The NFL free agency period has been fast and furious. Last night the Dallas Cowboys landed defensive tackle Henry Melton on a one year contract plus a three year option per multiple media sources. This filled a huge need for the team. The Philadelphia Eagles big splash came via a trade with the New Orleans Saints landing running back Darren Sproles. One could say that Malcom Jenkins signing was just as impactful for the Eagles.
The New York Giants had issues with cornerback depth amongst other things but seemed to have made significant progress in pass coverage by signing Walter Thurmond and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The Washington Redskins picked up Jason Hatcher from their division rival and he will be playing defensive end in the 3-4 scheme again.
How will these moves affect the NFL Draft?
Dallas Cowboys
The biggest need was defensive line and the Melton signing doesn’t change that much. The Cowboys allowed Hatcher to go to a division rival and their best pass rusher of the past decade in Demarcus Ware to head to Denver after releasing him for cap reasons. The name that more often than not is associated with pick 16 is Aaron Donald of Pittsburgh. Signing Melton gives the Cowboys a little more freedom with the selection.
As it sits currently the only potential starter from a season ago is Nick Hayden. The defensive ends still need to be addressed. There is potential that Tyrone Crawford and recently signed Jeremy Mincey could split time in rotation but that isn’t the long term answer. The Cowboys best bet could be Kony Ealy from Missouri or Scott Crichton from Oregon State in a trade down scenario. It doesn’t seem as though Melton signing is a huge change to the NFL Draft.
New York Giants
One of the Giants’ largest needs was at the cornerback position, so they went out and signed two of them. This allows general manager Jerry Reese to have more flexibility with their first pick at 12.
There is still a hole at defensive tackle with the departure of Linval Joseph to the Minnesota Vikings. Reese seems to look defensive line early on every season. This year should be no exception especially with Justin Tuck heading out west.
Much like the Cowboys, Ealy and Donald should be a top their list of potential picks. Another position of need is the wide receiver position. The Giants have recently brought in three players to try and fill the void left my Hakeem Nicks when he was able to stay healthy.
However, none of the three are a number one type of receiver but this draft is very deep so no rush to snag one early. Giants best bet would either be Donald, Ealy or the highest rated offensive linemen.
Philadelphia Eagles
The biggest hole going into the offseason for the Eagles was their safety position and wide receiver. They were able to re-sign Jeremy Maclin, Will Murphy and Riley Cooper but at the same time released Jason Avant. The even more interesting aspect of their situation is that it was reported the Eagles were entertaining an idea of trading DeSean Jackson. With the depth at receiver, this would be very cost effective for the team. This would also save the team $6 million towards their salary cap.
As stated above the safety position needed to be addressed. The Eagles signed three safeties and released Patrick Chung. The big name that was brought in was Jenkins and re-signing Nate Allen. This could take the safety position completely off the board. Next best option is the outside linebacker position. Eagles best bet is Ryan Shazier of Ohio State or best wide receiver on the board.
Washington Redskins
The Redskins have the biggest task of the four NFC East teams without having a first round selection. The defense is the prime concern especially in the linebacker and secondary groups. The addition of Hatcher basically fills the void left by Adam Carriker. The loss of London Fletcher will be a significant one from both his plays on the field and his leadership. Hatcher will assist in the leadership aspect but they will need to find inside linebackers.
Offensive line is a need as well. Owner Dan Snyder will want to protect his franchise quarterback. Where the Redskins need the offensive line help most is in the interior. Center Will Montgomery was released, so they could target a new center in the mid rounds. Best bet for the Redskins would be Dee Ford from Auburn or Kyle Van Noy from Brigham Young University.