| 15 April 2009
In the weeks leading up to the draft, LWN will take a look at team needs for each division prior to the draft. Then he will come out with the draft preview the week prior. We will look at each division in order of record from last season.
NEW YORK GIANTS- 2008 Record 12-4
Key Losses: Derrick Ward, Plaxico Burress, James Butler, Sam Madison
Key Additions: Chris Canty, Michael Boley, Rocky Bernard
Needs: WR, C, LB
The Giants lost a lot on offense when they cut Burress and let Ward go via free agency, at the same time the loss of Ward doesn't sting so much since they have Ahmad Bradshaw waiting in the wings. On defense, they will need some depth in the secondary, but have a solid overall team. They bolstered the defensive line with the additions of Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard. Unfortunately, they have opted to keep Antonio Pierce while letting Steve Spagnoulo leave. Getting Osi Umenyoria back will upgrade the defense immensely.
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES- 2008 Record 9-6-1
Key Losses: Brian Dawkins, Jon Runyan?, Sean Considine, LJ Smith, Correll Buckhalter
Key Additions: Sean Jones, Tra Thomas, Leonard Weaver, Stacy Andrews
Needs: OL, WR, TE, RB, LB
The Philadelphia Eagles still need help at WR. One Desean Jackson doesn't make a whole WR corps after all. Also, Philadelphia seems to be confident that Brent Celek is their answer at tight end since they let L.J. Smith get away in the off season. The offensive line looks like a mish-mash with some talent and some questionable starters with little depth. Also there is little depth behind Brian Westbrook. The defense is in pretty good shape, but they may want to consider adding a linebacker or two.
DALLAS COWBOYS- 2008 Record 9-7
Key Losses: Chris Canty, Terrell Owens, Adam Jones, Roy Williams, Tank Johnson, Zach Thomas, Anthony Henry
Key Additions: Igor Olshansky, Gerald Sensabaugh, Keith Brooking
Needs: SS, CB, OL
Even with all the defections and cuts, the Dallas defense might even be stronger because they added Keith Brooking over Zach Thomas. I think the secondary could be improved since Sensabaugh, Newman, Jenkins and Hamlin won't strike fear into most teams. On offense it may be a case of addition by subtraction with regard to Terrell Owens considering Patrick Crayton is a serviceable second option. The offensive line is in good shape, but not very deep.
WASHINGTON REDSKINS- 2008 Record 8-8
Key Losses: Shawn Springs
Key Additions: Renaldo Wynn, Albert Haynesworth
Needs: S, LB, OL, WR, QB
On paper the Redskins look like they don't need too much. They were quiet in the off season besides of course the signing of Albert Haynesworth for one billion dollars. I say they need to improve the WR corps, but then again they spent two high draft picks on wide outs last season. They probably need to add depth on the offensive line and definitely in the linebacking corps. The team doesn't seem to be sold on Jason Campbell at quarterback, but will they risk a high pick on one and alienate their starter?
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