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The 2025 NFL Draft has concluded, and one clear winner has emerged from the annual talent influx: the NFC East. While draft analysts typically focus on individual team performances, this year's draft revealed something more significant – the entire division has collectively taken a massive step forward, with all four teams securing draft classes worthy of high marks according to PFF's grading system.
The Philadelphia Eagles maintained their reputation for draft excellence with an A-grade haul that followed their established blueprint for success. First-round selection Jihaad Campbell brings elite athleticism to the linebacker position—a spot where the Eagles have historically been reluctant to invest premium capital. His 5.9% missed tackle rate and 30 coverage stops demonstrate the three-down impact player Philadelphia has often lacked.
Safety Andrew Mukuba addresses the departure of C.J. Gardner-Johnson with a player who posted an elite 90.0 overall grade in 2024, including an 89.7 coverage grade with five interceptions. The Eagles continued their commitment to offensive line development with three tackle selections, most notably Cameron Williams (ranked 93rd on PFF's Big Board but drafted 207th overall), who could eventually replace Lane Johnson.
The Dallas Cowboys led the way with an exceptional A+ class that addressed critical needs while finding tremendous value. Their first-round selection of Alabama guard Tyler Booker fills the enormous void left by Zack Martin's retirement, bringing immediate help to an offensive line that ranked just 23rd in pass protection last season.
Dallas struck gold in round two with edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College), ranked 17th on PFF's Big Board but available at pick 44. Ezeiruaku's 90.7 pass-rushing grade and 25.8% win rate against true pass sets could make him this draft's biggest steal. Cornerback Shavon Revel provides additional value as the 44th-ranked player selected at pick 76, continuing Dallas's knack for finding secondary talent in the middle rounds.
The New York Giants earned an impressive A- grade by securing both an elite defensive talent and their quarterback of the future. Abdul Carter gives New York another dynamic pass rusher after generating 66 pressures in his first season as a full-time edge defender. Trading up for Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart defined their class – he was the highest-graded passer available and performed in the 94th percentile on early downs. The Giants maximized draft capital with excellent value selections like Darius Alexander (65th pick but 49th on PFF's board) and Cameron Skattebo (105th pick but 51st on PFF's board), showing a newfound discipline in their draft approach.
Washington rounded out the division's strong showing with a solid B+ class anchored by Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr., who allowed just two sacks over the past two seasons while earning a 78.1 true pass set grade. Tre Amos brings elite athleticism to the secondary after posting an 85.6 coverage grade with three interceptions and 13 forced incompletions in 2024. Though Washington made fewer selections than their division rivals, they found potential late-round value in Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who earned a stellar 92.7 overall grade in 2023.
What makes the NFC East this draft's biggest winner isn't just the individual team performances but the collective shift toward sustainable roster building. For years, the division has been characterized by wild swings in the standings – teams going from worst to first and back again in consecutive seasons. However, the 2025 draft suggests a more stable future as all four franchises appear to be following the Eagles' established blueprint for long-term success.
This blueprint includes prioritizing the trenches (all four teams selected multiple offensive or defensive linemen), finding defensive playmakers who can create turnovers or disrupt opposing offenses, emphasizing value over immediate need, and building offensive infrastructure through line investments or skill position additions that support quarterback development.
Philadelphia has demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach over recent seasons, constructing one of the league's most consistent rosters through disciplined drafting. Their division rivals have clearly taken notice, setting the stage for what could become the NFL's most competitive division from top to bottom.
While other divisions saw individual teams with standout drafts, none matched the NFC East's collective excellence. The Cowboys (A+), Eagles (A), Giants (A-), and Commanders (B+) all secured classes that meaningfully improved their rosters with both immediate contributors and developmental prospects.
The days of dramatic year-to-year swings in the NFC East standings may be coming to an end. In their place, we could be witnessing the emergence of the NFL's most consistently competitive division – making the NFC East the true winner of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Continue reading...
The Philadelphia Eagles maintained their reputation for draft excellence with an A-grade haul that followed their established blueprint for success. First-round selection Jihaad Campbell brings elite athleticism to the linebacker position—a spot where the Eagles have historically been reluctant to invest premium capital. His 5.9% missed tackle rate and 30 coverage stops demonstrate the three-down impact player Philadelphia has often lacked.
Safety Andrew Mukuba addresses the departure of C.J. Gardner-Johnson with a player who posted an elite 90.0 overall grade in 2024, including an 89.7 coverage grade with five interceptions. The Eagles continued their commitment to offensive line development with three tackle selections, most notably Cameron Williams (ranked 93rd on PFF's Big Board but drafted 207th overall), who could eventually replace Lane Johnson.
The Dallas Cowboys led the way with an exceptional A+ class that addressed critical needs while finding tremendous value. Their first-round selection of Alabama guard Tyler Booker fills the enormous void left by Zack Martin's retirement, bringing immediate help to an offensive line that ranked just 23rd in pass protection last season.
Dallas struck gold in round two with edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku (Boston College), ranked 17th on PFF's Big Board but available at pick 44. Ezeiruaku's 90.7 pass-rushing grade and 25.8% win rate against true pass sets could make him this draft's biggest steal. Cornerback Shavon Revel provides additional value as the 44th-ranked player selected at pick 76, continuing Dallas's knack for finding secondary talent in the middle rounds.
The New York Giants earned an impressive A- grade by securing both an elite defensive talent and their quarterback of the future. Abdul Carter gives New York another dynamic pass rusher after generating 66 pressures in his first season as a full-time edge defender. Trading up for Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart defined their class – he was the highest-graded passer available and performed in the 94th percentile on early downs. The Giants maximized draft capital with excellent value selections like Darius Alexander (65th pick but 49th on PFF's board) and Cameron Skattebo (105th pick but 51st on PFF's board), showing a newfound discipline in their draft approach.
Washington rounded out the division's strong showing with a solid B+ class anchored by Oregon tackle Josh Conerly Jr., who allowed just two sacks over the past two seasons while earning a 78.1 true pass set grade. Tre Amos brings elite athleticism to the secondary after posting an 85.6 coverage grade with three interceptions and 13 forced incompletions in 2024. Though Washington made fewer selections than their division rivals, they found potential late-round value in Jacory Croskey-Merritt, who earned a stellar 92.7 overall grade in 2023.
What makes the NFC East this draft's biggest winner isn't just the individual team performances but the collective shift toward sustainable roster building. For years, the division has been characterized by wild swings in the standings – teams going from worst to first and back again in consecutive seasons. However, the 2025 draft suggests a more stable future as all four franchises appear to be following the Eagles' established blueprint for long-term success.
This blueprint includes prioritizing the trenches (all four teams selected multiple offensive or defensive linemen), finding defensive playmakers who can create turnovers or disrupt opposing offenses, emphasizing value over immediate need, and building offensive infrastructure through line investments or skill position additions that support quarterback development.
Philadelphia has demonstrated the effectiveness of this approach over recent seasons, constructing one of the league's most consistent rosters through disciplined drafting. Their division rivals have clearly taken notice, setting the stage for what could become the NFL's most competitive division from top to bottom.
While other divisions saw individual teams with standout drafts, none matched the NFC East's collective excellence. The Cowboys (A+), Eagles (A), Giants (A-), and Commanders (B+) all secured classes that meaningfully improved their rosters with both immediate contributors and developmental prospects.
The days of dramatic year-to-year swings in the NFC East standings may be coming to an end. In their place, we could be witnessing the emergence of the NFL's most consistently competitive division – making the NFC East the true winner of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Related: Undeniable Truth Set To Follow Eagles' Draft
Related: Eagles Receiving Surprising Mel Kiper Draft Grade
Related: Eagles Receiving Surprising Mel Kiper Draft Grade
Continue reading...
