:The 2024-2025 NFL season is about to ramp up and teams will be reporting to training camp in the coming weeks. But before we see all 32 teams get back on the gridiron. Check out my last article where I previewed the NFC North (NFL Division Preview: NFC North). The next preview will be on the NFC East. The teams in the NFC East consists of the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders.
Perhaps no NFL team was busier than the Commanders this offseason. New GM Adam Peters spent plenty of money, but did it wisely to fill various needs on the roster. As a result of Daniels’ selection, the Commanders might have enough talent to contend for a playoff spot during Quinn’s first season. Quinn has enough playmakers to turn the defense into a productive one, but all eyes will be on rookie quarterback Daniels.
There has been much attention paid to the Chicago Bears’ rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, but Daniels could also walk into a strong situation.
As a result of the signings of Allegretti and Biadasz, Washington has repaired its offensive line and added a playmaker in Ekeler.
Combined with Terry McLaurin and McCaffrey could light up the receiving corps. Don’t be surprised if the Commanders are in the mix for a playoff spot come late December..
Following a disappointing end to their 2023 campaign, the Eagles underwent a revamp. They bolstered their defense by investing heavily in Huff and selecting Mitchell and DeJean with their top two draft picks. While these defensive enhancements might be sufficient to propel the Eagles back into Super Bowl contention, the performance of the offensive line in its first year without Jason Kelce will be crucial. Philadelphia anticipated Kelce’s departure by drafting Jurgens and Steen. However, to mitigate potential struggles from these inexperienced players, the team acquired Barkley, who is adept at creating plays even with limited running space. Barkley will serve as an additional offensive weapon for Jalen Hurts, who frequently relied on tight end Dallas Goedert for mid-range passes. Yet, Barkley joins the team with considerable wear from his six-year stint with the Giants. Another area of concern is the Eagles’ limited efforts to support A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. They’re counting on either Parker or Campbell to emerge as the third wide receiver. Despite these offensive uncertainties, the defense is expected to show significant improvement with the new additions to the defense.
The New York Giants may be offering Daniel Jones another opportunity to demonstrate his worth after opting not to move up in the draft for a top quarterback prospect. By passing on J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr., and Bo Nix, the team might be showing faith in their current quarterback or a lack of confidence in these alternatives. Jones, selected in the first round of the 2019 draft, will have a fair chance to prove himself, especially with the team using the No. 6 pick to acquire Nabers, whose speed could enhance coach Brian Daboll’s offensive strategies. However, the Giants failed to significantly improve their skill positions, and there’s a possibility that tight end Darren Waller may retire soon. The team did address offensive line concerns by signing Runyan, Stinnie, and Eluemunor. If Jones fails to perform with this roster, the team might turn to Lock, who previously played for the Denver Broncos and Seattle Seahawks. On the defensive side, the Giants made a significant move by trading for Burns. This acquisition could potentially give New York the strongest defensive front in the NFC East, combining Burns with defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux. However, the secondary remains inexperienced and lacks depth. The team will need Nubin and Andru Phillips, their second- and third-round picks, to contribute immediately. While the Giants’ offseason moves should make them competitive, their success ultimately hinges on Jones’ performance.
In contrast to the Commanders, the Cowboys experienced a subdued offseason, exacerbated by Quinn, their previous defensive coordinator, luring many of their top free agents to Washington. While Cowboys supporters were dismayed by the team’s inactivity in free agency, the organization did manage to bolster its formidable offensive and defensive lines through a successful draft. Despite Smith’s exit, Prescott should still receive adequate protection, thanks to the first-round selection of Guyton as the new left tackle. Additionally, the Cowboys drafted Beebe in the third round to vie with Hoffman for the starting center position. However, the team overlooked skill positions and appears to be relying on Elliott to recapture his former glory as their primary running back. The Cowboys are in need of a third wide receiver to complement Lamb and Cooks. Other concerns include unresolved contract extensions for Lamb and Parsons, as well as a contractual predicament with Prescott, though the team may be waiting for him to prove himself in the playoffs before negotiating a new deal. The Cowboys’ defensive line depth was compromised due to several notable departures, including Fowler and Armstrong joining the Commanders. Second-round pick Kneeland might provide support to Parsons and Lawrence. While the secondary is expected to remain a strong point, there’s uncertainty surrounding the linebackers. Kendricks, past his prime, may start alongside rookie third-round selection Liufau. Although it was an uneventful offseason, the Cowboys made a wise decision to prioritize the trenches in the draft, maintaining a robust overall roster.
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