In this series, the Last Word on Sports NFL department will be selecting the best players in each division by position. With the NFC East teams revamping their offensive units this off-season, there are plenty of changes to take into account. That being said, let’s take a look at the NFC East All-Division team offense for 2022.
2022 NFC East All-Division Team: The Offense
Quarterback: Dak Prescott, Cowboys
No surprise Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys headlines the quarterback position in the NFC East. Prescott has been the only consistent quarterback in the NFC East for several seasons. Jalen Hurts could be the breakout quarterback of the year in the NFL but has yet to solidify himself as an elite-level talent.
After throwing a career-high 37 TDs in 2021, how many touchdowns will @dak throw in 2022? pic.twitter.com/Rug1dwEloL
— NFL (@NFL) July 13, 2022
Before Hurts, Carson Wentz had stents for both the Philadelphia Eagles and the Indianapolis Colts. Wentz has since made his way back to his old conference competing for the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders. At the bottom of this list sits Daniel Jones, who desperately needs a breakout season after being selected sixth overall in 2019. The New York Giants have made some great moves around Jones, who seems to be the missing piece to New York’s success.
Running Back: Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys
Running back is an interesting position in the NFC East. Every team has question marks in their backfield whether it be injuries, young talent, or a shift away from a running game plan. Ezekiel Elliott is the best NFC East running back this season. Elliott rushed for 1,002 yards last season with 10 touchdowns. Elliott rushed for 4.2 yards per carry and started all 17 games. Dallas has significant question marks with Tony Pollard surging for more touches behind an aging Elliott. However, the former Ohio State Buckeye continues to dominate the backfield position for the NFC East
Other running backs who could push for this title include Antonio Gibson and Saquon Barkley. Gibson enters his third season with the Commanders following his best year. Gibson started out very slowly but ended the year with 1,037 yards and seven touchdowns on an abysmal 4.0 yards per carry. If Gibson wishes to elevate his usage and backfield efficiency he will have to overcome J.D. McKissic and factor more into the passing game.
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Barkley is likely the most talented back in the NFC East. Unfortunately, he has played behind a terrible offensive line with a poor offensive scheme. The former Penn St. Nittany Lion has also suffered from a myriad of injuries only playing in two games in 2020 and 13 games in 2021. Barkley has a real chance to revitalize his career behind new head coach Brian Daboll and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka. A new offensive scheme drafting Evan Neal has Barkley as a Darkhorse to lead the NFC East in rushing for the 2022 season.
Philadelphia was one of the best rushing offenses in the NFL last season. With Nik Sirrani surrendering play-calling duties to Shane Steichen, Philadelphia is likely to throw the ball more frequently. A new play-caller, the addition of A.J. Brown, and Hurts’ progression should lead to decreased opportunities for Miles Sanders and his surrounding committee.
Wide Receiver: A.J. Brown, Eagles
The top wide receiver in the NFC East is A.J. Brown. The Eagles acquired Brown at the NFL draft to bolster their pass-catching corp as well as provide a down-field target for Hurts. Brown has had some issues staying healthy during his first three seasons missing several games during that time. Regardless, Brown has caught for 2,995 yards and 24 touchdowns since his rookie season playing for the Tennessee Titans. Brown should expose poor secondaries in the NFC East and have a career year.
Wide Receiver: Terry McLaurin, Commanders
Opposite Brown is Terry McLaurin as the first Commanders player to make this list. McLaurin has also had some issues with health but is an undeniable talent. McLaurin has 3,090 yards in three seasons with 16 touchdowns since joining the NFL in 2019. If he can stay on the field he is sure to continue his NFC East dominance with new quarterback Wentz at the helm.
🗣 Free Terry McLaurin in 2022 pic.twitter.com/lkzrSXGDGU
— PFF (@PFF) January 1, 2022
Kenny Golladay is another name that could be on this list. The former Detroit Lions receiver has put together an impressive career. Unfortunately, he has been sidelined with multiple injuries over the last few seasons before being saddled with poor quarterback play in 2021. If Jones can play up to expectations, Golladay could break out in New York and return as an elite-level wide receiver.
Slot Receiver: CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb is a tremendous slot receiver, and likely the most talented pass-catcher in the NFC East. Lamb played second-fiddle to Amari Cooper over the past two seasons but should see a drastic uptick in volume this year. With the return of Michael Gallup, Lamb should be able to return to the slot where he is amongst the best in the NFL with 2,037 yards and 11 touchdowns in two seasons. Lamb is primed for a career season and a possible top-five finish as a wide receiver.
Tight End: Dallas Goedert, Eagles
Dallas Goedert is the best tight end in the NFC East with 2,295 career yards over four seasons and 16 touchdowns. Goedert quickly established himself as one of Hurts’ favorite targets in all portions of the field. Goedert is especially dangerous in the red zone. With the departure of Zach Ertz, Goedert should continue to dominate as an elite pass-catcher.
Dalton Schultz and Logan Thomas are other names who could challenge Goedert. Schultz has a big frame and an uncanny ability to find the first-down sticks much like Jason Witten before him. Thomas is a truly talented player but must find a way to stay healthy to be effective on the field.
Left Tackle: Tyron Smith, Cowboys
Tyron Smith is the clear choice for left tackle in the NFC East. The Cowboys offensive line is facing a lot of question marks this season, with Smith’s health at the top of that list. Smith has been one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL since the start of his career in 2011 receiving eight pro-bowl selections, including seven selections in a row, and two all-pro selections in 2014 and 2016. If Smith can stay healthy and on the field, Dallas will have another great season. The Cowboys go as their offensive line goes and Smith is the leader of this group.
Left Guard: Landon Dickerson, Eagles
Landon Dickerson is the selection for left guard. Dickerson was slated to replace Lane Johnson at right tackle, however, injuries on the Eagles offensive line promoted Dickerson to starting guard. Dickerson started 13 of 14 games played only allowing two sacks. He is looking to improve on his impressive rookie season in 2022 and solidify himself as an elite lineman in the NFL.
Tyler Smith could break out as a rookie in the left guard position. The big physical Tulsa Hurricane should secure the starting position ahead of Connor McGovern and join Smith and Zack Martin on the offensive line. With a great group of mentors, Smith is sure to headline this list next year.
Center: Jason Kelce, Eagles
He’s not done yet.
C Jason Kelce is returning to the Eagles for the 2022 season.@Toyota | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/CG3Ty2TWSp
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) March 10, 2022
Jason Kelce has been leading the talented Eagles offensive line since 2011. Kelce has been the centerpiece for an impressive offensive line including the 2018 Super Bowl championship team. The veteran center has put together an impressive career including five pro-bowl selections with four all-pro awards. With Kelce leading the offensive line, Hurts should have plenty of time to find his targets down the field in this revamped offense.
Right Guard: Zack Martin, Cowboys
Zack Martin is an elite talent at the guard position. Martin helped to anchor Dallas during their truly dominant seasons from 2014 to 2021. Over that time the Cowboys have had the reputation of physicality and athleticism with a ground-and-pound style of play. Prescott, Elliott, and Pollard are all dependent on solid offensive line play led by Smith and Martin.
Right Tackle: Lane Johnson, Eagles
Lane Johnson is another incredibly talented lineman for the Eagles. Johnson and Kelce led Philadelphia with the ground attack to a Super Bowl championship in 2018 with their physical style of run-blocking. Kelce and Johnson have anchored the offensive line providing running lanes and protecting the Eagles quarterbacks since 2013. Johnson is one of the more talented linemen in the NFL, alongside Kelce forming one of the best lines in football.
Lane Johnson has the right tackle position secured for the foreseeable future. However, the newly drafted Evan Neal has been turning heads since being drafted from Alabama. Neal is described as a massive and athletic offensive tackle with skills in run and pass blocking. If he lives up to the hype, Neal will likely find a spot on this list in 2023.
Be sure to check out the 2022 NFC East All-Divison Defensive Team.
Main Photo: Embed from Getty Images
