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Training camp starts in about two and a half weeks, and we’re about a month away from the preseason opener against the Patriots. Basically, we have nothing to do but wait.
So, I thought we could do what we did last year at this time: let’s rank the NFC East, one or two position groups at a time. Today, I thought it would fun to take a look at the division’s inside linebackers.
Redskins
There may be no position group on the Redskins that has been affected more than cornerback this off-season.
Gone: Kendall Fuller, the Redskins’ brilliant 2016 third round draft pick who played well as the nickel corner in 2017.
Gone: Bashaud Breeland, the talented fourth round boundary corner from the 2014 draft.
New free agent: Orlando Scandrick, the often injured veteran cornerback free agent from the — ugh! — Dallas Cowboys.
7th round draft pick: Greg Strohman, Virginia Tech.
Supplementary draft: DB Adonis Alexander was taken by the Redskins in the 6th round. It’s unclear whether Alexander will play CB or S for the Redskins.
Players needing to step up: Quinton Dunbar and Fabian Moreau.
Cowboys
Dallas drafted corners in the 2nd, 3rd and 6th rounds of the 2017 draft: Chidobe Awuzie, Jourdan Lewis, and Marquez White. Anthony Brown was drafted in the 6th round of the ‘16 draft. Duke Thomas is the other veteran in this young squad, with a couple of UDFAs also fighting to make the team. As a group, the three guys drafted last season should all take a big step up in this, their sophomore season.
Eagles
Jalen Mills, Ronald Darby, Sidney Jones, and Rasul Douglas all return from last year’s championship squad. They are joined by 4th round draft pick Avonte Maddox out of Pittsburgh.
Giants
Eli Apple had a nightmarish 2017 season. He’s back for the ‘18 season, claiming to have a new attitude and to be re-committed to his team and career.
Janoris Jenkins may find it hard to focus on football following the death of a friend in Jenkins’ house. Police have charged Jenkins’ brother with manslaughter. “Jackrabbit” was in another city and not involved in this matter at all, but it wouldn’t be a shock if the whole situation screwed with his concentration in the coming weeks and months.
On Wednesday, the Giants selected Sam Beal, using a 3rd round draft pick in the Supplemental Draft.
Redskins
- Josh Norman
- Quinton Dunbar
- Fabian Moreau
- Orlando Scandrick
- Greg Stroman
- Adonis Alexander
Cowboys
- Chidobe Awuzie
- Jourdan Lewis
- Marquez White
- Anthony Brown
Eagles
- Jalen Mills
- Ronald Darby
- Sidney Jones
- Rasul Douglas
- Avonte Maddox
Giants
- Janoris Jenkins
- Eli Apple
- William Gay
- Sam Beal
- 7 JAGs
Poll
Which NFC East team has the best CB group?
This poll is closed
-
47%
Redskins
-
1%
Cowboys
-
43%
Eagles
-
7%
Giants
Poll
Which NFC East team has the WEAKEST CB group?
This poll is closed
-
5%
Redskins
-
70%
Cowboys
-
1%
Eagles
-
21%
Giants
Poll
Who is the best CB in the division?
This poll is closed
-
72%
Josh Norman
-
0%
Quinton Dunbar
-
0%
Fabian Moreau
-
1%
Chidobe Awuzie
-
0%
Jourdan Lewis
-
0%
Marquez White
-
3%
Jalen Mills
-
6%
Ronald Darby
-
2%
Sidney Jones
-
12%
Janoris Jenkins