Taking a look at all NFC East team needs and draft capital heading into the last week before the 2017 NFL draft in Philadelphia.
Dallas Cowboys – Top 5 needs: CB, DE, S, RT, TE
The Cowboys front office has made no secret about the focus being on the defensive side of the ball in this draft. That would certainly address the most obvious needs, despite a recent focus on drafting the best player available.
I’m sure you probably have your own opinion on who the Cowboys should draft by now, but I’ll save mine for another time. As for now, let’s just hope these quarterbacks and running backs push talented players down.
Current Draft Capital:
- Round 1, Pick 28
- Round 2, Pick 60
- Round 3, Pick 92
- Round 4, Pick 133
- Round 6, Pick 211
- Round 7, Pick 228 (from Buffalo in Sanchez deal)
- Round 7, Pick 246
Seven picks in all, with three in the top 100 and no fifth round pick.
New York Giants – Top 5 needs: OT, LB, QB, RB, CB
Although New York has arguably the best wide receiver corps in the division, they could be looking to upgrade the rest of their offense. Ereck Flowers has not met expectations, Eli Manning’s arm looked tired last season, and the Giants have been searching for an answer at running back for quite some time.
Aside from that, they could use a run stopping LB *cough Zeke cough* to go with their monstrous defensive line and an upgrade at cornerback to compliment Landon Collins’ performance in the defensive backfield.
Current Draft Capital:
- Round 1, Pick 23
- Round 2, Pick 55
- Round 3, Pick 87
- Round 4, Pick 140
- Round 5, Pick 167
- Round 6, Pick 207
- Round 7, Pick 241
Seven picks in total, with three in the top 100.
Philadelphia Eagles – Top 5 needs: WR, CB, RB, DE, LB
In year two of the Carson Wentz era the Eagles will be looking to upgrade the skill position players around him on offense. Even with signing Alshon Jeffery to a one year deal, wide receiver remains the top priority on a team that wants to showcase their second overall pick.
Combine Ryan Mathews’ injury concerns with an aging Darren Sproles and a deep running back draft and you can bet your bottom dollar the Eagles will draft someone to add to their backfield.
Additionally, they’re going to need some fresh meat for Dez Bryant to toast at cornerback. Adding some talent for Jim Schwartz to utilize is fairly important. Plenty to fix when you finish last in the division. Still, the future is bright in Philly with a quarterback seemingly in place for the next decade.
Current Draft Capital:
- Round 1, Pick 14 (from Minnesota)
- Round 2, Pick 43
- Round 3, Pick 99
- Round 4, Pick 118
- Round 4, Pick 139
- Round 5, Pick 155
- Round 6, Pick 194
- Round 7, Pick 230
Eight picks, three in the top 100.
Washington Redskins – Top 5 needs: LB, RB, DL, S, QB
The Redskins defense ranked 25th in passing yards allowed and 24th in rushing yards allowed, so naturally they’ll look to upgrade at every level. Su’a Cravens had a great rookie season but they could still be looking for a long-term solution beside him.
Matt Jones is not an answer in the backfield.
A commanding presence in the middle of the defense – either a linebacker or defensive tackle – would go a long way in improving a below average defense. The Kirk Cousins situation is still in flex, someone to push him would help negotiations. Or make him mad enough to spitefully pull a Brock Osweiler.
Current Draft Capital:
- Round 1, Pick 17
- Round 2, Pick 49
- Round 3, Pick 81
- Round 4, Pick 114 (from Jets)
- Round 4, Pick 123
- Round 5, Pick 154 (from Saints)
- Round 6, Pick 201
- Round 6, Pick 209 (from Texans)
- Round 7, Pick 220 (from 49ers)
- Round 7, Pick 235
Ten picks, three in the top 100.
