Big Blue Huddle

The short answer is quickly, or never. 

A few years ago, I ran a statistical analysis of every skilled position; my intent was to determine when you could expect a player, at a given position, to emerge.  My thesis was the notion it takes 3-to-5 years to judge a player is outdated and inaccurate.  During that effort, I realized WRs, more than any other skilled position, emerge quickly and have a fairly predictable output..  The data suggest Nabers will adapt quickly, or not at all.  Below is list of all the 1st rd WR(s) drafted between 2016 and 2021; as I'm sure you'll note, they produce quickly and remain statistically consistent, unless impacted by injuries and/or suspension. In lieu of a boring analysis, here are two general observations.

1.   The preponderance of 1st Round WRs show their abilities in their rookie seasons
2.   100% of 1st Round WRs showcase their abilities by year 2, or not at all.
a.   At this point, they're production is fairly steady 

Ja'Marr Chase (Pick 5):   
2021*   CIN   17   81   1455   18   13   AP ORoY-1, AP2, PB
2022*   CIN   12   87   1046   12   9   PB
2023*   CIN   16   100   1216   12.2   7   PB
                     
Jaylen Waddle (Pick 6):                     
2021   MIA   16   104   1015   9.8   6   
2022   MIA   17   75   1356   18.1   8   
2023   MIA   14   72   1014   14.1   4   
                     
DeVonta Smith (Pick 10):                  
2021   PHI   17   64   916   14.3   5   
2022   PHI   17   95   1196   12.6   7   
2023   PHI   16   81   1066   13.2   7   
                  
Kadarius Toney (Pick 20):            
2021   NYG   10   39   420   10.8   0   
2022   2TM   9   16   171   10.7   2   
   KAN   7   14   171   12.2   2   
   NYG   2   2   0   0   0   
2023   KAN   13   27   169   6.3   1   
                     
                     
Rashod Bateman  (Pick 27):                     
21   BAL   12   46   515   11.2   1   
2022   BAL   6   15   285   19   2   
2023   BAL   16   32   367   11.5   1   
                     
                     
Henry Ruggs (Pick 12):                  
20   LVR   13   26   452   17.4   2   
2021   LVR   7   24   469   19.5   2   
                     
Jerry Jeudy: (Pick 15)                     
20   DEN   16   52   856   16.5   3   
2021   DEN   10   38   467   12.3   0   
2022   DEN   15   67   972   14.5   6   
2023   DEN   16   54   758   14   2   
                     
CeeDee Lamb (Pick 17):                     
2020   DAL   16   74   935   12.6   5   
2021*   DAL   16   79   1102   13.9   6   PB
2022*   DAL   17   107   1359   12.7   9   AP2, PB
2023*+   DAL   17   135   1749   13   12   
                     
Jalen Reagor (Pick 21):               
2020   PHI   11   31   396   12.8   1   
2021   PHI   17   33   299   9.1   2   
2022   MIN   17   8   104   13   1   
2023   NWE   11   7   138   19.7   0   
                     
Justin Jefferson (Pick 22):               
2020*   MIN   16   88   1400   15.9   7   AP ORoY-2, AP2, PB
2021*   MIN   17   108   1616   15   10   AP2, PB
2022*+   MIN   17   128   1809   14.1   8   AP MVP-5, AP OPoY-1, AP1, PB
2023   MIN   10   68   1074   15.8   5   
                     
Brandon Aiyuk (Pick 25):                     
2020   SFO   12   60   748   12.5   5   
2021   SFO   17   56   826   14.8   5   
2022   SFO   17   78   1015   13   8   
2023   SFO   16   75   1342   17.9   7   
                     
Marquise Brown (Pick 25):      
2019   BAL   14   46   584   12.7   7   
2020   BAL   16   58   769   13.3   8   
2021   BAL   16   91   1008   11.1   6   
2022   ARI   12   67   709   10.6   3   
2023   ARI   14   51   574   11.3   4   
                     
N'Keal Harry (Pick 32):   
2019   NWE   7   12   105   8.8   2   
2020   NWE   14   33   309   9.4   2   
2021   NWE   12   12   184   15.3   0   
2022   CHI   7   7   116   16.6   1   
2023   MIN   9            0   
                     
D.J. Moore (Pick 24):
2018   CAR   16   55   788   14.3   2   
2019   CAR   15   87   1175   13.5   4   
2020   CAR   15   66   1193   18.1   4   
2021   CAR   17   93   1157   12.4   4   
2022   CAR   17   63   888   14.1   7   
2023   CHI   17   96   1364   14.2   8   
                     
Calvin Ridley (Pick 26):                  
2018   ATL   16   64   821   12.8   10   
2019   ATL   13   63   866   13.7   7   
2020   ATL   15   90   1374   15.3   9   AP2
2021   ATL   5   31   281   9.1   2   
2023   JAX   17   76   1016   13.4   8   
                     
Corey Davis (Pick 5):                  
2017   TEN   11   34   375   11   0   
2018   TEN   16   65   891   13.7   4   
2019   TEN   15   43   601   14   2   
2020   TEN   14   65   984   15.1   5   
2021   NYJ   9   34   492   14.5   4   
2022   NYJ   13   32   536   16.8   2   
                     
John Ross (Pick 9):                  
2017   CIN   3   0   0      0   
2018   CIN   13   21   210   10   7   
2019   CIN   8   28   506   18.1   3   
2020   CIN   3   2   17   8.5   0   
2021   NYG   10   11   224   20.4   1   
                     
Corey Coleman (Pick 15):                  
2016   CLE   10   33   413   12.5   3   
2017   CLE   9   23   305   13.3   2   
2018   NYG   8   5   71   14.2   0   
                     
Will Fuller (Pick 21):                  
2016   HOU   14   47   635   13.5   2   
2017   HOU   10   28   423   15.1   7   
2018   HOU   7   32   503   15.7   4   
2019   HOU   11   49   670   13.7   3   
2020   HOU   11   53   879   16.6   8   
2021   MIA   2   4   26   6.5   0   
                     
Josh Doctson (Pick 22):                  
2016   WAS   2   2   66   33   0   
2017   WAS   16   35   502   14.3   6   
2018   WAS   15   44   532   12.1   2   
2019   MIN   1            0   
                     
Laquon Treadwell (Pick 23):                  
2016   MIN   9   1   15   15   0   
2017   MIN   16   20   200   10   0   
2018   MIN   15   35   302   8.6   1   
2019   MIN   13   9   184   20.4   1   
2020   ATL   5   6   49   8.2   2   
2021   JAX   12   33   434   13.2   1   
2022   SEA   6   6   42   7   0   
2023   BAL   5   1   16   16   0

Now that we're more than a 25% through the season, what's your final win prediction.  Looking at the schedule, I suspect the following:

Loss
Bills
Commanders (away)
Cowboys
Raiders*
Packers
Saints
Eagles
Eagles
Rams

Wins
Commanders (home)
Jets
Pats

Final record: 4 - 13

How do you see it playing out?  Obviously there's still a ton of football to play and a lot can still happen. 

The Giants lose every game this season; nothing is going to change unless something catastrophic happens and we alter our current Paradigm, which we've endured for over a decade now. Going 1 and 16 will force that change and perhaps place this franchise on a successful trajectory.  Selecting the right quarterback can catapult your team similar to the Cincinnati Bengals . However, it's unlikely that changing the Head Coach or offensive coordinator is going to change anything. Moreover, I know drafting a top-tier QB is no guarantee, but I'd rather take a risk, than endure  more of the same.  We need to fundamentally change our foundation. Let's start by trading Barkley.

For the last two years, I have tried to evaluate individual talent of each NFC East roster to objectively predict thier final NFC East rankings.  Below is my latest effort.  Each player is given a score (1 through 5) and ranked from 1-to-4 based on a relative comparison with thier NFC East Counterpart.

* Note – 1st and 2nd year players are ranked based on objectionable data and potential to achieve PB/AP statues.

Rankings:
5 = All Pro (top 5 at position)
4 = Multi Pro Bowl (top 10 at his position)
3 = Average
2 = Below Average
1 = JAG
 
QB
- Hurts (5.0) – Hurts was a viable MVP candidate until getting injured last year; he's a 2x Pro Bowler and class of the NFC...clear cut #1
- Prescott (4.0) – He edges out DJ (for now) as his accolades clearly place him above DJ as this point.  Dax's a 2x Pro Bowler who's consistently a top 5 passer.
- Jones (3.75) – Above average QB who could be top 3 in a weak NFC QB class.
- Howell (2.25) – no comment required...he's a distant fourth...
 
RB
- Barkley (5.0) – When healthy, he's the best in the division, especially with his improved pass blocking.
- Pollard (4.0) – He's quietly been Dallas best Rb for multiple seasons now; he can run and catch the ball well; in fact, the gap between Pollard and Barkley is not as wide as you think.
- Robinson Jr (3.5) – 3d round pick who returned from a gunshot wound to have a decent rookie campaign; he's a bruiser/savvy runner who typically falls forward for positive yards.  He's not overly fast, but has good twitch and innate abilities to find holes.
- Swift (3.5) – Good RB who can catch the ball; however, in 3 years, he's never played a full season
 
WR1
- AJ Brown (4.5) – Big/Fast multi PB and AP WR...he's clearly the best in the division
- Terry MCLaurin (4.0)– Grossly underrated WR...he's played for bad QB in all 4 seasons, yet has managed to eclipse the 1K yard barrier in 3 of 4 seasons; his rookie season he was 40 yards shy, despite playing in just 13 games
- CeeDee Lamb (4.0) - Eclectic WR who had monster 2022...he could be the Divisions best WR by seasons end; McLaurin gets the bump over CeeDee as the forms has played with an PB QB, while the latter has been saddled with below-avg signal callers
- Isaiah Hodgins (2.75) – I like Hodgins; he has good size, hands and knack for finding open holes in zone coverages.  Yet, there's a Giant (see what I did there) between the Giants WR and their division foes
 
WR2
- Devonta Smith (4.0) – Electric/game-changing WR who despite playing at 170lbs has proven durable.  He could be the Eagles best WR by seasons end
- Jahan Dotson (3.5) – Had a fairly successful rookie campaign, despite playing in just 12 games and multiple below-avg-qbs.  This 1st Round pick has explosive speed and good hands.
- Brandin Cooks (3.5) – Cooks has been a good WR for 9 seasons now, accumulating 6x 1K rec yard seasons during that period; however, he'll be 30 years old this year and playing for 5th team in 9 years.
- Durius Slayton (3.25) – Fast WR who will consistently give you 700+ yards a season; he drops the ball too much and is what he is at this point...
 
WR3
- Michael Gallup (3.25) – When healthy, Gallop has #2, if not #1 wr abilities; however, that's been the issues over the last 2 years...he's rarely healthy.  Regardless, he's till has more abilities than the traditional #3 Wr.
- Curtis Samuel (3.0) – A 6 year veteran, Samuels has quietly had a good career; at 5,11/195 lbs, he's a prototypical slot WR.  He has good hands and finds area in the zones; however, he's not electric and won't get a lot of YAC yards.  He is a solid pro who adds value to the lineup
- Parris Campell (3.0) – Campell was did little during his first 3 seasons, having only amassed 34 catches/360 yard.  Last year he was given a chance to start and responded with 63 catches for 623 yards. Parris is extremely fast (4.3) and athetletic; however, he doesn't run the entire route tree; his production has yet to match his athletic abilities. 
- Wuez Watkins (2.75)  – A 2020 6th round pick, Watkins has blazing speed (4.35) but doesn't run very crisp routes.  He's solid #3 options, having amassed 1,107 in two years as starter.  Last year he was a bit of disappointment as his speed didn't translate to production. 
 
TE
- Dallas Goedert (3.75) – Goedert is an NFL Top 5 TE who blocks as well as he catches; at 6'5/260, he's effectively another T with soft hands – his 77 PFF grade is a reflection of his all-around abilities.
- Darren Waller (3.75)  – Waller is the best catcher of the group, but is 3 years and 2 injuries removed from his former top-tier status.  At 31, he's unlikely to capture his former elite pass catching status; he's also a below-average blocker, who's more WR than TE, which is reflective of his 72 PFF rating.
- Luke Schoonmaker (3.0)  – Although Jake Ferguson (2021 4th round pick) is listed as their starter, the Cowboys did not spend a 2nd round pick on Schoonmaker for him to sit on the bench; he's big (6'5/250) with good speed and hands, who can also block.  He was a difference-maker for Mich and in 2-years, could be the divisions best TE; however, he needs to earn it first...
- Logan Thomas (2.75) – Avg TE who can block and catch; however, he has issues staying healthy
 
LT
- Andrew Thomas (4.75) – Has over taken Tyron Smith mantle as the division's best LT; Thomas is an excellent pass-protector and good run-blocker who is rarely penalized...he earned his 2d team AP status
- Jordan Mailata (3.5) – At 6'8/370, Mailata is a monster of a man, who has better fluid movement than you would expect.  However, his very good 77 PFF rating is more of a byproduct of his overpowering run blocking than pass-protection.  Concerning the latter, he does struggle to get out of his sets and establish himself, which resulted in 6 sacks allowed and 7 penalties.  Still, make no mistakes, he's been a very good LT for 4 years now...can't believe he was a 7th round pick.
- Charles Leno Jr (3.5) –Another former 7th round pick, who's had a very good 9 year NFL career with a PB to his credit.  He slowed a bit last season but is still a very effective LT.
- Tyron Smith (3.0) – I absolutely hate placing this future HoF in this spot; how, he has significant back issues and hasn't played a full-season in 7 years; even when he did play last season, he was a shell of his former self.  Still, despite playing in the NFL for 12 seasons, he's just 32 years old...you just have to wonder who much his body can stand...
 
LG
- Tyler Smith (3.5) – A massive G who was Dal 1st Round pick last season, started all 17 games.  Showing versatility, he was forced to play LT last year with Tyron Smith injury.  He filled in admirably, but struggled with speed rushers, which resulted in a NFL leading 13 penalties and 6 sacks allows.  Still, for a Rookie player who played out-of-position, he had an effective rookie campaign, as indicated by his 72 PFF rating.  Returning to this natural position (assuming T. Smith stays healthy), he's poised for a really good 2d season.  Dallas just has a knack for drafting OL....
- Landon Dickerson (3.25) - Is a big, imposing Guard who's a crushing run blocker and effective pass protector. This 2021 former 2d round pick has a chance to be a really good G, but he must reduce his NFL leading 14 penalties.  Still, he only allowed a single sack in 1,100 snaps.  He's good, but needs to improve to climb this list. 
- Ben Bredeson (2.75) – Below avg-starter who won't embarrass you.  I suspect the Giants will look to upgrade this position in 2024; until then, Bredeson is their best option.
- Saahdiq Charles (1.50)- Another big Guard who struggled last year in limited snaps, which is reflective of his 44 PFF rating. A backup prior to this season, the Commanders are hoping their former 4th round pick develops into an effective starter, which seems unlikely.
 
C
-  Jason Kelce (5.0) – Is a future HoF and still the class of the division, and NFL.  At 35, he showed no signs of slowing down, as indicated by his 1st Team AP selection and 89 PFF rating.  In short, in the NFL East, there's Jason Kelce and everyone else....
- John Michael Schmitz Jr (3.5) – Although he hasn't played a single snap, I'm giving him the #2 rating based on potential, and because the other 2 Centers are average to below-average starters; JMS has legit potential to be more 
- Tyler Biadasz (3) – A 4th round pick out of Wisconsin, Baidasz has been an effective C.  At 6'3/320, he's bigger than your prototypical center and struggles to in this sets, which results in him getting beat, or needing help in pass protection.  He is an effective run-blocker though.
- Nick Gates (2.75)  – Gates is scrappy, but doesn't have the physical gifts to be a +run blocker or pass protection; concerning the latter, he uses positioning, vice strength, which proves effective to preventing sacks, but often leads to him allowing push from the middle of the pocket.  His consistent high 50s and low 60s PFF rating are well-earned...
 
RG
- Zack Martin (5.0) – Another future HoF who is still playing at an elite level; last year, he made 1st Team AP team...his 6th.  Until proven otherwise, he's the gold standard. The talent gap between Martin and everyone else is massive!
- Cam Jurgens (3.0) – was Phili 2022 2nd round pick and was drafted to play center; however, Kelce keeps kicking-out All-Pro seasons; so, Jurgens will play out-of-position this season. At 303lb,s he's lite to play the RG; although, he has really good speed for pulls, which Phili likes to employ.  Simialar to JMS, he gets the #2 ranking based on potential, and because the other two RG are below AVG.  Seriously, there's Martin and everyone else...
- Mark Glowinski (3.0) – A quality pro, who will never be more than an avg-to-slightly-below-avg player.  He won't embarrass you and provides quality play.
- Sam Cosmi (2.75) – A 2021 second round pick, Cosmi was originally drafted to play RT; however, while out with an injury, the Commanders got better play from career journeyman Andrew Whyle, and elected to keep the latter at RT.  This year, Cosmi will get a chance to play G. He has the tools to be really good; however, he's yet to realize that potential.
 
RT
- Lane Johnson (5.0) – At 33, Johnson produced another First-Team AP performance and made his 4th Pro Bowl!  He's remains one of the NFL's best RT.
- Terence Steele (3.25) – A quality, albeit unspectacular T, Steel was an UDFA who endured to a terrible rookie campaign to punching well-above his draft status last season.  His quality 74 PFF rating is reflective of his 2022 efforts.  He also provides depth as he's played both Left and Right tackle.  An improving player, he gets the nod over Neal.
- Evan Neal (2.75) – There's no sugar coating this, Neal had a terrible rookie campaign, giving up 7 sacks and 7 penalties in 800 snaps.  He has the physical tools to be the divisions best RT; however, until he displays it, he's below Steele.  Seriously, his 44 PFF rating was well earned; yet, Tackles, more than most positions, take time to develop....I believe Neal will be the divisions best RT in a few years.
- Andrew Wylie (2) – Career journey...JAG
 
Offensive Rankings
Eagles                 #1=6; #2=3; #3=0; #4=2
Cowboys             #1=3; #2=3; #3=4; #4=1
Giants                 #1=2; #2=2; #3=5; #4=2
Commanders      #1=0; #2=3; #3=2 #4=6


*The Eagles have 6 of the NFC East best players at thier respective positions

Average Offensive Player Rankings

#1 PHL  3.9
#2 DAL  3.6
#3 NYG  3.4
#4 WFT  2.7


LDE
- DeMarcus Lawrence (4.0) – Age is beginning to catch up with this 10-year vet, and he's only had 2 double-digit sack season; his last was 4-years ago.  Still, he's among the league leaders in pressures and his 78 PFF rating and Pro Bowl selection are nothing to sneeze at; he's still the best DE in the division, at least for one more year.
- Brandon Graham (4.0) – It's hard to believe, but Graham is entering his 14-season; yet, he's still putting up Pro Bowl numbers, including 13 sacks and an 89 PFF rating.  He does not play every down, and his more of situational pass-rusher these days.  Still, he's a very good LDE.
- Chase Young (3.25) – After winning DRoY and earning a PB selection his rookie year, he's done virtually nothing.  In fact, he's only played in 11 of 34 games and has nowhere near the burst he once had.  He gets a slightly above average rating based on potential, which could fall to below average next season.
- A'Shawn Robinson (2.75) – Career Journeyman who won't offer any dynamic play, but maybe an effective end in a 3-4 Def; he'll be ask to fill his gap, an control the edge, which his size may allow him to do.
 
LDT/NT
- Dexter Lawrence (5.0) – Absolute stud player who's been good since his rookie season; now, he's top 5 at his position.
- Daron Payne (4.0) – Pro Bowl Tackle who recorded 11 sacks last season; however, he's a better pass rusher than run-stuff, which accounts for his 63 PFF rating.  Lawrence is clearly better...
- Jalen Carter (3.25) – Was the #9 overall pick this draft; he was an absolute stud at Georgia, whose game projects well into the NFL.  It stinks that Phili was able to add this top 10 talent to their roster; still, hasn't played a down in the NFL to project a near PB-type rating
- Johnathan Hankins (2.25) – Was once a good DT; however, in his 11th year he's on his 4th team in as many years and hasn't recorded a sack in over 3 seasons.  His well below-average 40'ish PFF ratings are indicative of his current standing.  He's the clear cut #4 here...
 
RDT/RE
- Jonathan Allen (4.5) – Equally adept at stopping the run and pass-rushing, he's a pro-bowl DT who easily top 8 at his position.
- Leonard Williams (3.75) – Continues to be a good DT who can also play End; IMO, some fans overvalue his abilities. Regardless, he's a good player.
- Fletcher Cox (3.0) – Enter his 12th season, Cox is no longer the perineal AP/PB player that he was three years ago. Still, he recorded 7 sacks; yet, clearly doesn't have the stamina to play at a high level on every play. I suspect this may be his last season.  Also, listing Cox as the "starter" seems more like a curtesy at this point in his career; Milton Williams will continue to get more snaps than Cox.  The former is a 3rd Round pick, who has shown more abilities than Odighizuwa.
- Osa Odighizuwa (3.0) – Entering his third season, this 2021 third round picks has shown some flashes, but still struggles to generate persistent pressure, consume blockers and hold the edge.  He's improving, but still well behind Sweat and Williams here...
 
RE
- Micah Parsons (5.0) – In his first two seasons, he's putting up better numbers than LT and the late, great Derrick Thomas.  He can stay healthy, he has a legit chance to win an NFL MVP...he's that kind of unique talent.
- Josh Sweat (4.25) – A former 4th round pick, Sweat has developed into a very good DE, who possess really good speed and bend, which resulted in 19 sacks and PB honors over the last two seasons.  Despite only weighing 250Lbs, he can also effectively hold the edge.  His 87 PFF rating is not an aberration...he's good!
- Montez Sweat (3.75) – Is a fringe PB player, who consistently generates pressures and is better against the run than people realize.  His 86 PFF rating and objectionable stats suggest this is the best RDT/RE in division.
- Kayvon Thibodeaux (3.75) – Despite some fans suggesting otherwise, Thibs had a sensational rookie season, leading all rookies in pressures, making the PFWA All-Rookie Team, generating 50 Tacks/4 sacks, 1 TD and was personally responsible for 2x Giant wins.  He's on a Pro Bowl player track.
 
WLB
- Bobby Okereke (3.25) When the Giants signed him, you would have thought Okereke was a Pro Bowl type player.  He's not; instead, he's a good player who make sa ton tackles, which are mostly chase-town tackles beyond the LoS.  He's also very athletic and can cover; however, he absolutely struggles disengaging from blockers and/or holding the PoA.
- Leighton Vander Esch (3.25) – Started his career on a tear; however, injuries robbed him of his AP trajectory.  Today, he's still a better than average LB who had a combined 90 tacks and 71 PFF rating. 
- Zach Cunningham (2.75) – former 2d round pick, playing on his 3rd team in 6 years.  At 6'3/230, he has prototypical LB size and is HIGHLY productive against the run, accumulating 163 tackles in 2020; however, he struggles in space and is absolute liability in the passing gain.  As run defender, he's above average; yet, when factoring his pass coverage and zone awareness grades, he average or slightly below.
- Khaleke Hudson (2.25) – In his 4th season, this 5th round draft pick is finally getting his chance to start; expectations are not particularly high.
 
MLB
- Cody Barton (3.0) – A former 3rd round pick of the Seahawks, Barton finally got a chance to start; he took advantage of this opportunity compiling 136 total tackles. He was a solid, albeit unspectacular pro last year. 
- Nakobe Dean (3.0) – A 3rd Round pick last year, Dean was limited to special teams; also, at only 6'0/220, he lacks prototypical MLB size.  He gets a chance to start this season...
- Damone Clark (2.75) – Was Dallas 5th round pick last season; he had a very average rookie campaign last season.  He has a chance to develop into an above average center; however, for now, he's a tick below.
- Micah McFadden (2.75) – Ditto Clark; with the exception that McFadden doesn't have the size to play a true ILB role.  His upside maybe limited.
 
SLB
- Haason Reddick (4.5) -  A former 1st Round Pick with superior speed and instincts has been an NFL top 10 LB for 3 straight seasons, accumulating 38 sacks during that period.  Reddick is a disrupter and team leader.  He's clearly the divisions best LB earning a PR and 2d Team AP selection last season.
- Jamin Davis (3.25) – Taken #19 overall in the 2021 draft, Davis has great size (6'3/240), which he combines with 4.46 speed; last year, he led the Commanders with 104 tackles.  His rookie year was somewhat stifled as he was forced to play out-of-position (MLB); still, his talent started to show last year when he returned to his natural OLB role.  Despite his physical prowess, he still finds himself out-of-positions...he must do better at reading his keys and stop relying solely on his physical gifts.  He has PB potential; however, at this point, that's all it is...
- Azeez Ojulari   (3.00) – The Giants 2021 2d round pick, Ojulari is superior pass-rusher, when healthy, but an absolute liability in the run and pass defenses; for the former, he often negates his run contain responsibilities to take bad angles that increase his sack probability, which IMO were the impetus of his 58 and 62 PFF ratings.  His value is solely as a pass-rusher, which has benefits in a 3-4 scheme; still, he's nowhere near Reddick's stratosphere and overvalued by fans who simply look at his sacks, without considering the other elements to his game.
- Devin Harper (2.25) – Continuing the trend of young SLB, Harber was taken in the 6th round in the 2022 draft.  Unfortunately, he ruptured his Achilles tendinitis in October and was placed on IR.  Currently, he's a complete unknown.
 
LCB
- Stephon Gilmore (3.75) – In his prime, he was one of the best CBs in the league, having amassed 5 PBs and 2 AP honors.  He's not that far removed from his last PB season (2022) and can still play at a high-level, as indicated by his 80 PFF rating; still, he's 32 years old and his last two teams have only felt comfortable investing in single year contracts. At some point, his play will drop off, which could happen at any time.  Still, at 6'1/200lbs, he's a physical CB who excels at jamming WRs and has fantastic hand placement.  Despite his age, he played in 16 games last season on a bad Ind team...
- James Bradberry (3.50) – Entering his 7th season, JB is still a very good CB capable of playing man-to-man; however, he does give up a lot of deep passes.  He's also very effective against the run...BL: He's still a very good CB, which his 74 PFF rating accurately reflects.
- Kendall Fuller (3.50) – Underrated CB who's had a good, albeit unspectacular 8-year career.  Fuller is tough, and durable; in 8 years, he's missed more than 3 games only once.  He's also leads the secondary in tackles, acquiring 407 tackles to go along with 14 Ints. Despite playing for 7-years, he's just 27 and still very effective, as indicated by his 77 PFF rating.
- Adoree Jackson (3.50) – Adoree has always been a good CB, who you can count to miss between 6 and 7 games every year.  He's also fails to generate many int; in 6 years, he has just 3 Ints.  Still, when he plays, he's a good cover man who despite weighing just 185 lbs, isn't afraid to mix it up with WRs and take on much bigger RBs.  His 72 PFF rating accurately reflects his value; Bradberry and Fuller get nods over Jackson due to availability; although all three have similar abilities.   
 
RCB
- Travon Diggs (4.50) – Entering his 4th season, Diggs is widely renowned for being one of the NFLs best cover-corners, having amassed into 17 Ints, which he parlayed into 2x PB and 1x First Team AP awards.
Diggs is long, smooth and has exceptional closing speed; this cemented his 5 year/$97M contract, making him the NFLs highest paid CB.  Still, he's not perfect...he's at best and average run defender who doesn't always mix-it-up.
- Darius Slay (4.0) – 10-year veteran coming off his 5th Pro Bowl season.  Like Gilmore, he's 32 years old and have to anticipating diminishing abilities at some point; still, he has a very productive 2022 and remained a top 10 NFL CB.
- Emmanuel Forbes (3.25) – The 2023 #16 overall pick, Forbes is long and lean CB who runs well; he also has great twitch, but doesn't slide particularly well. At just 165 lbs, durability and run defense could be an issue at the NFL-level.  Regardless, this is a well-rounded CB equal capable of playing man or zone.  Like Banks, we just don't know....
- Deonte Banks (3.25) – A fantastic man-2-man CB with impressive speed and length; despite his superior athleticism, he plays an aggressive-style, press-corner game.  He must improve his awareness to play off man coverage schemes to become a Pro Bowl type CB.  The skies the limit for this kid; yet, at this point, we just don't know.
 
SS
- Kamren Curl (3.50) – a 7th round pick in 2020, Curl has been punching above his draft status for two years now.  At 6'2/200, he has good speed and is a + tackler.  Switching between S and FS, he's put together 3 +seasons, accounting for 270 tackles in just 37 games.  He's also rarely out-of-position and keeps the play in front of him...his 83 PFF rating was well-earned; although, I don't believe he has the physical gifts to be a perineal PB player, he is maturing into a really good player.
- Terrell Edmunds (3.25) – Played his first 5 years in PIT, and now makes the switch to Phili.  To date, Edmunds has been a very good pro, who's a good tackler and rarely out-of-position...he's not a game-changer, just a good pro, with good size/speed (6'1/220 w/4.4 speed).  His 70 PFF rating reflects his better than average performance.
- Jayon Kearse – (3.25) – Is entering his 8th season; Kearse is an old-school physical safety. At 6'4/215, he's an imposing figure in the back 4; he also plays well close to the LS and is an effective run-stopper/tackler. However, he's never been particularly fast (4.62) and does allow defenders to get behind him; he also doesn't play the ball particularly well in the air.  Still, he's a + safety and solid pro player, as his 70 PFF rating would indicate.
- Jason Pinnock (2.75) a 2021 NYJ 5th round pick, he played sparingly during his rookie season; mostly on ST. He was waived after just one season, when the Giants claimed him.  Pinnock started 5 games for the Giants last season and did well enough to earn a chance to start this season.  He has ok size (6/205) and speed; however, he lacks the twitch to be anything more than a good player.  He starts for the Giants until/unless, they can find an upgrade.
 
FS
- Xavier McKinney (3.25) – Most of McKinney fanfare comes from the 2021 season, where he recorded 5 Ints and 93 tackles; however, he regressed last year, which could be a byproduct of an ill-timed hand 'injury.'  Regardless, when he did play, he was often out-of-position and grossly misdiagnosed plays.  I believe that was the impetus for his PFF rating drop from a very good 75.4 to a well-below-avg 57.  He still has all the physical tools to become a PB/AP status; however, he must do better at diagnosing plays, stop taking terrible angles and finding himself out-of-position.  Today, he's got a ways to become a top-tier safety.
- Donovan Wilson (3.25)  – Entering his 5th season, this former 6th round selection had an impressive 2022 campaign, where he compiled 5 sacks, 2 FF, 1 Int and 101 tackles.  Prior to 2022, Wilson was primarily a backup and ST Player.  His 2022 efforts earned him a 3 yr/$21M contract extension.
- Darrick Forrest (3.25) -   a 2021 5th round pick, Forrest is another player punching above his draft status; for a FS, he's a blazer, possessing 4.4 speed, which he uses to close on deep-balls.  Last year, he recorded a pro-bowl like season (4 Ints, 2 FF, and 88 tackles), despite starting just 11 games.  A backup when the season started, his game was so good, he was promoted over Bobby McCain late in the season. However, until I see a repeat season, I cannot elevate him over other FS.
- Reed Blankenship (2.75) – A 2022 UDFA, Blankenship was forced to start 4 games for Phili, where he surrounded just 6 passes and accumulated a 75 PFF score.  Blankenship is particularly big (6/203), or fast (4.55); yet, he has good instincts and is a good tackler.  He played well enough last year to earn a starting position in 2023.

Eagles                 #1=1; #2=6; #3=3; #4=1
Cowboys             #1=4; #2=2; #3=1; #4=4
Giants                 #1=3; #2=1; #3=1; #4=6
Commanders      #1=4; #2=2; #3=1 #4=4

*The Cowboys have 4 of the NFC East best players at thier respective positions

Average Defensive Player Rankings

#1 PHL  3.47
#2 WFT  3.40
#3 DAL  3.38
#4 NYG  3.36

Overall Rankings

#1 PHL 3.7
#2 DAL 3.5
#3 NYG 3.4
#4 WFT 3.1

BL: The Eagles still have superior talent and should win the division; However, the Giants have significantly closed the talent cap with the Cowboys and may threaten them for second place in the division.  The Commanders still have a lot of work to do.