NFC East Notes: Eagles, Giants, Redskins

Eagles

Eagles executive Howie Roseman said that the team envisioned drafting a running back higher in the 2017 NFL Draft, but wound up selecting RB Donnel Pumphrey in the fourth round.

“When we got together after the draft last year, the running back class that we thought was really strong going in, we thought that maybe there would be an opportunity that we’d get one of those running backs,” said Roseman, via Jeff McLane of The Inquirer. “Maybe a different guy than Pumph.”

Roseman added that the draft does not conclude the Eagles pursuing players and the team will continue to look possible additions after the draft and at the trade deadline.

“Maybe the perception is the draft is the last time you have a huge opportunity to improve your football team and what we’ve committed is that we’re going to attack in the draft, we’re going to attack in  June, we’re going to attack at the trade deadline,” Roseman said. “After the trade deadline it’s hard to do, but this is not the end of talent acquisition season.”

Giants

• According to Ralph Vacchiano, the Giants reported “love” for Penn State RB Saquon Barkley is real and the team believes that building around an offensive core of Barkley, TE Evan Engram, and WR Odell Beckham, Jr. could make them an offensive juggernaut.
• While the Giants may hold Barkley in high regard, Vacchiano says that USC QB Sam Darnold could be difficult to pass up if he falls to New York. According to Vacchiano, there are some in the Giants organization who think passing on a franchise quarterback would be nuts.
• Vacchiano adds that the Giants really like N.C. State DE/OLB Bradley Chubb, but he and Notre Dame G Quenton Nelson seem like options if the team trades back in round one.
• As of now, Vacchiano says that the Giants do not appear to be interested in trading back unless they get an offer they can’t refuse for the No. 2 pick.

Redskins

• JP Finlay of NBC Washington mentioned last week that while free agent CB Bashaud Breeland still has yet to sign with a new team after his deal with the Panthers fell through, a return to the Redskins still is not expected.
• Rich Tandler takes a look at five safe draft picks for the Redskins including Auburn RB Kerryon Johnson, Washington DL Vita Vea, Ohio State OL Billy Price, Boise State LB Leighton Vander Esch and Colorado CB Isaiah Oliver.