Inside the War Room: NFC East

[Gryphon]

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

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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

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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

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The Washington Commanders

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 Commanders 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 Commanders 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 Commanders 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 Commanders 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 Commanders 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

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[speedkilz88]

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.

Hello, that was Bill Parcells wanting those positions and then Wade last year because Parcells whiffed on the guy the year before.


And you didn't seem to have a problem with the Giants drafting those positions heavily.

The Giants, in recent years, have selected a slue of defensive ends and linebackers, and their outstanding pass rush was evidence of that.

- 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.

Hello? Maybe he meant offensive player?

 

[ABQcowboyJR]

I think our draft from last year was at the very least a B-.

 

[Rampage]

I think our draft from last year was at the very least a B-.

i agree with the grade they gave. we found our kicker and what looks to be our future LOLB. but i think we wasted a pick on stanback and everything else is to be determined.

 

[speedkilz88]

The kicker was a pro bowl player, normally you get a pretty good grade when your 6th round pick is a pro bowl player as a rookie.

 

[dmoore]

That was a very poorly written article. We haven't gotten a lot of immediate contributions from are picks outside of Folk, but I still think we had a pretty solid draft. You're not going to have many rookies starting for a 13-3 team. That's just a fact.

 

[AmishCowboy]

That was a very poorly written article. We haven't gotten a lot of immediate contributions from are picks outside of Folk, but I still think we had a pretty solid draft. You're not going to have many rookies starting for a 13-3 team. That's just a fact.

Agreed!.

 

[ABQcowboyJR]

i agree with the grade they gave. we found our kicker and what looks to be our future LOLB. but i think we wasted a pick on stanback and everything else is to be determined.

We did not find any stars but what we did find were solid players. Who knows maybe spencer does turn out to be a star.

 

[speedkilz88]

We did not find any stars but what we did find were solid players. Who knows maybe spencer does turn out to be a star.

That didn't hurt the eagles grade either. He gives credit to Reid for making Kolb a possible pro bowler.

 

[Rampage]

We did not find any stars but what we did find were solid players. Who knows maybe spencer does turn out to be a star.

pssshhhh! nick folk>tony romo

 

[ABQcowboyJR]

pssshhhh! nick folk>tony romo

lol well he has the 'clutch' in the bag

 

[Maxmadden]

i agree with the grade they gave. we found our kicker and what looks to be our future LOLB. but i think we wasted a pick on stanback and everything else is to be determined.

I think Stanbeck has been overhyped, but I'm willing to give him at least 2 seasons before I call him a wasted pick. He was coming off an injury, switching positions, and making the transition to the NFL......Good thing we didn't judge Romo after his first season.

 

[Boysboy]

I think Stanbeck has been overhyped, but I'm willing to give him at least 2 seasons before I call him a wasted pick. He was coming off an injury, switching positions, and making the transition to the NFL......Good thing we didn't judge Romo after his first season.

FWIW-it's probably better for the coaching staffs to sit rookies(mostly the lower round ones, that is) on the bench(to learn). Andy Reid does it all the time-to his credit, alot of them end up developing nicely afterwards.

With that being said-I think Stanback will be a good player.

 

[TEUFELI]

That was a very poorly written article. We haven't gotten a lot of immediate contributions from are picks outside of Folk, but I still think we had a pretty solid draft. You're not going to have many rookies starting for a 13-3 team. That's just a fact.

How many starters/contributors should you expect on the NFL championship team?

 

[big dog cowboy]

- 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-

Spencer - real deal
Martin and Free - were not going to play as rookies
Stanback - red shirt year
Folk - real deal
Courtney and Ball - were not going to play as rookies

How in the world could you possible give that draft class any grade? The guys that did hit the field played good. The others were not expected to play or contribute as rookies. That is why you can't grade a draft class until they have played three years.

 

[ABQcowboyJR]

Spencer - real deal
Martin and Free - were not going to play as rookies
Stanback - red shirt year
Folk - real deal
Courtney and Ball - were not going to play as rookies

How in the world could you possible give that draft class any grade? The guys that did hit the field played good. The others were not expected to play or contribute as rookies. That is why you can't grade a draft class until they have played three years.

agreed. It was a pretty solid team going into the draft anyway.

 

[Boysboy]

Spencer - real deal
Martin and Free - were not going to play as rookies
Stanback - red shirt year
Folk - real deal
Courtney and Ball - were not going to play as rookies

How in the world could you possible give that draft class any grade? The guys that did hit the field played good. The others were not expected to play or contribute as rookies. That is why you can't grade a draft class until they have played three years.

On a side note-why is it that the Eagles get nothing but praise with their drafts every year? Remember when everyone was saying Jeremy Bloom and "Nasty Nate" Iobla(sp) were *big steals* in their recent drafts?(Even Goose Gosselin was gushing over them as well)

 

[Bach]

Hello, that was Bill Parcells wanting those positions and then Wade last year because Parcells whiffed on the guy the year before.

You're right. Those were Parcells picks.

Surprised you haven't been called out for saying it though.

 

[dmoore]

How many starters/contributors should you expect on the NFL championship team?

The Giants had a hell of a draft, I'll give them that, but their rookies were contributors because the opportunity arose for them to see the field, mostly because of necessity. Let's assume we had the Giants draft last year, how many of those guys do you think contribute? Ross and Smith maybe? I'm sure going into the season the Giants didn't want to have to depend on contributions from their rookie class, but it turned out for the best for them. Our class can't be graded yet, but I'll say it's encouraging that so many from our class made the team.

 

[hendog]

The Giants had a hell of a draft, I'll give them that, but their rookies were contributors because the opportunity arose for them to see the field, mostly because of necessity. Let's assume we had the Giants draft last year, how many of those guys do you think contribute? Ross and Smith maybe? I'm sure going into the season the Giants didn't want to have to depend on contributions from their rookie class, but it turned out for the best for them. Our class can't be graded yet, but I'll say it's encouraging that so many from our class made the team.

Quit making sense.