NFL Draft 2017 NFC East: Top needs, suggested first round pick for every team

Cowboys unload to reload

In their own version of the Texas Two Step, the Dallas Cowboys took a step back from their free-agent tactics of 2016 as a herd of starters stampeded out the gate.

That included cornerbacks Brandon Carr (Baltimore Ravens) and Morris Claiborne (New York Jets), safeties Barry Church (Jacksonville Jaguars) and J.J. Wilcox (Tampa Bay Buccaneers), defensive end Jack Crawford (Atlanta Falcons), defensive tackle Terrell McClain (Washington Redskins) and guard Ron Leary (Denver Broncos).

And that is not including the expected retirement of tackle Doug Free and the retirement of quarterback Tony Romo, which was announced Tuesday..

The Cowboys covered themselves with some modest free-agent signings, including guard Jonathan Cooper (re-signed), tackle Byron Bell, cornerback Nolan Carroll and guard Stephen Paea. Carroll is the only presumed starter of those newcomers.

That is a bit nerve-wracking to Cowboys fans who watched NFC East division rivals get amped up in free agency. Owner Jerry Jones explained why he is fine with all this, especially after finishing 13-3 with rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott.

"We shredded some obligations too, and that may be an asset and opportunity, whether it be (salary cap) room or room on the roster," Jones said. "I'm not trying to be cute, but I would say we certainly have created more options in my mind than we've lost."

Here is a closer look at where the Cowboys are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft.

THE BREAKDOWN

2016 finish: 1st NFC East (13-3)

2016 STATISTICS

TOTAL OFFENSE: 376.7 (5th)

RUSHING: 149.8 (2nd)

PASSING: 226.9 (23rd)

TOTAL DEFENSE: 343.9 (14th)

RUSHING: 83.5 (1st)

PASSING: 260.4 (26th)

TEAM NEEDS

--1. Defensive end: Jerry Jones has said he wants a war daddy pass rusher. The Cowboys brought in Damontre Moore in free agency, but he is not the answer. They will look hard at an edge rusher in the draft. They must find a way to get to the quarterback and take some pressure off the secondary.

--2. Cornerback: The Cowboys lost Morris Claiborne and Brandon Carr in free agency. The Cowboys made no effort to bring them back. And while they signed Nolan Carroll in free agency, cornerback remains a high draft priority. This could be targeted in the first or second round. Again they are looking for upgrades and guys who make plays on the ball.

--3. Safety: The Cowboys lost Barry Church and J.J. Wilcox in free agency. The Cowboys wanted to bring Church back, but at a modest price. They have special teams ace Jeff Heath and not much else on the roster. But this is a position they will certainly target in the draft looking for upgrades. Good thing this draft is deep at safety.

KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 3)

--Retained: WR Brice Butler, G Jonathan Cooper, RB Darren McFadden, QB Kellen Moore, WR Terrance Williams.

--Added: T Byron Bell (Panthers), CB Nolan Carroll (Eagles), DE Damontre Moore (Seahawks), DT Stephen Paea (Browns).

--Lost: CB Brandon Carr (Ravens), S Barry Church (Jaguars), CB Morris Claiborne (Jets), DE Jack Crawford (Falcons), DE Ryan Davis (Panthers), RB Lance Dunbar (Rams), TE Gavin Escobar (Chiefs), T Doug Free (retired), G Ronald Leary (Broncos), DT Terrell McClain (Redskins), QB Mark Sanchez (Bears), S J.J. Wilcox (Buccaneers), QB Tony Romo, announced retirement.

*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 28 overall).

Rob Rang (March 27 mock draft):

--Chidobe Awuzie, CB, Colorado. By allowing multiple members of their secondary to walk in free agency, it seems that the Cowboys will address that position early and potentially often in the draft. For whatever reason, Awuzie has not generated as much national attention as some of his peers at cornerback but some scouts feel he is the safest of this year's class, standing out on tape due to his quickness and anticipation.

Dane Brugler (March 27 mock draft):

--Takkarist McKinley, OLB, UCLA. The Cowboys have plenty of needs in the secondary, but an upgraded pass rush will help whoever is playing in the back end of the defense. McKinley might not last this long if healthy, but his shoulder issue allows Dallas to land the UCLA pass rusher at a discount.

Giants lower budget, seek offense

The New York Giants didn't come close to making the major splash money-wise in free agency spending this year to fix the league's 25th-ranked offense.

Last year they spent $200 million to pump up the defense, with additions such as defensive end Olivier Vernon, defensive tackle Damon Harrison and cornerback Janoris Jenkins. This year the contracts for their key free-agent acquisitions -- receiver Brandon Marshall, offensive lineman D.J. Fluker and fullback/tight end Rhett Ellison -- barely matched what they spent last year on Vernon's contract alone.

While head coach Ben McAdoo isn't sure how the new offensive personnel is going to look, he does like the possibilities that Marshall, Fluker and Ellison bring to the table, particularly for a running game that finished 29th in the league last year.

Marshall not only should take excess coverage away from Odell Beckham Jr., but he may help mentor the rambunctious young player. Marshall was invited to talk to NFL club officials at the annual league meeting in Arizona and told reporters afterward he welcomes a mentoring role within the locker room.

The Giants are likely to add a running back to the mix through this year's draft, although McAdoo sounds like he is leaning toward keeping a committee of carriers rather than depend on a lone workhorse.

Here is a closer look at where the Giants are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft.

THE BREAKDOWN

2016 finish: 2nd NFC East (11-5)

2016 STATISTICS

TOTAL OFFENSE: 330.7 (25th)

RUSHING: 88.3 (29th)

PASSING: 242.4 (17th)

TOTAL DEFENSE: 339.7 (10th)

RUSHING: 88.6 (T3rd)

PASSING: 251.1 (23rd)

TEAM NEEDS

--1. Defensive tackle: Regardless of what happens with unrestricted free agent Johnathan Hankins, who remains unsigned, but for whom an offer is still on the table to return, the Giants need to add more depth at the defensive tackle spot. Their rotational depth includes Jay Bromley and Robert Thomas, two barely tested veterans, neither of whom could outgain the other last year for playing time. If the Giants can't reach an agreement with Hankins, they might need to double dip their toe into the defensive tackle class, choosing one early and another one later in the draft just to ensure they have the numbers needed for camp.

--2. Linebacker: The Giants re-signed Keenan Robinson and Mark Herzlich to one-year contracts, but except for second-year man B.J. Goodson, none of their linebackers are signed beyond 2017. That group also includes Devon Kennard and Jonathan Casillas, both projected to be starters this year, and J.T. Thomas, who might not even make it to training camp, depending on his recovery from a season-ending knee injury last year. The Giants drafted Goodson last year with the intention of slowly working him into the mix; don't be surprised if history repeats itself and they do the same thing again.

--3. Tight end: The Giants are still in need of a big tight end who can roam the seam and rack up yards after the catch in the passing game. Given the depth in this year's draft class, it would be a major upset if the Giants were to come away empty at a position that has not seen a single member record at least 600 receiving yards since 2014, when Larry Donnell finished the year with 623 yards on 63 receptions and six touchdowns.

KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 3)

--Retained: LB Mark Herzlich, G John Jerry, LS Zak DeOssie, QB John Johnson, DE Jason Pierre-Paul, LB Keenan Robinson.

--Added: CB Valentino Blake (Titans), RB Shaun Draughn (49ers), TE Rhett Ellison (Vikings), G/T D.J. Fluker (Chargers), WR Brandon Marshall (Jets), QB Geno Smith (Jets).

--Lost: WR Victor Cruz (released), K Robbie Gould (49ers), RB Rashad Jennings (released), FB Will Johnson (released), T Marshall Newhouse (Raiders), CB Coty Sensabaugh (Steelers).

*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 23 overall).

Rob Rang (March 27 mock draft):

--Ryan Ramczyk, T, Wisconsin. The Giants struggled to protect Eli Manning and rushed for a miniscule 3.5 yards per carry in 2016, scoring a league-low six touchdowns on the ground. Ramczyk has the feet to handle blind-side duties and at 6-foot-6, 310 pounds, possesses the girth to move people in the running game, as well. He is a clear athletic upgrade over current Giants left tackle Ereck Flowers, who projects better on the right side.

Dane Brugler (March 20 mock draft):

--O.J. Howard, TE, Alabama. The Giants have been able to find bargain bin tight ends in recent draft classes, but the value of Howard at this point in the draft might be too enticing to pass up.

Eagles piling up help for Wentz

The Philadelphia Eagles entered free agency with plenty of positional needs and not much cap space, but did fairly well filling some holes without gutting the roster.

The top goal was to get some offensive weapons for young quarterback, Carson Wentz. They signed two veteran wide receivers, Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith. Jeffery, a top free-agent wideout, agreed to a one-year, $9.5 million deal with another $4.5 million in incentives. Smith is coming off two disappointing seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.

The Eagles also used free agency to add depth to their offensive line (guard Chance Warmack), a backup to Wentz (Nick Foles) and a pair of defensive veterans - defensive end Chris Long and cornerback Patrick Robinson.

The Eagles are expected to focus on defense in the draft, particularly at edge rusher and cornerback. That said, there's a very good chance they go offense with their first-round pick - the 14th overall - to get yet another offensive weapon for Wentz.

Here is a closer look at where the Eagles are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft.

THE BREAKDOWN

2016 finish: 4th NFC East (7-9)

2016 STATISTICS

TOTAL OFFENSE: 337.4 (22nd)

RUSHING: 113.3 (11th)

PASSING: 224.1 (24th)

TOTAL DEFENSE: 342.8 (13th)

RUSHING: 103.3 (15th)

PASSING: 239.5 (13th)

TEAM NEEDS

--1. Cornerback: Last year's starters - Leodis McKelvin and Nolan Carroll - both are gone. The Eagles signed free agent Patrick Robinson in late March, but need to rebuild the position.

--2. Running back: Ryan Mathews isn't expected back and 34-year-old Darren Sproles is a specialty player who will likely retire after the season. The Eagles need a versatile back who can run inside and outside and also line up as a receiver.

--3. Wide receiver: The Eagles signed Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith in free agency. But Jeffery signed just a one-year deal and Smith is coming off two disappointing seasons with the 49ers.

KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 3)

--Retained: LB Najee Goode, C/G Stefen Wisniewski.

--Added: QB Nick Foles (Chiefs), WR Alshon Jeffery (Bears), DE Chris Long (Patriots), CB Patrick Robinson (Colts), WR Torrey Smith (49ers), G Chance Warmack (Titans).

--Lost: RB Kenjon Barner (Chargers), DE Connor Barwin (released/Rams), CB Nolan Carroll (Cowboys), QB Chase Daniel (released/Saints), DT Bennie Logan (Chiefs), G Evan Mathis (retired), CB Leodis McKelvin (released).

*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 14 overall).

Rob Rang (March 27 mock draft):

--Jabrill Peppers, SS, Michigan. Given the dynamic pass-catchers the Eagles face annually in the NFC East, addressing a leaky secondary should be among Philadelphia's top priorities. Peppers is a polarizing prospect in the scouting community based in large part because he recorded just one interception during his career at Michigan. However, he is an instinctive, versatile player with the open-field tackling skills and competitive nature to quickly become a fan favorite.

Dane Brugler (March 20 mock draft):

--Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford. The Eagles have surrounded second-year quarterback Carson Wentz with weapons on offense, but adding a versatile threat like McCaffrey is something that should frighten the rest of the NFC East.

Redskins are not exactly kissing Cousins

In the team's most discussed personnel move, Washington Redskins president Bruce Allen says no new general manager will be hired to replace fired Scot McCloughan until after the draft.

On the field, the Redskins tried to address their defensive line by adding Terrell McClain (Dallas) and Stacy McGee (Oakland) via free agency. Those are not big names, but the hope is at ages 28 and 27, respectively, their best football is still in front of them. Washington also signed D.J. Swearinger (Arizona) to shore up safety.

Meanwhile, signing elsewhere were wide receiver DeSean Jackson (Tampa Bay) and Pierre Garcon (San Francisco), marking the first time a team lost two 1,000-yard receivers in the same offseason. The team signed quarterback-turned-receiver Terrelle Pryor, who reached 1,000 receiving yards last year with Cleveland in his first season at the position.

Notable was the signing of head coach Jay Gruden to a two-year contract extension and offensive coordinator Sean McVay left to coach the Los Angeles Rams. Defensive coordinator Joe Barry was fired and the team hired from within, promoting Matt Cavanaugh (offense) and Greg Manusky (defense).

Incumbent quarterback Kirk Cousins is franchised at $23.94 million and can be tagged again next year ($34.4 million), but the situation is uneasy as the team continues to be unwilling to commit to a long-team deal and the player's discontent seemed to increase after the departure of McVay.

Here is a closer look at where the Redskins are, how they got here and a shot at what they should do with their first pick in the draft.

THE BREAKDOWN

2016 finish: 3rd NFC East (8-7-1)

2016 STATISTICS

TOTAL OFFENSE: 403.4 (3rd)

RUSHING: 106.0 (21st)

PASSING: 297.4 (2nd)

TOTAL DEFENSE: 377.9 (28th)

RUSHING: 119.8 (24th)

PASSING: 258.1 (25th)

TEAM NEEDS

--1. Defensive line: The Redskins added two players at defensive end in McGee and McClain. But they also lost Chris Baker, who signed with Tampa Bay. He was their most disruptive player on the line the past two seasons. More youth is needed here.

--2. Running back. Rob Kelley, a surprise as an undrafted rookie free agent in 2016, will likely be atop the depth chart when training camp begins. Chris Thompson is one of the league's best third-down backs. But they need help. Matt Jones, a 2015 third-round pick, didn't play the final two months of the season because of fumbling issues. The Redskins could make a splash here if one of the top backs in the draft falls to them.

--3. Safety: Washington added D.J. Swearinger in free agency and second-year pro Su'a Cravens will move to safety from dime linebacker. But the health of DeAngelo Hall (torn ACL) is unclear and both he and Will Blackmon, a converted corner, are over 30. The Redskins need youth here.

KEY PERSONNEL TRACKER (As of April 3)

--Retained: QB Kirk Cousins, TE Vernon Davis, LS Nick Sundberg, DEgy Hood.

--Added: LB Zach Brown (Bills), LB Chris Carter (Colts), DT Terrell McClain (Cowboys), DT Stacy McGee (Raiders), WR Terrelle Pryor Sr. (Browns), WR Brian Quick (Rams), S D.J. Swearinger (Cardinals).

--Lost: DE Chris Baker (Buccaneers), WR Pierre Garcon (49ers), LB Terence Garvin (Seahawks), WR DeSean Jackson (Buccaneers), DE Ricky Jean Francois (released/Packers), C Kory Lichtensteiger (retired).

*NFLDraftScout.com analysts suggest (No. 17 overall).

Rob Rang (March 27 mock draft):

--Reuben Foster, ILB, Alabama. The Redskins surrendered an average of nearly 120 yards per game on the ground in 2016 and only three teams (the Chargers, Bills and 49ers) allowed more than their 19 rushing touchdowns. Foster was kicked out of the Combine after a run-in with medical personnel, but his talent is undeniable. Possessing remarkable closing speed and the physicality to intimidate, he could prove a steal at this point in the draft.

Dane Brugler (March 27 mock draft):

--Malik McDowell, DT, Michigan State. McDowell has an impressive blend of size, athleticism and power to be effective from multiple positions along the defensive line.

Agree? Disagree? Still shopping for your team?

Based on the team's current status, those are our suggestions for that first pick. To double check or find another candidate see full mocks and rating at NFLDrafScout.com.

--Frank Cooney, founder and publisher of The Sports Xchange and NFLDraftScout.com, is in his sixth decade covering football and is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee. TSX team insiders contributed to this article.