I’m…cautiously intrigued by the NFC East this season. With the Eagles standing tall as defending champions, I feel their place within the group is locked down. Nonetheless, the groups behind them every have their very own stage of intrigue. Washington hopes to capitalize on a magical first season of HC Dan Quinn and QB Jayden Daniels, and have added some intriguing vets to assist carry the ground of the staff. The Cowboys are all the time attention-grabbing for causes that don’t have anything to do with soccer, however I feel this staff might be sneaky good if QB Dak Prescott is wholesome. The Giants…have a extremely enjoyable protection!
Who would be the breakout star for every staff within the division? Let’s meet them right here.
Dallas Cowboys: Cooper Beebe, C
I REALLY wished to go along with LB Jack Sanborn right here, nevertheless it looks like Beebe may be extra essential to the general success of the Cowboys’ offense. With the Cowboys’ offensive line shedding RG Zack Martin to retirement, there’s going to be extra of an onus on their younger guys to proceed their enchancment. OC Klayton Adams was as soon as the offensive line coach in Arizona, the place he helped flip guys like C Hjate Froholdt right into a menace up entrance. There’s certain to be extra play in area and getting linemen on the transfer in Dallas, so I’m excited to see if Beebe can deliver his similar ending capacity out in area as he did within the cellphone sales space for the Cowboys subsequent season.
New York Giants: Dru Phillips, CB
Everybody loves a batshit loopy nickel defender, and Dru Phillips is among the many craziest within the league. Regardless of being a little bit bit undersized, Phillips has the feisty demeanor and aggression you need from a slot defender, within the run and passing recreation. Phillips completed the 2024 season with seven TFLs, two compelled fumbles and an interception, one of many shiny spots on an in any other case moribund New York Giants season. I thought-about his secondary mate S Tyler Nubin right here as properly, however the NFL loves psycho nickels, and Phillips is subsequent in line.
Philadelphia Eagles: Dt enjoyable ojomo
Final yr, LB Zack Baun turned a star within the Eagles’ protection as they rampaged to the Tremendous Bowl. This yr, I’m going with Ojomo, who steps right into a gap left by guys who went away on huge offers. DT Milton Williams is in New England now, and in his place steps Ojomo, who had some very nice (albeit restricted) moments as a go rusher. His 10.9% Stress Fee was ninth amongst all DTs (min. 20 pressures) and he confirmed that he can step proper into Williams’ position on third downs as a go rush specialist when the Eagles rotate their second line in. Now, with an expanded position, Ojomo’s go rush reps ought to go up, and I’m curious to see if his productiveness improves as properly.
Washington Commanders: DT Jer’Zhan Newton
The Commanders let DT Jonathan Allen stroll this offseason, however the succession plan was in place. They drafted Newton within the second spherical final season to spice up their go rush from the inside, and what stood out about Newton in his restricted time final season is his lateral quickness and burst from the defensive deal with place. His 17 pressures final season on 241 go rush snaps is proscribed, however with the best way that Dan Quinn calls his protection, there ought to be ample alternatives for Newton to win his one on ones.
