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2017 NFL mock draft: Predictions, picks, latest moves for the NFC East

By Howard Balzer, NFLDraftScout.com
USC Trojans corner back Adoree Jackson. File photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI
1 of 3 | USC Trojans corner back Adoree Jackson. File photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo

Here is how the NFC East is predicted to draft:

Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys have seven picks in the NFL Draft, including No. 28 in the first round April 27 in Philadelphia.

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With quarterback Tony Romo officially in the rear-view mirror, the Cowboys will likely put an emphasis on helping a defense that can complement an explosive and efficient offense led by quarterback Dak Prescott, running back Ezekiel Elliott, wide receiver Dez Bryant and tight end Jason Witten.

It's a coin flip in deciding whether the pass rush or help on the back end is most important because each helps the other. Still, the Cowboys have made numerous effort to upgrade the rush, but whether it's the ill-advised signing of Greg Hardy or drafting of Randy Gregory, little has worked.

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They will be trying hard to find a difference-maker in the draft, while also focusing on adding playmakers at cornerback and safety.

Here is a look at the Cowboys' five-year draft record with roster tallies reflecting totals as of the end of the 2016 season. Below that are key personnel moves made this year and the team's current needs heading into this draft and our projection for all their 2017 picks.

COWBOYS FIVE-YEAR DRAFT BREAKDOWN

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

TOTAL PICKS 7 7 9 8 9

STARTERS 1 2 3 2 3

BACKUPS 3 2 0 4 4

OTHER TEAMS 3 1 2 1 1

OUT OF LEAGUE 0 2 4 1 1

TOP 3 NEEDS IN 2017 DRAFT

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.

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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.

MOCK DRAFT

Below is list of all seven of the Cowboys' picks, with players suggested by NFLDraftScout.com Sr. Analyst Dane Brugler.

Who would you take? Let us know in comments.

COWBOYS 2017 Draft (Seven picks)

Rd./overall pick: Player selected

1/28: Adoree Jackson, CB, USC (5-10, 186, 4.38)

2/60: Tarell Basham, DE, Ohio (6-4, 269, 4.70)

3/92: Justin Evans, FS, Texas A&M (6-0, 199, 4.59)

4/133: Will Holden, OT, Vanderbilt (6-8, 311, 5.45)

6/211): Fred Ross, WR, Mississippi State (6-1, 213, 4.51)

7/228: Treston Decoud, CB, Oregon State (6-2, 206, 4.57)

7/246: Treyvon Hester, DT, Toledo (6-2, 300, 5.04)

Giants

The New York Giants have seven picks in the NFL Draft, including No. 23 in the first round April 27 in Philadelphia.

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Could this be the year the Giants make a serious attempt to find the successor to 36-year-old quarterback Eli Manning? It could be, but if general manager Jerry Reese goes that route in the first three rounds it will be a decision that limits their efforts at upgrading the roster at other key positions.

While a tight end is on their wish list despite the offseason addition of Rhett Ellison, making the running game stronger should also be a priority. Rashad Jennings was released early in the league year, and while Paul Perkins showed some potential as a rookie last season, it's not certain that he can be the main man in the ground game.

The Giants made significant strides on defense last season, thanks to several expensive free-agent signings, but they will also be looking to continue to improve their depth at defensive tackle (unless Johnathan Hankins is re-signed) and linebacker.

Here is a look at the Giants' five-year draft record with roster tallies reflecting totals as of the end of the 2016 season. Below that are key personnel moves made this year and the team's current needs heading into this draft and our projection for all their 2017 picks.

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GIANTS FIVE-YEAR DRAFT BREAKDOWN

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

TOTAL PICKS 7 7 7 6 6

STARTERS 0 2 3 3 3

BACKUPS 0 1 2 2 3

OTHER TEAMS 1 1 1 1 0

OUT OF LEAGUE 6 3 1 0 0

TOP 3 NEEDS IN 2017 DRAFT

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.

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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.

MOCK DRAFT

Below is list of all seven of the Giants' picks, with players suggested by NFLDraftScout.com Sr. Analyst Dane Brugler.

Who would you take? Let us know in comments.

GIANTS 2017 Draft (Seven picks)

Rd./overall pick: Player selected

1/23: Pat Mahomes, QB, Texas Tech (6-2, 225, 4.80)

2/55: Raekwon McMillan, LB, Ohio State (6-2, 240, 4.61)

3/87: Gerald Everett, TE, South Alabama (6-3, 239, 4.60)

4/140: Vincent Taylor, DT, Oklahoma State (6-3, 304, 5.07)

5/167: Tarik Cohen, RB, North Carolina A&T (5.7, 179, 4.42)

6/207: Ezra Robinson, CB, Tennessee State (5-11, 189, 4.47)

7/241: Jerry Ugokwe, OT, William & Mary (6-7, 320, 5.61)

Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles have eight picks in the NFL Draft, including No. 14 in the first round April 27 in Philadelphia.

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The Eagles' 2016 season was derailed when tackle Lane Johnson missed 10 games because of a league suspension. His return should make the line stronger in its goal to help the continued development of quarterback Carson Wentz.

Added to the receiver corps are Alshon Jeffery and Torrey Smith, which should make Wentz even better. The key will be developing a consistent ground game with Ryan Mathews not expected back. Wendell Smallwood showed promise as a rookie, but the Eagles should add more.

There have been some offseason losses on the defensive side, but adding tackle Timmy Jernigan and end Chris Long should help, along with the signing of cornerback Patrick Robinson.

Here is a look at the Eagles' five-year draft record with roster tallies reflecting totals as of the end of the 2016 season. Below that are key personnel moves made this year and the team's current needs heading into this draft and our projection for all their 2017 picks.

EAGLES FIVE-YEAR DRAFT BREAKDOWN
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2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

TOTAL PICKS 9 8 7 6 8

STARTERS 3 3 1 2 1

BACKUPS 0 0 4 0 6

OTHER TEAMS 2 2 2 2 1

OUT OF LEAGUE 4 3 0 2 0

TOP 3 NEEDS IN 2017 DRAFT

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.

MOCK DRAFT

Below is list of all eight of the Eagles' picks, with players suggested by NFLDrafScout.com Sr. Analyst Dane Brugler.

Who would you take? Let us know in comments.

EAGLES 2017 Draft (Eight picks)

Rd./overall pick: Player selected (*indicates compensatory pick)

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1/14: Christian McCaffrey, RB, Stanford (5-11, 202, 4.48)

2/43: Teez Tabor, CB, Florida (6-1, 199, 4.62)

3/74: Amara Darboh, WR, Michigan 6-2, 214, 4.45)

4/119: Roderick Johnson, OT, Florida State (6-7, 298, 2.89)

4/*139: Joe Mathis, DE, Washington (6-2, 266, 4.75)

5/155: Josh Harvey-Clemons, SS, Louisville (6-4, 217, 4.75)

6/194: Nate Hairston, CB, Temple (6-0, 196, 4.52)

7/230: Jon Toth, OL, Kentucky (6-5, 307, 5.51)

Redskins

The Washington Redskins have 10 picks in the NFL Draft, including No. 17 in the first round April 27 in Philadelphia.

A tumultuous start of the league was headlined by the departure of general manager Scot McCloughan off the field and wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon from the offense. There has also been the ongoing saga of quarterback Kirk Cousins, who had the franchise tag placed on him for the second consecutive year.

Want more? How about offensive coordinator Sean McVay being hired by the Rams as their head coach and the firing of defensive coordinator Joe Barry. Their replacements are Matt Cavanaugh on offense and Greg Manusky on defense. They both were on the staff last season, so the hope is there will be continuity.

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Wide receiver Terrelle Pryor has been added to the offense, while key newcomers on defense are linemen Terrell McClain and Stacy McGee to try and replace the departed Chris Baker.

Here is a look at the Redskins' five-year draft record with roster tallies reflecting totals as of the end of the 2016 season. Below that are key personnel moves made this year and the team's current needs heading into this draft and our projection for all their 2017 picks.

REDSKINS FIVE-YEAR DRAFT BREAKDOWN

2012 2013 2014 2015 2016

TOTAL PICKS 9 7 8 10 7

STARTERS 1 1 3 1 0

BACKUPS 0 1 2 4 7

OTHER TEAMS 4 2 0 1 0

OUT OF LEAGUE 4 3 3 4 0

TOP 3 NEEDS IN 2017 DRAFT

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.

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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.

MOCK DRAFT

Below is list of all 10 of the Redskins picks, with players suggested by NFLDraftScout.com Sr. Analyst Dane Brugler.

Who would you take? Let us know in comments.

REDSKINS 2017 Draft (10 picks)

Rd./overall pick: Player selected

1/17: Gareon Conley, CB, Ohio State (6-0, 195, 4.44)

2/49: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt (6-3, 234, 4.67)

3/81: D'Onta Foreman, RB, Texas (6-0, 233, 4.42)

4/114: Montravius Adams, DL, Auburn (6-4, 304, 4.81)

4/124: Xavier Woods, FS, Louisiana Tech (5-11, 197, 4.49)

5/154: Danny Isidora, OG, Miami (Fla.) (6-3, 306, 5.00)

6/201: Josh Malone, WR, Tennessee (6-3, 208, 4.40)

6/209: Ejuan Price, DE/OLB, Pittsburgh (5-11, 241, 4.74)

7/220: Josh Tupou, NT, Colorado (6-3, 353, 5.30)

7/235: Chad Kelly, QB, Ole Miss (6-2, 224, 4.88)

Now it's your turn. NFLDraftScout.com is here to help with its list of the top 1,000 prospects in this draft.

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Click here to shop from list of 1,000 players.

Frank Cooney and TSX NFL team insiders contributed to this analysis.

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