2021 NFL Draft: Who do you want to see NFC East teams take in the first round?

The 2021 NFL Draft presents a unique run when things in the first round hit double-digits as the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Philadelphia Eagles all pick back-to-back-to-back.

Of course this was only made possible by the Eagles trading back with the Miami Dolphins from number six to 12 overall, but it will make for an interesting half hour once the Denver Broncos pass the torch off to America’s Team.

As this situation is certainly not a norm it demanded discussion which is what myself and Bleeding Green Nation’s Brandon Lee Gowton did on the latest episode of the NFC East Mixtape which you can hear on both BTB and BGN’s podcast feeds. Subscribe to the Blogging The Boys podcast network on Apple devices right here or on Spotify right here.

Among the things we discussed were what we would like to see each team within the division do that would benefit our favorite teams the most. So from the perspective of Dallas Cowboys fans what is the best possible way that things could shake out during the draft for the NFC East?

What is particularly fun (although terrifying in one sense) is that the Cowboys have the first choice among themselves, New York, and Philly. They can determine the way that this all shakes out which also means that they might have the burden of a mistake hovering around them for a long time.

Philadelphia Eagles

Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

It is easy to pick some of the worst possible players in this draft and say that we want to see them land in the division, but we are also trying to be real here and inject a large sense of practicality.

Philadelphia reportedly “loves” Michigan edge rusher Kwity Paye which feels like the best possible pick for them as far as the Cowboys are concerned.

The Eagles are a prime landing spot for one of the elite receivers in the draft like Jaylen Waddle or DeVonta Smith, so watching them devote a pick in the top half to someone other than them would feel like a step backwards for our bitter rivals.

New York Giants

Photo by Scott Varley/MediaNews Group/Torrance Daily Breeze via Getty Images

The unfortunate reality of both the Eagles and Giants drafting right behind the Cowboys is that they are all in the top 12 and therefore extremely likely to walk away with a football player that is really good. We are looking for the least of all good options here.

Like Philadelphia, it is very possible that New York takes someone like Waddle, and if they do, their offense could be on the right track forward (all pending Daniel Jones improving). If we want to see them focus on anything it should be somewhere at a less imposing position like the offensive line, say with the selection of someone like Alijah Vera-Tucker.

It should be mentioned that someone like Micah Parsons would be a wonderful pick to see New York or Philadelphia make as it would feel like a massive reach. Let’s hope it happens.

Washington Football Team

Lee Luther Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

The reigning division champions obviously have the last pick of all four teams in the first round and will be making their choice at number 19 overall.

It goes without saying that the worst case scenario here would involve one of the quarterbacks - especially say Justin Fields - falling all the way to Washington or in much closer range for them to trade up and take him. The same goes for Trey Lance.

Washington’s defense played very well last season, but defensive strength is one of the more difficult things for NFL teams to maintain year over year. Even if they do, it would be great to see them continue to flounder at the most important position in the game at quarterback, with all due respect to Ryan Fitzpatrick, he isn’t exactly going to be a gigantic difference-maker for them in 2021.

Perhaps someone like Christian Darrisaw is the best selection for Washington. Again, whatever player they pick is going to make them better, but this would keep them somewhat stagnant which is what we want to see.