The NFC East finished as the worst division in the NFL. The Washington Football Team made the playoffs with a 7-9 record. They were bounced out early by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round. Washington's defense is rather stacked, but they need some help on the offensive side of the ball. Expect them to make some changes on offense during this offseason.
The New York Giants haven't been able to get back over the hump for quite some time now. With Saquon Barkley sidelined for most of the year with an injury, the Giants' offense struggled throughout the year. This franchise has a lot of holes to fill, so they should consider drafting the best available player with their first pick in the NFL draft.
Who really knows what's going on with the Dallas Cowboys these days? Russell Wilson, quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks, mentioned Dallas as a potential trade destination. However, the Cowboys already have a quarterback of their own they should consider resigning. With Jerry Jones running the show, it's unclear what this franchise will do this offseason. With a depleting offensive line, this organization should look to reclaim dominance in the trenches sooner, rather than later.
The Philadelphia Eagles recently traded Carson Wentz away to the Indianapolis Colts. Jalen Hurts should be the starting quarterback for the Eagles next year, but with a lack of offensive firepower, the future currently looks bleak for Philadelphia. Look for the front office to pick up a wide receiver in the first round of the NFL Draft this April.
With each of these franchises in the NFC East struggling on offense, these teams may focus on that side of the ball this offseason. Washington is close to having a legitimate roster in the NFL, the Giants could use a big-bodied playmaker, the Cowboys should be improving their offensive line, and Philadelphia needs to improve their receiving core.
Here are four bold predictions for the NFC East this offseason.
1. Washington drafts Rashod Bateman
The Washington defense was a bright spot for this organization last season. It seems like selecting Chase Young with its first pick in the 2020 NFL Draft is going to pay off in the long run. However, the offense struggled throughout the year. Dwayne Haskins was eventually benched and replaced with veteran Alex Smith. During their playoff game against the New England Patriots, Taylor Heinicke stepped in as the starting quarterback. He played well enough to earn a two-year deal.
For Washington, its offense is not too far away from success. The offensive line is well above average, Antonio Gibson showed flashes of greatness, and Terry McLaurin is one of the best young receivers in the NFL. Even Logan Thomas stepped up for this team last year.
With that said, Washington should highly consider drafting a wide receiver to line up on the opposite side of the field from McLaurin. Rashod Bateman would be an excellent candidate for this franchise, as he has the size, speed, hands, and agility to become a potential superstar. Bateman would also ease defenses off of McLaurin a bit, creating more space downfield for Heinicke as well.
2. Giants draft Kyle Pitts
Kyle Pitts is easily the best tight end in this draft class. In fact, he's the best tight end prospect in quite some time. To the point where he's being considered a generational talent. At 6-6, 246 pounds, Pitts is a mismatch for any opposing defense in the league. He plays more like a receiver than anything else, and he would immediately become Daniel Jones' favorite target in the passing game.
Although the Giants already have Evan Engram at the tight end position, he has lacked consistency throughout his NFL career. He only had a 57.8 catch percentage and is a liability with the amount of dropped balls on his resume. The Giants could take Pitts in the first round, have him play behind Engram for a year, then replace Engram with their new superstar in the making.
3. Cowboys sign Joe Thuney
The Dallas Cowboys still need to figure out their quarterback situation, but with other needs on the roster, they should consider bulking up the offensive line once again. They used to have one of the best offensive lines in the league, but over the years, this line seems to be losing it. With so many talented players on this offense, the front office needs to improve the trenches to keep the high-level offense near the top of the NFL.
The Cowboys should highly consider pursuing Joe Thuney in free agency this offseason. He's one of the best offensive linemen in the league and would be a huge improvement to this Dallas team. He excels in the run game, is a fantastic run blocker, and can play whichever position they need him to play. Thuney is a versatile athlete that could be exactly what Ezekiel Elliott needs to get back on track in 2021.
4. Eagles draft Ja'Marr Chase
Last in the NFC East, the Philadelphia Eagles released veteran receivers DeSean Jackson and Alshon Jeffery at the beginning of the offseason. This has been a weak position for this franchise the last couple of years now, and they have a real chance at securing the top receiver prospect in this year's draft.
With Jalen Reagor still developing, drafting Ja'Marr Chase potentially gives the Eagles what they need on this offense. Chase is a freak athlete, who, despite sitting out this college season, is still regarded as the best receiver in the draft. He would quickly become Jalen Hurts' favorite target and open up the field for Reagor, and Miles Sanders to succeed. If Chase winds up in Philadelphia, then the front office just needs to focus on improving the offensive line.
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