The Most Underrated Draft Pick on Each NFC East Team

We’ve compiled a list of all 32 teams and who we think are the most underrated players in the 2025 draft. We picked one player for each team, and the players may not be who you think they are. Let’s start with the NFC East.

Dallas Cowboys - LB Shemar James

Drafted: Round 5 - Pick 16

James plays like a true old-school linebacker—tough, instinctive, and reliable. In most other drafts, he’s easily a Day 2 pick. This was yet another excellent selection by the team I believe had the best overall draft in 2025. While James might not rack up sacks, his sideline-to-sideline range and impact in the run game make him a defensive asset.

New York Giants - TE Thomas Fidone II

Drafted: Round 7 Pick 3

Nebraska’s season may not have gone as planned, but one bright spot was Fidone. He showed up big against top-tier competition, including national champion Ohio State, Indiana, and Illinois. The Giants have been searching for a reliable replacement at tight end since losing Evan Engram, and Fidone might be the answer. With his tough, old-school approach, he can help protect the quarterback and be a sneaky red-zone threat for touchdowns in 2025.

Philadelphia Eagles - Smael Mondon Jr.

Drafted: Round 5 Pick 25

Even though Mondon might not have loved the clip I posted of him struggling on a rep against Notre Dame, he was still a name we kept circling back to all season. We’d say, 'Man, this dude is underrated and legit.' Honestly, while Jihaad Campbell gets plenty of buzz, the real problem for NFL offenses might be Mondon—especially in Vic Fangio’s system, where his athleticism and instincts can truly shine.

Washington Commanders - WR Jaylin Lane

Drafted: Round 4 Pick 26

For some reason, it feels like people are sleeping on the impact Lane can make in Washington’s passing game. Sure, I've heard the buzz about him as a returner—and that’s valid—but pull up the tape of him and Da’Quan Felton, and you’ll see a duo that mirrored what Jaylin Noel and Jayden Higgins brought to Iowa State. Don’t let the numbers mislead you—Virginia Tech leaned on the run—but that doesn’t mean Lane wasn’t a go-to guy when they needed a clutch catch or a momentum-shifting play.

Image Sources:
- Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
- Dylan Widger - Imagn Images
- DawgPost
- Sam Navarro-Imagn Images