Hogs Haven
It’s 5 o’clock somewhere…
The 5 o’clock club is published from time to time during the season, and aims to provide a forum for reader-driven discussion at a time of day when there isn’t much NFL news being published. Feel free to introduce topics that interest you in the comments below.
CLICK HERE to see the full 5 o’clock club archive
The NFC East features some intimidating disruptors among the front-7 on every team, with at least three new ones having been added via April’s draft.
In 2023, the Eagles drafted Jalen Carter, who is proving to be a game-wrecker that requires opposing offensive coordinators to game plan around him. Philly also used a first round pick on the defensive line in 2022 when the selected Jordan Davis. In last year’s free agency, they struck gold by signing LB Zack Baun, and in this year’s draft, they drafted Jihaad Campbell at #32 overall after trying to trade up to select him.
The Cowboys have have turned Micah Parsons into a monster by utilizing him as a pass rush specialist instead of restricting him to a traditional role as an off-the-ball linebacker. They also went to the first-round well in 2023 when they drafted Mazi Smith, who, to date, is more potential than production. A lot of people are very high on Ezeiruaku Donovan, whom the ‘Boys drafted in the second round of April’s draft.
The Giants decided to join the party this year when they selected LB Abdul Carter with the 3rd overall pick in the draft, though Dexter Lawrence (1st round pick, 2019) has long been a key player on their DL. Prior to the draft, the Cowboys traded for Brian Burns and re-signed Dante Fowler as their bookend pass rushers for 2025.
