Can the Philadelphia Eagles hold onto their reign of the NFC East? The defending Super Bowl champions will not only have to battle other contenders in the NFC but will have teams in their own division looking to clip their wings.
In the NFC East, it starts with Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders who added some star power offensively in tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel, but the Dallas Cowboys have saddled up with some key additions via offseason transactions and the 2025 NFL Draft. While not projected to shake up the division, the New York Giants have one of the top defensive playmakers in the draft looking to raise havoc in the division.
Along with Abdul Carter, the young talent entering the division could have a lot to say about which team takes the crown or at least gives the Eagles a run for their money.
NFC East draft class rankings based on needs and value
Here is a ranking of the draft classes highlighting draft selections that stand out for each team.
1: New York Giants: Schoen ignite sparks that should keep him out of the hot seat
New York Giants general manager Joseph Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll will be under the spotlight in 2025. In need of a strong draft class, the Giants front office had a big decision to make at the top of the 2025 NFL Draft. Did they go in the right direction by taking the best player available instead of a quarterback?
Top Pick: With Abdul Carter there for the taking, the Giants couldn’t pass on selecting a generational edge rusher who has the elite attributes to be the next great pass rusher out of Penn State. He may even be the most disruptive defender the Giants have had since Lawrence Taylor. Not to put too much pressure on Carter, but his 12 sacks in his final year at Penn State showcases a player who can explode through and around opposing offensive lines with a combination of strength, speed and elite athleticism.
Surprise Pick: The fact that the Giants could trade back into the first round and select quarterback Jaxson Dart was the surprise move of the draft. Schoen and company were able to take the best defender in the draft and still get a young quarterback in Dart who could end up as the second-best quarterback in the draft. With the signing of Russell Wilson, there is no rush for the Giants to force Dart on the field, although his showing in OTAs and minicamp may force their hand if he continues to stand out.
Can the rookie QB outshine Russell Wilson?
Favorite Pick: It’s hard not to love the selection of Cam Skattebo with the No. 105 pick in the draft. In taking Skattebo, the Giants add depth to their running back group while also inserting a player with versatility who could be used as a fullback or even hybrid tight end. A hardnose runner who is tough to take down, Skattebo will be an instant favorite in the Big Apple.
A potential steal of the draft: Purdue product Marcus Mbow fell to the Giants due to concerns about his health. That will work out to the Giants favor as they have a guard who has the talent to compete for a starting role. In all, it is the Giants first 5 picks that land them at No. 1.