NFC East 2008 Draft Needs, Team by Team

New York Giants
Top Needs: DB, LB, QB
One would expect the defending Super Bowl Champions to have relatively few holes, but that’s not totally the case with the 2008 Giants.  Their defensive backfield wasn’t really that good in 2007, and lost Gibril Wilson to the Raiders.  Sammy Knight helps some, and last year’s top pick Aaron Ross will likely be an ok starter, but depth is still a huge concern, and none of their safeties are all that special.  Linebacker is more of a depth concern, although losing Kawika Mitchell doesn’t help.  Both positions are aided by the Giants’ strong pass rush, which may be aided by the move of Mathias Kiwanuka back to DE.  Quarterback isn’t a high need, with Eli Manning having started every game over the last few years, but top backup Jared Lorenzen has no experience and is a couple Big Macs away from being a backup in the CFL.

Dallas Cowboys
Top Needs: CB, RB, QB
The Cowboys were the class of the NFC last season, and depth may end up being a larger concern than specific holes.  They lost nickel back Jacques Reeves, and would likely prefer to find someone to bump Anthony Henry to that role.  Not surprisingly, Julius Jones bolted as well, after Marion Barber took most of the important carries over the last two years.  There are concerns over whether Barber can handle a feature back role, but while he hasn’t done it dating back to college, there’s also not really any evidence of injury history or wearing down.  Still, with Jerry Jones at the helm, he’d likely break his plasticized smile if he could find a way to snag Darren McFadden—and the ‘boys have two first round picks.  A lot of people consider WR a top need as well, and they may take one at some point, but finding a “project” quarterback should be towards the top of the list too, as Brad Johnson is their top choice if Jessica Simpson causes Tony Romo any more problems.

Philadelphia Eagles
Top Needs: LB, OL, DL
The Eagles finished in 4th place in the NFC East last year, and unless something dramatic happens, will probably finish worse than 8-8 in 2008.  The team cut Takeo Spikes in March, and while they’ve added Rocky Boiman, that hardly seems like an upgrade.  Chris Gacong and Omar Gaither are apparently decent, but hardly household names—this draft was the first I’d even heard of them.  The Eagles offensive line is getting old fast, especially at tackle, and Winston Justice hasn’t shown that he’s up to the task yet.  If they fail to get some young projects, they could find themselves mirroring the Chiefs recent OL decline.  On the defensive line, its mostly a quality depth issue—Trent Cole and Juqua Thomas are decent pass rushers, but may not hold up long against the run, especially if they can’t take a breather.  Broderick Bunkley and Mike Patterson are decent up the middle, but there’s not much behind them—and Patterson apparently has an affinity for little green plants that could land him in some trouble.

Washington Redskins
Top Needs: DL, WR, LB
The Redskins have plenty of holes as well, and in addition to the positions listed could use a couple of younger offensive lineman, and some more depth at safety.  But their defensive line is probably the weakest overall, with an aging Phillip Daniels likely being the biggest hole.  The ‘skins have been looking for a compliment for Santana Moss since they’ve had him, and Antwaan Randle El just isn’t going to cut it as a #2 WR.  Linebacker is a concern as well, with Rocky McIntosh ending the year on IR, Marcus Washington fighting injuries, and team defensive leader London Fletcher creeping up there in age.  Fortunately, one thing that the Redskins appear to have going for them is owner Dan Snyder finally appearing to have backed off from meddling—but let’s see how long that holds up with newbie Jim Zorn leading the team instead of Hall of Famer Joe Gibbs.