This was the first year where I was unable to watch the NFL Draft in the comfort of my home, but that does not mean I was not monitoring. Some moves I viewed as slam dunks while others left me with questions. I figured I could use this column to pick out some of the most notable moves.
Atlanta Falcons: I think everyone knew going into the draft that the Falcons needed to address one position above anything else — edge rushers. And, to their credit, they came away with two of the better edge players in the draft with Georgia’s Jalon Walker and Tennessee’s James Pearce Jr. as their first two selections. As a Georgia graduate, I have no beef whatsoever with Walker. I think he’s an amazing talent and he also ends an over decade-long streak of the Falcons not selecting a Bulldog with their first pick. I do have my concerns with Pearce though, he’s a bit leaner than you’d prefer an NFL edge rusher to be while being limited to pass-rushing situations with the Volunteers because of that lean frame. However, if we are to discuss whether or not they addressed a vital need, the Falcons did so.
New York Giants: When I got word that the Giants traded back into the first round, I almost immediately thought it was going to be Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. But, in typical Giants fashion, they made a questionable choice going with Ole Miss’ Jaxson Dart. I guess more than anything the front office believed that the last Ole Miss quarterback they selected took them to two Super Bowl victories, so it had to work a second time. Even so, head coach Brian Daboll almost immediately came out and said that Russell Wilson was going to start Week 1. Where they do deserve credit is with picking Abdul Carter from Penn State, he’s a legit prospect and if they can be happy about anything — it should be that pick.
Dallas Cowboys: I blame the Carolina Panthers for everything that transpired on Day 1 of the NFL Draft for taking Tetarioa McMillan. Because of that pick, it sent the Jones family into a scramble and made them do what they do best — pick a lineman. Cowboys have addressed either side of the trenches in four straight drafts, three of whom share the name Tyler and play on the offensive line. I understand that Zack Martin's retirement left a massive hole on the offensive line, but the running back and wide receiver room also need a ton of help. As a Cowboys fan, I can’t say I’m shocked in all honesty. I have text messages to my college buddies saying I wanted McMillan or Texas’ Matthew Golden, but knew they were going to take Tyler Booker.
Jacksonville Jaguar: I felt I had to give a nod to my predecessor Henry Zimmer and his favorite NFL team for their first-round selection. Heisman winner and Swiss army knife Travis Hunter is now a Jaguar, and honestly hats off to them for doing so. Hunter will be fun to watch alongside wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. who had a phenomenal rookie season while I imagine playing a role in the secondary. The rumblings of Liam Coen going big, more specifically on the offensive side, started to pick up a lot of steam heading into the draft with the possibility of Ashton Jeanty and talks of a trade. Although for a pretty steep price, the Jaguars accomplished that feat by bringing in the best overall player in the draft. What I am very intrigued to see is exactly what Hunter’s split is between the offensive and defensive side of the ball. I do think he’s athletic enough to play both sides of the ball at the NFL level, but not full-time. In my eyes, it’d be wide receiver mostly and in special situations on defense.
Philadelphia Eagles: To round out my notable picks I went with the Eagles because they have a formula to their draft and yet all 31 other teams just let them do it. Their strategy consists of whoever is coming out of Georgia or Alabama that has fallen past their expected range. They did it with Devonta Smith, did it with Jalen Carter and heck even did it with Nakobe Dean in the third round — all of whom are viable starters on their team. This year it was Alabama’s Jihaad Campbell, who was regarded as one of the best at his positions and arguably a top 20 player in the draft. The Eagles got him at pick 31 after leap-frogging the Kansas City Chiefs to do so. As a sad and miserable Cowboys fan, I envy the Eagles year in and year out for doing the obvious move that takes them a step up each year. I can only hope one day that the Cowboys can do the same as they watch the rest of the NFC East get better while they fall slowly into mediocrity.
Samuel Higgs is the sports editor of The Outlook.