Inside the War Room: NFC East
In their bi-weekly column, writers Luke Paul Chandler and Dave Gardner will be describing each team’s last draft class, top needs and draft strategies all the way up until the draft. Today, Dave takes a look at the NFC East.
By Dave Gardner
The Dallas Cowboys
Draft Strategy
It’s no secret that Jerry Jones has the final say in Dallas. He has two main flaws as a drafter: he likes big names, and he tends to overstock the cupboards at certain positions. In the last three drafts, the Cowboys have selected defensive linemen or linebackers with four of their last first-round picks; they’ve also selected three tight ends in the last five drafts. It’s widely assumed that Jones wants to trade up for Darren McFadden, but with two first round picks, the Cowboys will likely stay put. They need to add depth at several positions, especially at the offensive skill positions.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round Picked in Parentheses): Anthony Spencer (1), James Martin (3), Isiah Stanback (4), Doug Free (4), Nick Folk (6), Deon Anderson (6), Courtney (7), Alan Ball (7). Grade: C-
- Comments: The Cowboys got the most production out of Anthony Spencer and Nick Folk in this class. Spencer, a starter for the first six weeks of the season, lost the job to Comeback POY, Greg Ellis. Folk, however, connected on 26-31 of his field goals and didn’t misfire on any extra points. Deon Anderson was the only player to start a game from this draft class. Other players contributed throughout this class, but no one proved exceptional.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: S Keith Davis (Miami), DT Jason Freguson (traded, Miami), FC Oliver Hoyte (Kansas City), RB Julius Jones (Seattle), CB Nathan Jones (Miami), CB Jacques Reeves (Houston)
- Key Additions: LB Zach Thomas (Miami)
- Top Remaining Needs: Cornerback, running back, wide receiver, offensive guard, offensive tackle, 3-4 defensive end, quarterback
————————————————————————————–
The New York Giants
Draft Strategy
In his first season on the job, Giants general manager Jerry Reese certainly proved his worth. The Giants, in recent years, have selected a slue of defensive ends and linebackers, and their outstanding pass rush was evidence of that. They did not select any position twice last year, and that has been a trend for them. They had trouble in the previous regime of scouting defensive backs, but Reese turned that around with the selections of Aaron Ross and Michael Johnson. Most importantly, years after the famed Eli Manning trade with the Chargers, the Giants have been vindicated. They need to address the back end of the defense and the linebacking corps in this draft.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round Picked in Parentheses): Aaron Ross (1), Steve Smith (2), Jay Alford (3), Zak DeOssie (4), Kevin Boss (5), Adam Koets (6), Michael Johnson (7), Ahmad Bradshaw (7). A+
- Comments: This was definitely the best draft of last season. All eight players from his first draft made the team, and seven of them made significant contributions throughout the season. The only one who didn’t, offensive tackle Adam Koets, was on injured reserve. This class wasn’t involved in the 0-2 start, but were the main contributors in the Giants amazing playoff run. In the Super Bowl, Bradshaw had a game-high 45 yards and Jay Alford recorded a final and extremely memorable planting of Tom Brady.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: K Shane Andrews (Indianapolis), DT William Joseph (Oakland), LB Kawika Mitchell (Buffalo), LB Reggie Torbor (Miami), S Gibril Wilson (Oakland)
- Key Additions: QB David Carr (Carolina), LB Danny Clark (Houston), S Sammy Knight (Jacksonville)
- Top Remaining Needs: Safety, inside linebacker, outside linebacker, cornerback, offensive tackle, wide receiver/returner, quarterback
————————————————————————————–
The Philadelphia Eagles
Draft Strategy
The Eagles are consistently one of the better drafting teams in the league. They choose the best player available on their boards, and they aren’t afraid of releasing successful veterans whom they feel will no longer be contributors. Some picks have been controversial to the fans, but under coach Andy Reid, the Eagles have been one of the most consistently good teams in football. Since 2000, they’ve selected at least one star in every draft. The Eagles will look to add help for Donovan McNabb, especially at wide receiver, while shoring up depth on both lines.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round Picked in Parentheses): Kevin Kolb (2), Victor Abiamiri (2), Stewart Bradley (3), Tony Hunt (3), C.J. Gaddis (5), Brent Celek (5), Rashad Barksdale (6), Nate Illaoa (7). Grade: B-
- Comments: Some consider this draft a bust for the Eagles because it didn’t have any immediate contributors. However, Andy Reid is one of the best quarterback coaches in the league, and Kevin Kolb has a potential to be a Pro Bowler for many years after McNabb’s tenure in Philly is over. Other players such as Abiamari, Bradley and Celek saw considerable playing time and should be building blocks for the future.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: CB Will James (Buffalo), DE Jevon Kearse (Tennessee), LB Takeo Spikes, FB Thomas Tapeh (Minnesota), FB Thomas Tapeh (Minnesota)
- Key Additions: LB Rocky Boiman (Indianapolis), DE Chris Clemons (Oakland), DT/FB Dan Klecko (Indianapolis), CB Asante Samuel (New England), TE/FB Kris Wilson (Kansas City)
- Top Remaining Needs: Wide receiver, defensive end, safety, offensive tackle, defensive tackle, return specialist, punter
————————————————————————————–
The Washington Redskins
Draft Strategy
It’s hard to determine the draft strategy of a team that trades away all of its picks. In the past three drafts, the Redskins have selected only 17 players, and just eight of them are still with the team. That’s an extremely poor draft record, and despite making the playoffs in two out of the last four seasons, the Redskins need to learn to build for the future, not for the present. With new head coach Jim Zorn and general manager Vinny Cerrato not making any plays in free agency. They’ll have every pick this draft except for their fourth rounder, used in a three-way trade in which they gained running back T.J. Duckett. The Redskins need to add players who can rush the passer, and who can help their passer, Jason Campbell, develop into the star he can be.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round Picked in Parentheses): LaRon Landry (1), Dallas Startz (5), H.B. Blades (6), Jordan Palmer (6), Tyler Ecker (7). Grade: D
- Comments: Of the five players that the Redskins selected, only two even made the team. But, as is explained above, that came as no surprise. The two remaining players they did select, however, played very well and should be starters on their defense for many years to come. LaRon Landry didn’t justify being picked sixth overall, but he did show some promise that he could one day. H.B. Blades was forced into the starting lineup late in the season.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: Do not adjust your screens: The Redskins really haven’t added anyone through free agency… really.
- Key Additions: QB Mark Brunell (New Orleans), WR Reche Caldwell (St. Louis), WR Brandon Lloyd (Chicago), CB David Macklin (St. Louis)
- Top Remaining Needs: Defensive end, safety, offensive guard, offensive tackle, cornerback, inside linebacker, kicker/punter
By Dave Gardner
The Dallas Cowboys
Draft Strategy
It’s no secret that Jerry Jones has the final say in Dallas. He has two main flaws as a drafter: he likes big names, and he tends to overstock the cupboards at certain positions. In the last three drafts, the Cowboys have selected defensive linemen or linebackers with four of their last first-round picks; they’ve also selected three tight ends in the last five drafts. It’s widely assumed that Jones wants to trade up for Darren McFadden, but with two first round picks, the Cowboys will likely stay put. They need to add depth at several positions, especially at the offensive skill positions.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round Picked in Parentheses): Anthony Spencer (1), James Martin (3), Isiah Stanback (4), Doug Free (4), Nick Folk (6), Deon Anderson (6), Courtney (7), Alan Ball (7). Grade: C-
- Comments: The Cowboys got the most production out of Anthony Spencer and Nick Folk in this class. Spencer, a starter for the first six weeks of the season, lost the job to Comeback POY, Greg Ellis. Folk, however, connected on 26-31 of his field goals and didn’t misfire on any extra points. Deon Anderson was the only player to start a game from this draft class. Other players contributed throughout this class, but no one proved exceptional.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: S Keith Davis (Miami), DT Jason Freguson (traded, Miami), FC Oliver Hoyte (Kansas City), RB Julius Jones (Seattle), CB Nathan Jones (Miami), CB Jacques Reeves (Houston)
- Key Additions: LB Zach Thomas (Miami)
- Top Remaining Needs: Cornerback, running back, wide receiver, offensive guard, offensive tackle, 3-4 defensive end, quarterback
————————————————————————————–
The New York Giants
Draft Strategy
In his first season on the job, Giants general manager Jerry Reese certainly proved his worth. The Giants, in recent years, have selected a slue of defensive ends and linebackers, and their outstanding pass rush was evidence of that. They did not select any position twice last year, and that has been a trend for them. They had trouble in the previous regime of scouting defensive backs, but Reese turned that around with the selections of Aaron Ross and Michael Johnson. Most importantly, years after the famed Eli Manning trade with the Chargers, the Giants have been vindicated. They need to address the back end of the defense and the linebacking corps in this draft.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round Picked in Parentheses): Aaron Ross (1), Steve Smith (2), Jay Alford (3), Zak DeOssie (4), Kevin Boss (5), Adam Koets (6), Michael Johnson (7), Ahmad Bradshaw (7). A+
- Comments: This was definitely the best draft of last season. All eight players from his first draft made the team, and seven of them made significant contributions throughout the season. The only one who didn’t, offensive tackle Adam Koets, was on injured reserve. This class wasn’t involved in the 0-2 start, but were the main contributors in the Giants amazing playoff run. In the Super Bowl, Bradshaw had a game-high 45 yards and Jay Alford recorded a final and extremely memorable planting of Tom Brady.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: K Shane Andrews (Indianapolis), DT William Joseph (Oakland), LB Kawika Mitchell (Buffalo), LB Reggie Torbor (Miami), S Gibril Wilson (Oakland)
- Key Additions: QB David Carr (Carolina), LB Danny Clark (Houston), S Sammy Knight (Jacksonville)
- Top Remaining Needs: Safety, inside linebacker, outside linebacker, cornerback, offensive tackle, wide receiver/returner, quarterback
————————————————————————————–
The Philadelphia Eagles
Draft Strategy
The Eagles are consistently one of the better drafting teams in the league. They choose the best player available on their boards, and they aren’t afraid of releasing successful veterans whom they feel will no longer be contributors. Some picks have been controversial to the fans, but under coach Andy Reid, the Eagles have been one of the most consistently good teams in football. Since 2000, they’ve selected at least one star in every draft. The Eagles will look to add help for Donovan McNabb, especially at wide receiver, while shoring up depth on both lines.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round Picked in Parentheses): Kevin Kolb (2), Victor Abiamiri (2), Stewart Bradley (3), Tony Hunt (3), C.J. Gaddis (5), Brent Celek (5), Rashad Barksdale (6), Nate Illaoa (7). Grade: B-
- Comments: Some consider this draft a bust for the Eagles because it didn’t have any immediate contributors. However, Andy Reid is one of the best quarterback coaches in the league, and Kevin Kolb has a potential to be a Pro Bowler for many years after McNabb’s tenure in Philly is over. Other players such as Abiamari, Bradley and Celek saw considerable playing time and should be building blocks for the future.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: CB Will James (Buffalo), DE Jevon Kearse (Tennessee), LB Takeo Spikes, FB Thomas Tapeh (Minnesota), FB Thomas Tapeh (Minnesota)
- Key Additions: LB Rocky Boiman (Indianapolis), DE Chris Clemons (Oakland), DT/FB Dan Klecko (Indianapolis), CB Asante Samuel (New England), TE/FB Kris Wilson (Kansas City)
- Top Remaining Needs: Wide receiver, defensive end, safety, offensive tackle, defensive tackle, return specialist, punter
————————————————————————————–
The Washington Redskins
Draft Strategy
It’s hard to determine the draft strategy of a team that trades away all of its picks. In the past three drafts, the Redskins have selected only 17 players, and just eight of them are still with the team. That’s an extremely poor draft record, and despite making the playoffs in two out of the last four seasons, the Redskins need to learn to build for the future, not for the present. With new head coach Jim Zorn and general manager Vinny Cerrato not making any plays in free agency. They’ll have every pick this draft except for their fourth rounder, used in a three-way trade in which they gained running back T.J. Duckett. The Redskins need to add players who can rush the passer, and who can help their passer, Jason Campbell, develop into the star he can be.
A Look Back
- Picks (Round Picked in Parentheses): LaRon Landry (1), Dallas Startz (5), H.B. Blades (6), Jordan Palmer (6), Tyler Ecker (7). Grade: D
- Comments: Of the five players that the Redskins selected, only two even made the team. But, as is explained above, that came as no surprise. The two remaining players they did select, however, played very well and should be starters on their defense for many years to come. LaRon Landry didn’t justify being picked sixth overall, but he did show some promise that he could one day. H.B. Blades was forced into the starting lineup late in the season.
Free Agency Free-For-All
- Key Losses: Do not adjust your screens: The Redskins really haven’t added anyone through free agency… really.
- Key Additions: QB Mark Brunell (New Orleans), WR Reche Caldwell (St. Louis), WR Brandon Lloyd (Chicago), CB David Macklin (St. Louis)
- Top Remaining Needs: Defensive end, safety, offensive guard, offensive tackle, cornerback, inside linebacker, kicker/punter
posted by The Gryphon at 9:09 PM
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