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The NFC East had three teams in the 2007 postseason including the No. 1 seed and the eventual Super Bowl champions , but what does each team need to improve on for 2008? Scouts Inc. runs down five glaring needs per team, because it's never too early to worry about next year.
Dallas Cowboys
Safety -- Ken Hamlin had an excellent season and was the starting free safety for the NFC in the Pro Bowl, but he is a free agent and could get priced out of Dallas. Strong safety Roy Williams is a true in-the-box safety whose skill set is more like that of a weakside linebacker than safety, so having someone reliable in deep patrol is paramount for this defense. The Cowboys have two first-round picks and their overall needs are relatively minor, but they do need to re-sign Hamlin or another free agent since the draft is very light at safety and expecting an immediate fix from the draft at this spot would be unwise.
Cornerback -- Dallas has a fine set of starting cornerbacks led by Terence Newman, who is among the best corners in the league. However, every team needs more than just two cornerbacks in case of injury and to fill out their sub package defenses. Dallas is lacking in depth and Jacques Reeves was consistently picked on throughout the season, and it would be a surprise if the Cowboys did not use one of their first-round picks this year on a talented cornerback. This is an ideal situation for a first-rounder to come into because he can learn his trade slowly on a winning team. There is also a chance Anthony Henry could move to free safety, which would put the Cowboys in a position to acquire two corners.
Running back -- Julius Jones is as good as gone because his contract is up and he looks to be very replaceable. Marion Barber is a beast of a runner who deserves the chance to carry the load more regularly, but he has split carries since his college days and the Cowboys will surely bring in a faster, more elusive runner to complement the physical Barber and the draft is loaded with such backs. Assuming they use an early pick on this position, the Cowboys' running back situation could very well be improved a year from now despite the loss of Jones.
Wide receiver -- Terrell Owens is a superstar and had a terrific season in 2007, and Terry Glenn has been extremely productive when healthy, but are over 30 years old and Glenn was worthless last season because of a serious knee injury. It is possible Glenn will become a salary cap casualty, and Dallas must get younger at this position to ensure that QB Tony Romo has difference makers to throw to for years to come. Dallas did re-sign Patrick Crayton, but he has proven to be best as a No. 3 wideout.
Offensive tackle -- Starting LT Flozell Adams is an unrestricted free agent and if he departs Dallas would have to trust second-year tackle Doug Free to hold down that important spot. Free shows potential but obviously is unproven. The Adams situation is tricky because he is still a very good player but is up in age, and Dallas may choose to spend its money elsewhere. There are also a lot of very good offensive tackle prospects in this year's draft, which will factor into the decision. Even if Adams is brought back, expect the Cowboys to pick up another lineman for depth.
New York Giants
Outside linebacker -- Kawika Mitchell is a free agent and Mathias Kiwanuka could move back to defensive end, particularly if Michael Strahan retires. The Giants don't have glaring needs, but adding a playmaker at outside linebacker could make a very good team even better. New York's linebackers were better coming forward than playing in space last season and if they can grab an all-around outside linebacker to fill out that unit the rest of the division had better look out.
Offensive tackle -- David Diehl exceeded expectations in his move from guard to left tackle last season and Kareem McKenzie is a fixture at right tackle. Youngster Guy Whimper has some potential to eventually take over at left tackle but adding one more player here, probably in the draft, seems like a good idea. Ideally, a bookend with upside and the ability to play either right or left tackle would be what New York is looking for to help ensure QB Eli Manning's health for years to come.
Safety -- This was the Giants' weakest link on a very good defense and their best player at the position, Gibril Wilson, is up for free agency. It would be surprising if Wilson is not re-signed, but even if he comes back the Giants should acquire a free safety in either free agency or on draft day. Wilson will not come cheap, though, and there is a chance another team will try to nab him.
Wide receiver -- Plaxico Burress established himself as one of the best wideouts in the league and is truly a difference maker, but age and injuries are starting to slow him down. The Giants have the luxury of potentially grabbing another weapon for Manning if a talented wide out falls down the board on draft day. Amani Toomer is reliable but his best days are behind him and Steve Smith could replace him as a starter next season.
Cornerback -- First-round pick Aaron Ross has the makings of a very solid player and should grab a starting spot in training camp. The rest of the group is serviceable but unspectacular, although Corey Webster stepped up his game in the postseason. However, a team can never have too many good cornerbacks and New York may pluck one more in the first few rounds of the draft to help deal with the multiple-receiver sets that teams like Dallas and Green Bay throw at them. It should also be noted that the Giants' corners benefit a great deal from New York's fantastic pass rush.
Philadelphia Eagles
Wide receiver -- The Eagles had serious red zone woes last season and acquiring a big, physical wide receiver to complement and push Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown could result in more points for Philadelphia. Whether it is Donovan McNabb or youngster Kevin Kolb behind center over the next few seasons, adding a dangerous pass catcher with size makes all the sense in the world for this passing-based offense. The Eagles did franchise TE L.J. Smith to ensure they have an athletic target with size, but that is also an indication of just how big a need this area is for Philadelphia because Smith clearly is not among the elite tight ends in the league right now.
Defensive end -- Trent Cole had a terrific season as the starting right defensive end. He is an excellent pass rusher and is an overall terror coming off the edge, but he is undersized and can wear down as the game progresses. Philadelphia needs to find a complement to Cole, preferably a bigger defensive end who can hold the point of attack on the strongside while also offering pass rush skills. It is likely Javon Kearse and Darren Howard will be released in the near future so this need must be addressed.
Safety -- Brian Dawkins has had a terrific career but age and injuries slowed him a year ago and the arrow might finally be trending down for Philadelphia's starting free safety. He can still contribute at a pretty high level, but finding a replacement seems like a logical move in the draft. Dawkins will be 35 years old next season and SS Sean Considine should be a solid starter but isn't spectacular in any area.
Offensive tackle -- Top backup Winston Justice was embarrassed on national television by Osi Umenyiora early in the season and the Eagles' starting tackles are well on the wrong side of 30 years old. While Justice should not be written off, especially as the successor to Jon Runyan on the right side, the Eagles need to find an athletic big man to groom behind William Thomas. This draft could be the ideal one in which to find such a project.
Middle linebacker -- Omar Gaither is the starter in the middle, and while he is adequate he does not have the ideal size or take-on ability for the middle. Gaither could be better off on the outside if the Eagles can find a banger in the middle. Overall, the Eagles' linebackers are solid but unspectacular and Takeo Spikes might not have many good years left in him. Adding one more playmaker here would be beneficial.
Washington Commanders
Safety -- Midway through last season this looked like the strongest position on the Commanders' roster because they had two extremely talented and versatile young safeties in LaRon Landry and Sean Taylor, who was establishing himself as one of the best in the business before he lost his life. Not only does his loss leave a gaping hole in the hearts of his teammates, but the Commanders need to find a starting safety to pair with Landry. Landry is probably best suited to play strong safety but his ability to play either spot will make the search a little easier.
Defensive end -- Andre Carter had a very good season and is coming into his own as an edge pass rusher but he is undersized and at his best if he can take a breather here and there. The rest of Washington's defensive ends are very ordinary. Phillip Daniels doesn't have a lot left in the tank and Washington could use its first-round selection to find a young two-way end to complement Carter.
Wide receiver -- Jason Campbell is a developing quarterback with a lot of upside but he relies too heavily on TE Chris Cooley and needs a true No. 1 wideout to lean on. The Commanders need to find a receiver with size to help in the red zone, as a chain mover and as an edge blocker in the run game. This would relegate Santana Moss to the No. 2 role and Antwaan Randle El to the slot, but that is where both players truly belong anyway. Washington has plenty of needs and it can be argued which is at the top of the list, but adding a big, physical wide out would surely make Campbell happy.
Offensive tackle -- When they are healthy LT Chris Samuels and RT Jon Jansen form an excellent pair of bookends, but Jansen missed the entire 2007 season after suffering his second major injury in recent seasons. major injury in the last few years. The Commanders' lack of depth at the position was badly exposed because Washington had to continually roll its protections to the right side the entire year. A right tackle/guard prospect has to be a priority for the Commanders in the draft. Depth is lacking across the whole offensive line and it is unclear whether they can count on Jansen.
Cornerback -- Carlos Rogers has injury concerns and Shawn Springs will be 33 years old when the 2008 season opens. Fred Smoot did have an excellent season but adding another cornerback is always a good idea. That logic is especially true for the Commanders, who will face NFC East teams that aren't afraid to spread the field and force defenses into playing a lot of snaps with their sub packages.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.
Dallas Cowboys
Safety -- Ken Hamlin had an excellent season and was the starting free safety for the NFC in the Pro Bowl, but he is a free agent and could get priced out of Dallas. Strong safety Roy Williams is a true in-the-box safety whose skill set is more like that of a weakside linebacker than safety, so having someone reliable in deep patrol is paramount for this defense. The Cowboys have two first-round picks and their overall needs are relatively minor, but they do need to re-sign Hamlin or another free agent since the draft is very light at safety and expecting an immediate fix from the draft at this spot would be unwise.
Cornerback -- Dallas has a fine set of starting cornerbacks led by Terence Newman, who is among the best corners in the league. However, every team needs more than just two cornerbacks in case of injury and to fill out their sub package defenses. Dallas is lacking in depth and Jacques Reeves was consistently picked on throughout the season, and it would be a surprise if the Cowboys did not use one of their first-round picks this year on a talented cornerback. This is an ideal situation for a first-rounder to come into because he can learn his trade slowly on a winning team. There is also a chance Anthony Henry could move to free safety, which would put the Cowboys in a position to acquire two corners.
Running back -- Julius Jones is as good as gone because his contract is up and he looks to be very replaceable. Marion Barber is a beast of a runner who deserves the chance to carry the load more regularly, but he has split carries since his college days and the Cowboys will surely bring in a faster, more elusive runner to complement the physical Barber and the draft is loaded with such backs. Assuming they use an early pick on this position, the Cowboys' running back situation could very well be improved a year from now despite the loss of Jones.
Wide receiver -- Terrell Owens is a superstar and had a terrific season in 2007, and Terry Glenn has been extremely productive when healthy, but are over 30 years old and Glenn was worthless last season because of a serious knee injury. It is possible Glenn will become a salary cap casualty, and Dallas must get younger at this position to ensure that QB Tony Romo has difference makers to throw to for years to come. Dallas did re-sign Patrick Crayton, but he has proven to be best as a No. 3 wideout.
Offensive tackle -- Starting LT Flozell Adams is an unrestricted free agent and if he departs Dallas would have to trust second-year tackle Doug Free to hold down that important spot. Free shows potential but obviously is unproven. The Adams situation is tricky because he is still a very good player but is up in age, and Dallas may choose to spend its money elsewhere. There are also a lot of very good offensive tackle prospects in this year's draft, which will factor into the decision. Even if Adams is brought back, expect the Cowboys to pick up another lineman for depth.
New York Giants
Outside linebacker -- Kawika Mitchell is a free agent and Mathias Kiwanuka could move back to defensive end, particularly if Michael Strahan retires. The Giants don't have glaring needs, but adding a playmaker at outside linebacker could make a very good team even better. New York's linebackers were better coming forward than playing in space last season and if they can grab an all-around outside linebacker to fill out that unit the rest of the division had better look out.
Offensive tackle -- David Diehl exceeded expectations in his move from guard to left tackle last season and Kareem McKenzie is a fixture at right tackle. Youngster Guy Whimper has some potential to eventually take over at left tackle but adding one more player here, probably in the draft, seems like a good idea. Ideally, a bookend with upside and the ability to play either right or left tackle would be what New York is looking for to help ensure QB Eli Manning's health for years to come.
Safety -- This was the Giants' weakest link on a very good defense and their best player at the position, Gibril Wilson, is up for free agency. It would be surprising if Wilson is not re-signed, but even if he comes back the Giants should acquire a free safety in either free agency or on draft day. Wilson will not come cheap, though, and there is a chance another team will try to nab him.
Wide receiver -- Plaxico Burress established himself as one of the best wideouts in the league and is truly a difference maker, but age and injuries are starting to slow him down. The Giants have the luxury of potentially grabbing another weapon for Manning if a talented wide out falls down the board on draft day. Amani Toomer is reliable but his best days are behind him and Steve Smith could replace him as a starter next season.
Cornerback -- First-round pick Aaron Ross has the makings of a very solid player and should grab a starting spot in training camp. The rest of the group is serviceable but unspectacular, although Corey Webster stepped up his game in the postseason. However, a team can never have too many good cornerbacks and New York may pluck one more in the first few rounds of the draft to help deal with the multiple-receiver sets that teams like Dallas and Green Bay throw at them. It should also be noted that the Giants' corners benefit a great deal from New York's fantastic pass rush.
Philadelphia Eagles
Wide receiver -- The Eagles had serious red zone woes last season and acquiring a big, physical wide receiver to complement and push Kevin Curtis and Reggie Brown could result in more points for Philadelphia. Whether it is Donovan McNabb or youngster Kevin Kolb behind center over the next few seasons, adding a dangerous pass catcher with size makes all the sense in the world for this passing-based offense. The Eagles did franchise TE L.J. Smith to ensure they have an athletic target with size, but that is also an indication of just how big a need this area is for Philadelphia because Smith clearly is not among the elite tight ends in the league right now.
Defensive end -- Trent Cole had a terrific season as the starting right defensive end. He is an excellent pass rusher and is an overall terror coming off the edge, but he is undersized and can wear down as the game progresses. Philadelphia needs to find a complement to Cole, preferably a bigger defensive end who can hold the point of attack on the strongside while also offering pass rush skills. It is likely Javon Kearse and Darren Howard will be released in the near future so this need must be addressed.
Safety -- Brian Dawkins has had a terrific career but age and injuries slowed him a year ago and the arrow might finally be trending down for Philadelphia's starting free safety. He can still contribute at a pretty high level, but finding a replacement seems like a logical move in the draft. Dawkins will be 35 years old next season and SS Sean Considine should be a solid starter but isn't spectacular in any area.
Offensive tackle -- Top backup Winston Justice was embarrassed on national television by Osi Umenyiora early in the season and the Eagles' starting tackles are well on the wrong side of 30 years old. While Justice should not be written off, especially as the successor to Jon Runyan on the right side, the Eagles need to find an athletic big man to groom behind William Thomas. This draft could be the ideal one in which to find such a project.
Middle linebacker -- Omar Gaither is the starter in the middle, and while he is adequate he does not have the ideal size or take-on ability for the middle. Gaither could be better off on the outside if the Eagles can find a banger in the middle. Overall, the Eagles' linebackers are solid but unspectacular and Takeo Spikes might not have many good years left in him. Adding one more playmaker here would be beneficial.
Washington Commanders
Safety -- Midway through last season this looked like the strongest position on the Commanders' roster because they had two extremely talented and versatile young safeties in LaRon Landry and Sean Taylor, who was establishing himself as one of the best in the business before he lost his life. Not only does his loss leave a gaping hole in the hearts of his teammates, but the Commanders need to find a starting safety to pair with Landry. Landry is probably best suited to play strong safety but his ability to play either spot will make the search a little easier.
Defensive end -- Andre Carter had a very good season and is coming into his own as an edge pass rusher but he is undersized and at his best if he can take a breather here and there. The rest of Washington's defensive ends are very ordinary. Phillip Daniels doesn't have a lot left in the tank and Washington could use its first-round selection to find a young two-way end to complement Carter.
Wide receiver -- Jason Campbell is a developing quarterback with a lot of upside but he relies too heavily on TE Chris Cooley and needs a true No. 1 wideout to lean on. The Commanders need to find a receiver with size to help in the red zone, as a chain mover and as an edge blocker in the run game. This would relegate Santana Moss to the No. 2 role and Antwaan Randle El to the slot, but that is where both players truly belong anyway. Washington has plenty of needs and it can be argued which is at the top of the list, but adding a big, physical wide out would surely make Campbell happy.
Offensive tackle -- When they are healthy LT Chris Samuels and RT Jon Jansen form an excellent pair of bookends, but Jansen missed the entire 2007 season after suffering his second major injury in recent seasons. major injury in the last few years. The Commanders' lack of depth at the position was badly exposed because Washington had to continually roll its protections to the right side the entire year. A right tackle/guard prospect has to be a priority for the Commanders in the draft. Depth is lacking across the whole offensive line and it is unclear whether they can count on Jansen.
Cornerback -- Carlos Rogers has injury concerns and Shawn Springs will be 33 years old when the 2008 season opens. Fred Smoot did have an excellent season but adding another cornerback is always a good idea. That logic is especially true for the Commanders, who will face NFC East teams that aren't afraid to spread the field and force defenses into playing a lot of snaps with their sub packages.
Scouts Inc. watches games, breaks down film and studies football from all angles for ESPN.com.