With the NFL draft just over one day away, it’s time to examine the top needs of what was widely considered the worst division in football last year, the NFL East. That could change quickly, however, with the Chip Kelly’s Eagles developing into one of the more exciting teams in the league, and the Redskin’s dynamic duo of Robert Griffin III and DeSean Jackson debuting next season.
With three different division winners in the last three years (Giants in 2011, Redskins in 2012, Eagles in 2013), the NFC East is a glaring example of recent history that has shown the difference one year can make in the National Football League.
Draft Needs: NFC East
1. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: Team Needs: CB, WR, OLB, S
After a disastrous 4-12 campaign in 2012 that led to Andy Reid being fired after 14 years with the team, the Philadelphia Eagles returned to relevance under first-year head coach Chip Kelly in 2013-14. They finished with an impressive 10-6 record and won the NFC East before losing to the New Orleans Saints in the Wild Card Round of the playoffs.
Despite their early playoff exit, the Eagles have much to look forward to, as they touted the league’s second best offense (trailing only the Denver Broncos) with 25-year-old QB Nick Foles at the helm, averaging 417 total yards per game, including a league-best 160 rushing yards per game. In just one year on the job, Kelly definitely proved his worth as an NFL head coach. With leading receiver DeSean Jackson long gone, however, the team does have a glaring hole to fill at WR.
The other side of the ball was a very different story, as the Eagles finished 29th in total team defense, giving up an average of 394 yards per game. With major needs at cornerback, outside linebacker, and safety, the Eagles have work to do this offseason. Among possible prospects likely to be available when the Eagles pick at No. 22 are Ohio State cornerback Bradley Roby, Oregon State wide receiver Brandin Cooks, UCLA linebacker Anthony Barr, and Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.
2. DALLAS COWBOYS: Team Needs: S, DT, DE, WR
With yet another mediocre almost-good-enough-for-a-playoff-berth 8-8 season last year, almost no cap space to use during free agency, and Tony Romo not getting any younger at 34-years-old, the Cowboys are in a bad position. While the team could definitely use help on the offensive line, all of their offensive needs must be ignored in order to improve a defense that ranked last in the NFL last year.
The Cowboys were historically bad on defense last year, surrendering an atrocious average of 415 yards per game to their opponents, even prompting team owner Jerry Jones himself to publicly admit the firing of previous defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was a mistake. It would be in the Cowboy’s best interest to buckle down and focus on defense during Thursday’s NFL draft.
Picking in the first round at No. 16, the Cowboys will likely narrowly miss out on top defensive prospects such as Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald, one could surely see Louisville safety Calvin Pryor falling to them, and Florida State DT Timmy Jernigan will definitely still be on the board. As deep as this year’s class of wide receivers is, Dallas can wait until the later rounds to find a replacement for Miles Austin.
3. NEW YORK GIANTS: Team Needs: TE, WR, C, OG, DL
While the New York Giants did not live up to expectations in 2013, the team finished the season much better than it’s 0-6 start, winning seven of their last ten contests to finish 7-9. While their defense was very respectable, giving up the 8th-fewest yards in the league, the offense was an absolute disaster in a year in which the team averaged 83 rushing yards per game and Eli Manning threw 27 interceptions.
With many gaping holes to fill ranging from tight end to linebacker, however, there are several different directions the Giants could opt to go with the 12th overall pick in the first round of the draft on Thursday. If TE Eric Ebron is available when the Giants are on the clock, taking the 6-4, 245 Lb. North Carolina prospect is an obvious no-brainer. With the Buffalo Bills picking at No. 9, however, they shouldn’t count on him being available, and have shown strong interest in Notre Dame guard Zack Martin.
Regardless of what the decide to do in round one, the Giants are definitely lacking and are in no danger of running out of holes to fill throughout the remainder of the draft.
4. WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Team Needs: CB, DE, S, OT
After a winning the division with a 10-6 record during QB Robert Griffin III’s sensational rookie campaign in 2012, the Washington Redskins were barely even recognizable last season, and finished the year last in the division with a 3-13 record. Before the season ended, RG3 had been benched in favor of former 5th-round draft pick Kirk Cousins. To make matters even worse, Washington doesn’t pick until No. 34, as the St. Louis Rams hold the rights to their first-round pick.
With a full offseason to rehab his ailing knee, however, Robert Griffin III is looking to make a strong comeback from his lackluster 2013 season and recapture the magic that he showed us during his rookie season, and the team’s primary focus should be on improving their defense.
The Redskin’s aging defensive unit, which was ranked 18th in the NFL last year, has plenty of room to improve through the draft. Cornerback and safety are major areas of concern, as DeAngelo Hall is entering his 12th season in the league, and Tracy Porter isn’t a long-term answer. The Skins will also look to draft a defensive end end to pair with the newly-acquired Jason Hatcher, and fill out their offensive line with a tackle to play opposite of Trent Williams.
Be sure to also check out the rest of Last Word On Sports’ NFL draft coverage.
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