How the Redskins’ NFC East rivals did on Day 1 of the 2020 NFL Draft

Three teams. Three different draft strategies. Here’s a quick look at how the Redskins three NFC East divisional rivals fared in the first round of the NFL draft.

New York Giants: OT Andrew Thomas, Georgia (No. 4 overall pick)

The Giants drafted for need. They have needed offensive line help for as long as some younger Giants fans have been alive. There were four top-tier tackles heading into this draft, and I actually really like what the Giants did here. They drafted the most productive of the four players.

The others – Jedrick Wills, Mekhi Becton, and Tristan Wirfs – who went 10, 11, and 13 respectively, had more impressive numbers and combines. But Thomas simply produced on the field against top-caliber defenses his entire career. I mean, it’s right there in the name. When you have a Jedrick, a Mekhi, and a Tristan available, and you pick an Andrew, you’re clearly not going for flash. You’re going for steady quality.

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Dallas Cowboys: WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma (No. 17 overall pick)

Dallas didn’t need a receiver. They have Amari Cooper and Michael Gallup. What they need is pass defense, in the form of pass rushers and secondary help.

But according to Dallas beat writer Todd Archer, Lamb was the No. 6 overall player on their board. A lot of mocks had him gone by 17. When he fell to them, Dallas went for the best player available. This is almost always a good strategy.

I really hope Chase Young, Montez Sweat, and Jonathan Allen are living in the Cowboys backfield next season. Because if they don’t pressure Dak Prescott, Dallas is going to pout up some serious points.

Philadelphia Eagles: WR Jalen Reagor, TCU (No. 21 overall pick)

Three WRs had already been chosen by the time the Eagles were on the clock. Everyone knew they desperately need pass catchers. (Quick quiz – how many receivers on the Eagles current roster can you name?)

But this pick was supposed to be LSU wideout Justin Jefferson. Almost every mock draft had this, and he was available. The Eagles went with the climber. The hot prospect that everyone started talking about in the last few days. As recently as four days ago, none of the Eagles beat reporters had Reagor going here. They had Jefferson, or Arizona State’s Brandon Aiyou, or maybe Baylor’s Denzel Mims.

Reagor’s speed and elusiveness make him an intriguing WR and return man, but this is a risky pick. Late climbers have a mixed record in draft history, beginning with the Eagles’ own Mike Mamula back in 1995. Not a bad player, but a bad pick at No. 7.

Oddly enough, the Redskins are in the same strategic boat as Dallas, going with the best available as opposed to need. We’ll see how it works out, but I like what Washington, New York, and Dallas did. Not so excited about Philly.