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NFC East off-season grades 2023
(Photo by Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire)

NFC East Off-Season Grades 2023

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Philadelphia Eagles

Draft:

  • Round 1 Picks: Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith.
  • Undrafted Rookie Free-Agent Class: The Eagles also added an impressive undrafted rookie free-agent class.

Free Agency:

Coaching Changes:

  • Promotions and Additions:
    • Brian Johnson: Promoted to Offensive Coordinator.
    • Sean Desai: Added as Defensive Coordinator.
    • D.J. Eliot: Added as Linebackers Coach.

Overall Offseason Grade: A

The Eagles managed to retain key veterans crucial to their success and made some significant additions through the draft. They lost some players but made the most of their opportunities in free agency and the draft. The coaching changes also seem promising, and the team appears to be in a strong position to compete in the upcoming season.

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New York Giants

Giants Draft:

  • Round 1 (Pick No. 24): CB Deonte Banks
  • Round 2 (Pick No. 57): C John Michael Schmitz
  • Round 3 (Pick No. 73): WR Jalin Hyatt
  • Round 5 (Pick No. 172): RB Eric Gray
  • Round 6 (Pick No. 209): CB Tre Hawkins III
  • Round 7 (Pick No. 243): DL Jordon Riley
  • Round 7 (Pick No. 254): DB Gervarrius Owens

Free Agency:

Contract Renegotiations:

  • T Andrew Thomas: Signed, Renegotiated Contract
  • DL Dexter Lawrence: Signed, Renegotiated Contract
  • RB Matt Breida: Signed, Renegotiated Contract
  • P Jamie Gillan: Signed, Renegotiated Contract
  • LS Casey Kreiter: Signed, Renegotiated Contract
  • G Wyatt Davis: Signed, Renegotiated Contract
  • QB Daniel Jones: Signed, Renegotiated Contract

Overall Offseason Grade: A-

The Giants made some significant moves in free agency, including the acquisition of TE Darren Waller and the re-signing of key players like Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton. The draft picks seem promising, especially in strengthening the secondary and offensive line. However, some losses in free agency might impact the depth of the team. Overall, the Giants have made positive strides, but there are still some areas that could have been addressed more effectively.

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Dallas Cowboys

Draft:

  1. Round 1 (Pick 26): Mazi Smith, DT, Michigan
    • A massive defensive tackle with the ability to stop the run and potential to pressure the quarterback.
  2. Round 2 (Pick 58): Luke Schoonmaker, TE, Michigan
    • A tight end with an athletic profile and strong blocking ability. Expected to be a solid replacement for Dalton Schultz.
  3. Round 3 (Pick 90): DeMarvion Overshown, LB, Texas
    • A versatile linebacker with speed and agility. Has the potential to be an elite coverage LB and contribute in the running game.
  4. Round 4 (Pick 129): Viliami Fehoko, EDGE, San Jose State
    • A productive pass rusher and run stopper. Named Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year.
  5. Round 6 (Pick 178): Eric Scott Jr., CB, Southern Miss
    • Selected to add depth to the cornerback room.
  6. Round 6 (Pick 212): Deuce Vaughn, RB, Kansas State
    • An undersized running back with exciting tape. A favorite among Cowboys fans, though there are concerns about his size translating to the NFL.
  7. Round 7 (Pick 244): Jalen Brooks, WR, South Carolina
    • A wide receiver selected to compete for a spot on the team and add depth.

Free Agency:

  • Key Signings:
    • RB Tony Pollard: Franchise tagged at $10.1 million.
    • QB Cooper Rush: Re-signed for two years, $6 million.
    • S Donovan Wilson: Re-signed for three years, $24 million.
    • LB Leighton Vander Esch: Re-signed for two years, $11 million.
    • CB Stephon Gilmore: Acquired in trade with Colts, costing $9.9 million for 2023.
    • WR Brandin Cooks: Acquired in trade with Texans, costing $12 million for 2023.
    • OL Chuma Edoga: Acquired in free agency from Falcons, one-year deal, $1.232 million.
    • RB Ronald Jones: Acquired in free agency from Chiefs, one-year deal, $1.232 million.
  • Key Losses:
    • OL Connor McGovern: Signed with Bills.
    • WR Noah Brown: Signed with Texans.
    • LB Luke Gifford: Signed with Titans.
    • TE Dalton Schultz: Signed with Texans.
    • RB Ezekiel Elliott: Released after 7 seasons, clearing $10.9 million in cap space.
    • DT Carlos Watkins: Signed with Cardinals.

Contract Renegotiations:

Overall Offseason Grade: B+

The Cowboys made some significant moves in free agency, including the acquisition of Stephon Gilmore and Brandin Cooks. They managed to retain key players like Tony Pollard and Donovan Wilson while making smart decisions in releasing Ezekiel Elliott to clear cap space. The team also made some wise contract restructures to create more flexibility. The overall approach seems well-calculated and positions the Cowboys strongly for the upcoming season.

Washington Commanders

Commanders Draft:

  1. Round 1 (Pick 16): Emmanuel Forbes, CB, Mississippi State
    • A highly athletic cornerback with impressive speed and vertical jump. Considered an underrated prospect with great potential.
  2. Round 2 (Pick 47): Jartavius Martin, DB, Illinois
    • A versatile defensive back with size and range. Has experience as both a cornerback and safety, with smooth transitions and effective play.
  3. Round 3 (Pick 97): Ricky Stromberg, C, Arkansas
    • A center with athleticism and strength, capable of playing guard if needed. Recognized for his awareness and consistent timing.
  4. Round 4 (Pick 118): Braeden Daniels, T, Utah
    • An active, athletic offensive lineman with potential at guard or tackle. Known for his quickness and impact as a down blocker.
  5. Round 5 (Pick 137): KJ Henry, EDGE, Clemson
    • A disruptive edge defender with speed and ability to blow by offensive tackles. Adds quality depth to the defensive line.
  6. Round 6 (Pick 193): Chris Rodriguez Jr., RB, Kentucky
    • Selected as a running back to potentially add depth to the Commanders’ backfield.

Re-Sign:

  • Daron Payne (DT): Washington’s crucial interior defensive lineman was locked down on a massive deal.

Release:

  • Carson Wentz (QB): Was released, allowing the team to save money and rebuild the offensive line.

Restructure:

  • Kendall Fuller (CB): Possible restructuring to spread money over a few more years.

Trade Candidate:

  • Chase Young (DE): Depending on his performance, the team may explore trade offers for Young.

Commanders Off-Season Grade: C+

The team’s direction is still not clear. They have a serious question mark at the QB position, which was not really answered this off-season and in fact is probably facing greater uncertainty with the loss of Taylor Heinicke. Chase Young seemed to be the one, young bright spot for them to build around, but after declining his 5th year option, even that is now unknown.

You could argue that the simple fact that they have a new owner is enough to award them a grade of A+, but

Ryan

Ryan