Dallas Cowboys
Strength: Offensive Line: The “triplets” of Dak, Zeke, and Dez were a consideration, but the Dallas OLine is the heart of this team. The team does have some change, losing G Ronald Leary, and moving Lael Collins to RT to replace Doug Free. But the team has three of the league’s best offensive lineman in Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick, and Zack Martin.
Weakness: Secondary: Defensive Line was a consideration and is a weakness for this Cowboys team. The Cowboys lost CB Brandon Carr and CB Morris Claiborne in free agency, and also safeties Barry Church and JJ Wilcox. The Cowboys lack a true number one corner, and desperately need rookie second round corner Chidobe Awuzie or third round CB Jourdan Lewis to step up. Second year 6th round pick Anthony Brown, injury plagued Orlando Scandrick, and CB Nolan Carroll are the players who will be counted on to step up. Career special teamer Jeff Heath is the guy being asked to step up at safety for Dallas. With a weakness at pass rusher and in the secondary, the Dallas defense will once again need to overachieve under DC Rod Marinelli.
New York Giants
Strength: Front 4/Back 4: Pass catchers on offense were a strong consideration, but this defense carried this Giants team last season. Landon Collins, Janoris Jenkins, Dominique Rodgers Cromartie, and Eli Apple make up one of the leagues top secondary’s. On the DLine, “Snacks” Harrison is one of the leagues best run stuffers, while Olivier Vernon and JPP are one of the leagues better edge rushing duos. The team did lose DT Jonathan Hankins in free agency, but spent a second round pick on his replacement, DT Dalvin Tomlinson.
Weakness: Offensive line: LT Erick Flowers was a train wreck in pass protection last season, and the right side of the Giants offensive line remains unsettled. The Giants finished 30th in the NFL in YPC last season and Eli Manning was noticeably under constant duress, especially from his blind side.
Washington Redskins
Strength: Pass Catchers: The Redskins go 3 deep at wideout. Terrelle Pryor was one of the leagues biggest surprises at WR for the Browns last year, and the team is gushing over slot WR Jamison Crowder, who may be poised for the best season of his career. The third WR on the team is last years first round pick Josh Doctson, and the passing game is funneled through TE Jordan Reed, who is a top 3 TE in the NFL when he is healthy. Health is the only question mark with Reeds game.
Weakness: Defensive Line: Secondary was a strong consideration. The Redskins did draft Jonathan Allen in the first round, but they lost their best DL Chris Baker, and they allowed the 6th most YPC in the NFL last season.
Philadelphia Eagles
Strength: Offensive Line: The Eagles offensive line is the number 1 ranked line in the league coming into 2017, according to PFF. While I disagree with them, I do believe this Eagles line is solid. RT Lane Johnson is arguably the best player at his position, and LT Jason Peters is still a very good tackle, even in his older age. RG Brandon Brooks graded out as PFF’S 4th rated guard last season.
Weakness: Cornerback: The Eagles arguably have the worst cornerback situation in the NFL. Their second round pick was spent on Sidney Jones, who may not play this season due to an Achilles injury. Current projected starters Patrick Robinson and Jalen Mills should ideally be 3rd and 4th cornerbacks in the NFL.