In a dreary draft class, the NFC East shines

By Scouts Inc.
ESPN.com

Editor's note: Scouts Inc.'s philosophy is to wait three years before judging a draft class. As the 2008 draft approaches, we are looking back at the 2005 draft to determine how teams fared.

This draft class has been a major reason that the NFC East is one of toughest divisions in the NFL. The Cowboys drafted a franchise player in the first round with DeMarcus Ware, the Giants drafted key pieces of their Super Bowl team, the Eagles saved their draft in Round 5 with Trent Cole and the Redskins have their quarterback of the future. Let's take a team-by-team look at the NFC East's 2005 draft class.

Dallas Cowboys
This draft class has really built the foundation for what they have become today, especially on the defensive side of the ball. Ware, along with San Diego's Shawne Merriman, are the two best players in this draft class. DE Marcus Spears has underachieved at times, but is a good starter. Day 2 picks RB Marion Barber, DE Chris Canty and NT Jay Ratliff were steals.