Yahoo News Division-by-division look at each NFL team's needs before the draft: NFC East
Teams have spent the past few weeks adding talent via free agency, but not all holes can be filled that way. Each team has some pressing needs remaining, and we’re going division-by-division to analyze those needs and perhaps figure out which directions teams are leaning heading into the draft.
NFC EAST
Dallas Cowboys
Positions needed: CB, EDGE, S, C, WR
Analysis: The Cowboys lost a lot of talent this offseason but their biggest hole is obvious: They need to draft cornerbacks. Plural.
Losing Byron Jones was one of the downsides of keeping Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper and others. Edge rusher is also an issue. While signing Aldon Smith and continuing to hang onto the Randy Gregory dream are worthwhile gambles, depending on those players to any degree is foolish. If they play well opposite DeMarcus Lawrence, that’s a bonus. Drafting a more permanent solution on the edge would be wise. Losing center Travis Frederick to retirement and third receiver Randall Cobb in free agency opened up some other holes.
New York Giants
Positions needed: OT, C, EDGE, LB, RB, S
Analysis: An offensive tackle seems like a great fit for the Giants early in the first round, though Clemson linebacker Isaiah Simmons has to be tempting too. The Giants have veteran Nate Solder, but finding another starting tackle would be ideal. There has been some speculation Solder could move from left tackle to right tackle, depending on who New York drafts.
The Giants have a weakness at center, though there won’t be a center worth taking in the top 10. That issue will have to be addressed after the first round. The Giants have some options on the roster at edge rusher, but it never hurts to draft depth there. And while running back Saquon Barkley is one of the best in the game, using a late-round pick on his backup would be good insurance.
Philadelphia Eagles
Positions needed: WR, C, G, LB, CB, S, QB
Analysis: The Eagles need to restock at receiver with Alshon Jeffery wanting to move on, and there are plenty of fine prospects at the position in this year’s draft. It would be a shock if the Eagles didn’t take a receiver in the first round, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if they drafted another receiver or two after Day 1 of the draft. After that, the interior of the Eagles’ offensive line could use some new blood with veterans like center Jason Kelce nearing retirement. Despite trading for cornerback Darius Slay and bringing back safety Rodney McLeod, the Eagles still need to bolster the secondary. And they might use a late pick on a potential backup for Carson Wentz, too.
Washington Redskins
Positions needed: WR, TE, LT, G, LB, CB
Analysis: Quarterback could have gone on the team needs, depending on what you think of 2019 first-round pick Dwayne Haskins. Let’s assume the team passes on Tua Tagovailoa at No. 2 overall and takes defensive end Chase Young. That’s not a glaring need, but you don’t pass up on a prospect like Young.
Washington missed out on free agents Amari Cooper and Austin Hooper, and big offers to those players indicate the team is serious about restocking its pass-catchers.
The Trent Williams soap opera hasn’t come to a conclusion, but it’s very hard to believe Williams ever plays again for the Redskins. Therefore, left tackle has to be a focus.
Washington signed Thomas Davis to help at inside linebacker, but he’s not a long-term fix. Rebuilding Washington made most of its free agency moves on defense, and the draft will have to provide some offensive help.
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