NFC East Predictions: Three Round NFL Mock Draft

Washington Redskins:

Round 1 (5^th Overall):  Randy Gregory, Defensive End University of Nebraska

Gregory is an elite talent in this draft and one of the top pass rushers.  He is explosive and is able to wreck havoc against offensive lines and the quarterback.  However, Gregory is a typical high ceiling, low floor prospect.   At 6”5’ and 235 pounds, he will need to need to hit the weight room and put on 20-30 pounds of muscle to excel at the next level.  Nonetheless, a prospect with his elite potential will be too much for the Redskins to pass up on.

Round 2 (35^th Overall) Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Cornerback University of Oregon

There is no denying the Redskins secondary needs to be improved for 2015, Ekpre-Olumu could help shore up the cornerback position for the Redskins.  The Ducks cornerback was one of the top cover corners in the country this year and excels at pressing against wide receivers at the line.  Furthermore, he is above average in run support and trusts his instincts when defending the ball, which serves him well more times than not. 

Round 3 (69^th Overall) Nick O’Leary, Tight End Florida State

O’leary is one of the top tight ends in this year’s class and its obvious why.  He excels in blocking in both the pass and run game.  Furthermore, he is sure handed, rarely dropping passes, and always tough to tackle when he gets the ball.  He would most likely slide into the H-back role in an NFL offense where he would excel. 

New York Giants:

Round 1 (9^th Overall) Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver University of Alabama

Many will be clamoring to fix the offensive line in the first round; however, the value just isn’t there at 9^th overall unless they trade back in the draft.  Cooper is the best route runner in the draft and has set receiving records all while going against some of the toughest defenses in all of college football in the SEC.  With Cruz coming off an injury that puts his effectiveness in doubt and Rueben Randle in a contract year, I believe General Manager, Jerry Reese will not be able to pass up on taking the best player available.  Having two stud wide receivers on rookie contracts for the next four years will be huge for the Giant’s future success. 

Round 2 (40^th Overall) Jake Fisher, Offensive Tackle University of Oregon

The Giants get their offensive lineman in the 2^nd round.  Fisher is a former tight end that was able to transition smoothly to offensive tackle while at Oregon. He excels at creating leverage against defenders and has the potential to be a bookend tackle for the Giants for years to come.  He most likely comes in and starts day one from one of the tackle positions. 

Round 3 (74^th Overall) Gerod Holliman, Safety University of Louisville

Holliman would solve the Giants glaring hole at Safety after the departure of Antrel Rolle to the Bears.  Holliman is the defending Thorpe award winner for the nation’s best defensive back and an absolute ball hawk.  The Cardinal safety tied an FBS record with 14 interceptions on the season in just 13 games.  This pick would go a long way to shoring up the Giants safety issues. 

Philadelphia Eagles:

Round 1 (20^th Overall) Marcus Peters, Cornerback University of Washington

The Eagles secondary was one of the worst in the NFL this past season getting torched for countless big plays.  While the addition of Byron Maxwell definitely helps, the Eagles would definitely benefit from having a player of Peter’s Caliber to line up on the other side of him.   Peters has outstanding feel for space and is the ideal size for an NFL corner. 

Round 2 (52^nd Overall) Phillip Dorsett, Wide Receiver University of Miami

After losing Jeremy Maclin this year to free agency and trading Desean Jackson the year prior, the Eagle definitely need an upgrade to their wide receiver corps.  Dorsett is an absolute burner and the fastest wide receiver in the draft.  He would fit in perfectly with Chip Kelly’s high-octane offense and would fill the void left by Desean Jackson as the team’s deep threat.  Him and Jordan Matthews would make a great core at the wide receiver position for years to come. 

Round 3 (84^th Overall) Bryce Petty, Quarterback Baylor University

The Eagles seem to be in limbo at quarterback after trading Nick Foles for former number one overall pick and often injured Sam Bradford.  Furthermore, they resigned Mark Sanchez during the offseason.  Unfortunately for the Eagles, neither of them looks to be the quarterback of the future.  Barring a blockbuster trade to move up for Mariota, Petty could be a solid choice to groom as the quarterback of the future.  He is an absolute gunslinger, and has the potential to be a starting caliber quarterback in the NFL.

Dallas Cowboys:

Round 1 (27^th Overall) Melvin Gordon, Running Back University of Wisconsin

The Cowboys were able to build the best offensive line in the football by spending premium picks on lineman in the last few drafts.  This paid huge dividends for running back Demarco Murray who set franchise records running behind the stout line.  However, Murray departed for a blockbuster contract with the rival Eagles during free agency.  With Joseph Randle slated in as a starter, Gordon would be a great pick who would most likely start right off the bat at tailback.  Gordon could be looking at a 1200-1400 yard rushing season as a rookie running behind the Cowboys line.  This could be a match made in heaven for both parties.  

Round 2 (60^th Overall) Mario Edwards, Defensive End Florida State

Edwards could help strengthen a pass rush that struggled at times last year.   He is versatile player and could play either as a 4-3 defensive tackle (would have to bulk up a bit) or 3-4 defensive end.  He has good power coming off the snap and above average upper body strength that gives him the edge against offensive tackles.  Would be a solid pick up for the Cowboys who could contribute as a rookie. 

Round 3 (91^st Overall) Ben Koyack, Tight End Notre Dame

Jason Witten has been a staple at tight end for the Cowboys over the last decade.  However, he is not getting any younger and it would be wise to start looking at an heir apparent.  While Gavin Escobar is solid, I do not believe he is the long-term solution at the tight end position.  Koyack could be groomed to take over for Witten in a few years and could contribute in some two tight end sets from the get go.