Training Camp is set to start for every team in the NFC East as we draw nearer to pre-season football this week. Today in our NFC East notebook we’ll take a look at a rising star on each team who could surface as a high level player in 2014.
NFC East Notes:
- The Dallas Cowboys signed former Washington Redskins receiver Dez Briscoe earlier this week. Dallas has Terrance Williams and Devin Street as two bigger receivers behind Dez Bryant on the roster right now. However, they are still searching for a big target that can move the chains for them. Dez Briscoe has been around for a while now, but he’s only 24 years old and has some talent. It’ll be interesting to see if he can stay healthy and bring something to the table for Dallas.
- The New York Giants hired former Super Bowl hero David Tyree as the team’s director of player personnel. It became an unpopular move when the Human Rights Campaign blasted Tyree for his anti-gay comments in 2011. Tyree said that he would trade his Super Bowl helmet catch if it would stop homosexuals from getting married. That year, he also tweeted - “there is no scientific evidence to support the claim of being born gay” and that he has met “former homosexuals.” Regardless of personal stances on this issue, it will be something worth watching. The Vikings just suspended a coach for anti-gay comments… It’s something that has drawn more attention this year, especially with an open gay in the league.
Rising Stars:
Philadelphia Eagles – TE Zach Ertz had a solid rookie campaign in 2013 with 43 catches for 469 yards and four TDs. Ertz is a big athletic target who I believe will surface as Philadelphia’s top receiver. He has all the ability in the world to be a nice safety blanket for Nick Foles. But he’s also a big play threat. I’d expect Ertz to rise up in 2014 and become a premier TE in this league.
Washington Redskins – I could also go with a tight end here in Jordan Reed. But instead, I’ll select Washington’s third year linebacker Keenan Robinson. If he’s able to stay healthy, Robinson will start at ILB for the Redskins this season. In my opinion, he’s undoubtedly the most talented ILB on the team. His range in coverage will provide a needed boost for the team’s defense. Robinson just has to prove he’s able to stay healthy.
New York Giants – WR Reuben Randle showed some flashes in his sophomore season scoring six touchdowns on 41 receptions that went for 611 yards. Randle is an athletic receiver who, if consistent, can continue gaining the respect of QB Eli Manning. In 2014, I’d expect for Randle to continue improving his stats — especially with the departure of Hakeem Nicks. The Giants drafted a guy in Odell Beckham Jr. who is expected to be a big play threat for the team. However, Randle still should receive plenty targets and opportunities to improve on his numbers from 2013.
Dallas Cowboys – Strong Safety JJ Wilcox is projected to start for the Cowboys this season. Wilcox became a contributor for Dallas week three last season as a rookie and should improve with experience. He’s a safety who likes to hit and could bring a needed boost to Dallas’ depleted defense. While Wilcox has a lot to improve on from a coverage standpoint, he’s a guy who can make a ton of noise with his upfield play.
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