2014 NFL Draft Wish List for the NFC East
By Erik Lambert
Sep 14, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota before the game against the Tennessee Volunteers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia Eagles – Marcus Mariota – QB – Oregon
The Nick Foles story is perhaps starting to unfold but it is clear Michael Vick is not the long-term answer for Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles. He simply gets hurt too often and can’t run an offense with any sort of consistency. However, Kelly also has no need for loyalty to Foles either. Philadelphia is still searching for the right quarterback, and nobody would blame the head coach for being selfish in going after Marcus Mariota. After all, Kelly recruited him when he was in charge at Oregon and since then the young quarterback has lit the world of college football ablaze. Though only a sophomore he has already thrown 14 touchdowns, run for seven touchdown and amassed 1,696 yards of offense without an interception in just five games. He has all the measurable to become a great pro. Who better to show him the way than Kelly?
New York Giants – Bradley Roby – CB – Ohio State
What isn’t wrong with the New York Giants? They aren’t 0-5 by accident. However, if there was one culprit to blame it’s the defense. In every game this season they’ve surrendered 30 points or more. None of their defensive linemen have at least two sacks and no defensive back has more than one interception. That is nothing like the Giant defenses people are used to seeing. So where can the problem be fixed? Common New York strategy says they find a pass rusher, but they may be better served improving the back end. The Giants have had no stability in that area for years due to injuries. A player they would probably love to have is OhioState corner Bradley Roby. Boasting good size, ball skills and first class speed he is viewed as one of the few shut down corner possibilities in the 2014 NFL draft. Having somebody like that could do wonders for New York.
Dallas Cowboys – Tajh Boyd – QB – Clemson
Tony Romo exhibited yet another of his classic storylines. He lit the Denver Broncos up for over 500 yards and five touchdown passes. But, as the story always seems to go, he threw a critical interception late in the game that allowed Denver to run out the clock and kick the winning field goal. It’s a wonder how many time Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys will have to see that scenario play out before they realize Romo will never be a championship quarterback. Whether they signed him to a long-term extension or not, they have to think about adding a new arm. With Bridgewater likely out of the picture, Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd is the next best on the board. Slightly shorter than ideal, the senior makes up for it with strength, speed, accuracy and leadership. He would make a perfect fit in the Dallas dome, and a suitable end to the Romo era.
Washington Redskins – Louis Nix III – NT – Notre Dame
Like their counterparts in New York, the Washington Redskins have had all sorts of problems on defense. Their secondary and linebackers can’t tackle or cover with any consistency. This is a big reason why they rank 31st in the league against the run. Until they can learn to cover they must find a way to keep teams from using the play action on them to death. That requires a stout defensive front. As a 3-4 defense under Jim Haslett, the easiest way to accomplish that task is with an excellent nose tackle in the style of Vince Wilfork or Haloti Ngata. The 2014 NFL draft doesn’t have many great option, but it does have one. Massive Notre Dame nose tackle Louis Nix III has flown under the radar but it’s becoming harder and harder for experts to question his impact. He was a huge part of their national title run last season and continues to quietly assist the Fighting Irish by commanding double teams with his unmistakable size. Washington can instantly give their unit creditability by plugging him right in the middle.