NFC East Draft Needs

Story posted April 5, 2019 in CommRadio, Sports by Matthew White

The NFL offseason is in full swing, which means it's time for front offices to address their biggest needs through either the draft, free agency or trade.  The NFC West will be an intriguing division this year as the Los Angeles Rams and Seattle Seahawks both made the playoffs last year.  Additionally, Jimmy Garoppolo and Jerick Mckinnon return from injuries for the San Francisco 49ers and the Arizona Cardinals will have the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft.  Let’s take a closer look at each team’s biggest needs: 

Arizona Cardinals
Needs: OL, DL, WR, CB

The Cardinals are in a unique position, as they own the first overall pick of the draft and have a new coach in Kliff Kingsbury.  There’s been lots of speculation about Kingsbury selecting Kyler Murray with the first overall pick despite the team selecting Josh Rosen in the first round of last year’s draft.  The Cardinals will have lots of options to gain several picks as the team has several needs. 

The offensive line is the most important position as both the pass and rush game struggled last year. Rosen and David Johnson are both talented and it’s important to give them help.  The offense also lacks playmakers and giving the quarterback someone to throw to will be a necessity. 

Lastly, the secondary needs help as Robert Alford was one of the worst corners last year.  Expect the Cardinals to upgrade that position in the second round. 

Los Angeles Rams
Needs: EDGE, S, LB, DT

The Rams are returning this season after losing to the New England Patriots in the Super Bowl. Therefore, the team doesn’t have to make too many many additional moves as they convinced Fowler and Whitworth to return.  However, Ndamukong Suh will not be returning to the team and it’s important to replace him.  The interior defensive line was strong last year, but they need additional help with pass rushers.  Clay Matthews should help, but they will need more to contend.  

The Rams also lost Lamarcus Joyner to free agency and need someone to replace him.  They will likely use their first round pick to address this need. 

San Francisco 49ers
Needs: S, CB, WR, EDGE

Finding a dominant pass rusher is a huge need for the 49ers.  They traded for Dee Ford, which will help the team, but adding Nick Bosa, Josh Allen or Quinnen Williams will benefit them greatly too.  The biggest concern for the 49ers is their secondary.  They resigned Jimmie Ward to play safety, but Ward has been injured in each of his seasons.  The team also needs cornerback help as Ahkello Witherspoon struggled at times and was picked on a lot as Richard Sherman is on the other side. 

The 49ers will also look to improve their wide receiver core.  They moved on from Pierre Garcon and added Jordan Matthews.  However, expect them to draft a wide receiver in the second round. 

Seattle Seahawks
Needs: OL, CB, WR, DE

The Seahawks offensive line was much improved after the coaching change.  However, there still isn’t much depth at the position and drafting a player to improve their passing game would certainly help.  The Seahawks were the only team in the NFL last year that ran more run plays than passing plays.  It would help Russell Wilson and open up the playbook if they could add another playmaker. 

Additionally, the team needs more more defensive playmakers.  They lost Earl Thomas to free agency and improving the defensive line and the cornerback position would allow the Seahawks to be a championship contender next year. 

 

 

Matthew White is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism with a double minor is business and Spanish. To contact him, email mattwhitelg@gmail.com