The NFL Draft is quickly approaching and we at InhaleSports want to provide the best coverage of your favorite NFL team, so we will be doing NFL Draft Previews through each Division. Today we start with the NFC East. We will be predicting each teams first round picks while also identifying each teams needs.
Philadelphia Eagles: Pick #2
The Eagles secondary is bad. Like really bad. Like trade your #1 Corner to Miami for a 5th round pick bad. Byron Maxwell was never going to be a #1 corner, and Philly paid him like one. While they could use a boost in their secondary, the trade they completed with the Browns has pretty much guaranteed that they will draft a QB. Whether that is Carson Wentz or Jared Goff, one of those two will be playing in Philadelphia this fall. Doesn’t really make sense, considering they just signed Chase Daniels and Sam Bradford to a big deal, but the Eagles have done crazier things. The Eagles could also select Jalen Ramsey at #2, but this trade seems to be for a franchise level signal caller, in either of the top QB’s. Another position of need is Defensive Tackle. This need all depends on whether or not Philadelphia can reach an extension with Fletcher Cox. Drafting a d-tackle could help them prepare for life without Cox if he decides to hit the open market next offseason.
Pick: Carson Wentz, QB, North Dakota State.
Dallas Cowboys: Pick #4
The Cowboys desperately need a pass rush. The Greg Hardy experiment failed miserably, as did last years draft pick, Randy Gregory. Hardy’s season was not productive, and the negative publicity from his involvement with domestic violence forced the team to release him. Gregory has a problem with substance abuse, specifically weed, and will be facing a 4 game suspension this year. All of this adds up to the Cowboys needing to draft a defensive end. There are other positions they could use to upgrade as well. Despite signing Alfred Morris in the offseason, the Dallas coaching staff might want to draft an explosive, speedy back to be a change of pace from Darren McFadden and Morris. Another position of need for the Boys, is backup/future starting Quarterback. Tony Romo hasn’t started 16 games in the past three years. Last year he played in only 4 games, and he’s already 35 going into the season. The Cowboys could reach for a quarterback to sit behind Romo and potentially gain a player for the future of the franchise.
Pick: Joey Bosa DE, Ohio State
New York Giants: Pick #10
The New York Giants won free agency, overpaying for players like Olivier Vernon and Janoris Jenkins, but at least both of those players filled needs for the team. Their defense was not good this year, and watch for the Giants to focus on that in the draft. Linebacker and safety are their primary needs. For linebacker, this is not a deep draft class, specifically for inside linebackers. It’s pretty much Myles Jack and everyone else. Darron Lee and Reggie Ragland are both good prospects who could play inside for New York. Last year’s first round pick, Safety Landon Collins, did not play as well as the Giants had hoped , and may be moved to linebacker instead. That would fill their need at linebacker, while opening up more need at safety. Vernon Hargreaves could potentially play free safety, but he was traditionally a cornerback in college. Darian Thompson is another player who could be drafted by the Giants, but he’s a reach at the tenth pick in the draft. The Giants could trade back in the first, and still draft their safety.
Pick: Trade or Vernon Hargreaves, CB, Florida
Washington Redskins: Pick #21
Washington won the NFC East last year, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have holes to fill. The secondary could use an upgrade as could their linebackers and defensive line. Any player to fill one of these needs would be great. If Reggie Ragland is there at the 21st pick, he could be coming to the Burgundy and Gold. The same goes for Noah Spence, filling their d-line. Andrew Billings could also be the pick, but GM Scot McCloughan has made it clear, he would rather trade down and gain more picks. Which makes sense, as McCloughan’s M.O. is to have as many picks as possible. Offensively, the Skins could potentially draft an offensive lineman. Guard and center are their biggest needs, finding a replacement for Kory Lichtensteiger at center, or finding someone to play opposite Brandon Schariff.
Pick: Trade, or Andrew Billings, DT, Baylor
