Apr 26, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Giants fans react to the Giants selection of Virginia Tech running back David Wilson (not pictured) as the 32nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-US PRESSWIRE

The NFC East has been a tough division lately, with 3 teams in the playoff hunt year after year. , and one team with 2 Lombardi Trophies in 5 years. So, how did they all do in this years draft? I would say very good. With each team addressing needs and getting players that will address those needs immediately.

The Washington Redskins may have made the biggest splash by drafting QB Robert Griffin III. He will make the Skins a better team immediately with the offensive threat he poses. They followed that up with selecting QB Kirk Cousins. Some think a strange pick, but will keep pressure on both QB’s and competition always brings out the best. Two offensive guards in Josh LeRibeus who could become a starter and Adam Gettis who will provide depth. They selected RB Alfred Morris, a quick back able to find creases in the zone run scheme, that will give RG3 another option. LB Keenan Robinson will look to be a nickle backer. The two DB’s Richard Crawford and Jordon Bernstine will provide depth in the secondary and help against their passing oriented division foes. Grade A-.

The Dallas Cowboys went to work on providing help to a defense that was vulnerable to the pass, prone to giving up leads, and was one of the contributing factors leading to their late season collapse. They traded up to pick CB Morris Claiborne, arguably the best DB in this years draft. They continued the defensive trend with OLB/Pass Rusher Kyle Wilber and SS Matt Johnson. Both of whom should help against big plays. They took TE James Hanna late to help an aging Jason Witten and WR , a big physical receiver, Danny Coale that will probably make the team on special teams but could help Romo and the passing attack.  Grade B.

The Eagles also were defensive minded early on. DT Fletcher Cox will be able to take up the middle in the wide nine. ILB Mychal Kemdricks and DE Vinny Curry were both players the Eagles couldn’t pass on. Both are athletic players that seem to never quit on a play. Reid got to pick a QB, Nick Foles is a heavy footed QB that Reid probably wants to use  to show everyone he can make a good passer out of anyone. CB Brandon Boykin is a little small for CB at 5’9″ but can also play slot receiver. Maybe an Edelmann type player. The two linemen, OT Dennis Kelly and OG Brandon Washington look to be backups but work their way into starters in the future. RB Bryce Brown should fit nicely into Philly’s offense. Grade B.

The Super Bowl Champion NY Giants addressed needs. RB David Wilson and WR Rueben Randle will replace two departures to free agency and will fill in nicely. Jayron Hosley can help with depth and covering the slot receiver. He could also split return duty with Wilson on special teams. TE Adrien Robinson will provide help in what could be the thinnest position the GMen have. If he can step up his game, this pass catching TE could see a lot of snaps. OT’s Brandon Moseley and Matt McCants both have good size and physical attributes but figure to be developmental players and may earn a spot as a back up. Markus Kuhn is undersized for a DT., but has talent and could make it as a backup in one of the many ever changing defensive line rotations. Grade B-.

2012 should once again be a very competitive race for the NFC East Division Champs. But I think Big Blue will rise to that challenge and capture yet another Division title.

Now I was totally blindsided by Jerry Jones moving up to the 6th pick to get LSU CB Morris Claiborne for his new and improved Cowboys secondary. In my defense this is Jerry Jones, the most unpredictable Owner/General Manager in the NFL. Claiborne is a 6″ tall cover corner. The only knock on him is that he is a reluctant tackler enabling WR like Victor Cruz and Desean Jackson to potentially get a lot of yards after catch (YAC).

I had the Giants picking Boise State RB Doug Martin but in this trade happy Draft (so far 9 trades in the First Round), the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded into the 31st spot and grabbed Martin. This left the Giants with the next best RB on their board which was Virginia Tech RB David Wilson. The difference between Martin and Wilson is quite simply this, Martin is a consistent back where as Wilson is an explosive back that can break a big play at any given time in a game.

All in all I am now officially against Mock Drafts because with the new Rookie pay scale, trades are free flowing and teams in the upper half of the draft are no longer concern if “we can afford to pay this player”.