Grading the 2024 draft classes of the Eagles' NFC East rivals

We spent a long time preparing for the 2024 NFL Draft. There was a Senior Bowl, a scouting combine, and all of those Pro Days and pre-draft visits. What followed was an exciting three days of action. The Philadelphia Eagles added nine new rookies. We're pretty excited about the possibilities. The UDFA class is also a pretty good one.

If you're a football junkie like we are, you kept an ear tuned to Philly's rivals. The Washington Commanders, New York Giants, and New York Giants did their best to guarantee that the Birds wouldn't have all the fun.

The Eagles weren't the only NFC East team that improved during the NFL Draft.

The Washington Commanders may not be ready to contend for the NFC East's crown yet, but they're coming. It's amazing what happens when there is a competent leadership structure in place.

They impressed during the selection meeting's three days. They may have even found their franchise signal-caller, but is he ready?

Don't look now, but the team with the NFL's worst nickname (if you don't include the Texans) might sneak up on some people in 2024.

Washington Commanders - Overall Grade, A

Washington swapped Ron Rivera out for Dan Quinn. They added former Eagles Marcus Mariota, Zach Ertz, and Olamide Zaccheaus. They also acquired Bobby Wagner, Dante Fowler, Jeremy Chinn, and Frankie Luvu among others.

Then came the NFL Draft. They did work there too, at one point, trading pick 40 to Philly and claiming the 50th and 53rd in the process. Check out this class.

Round 1, Pick 2 - Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU
Round 2, Pick 36 - Jer'Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois
Round 2, Pick 50 - Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan
Round 2, Pick 53 - Ben Sinnott, TE, Kansas State
Round 3, Pick 67 - Brandon Coleman, OT, TCU
Round 3, Pick 100 - Luke McCaffrey, WR, Rice
Round 5, Pick 139 - Jordan Magee, LB, Temple
Round 5, Pick 161 - Dominique Hampton, S, Washington
Round 7, Pick 222 - Javontae Jean-Baptiste, DE, Notre Dame

From top to bottom, this is impressive. There's one wise addition after another. Philly has had issues with the Commanders recently, and that will continue in 2024.

New York Giants - Overall Grade, B+

The Giants caught every Eagles fan's attention when free agency began by trading for Brian Burns. While Philly is satisfied with Bryce Huff, this is someone we were enamored with. Their 2024 draft class isn't huge, but there are certainly some eyebrow-raisers.

Round 1, Pick 6 - Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
Round 2, Pick 47 - Tyler Nubin, S, Minnesota
Round 3, Pick 70 - Andru Phillips, CB, Kentucky
Round 4, Pick 107 - Theo Johnson, TE, Penn State
Round 5, Pick 166 - Tyron Tracy Jr, RB, Purdue
Round 6, Pick 183 - Darius Muasau, LB, UCLA

Their free-agent signings were less than spectacular but solid. Where's the highlight? Jon Runyan Jr.? Devin Singletary? Drew Lock? Maybe this is a better question.

They added what might be the 2024 draft class's second best wide receiver in Malike Nabers, but who's going to throw him the ball? Daniel Jones?

The additions of Tyler Nubin and Andru Phillips are solid, and they landed them later than most thought they'd be selected, but most of New York might be asking why this team didn't add a QB.

Dallas Cowboys - Overall Grade, B-

The Dallas Cowboys lost several of their best players to free agency: Tony Pollard, Michael Gallup, Tyron Smith, Stephon Gilmore, and Jayron Kearse. If that isn't enough, they lost the defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and four more guys to the Commanders: Tyler Biadasz, Dorance Armstrong, Dante Fowler, and Noah Igbinoghene.

They added two aging free agents, Eric Kendricks (32) and a 28-year running back in the form of Royce Freeman. We won't lie. We were picking on them at draft time, but a few days later, this looks like a very nice draft class.

Round 1, Pick 29 - Tyler Guyton, OT, Oklahoma
Round 2, Pick 56 - Marshawn Kneeland, DE, Western Michigan
Round 3, Pick 73 - Cooper Beebe, OG, Kansas State
Round 3, Pick 87 - Marist Liufau, LB, Notre Dame
Round 5, Pick 174 - Caelen Carson, CB, Wake Forest
Round 6, Pick 216 - Ryan Flournoy, WR, Southeast Missouri State
Round 7, Pick 233 - Nathan Thomas, OT, Louisiana
Round 7, Pick 244 - Justin Rogers, DT, Auburn

Dallas doesn't seem to miss on first-round linemen, and they have a stud in Tyler Guyton. Cooper Beebe is also talented. Getting to Dak Prescott with this Eagles pass rush isn't going to get any easier.

Marshawn Kneeland, Ryan Flournoy, and Nathan Thomas are talented prospects from small schools. Marist Liufau is potentially an upgrade for the newly-retired Leighton Vander Esch.

We hate to admit it. They didn't go 'all-in', but this is still an impressive class.

Here's the verdict. Philly will probably be the NFC East's best team, but those divisional games versus the rivals will provide one wild ride after another.

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