In Their Helmets: What Every NFC East Team Is Thinking Today

The Dallas Cowboys are Thinking About the Passing Game

Who caught the most touchdown passes for the Cowboys in 2011? It wasn't Dez Bryant, Miles Austin or even Jason Witten. It was free agent-to-be Laurent Robinson, who just happened to post career-highs across the board the year he's set to hit the open market.

And if the Cowboys are smart, they'll allow it. They aren't exactly loaded with cap space, and the money could be better spent elsewhere, especially considering the number of receiving threats the Cowboys have.

Not only the number, but the talent. Bryant and Austin are no slouches, and though Witten had just five touchdown receptions, Robinson took away from some of his targets in the red zone.

The Cowboys have had a top 10 pass attack every year since 2006. Investing money in a wide receiver would be like dressing up a Ferrari with a shiny hood ornament. I think there's a man law against that.

What the Cowboys really need to focus on is improving their defense, specifically in the secondary. DeMarcus Ware is really the only stud defensive talent to speak of for the Cowboys, but they were able to generate 42 sacks, ninth in the NFL. Their issues in coverage are well-documented, but perhaps they'd be better off waiting until the second round for a cornerback if that's the route they want to go. 

The New York Giants are Thinking About the Salary Cap

The Giants couldn't make any big-time moves in free agency last year because they were short on cap space. It wasn't exactly popular, and wasn't exactly effective either—the Giants did win the Super Bowl, but were a 9-7 team fighting for their playoff lives down the stretch.

They sit dangerously close to the cap and will need to make some moves in order to have the requisite space for the draft, around $5 million.

Osi Umenyiora has been on and off the chopping block in New York almost as many times as Tom Coughlin. He's set to make around $4 million in 2012 according to RotoWorld, and though he will argue for more money, the team may find his asking price too high.

Brandon Jacobs is another name to watch; he's due a $500,000 roster bonus on March 13. If the team gives it to him, they're on the hook for another $4.4 million for 2012, putting his number right around $5 million. Jacobs and the team have had some standoffs in the past, and there may be another one looming.

Of course, with both, only time will tell.

The Philadelphia Eagles are Thinking About Linebackers

Or at least, according to most, they should be.

A popular prospect among some pundits was Vontaze Burfict, but Mike Mayock's conference call was just one piece of evidence among many against the Arizona State linebacker.

"

Mayock unimpressed with Vontaze Burfict, even putting penalty issue aside. Gets enveloped, not great instincts, not first rounder.

— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) February 15, 2012"

But fear not, Eagles fans. 

There are other options at linebacker that may be even better.

"

Mayock: If I'm the Eagles and Kuechly's there, (at 15) that might be a slam-dunk for me.

— Les Bowen (@LesBowen) February 15, 2012"

And James Christensen of NEPatriotsDraft.com would agree. His scouting report seems to read like a veritable shopping list of what the Eagles need in a linebacker.

"

Rarely makes a mistake on the field and if he does makes up for it with his constant effort—Sound in pass coverage (played safety in HS)—Good lateral mobility—Keeps his eyes on the QB and truts his reads—Very good size for a middle linebacker—One of the smartest players in the country—Kuechly is like a coach on the field, knows everyones job—Future defensive playcaller and captain—Current team captain and leader.

"

The Eagles have to be thinking about how great it would be to add a player like Kuechly to their defense, which lacked leadership and consistent play at linebacker in 2011. 

The Washington Redskins are Thinking About Quarterbacks

Even if Peyton Manning becomes a free agent, the Washington Redskins might be wise not to pursue. Mike Shanahan loves him an athletic quarterback that can get outside the pocket and make the throw on the run. Just think of John Elway and Jay Cutler as your "prototype" Shanahan quarterbacks.

Peyton Manning? Not exactly, although he's been known to catch a defense sleeping on a scramble.

You don't have to look very far to find a quarterback that fits the bill, though: Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.

One question mark around him, though, is whether or not he can develop into a legitimate NFL quarterback. Mike Mayock's Wednesday conference call yielded an interesting pair of tweets came from Doug Farrar of Yahoo! Sports' Shutdown Corner blog:

"

Mayock on RGIII: "I love everything about the kid, but he doesn't throw with anticipation because he doesn't have to."

— SC_DougFarrar (@SC_DougFarrar) February 15, 2012"

"

NFL-style requires that you throw the receiver open. Spread requires that you throw to the open receiver. Big conceptual difference.

— SC_DougFarrar (@SC_DougFarrar) February 16, 2012"

What's interesting to me is that we've seen this issue raised in the past, most recently about Cam Newton. The Panthers were able to adapt the offense to Newton's strengths, and that made a head coaching candidate out of offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski. Mike and Kyle Shanahan may have to do the same if they want to pursue RG3.

Follow @ErikFrenz