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Redskins lead NFC East with value picks throughout draft

The Redskins were happy to see Alabama DT Jonathan Allen fall into their laps at No. 17. Elsa/Getty Images

ESPN’s NFC East reporters weigh in on which team in the division helped itself the most in the draft. Each team’s draft class is below reporter’s analysis.

Todd Archer, Dallas Cowboys reporter: I can make the argument the Cowboys helped themselves the most based on where they were picking in each round after finishing with a 13-3 record. They found talent and filled holes at pass-rusher and in the secondary, but Washington and Philadelphia were able to nab defensive linemen later in the first round than expected in Jonathan Allen (Redskins) and Derek Barnett (Eagles). If Sidney Jones can come back from an Achilles’ injury then Philadelphia has a Pro Bowl-type corner and they will have helped themselves the most. Their third- and fourth-round picks in Rasul Douglas, Mack Hollins and Donnel Pumphrey could make quick contributions, too.

John Keim, Washington Redskins reporter: The Eagles edged out the Redskins, but a lot of that depends on when corner Sidney Jones will be able to contribute. Both teams should receive multiple contributions early from their draft choices. Philadelphia, though, drafted a potential top pass-rusher in Barnett. If not for the Achilles’ injury, Jones would have been a possible top-10 pick. But how long it takes him to recover will determine the fate of this class in 2016. But they also should receive contributions from Douglas, Hollins, Pumphrey and possibly even seventh-round defensive lineman Elijah Qualls.

Tim McManus, Philadelphia Eagles reporter: The Redskins landed a top-five prospect in Allen at 17 overall then came back with another top-notch Alabama defensive player, outside linebacker Ryan Anderson, in the second round. UCLA cornerback Fabian Moreau (Round 3) and Oklahoma running back Samaje Perine (Round 4) have a chance to be impact players as well. There are a couple medical issues involved -- Moreau is coming off a torn pec and Allen has shoulder arthritis - but overall, this looks like a strong haul for a Washington front office that spent a good portion of its offseason without a general manager.

Jordan Raanan, New York Giants reporter: The Redskins had the best draft of any team in the NFL this year, even after firing their general manager during the lead-up. They grabbed a top-10 talent in Allen at pick No. 17 and added a pass rusher with first-round talent (Anderson) in the second. Their fourth-round pick, Perine, will be starting at some point this year. He’s a quality player. Fifth-round pick, tight end Jeremy Sprinkle, will also contribute immediately as a blocker. Put simply, the Redskins killed this draft.