2026 NFL Draft Franchise Post-Draft Review - NFC East

SNS takes a deep dive look into how every NFL team reloaded during the 2026 NFL Draft - every draft pick is evaluated and each UDFA class is assessed. Every NFL team is graded on how they addressed team needs and an early assessment is made about what to expect in the coming season. And for those who play fantasy football, consider this your first primer on the 2026 NFL rookie fantasy class as each rookie class is assessed and future stars are identified! The 2026 NFL Franchise Post-Draft Review is here to help you make sense of what every NFL team was trying to accomplish in Pittsburgh last month.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

1 (11)

Caleb Downs

S

Ohio State

The best prospect in this draft falls out of the top ten so the Cowboys swap two 5th round picks with Miami to move up one spot. Downs has no holes in his game and has Hall of Fame potential if he stays healthy. Excellent pick by the Cowboys.

1 (23)

Malachi Lawrence

EDGE

UCF

Lawrence bursts up draft boards and climbs into the first-round after showing out at the Senior Bowl and Combine after last season. Lawrence has great twitch and flashes elite pass rushing skill, he just needs to put it all together more consistently in the NFL.

3 (92)

Jaishawn Barham

EDGE-LB

Michigan

The Cowboys roll the dice on Barham a very quick, agile, and twitchy LB who profiles as an EDGE in the NFL. Dallas has added two EDGEs with upside in Lawrence and Barham in an attempt to replace the production lost when Micah Parsons was traded last summer.

4 (112)

Drew Shelton

OT

Penn State

Looks the part with the size and length (6050 / 313 / 33 & 3/8" Arms) desired in a blindside protector. Shelton has light feet and outstanding agility to play at OT. However, Shelton lacks some desired strength and his hand use needs development. Shelton profiles as as a backup OT with starting potential with continued development.

4 (114)

Devin Moore

CB

Florida 

Moore fits the physical prototype that Dallas loves in their CBs with the size they covet in their outside CBs - 6032 / 198 lbs / 31 & 5/8" Arms - and the awareness and instincts to make plays on the ball down field. Moore should play substantial minutes and push for a starting job as a rookie.

4 (137)

LT Overton

EDGE

Alabama

The Cowboys add the powerful Crimson Tide EDGE who excels as a run stuffer and displays promise as an interior pass rusher when rushing as a 3T. Overton has a great motor and should provide a valuable and versatile backup DL to improve the Cowboys' depth.

7 (218)

Anthony Smith

WR

ECU

Despite all the drama surrounding WR George Pickens, the Cowboys do not draft a WR until pick 218 but select an explosive and quick WR in Smith, the ECU veteran. Smith, a state champion sprinter in high school, has a nice combination of size (6015 / 191 lbs / 31 & 7/8" Arms) and speed and should earn a spot on Dallas' 53-man roster in September.

UDFA Signings

Dominic Richardson

RB

Tulsa

Jordan Hudson

WR

SMU

Camden Brown

WR

Georgia Southern

DJ Rogers

TE

TCU

Michael Trigg

TE

Baylor

Sidney Fugar

OL

Baylor

Shiyazh Pete

OT

Kentucky

Tommy Dunn

IDL

Kansas

DJ Withers 

IDL

Kansas

Kelvin Gilliam

IDL

Virginia Tech

Langston Patterson

LB

Vanderbilt

Draft Needs - CB, EDGE, LB, S, OT

Draft & UDFA Grade - B-

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

The Cowboys entered the 2026 NFL Draft and were willing to move up and down the draft board to acquire difference making talent but only had to move up one spot to pick up SNS' number one ranked prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft, safety Caleb Downs. Later in the first-round, the Cowboys traded back to pick 23 with hated rival and draft masters, the Eagles, and drafted UCF EDGE Malachi Lawrence. The Cowboys doubled down in EDGE rushers by selecting Michigan EDGE-LB Jaishawn Barham in the third round and now hope they have adequately filled in the void left by trading Micah Parsons to the Packers last summer. Dallas needs significant reinforcements in the secondary, especially at CB, but only drafted Downs and Florida CB Devin Moore. Dallas needs to comb free agency and bring in another young CB or two before this fall.

Richardson was a late invitee to the East-West Shrine Bowl and then looked like the best RB on the field during the game. Richardson will likely earn a job on the practice squad to start his career. Brown and Hudson both have excellent chances to make the roster, or at least the practice squad, over the summer. Rogers and Trigg both earned draftable grades but fell out of the draft. Both players have good chances to make the roster or practice squad in September. Fugar and Pete are both big, hulking OT prospects fighting for one likely position on the practice squad. IDL Dunn, Withers, and Gilliam are all likely competing for one practice squad spot and LB Patterson will need to excel on special teams to make the Cowboys roster or practice squad.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

As it currently stands, no Dallas rookie should have much fantasy impact this coming fall. The only skill position player drafted was Anthony Smith and he was not selected until the seventh-round. Keep an eye on Richardson, Smith, Brown, and Hudson who all have the talent to shine if they get an opportunity but none should factor into your draft planning.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

1 (20)

Makai Lemon

WR

USC

For some reaon, every year a superior talent falls to the Eagles and so is the case this year. Lemon, the Biletnikoff Award winner and SNS' number one ranked WR prospect falls to the 20th pick and the Eagles trade with division rival Cowboys to select Lemon. Philly is rumored to be trading AJ Brown after June 1st and Lemon will help replace the production that is leaving Philadelphia this summer.

5 (178)

Cole Payton

QB

North Dakota State

Payton, a southpaw, is raw but displays intriguing upside to be developed as a backup to QB Jalen Hurts. Rumors out of Philadelphia make it seem that this will be a critical year for Hurts in Philly and by adding a developmental QB with running talent in Payton, the rumors are likely to persist through the fall about Hurts' future in the City of Brotherly Love.

6 (207)

Micah Morris

OG

Georgia

The Eagles decide to add another Georgia Bulldog prospect in the gigantic Morris (6052 / 334 lbs / 33 & 3/8" Arms), a physically dominating and powerful guard with strong hands and a nasty attitude. Morris is best used in a confined space but has an NFL-ready game and he should be able to contribute immediately, if needed. Morris will push for a roster spot or practice squad spot over the summer.

7 (244)

Cole Wisniewki

S

Texas Tech

After losing safety Reed Blankenship in free agency to the Texans, the Eagles wait until the seventh-round to draft a potential replacement. Wisniewski (6033 / 214 lbs / 31 & 1/8" Arms) is huge, rangy, and active. Wisniewski crashes down and supports against the run effectively – keys quickly and has outstanding read and react skills. Very effective in the box in run support. He is a powerful hitter and solid open field tackler – breaks down well and seldom misses tackles in space. Great size and length for matching up with TEs in man coverage. Tightness in his hips limits effectiveness in man coverage against quick WRs in space. Only one year of FBS experience and can still be manipulated by a savvy QB. Limited ball production and ball skills are still in development – did not record an INT last year but was credited with 6 passes defensed last season. Profiles as a core special teamer early in his NFL career.

7 (251)

Uar Bernard

IDL

Nigeria

Bernard may be the freakiest of freak athletes to ever enter the NFL. Weighing in at 306 lbs with 35+ inch arms at the HBCU Combine back in February, Bernard, an International Pathway Program (IPP) participant, recorded a 4.63 40, bench pressed 225 lbs 31 times, and recorded a 39" Vertical and a 10'10" Broad jump. Just amazing numbers. Bernard has an extensive soccer and basketball history but has NEVER PLAYED FOOTBALL and learning the game at the NFL level is akin to trying to have a conversation with the Pope in Latin, when you do not even know the language! Bernard should start his career on the practice squad. His development will be fascinating to watch.

7 (252) 

Keyshawn James-Newby

EDGE

New Mexico

The Eagles finish up their draft with a surprising selection of James-Newby, a quick and agile EDGE with the bend and burst desired. James-Newby (6017 / 240 lbs / 32 & 3/4" Arms) has excellent length and an impressive closing burst to be developed into a situational EDGE rusher in the NFL. James-Newby is likely to start his career on the practice squad but if you can rush the passer, you will play a long time in the NFL.

UDFA Signings

Dae'Quan Wright

TE

Ole Miss

Jaeden Roberts

OG

Alabama

Joshua Weru

EDGE

Kenya (IPP)

Deontae Lawson 

LB

Alabama

Tucker Large

S

Washinton State

Maximus Pulley

S

Wofford

Kapena Gushiken

S

Ole Miss

Rocco Underwood

LS

Florida

Draft Needs - S, IOL, EDGE, OT, TE

Draft & UDFA Grade - C+

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

With only one top 100 pick and only one pick until mid way through Saturday's draft, the Eagles did not make a huge impact but still decided to trade up to acquire the best WR in college football in Lemon, the USC All-American. Payton is a raw and inexperienced FCS QB with the size, arm strength, and the running ability to play a Taysom Hill-type role in Philly's offense. His development will be fascinating to watch. Morris' size, strength, and durability should allow him to play immediately if needed and he provides immediate depth inside. Bernard is the ultimate project as a raw, uber-talented athlete without any football experience and James-Newby will likely begin his career on the practice squad.

Philadelphia has one of the most stacked rosters in the NFL and earning a job as an UDFA is exceedingly difficult. But four of these prospects have the skills and experience to contribute in the NFL. Wright earned a draftable grade and has the speed and agility to get open but needs to improve his hands and concentration to earn a roster spot. Roberts was a former starter who lost his OG job last season but has flashed with the strength and agility to play in the NFL. Lawson surprisingly went undrafted, likely due to an extensive injury history, but he is a well-rounded LB who is outstanding in coverage. Underwood was one of the best long snappers in college football and will push for the LS job in Philly.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

Only one Eagles rookie projects as having any meaningful fantasy impact as a rookie but he is one you should prioritize in your upcoming fantasy draft - Makai Lemon. Lemon is likely to be a slot receiver, he runs excellent routes, and is a physical and tough runner after the catch. Using a late round pick on Lemon may prove to be a wise decision.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

1 (5)

Arvell Reese

EDGE

Ohio State

The Giants should have one of the most dangerous pass rushes in the NFL next season with Brian Burns and Abdul Carter joining Reese off the edge. Reese can be deployed as a LB to take advantage of match-ups and has tremendous upside to be developed as a pass rusher. The Giants make a great selection here.

1 (25)

Francis Mauigoa

OT

Miami, Fl

Mauigoa instantly ugrades the OL as the likely new ORT for the Giants. Mauigoa could slide inside to guard and become a plug and play starter as a rookie. Harbaugh's Giants just got tougher.

2 (37)

Colton Hood

CB

Tennessee

Hood goes off the board prior to his teammate McCoy. Hood is smooth, fluid, and quick and should compete for a starting job as a rookie.

3 (74)

Malachi Fields

WR

Notre Dame

The Giants continue their strong draft with the selection of the fast and long-limbed Fighting Irish WR. Fields, a transfer from Virginia, has the size, length, speed, and body control to be a verticl threat for QB Jaxon Dart.

6 (186)

Bobby Jamison-Travis

IDL

Auburn

Stamina and overall cardio health remains a concern but BJT has excellent size (6030 / 328 lbs / 34 & 1/4" Arms) and will be a valuable interior defender on running downs in the NFL. He offers little as a pass rusher but is strong with a low center of gravity and provides a quality rotation piece inside.

6 (192)

JC Davis

OT

Illinois

With the first of back-to-back selections, the Giants add the big and sturdy Illinois OLT with enough length (34 & 1/4" Arms) and lateral agility to stay on the outside but has fantastic physical dimensions for sliding inside to guard. Davis will offer a versatile swing backup OT with enough versatility to fill in at either guard spot or OT position in the NFL.

6 (193)

Jack Kelly

LB

BYU

Kelly is an old-school off-the-ball LB who is a productive and instinctive prospect who flows and scrapes through traffic, stacks and sheds effectively, and is strong and durable. Although he can be overmatched in man coverage, Kelly is a powerful and deceptively quick blitzer in the mold of Leo Chenal and adds another element to the Giants' pass defense.

UDFA Signings

Jeff Sims*

QB

Arizona State

Kevorian Barnes

RB

TCU

Ryan Schernecke

OT

Kutztown State

Coltin Deery

OC

TCU

Anquin Barnes

IDL

Colorado

Thaddeus Dixon

CB

North Carolina

Domonic Zvada

K

Michigan

Ben Mann

LS

Boston College

*Mini Camp Invitee

Draft Needs - CB, IOL, RB, LB, OT

Draft & UDFA Grade - A-

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

After acquiring the tenth pick from the Bengals in the Dexter Lawrence trade, the Giants were the only team with two top ten picks and added two players who should immediately make the Giants significantly tougher and a threat to the Eagles in the NFC East. According to coach John Harbaugh, Reese will play off-the-ball LB, his natural position, and will not play as an EDGE since the Giants are well-fortified there. Mauigoa will slide inside where he should be an immediate starter. Hood also projects as a starter as Harbaugh rebuilds the G-Men on the fly. Fields gives NY the big, fast vertical threat the team has needed to complement Malik Nabers on the outside. NY used their three sixth-round picks on three players who immediately improve the team's depth. Jamison-Travis will help fill the void left by Lawrence. Davis looks like a potential swing OT who could provide important depth if injuries hit. Kelly is a strong and physical run-stuffer who shows a knack for rushing the passer. He will need to excel on special teams to make the 53-man roster.

The UDFA class is small and the two most intriguing additions are specialists. Zvada has an extremely strong leg and can hit from 55+ yards consistently but has sporadic accuracy from inside 40 yards that is atypical of a successful NFL kicker. Mann is an experienced and reliable long snapper who will push for the NFL job over the summer.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

Fields is the only notable skill position player added during this process and his progress during OTAs, training camp, and the preseason need to be monitored closely. Fields has a huge catch radius and has great vertical speed. Fields should be drafted in dynasty leagues and monitored for mid-season acquisition in re-draft leagues.

Rd (Pick #)

DRAFT PICKS

1 (7)

Sonny Styles 

LB

Ohio State

Styles makes a great value pick with the speed, range, instincts, and tackling ability to excel in the NFL. Styles is a great athlete who profiles as a perfect match-up with TEs in space and or for spying athletic QBs. The Commanders have added a potential Pro Bowler to their young roster.

3 (71)

Antonio Williams

WR

Clemson

One of the most experienced and productive slot receivers in college football, Williams seems to be dinged up a lot but when he is healthy, his agility and burst makes him a dangerous runner with the ball in his hands. Williams fills a need and will push for a starting job in three receiver sets as a rookie.

5 (147)

Joshua Josephs

EDGE

Tennessee

Josephs flashes elite skills - twitch, burst, bend, and agility but relies on quickness and lacks some desired power to set an effective edge in the run defense. Josephs is likely to start as a situational pass rusher and he will benefit from an NFL strength program.

6 (187)

Kaytron Allen

RB

Penn State

Allen was the power back in the Nittany Lions loaded backfield and has plug and play potential as a rookie starter in D.C. Allen has good burst to, and through, the hole, has soft hands, can snatch the ball outside the frame of his body, and is one of the best pass protectors in the RB class. For fantasy football owners, try to grab Allen in your fantasy draft this summer.

6 (209)

Matt Gulbin

OC

Michigan State

Gulbin has starting experience at both guard (at Wake Forest) and center (at Michigan State) and that versatility will serve him well as a versatile backup inside. Ideal size for an NFL center – tall, wide body, well-distributed mass. Gulbin is quick out to the second level to engage LBs in the run game – adept at making combination blocks at the second level. Anchors effectively against the bull rush. Gulbin's intelligence and versatility should allow him to hold a job as a backup IOL in the NFL.

7 (223)

Athan Kaliakmanis

QB

Rutgers

On the surface, Kaliakmanis seems like an odd fit as a potential backup to Jayden Daniels but Kaliakmanis has the profile of a long-term NFL back-up QB with the size (6025 / 212 lbs), arm strength, and experience desired. Kaliakmanis has had a long and rocky career in the Big Ten at Minnesota and Rutgers and will be given an opportunity to earn a job as the third QB in DC this fall.

UDFA Signings

Robert Henry

RB

UTSA

Chris Hilton

WR

LSU

Quentin Moore

TE

Washington

Tanoa Togiai

OG

Utah

Jeffrey M'ba

IDL

SMU

Fred Davis

CB

Northwestern

Malik Spencer

S

Michigan State

Drew Stevens

K

Iowa

Draft Needs - RB, WR, TE, S, EDGE

Draft & UDFA Grade - C+

2026 NFL Draft & UDFA Analysis

The Commanders came into the 2026 NFL Draft with only two top 100 picks and several significant needs so not every one of them could be adequately filled. But Washington did a solid job of increasing the athleticism and added talent that will help the team compete in the rugged NFC East. Styles is an athletic freak who gives the Commanders a potential premiere talent at LB. Williams should immediately contribute and likely start opposite Terry McLaurin. Josephs has flashed elite skills with the bend and burst desired in an EDGE, he just needs to become more consistent. Allen is a potential starter and could end up as the team's best RB before training camp breaks. Gulbin and Kaliakmanis are potential back-ups who may start their careers on the practice squad.

Henry fell out of the draft due to the talent and depth of the RB class and the NFL's lower prioritization on the position. But Henry displayed a quality set of running skills and has a very good chance of gaining a roster spot or potentially contributing as a rookie. Hilton has great speed but he has never figured out to apply it on Saturday afternoons. M'ba has a ton of potential and could be developed into a solid NFL contributor. Davis has the size and length desired in press man CBs but needs to display some ball skills to earn a roster spot. Spencer is the only safety acquired and addresses a need otherwise not addressed in this draft. Spencer could earn a spot on the 53-man roster at the beginning of September. Stevens has an excellent chance to win the kicking job. This is a battle to monitor.

Rookie Fantasy Football Impact

Two rookies should be on your draft radars as you prepare your draft strategy this summer - Williams and Allen. Williams has been a consistent and reliable receiving option at Clemson and has the quickness and agility to work underneath zones well and take advantage of single coverage. Williams is worth a late round flyer in your fantasy draft. Allen enters a great situation in DC and could win the starting job early in his rookie season. Allen should be a priority mid-round target (think rounds 9-12) who could become a fantasy starter for your team by mid-season.