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NFC East First Position Drafted for Cowboys, Giants, Eagles & Commanders

Eric Rosales

by Eric Rosales in NFL Football

Updated Apr 15, 2023 · 7:29 AM PDT

Eagles pregame huddle
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) pumps up his teammates in a huddle before playing the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Feb. 12, 2023. Nfl Super Bowl Lvii Kansas City Chiefs Vs Philadelphia Eagles
  • You can bet on which position each NFC East team drafts first
  • The Philadelphia Eagles lost both starting safeties in free agency
  • Keep reading for the latest first position drafted odds for all four NFC East clubs

For a while last season, it looked like all four teams in the NFC East could conceivably make the playoffs. In the end, three teams earned a dance card, with the Philadelphia Eagles flying all the way to the Super Bowl, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs.

With the goal of returning, Philly has to make up for some big offseason losses, and nailing the upcoming NFL Draft would definitely be a big help.

In fact, there are odds on what position each team in the division will draft first. We’ll start with the defending conference champions.

Philadelphia Eagles First Position Draft Odds

Player Odds
Offensive Lineman -180
Defensive Lineman / EDGE +200
Cornerback +500
Running Back +1000
Safety +3500
Wide Receiver +5000
Linebacker +6500
Tight End +7500
Quarterback +20000
Kicker/Punter/Long Snapper +20000

It was likely a big sigh of relief when veteran center Jason Kelce announced he would return, leaving G Isaac Seumalo the major offensive line loss this offseason.

Still, a power o-line was key to the Eagles’ success last year, and with a pair of first-round picks, oddsmakers like the idea keeping a strength freshly stocked. Philly is slotted at -180 odds to draft an offensive lineman.

Odds as of April 14th at DraftKings Sportsbook

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Eagles Draft Analysis

Success costs, and plenty of talent went out the door, including their starting safeties that helped the Eagles lead the NFL in pass defense, surrendering just 179.8 yards per game. Defensive line was also pillaged, most notably with Javon Hargrave going to the 49ers.

Losing lead back Miles Sanders also hurts, but unless the Eagles continue to trade down the draft board, it’s unlikely their first pick goes to a running back.

With veterans like Brandon Ingram and Fletcher Cox almost on the way out, it would make sense that the Eagles would want to replenish their defensive line.

Despite a Super Bowl with exactly zero sacks of Patrick Mahomes, the Eagles led the league in sacks with 70 — 15 clear of second place.

They also set an NFL record with four different players recording at least 10 sacks in a year. Adding safety Terrell Edmunds in free agency will likely allow them to pick a safety later down the draft, letting them find the next great defensive lineman to bolster that unit.

Pick: Defensive Lineman / EDGE (+200)

Cowboys Draft Analysis

Corner Stephon Gilmore fills the void at corner opposite Treyvon Diggs, while Brandin Cooks is the deep threat needed to take the top off those shell defenses. Those offseason moves may tell us where Dallas intends to draft.

Their offensive line is down Connor McGovern, while center Tyler Biadasz is entering a contract year, and Tyron Smith is 32 and coming off a season where injuries limited him to four games. A restock is in order.

Dallas Cowboys First Position Draft Odds

Player Odds
Defensive Lineman / EDGE +200
Tight End +200
Offensive Lineman +400
Running Back +550
Wide Receiver +550
Linebacker +2000
Cornerback +3000
Safety +5000
Quarterback +10000
Kicker/Punter/Long Snapper +10000

Skill players Dalton Schultz and Zeke Elliott are also gone. And the Cowboys were just outside the bottom-10 in run defense.

Can Jerry Jones control himself? Texas Longhorns running back Bijan Robinson is the runaway favorite to be the first RB taken in the NFL Draft odds, and should still be on the board at 26, but this draft capital could be better utilized elsewhere.

Pick: Offensive Lineman (+400)

Giants Draft Analysis

Locking into Daniel Jones at QB didn’t seem possible heading into last season, but here we are.

New York decided to beef up his pass-catching group, adding Darren Waller, Parris Campbell and Jamison Crowder to Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard. It’s an upgrade, but there is a spot for a clear WR1.

New York Giants First Position Draft Odds

Player Odds
Wide Receiver -105
Cornerback +200
Offensive Lineman +380
Defensive Lineman / EDGE +700
Linebacker +2000
Running Back +2000
Safety +2500
Tight End +7500
Quarterback +10000
Kicker/Punter/Long Snapper +20000

Still, their offensive line took a hit with the loss of Nick Gates and Jon Feliciano to free agency, with no clear backup plan in place. That unit surrendered the 5th-most sacks in the NFL last year with 49.

With a run game crucial to Jones’ success — the G-Men ranked sixth in rushing last year at 144.2 yards per game — receiver can wait.

Pick: Offensive Lineman (+380)

Commanders Draft Analysis

Jacoby Brissett isn’t the sexiest free agent pickup, but he has proven to be a reliable quarterback, and will battle with Sam Howser for the starting gig. With the QB situation under control, Washington can get after needs at other key spots on their roster.

Washington Commanders First Position Draft Odds

Player Odds
Cornerback -140
Offensive Lineman +250
Tight End +600
Running Back +800
Defensive Lineman / EDGE +1500
Quarterback +2000
Linebacker +3000
Safety +3000
Wide Receiver +5000
Kicker/Punter/Long Snapper +20000

Coming off a year where they were 4th-best in pass defense, Washington could use an upgrade in their secondary. Kendall Fuller is entering a contract year, and there aren’t a lot of great options that are in line to replace him, or reliable options to play opposite him.

Their offensive line could use an impact guy to help stud left tackle Charles Leno, but I’m not sure if those are around at the 16th pick. Washington gave up 48 sacks a year ago, the seventh-most in the NFL.

Pick: Cornerback (-140)

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