2025 NFC East NFL Draft recap | Pick-by-pick, trades, analysis
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The 2025 NFC East NFL Draft recap was centered around catching up to the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 2025 NFC East’s NFL Draft recap featured a trio of teams working to catch the Super Bowl champions. One of the division’s big themes was to get bigger in the trenches.
Physical approach
No team in the NFC East was more focused on this approach than the Dallas Cowboys. Up to this point in the offseason, they had declined to re-sign free agent DT Linval Joseph, DT Carlos Watkins or LB Eric Kendricks.
Did the lack of activity signal a goal to get younger on both sides of the ball up front?
The team picked two offensive linemen, an edge rusher, linebacker and two defensive linemen (first, second, fifth and seventh rounds).
And although the Commanders had just five picks, they also drafted an athletic 311-pound tackle in the first round. This after trading two draft picks (in each of the next two drafts) in exchange for offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and a 2025 fourth-round pick.
Giant Moves
And the Giants were not going to sit back and wait on the other teams in the division without having a quarterback. Despite signing Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston, they secured the 25th overall pick in a trade with the Houston Texans. With the pick, they drafted Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart. Prior to that, they added Penn State OLB Abdul Carter to a front that includes three other first-round picks.
But it was the third-round pick made by the team that has to get the Giants faithful excited about the group’s potential.
Motownphilly back again
But, in a classic ode to the Super Bowl champs, is Motownphilly going to be back again?
Its draft included stars from the SEC at linebacker and safety. They scooped up the nation’s third-leading sack producer. And two players with NFL bloodlines enter the mix on South Street.
We go into all of the selections in our pick-by-pick breakdown of the NFC East.
| 2025 NFC East NFL Draft recap | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Cowboys | |||||
| Selection | Player Selection | Position- School | Nasty’ Take: | Value (1-5) | Trades |
| 1 (12) | Tyler Booker | 6’5 321 OG-Alabama | No. 52 was a grown man during school and we had the Cowboys taking him in Round 2. Booker’s leadership was huge in the Crimson Tide program, but the play sent a louder message. For a team that wants to re-institute a physical approach, this was a step in the right direction. | 4.5 | |
| 2 (44) | Donovan Ezeiruaku | 6’2 248 DE-Boston College | Ezeiruaku’s 82-inch wingspan did him multiple favors in school when it came to getting blockers off of him once engaged. If he can develop counters at a quicker clip, then the sky is the limit for the former Eagle. | 4.25 | |
| 3 (76) | Shavon Revel, Jr. | 6’2 194 CB-ECU | The definition of a high-risk, high-reward pick. If for nothing more than the injuries the team has dealt with at the position. Prior to his knee injury in 2024, Revel, Jr. was headed for first-or-second-round status. Revel, Jr’s recovery speed was a strength prior to injury. Regaining that form can help him overcome any lapses he has when transitioning in the move areas versus wideouts. | 4.5 | |
| 5 (149) | Jaydon Blue | 5’9 196 RB-Texas | Blue gives the Cowboys the receiving threat out of the backfield that left the building with Tony Pollard’s departure. In a crowded backfield, can Blue pass protect well enough to earn third down repetitions? Regardless, his 4.3 speed helps an offense in need of juice. Can he also return kicks? | 4.25 | |
| 5 (152) | Shemar James | 6’1 222 LB-Florida | The injuries at the cornerback spot have extended to the linebacking corps. DeMarvion Overshown may not be ready for the start of the season. And, if so, James may be able to provide special teams reps as veteran free agent additions Kenneth Murray and Jack Sanborn complement Marist Liafau. | 4.25 | The Cowboys traded a 2025 fifth-round pick (174th overall) and a 2025 sixth-round pick (211th overall) to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for a 2025 fifth-round pick (152nd overall-James). |
| 6 (204) | Ajani Cornelius | 6’5 310 OT-Oregon, Rhode Island | Cornelius -a former All-CAA right tackle at Rhode Island- gets to the spot in pass protection for the most part. Keeping his helmet out of the action when attempting to latch will be a key moving forward. He possesses sufficient mobility climbing to second-level assignments as a run blocker. | 4.5 | |
| 7 (217) | Jay Toia | 6’2 342 DT-UCLA | Toia’s light-footed nature shows up on occasion, but he’s getting drafted by the Cowboys to send a message. They are going to search for more physical players along its defensive front. Toia certainly can control the point of attack, but he needs to be cognizant of just occupying gap control. | 4.25 | The Dallas Cowboys traded a 2025 fifth-round pick (171st overall) to the New England Patriots in exchange for QB Joe Milton III and a 2025 seventh-round pick (217th overall-Toia). |
| 7 (239) | Phil Mafah | 6’1 234 RB-Clemson | Mafah delivers by dropping his shoulders vs. LBs in the hole on the team’s split zone concepts (vs. Allen, 1st QTR, UGA ’24). Yet, he still flashes the patience to let blocks attach on gap-schemed runs. There is upside recognizing and picking up delayed blitz concepts (Miami, Fla. ’23). After a hot start in 2024, he slowed significantly down the stretch. | 4 | |
| 7 (247) | Tommy Akingbesote | 6’4 306 DT-Maryland | At 6-foot-4, Akingbosete plays long to create separation. There is an occasional speed-to-power element evident (Music City Bowl ’23). For him to work in the team’s rotation, he’ll need to work on keeping his feet anchored on the interior. | 4 | |
| Notable UDFA signing: | Mike Smith, Jr. | 6’1 209 SS-EKU, Appalachian State | The 210-pounder with 4.5 speed does a solid job of getting off of the hash marks to get outside the numbers on deep passes. The former corner picked off four passes this past season. His tenacity and want-to give him a chance to earn at least a place on the team’s 53-man roster. | 4.25 | |
| Draft Grade: | 4.275 | ||||
| New York Giants | |||||
| Selection | Player Selection | Position- School | Nasty’ Take: | Value (1-5) | Trades |
| 1 (3) | Abdul Carter | 6’3 250 LB-Penn State | The Giants now contain the flexibility of moving Carter around on third downs in the creative DC Shane Bowen’s schemes. Carter played a lot at the ILB position while at Penn State. His versatility matching routes down the seams or reacting to outside runs was evident in some of time spent at the spot (see Michigan ’22). In 2024, the Giants finished tied for eighth in the league in sacks. If they can improve stopping the run (allowed 4.6 YPC in 2024), then they can expand their multi-dimensional third down schemes. | 5 | |
| 1 (25) | Jaxson Dart | 6’2 220 QB-Ole Miss, USC | Dart’s range as a passer was evident in the team’s creative use of switch route combinations in school. Those concepts largely demonstrated his range throwing the ball outside the numbers, where he was accurate in the postseason. He continued to expand his game in school, which should give the Giants staff plenty of options in attacking the field vertically. | 4.25 | |
| 3 (65) | Darius Alexander | 6’4 305 DT-Toledo | Alexander was one of the best at affecting the three-step passing game in school (13 career PBUs). He can do much more than simply rush from the inside and could even give the team options lining him up on the field in multiple packages with Thibodeaux, Burns, Lawrence, Golston and Carter. | 4.5 | |
| 4 (105) | Cam Skattebo | 5’10 219 RB-ASU, Sacramento State | Skattebo’s overall balance through contact was borderline elite in school. This could give the Giants options in defining his role as a complementary back to Tyrone Tracy. His hands out of the backfield are vastly underrated. | 4.75 | |
| 5 (154) | Marcus Mbow | 6’4 303 OG-Purdue | Mbow’s mobility and range were evident even after recovering from a leg injury in October 2023. He’s not the biggest interior OL candidate, but the 2022 Freshman All-American gives the team options due to his extensive experience working at the OT spot in school. | 4.5 | |
| 7 (219) | Thomas Fidone II | 6’5 243 TE-Nebraska | Fidone II’s athletic prowess was evident when the team used him to lead block on split zone read options in 2023 (see Minnesota). He needs to lower his pad level in some of these instances. Fidone has soft hands, but has to create more urgency at the top of cuts. Injuries have been an issue in school for the former five-star recruit. | 4 | |
| 7 (246) | Korie Black | 6’0 190 CB-Oklahoma State | Black’s postseason workouts caught the eyes of many teams around the league. His vast special teams potential (two blocked kicks in school) only adds to the competitiveness that he showed in coverage. | 4.25 | |
| Notable UDFA signing: | Dylan Cambre | 6’0 190 WR-Louisiana | On the strength of 17 career special teams tackles, Cambre gets a chance to make the team. He’s lined up at gunner in their spread punts, been a factor in kickoff coverage running down at the R5 (after motion-TKL, 2nd QTR, Independence Bowl ’22). He has also played on the PR unit to help double team the gunner. Can he make the team as a core special teamer? | 3.75 | |
| Draft Grade: | 4.375 | ||||
| Philadelphia Eagles | |||||
| Selection | Player Selection | Position- School | Nasty’ Take: | Value (1-5) | Trades |
| 1 (31) | Jihaad Campbell | 6’2 242 LB-Alabama | Campbell’s skills can be used in a variety of ways. It says something about Nakobe Dean’s injury that the Eagles felt they needed to grab him this early in the draft process. If he develops as expected (and Dean returns from injury), then the Eagles may have additional draft capital in the coming years (trade possibilities). | 4.5 | The Chiefs traded the 31st overall selection (Campbell) to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for the 32nd overall pick and a 2025 fifth-round pick (164th overall). |
| 2 (64) | Andrew Mukuba | 6’0 186 S-Texas, Clemson | Mukuba’s relentless nature features a desire for contact no matter the situation. There have been issues coming to balance on occasion. In 2024, he demonstrated improved on-ball awareness getting off the hash marks. His performance in the team’s CFP semifinal loss to Ohio State encapsulated his career. He was all over the field, yet made a critical error in force that resulted in a 75-yard TD near the end of the first half for the Buckeyes. | 4.5 | |
| 4 (111) | Ty Robinson | 6’6 310 DT-Nebraska | Robinson’s size and foot speed make for an intriguing combination. He’s not a refined pass rusher, but his strength still allows him to push the pocket. If left unblocked, he contains a short-area burst to close (2nd QTR, Minnesota ’23). His outside club and quick swim move coordinate in a vertical path when working vs. OCs at the zero-technique NG. Robinson had a career-year in 2024 (7 QB sacks, 12.5 TFLs, 4 PBUs, blocked kick). 12 career PBUs. | 4.5 | |
| 5 (145) | Mac McWilliams | 5’10 191 CB-UCF, UAB | McWilliams has been productive dating back to his time as a defensive back for UAB. His confidence and footwork continue to shine. After starring in the postseason, McWilliams will get an opportunity to earn a fourth or fifth coverage role in the Eagles secondary after the team lost both Isaiah Rodgers and Avonte Maddox in free agency. | 4.5 | The Eagles traded a fourth-round pick (130th overall) to the New York Jets in exchange for a 5th Round pick (145th overall-McWilliams) and a sixth-round pick 207th overall (Williams). |
| 5 (161) | Smael Mondon, Jr. | 6’2 224 LB-Georgia | Mondon has a decent feel for reading the action and played downhill at times in school. When the action was defined as a blitzer, he made plays. Becoming more consistent in the key-and-diagnose portion of his game could help him earn a roster spot. We envision special teams duty if he makes the final 53-man roster. | 4.25 | |
| 5 (168) | Drew Kendall (film review) | 6’4 300 OC-Boston College | We spotlighted Kendall’s athletic gifts in our feature on him a month ago. Mobility is a strong suit, but the anchor in pass protection has to grow. He continued to improve in school as a durable performer. Much like his father, former first-round pick Pete, Kendall contains the desire to finish through the down. | 4.5 | |
| 6 (181) | Kyle McCord | 6’3 218 QB-Syracuse, Ohio State | Once a former four-star recruit, McCord played good football the last two seasons at both Ohio State and Syracuse. However -aside from a five-interception nightmare against Pitt in 2024- McCord went to another level this past season. He was aggressive throwing the ball outside the numbers and challenged defenses vertically. His game is on an upward trek. | 4.25 | |
| 6 (191) | Myles Hinton | 6’7 323 OT-Michigan | Hinton’s NFL bloodlines include a brother, Chris, Jr., who’s played in the league (Chargers) and a father, Chris, Sr., who was one of the NFL’s best OTs in the 1980s (seven Pro Bowls). After losing his job in 2023, he was able to start 10 games for the Wolverines in 2024. His kick-slide is adequate and he plays heavy at the point of attack. Staying centered versus the opposition is an area of improvement. Could he move to OG for the Eagles? | 4.25 | |
| 6 (207) | Cameron Williams | 6’6 315 OT-Texas | Williams has a tendency to lean when he punches to create extension, but that same aggression extends to the run game. He is capable of moving bodies with pure mass. Do the Eagles plan to employ that aggressiveness inside? He has 11 3/8-inch hands and is hard to dislodge from once latched. | 4.5 | |
| 6 (209) | Antwaun Powell-Ryland | 6’3 258 DE/OLB-Virginia Tech, Florida | Powell-Ryland got knocked for his lack of long levers, but it did not stop him from collecting 30 sacks in two Power Four conferences. Above average bend is complemented by a slippery nature. While he does get tied up in the run game, Powell-Ryland finds ways to compete with leverage. Excellent value pick in the 6th round. | 4.75 | |
| Notable UDFA signing: | Hollin Pierce | 6’8 341 OT-Rutgers | There’s relatively minimal risk in picking up a 6-foot-8, 340-pound OT as a UDFA. Pierce’s 36-inch arms allow him room to correct mistakes in his pass pro. Efficient enough in his vertical kick-slide, Pierce has an opportunity to at least get signed to a practice squad. If not in Philadelphia, then somewhere. Over-setting has been the issue. | 4.25 | |
| Draft Grade: | 4.43 | ||||
| Washington Commanders | |||||
| Selection | Player Selection | Position- School | Nasty’ Take: | Value (1-5) | Trades |
| 1 (29) | Josh Conerly, Jr. | 6’5 311 OT-Oregon | Conerly’s quickness getting into his sets often beats DEs to the spot. Sometimes he can even get there a step early and be forced to react quickly to counters. He held his own in high-profile matchups. The addition of Laremy Tunsil at the LT spot should allow him to remain at RT, where he blocked the blind side for Oregon QB Dillon Gabriel. Does his addition allow the team to move Brandon Coleman -who performed adequately at RT as a rookie- inside to OG? | 4.5 | |
| 2 (61) | Trey Amos | 6’1 195 CB-Ole Miss, Alabama, ULL | Amos was probably going to be drafted even before he moved on to Alabama in 2023. His last game at ULL featured an impressive performance against Houston WR Tank Dell in the 2022 Independence Bowl. Amos led the SEC in passes defensed as a senior (16). | 4.5 | |
| 4 (128) | Jaylin Lane (film review) | 5’10 191 WR-RET-Virginia Tech, MTSU | We featured Lane as a gunner at MTSU and as a punt return specialist at both stops. He can be used in the screen game (something Washington featured in 2024) or in the middle of the field working the slot. His positional versatility gives the team options when determining his value beyond special teams. Lane returned two punts for TDs while in school (10.9 yds/PR). | 4.5 | |
| 6 (205) | Kain Medrano (film review) | 6’3 222 LB-UCLA | Medrano, a former WR, showed himself in pass coverage all the way back in 2022. In that season, he picked off Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. In the postseason, he flashed an ability to win vs. RBs as a blitz threat. Can he become more physical at the point of attack? | 4 | |
| 7 (245) | Jacory Croskey-Merritt | 5’10 206 RB-Arizona, New Mexico | Croskey-Merritt did more than just flash at Arizona for one game (103 yards). He rushed for 17 TDs at New Mexico as a junior. With only seven receptions on his resume’, there are questions as to how he will incorporate in that part of his game. The 2025 East-West Shrine Bowl Offensive MVP plays at a fast clip. Shifty enough as a one-cut downhill runner. | 4.25 | |
| Notable UDFA signing: | Timothy McKay | 6’3 325 OG-NC State | McKay is a balanced football player with the ability to operate effectively in man or zone blocking schemes. He has started games at the RT spot before moving to guard. Injuries may have been a factor in his final draft evaluations. Regardless, his road-grading ability could become a welcome addition to an offensive line that is looking to add depth on its interior. The problem? He tore his pectoral on his Pro Day. | 4.25 | |
| Draft Grade: | 4.33 |
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