NFL Draft 2018: Top target for each NFC East team
The NFC East is one of the most competitive divisions in football. As a new season approaches, each team will look to bolster their roster through the 2018 NFL Draft.
The Philadelphia Eagles have bragging rights after rolling through the NFC East on route to a Super Bowl victory. While they’re the favorites entering the 2018 season, anything can happen when these rivals face off against each other — especially considering the potential outcomes of the 2018 NFL Draft.
With cornerstone players like Carson Wentz and Ezekiel Elliot coming from the NFL Draft over the past three seasons, teams will look to continue building their rosters with young talent.
Here, we take a look at the top draft targets for each team in the NFC East in 2018.
New York Giants
After a dismal 3-13 record, the New York Giants need all the help they can get. Thankfully for Giants fans, the nightmare is over and they can look towards greener pastures. And with the second pick in the draft, they have a lot to consider as they rebuild their future.
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While Big Blue understands Eli Manning’s nebulous future at quarterback, they also must address other positions in the draft. Saquon Barkley would be the most obvious choice if the team were to pass on a quarterback. Since New York has one of the weakest rushing attacks in the league, bringing in the Penn State product would immensely help their offense.
Dallas Cowboys
After just missing the playoffs in 2017, Dallas will look to rebound with improved talent on both sides of the ball in 2018. Dallas can go in many different directions with the 19th pick in the draft. While it seems like the most pressing need is at linebacker or defensive tackle, the Cowboys are very interested in bringing in another offensive weapon.
If he’s available, Alabama’s Calvin Ridley would likely fall to the Cowboys at the end of the first round. The hyper-athletic wide receiver would be a welcomed addition to the Dallas offense, who struggled to drive the ball downfield at times.
Washington Redskins
Due to a tumultuous offseason which saw Washington’s franchise quarterback leave in free agency, the team is dealing with major turnover. As a result, the Redskins have many pressing issues to consider before the draft.
The Redskins could help solve some of those issues by selecting Vita Vea from Washington in the first round. The 6-5, 340-pound defensive tackle comes with a rare combination of power and agility. Since Washington had trouble containing running backs last season, bringing in Vea would help clog up the front.
Next: Grading each 2017 first-round pick after rookie year
Philadelphia Eagles
While the defending champs have plenty of talent across the board, they have some holes to address in the draft. With some concerns on defense, the Eagles will most likely draft a player to correct those issues.
Malik Jefferson, the 6-3, 240-pound linebacker from Texas would be a great fit in Philly. Since the Eagles have had an injury history when it comes to middle linebacker, Jefferson might be an ideal fit at No. 32. While Philly is bringing back most of the players from the 2017-18 championship team, they must continue to build talent through the draft.