2013 NFL Draft grades: NFC East shows love to tight ends

The division known for its prolific passers has helped them out with three tight ends, while Eli Manning wonders where his new target is.

By Matt Verderame Apr 27, 2013, 9:59am EDT

On Friday night in the second and third rounds of the 2013 NFL Draft, the NFC East teams decided to get offensive.

Other than the New York Giants, who took two defensive athletes, the other three organizations went primarily on the notion that scoring points wins games. All told, three tight ends were selected on Friday in this pass-happy division, adding to a group that already includes Jason Witten and Brent Celek.

Dallas Cowboys: B+

Dallas got its night going by taking San Diego State tight end Gavin Escobar 47th overall. Escobar is a very talented player who can separate from defenders and bring the ball in with excellent hands. Along with Witten, the tandem could be devastating. NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock loves the selection.

In the third round, the Cowboys took Baylor wide receiver Terrance Williams and Georgia Southern safety J.J. Wilcox. Williams is a large-bodied receiver who can make plays but hasn't always shown great speed. Wilcox is somewhat of an unknown from such a small school, but he also gets the Mayock seal of approval.

New York Giants: A-

General manager Jerry Reese always has a plan. This year he went with the big uglies in the trenches.

Reese took Ohio State defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins and defensive end Damontre Moore of Texas A&M in the second and third rounds, respectively. Hankins is massive at 320 pounds and can stuff the middle with the best of them. CBS Sports analyst Pete Prisco completely agrees.

Moore was thought of a top-five pick only a few months ago but after some brutal combine numbers he slipped badly. However, the upside is there to make Moore an absolute steal at 81st overall.

Philadelphia Eagles: B+

Philadelphia added to its offense by taking the second-best tight end in Stanford's Zach Ertz. Ertz has tremendous route-running ability and should fit in nicely with Celek in Chip Kelly' offense.

In the third round, the Eagles took Bennie Logan, a defensive tackle from LSU. Logan is a man who can clog up the middle, giving Philadelphia's suspect linebackers time to make plays. Prisco couldn't love this pick anymore than he does.

Washington Redskins: B-

Washington had a somewhat puzzling draft. In the second round the Redskins took corner David Amerson from N.C. State before nabbing Jordan Reed from Florida in the third.

Amerson didn't appear to be the best corner available at the time and has a good chance of being a bust after a merely senior season. Mayock seems to believe Amerson could be a stud if things break right.

Reed is a solid pick, giving Washington another weapon in the middle of the field. Many look at Reed as Aaron Hernandez lite, and that could be an apt description at 6'2 and 235 pounds. Prisco believes he'll work out.