With the bulk of free agency and the entire NFL Draft officially behind us, it’s time to look at how each team did in the offseason. Did they get better? Worse? What grade did each team receive? All those questions, and more, answered here. We’ll move through one division at a time continuing today with the NFC East:
Dallas Cowboys
Free Agency Grade: C-
Free agency was a mixed bag for Dallas. They kept Dez Bryant via franchise tag (and are working on a long-term deal) but had to let Demarco Murray walk. They also lost a bunch of linebackers, but they added Jasper Brinkley and will welcome back Sean Lee. I loved that they re-signed Doug Free, but I think losing Henry Menry will hurt. The move to add Greg Hardy could be big, but his suspension is also big and it will keep him out for over half the year. So every time they moved forward, they immediately took a step back.
NFL Draft Grade: B
I loved what Dallas did in the first two rounds. Byron Jones will help out the secondary in some way, either as a corner or safety. His athleticism will make an immediate impact. Randy Gregory could be the steal of the draft, as Dallas took him at 60th overall. He could make up for Hardy’s suspension. The other selections seem to be depth picks, as none of the other guys will be immediate contributors.
Overall Grade: Incomplete
The reason Dallas was so successful last season was due to their rushing attack. With Murray now gone, I am waiting on them to replace him (I don’t count McFadden). They have neglected that position in both free agency and the draft, but maybe they can swing a trade for Adrian Peterson or somebody still. They need to if they want to thrive as they did a year ago.
New York Giants
Free Agency Grade: B-
New York didn’t have many big free agents signings, but they didn’t lose big time guys either. Franchising Pierre-Paul starting things off nicely, and it continued with them adding role players such as Shane Vereen and others. On the downside, nearly every Giant safety moved on, leaving a hole at that position. What they did though was resist the urge to overspend this year, which sets them up well moving forward.
NFL Draft Grade: A-
The Giants addressed needs in the draft and got good value on many of their selections. Ereck Flowers gives them better protection and a good run blocker. Landon Collins in the second round was a massive steal and fills a massive need at safety. Still can’t believe he fell into the second round. And I like Owa Odighizuwa as a contributor on the edge. Even their fifth round selection of Mykkele Thompson was solid and gives them depth at that needed safety position.
Overall Grade: B
This is a team that seemed to improve this offseason, but not by leaps and bounds like other teams. Their biggest moves were in the draft, but it may take a year to get those players adjusted. What I do expect though is that the Giants will be more of a factor this year in the NFC East after a few disappointing seasons.
Philadelphia Eagles
Free Agency Grade: B
This was a very polarizing offseason for the Eagles. I largely like what the team did, but I have my doubts as well. First, they traded Lesean McCoy for Kiko Alonso and lots of cap space. Looking back I think they won that deal, as I love Alonso and that cap space paid off. Second, they traded Nick Foles for Sam Bradford (picks were involved too). I thought it was risky based on Bradford’s injury history, but Foles has been injured too so I’ll call it a wash. Big signings included Demarco Murray, Ryan Mathews, Byron Maxwell, Walter Thurmond, and Miles Austin. However, they lost Jeremy Maclin, Trent Cole, Todd Herremans, and other role players. So while they came away on the plus side, it wasn’t totally a home run.
NFL Draft Grade: B
While they didn’t get tremendous value on their picks, they got some players I liked that could help their team immediately. I thought their first two picks were great, as Nelson Agholor and Eric Rowe could end up starting this season for them. The rest of the draft though was centered solely on pass defense (CB’s and edge guys). While that was a weakness a year ago, focusing all efforts there left them neglecting other areas of the team.
Overall Grade: B
Chip Kelly made some bold moves in his first year with team control. I think some of the moves will pay off, but others won’t. I also know that he’ll walk away upset after losing out on Mariota in the draft. But after stealing Demarco Murray from the Cowboys, they could end up winning the division based on the team’s offseason.
Washington Redskins
Free Agency Grade: B
I like what the Redskins did up front adding Terrence Knighton and Stephen Paea. Adding Chris Culliver was an underrated move as well. But losing their best edge rusher in Brian Orakpo was costly, despite his injury history. Not replacing him though was even worse.
NFL Draft Grade: B
I love what the Redskins did by addressing the offensive line. Adding Scherff was big for them as he was the best lineman in the draft. Selecting Kouandjio was another intriguing pick for me, as he possesses lots of upside. I also like Preston Smith, but more as a 3-4 DE than an OLB or “edge rusher.” Due to the fact they didn’t replace Orakpo’s production here either (just like free agency), I can’t give them a higher grade.
Overall Grade: B
It wasn’t a “sexy” offseason but more of a “meat and potatoes” one. They addressed the trenches in a big way, which is a philosophy I tend to like. And if they can still produce QB pressure despite the apparent weakness, then this offseason will be even better looking back on it. Now for solving RG3’s issues…
By: The Sports Guys
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