The calendar has flipped to June, and NFL mini camps are progressing into the middle stages of full-team workouts. Rookies from the 2026 NFL Draft have been seen in their new uniforms during minicamp and now have the chance to showcase their ability to perform against actual NFL talent.
As players begin to emerge in the coming weeks as early steals and value picks, here is one rookie from each NFC East franchise who could outplay their modest draft position over the course of their NFL career.
Here's one steal from each NFC East team who could make a big impact:
Dallas Cowboys: Devin Moore, CB, Florida - Round 4, Pick 114
Dallas Cowboys' defensive coordinator Christian Parker is known for his affinity to constantly produce starting-caliber cornerbacks, and Devin Moore is a name who could add to his resume despite joining a crowded depth chart. An SEC-tested cornerback is almost always a prospect worth taking a chance on, and that holds true for the former Gator.
He dominated the catch point in his time at Florida and stayed disciplined enough to limit his penalty count across his career. Athletically, Moore isn't wowing anybody with his numbers, but his 6-foot-3 frame and solid experience in man coverage could line up a path for him to see playing time at some point.
New York Giants: JC Davis, OL, Illinois - Round 6, Pick 192
The former Illinois lineman is a work in progress, but he has the frame and power to be viewed as a moldable piece. Day 3 dart throws for offensive linemen at least give teams important depth in the trenches, and Davis could play both tackle and on the interior if he builds his game enough to be a startable player.
His film showed a very inconsistent player, especially in his hand and foot technique. John Harbaugh is trusting his new developmental system to shore up the Giants' offensive line from top-to-bottom, with Davis hopefully becoming a stable depth piece behind 1st round pick Francis Mauigoa.
More 2026 draft steals:
Philadelphia Eagles: Cole Payton, QB, North Dakota State - Round 5, Pick 178
Prefacing this by saying that Cole Payton isn't a Jalen Hurts successor, nor is he the Jalen Hurts to Hurts' Carson Wentz. However, his player profile is quite similar to Hurts as a prospect. The southpaw gives Howie Roseman and company room to move current backup Tanner McKee if he once again shines in the preseason, and Payton could assume that role.
The upside that Payton's NDSU tape flashed was certainly tantalizing at times, with a handful of analysts even grading him out as a Day 2 prospect. The Philadelphia system plays to his strengths, and his range of positive outcomes could go from future trade piece to fill-in backup, both of which are extremely valuable, especially from a Day 3 pick.
Washington Commanders: Joshua Josephs, EDGE, Tennessee - Round 5, Pick 147
Josephs is a player who still needs to develop into his impressive frame, and Washington is a great place for him to do just that. He's a lengthy, speedy edge rusher entering a defense with plenty of veteran depth at the position. This was a future play for sure, but one that could pay off in the years to come.
The Tennessee product has enough tools to not be a liability if he's pushed onto the field early in his career, and offers a projection that most teams target with their Day 3 draft picks. After bringing in a few stopgap pieces at EDGE in the offseason, Josephs can work into the starting rotation as the depth chart thins out in the future.
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