drew Shelton and Devin Moore are both strong value picks. Shelton could push for the starting left tackle job and at minimum provides stability up front. Moore is a physical press corner with upside in Parker’s system, though he’ll need some refinement. Adding Dee Winters in the trade with San Francisco gives the linebacker room a reliable veteran presence.
This class checked every box for Dallas, addressing key needs while adding high-end talent. It’s hard to find many flaws here, and it stands as the best draft class in the NFC East.
Grade: A+
New York Giants
Round 1 (No. 5): EDGE/LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Round 1 (No. 10): OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
Round 2 (No. 37): CB Colton Hood, Tennessee
Round 3 (No. 74, from CLE): WR Malachi Fields, Notre Dame
Round 6 (No. 186): DT Bobby Jamison-Travis, Auburn
Round 6 (No. 192): OT J.C. Davis, Illinois
Round 6 (No. 193): LB Jack Kelly, BYU
New York made off like thieves in the first round, landing arguably the top edge and tackle prospects with incredible value relative to where they were projected. Arvell Reese is an athletic, instinctive linebacker who can impact all four downs. He may not be a full-time edge with Abdul Carter and Kayvon Thibodeaux in place, but his pass-rush ability will still show up in certain packages and blitz looks.
On the other side, Francis Mauigoa is a prototypical offensive tackle who should immediately upgrade the line. The question is where he plays. The Giants have a clear need at right guard, a position Mauigoa barely played in college. He has the talent to make that transition, but it’s not without risk and could affect his long-term development.
Colton Hood is a physical press corner with real man-coverage upside if he cleans up his technique. Malachi Fields brings size at 6-foot-4, 218 pounds and fits well alongside Malik Nabers, complementing his skill set rather than duplicating it.
The three sixth-round picks are more developmental depth pieces, but the early rounds are what matter here. The Giants addressed key needs and added high-end talent they likely didn’t expect to have available.
If not for the uncertainty around Mauigoa’s position, this would be an easy A+.
Grade: A
Philadelphia Eagles
Round 1 (No. 20, from DAL): WR Makai Lemon, USC
Round 2 (No. 54): TE Eli Stowers, Vanderbilt
Round 3 (No. 68): OT Markel Bell, Miami
Round 5 (No. 178): QB Cole Payton, North Dakota State
Round 6 (No. 207, from LAR): OG Micah Morris, Georgia
Round 7 (No. 244, from MIN): S Cole Wisniewski, Texas Tech
Round 7 (No. 251, from LAR): DT Uar Bernard, International Player Pathway Program
Round 7 (No. 252, from LAR): LB Keyshawn James-Newby
*Also acquired LB Jonathan Greenard via trade with Minnesota.
Philly may have signaled a shift at wide receiver with the move up for Makai Lemon. The 2025 Fred Biletnikoff Award winner is one of the most dangerous slot weapons in this class. He’s electric in space, creates separation with ease, and has extremely reliable hands. His size and speed won’t scare anyone, but the way he plays more than makes up for it.
Their second pick didn’t address an immediate need, but Eli Stowers brings long-term upside. A former quarterback, he fits more of an oversized slot receiver role than a traditional blocking tight end. He’s at his best on quick-hitting routes with the ball in his hands, with enough ability to stretch the field as well. Learning behind Dallas Goedert should help accelerate his development.
Markel Bell and Jonathan Greenard round out the most impactful additions. Bell is massive at 6-foot-9, 346 pounds, and didn’t allow a sack last season, though speed rushers can still give him trouble. Greenard adds proven production off the edge, with multiple double-digit sack seasons and a clear role in boosting the pass rush.
The only real question mark is Uar Bernard, an intriguing athlete who has yet to play organized football.
Grade: A-
Washington Commanders
Round 1 (No. 7): LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Round 3 (No. 71): WR Antonio Williams, Clemson
Round 5 (No. 147): EDGE Joshua Josephs, Tennessee
Round 6 (No. 187): RB Kaytron Allen, Penn State
Round 6 (No. 209, from SF): C Matt Gulbin, Michigan State
Round 7 (No. 223): QB Athan Kaliakmanis, Rutgers
There may not have been a better fit in this draft than Sonny Styles to a Dan Quinn defense, and the Commanders didn’t have to move up to get him. He’s an elite athlete with rare range and versatility, and it shows up on tape. His game leans more toward coverage than pass rushing, but he should be able to line up all over the second level for Washington.
Jayden Daniels gets another weapon in Antonio Williams. He’s a reliable slot option with strong hands and the ability to create after the catch. While he may not profile as a true No. 1, he is a nice complement alongside Terry McLaurin and gives this offense another dependable target.
The rest of the class is solid but doesn’t move the needle much. Kaytron Allen brings vision and physicality, even if he lacks big-play upside. Josephs and Gulbin could carve out situational roles, while Kaliakmanis simply brings potential depth at quarterback.
Washington hit on its first two picks, but the lack of clear long-term contributors later on keeps this from grading higher.
Grade: B
AFC East
AFC North
AFC South
AFC West
NFC East
NFC North
NFC South
NFC West
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