Dane Brugler NFC East Draft Analysis

Stolen by Joey Esquire

1. Washington Redskins

Favorite pick: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State
After all the talk about the Redskins trading up to land a quarterback, they stand pat at No. 15 and draft the top quarterback prospect on my board. There is no question that there are areas in which he needs to improve, but I’m a believer in his arm (velocity and accuracy) and what he offers above the neck. Washington had terrific value with Montez Sweat at No. 26 and Kelvin Harmon at No. 206 — both will outplay those spots.

Questionable pick: Wes Martin, OG, Indiana
A three-year starter for the Hoosiers, Martin is a powerful blocker with the awareness and body position to outmaneuver defenders. However, he doesn’t play with ideal quickness, and I thought there were better guard options on the board when they drafted. Martin has starting potential if he tweaks a few things to help mask his heavy feet.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Cole Holcomb, LB, North Carolina
The Redskins cleaned up on Day 3 with value picks like RB Bryce Love, WR Kelvin Harmon and CB Jimmy Moreland. But Holcomb really stands out as a player who will surprise due to his nose for the football and play speed. The Washington coaches will love his combination of intangibles, athleticism and toughness.

8. Philadelphia Eagles

Favorite pick: Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State
One of my favorite picks in the entire draft, the Eagles traded up two spots to secure one of the best players in the draft. With Jason Peters slowing down, Dillard immediately strengthens the left tackle spot if Peters misses any time, and he also gives Philadelphia a long-term answer.

Questionable pick: Shareef Miller, EDGE, Penn State
The fourth round felt a tad rich for Miller, who is a solid run defender and plays hard but doesn’t have the athletic profile to consistently threaten as a pass-rusher.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Clayton Thorson, QB, Northwestern
Hopefully for the Eagles, we don’t need to see Thorson on the field because Carson Wentz stays healthy and starts all 16 games. But Thorson has the intangibles that will pay dividends behind the scenes. He also has the skill set to eventually beat out Nate Sudfeld and be a reliable backup.

26. New York Giants

Favorite pick: Julian Love, CB, Notre Dame
In only three years at Notre Dame, Love set a school record with 44 passes defended. He lacks ideal size and speed by NFL standards for the position, but his combination of velvet feet, intelligence and ball skills are a steal outside of the top-100 selections.

Questionable pick: Dexter Lawrence, DT, Clemson
While the Giants drafted quarterback Daniel Jones much higher than his tape warranted, I can understand that selection more than a two-down run stuffer in the top-20 picks. Lawrence is a rare athlete for his size, but there were better, more impactful players available.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Darius Slayton, WR, Auburn
Although his game lacks consistency, Slayton has tremendous speed with the size (6-1, 190 pounds) and length (32 3/4-inch arms) to pluck the ball away from his frame. He averaged 20.3 yards per catch over his career and offers high upside as a developmental receiver.

31. Dallas Cowboys

Favorite pick: Connor McGovern, OG/C, Penn State
The Cowboys drafted a higher-rated player in the third round than the second round. McGovern has experience at center and guard and gives the Cowboys a nasty run blocker with upside as a pass protector. His versatility will give the Cowboys options up front in the future, like possibly moving Connor Williams outside to tackle.

Questionable pick: Trysten Hill, DT, UCF
Without a first-round pick, the Cowboys weren’t going to be high on this list, but it is understandable why many fans aren’t excited about Hill, their top pick in the draft. He butted heads with coaches (and teammates) at UCF and needs time to develop. This pick felt like a reach because of their desire to land a high-upside three-technique in a draft with limited options at that position.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Michael Jackson Sr., CB, Miami (Fla.)
Jackson was thought to be a top-100 pick over the summer, but he didn’t quite have the senior year many expected with only six passes defended and zero interceptions. But the size/speed traits are worth betting on in the fifth round, and defensive assistant Kris Richard has a track record of developing long, speedy corners into quality contributors.