NFC East Offseason Grades

With the draft completed and the majority of free-agents signed, it's time to debut the 2010 offseason grades for all 32 NFL teams.  These grades are based on the draft and what teams did with regards to trades and free-agent signings.  Without further adieu....

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys (Grade: B+)
The Dallas Cowboys offseason is somewhat of a mystery to me. They made a number of good moves and some that left me scratching my head. The big head scratcher is the release of Flozell Adams. I do not understand why, in an uncapped year, you would simply release an above average offensive tackle. Even if Jerry Jones and Wade Phillips want to give Doug Free a chance to start, there is no cost to them in keeping Adams. On the other hand, moving up to draft Dez Bryant was one of my favourite moves of the draft. It is nothing short of lunacy that he fell into the mid 20s and I guarantee he will make the teams that passed over him pay for it. I also really like the Sean Lee pick in the second round. Look for this guy to be an integral part of the Cowboys defense for years to come. He could emerge as the best ILB in this draft class. All in all it was a good offseason for the Boys except I think Jerry will be kicking himself if Doug Free goes down to injury as they enter the playoffs.

Washington Redskins (Grade: B+)
The Redskins offseason really comes down to two players: Donovan McNabb and Trent Williams. McNabb still has at least 3-4 good years left in him and fills a void the Redskins have been trying to fill for what seems like forever. Don’t be surprised if either Malcolm Kelly or David Thomas play better than many expect (see Sidney Rice with Favre..but not to the same extent). They didn’t get any younger in the backfield but certainly added some veteran talent in Larry Johnson and Willie Parker. Adding Trent Williams in the draft was necessary, although I still think they should’ve gone with the safer pick in Okung. Nonetheless the Skins were able to fill their two biggest holes, QB and LT, this offseason with a perennial pro-bowler and a top 5 pick. Not bad.

Eagles (Grade: B)
I love Brandon Graham as a player (more as an OLB in the 3-4) but not more than I liked Earl Thomas at that point in the draft. Sure the Eagles took Nate Allen, a quality safety prospect, but let’s get to the point. The Kevin Kolb era is underway and I have to say I’m not a believer. It’s not that I doubt Kolb’s ability. I actually think he has the talent to succeed at the NFL level. The problem is, with the offseason moves Philly made, he has been put in one of the most pressurized situations I’ve ever seen for a first year starter (similar to Aaron Rodgers taking over for Favre). For most first year starting quarterbacks, a record of .500 or better is considered a good outcome. If Kolb were to go 8-8 in his first season as a starter, it should be seen as a great stepping stone. Not in Philly. Not when McNabb could lead a division rival to a better record. Not with Mike Vick waiting in the wings. Just wait and see what happens when Philly gets off to a slow start, McNabb plays well (as always) and reports of Vick looking good in practice/wildcat reps get to Philly fans….Sorry Kevin…It’s not you its Philly.

New York Giants (Grade: B-)
The Giants seem to be content with the pieces they have on offence. They didn’t add any big names in free-agency and the first four picks in the draft they went defense. Their moves this offseason reflect the organizations belief in the formula that won them a world championship: a stout defensive line. Inexperienced Jason Pierre-Paul has been tagged as the ultimate boom or bust pick in this year’s draft. He is the most athletic defensive end prospect to come out of college since maybe Jevon Kearse. He will require some time to adjust to the NFL level before he can be a difference maker. Linval Joseph, the powerful DT, will likely work in a rotation and his contribution will be more in stopping the run than getting after the opposing quarterback. In my opinion the Giants overpaid for Antrel Rolle, but adding depth with veteran Deon Grant and drafting LSU’s Chad Jones will allow Aaron Ross to move back to his natural corner position where he is much better suited. The biggest questions I have are who will play MLB and can the offence be Super Bowl caliber without a true #1 wideout. The Giants will be in the thick of the playoff race but I’m not sure they did enough to be much more than a wildcard team.