NFL Draft preview: NFC East
published: April 14 2009 03:58 PM updated:: April 16 2009 06:30 PM

For some teams, Draft Day 2009 is a chance to fill in holes or replace parts in a unit that already contains the formula for success. For others, that day is a chance to find new, young talent that will help rebuild their team from the ground up. Here's a look, in my opinion, of how the teams of the NFC East can best utilize this draft:

Washington Redskins: The Redskins were an early favorite to make a push for the Super Bowl, but crumpled mid-season and never regained the lost momentum. Washington's defensive line presence has had virtually every problem settled with the addition of monster defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, should he continue to play at the level he has the previous two seasons with the Tennessee Titans. However, the Redskin's offensive line has not been so fortunate, and the Skins will probably look to Baylor's Jason Smith, if he's still there, or Ole Miss' Michael Oher to help instill youth in an quickly aging offensive line.

Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles have shown something in the last couple of years: when Brian Westbrook is healthy and Donovan McNabb is hitting targets, this team is hard to beat, as they showed in their run to the NFC title game last season. Philadelphia has a tremendous blitzing defense as well as their potent offense; and, at this point, their biggest weakness is the offensive line. Unfortunately for the Eagles, several teams have issues at offensive line and many of those teams are above them in the draft order, so they will be forced to make do with whoever falls to them, though being able to pick both 21st and 28th will certainly help their decision-making.

New York Giants: This team is easily the most well-rounded of the NFC going into 2010. They were Super Bowl favorites last year, and they will likely be the favorite to represent the NFC again this year. Their most glaring loss is the departure of defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo to the Rams, something they can't replace in New York City on draft day. They need most to revamp their offensive line, and draft another left tackle so that David Diehl can move to his more dominant side and take the pressure off Eli Manning. After releasing troubled wide receiver Plaxico Burress, however, they may be taking a serious look at trying to find a new number one wide receiver. Maryland's Darrius Heyward-Bey or Ohio State's Brian Robiskie will probably be the best available option when the Giants are on the clock.

Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys gave up their first round pick in the deal that sent wide receiver Roy Williams from the Detroit Lions to Dallas to ease the pressure defenders were putting on Terrell Owens. Ironically, Owens was released in the offseason. Cornerback Adam Jones is also no longer with the team. Now, the team that was touted as the most talented team in America less than a year ago is desperate to find some new talent. After sacrificing their first round pick for Williams, the Cowboys are going to need to follow up on that gamble with another receiver gamble at some point in the draft. Because they don't have a first-round pick, and are in the middle of the pack in the second round, their chances of drafting a quality receiver that has already been groomed for the NFL is highly unlikely. Their best bet will probably be trying to find a safety or cornerback who can help their secondary rebuild after losing Jones, and trying to find a Wes Welker type later on in the draft, who can become an effective number two receiver in a few years' time.

 

Editor: Grant Ramey
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NFC East 2008 Standings

New York Giants (12-4)

Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1)

Dallas Cowboys (9-7)

Washington Redskins (8-8)

2009 NFC East Draft Order

Washington Redskins 13th Overall

Philadelphia Eagles 21st Overall

New York Giants 29th Overall

Dallas Cowboys (No first round draft pick)

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