Today is the big day! The NFL Draft is finally upon us. It feels like the longest time since the season ended and the NFL Combine took place. But, it’s time for franchises to make their respective teams better and look to compete with the elite of the league. The NFC East division will look to make moves to bring them back into the discussion of being one of the top divisions in the league.
The New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles each hold a draft selection in the first round. The Washington Redskins will have to wait until the 2nd round following their trade to get Robert Griffin III a couple of years ago. Here’s a look at some guys the Redskins should target in the 2nd round. With the Redskins out-of-the-way, let’s focus our attention to the rest of the division.
New York Giants – The Giants finished 3rd in the NFC East and pick first out of the three teams picking in the first round of the draft. They have holes all over the place. Last season their offensive line didn’t do a great job protecting Eli Manning, but Justin Pugh did have a solid rookie season. They also let Hakeem Nicks, Brandon Myers and Justin Tuck walk in free agency. There is work to be done.
With the 12th selection in the draft, the Giants should look at either replenishing their offensive weapons, upgrading the offensive line, pass rusher or secondary help. I’ve seen almost every player mocked to the Giants and their pick. Their selection comes down to two players for me. Taylor Lewan OT/Michigan and Eric Ebron TE/North Carolina both are high on my board for the Giants. The Giants can either protect Eli or give him another weapon.
Dallas Cowboys – The Cowboys will always be a wildcard with Jerry Jones running things. They can go any direction with their draft as they’ve shown us for years now. There has been plenty of rumors floating around regarding Johnny Manziel. I think it’s time to look for the QB of the future and wouldn’t be surprised one bit with the selection of a QB.
On the other hand, I feel the Cowboys need to upgrade their defensive line and safety position. Dallas fans have complained for years about the Cowboys not picking up one of the top safeties in recent drafts. This may be the year they get their wish, but then again…who knows?! I believe the Cowboys will go with one of the top DT’s in the draft with the 16th pick, Aaron Donald – Pittsburgh/Timmy Jernigan – Florida State or one of the top S’s Ha Ha Clinton-Dix – Alabama/Calvin Pryor – Louisville. Whichever is available.
Philadelphia Eagles – The Eagles had a surprising season and looked like a few defensive pieces away from being a legit Super Bowl contender. And then…DeSean Jackson was let go and the entire mentality of the draft changed quickly. Heading into the draft prior to Jackson’s departure, the Eagles seemed like a pass rusher and/or secondary player away. Now a WR may be a much-needed option.
Even with the itsy bitsy hole at WR, I believe the position is very deep in this year’s draft and they can hold off until the 2nd round. They should follow the Seahawks model for success. You can never have too many pass rushers or game changing secondary players on your team. Their defense has never been the same since they let Brian Dawkins walk and the addition of Malcolm Jenkins isn’t enough for me. They should look to grab one of the top rated S’s that’s available at pick 22 between Ha Ha Clinton-Dix – Alabama, Calvin Pryor – Louisville or Jimmie Ward – Northern Illinois.
