Spring Break
Winners, losers from NFL Draft: Day 1
Mike Mauro
Issue date: 4/28/09 Section: Sports
Another year, another exciting NFL Draft in the books. After hours of analyzing and studying prospects, NFL front offices made their decisions on who they want to build their team around for the future. Now it's time to reflect on those choices and see which teams made the right moves this weekend. Beginning today through Friday, we will run through two divisions each day and evaluate the winners and losers of the 2009 Draft. Today we look at the NFC East and NFC North.
NFC East
New York Giants - Grade: A-
The Giants were in discussion with the Browns and Cardinals for Braylon Edwards and Anquan Boldin, respectively, but ended up sticking with the draft and selected North Carolina receiver Hakeem Nicks. Nicks is a solid receiver with great hands and route-running ability, and will be expected to come in and contribute from day one. In the second round, Virginia linebacker Clint Sintim can put heat on the quarterback and should supplant Danny Clark as the starter on the strongside. New York also added UConn left tackle Will Beatty in the second round and he will have time to develop into a future starter. In the third round, 6-foot-6 receiver Ramses Barden from Cal Poly dominated lower-level competition and has the potential to be a Plaxico Burress-like talent, while Wisconsin tight end Travis Beckum would have been a first round pick last year but returned to school and injuries slowed him down this season. NC State running back Andre Brown was solid in the fourth round and adds to an already solid backfield.
Philadelphia Eagles - Grade: B+
Like the Giants, the Eagles were in the market for a big-time receiver and secured a dynamic playmaker when they traded up a couple spots to take Missouri's Jeremy Maclin. Maclin can have an immediate impact on special teams and can take the ball the distance at any time. Philly also got a steal in the second round with Pittsburgh's LeSean McCoy. He can help take the load off of Brian Westbrook and is a perfect fit for the Eagles' West-coast offense. They also picked good value in the fifth round with Florida tight end Cornelius Ingram and Virginia Tech cornerback Victor "Macho" Harris. Ingram was out for the year with a torn ACL but has the speed to stretch the seam, and Harris is a tough player who can develop in the secondary.
NFC East
New York Giants - Grade: A-
The Giants were in discussion with the Browns and Cardinals for Braylon Edwards and Anquan Boldin, respectively, but ended up sticking with the draft and selected North Carolina receiver Hakeem Nicks. Nicks is a solid receiver with great hands and route-running ability, and will be expected to come in and contribute from day one. In the second round, Virginia linebacker Clint Sintim can put heat on the quarterback and should supplant Danny Clark as the starter on the strongside. New York also added UConn left tackle Will Beatty in the second round and he will have time to develop into a future starter. In the third round, 6-foot-6 receiver Ramses Barden from Cal Poly dominated lower-level competition and has the potential to be a Plaxico Burress-like talent, while Wisconsin tight end Travis Beckum would have been a first round pick last year but returned to school and injuries slowed him down this season. NC State running back Andre Brown was solid in the fourth round and adds to an already solid backfield.
Philadelphia Eagles - Grade: B+
Like the Giants, the Eagles were in the market for a big-time receiver and secured a dynamic playmaker when they traded up a couple spots to take Missouri's Jeremy Maclin. Maclin can have an immediate impact on special teams and can take the ball the distance at any time. Philly also got a steal in the second round with Pittsburgh's LeSean McCoy. He can help take the load off of Brian Westbrook and is a perfect fit for the Eagles' West-coast offense. They also picked good value in the fifth round with Florida tight end Cornelius Ingram and Virginia Tech cornerback Victor "Macho" Harris. Ingram was out for the year with a torn ACL but has the speed to stretch the seam, and Harris is a tough player who can develop in the secondary.
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