PFW Nawrocki: NFC East Post-Draft Analysis
Dallas
The Cowboys saw players they liked come off the board in Round Two — Max Unger was their target at No. 51 — and traded out of Day One. They were busy on Day Two, starting with OLB Jason Williams, who has the athleticism and blitzing ability to fit as a nickel ’backer, but he must play stronger and hone his instincts. A college right tackle, Robert Brewster projects inside, where depth is a need. He is a hard worker who started 50 college games. QB Stephen McGee is a player to watch with intangibles, leadership, toughness and the mobility to move behind a heavy O-line. Victor Butler and Brandon Williams are developmental nickel rushers. Butler might be more polished, but Williams has more upside. DeAngelo Smith is a press-zone corner who isn’t terribly athletic, and college teammate Mike Mickens has a great nose for the ball but doesn’t run fast and needs to stay healthy. Michael Hamlin is rangy and could play either safety spot. He might be better in the box. David Buehler has NFL leg strength and will be a kickoff specialist, with Nick Folk rarely driving touchbacks. Stephen Hodge is a bulked-up hitter but must make it on special teams. TE John Phillips is a solid blocker who does a little of everything. Manuel Johnson was overshadowed at Oklahoma and has tiny hands, but he showed big-play ability.
Nolan Nawrocki's scouting perspective — The Cowboys were without a first-round pick after dealing it, as well as third- and sixth-rounders, to Detroit to acquire WR Roy Williams, but owner Jerry Jones shrewdly moved down several times to pick up more late-round picks. Most of his selections were solid — even if he was forced to draft nickel LB Jason Williams earlier than he would in a normal draft — and have developmental potential. OG Robert Brewster, QB Stephen McGee and CB DeAngelo Smith could all become solid pros in time, and LB Stephen Hodge and PK David Buehler could both make an impact in special-teams coverage. Adding an elite receiving talent to a talented roster and filling many specialty roles gives this draft promise.
Grade: Good
Rd Pick Player Pos College
3 69 Jason Williams OLB Western Illinois
3 75 Robert Brewster OG Ball State
4 101 Stephen McGee QB Texas A&M
4 110 Victor Butler OLB Oregon State
4 120 Brandon Williams DE Texas Tech
5 143 DeAngelo Smith CB Cincinnati
5 166 Michael Hamlin FS Clemson
5 172 David Buehler PK USC
6 197 Stephen Hodge OLB TCU
6 208 John Phillips TE Virginia
7 227 Mike Mickens CB Cincinnati
7 229 Manuel Johnson WR Oklahoma
NY Giants
With no deal materializing for a veteran receiver, the Giants opted to stockpile pass catchers in WRs Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden and TE Travis Beckum. Nicks will have a chance to compete with Dominik Hixon as the starting split end. Hicks is big and attacks the ball, and he will win over fans and coaches with his competitiveness, sticky hands and ball skills. Barden has raw upside but could develop into a red-zone target at 6-foot-6 if he can learn to beat press coverage, read pro coverages and improve his route running. Beckum has been productive when healthy but is coming off a leg injury and was limited in pre-draft workouts. Beckum has the athleticism to be a nice contrast to starter Kevin Boss. In Round Two, the Giants grabbed LB Clint Sintim, who fits the team’s pressure packages but is in a crowded situation, and OT William Beatty, who can be groomed as a future left tackle. Andre Brown reminds some of the departed Derrick Ward with the strength, hands and contact balance to fit in the mix with Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw and Danny Ware. Brown’s durability, though, is a question. Rhett Bomar has the arm and competitveness worth developing; he’ll battle for the third spot with Andre’ Woodson. DeAndre Wright might be a step slow but has good ball skills and toughness. Stoney Woodson is nearly identical in size but faces a full roster.
Nolan Nawrocki's scouting perspective — Giants GM Jerry Reese accomplished his plan of adding playmakers for Eli Manning to replace the released Plaxico Burress, adding WR Hakeem Nicks, one-dimensional pass-catching TE Travis Beckum, RB Andre Brown and WR Ramses Barden, all of whom should make the roster and contribute as rookies. They also found great value in OLB Clint Sintim in the second round, upgrading an already strong pass rush. OT William Beatty has developmental potential, although his lack of passion may have been undervalued, as may have been the immaturity and injury history of Nicks, Beckum and Brown. A disciplinarian coach (Tom Coughlin) able to get the most out of his players makes it easier to take chances in New York, however, and the Giants likely added seven new bodies, including QB Rhett Bomar, to an already talented roster.
Grade: Good
Rd Pick Player Pos College
1 29 Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina
2 45 Clint Sintim OLB Virginia
2 60 Will Beatty OT Connecticut
3 85 Ramses Barden WR Cal Poly
3 100 Travis Beckum TE Wisconsin
4 129 Andre Brown RB North Carolina State
5 151 Rhett Bomar QB Sam Houston State
6 200 DeAndre Wright CB New Mexico
7 238 Stoney Woodson CB South Carolina
Philadelphia
Considering the team dealt two 2009 picks for OLT Jason Peters, the Eagles had quite a haul and even acquired *third-,* fifth- and sixth-round picks in ’10 to boot. Andy Reid didn’t target Jeremy Maclin but couldn’t pass on a top-10 talent who slid to the 19th slot. Maclin joins a deep WR corps and likely won’t start, but his speed and run-after-the-catch ability will put him in three- and four-WR sets. He also will vie for the punt- and kickoff-return duties. The Eagles added LeSean McCoy, who might lack a second gear but runs hard, catches the ball and has great inside vision. McCoy must get out of his bad cut-blocking habits to be the third-down back. With Sheldon Brown angering the team with his demands for a new contract, it acquired Patriots CB Ellis Hobbs, who will have a chance to start at right corner — whether or not Brown is traded — and drafted “Macho” Harris, a tough cover-2 defender. Serious medical red flags have been raised on TE Cornelius Ingram, but he has very good athletic ability and could be redshirted a la Jack Ikegwuonu if Ingram’s knee requires another surgery. A college left tackle, Fenuki Tupou has the size Reid likes but might have to move to guard and play tougher. Massive Paul Fanaika likely will battle Tupou for a reserve OG spot. Brandon Gibson is a possession “Z” receiver who might have trouble cracking a deep rotation. Moise Fokou is athletic and could help on special teams.
Nolan Nawrocki's scouting perspective — Andy Reid and GM Tom Heckert sacrificed the selection of OT Jeff Otah last year, trading the pick to Carolina for an additional first-rounder this year that they were able to use, along with a third-rounder, to acquire OLT Jason Peters from Buffalo. They also made a shrewd deal with the Patriots to acquire CB Ellis Hobbs for two fifth-round picks, coming away from this draft with two established veterans. Most impressive, however, was how they continued to work trades to upgrade the offense, adding a multipurpose playmaker in Jeremy Maclin and a change-of-pace back, LeSean McCoy, both of whom possess starter potential. Cornelius Ingram could turn out to be a steal in the fifth round when he recovers fully from a torn ACL, and CB Victor "Macho" Harris should find a role in sub packages. Overall, no team came away with as much proven talent as the Eagles did in this draft.
Grade: Outstanding
Rd Pick Player Pos College
1 19 Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri
2 53 LeSean "Shady" McCoy RB Pittsburgh
5 153 Cornelius Ingram TE Florida
5 157 Victor "Macho" Harris CB Virginia Tech
5 159 Fenuki Tupou OT Oregon
6 194 Brandon Gibson WR Washington State
7 213 Paul Fanaika OG Arizona State
7 230 Moise Fokou OLB Maryland
Washington
When Daniel Snyder failed to acquire Jay Cutler, many assumed the Redskins would sell out to trade up for USC’s Mark Sanchez, who more than piqued their interest. But with the Jets beating them to the punch, they instead waited for Brian Orakpo, one of the top five players on their board. Orakpo is incredibly strong and fiercely competitive, and he should have a great chance to play immediately. His technique and pass-rush arsenal are still raw, but Orakpo figures to get better under the tutelage of DL coach John Palermo, who has a history of developing young pass rushers. The Redskins addressed the defense again in Round Three with CB Kevin Barnes, who has good height and could match up with the NFC East’s big wideouts, but he must answer questions about durability and toughness and might not get on the field much right away in a deep secondary. A converted running back, LB Cody Glenn has intriguing upside and likely will make his mark as a special-teamer, especially if the team doesn’t re-sign Khary Campbell. The similarly sized Robert Henson probably will be restricted to special-teams and backup ILB duties. Eddie Williams is a hybrid fullback/H-back who has durability concerns, but he’s a smart, high-effort pass catcher who takes the game seriously and could complement Mike Sellers. WR Marko Mitchell is a size-speed prospect who might not have the hands or strength to make it.
Nolan Nawrocki's scouting perspective — Owner Dan Snyder and vice president of player personnel Vinny Cerrato aggressively tried to make some moves on Draft Day and were even willing to deal their first-round pick next year, but ultimately they were beaten out by the Jets to Mark Sanchez and had to settle for upgrading their defensive line. DE Brian Orakpo can bring heat off the edge, but CB Kevin Barnes is coming off injury and likely won’t see action early. LBs Cody Glenn and Robert Henson and WR Marko Mitchell are all developmental prospects with some character concerns who could struggle making the roster. However, the Redskins received great value last season by having acquired OG Randy Thomas for their 2009 fourth-round pick, even if injuries cloud his future. On the other hand, they had already parted ways with their '09 second-round pick, which they had given up last July for DE Jason Taylor, who has since been released, leaving a need for more youth and overall depth as priorities that were not addressed in this draft.
Grade: Average
Rd Pick Player Pos College
1 13 Brian Orakpo DE Texas
3 80 Kevin Barnes CB Maryland
5 158 Cody Glenn LB Nebraska
6 186 Robert Henson ILB TCU
7 221 Eddie Williams FB Idaho
7 243 Marko Mitchell WR Nevada
The Cowboys saw players they liked come off the board in Round Two — Max Unger was their target at No. 51 — and traded out of Day One. They were busy on Day Two, starting with OLB Jason Williams, who has the athleticism and blitzing ability to fit as a nickel ’backer, but he must play stronger and hone his instincts. A college right tackle, Robert Brewster projects inside, where depth is a need. He is a hard worker who started 50 college games. QB Stephen McGee is a player to watch with intangibles, leadership, toughness and the mobility to move behind a heavy O-line. Victor Butler and Brandon Williams are developmental nickel rushers. Butler might be more polished, but Williams has more upside. DeAngelo Smith is a press-zone corner who isn’t terribly athletic, and college teammate Mike Mickens has a great nose for the ball but doesn’t run fast and needs to stay healthy. Michael Hamlin is rangy and could play either safety spot. He might be better in the box. David Buehler has NFL leg strength and will be a kickoff specialist, with Nick Folk rarely driving touchbacks. Stephen Hodge is a bulked-up hitter but must make it on special teams. TE John Phillips is a solid blocker who does a little of everything. Manuel Johnson was overshadowed at Oklahoma and has tiny hands, but he showed big-play ability.
Nolan Nawrocki's scouting perspective — The Cowboys were without a first-round pick after dealing it, as well as third- and sixth-rounders, to Detroit to acquire WR Roy Williams, but owner Jerry Jones shrewdly moved down several times to pick up more late-round picks. Most of his selections were solid — even if he was forced to draft nickel LB Jason Williams earlier than he would in a normal draft — and have developmental potential. OG Robert Brewster, QB Stephen McGee and CB DeAngelo Smith could all become solid pros in time, and LB Stephen Hodge and PK David Buehler could both make an impact in special-teams coverage. Adding an elite receiving talent to a talented roster and filling many specialty roles gives this draft promise.
Grade: Good
Rd Pick Player Pos College
3 69 Jason Williams OLB Western Illinois
3 75 Robert Brewster OG Ball State
4 101 Stephen McGee QB Texas A&M
4 110 Victor Butler OLB Oregon State
4 120 Brandon Williams DE Texas Tech
5 143 DeAngelo Smith CB Cincinnati
5 166 Michael Hamlin FS Clemson
5 172 David Buehler PK USC
6 197 Stephen Hodge OLB TCU
6 208 John Phillips TE Virginia
7 227 Mike Mickens CB Cincinnati
7 229 Manuel Johnson WR Oklahoma
NY Giants
With no deal materializing for a veteran receiver, the Giants opted to stockpile pass catchers in WRs Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Barden and TE Travis Beckum. Nicks will have a chance to compete with Dominik Hixon as the starting split end. Hicks is big and attacks the ball, and he will win over fans and coaches with his competitiveness, sticky hands and ball skills. Barden has raw upside but could develop into a red-zone target at 6-foot-6 if he can learn to beat press coverage, read pro coverages and improve his route running. Beckum has been productive when healthy but is coming off a leg injury and was limited in pre-draft workouts. Beckum has the athleticism to be a nice contrast to starter Kevin Boss. In Round Two, the Giants grabbed LB Clint Sintim, who fits the team’s pressure packages but is in a crowded situation, and OT William Beatty, who can be groomed as a future left tackle. Andre Brown reminds some of the departed Derrick Ward with the strength, hands and contact balance to fit in the mix with Brandon Jacobs, Ahmad Bradshaw and Danny Ware. Brown’s durability, though, is a question. Rhett Bomar has the arm and competitveness worth developing; he’ll battle for the third spot with Andre’ Woodson. DeAndre Wright might be a step slow but has good ball skills and toughness. Stoney Woodson is nearly identical in size but faces a full roster.
Nolan Nawrocki's scouting perspective — Giants GM Jerry Reese accomplished his plan of adding playmakers for Eli Manning to replace the released Plaxico Burress, adding WR Hakeem Nicks, one-dimensional pass-catching TE Travis Beckum, RB Andre Brown and WR Ramses Barden, all of whom should make the roster and contribute as rookies. They also found great value in OLB Clint Sintim in the second round, upgrading an already strong pass rush. OT William Beatty has developmental potential, although his lack of passion may have been undervalued, as may have been the immaturity and injury history of Nicks, Beckum and Brown. A disciplinarian coach (Tom Coughlin) able to get the most out of his players makes it easier to take chances in New York, however, and the Giants likely added seven new bodies, including QB Rhett Bomar, to an already talented roster.
Grade: Good
Rd Pick Player Pos College
1 29 Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina
2 45 Clint Sintim OLB Virginia
2 60 Will Beatty OT Connecticut
3 85 Ramses Barden WR Cal Poly
3 100 Travis Beckum TE Wisconsin
4 129 Andre Brown RB North Carolina State
5 151 Rhett Bomar QB Sam Houston State
6 200 DeAndre Wright CB New Mexico
7 238 Stoney Woodson CB South Carolina
Philadelphia
Considering the team dealt two 2009 picks for OLT Jason Peters, the Eagles had quite a haul and even acquired *third-,* fifth- and sixth-round picks in ’10 to boot. Andy Reid didn’t target Jeremy Maclin but couldn’t pass on a top-10 talent who slid to the 19th slot. Maclin joins a deep WR corps and likely won’t start, but his speed and run-after-the-catch ability will put him in three- and four-WR sets. He also will vie for the punt- and kickoff-return duties. The Eagles added LeSean McCoy, who might lack a second gear but runs hard, catches the ball and has great inside vision. McCoy must get out of his bad cut-blocking habits to be the third-down back. With Sheldon Brown angering the team with his demands for a new contract, it acquired Patriots CB Ellis Hobbs, who will have a chance to start at right corner — whether or not Brown is traded — and drafted “Macho” Harris, a tough cover-2 defender. Serious medical red flags have been raised on TE Cornelius Ingram, but he has very good athletic ability and could be redshirted a la Jack Ikegwuonu if Ingram’s knee requires another surgery. A college left tackle, Fenuki Tupou has the size Reid likes but might have to move to guard and play tougher. Massive Paul Fanaika likely will battle Tupou for a reserve OG spot. Brandon Gibson is a possession “Z” receiver who might have trouble cracking a deep rotation. Moise Fokou is athletic and could help on special teams.
Nolan Nawrocki's scouting perspective — Andy Reid and GM Tom Heckert sacrificed the selection of OT Jeff Otah last year, trading the pick to Carolina for an additional first-rounder this year that they were able to use, along with a third-rounder, to acquire OLT Jason Peters from Buffalo. They also made a shrewd deal with the Patriots to acquire CB Ellis Hobbs for two fifth-round picks, coming away from this draft with two established veterans. Most impressive, however, was how they continued to work trades to upgrade the offense, adding a multipurpose playmaker in Jeremy Maclin and a change-of-pace back, LeSean McCoy, both of whom possess starter potential. Cornelius Ingram could turn out to be a steal in the fifth round when he recovers fully from a torn ACL, and CB Victor "Macho" Harris should find a role in sub packages. Overall, no team came away with as much proven talent as the Eagles did in this draft.
Grade: Outstanding
Rd Pick Player Pos College
1 19 Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri
2 53 LeSean "Shady" McCoy RB Pittsburgh
5 153 Cornelius Ingram TE Florida
5 157 Victor "Macho" Harris CB Virginia Tech
5 159 Fenuki Tupou OT Oregon
6 194 Brandon Gibson WR Washington State
7 213 Paul Fanaika OG Arizona State
7 230 Moise Fokou OLB Maryland
Washington
When Daniel Snyder failed to acquire Jay Cutler, many assumed the Redskins would sell out to trade up for USC’s Mark Sanchez, who more than piqued their interest. But with the Jets beating them to the punch, they instead waited for Brian Orakpo, one of the top five players on their board. Orakpo is incredibly strong and fiercely competitive, and he should have a great chance to play immediately. His technique and pass-rush arsenal are still raw, but Orakpo figures to get better under the tutelage of DL coach John Palermo, who has a history of developing young pass rushers. The Redskins addressed the defense again in Round Three with CB Kevin Barnes, who has good height and could match up with the NFC East’s big wideouts, but he must answer questions about durability and toughness and might not get on the field much right away in a deep secondary. A converted running back, LB Cody Glenn has intriguing upside and likely will make his mark as a special-teamer, especially if the team doesn’t re-sign Khary Campbell. The similarly sized Robert Henson probably will be restricted to special-teams and backup ILB duties. Eddie Williams is a hybrid fullback/H-back who has durability concerns, but he’s a smart, high-effort pass catcher who takes the game seriously and could complement Mike Sellers. WR Marko Mitchell is a size-speed prospect who might not have the hands or strength to make it.
Nolan Nawrocki's scouting perspective — Owner Dan Snyder and vice president of player personnel Vinny Cerrato aggressively tried to make some moves on Draft Day and were even willing to deal their first-round pick next year, but ultimately they were beaten out by the Jets to Mark Sanchez and had to settle for upgrading their defensive line. DE Brian Orakpo can bring heat off the edge, but CB Kevin Barnes is coming off injury and likely won’t see action early. LBs Cody Glenn and Robert Henson and WR Marko Mitchell are all developmental prospects with some character concerns who could struggle making the roster. However, the Redskins received great value last season by having acquired OG Randy Thomas for their 2009 fourth-round pick, even if injuries cloud his future. On the other hand, they had already parted ways with their '09 second-round pick, which they had given up last July for DE Jason Taylor, who has since been released, leaving a need for more youth and overall depth as priorities that were not addressed in this draft.
Grade: Average
Rd Pick Player Pos College
1 13 Brian Orakpo DE Texas
3 80 Kevin Barnes CB Maryland
5 158 Cody Glenn LB Nebraska
6 186 Robert Henson ILB TCU
7 221 Eddie Williams FB Idaho
7 243 Marko Mitchell WR Nevada
posted by The Gryphon at 7:13 AM
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