2026 NFL Draft Grades: NFC East
By Jack Brentnall
With the 2026 NFL Draft complete, it’s time to assess how each team navigated the board. These grades weigh my own evaluations against the consensus, with a focus on value, decision-making, and how effectively teams maximised their draft capital.
Dallas Cowboys
This is one of the strongest classes in the division, built around high-end talent and excellent value at the top of the draft. Caleb Downs at No. 11 stands out as one of the best picks of the first round, combining elite talent with a perfect schematic fit in Christian Parker’s quarters-heavy defense.
The Cowboys followed that up with another strong addition in Malachi Lawrence at No. 23, one of the top edge rushers in the class. Jaishawn Barham at No. 92 is another excellent value selection, bringing a versatile skill set that should give the defense multiple options in how he is deployed.
There are minor concerns further down the board. Drew Shelton at No. 112 feels a little rich, but the additions of Devin Moore and LT Overton on day three provide solid depth and value. Overall, this is a well-rounded class that consistently finds players in favourable ranges, with very few missteps throughout.
Grade: A
Draft in full
11 (R1) – Caleb Downs (S, Ohio State)
23 (R1) – Malachi Lawrence (EDGE, UCF)
92 (R3) – Jaishawn Barham (EDGE, Michigan)
112 (R4) – Drew Shelton (OT, Penn State)
114 (R4) – Devin Moore (CB, Florida)
137 (R4) – LT Overton (EDGE, Alabama)
218 (R7) – Anthony Smith (WR, East Carolina)
New York Giants
This is a strong foundational class for the first year of the John Harbaugh era, with the Giants making a number of smart, value-driven additions early on. Arvell Reese at No. 5 is an excellent selection, particularly given they were able to stay put and still land him. The expectation that he will play linebacker is especially encouraging, as it allows him to maximise his strengths rather than forcing him into a more developmental edge role.
Francis Mauigoa at No. 10 is another strong pick, offering immediate flexibility with the potential to play guard early before developing into a long-term tackle. Colton Hood early in the second round continues the trend of addressing key needs, adding a much-needed presence at corner.
The Malachi Fields selection stands out as the main concern, particularly given the trade up to secure him. It feels like an aggressive move relative to the board, with several other receivers still available that I think have the potential to be significantly more impactful at the pro level.
Day three was less exciting, but I do think the selection of JC Davis at No. 192 could be really nice value. Like Mauigoa, he provides them with tackle-guard versatility and will be a nice depth piece.
The strength of the early selections keeps this firmly in positive territory. It’s a well-constructed class overall, with one notable overreach in Fields preventing it from pushing into the very top tier.
Grade: A-
Draft in full
5 (R1) – Arvell Reese (LB, Ohio State)
10 (R1) – Francis Mauigoa (OT, Miami)
37 (R2) – Colton Hood (CB, Tenessee)
74 (R3) – Malachi Fields (WR, Notre Dame)
186 (R6) – Bobby Jamison-Travis (IDL, Auburn)
192 (R6) – JC Davis (OT, Illinois)
193 (R6) – Jack Kelly (LB, BYU)
Philadelphia Eagles
This is a class that leans heavily into retooling the passing game, with mixed results from a value standpoint. The Makai Lemon selection is a strong move, even with the trade up, adding a highly talented pass catcher who should fit well alongside DeVonta Smith and within the new offense that we can expect Sean Mannion to run.
There are more questions elsewhere. Eli Stowers feels like an aggressive pick at that stage, particularly given his projection as more of a slot receiver than a traditional tight end. With Lemon already added, the fit becomes slightly less clear and there is still a significant amount of development required in Stowers’ game.
Markel Bell brings intriguing upside with his physical tools and pass protection ability, but No. 68 is earlier than ideal given the refinement still needed in his game. Cole Payton profiles as a solid depth option behind Jalen Hurts, but overall this is a class that lacks the same level of value consistency seen elsewhere in the division.
Grade: B
Draft in full
20 (R1) – Makai Lemon (WR, USC)
54 (R2) – Eli Stowers (TE, Vanderbilt)
68 (R3) – Markel Bell (OT, Miami)
178 (R5) – Cole Payton (QB, North Dakota State)
207 (R6) – Micah Morris (IOL, Georgia)
244 (R7) – Cole Wisniewski (S, Texas Tech)
251 (R7) – Uar Bernard (IDL, International Pathway)
252 (R7) – Keyshawn James-Newby (EDGE, New Mexico)
Washington Commanders
This is an excellent class built on maximising limited draft capital. With only two selections in the first four rounds, Washington made the most of their opportunities, consistently finding value and addressing key areas of the roster.
Sonny Styles at No. 7 is a strong opening selection, bringing versatility and intelligence to a defense that should make full use of his skill set under Daronte Jones. Antonio Williams provides an immediate boost at wide receiver, while Joshua Josephs adds a high-upside option off the edge.
The value continues into the later rounds. Matt Gulbin in the sixth round stands out as a particularly strong addition, offering the potential to develop into a starter at either guard or centre while also providing valuable depth.
Given the limited resources available, this is one of the more efficient and well-executed classes in the draft. It may not have the same number of headline steals as some others, but the overall process and value extraction are difficult to fault.
Grade: A
Draft in full
7 (R1) – Sonny Styles (LB, Ohio State)
71 (R3) – Antonio Williams (WR, Clemson)
147 (R5) – Joshua Josephs (EDGE, Tennessee)
187 (R6) – Kaytron Allen (RB, Penn State)
209 (R6) – Matt Gulbin (IOL, Michigan State)
223 (R7) – Athan Kaliakmanis (QB, Rutgers)
JACK BRENTNALL
HEAD OF NFL DRAFT CONTENT
Previously the founder of The Jet Sweep, Jack joined The Touchdown as head of Draft Content in 2024. A Scouting Academy alumnus, Jack has been Covering the NFL Draft since 2020. Follow him on Twitter @Jack_Brentnall.