Mel Kiper's 'Grade A' moves for NFC East

April, 19, 2012
4/19/12
10:59
AM CT
Mel Kiper Jr.'s latest mock draft goes three rounds deep, and for this particular exercise Mel is not predicting which teams will take which players. He's gone through and made the picks based on what he would do if he were running each particular team. He calls it his "Grade A" draft, which means the draft each team would have to have to earn a grade of "A." It's insider, so I'll give you the names but you'll have to pay to read the explanations. The comments here are mine.

Washington Redskins

Round 1: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Round 3: Zebrie Sanders, OT, Florida State

As we have said here many times, if the Redskins start thinking offensive line once they've officially selected their franchise quarterback, they have the right idea.

Dallas Cowboys

Round 1: Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Round 2: Andre Branch, OLB, Clemson

Round 3: Justin Bethel, CB, Presbyterian

Defense, defense, defense. That's what the Cowboys need -- quality and depth at every possible defensive position. This would give them a safety, a pass-rusher and a cornerback. Cowboys fans would be overjoyed.

Philadelphia Eagles

Round 1: Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Round 2 (46): Zach Brown, LB, North Carolina

Round 2 (51): Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson

Round 3: Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State

Chatter lately is that they might have to move up for Cox, but Mel says he doesn't have him rated high enough that he believes they will. He'd be their perfect pick, and Cousins in the third would be a nifty developmental QB prospect behind Michael Vick. A linebacker and a tight end in between -- Grade A indeed.

New York Giants

Round 1: Coby Fleener, TE, Stanford

Round 2: David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

Round 3: Donald Stephenson, OT, Oklahoma

Remember, this isn't what Mel thinks will happen, but what he'd do if he were in charge of the Giants. These are all need picks, and the Giants don't generally draft for need. These could also coincidentally be the best value picks at these spots, and if they are the Giants' draft would look great. But we'll see. I find it hard to believe they don't take a defensive player at all in the first three rounds.

SPONSORED HEADLINES

ESPN Conversations


You must be signed in to post a comment

Already have an account?

103.3 FM ESPN PODCASTS

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Todd Archer

Todd Archer joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Tony Romo news and what he will be watching for in OTAs.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Nate Newton

Nate Newton joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss his comments on how Jason Garrett should handle being on the hot seat and not let Jerry Jones get in the way.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Barry Church

Cowboys safety Barry Church joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the new defensive scheme and the impact it will have on him, how much more intense he expects practice to be with Monte Kiffin and his expectations.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Ed Werder

ESPN Insider Ed Werder joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Cowboys news, including Jason Garrett downplaying Tony Romo's involvement in offensive planning and play calling.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: John Lynch

John Lynch joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss playing for Monte Kiffin and Rod Marinelli, why Cowboys fans should be excited about the new defensive staff, why Valley Ranch will no longer resemble a country club and his thoughts on the Cowboys' roster.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Herm Edwards

Herm Edwards joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss the latest Cowboys news and give his take on what new face will make the biggest impact for Dallas.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Nate Newton

Nate Newton joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss what he saw at the Cowboys' rookie minicamp and how he helped Rod Marinelli on the defensive side of the ball.

Fitzsimmons & Durrett: Todd Archer

Todd Archer joins Fitzsimmons & Durrett to discuss what he took away from the Dallas Cowboys' rookie minicamp.

DALLAS CALENDAR

  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.
  •    There are no games scheduled for today.