2012 NFL Draft: Predicting 1st-Round Picks for Each NFC East Team

NFC East cellar dwellers the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys still head into the draft certain to fill their biggest needs. However, recent developments have changed things for the division's top two teams.

The New York Giants and Philadelphia Eagles have both suffered key losses due to injury which seems certain to affect their draft plans. The season-ending injury to Jason Peters makes strengthening the offensive line a sudden priority for the Eagles.

Losing Ahmad Bradshaw depletes an already suspect running back rotation for the Giants. Limited cap space makes the 32nd pick in the first round the best means to fix the problem.

Here is a projection of each NFC East team's first-round selections in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Washington Redskins, Pick No. 2: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin is the prize the Redskins traded up for when they gave up two first rounders and a second-round pick to the St. Louis Rams.

Griffin possesses the accuracy and big-play potential the Redskins need at quarterback. His mobility and smarts will hopefully ensure a quick transition to the structured Shanahan offense.

The hype surrounding Griffin to the Redskins is worryingly high, and it will take all of his natural talent to live up to the expectation. With Pierre Garcon, Josh Morgan and Fred Davis to throw to, Griffin will have the weapons he needs to post big numbers.

Dallas Cowboys, Pick No. 14: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Kirkpatrick answers a definite need for the Cowboys, despite the acquisition of Brandon Carr and a possible new deal for Mike Jenkins.

Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan needs as many competent cornerbacks as he can get for his multiple blitz schemes. Kirkpatrick has the frame and arm length to be very effective in man coverage, particularly bump-and-run techniques.

That kind of aggressive man coverage is ideal for Ryan's system. Kirkpatrick even has the size to play at free safety alongside new signing Brodney Pool. In terms of quickness and range, he would be an upgrade over Gerald Sensabaugh.

Philadelphia Eagles, Pick No. 15: Jonathan Martin, T, Stanford

Martin is a long-armed finesse blocker who relies on good lateral quickness and excellent footwork. His natural athleticism will be an asset to an Eagles offense full of speedy playmakers.

He is very effective getting to the second level and operating in space, making him a good fit as a lead blocker for the elusive LeSean McCoy. The 6'5", 312-pounder uses his hands very well and has the technique to combat division edge rushers Jason Pierre-Paul, DeMarcus Ware and Brian Orakpo.

Martin's draft stock has fallen recently due to a poor combine performance, but he has the fluidity and skill set to be worth a reach for the Eagles.

New York Giants, Pick No. 32: Doug Martin, RB, Boise State

While normally content to stock up at positions of strength, the news that Ahmad Bradshaw is set to miss time after treatment on a foot injury could well force the Giants' hand.

That would lead them to take Boise State's rushing dynamo Doug Martin. Despite his diminutive stature, Martin possesses a thick base and runs with power.

He also has deceptive speed and an array of nifty moves, enabling him to break his share of long runs. Perhaps the most important thing Martin would bring to Big Blue's offense is his ability as a multi-purpose threat.

Martin is an excellent receiver out of the backfield and has the versatile skill set to suit the Giants' more expansive offense. 

Redskins and Cowboys Must Bridge the Gap in This Draft

The Cowboys and Redskins have been propping up the NFC East for the past two seasons, and the league-imposed salary cap restrictions have not aided their chances of bridging the gap.

They must enjoy successful drafts this month if they hope to catch up to the Eagles and Giants. The last two division winners simply have more impact players at their disposal.

Still, the Redskins and Cowboys have made some solid moves in free agency and can fix their biggest needs in this draft. If they do, the landscape of the NFC East could look a lot different by the end of the month.