The 2009 NFL Draft is in the books, here is a look at the NFC East's Draft Summaries, by team.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys first pick wasn’t until round 3, and their only offensive selection was QB Stephen McGee in the 4th.
Summary: The Cowboys skill positions are strong & deep, the team just needs to take the next step in its development to be a top 5 offense perennially.
New York Giants
The Giants invested in two WR’s this draft (Hakeem Hicks in the 1st & Ramses Barden in the 3rd) and an offensive lineman, that they will develop to provide depth & skill to those respective positions.
Summary: Hakeem Hicks will be given an opportunity to start immediately opposite Dominick Hixon and/or Steve Smith, and Hicks could surprise with tremendous route running & hands, and veteran craftiness. Hicks could be the top rookie receiver and end up with WR3 type numbers. Barden on the other hand has huge upside but will take a couple years to develop. Eli Manning can rest knowing that he’ll have two new receivers to throw to.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles made a big splash on the offensive side of the ball over the past week, acquiring a two time all pro LT in Jason Peters, then drafting one of the top WR’s (Jeremy Maclin at #20) & RB’s (LeSean McCoy at #53) to complement strong core starters at those respective positions.
Summary: Maclin is just as explosive of a playmaker as last year’s rookie sensation DeSean Jackson. Expect the Eagles to start ’09 with Kevin Curtis & Jackson as its starters with Maclin in the rotation as the #3 guy and primary return man, but long-term it’ll be Maclin & Jackson providing both underneath & deep game breaking / running after the catch ability. McCoy is interesting, he is a Brian Westbrook like clone, and with BW crossing thirty years of age and never being a durable guy, he could be a bigger fantasy contributor in ’09 than anybody expects…he’ll start off as a RB4 and must have handcuff for Westbrook owners.
Washington Redskins
For once the Redskins focused on the defensive side of the ball and any of that Mark Sanchez trade circulation was just that. Their focus last year on receivers (Malcolm Kelly, Devin Thomas & TE Fred Davis) should pay off this year now that they all have had time to develop.
Summary: Expect Devin Thomas to become a bigger part of the offense this year with Fred Davis playing a complementary role at TE. Santana Moss may take a step back this year as the west coast offensive principles rely on bigger receivers as the featured guys. However any improvement offensively is contingent on QB Jason Campbell taking the next step in his development.
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