NFL draft 2000
NFL team needs: NFC East
As published in print March 23, 2000
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| QuickClicks to scouting reports ...
Arizona Cardinals|Dallas Cowboys|New York Giants
Philadelphia Eagles|Washington Redskins
Arizona Cardinals |
| Needs on offense: Running back is a
priority because the team isn’t sold on Michael Pittman, Mario Bates is more of a
short-yardage back and Adrian Murrell signed with Washington. The team appears set at
wideout but could be looking for a tight end. OL depth will probably be addressed on the
second day of the draft. |
| Needs on defense: With all of the
problems along the defensive line, this shapes up as a major need area. (DE Simeon Rice
and DT Eric Swann both want out of Arizona, and DT Mark Smith is also unhappy with the
Cardinals.) Also, an outside linebacker and a safety are possibilities. Defensive
coordinator Dave McGinnis believes that there is good value at those positions in the
middle rounds. |
| On Draft Day … The Cardinals will jump on
RB Thomas Jones if he is available at No. 7. If he’s gone, the team may still think
running back or shift its attention to the defensive line, which may mean trading down.
The Cardinals then could address running back near the top of the second round. There is
also a school of thought that says the Cardinals could be interested in OLB Brian Urlacher
in the first round. |
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Dallas Cowboys |
| Needs on offense: The Cowboys could use depth
at guard and tackle. They will also be looking for a running back — either a fullback
to back up Robert Thomas or a No. 3 tailback behind Emmitt Smith and Chris Warren. While
the team is searching for a No. 2 quarterback, it appears as if they will address that
need by signing a veteran free agent. |
| Needs on defense: They need help in the
secondary, especially at cornerback. They also need help at linebacker, either in the
middle or on the strong side after losing Randall Godfrey. |
| On Draft Day … The Seahawks now own
the Cowboys’ first- and third-round picks. Seattle got the first-rounder in exchange
for WR Joey Galloway, and the third is payment for WR James McKnight. That means
Dallas’ highest pick is in the second round (No. 49 overall). Expect the Cowboys to
take a linebacker or cornerback there. |
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New York Giants |
| Needs on offense: Running back is an
obvious need, even though the Giants drafted Joe Montgomery and Sean Bennett last year.
Head coach Jim Fassel and GM Ernie Accorsi claim to like the guys they have at the
position. After losing OLs Roman Oben, Toby Myles and Derek Engler, the Giants will be
looking for backups along the line. |
| Needs on defense: The Giants say that
improving team speed is a key to this offseason, so a speedy linebacker would make sense.
Also, there isn’t much depth at cornerback or defensive tackle, so adding bodies at
either position is a possibility. |
| On Draft Day … Everyone expects the Giants
to go with a running back with the 11th pick in the first round. If RBs Thomas Jones and
Jamal Lewis are off the board as the PFW mock draft predicts, the most likely candidates
are Shaun Alexander and Ron Dayne. However, history shows that the Giants usually go with
the best player available when it’s their turn to draft. |
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Philadelphia Eagles |
| Needs on offense: The Eagles need a top-notch
wide receiver. We hear the team is no longer enamored with Plaxico Burress after he cut
short an interview at the Combine to attend a Pacers game. Philadelphia is also a bit
nervous about when Jamie Asher will be ready to return from the ankle he broke and
dislocated in the ’99 preseason, so tight end may be addressed. The team would also
like OL depth. |
| Needs on defense: Defensive tackle is a
priority. The team likes Corey Simon, but it wants to make sure he is healthy. Also,
strong safety, outside linebacker and defensive end are areas where the team may add
draftees. |
| On Draft Day … The Eagles aren’t
expected to trade up in a blockbuster deal. Instead, they will likely stay put and go
after Simon in the first round, provided he passes the team’s physical. Other options
include taking a stud receiver. |
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Washington Redskins |
| Needs on offense: The Redskins re-signed
OT Andy Heck, but he is expected to serve as a mentor for Alabama’s Chris Samuels,
who will likely be taken either second or third overall. The Redskins also need OL depth.
The team appears set at running back, wide receiver and quarterback. |
| Needs on defense: The Redskins need an impact
linebacker to join Derek Smith and Shawn Barber. They would also like a young cornerback
to groom as Darrell Green’s eventual replacement, and there isn’t much depth at
safety behind Sam Shade and Mark Carrier. |
| On Draft Day … The Redskins have their
fingers crossed that Cleveland takes either Courtney Brown or Peter Warrick, leaving
Washington the opportunity to select LB LaVar Arrington and Samuels. There have been some
rumblings that the Skins could take Samuels before Arrington to reduce the
linebacker’s bargaining power. |
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For complete NFL draft coverage, get the print edition of Pro Football Weekly's 2000
Draft Preview book. It's available at bookstores and newsstands across the country or
you can call 1-800-FOOTBALL (1-800-366-8225) to order a copy. |
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