Top-10 NFL Newcomers: NFC East

I continue my look at the top-10 NFL newcomers with the NFC East, home of three playoff teams last year including the...and it pains me to say this...World Champion New York Giants.

Enjoy!

1. Asante Samuel—Philadelphia Eagles

This one is obvious. Let's take a look at the career of 27-year old Asante Samuel: 27 career interceptions, including five in the postseason, an All Pro and Pro Bowl selection in 2007, and a two-time Super Bowl champion. Enough said.

2. Felix Jones—Dallas Cowboys

One of the Cowboys' two first-rounders this year, Jones is a speedster who will complement starter Marion Barber perfectly. His ability to take runs to the outside will make this Dallas offense that much more explosive.

3. Mike Jenkins—Dallas Cowboys

The other Cowboy first-rounder, Jenkins, will be able to step in immediately and contribute to an aging secondary. He'll start as the nickel corner behind Terence Newman and Anthony Henry, but will soon get his chance to shine.

4. DeSean Jackson—Philadelphia Eagles

While Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis are good No. 2 and 3 receivers, DeSean Jackson gives the Eagles and McNabb a downfield playmaker who can really stretch the field.

5. Zach Thomas—Dallas Cowboys

Words can't describe how good Thomas has been over his long career. He's been a member of seven Pro Bowls, but is still in search of his first Super Bowl. If he can stay healthy, Thomas has a chance to get Dallas to the big game this year, and cement his Hall of Fame career.

6. Chris Clemons—Philadelphia Eagles

"Diet Calvin Pace" as I call him, Clemons had eight sacks last year with the Oakland Raiders, and he will be part of a formidable pass-rushing rotation including Trent Cole, Juqua Parker, and Victor Abiamiri.

7. Jim Zorn—Washington Redskins

Zorn, the new Redskin coach, brings the West Coast offense to Washington. Known as a quarterback guru, Zorn will try to help Jason Campbell take that next step and get the 'Skins back to the postseason.

8. Devin Thomas—Washington Redskins

Thomas, the 6'2'' receiver out of Michigan State, will give Campbell a viable downfield threat, as well as someone who will be able to take punts and kickoffs into the end zone.

9. Kenny Phillips—New York Giants

The G-Men get their replacement for ex-safety Gibril Wilson here, and it looks like Phillips will contribute from day one. The former Hurricane will bring intensity and speed to the New York secondary.

10. Malcolm Kelly—Washington Redskins

We round out the top-10 with Kelly, another Redskin rookie receiver, who will be just another weapon, along with Thomas and rookie tight-end Fred Davis, for Jason Campbell to throw to.

AFC South up next!