UPDATED NFC East Team Needs: 1/22/11
By Josh Sanchez
One of the most important factors when preparing for the NFL Draft is knowing each and every NFL team. NFL Mocks keeps a very close eye on each team and will bring you an updated needs assessment at the end of each month. These needs will help as we prepare to make predictions for the 2011 NFL Draft. Continue to check out our team needs page to find the most recent assessments. Also after looking at the team needs move on over to the Big Board and see what prospects might fit your teams need. A don’t forget to study up on your favorite prospects at NFLMocksGameFilm!
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles were pleasantly surprised with the performance of Michael Vick this season. With both Vick and Kolb likely to return next season, Philadelphia needs to strongly consider going offensive line in the first round. When they are on the clock, some great value will be available like Wisconsin’s Gabe Carimi. Cornerback is also a possibility. The Eagles will try to scoop up Nnamdi Asomugha in free agency, but if Andy Reed cannot bring “Scrabble” to town, look down the board at the available players in the secondary.
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas had a severely underachieving season and a lot of that falls on the defenses’ shoulders. The secondary was torched on a weekly basis and inconsistent play along the defensive line allowed opposing running backs to pound the rock. With a top ten pick, Dallas will hope that either LSU’s Patrick Peterson or Prince Amukamara of Nebraska will slide to them. If both of the top two corners are gone, look for Dallas to focus on the defensive line which is loaded with value at the top of this year’s draft. Another possibility is pass rusher Robert Quinn from North Carolina who has been compared to DeMarcus Ware.
Washington Redskins
Washington, like Dallas, holds a top ten pick in the NFL draft, but expect them to focus on the offensive side of the ball come April — specifically quarterback. All signs point to Donovan McNabb leaving this offseason after the up and down year and sour relationship between he and head coach Mike Shanahan. There will be a handful of quarterbacks still available when Washington is on the clock. If the top rated quarterback Blaine Gabbert is unavailable, guys like Ryan Mallet, Jake Locker and Cam Newton will be up for grabs. Whoever is the pick better be ready to be thrown into the fire immediately.
New York Giants
The New York Giants are a team that could go best player available. However, offensive line and linebacker seem to be the moves that make the most sense — don’t rule out running back, either. If New York was to go with a tackle, look for a guy like Nate Solder of Colorado to be a solid pick up. The move would allow the G-Men to move William Beatty over to right tackle where he is better suited. At linebacker, Bruce Carter of UNC and Oklahoma’s Travis Lewis look like great fits for the always improving front seven.