Dallas Cowboys
Picks: 1 (27): Byron Jones, Connecticut, CB/S 2 (60): Randy Gregory, Nebraska, DE/OLB 3 (91): Chaz Green, Florida, OT 4 (197): Damien Wilson, Minnesota, ILB 5 (163): Ryan Russell, Purdue, DE 7 (236): Mark Nzecocha, Wyoming, OLB 7 (243): Laurence Gibson, Virginia Tech, OT 7 (246): Geoff Swaim, Texas, TE |
The highlight, or lack there of, of the Dallas Cowboys' 2015 draft was not selecting a running back with many solid options on the board being one of the deeper running back classes in recent memory. If the Boys snatched a running back off the board their draft class as a whole would be much better, but consistency at that position may be of concern in 2015. Selecting Byron Jones in the first round is a semi-safe pick being a versatile option in the secondary, which is definitely an area of concern. Randy Gregory should be a nice piece to add to Rob Marinelli's improving defense. The Cowboys could have stole the show with some solid additions, but overall just a so-so draft with no eye popping selections. A little disappointing.
New York Giants
The Giants did a nice job last weekend hitting a home run on their first three selections starting with Ereck Flowers. The Giants need offensive line help and now will shift Justin Pugh inside and plug Flowers at right tackle that will best fit his skill set. Trading up to select Landon Collins with the first pick in the second round was the best move during the draft helping out a rugged secondary and trading up to select the best and possible only potential starting safety in the draft was a must for this Giants team to get better. Mykkele Thompson was a total reach in the fifth round but will add a piece to special teams. Geremy Davis is an athletic target, which seems to have become a trend with New York receivers nowadays. Fairly good draft for the G-Men with more than a few early contributors.
Philadelphia Eagles
No trade up for Marcus Mariota unfortunately, but the Eagles still finished the weekend with some nice additions to a pretty talented roster already. USC receiver Nelson Agholor gained a lot of buzz the last week of the draft and Chip Kelly knew from experience in the Pac 12 that Agholor would fit in nicely to his scheme. Agholor should see as much playing time as any receiver in this class due to an average receiving corp in Philly. Eric Rowe has versatility in the secondary and is an electric player at that. Jordan Hicks was one of my favorite players in college football these past few years, but could never stay on the field due to injuries. He has plenty of potential and upside. Jacorey Shepherd is one of the most underrated players in all of the draft coming out of a below average Kansas football program. Watching more film on Shepherd recently I should have ranked him higher and he has a lot of skills as some of those first round guys with tremendous ball skills and ability.
Washington Redskins
Picks: 1 (5): Brandon Scherff, Iowa, OT 2 (38): Preston Smith, Mississippi State, DE 3 (95): Matt Jones, Florida, RB 4 (105): Jamison Crowder, Duke, WR 4 (112): Arie Kouandjio, Alabama, OG 5 (141): Martrell Spaight, Arkansas, LB 6 (181): Kyshoen Jarrett, Virginia Tech, CB 6 (182): Tevin Mitchel, Arkansas, CB 6 (187): Evan Spencer, Ohio State, WR 7 (222): Austin Reiter, South Florida, C |
The Redksins selected a lot of big names on draft day starting with offensive tackle Brandon Scherff. We have been told Scherff will get his shot at right tackle, though he is best suited at guard. Preston Smith will pair up with the comparable Ryan Kerrigan for a nasty pass rushing attack. Matt Jones will add nice depth at running back and Jamison Crowder will most likely see most of his playing time initially at kick and punt returner. Arie Kouandjio could be a great pick if he puts it all together, but isn't as talented as his brother, nor as athletic. The Skins added two pieces to the secondary with Kyshoen Jarrett (my 202nd ranked player) and Tevin Mitchel, who was not on my draft board, but had glimpses of potential in his career at Arkansas. With a lot of picks the Redskins needed a strong draft and did a pretty job even though reaching for a few picks here and there.