The free agency period in the NFL is drawing towards its conclusion, with the majority of the top free agents having found a new home, meaning the attention of all 32 NFL franchises and their devoted fans has shifted towards the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft.
Lambeau Field will host the 2025 NFL Draft. Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images
Lambeau Field will host the 2025 NFL Draft. Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images
The eyes of the NFL world will fall on Green Bay, Wisconsin, as the top prospects in the nation realise their dreams and make the jump from the college ranks to the pros.
So, let's take a look at the needs of the four NFC East teams ahead of the draft, set to get underway on Thursday, April 24.
Dallas Cowboys
After a lacklustre 7-10 season, the Dallas Cowboys have several positions that they still need to address in the upcoming draft, none more so than running back.
Ashton Jeanty speaks to the media at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images
Ashton Jeanty speaks to the media at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images
The Cowboys ranked 27th in the league in rushing yards per game (100.3) and lost their most productive running back, Rico Dowdle, in free agency to the Carolina Panthers, meaning that despite adding both Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders on one-year deals in free agency, Dallas remains in search of a long-term solution at running back.
Luckily for them, they have nine picks at their disposal in a draft which will be littered with talented running backs like Ashton Jeanty, Omarion Hampton and TreVeyon Henderson to name a few. The Cowboys own the 12th overall pick, although they may opt to use a Day 2 pick on a running back and address a premium position such as an offensive lineman or an edge rusher with their first-round pick instead.
The New York Giants signing Jameis Winston to a two-year, $8 million deal in free agency does not change the fact that they will be looking to draft a potential franchise quarterback in this year's draft should they get the opportunity to do so.
Shedeur Sanders at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
Shedeur Sanders at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
The problem the Giants face is that this may be taken out of their hands by the time they are on the clock with the third overall pick, should both Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders be selected by the Tennessee Titans and the Cleveland Browns ahead of them - two teams who could also benefit from drafting a young quarterback.
The Giants could instead select one of the other top prospects like Abdul Carter or Travis Hunter should they wish, but with general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll on the hot seat after a disastrous 3-14 season, they will be desperate to draft a quarterback and hope they can have a similar impact that Jayden Daniels had on their division rivals, the Washington Commanders, last season.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have managed to assemble one of the deepest and most talented rosters in the NFL in recent seasons, which culminated in a dominant Super Bowl win over the Kansas City Chiefs in February.
Josh Sweat and Milton Williams attempt to tackle Kareem Hunt in the
Josh Sweat and Milton Williams attempt to tackle Kareem Hunt in the Super Bowl. Photo by Chandan Khanna/AFP via Getty Images
They own the last pick in the first round of the draft, but they have significantly fewer needs than their division rivals and therefore have the luxury of being able to draft based on talent rather than need.
Although given the departures of Josh Sweat and Milton Williams, who recorded eight and five sacks last season, respectively, they would be delighted if one of the top edge rushers like Donovan Ezeiruaku or Nic Scourton managed to fall to them at pick 32.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders have been aggressive when it comes to trading for top-end talent in recent months having acquired Marshon Lattimore, Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil, although this has come at a cost as the Commanders now own just five picks in the upcoming draft having traded away multiple picks.
Adam Peters, general manager of the Washington Commanders, speaks to the media at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
Adam Peters, general manager of the Washington Commanders, speaks to the media at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine. Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images
They do, however, still have their first and second-round selections, and whilst they could be potential trade-down candidates to add more draft capital, they will have the chance to add some starting-calibre players to an ever-improving roster under general manager Adam Peters.
They still have plenty of needs to address, and given the fact that they lost their sack leader from last season in free agency, Dante Fowler Jr (10.5 sacks), they could do with adding a standout edge rusher to pair alongside Dorance Armstrong, who registered five sacks in what was a solid debut season in the nation's capital.