NFL Draft 101: 2009 NFL East Preview

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys

Three Reasons for Optimism

• Locker Room: With the addition of solid veterans Keith Brooking and Jon Kitna and the subtraction of Terrell Owens and Pacman Jones, this should be a better locker room
• Running Game: With three talented backs and a huge offensive line this team should be able to play a physical style of football
• Front Seven: The Cowboys lead the league in sacks last season and there is no reason they shouldn't have a dominant pass rush once again.

Three Reasons for Concern

• Tony Romo: Romo seems to forget the season doesn't end on Thanksgiving Day
• Secondary: This unit improved some last year, but still relies too much on the pass rush
• Wide Receiver: Roy Williams needs to step it up because Dallas has few options

2009 Composite Projected Record: 11-5

NY Giants

Three Reasons for Optimism

• Defensive Line: With the addition of Chris Canty and the return of Osi Umenyiora, the Giants defensive line just got better
• Wide Receiver: With the addition of Hakeem Nicks on draft day and the continued development of Steve Smith and Dominik Hickson, this group will surprise.
• Secondary: With youngsters like Corey Webster, Aaron Ross, Michael Johnson and Kenny Phillips this group should be solid for several years

Three Reasons for Concern

• Loss of Derrick Ward: Can Ahmed Bradshaw step up to replace Derrick Ward and take the pressure off of Brandon Jacobs
• Offensive Line: 3 out of 5 starters are 30 or older. This group was dominant a year ago
• Linebacker: Outside of Antonio Pierce, this group lacks playmakers

2009 Composite Projected Record: 11-5

Philadelphia Eagles

Three Reasons for Optimism

• Jason Peters: The Eagles have a franchise tackle who can keep Donovan McNabb upright
• Lesean McCoy: Brian Westbrook is the most important offensive player for Philly and it appears he has a backup who can keep his legs fresh
• Young Receivers: With Desean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin, the Eagles are set at receiver for the first in the Andy Reid era

Three Reasons for Concern

• Michael Vick: The Eagles did not handle the Terrell Owens sideshow very well in 2005. Will they do better with this sideshow in 2009?
• Middle LB: The loss of Stewart Bradley to an ACL injury creates a leadership and run stuffing hole in their front seven
• Safety: Quintin Demps needs to show maturity as the heir apparent to the departed Brian Dawkins

2009 Composite Projected Record: 11-5

Washington Redskins

Three Reason for Optimism

• Front Seven: The additions of Albert Haynesworth and rookie DE/SLB Brian Orakpo should pay immediate dividends up front
• Secondary: Chris Horton, Laron Landry and Carlos Rogers are a solid foundation for several years to come.
• Running Back: Clinton Portis is a talent knucklehead and it doesn't hurt Ladell Betts is backing him up

Three Reasons for Concern

• Jason Campbell:  Most Redskin fans would like to see this strong armed quarterback actually take some chances down the field
• Offensive Line: Randy Thomas and Stephen Heyer would start for very few NFL teams
• Wide Receiver: If Devin Thomas or Malcolm Kelly doesn't step it up, this will be a pedestrian passing attack

2009 Composite Projected Record: 6-10

*** 2009 Composite Projected Record is based on the average number of wins projected by the NFLDraft101.com writing team

Dan Wernery is the Chief Scout for NFLDraft101.com and can be reached at [e-mail]