NFL.com analyst Bucky Brooks is handing out grades for each team following the 2010 NFL Draft. Check back daily as he breaks down each team, division by division.
Dallas Cowboys: B+
Jerry Jones is a noted wheeler and dealer, and his aggressive ways resulted in the Cowboys landing a terrific draft class. The team traded up a handful of spots to land one of the most talented players in the draft in Dez Bryant, and used a similar ploy to get Sean Lee in the second round. Both players have the potential to be all-stars at their respective positions and will make contributions very early in their careers. Throw in the addition of draft sleeper Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, and the Cowboys' draft class will play a major role in their Super Bowl run in 2010.
Key picks:
Round 1 (24th overall): Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State
Though Bryant has been roundly labeled as a potential character risk, his exceptional talent is undeniable and he gives the Cowboys an all-star caliber pass catcher. With Roy Williams under performing, Bryant could become a key contributor early in his rookie season.
Round 2 (55th overall): Sean Lee, LB, Penn State
The Penn State star quickly diagnoses plays and has a knack for slipping blocks on the way to the ball. In addition, Lee gives the team a versatile linebacker with the athleticism to man multiple roles in their defense.
Round 4 (126th overall): Akwasi Owusu-Ansah, CB, Indiana (Pa.)
The athletic playmaker from Indiana (Pa.) has outstanding ball skills, and is a dynamic returner in the kicking game. With the Cowboys looking to add quality depth in the secondary, the pick of Owusu-Ansah is a solid addition.
Philadelphia Eagles: B
The Eagles continued to infuse the locker room with young talent by taking 13 players in the draft. Andy Reid cleverly moved up and down the board to pick up targeted players, while also adding a bevy of picks. Brandon Graham was nabbed after making an aggressive jump into the top half of the first round, and he gives the team a high-motor rusher to pair with Trent Cole. In Nate Allen, the Eagles address their pressing need at free safety by bringing in a natural ball hawk in the back end. Mike Kafka becomes the Eagles' latest quarterback project to develop into a future contributor.
Key picks:
Round 1 (13th overall): Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan
Graham possesses exceptional first-step quickness, and his relentless motor often leads to negative plays for the defense. With the Eagles seeking to bring pressure from all angles, Graham gives Sean McDermott another weapon in his arsenal.
Round 2 (37th overall): Nate Allen, FS, South Florida
The former South Florida star is a rangy defender with outstanding instincts and awareness. Though he isn't regarded as a headhunter in the back end, Allen's ball skills and playmaking ability are so superior that the Eagles were comfortable adding him despite his finesse style. He should start immediately at free safety.
Round 4 (122nd overall): Mike Kafka, QB, Northwestern
As an athletic thrower with good overall skills, Kafka is a solid fit in the Eagles' West Coast offense. Though he is a few years away from being a legitimate candidate to play as a starter, he is a developmental passer that should flourish in the team's scheme.
New York Giants: B-
The Giants do an excellent job of stockpiling talent at critical positions, and that philosophy was reflected in their approach this year. The team added two young defensive linemen (Jason Pierre-Paul and Linval Joseph) to an already deep rotation, and third-round pick Chad Jones becomes the team's third safety. While they were unable to get a middle linebacker in the early portion of the draft to fill their obvious hole at that spot, the addition of Phillip Dillard gives them a highly productive player to compete for time at the position. The Giants' draft is short on pizzazz but provides the team the necessary depth to make a strong push for the NFC East title.
Key picks:
Round 1 (15th overall): Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, South Florida
Although the South Florida standout is a little raw in some aspects of his game, he possesses outstanding first-step quickness and has an exceptional burst off the edge. Given the Giants' ability to develop young pass rushers, the addition of Pierre-Paul ensures that their stable will remain full for a long time to come.
Round 2 (46th overall): Linval Joseph, DT, East Carolina
The former East Carolina standout is a classic nose tackle with the strength and power to hold the point against single or double teams. Given the Giants' defensive woes last season, Joseph's presence in the middle should stop some of the leakage that plagued the unit.
Round 4 (115th overall): Phillip Dillard, LB, Nebraska
Dillard, the highly productive linebacker from Nebraska, has good instincts and is a tough, downhill player in the middle. He should compete for the starting job as a rookie.
Washington Redskins: C+
The Redskins must be graded on a curve due to the addition of Donovan McNabb. The acquisition of the six-time Pro Bowler cost the team their second-round pick, but stabilized a quarterback situation that had been in flux for more than a decade. Additionally, the team solidified the left side of the line with the selection of Trent Williams. Although most teams had Russell Okung rated higher, the Redskins believe that Williams' athleticism makes him a better fit for their scheme. With only mid- to late-round picks at their disposal, the Redskins are hoping to uncover a gem in Perry Riley and Terrence Austin.
Key picks:
Round 1 (4th overall): Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
Williams, who logged starts at both tackle spots and center during his collegiate career, gives the team a nimble athlete to play left tackle in their zone-based blocking scheme. Although there were some concerns about his work ethic, his ability to cut off blockers on the backside on running plays made him a better fit for Washington.
Round 4 (103rd overall): Perry Riley, LB, LSU
As an instinctive player with good awareness, Riley gives Jim Haslett a versatile player to line at one of the inside linebacker spots in their new 3-4.
Round 7 (219th overall): Terrence Austin, WR, UCLA
The Redskins made clear before the draft they were interested in acquiring some more depth at the receiver position, and Austin helped himself during the pre-draft process with an impressive pro day. Austin does not have the size typically preferred by Mike Shanahan and is extremely thin, but he can potentially earn a roster spot if he shines as a slot receiver or returner in training camp.
