Draft 2019: NFC East Needs

posted March 17, 2019 in

The NFC East has had more of a challenging year than in years past, but this off-season could be the time that they need to get things together. There was no clear standout from this past season, so each team will be heading into this draft looking to acquire talent that will bring them to the top of their division. 

With more than one position needing to rebuild, here is what each NFC East team should be looking to accomplish in the offseason:

Dallas Cowboys

For the Cowboys, a big need is a change in offensive play calling. They made the right move with the decision to let former offensive coordinator Scott Linehan go but it remains to be seen if new OC Kellen Moore can get the job done and help further the development of quarterback Dak Prescott.

The defensive line is another need for the Cowboys. With starting defensive end Randy Gregory being suspended again for violating the NFL substance abuse policy. Picking up a young end in a draft class absolutely loaded with edge rushing talent would be a wise move and improve an already fearsome defense.

A slot wide receiver is now a pressing need for Dallas after losing starter Cole Beasley to the Buffalo Bills. The slot position is essential for quick underneath routes and serving as a constant quick short yardage gaining option for Dak.

Depth at running back is another need for the Cowboys. With Ezekiel Elliot serving as the workhorse back last season totaling 304 carries, the constant punishment of the running back position does eventually take its toll. A nice change-of-pace back who can come in and pick up a few yards would be a nice complement to this rush attack-based offense.

Finally, strong safety is a position that could be improved for Dallas. While current starter Jeff Heath is a solid player who does his job well, an improvement could definitely be made here, possibly getting a more diverse safety who can play both run support and coverage.

Philadelphia Eagles

The number one need for the Eagles is a running back. With Jay Ajayi most likely leaving in free agency and the Eagles relying so heavily on their rotation and depth at the position to make their offense go, running back needs to be addressed.

Linebacker is a big hole for the Eagles with Jordan Hicks heading for the Cardinals and Nigel Bradham being the best player at the position on the team, a starting level inside linebacker is a big need for the Birds.

A true big body lockdown corner is another need for the Eagles. They have a lot of depth at the position but with Ronald Darby entering free agency a CB1 is definitely something that needs to be addressed.

Depth is needed at the defensive end. Chris Long and Brandon Graham are both on the wrong side of 30. This draft class is loaded with edge rushing talent, picking up a young player would not be a bad idea here.

Quarterback depth is important, we all saw how backup Nick Foles led the Eagles to their first Super Bowl, and with Carson Wentz having significant injury issues the past two seasons, a quality backup is a must. Especially considering Foles is Florida bound to the Jaguars.

Redskins

Quarterback is the unquestioned biggest need for the Skins. With Alex Smith's career in serious jeopardy after his gruesome leg injury last season, a new franchise cornerstone at the games most important position is a must.

Wide receiver is another position of need for the Redskins. With starting slot receiver Jamison Crowder heading to the Jets the question of who is going to catch the football is a big one for the Redskins, as their talent at the position is lacking.

Tight end is also a hole for the Skins, while Jordan Reed is a top tight end in the NFL when healthy, his health has been in serious question due to numerous injuries including multiple concussions. Vernon Davis is not getting any younger either.

Offensive line depth is something the Redskins need to address as well. They have one of the best lines in all of football when at full strength but the health of said offensive line is something that is concerning.

A new owner is something the Redskins could definitely use. With Dan Snyder stiring up so much controversy during his time as majority owner of the franchise and the franchise making many questionable moves throughout this time, a move in another direction in ownership would be something many Redskins fans would appreciate.

Giants

A sense of direction is a really big need for the Giants. With Dave Gettleman not willing to commit to the full rebuild yet, having traded away superstar wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr and committing to Eli Manning as the team’s starter going forward, not making any moves to pursue an heir to Eli really has one question the direction of this team.

As previously mentioned quarterback is a huge hole for the Giants. Eli Manning is not the same QB he once was and there needs to be a plan to acquire a young QB. With Josh Rosen possibly being available for trade and the Giants possessing the capital to trade up in the draft a franchise star can definitely be acquired.

Edge rusher is a huge need here for the Giants as well. After trading Olivier Vernon to the Brown’s the Giants really don’t have any edge rushing threats. Pressure on the quarterback is a must in today’s NFL and not having one is going to make this Giants defense a wreck.

Cornerback is another position the Giants need help at. With Janoris Jenkins not being the lockdown corner, he once was and Eli Apple being traded to the Saints last season, the cornerback position is a massive hole for the Giants.

The safety position, after letting Landon Collins walk to the Redskins where he signed a massive $84 million dollar contract, the Giants need someone who can cover deep. Collins departure also leaves a massive leadership void on this team as well.

 

 

David Saggio is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism, to contact him email davesag12@gmail.com.