I'm Back

Well, that was an interesting weekend. What with me moving, two more arrests in the NFL, and a whole bunch of rookie free agents finding homes.

But, I'll get back to that later, first, here is the NFC East.
Dallas Cowboys (2007 record: 13-3)
Number of picks: 6
Best Pick: CB Mike Jenkins (25th overall)
Sleeper Watch: RB Tashard Choice (122nd overall)
Analysis: Well, the Cowboys did two of the three things they said they would do. They selected their complementary back for Marion Barber in Felix Jones. Jones has great speed, and will look to be a solid option out of the backfield as well. They also got their cornerback depth, by selecting Jenkins in the first round, as well as Orlando Scandrick in the fifth. Jenkins has good size (6'0, 200) and speed and should be an effective nickel back. The position they did not address was WR, but they drafted TE Martellus Bennett at the end of the second round. Bennett is more suited for blocking, and thi pick surely came as a result of trading away Anthony Fasano. In Choice they get another of the top backs in this draft. Choice is bigger than most thought, and has the power to be a decent third back. In the later rounds they went after a smaller defensive end who will likely be moved to LB in the pros.
GRADE: B+

New York Giants (2007 record: 10-6)
Number of picks: 7
Best pick: S Kenny Phillips (31st overall)
Sleeper Watch: WR Mario Manningham (95th overall)
Analysis: The Super Bowl champs didn`t have many holes to fill. They went after Phillips at the end of the first round to replace the departed Gibril Wilson. Phillips comes from the safety machine that is Miami (Fla) and has the skills to start right away. In the second round they took the 6`1 cornerback Terrell Thomas from USC. Thomas has long arms and should be able to be an effective starter at either CB or safety. In Manningham they get a guy who some thought was the best receiver in this class. The problom is his character. If they can get him focused and ready to play, they will have a solid option for Eli Manning. A second possible sleeper for the Giants is QB Andre Woodson who they selected in the sixth round. Woodson is agile, and can move in the pocket, but some question his throwing motion. Might have been picked on the first day if it wasn`t for bad showings at the Combine and the Senior Bowl. The Giants also drafted two linebackers and a defensive end.
Grade: B+

Philadelphia Eagles (2007 record: 8-8)
Number of picks: 10
Best pick: WR Deshean Jackson (49th overall)
Sleeper Watch: CB Jack Ikegwuonu (131st overall)
Analysis: The Eagles had a bunch of picks, and used them very well. They traded out of the first round, and their first pick was DT Trevor Laws. Laws is a bit undersized, but dominated playing both DT and DE at Notre Dame. In Jackson, the Eagles get a great speed threat for Donovan McNabb. He also brings value in the return game. In the third round the Eagles selected small-school LB Bryan Smith, who has a similar stature to the Colt`s Robert Mathis. From there they selected a tank lineman named Mike McGlynn. At 6`5, 318 he has the potential to play either guard or tackle in the pros. In Ikegwuonu, they get great value at the end of the fourth round. His stock dropped after he suffered an ACL tear in January, but if healthy he could be a great nickel option for the Eagles. They also drafted a free safety, two more offensive linemen and two more linebackers.
Grade: A-

Washington Redskins (2007 record: 9-7)
Number of picks: 10
Best pick: WR Devin Thomas (34th overall)
Sleeper Watch: QB Colt Brennan (186th overall)
Analysis: They were determined to give Jason Campbell weapons, and they did it. In the second round alone they took two WRs and a TE. In Thomas (6`2) and Malcolm Kelly (6`4) they get two huge WR targets. Both lack speed, but could be developed into great possessions guys to take coverage away from Santana Moss. They also selected TE Fred Davis. Davis has great hands, and should be a great back up for Cris Cooley. From there they took gigantic OT Chad Rhinehart. At 6`5, 320 he could be a great back up, or an immediate starter. Two cornerbacks and a defensive tackle later, Brennan comes off the board. One of the most prolific passers in NCAA history, Brennan has the potential to be a great NFL QB. But, like Andre Woodson, he suffered from bad showings at the Combine and Senior Bowl. Plus, he has to battle with Campbell and veteran Todd Collins for playing time. In the later rounds, they took another defensive lineman and a safety.
Grade: A

In other news now:
-> Bear's RB Cedric Benson was arrested (and then posted bail) on charges of boating under the influence and resisting arrest.
-> Falcon's LB Michael Boley was arrested and charged with battery
-> Former Seahawk Shaun Alexander is visiting the New Orleans Saints next. If he ever wants to play again....don't become a Saint.

Well, I'm back, for today at least. Next time we journey north, the NFC North actually.