NFL Breakout Candidates By Division: NFC East
By Erik Lambert
Nov 7, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed (86) dives for a touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Every NFL team has at least one player on the roster whom they hope is ready for a breakout season in 2014. Who are the NFC East candidates?
Dallas Cowboys: J.J. Wilcox
Due to the utter decimation of the Dallas Cowboys front seven in 2013, it was easy to pick on their secondary, particularly rookie safety J.J. Wilcox. Yet in spite of it all the 3rd round pick showed enough promise to warrant a second chance. He has a new coordinator in Rod Marinelli who has a history of elevating his players and hopefully should have more help from the pass rush with the additions of Henry Melton and Demarcus Lawrence.
Philadelphia Eagles: Zach Ertz
Chip Kelly quickly established himself as a coach who prefers getting the best players available in the draft, regardless of position. That is why the Philadelphia Eagles selected Stanford tight end Zach Ertz in the second round a year ago. Kelly clearly saw his potential as a big pass catcher at the NFL level. Ertz didn’t disappoint, consistently showing glimpses of that talent on his way to 469 yards and four touchdowns playing behind veteran Brent Celek. Much more is expected as his experience in the system grows.
New York Giants: Damontre Moore
A dynamic pass rush has led the way to championships for the New York Giants in the past so it was no surprise when they eagerly scooped up Texas A&M standout Damontre Moore a year ago in the draft. For most of the season though he didn’t see much significant action, mostly as a rotational player with limited snaps. After another full off-season though he should be ready to take his play to the next level, and with a starting job up for grabs he is anxious to seize it.
Washington Redskins: Jordan Reed
Some would say 499 yards and three touchdowns is a pretty good year for a rookie NFL tight end. To think that Jordan Reed did that for the Washington Redskins in just nine games is a clear testament to his ability. It also explains why the team is so excited to get him back on the field with Robert Griffin III. Reed was already a handful last season before he went down. Now with DeSean Jackson in town he will see more openings down the field than ever which only means bigger plays for RGIII to hit.