The NFC East is annually up for grabs. Each team had a solid draft, but this player stands out as the top draft gem in the NFC East.
The NFC East’s Top Draft Gem
Washington Commanders: Luke McCaffrey – WR Rice
For a team entering a new era of football, the front office prioritized rebuilding its offense through the draft. With Jayden Daniels taking over as the new franchise quarterback for the Commanders, Washington emphasized surrounding the former LSU star with weapons in the draft. Tight end and offensive line were addressed in rounds two and three, but getting Luke McCaffrey with pick 100 could pay dividends for Washington. In Jahan Dotson and Terry McLaurin, the team has two quality receivers. Outside of those two, however, the Commanders needed help. Dax Milne has a chance to break out in 2024, but the former BYU product is still unproven.
McCaffrey comes into the league with a chance to carry on a family legacy. His father Ed was a prominent receiver for the Denver Broncos in the 1990s after being drafted by the New York Giants. Luke’s older brother Christian is considered one of the best running backs in the NFL. His other brother Max had a stint in the NFL playing for the Jacksonville Jaguars and spending time on practice squads for the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints.
Luke enters the NFL after having a solid college career. After beginning his college career as a quarterback for the University of Nebraska, Luke transferred to Rice. At Rice, he caught passes from J.T. Daniels in 2023 and led the team in multiple receiving categories. Washington will likely put him in the slot and hope he can be productive on intermediate routes. Having production out of the slot should help Dotson and McLaurin find opportunities downfield. McCaffrey has everything it takes to become a draft gem.
Honorable Mention: Jaylx Hunt – Edge Houston Christian
The Philadelphia Eagles are a team that loves adding talent to the defensive front. After signing Bryce Huff, the team solidified its group of pass rushers for the 2024 season. Huff, however, could be carrying a heavy burden in 2025 if Brandon Graham does retire as expected. There is also no guarantee that Josh Sweat will be on the team in 2025. The team drafted Nolan Smith in the first round last April but needs more youth on the front seven. Hunt is a purely developmental prospect. Having begun his college career as a safety, Hunt oozes potential.
Speed and vision are two valuable traits for pass rushers. Hunt’s experience at safety should give him a leg up as he builds more mass and develops as a pass rusher. Philadelphia was an ideal landing spot for Hunt as they covet players with traits and have been able to architect dynamic defensive fronts over the years. Having Hunt waiting in the wings could give the Eagles an answer at an important position as they continue to churn over their roster. Howie Roseman is unafraid to take swings on players, and Hunt has a chance to be a true draft gem for the Eagles.
Main Photo: Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports
