Every pick has the chance to change a franchise. No matter the spot-first overall or Mr. Irrelevant-a player could flourish into a superstar.
This article highlights the biggest steal from each draft class in the NFC East (and the overall biggest steal of the division). Of course, there will be some honorable mentions at the end since it is not always definitive.
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Dallas Cowboys: Shavon Revel Jr., CB, ECU (Round Three)
Most analysts had Revel as a fringe-first talent.
An early-season knee injury certainly hurt his chances of competing against similar talents who were healthy, but few expected the ECU product to slip to the third round.
His excellent frame and elite arm length are great to build upon as an outside corner. With Trevon Diggs’ future in question due to health and contract expiration, a new starter needs to be in the works. Even if Diggs stays for the long haul, having three starting-caliber cornerbacks is a dream come true. Dallas did the right thing.
New York Giants: Marcus Mbow, OL, Purdue (Round Five)
Very few expected Mbow to slip out of day two.
The tenacity, mobility, and character are all top-end (check this interview to see his personal side). While his 32-inch arms limit his ability to play tackle, the physical tools project well to the inside. Mbow could start immediately if needed. Not bad for a fifth-round pick.
Before the comments flow in, it is safe to say that New York will have a couple of honorable mentions. The draft class was very, very good.
Washington Commanders: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss (Round Two)
It is hard to choose which pick was the biggest steal for the Commanders.
Amos won the raffle due to his day-one impact. He fills a massive need at boundary cornerback, and the value was impeccable.
Several scouts had Amos listed as a bona fide late-first talent. His performance in Mobile at the Senior Bowl only backed up those claims.
Simply put, Washington got an absolute steal.
Philadelphia Eagles: Antwaun Powell-Ryland, EDGE, Virginia Tech (Round Six)
The Eagles had plenty of steals this draft (check out the honorable mention slide).
Powell-Ryland is a perfect fit for Vic Fangio as a designated pass rusher with some coverage tools. The Virginia Tech product had 16 sacks this year-second most in the country behind Mike Green.
The former Hokie has one primary issue-short arms. Many teams will be scared by sub-33-inch arms for edge rushers. Powell-Ryland is below 32 inches.
Not many have had consistent success with that limitation in the NFL, but Powell-Ryland found a way. Time will tell if that way translates to the next level.
Biggest Steal: Trey Amos, CB, Washington
Somehow, a second-round pick won the biggest steal.
Amos is simply that good of a prospect for the value. Getting an immediate starting cornerback in a relatively weak class is hard to imagine at the back end of round two. Somehow it happened, and Commanders fans can rejoice.
Honorable Mentions
There were lots of picks across most drafts that one would call ‘steals.’ Below are a few of the biggest for the NFC East that missed the top spot.
Philadelphia Eagles: Cameron Williams, OL, Texas (Round Six)
Cam Williams was a potential first-round pick midseason. Hiccups with his knee and a halting of progression tanked his draft stock to what seemed to be the back end of day two. Few expected the high-ceiling product to declare for the draft, but he did, and the Eagles took advantage of it. Williams has even been hinted at being a potential guard with the vision to be a tackle. Jeff Stoutland will work his magic.
Philadelphia Eagles: Mac McWilliams, CB, UCF (Round Five)
The Eagles needed some cornerback help with the departure of Darius Slay and Isaiah Rodgers. Few would think they would wait until the fifth round to address their need, but somehow it worked out. McWilliams is a savvy zone defender with a ton of tenacity. He can instantly work on the boundary or in the slot. Watch out for McWilliams taking starting reps come the regular season.
Honorable Mentions – Continued
New York Giants: Darius Alexander, DI, Toledo (Round Three)
Alexander solely fell due to age concerns and a late breakout. Sure, a 25-year-old should be able to handle younger opponents, but Alexander consistently challenged and beat the best of the best. His showing in Mobile at the Senior Bowl exemplified his first-round talent. Getting that value in the third round is ridiculous. Now, the Giants have arguably the best defensive line in the entire league.
Dallas Cowboys: Ajani Cornelius, OL, Oregon (Round Six)
Not many will give the Cowboys kudos for taking Cornelius. Those who do understand both his value as a backup tackle and his potential as a guard. The key is Cornelius’s ability to play both inside and out. That is an incredible trait to have when being a backup offensive lineman. A lot of injuries occur, and having a player who can fill both needs if one pops up is more valuable than one thinks. Dallas got a steal in the sixth.
