What does your team REALLY need? (NFC East)
If I told you this time last year that the Washington Redskins were going to represent the NFC East in the playoffs with Kirk Cousins at the helm you would have had me committed. But, they did and in the wake of that two teams in the NFC East have new head coaches. Ben McAdoo, their once offensive coordinator, takes over for the G-Men (which Tom Coughlin is still frosty about.) And the Eagles hired Doug Peterson... who is that some may ask? He was a former Andy Reid disciple as the Chiefs' offensive coordinator. So, not an awful fit for Philly. Now, with that said what does this division need?
Dallas Cowboys (4-12, 4th overall pick) Need: Play making DBs
Somehow Jason Garret gets another crack at being the Cowboys head coach, but, that aside I am not with the litany of people saying they NEED to draft another quarterback. Maybe in the later rounds but the blow a top 5 pick on par QB talent would be insane for a team that needs more than that. Let me throw some stats at you, the Cowboys were 30th in interceptions (8), 30th in fumble recoveries (3), 30th in forced fumbles (7), 25th in sacks (31) and dead last in pass deflections (51.) Wowser. I am pretty sure Tony Romo and Kellen Moore don't play nickel for the Cowboys, though, based on those numbers it wouldn't be the worst idea. Brandon Carr had 0 picks this year and Orlando Sandrick was out on injured reserve. On top of that, starting safety Barry Church also netted at big zero in the interception coloum. Now what do you do? Well, in the free agent market you could snag Janoris Jenkins from the Rams. Jenkins seems to be feuding with Rams' office after they tagged his counterpart Trumaine Johnson with the franchise tag guaranteeing him 13.95mil. Or, better yet, start fresh in the draft and take cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey was a combine freak and some scouts and writers claim him to be the best overall player in the draft.
New York Giants (6-10, 10th overall pick) Need: Defensive End
The Giants went from great defensive ends in Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora to trying to re-sign a DE with less than 10 fingers, that is a hard concept for me to grasp (ha.) The G-Men ended as the third worst team in sacks with 23 total. That underwhelming stat from a rotation of SIX defensive ends! And it isn't just the stats themselves. Good pressure on a quarterback can end just as well in incomplete passes and better yet, an interception. Now, how do you go about fixing this? I think odds are they re-sign Jason Pierre-Paul to a 2-to-3 year deal for pure edge rush, because he is not going to be an every down end. And then who is left in the FA pool... Mario Williams will want to be in a 3-4 scheme and is 31. Tamba Hali is 32, and will most likely be a Chief again. But, I think Chris Long out of STL/LA, is looking a fresh start and would fit well in a defense that is looking for an identity and some veteran leadership. Better yet, what can the Giants get in the draft? Look no further than defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins out of Louisville. You're right, he isn't a DE but DeForesy Buckner and Joey Bosa will be off the board by than and Clemson DE Shaq Lawson is a reach at 12 overall. So, go for a DT that ESPN Draft Guru Todd McShay said “[he had] a terrific week of practices at the Senior Bowl, the versatile D-lineman is shooting up draft boards. Rankins would give the Giants a devastating DT combo with Johnathan Hankins.” (Giants.com) Enough Said.
Philadelphia Eagles (7-9, 13th overall) Need: Running back
Sam Bradford just got PAID! Two years for 31 mil pretty much makes him the franchise QB for at least another year. Now, like a lot of teams there is quite a bit to fix but here is the RB situation at the moment. DeMarco Murry wants out of Philly and is possible trade bait (to Dallas.) Darren Sproles is 32, and is not an every down back. And that leaves Ryan Matthews who is All-Pro at being injured. Now, as far as free agents go the best one out there is Doug Martin, who is in contract talks with the Buccaneers. Then there is Lamar Miller and Matt Forte... both of which are not long term solutions. In draft there is really one first round worthy back and that is Ezekiel Elliott out of Ohio State. Elliott ended his time at OSU with the 2nd most rushing yards in school history (3,961) and 4th most touchdowns (44.) If the Dolphins don't re-sign Miller, they may take a run at Elliott, if not, odds are he will be waiting for the Eagles to take him with the 13th overall pick.
Washington Redskins (9-7, 21st overall pick) Need: Interior OL
Too 'inside baseball'? Not quite. Yesterday the Skins used the non-exclusive franchise tag on QB Kirk Cousins and have a solid arsenal of talent already at the skill position. But, they really need to sure up an offensive line that has both age, injury, and inconsistency issues. Starting guard Shawn Lauvao was on injured reserve for a good part of last season. Veteran center Kory Lichtensteiger is 30 and also took at trip to IR for neck issues and has had lingering shoulder problems. That leaves second year gaurd Brandon Scherff who had a suspect season last year. Not the kind of talent you want blocking for your new 'franchise QB.' Lucky for the Skins the FA market for guards is pretty solid, and we all know Daniel Snyder doesn't mind throwing money at the problem. Guard Kelechi Osemele from the Ravens is one of the biggest talents in FA this year. But, he doesn't get a lot of press because he isn't a receiver or running back. Also, long time 49er Alex Boone is available as well. Boone was undrafted in 2009 but made his way to being a long time starter for San Fran. Now, what about the draft? There are a lot of other pieces they could improve on before drafting a guard or center at the 21 spot. But, if they did go that route, their best bet would be Ryan Kelly from Alabama. Who is Kelly? Only a three year starter, Rimington Trophy Award winner (best center award), and called the line signals for the Tide last year.
Hey NFC North you're on deck for tomorrow!
Stats, facts and figures: ESPN.com, NFL.com, Giants.com, CBSSports.com
Dallas Cowboys (4-12, 4th overall pick) Need: Play making DBs
Somehow Jason Garret gets another crack at being the Cowboys head coach, but, that aside I am not with the litany of people saying they NEED to draft another quarterback. Maybe in the later rounds but the blow a top 5 pick on par QB talent would be insane for a team that needs more than that. Let me throw some stats at you, the Cowboys were 30th in interceptions (8), 30th in fumble recoveries (3), 30th in forced fumbles (7), 25th in sacks (31) and dead last in pass deflections (51.) Wowser. I am pretty sure Tony Romo and Kellen Moore don't play nickel for the Cowboys, though, based on those numbers it wouldn't be the worst idea. Brandon Carr had 0 picks this year and Orlando Sandrick was out on injured reserve. On top of that, starting safety Barry Church also netted at big zero in the interception coloum. Now what do you do? Well, in the free agent market you could snag Janoris Jenkins from the Rams. Jenkins seems to be feuding with Rams' office after they tagged his counterpart Trumaine Johnson with the franchise tag guaranteeing him 13.95mil. Or, better yet, start fresh in the draft and take cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Ramsey was a combine freak and some scouts and writers claim him to be the best overall player in the draft.
New York Giants (6-10, 10th overall pick) Need: Defensive End
The Giants went from great defensive ends in Michael Strahan and Osi Umenyiora to trying to re-sign a DE with less than 10 fingers, that is a hard concept for me to grasp (ha.) The G-Men ended as the third worst team in sacks with 23 total. That underwhelming stat from a rotation of SIX defensive ends! And it isn't just the stats themselves. Good pressure on a quarterback can end just as well in incomplete passes and better yet, an interception. Now, how do you go about fixing this? I think odds are they re-sign Jason Pierre-Paul to a 2-to-3 year deal for pure edge rush, because he is not going to be an every down end. And then who is left in the FA pool... Mario Williams will want to be in a 3-4 scheme and is 31. Tamba Hali is 32, and will most likely be a Chief again. But, I think Chris Long out of STL/LA, is looking a fresh start and would fit well in a defense that is looking for an identity and some veteran leadership. Better yet, what can the Giants get in the draft? Look no further than defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins out of Louisville. You're right, he isn't a DE but DeForesy Buckner and Joey Bosa will be off the board by than and Clemson DE Shaq Lawson is a reach at 12 overall. So, go for a DT that ESPN Draft Guru Todd McShay said “[he had] a terrific week of practices at the Senior Bowl, the versatile D-lineman is shooting up draft boards. Rankins would give the Giants a devastating DT combo with Johnathan Hankins.” (Giants.com) Enough Said.
Philadelphia Eagles (7-9, 13th overall) Need: Running back
Sam Bradford just got PAID! Two years for 31 mil pretty much makes him the franchise QB for at least another year. Now, like a lot of teams there is quite a bit to fix but here is the RB situation at the moment. DeMarco Murry wants out of Philly and is possible trade bait (to Dallas.) Darren Sproles is 32, and is not an every down back. And that leaves Ryan Matthews who is All-Pro at being injured. Now, as far as free agents go the best one out there is Doug Martin, who is in contract talks with the Buccaneers. Then there is Lamar Miller and Matt Forte... both of which are not long term solutions. In draft there is really one first round worthy back and that is Ezekiel Elliott out of Ohio State. Elliott ended his time at OSU with the 2nd most rushing yards in school history (3,961) and 4th most touchdowns (44.) If the Dolphins don't re-sign Miller, they may take a run at Elliott, if not, odds are he will be waiting for the Eagles to take him with the 13th overall pick.
Washington Redskins (9-7, 21st overall pick) Need: Interior OL
Too 'inside baseball'? Not quite. Yesterday the Skins used the non-exclusive franchise tag on QB Kirk Cousins and have a solid arsenal of talent already at the skill position. But, they really need to sure up an offensive line that has both age, injury, and inconsistency issues. Starting guard Shawn Lauvao was on injured reserve for a good part of last season. Veteran center Kory Lichtensteiger is 30 and also took at trip to IR for neck issues and has had lingering shoulder problems. That leaves second year gaurd Brandon Scherff who had a suspect season last year. Not the kind of talent you want blocking for your new 'franchise QB.' Lucky for the Skins the FA market for guards is pretty solid, and we all know Daniel Snyder doesn't mind throwing money at the problem. Guard Kelechi Osemele from the Ravens is one of the biggest talents in FA this year. But, he doesn't get a lot of press because he isn't a receiver or running back. Also, long time 49er Alex Boone is available as well. Boone was undrafted in 2009 but made his way to being a long time starter for San Fran. Now, what about the draft? There are a lot of other pieces they could improve on before drafting a guard or center at the 21 spot. But, if they did go that route, their best bet would be Ryan Kelly from Alabama. Who is Kelly? Only a three year starter, Rimington Trophy Award winner (best center award), and called the line signals for the Tide last year.
Hey NFC North you're on deck for tomorrow!
Stats, facts and figures: ESPN.com, NFL.com, Giants.com, CBSSports.com
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