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With free agency and the draft fast approaching, we’re continuing our weekly series focusing on the top three needs of each NFL team. We have hit the NFC North and South, along with the AFC North and South. Let’s take a look at the NFC East.
Dallas Cowboys
Help out CeeDee Lamb
CeeDee Lamb is a true number one receiver. He’s an alpha dog who can get open at will. But he needs a friend to keep this offense rolling. Amari Cooper was shipped out for next to nothing, and the Cowboys failed to replace him. Whether it is Odell Beckham Jr. or a rookie in the draft, they need to find an instant impact player at the position.
Figure out what to do with Ezekiel Elliott
Every NFL fan knows that Zeke is not quite what he once was. Since he signed his six-year, $90 million contract, his game has fallen off the face of the earth. With Tony Pollard outshining the former first-round pick, the Cowboys have a tough decision to make. Can they convince Elliott to take a paycut to stay in Dallas? Or do they cut ties with hopes of resigning Pollard to a long-term deal? Or maybe they replace both with a first round running back… Bjian Robinson anyone?
Add Cornerback Depth
At the end of the season, the Cowboys were playing with reserves at cornerback. Trevon Diggs improved but one man is not enough. If one of the top cornerbacks falls, Jerry Jones should make the call to improve a secondary that needs both starters and depth.
New York Giants
Add a legitimate threat at receiver
New York has failed to replace OBJ since his departure. With Brian Daboll revolutionizing the offense and developing Daniel Jones, it is time to find him a true number one receiver. This draft doesn’t have the top end receivers from years past, but there are plenty of impact players in the middle rounds. Will they pull the trigger or will they look to find a year-to-year option in free agency?
Upgrade at linebacker
Arguably the worst linebacking corps in the league, the Giants relied on Jaylon Smith in crucial moments in 2022. That cannot happen next season. Starting caliber linebackers can be had in the middle rounds of the draft, and this year’s class is solid in that range. Drew Sanders, Jack Campbell, and Ivan Pace could all be fits in the second or third-round for the Giants.
Fix the secondary
Another disappointing secondary, the Giants need a true CB1. Adoree Jackson is solid but he is not a guy that can travel against a team’s best wide receiver. If New York could find a solid boundary corner in free agency along with one in the first or second round of the draft, then Jackson could move to nickel corner where his skillset could be better suited.
Philadelphia Eagles
Extend Jalen Hurts
The first order of business for general manager Howie Roseman will be to extend their face of the franchise. Hurts, coming off a Super Bowl run, deserves to be one of the top paid players in the league. The sooner they get the deal done the better, because all of the 2020 quarterbacks contracts will be based off of each other.
Add a cornerback
Not that it is a necessity, but adding a cornerback seems even more important since the holding call in the Super Bowl. James Bradberry was an important free agent pickup and was okay throughout the year. But with Darius Slay and Bradberry aging, using the 10th overall pick on a cornerback seems inevitable.
Depth to the defensive line
Javon Hargrave and Fletcher Cox are free agents and could easily be on the outs. Jordan Davis, last year’s first round pick, will be in line to replace Cox. But the Eagles could use another big body on the defensive line to help with the potential losses in the trenches.
Washington Commanders
Find an answer at quarterback
Ron Rivera admitted that Sam Howell is the presumed QB1 heading into the 2023 season. Is he the answer? Who knows. But with Eric Bienemy looking to become the offensive coordinator, there has to be a sense of optimism in Washington that he can get the most out of Howell and company.
Upgrade the interior offensive line
The Commanders need offensive line help, specifically on the interior. This draft happens to be loaded in the middle rounds in terms of centers and guards who can be an impact player as a rookie. If the Commanders don’t opt for a lineman in the first round, I’d bet they go all in on day two.
Need a CB1
They shipped William Jackson III to the Steelers and Kendall Fuller isn’t getting any younger. Finding a young, true starting caliber cornerback should be atop their list. In one of the deepest cornerback classes we’ve ever seen, it wouldn’t be shocking to see Washington double dip.
