2010 NFL Draft: NFC East Grades

The 2010 NFL Draft is now in the books and the staff members of NFLDraft101.com have each submitted their grades.  We will go division by division recapping each team's draft and presenting our staff grades. (click on the team name for pick by pick analysis)

NFC East:

Dallas Cowboys — Jerry Jones got the playmaking wide receiver he wanted in Dez Bryant with the hope he helps atone for passing on Randy Moss back in 1998.  Playing alongside Miles Austin and Jason Witten will allow Bryant time to adapt to the pro game, but the sky is the limit for the talent but work ethic challenged receiver.  Second rounder, ILB Sean Lee will hopefully end the parade of past their prime inside backers.  Fourth round CB Akwasi Owusu Ansah is a tremendous athlete whom the Cowboys will look to move to free safety.  It was surprising to see the Cowboys wait until round five to add talent to its aging offensive line. Grade: B-

New York Giants — With MLB Rolando McClain off the board, the Giants opted for the "best pass defense is a pass rush" theory in adding boom/bust DE Jason Pierre Paul with its first round pick.  Pierre-Paul is tremendous athlete with the potential to develop into a dynamic pass rusher but is extremely raw. He will be given time to develop as a situational pass rusher on their deep D-line. Second round DT Linval Joseph has rare athleticism for a 6'6 320 pounder filling the team's need at defensive tackle. Philip Dillard could ultimately be the team's most important selection, as the Giants hope he fills an immediate need at middle linebacker. G Mitch Petrus and P Matt Dodge were solid late round picks. Grade: B-  

Philadelphia Eagles — Defense was the story of the draft for the Eagles, as they used their first five picks on the defensive side of the football (and 9 of their 13 selections total) They filled their top two needs for a pass rusher and coverage safety with DE Brandon Graham and Nate Allen with their first two picks.  CB Trevard Lindley is a good scheme fit with his press man skills.  The linebacker position received a makeover on day thee with Keenan Clayton, Jamar Chaney and Ricky Sapp (DE/LB tweener).  Offensively, TE Clay Harbour is an athletic talent in the Brent Celek mold, RB Charles Scott could get a look as a short yardage back and WR Riley Cooper will impress with as a special teams demon. Grade: B

Washington Redskins — OT Trent Williams was a bit of a reach at number four overall given his struggles playing the left side in 2009 but is an athletic tackle and good fit for the zone blocking scheme.  The success of the team's draft depends on his ability to anchor a porous offensive line and keep Donovan McNabb upright. Fourth rounder Perry Riley is a good fit as a 3-4 inside linebacker.  The focus shifted back to the offensive line in round seven when they selected C Erik Cook and OT Selvish Capers both of whom are good zone blocking fits.  The low draft grade is primarily due to the gamble on Williams in round one and the lack of impact selections.  If you add the trade for Donovan McNabb the grade improves by a letter. The Redskins deserve bonus points for not trading away 2011 picks giving them a full arsenal next year. Grade: D

(Please note: grades are based on how team's utlized their picks on draft weekend.  Trades made prior to the draft are not accounted for in these grades)

Chris Maier is Senior Editor for NFLDraft101.com .  He can be reached at [e-mail] .  Follow me on twitter: nfldraft101 .