NFC East: Champs, rivals have heavy holes to fill

The second in a series on division needs leading up to the April 26-27 NFL Draft

The NFC wasn't the better conference last season, but it did have the best team. That would be the New York Giants, who overcame the odds as well as the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.

Will Michael Strahan play another season? It could create another big void on D. (Getty Images)

That victory makes them the club to beat in 2008, but defending the title will be difficult -- especially with the losses of starters Gibril Wilson, Kawika Mitchell and Reggie Torbor.

Of course, that's where the draft comes in. This month's needs become next month's draft picks, and here's what the Giants can expect:

N.Y. Giants

The skinny: They lost three defensive starters and subtract a fourth if Michael Strahan retires. So this is a Super Bowl champion with holes that free agents couldn't fill. The Giants signed only one from another club, veteran safety Sammy Knight, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. They followed the same script a year ago, and look where it got them.

Primary need: Offensive tackle. Dave Diehl did a nice job at left tackle a year ago, but let's be honest: He's a guard.

Secondary needs: Linebacker, cornerback, a defensive lineman and another wide receiver.

Possible targets: With the last pick of the first round, the Giants might be forced to take the third or fourth player at a position. Tackle Jeff Otah is a possibility, so is someone like Notre Dame defensive tackle Trevor Laws or Auburn's Quentin Groves.

Summary: The Giants should take a shot at a defensive lineman or cornerback early, then go for a tackle in the second round. The position is deep, which means there are plenty to go around. It also means the best value at the 31st spot might be on the defensive side of the ball.

Dallas Cowboys

The skinny: Another year, another disappointment. The Cowboys aren't far from reaching the top, but they had better figure out how to avoid the late-season swoon. If they don't, you can bank on Wade Phillips riding off into the sunset and Jason Garrett taking over. Phillips' job is to get this club to the playoffs again, and that won't happen unless he finds help for an offense that fizzled down the stretch.

Primary need: A wide receiver. Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn are both 34.

Secondary needs: Cornerback, running back and defensive lineman.

Possible targets: The Cowboys have two first-round picks, so you're looking at someone like LSU wide receiver Early Doucet, Arkansas running back Felix Jones or Tennessee State cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

Summary: The Cowboys have a franchise quarterback -- at least, they think they do. Now they must provide him more weapons, and their timing is perfect. This draft is deep in wide receivers and running backs. With two first-round draft picks they can find a receiver, a cornerback or a running back to replace Julius Jones.

Philadelphia Eagles

The skinny: If it's a new year, there must be a Donovan McNabb story ripped from the headlines. And there is: He wants two or three playmakers, and the Eagles tried hard to accommodate him. Alas, they fanned on Randy Moss and Larry Fitzgerald. So this is another opportunity to satisfy McNabb except ... except the Eagles love to draft linemen on both sides of the ball.

Primary need: Probably an offensive tackle. William Thomas and Jon Runyan are at or near the ends of their careers.

Secondary need: Pass rusher, safety, running back and wide receiver.

Possible targets: At the 19th spot, the Eagles have a shot at Miami safety Kenny Phillips, Vanderbilt tackle Chris Williams or Pittsburgh's Jeff Otah.

Summary: McNabb is right: The Eagles need more weapons. For the moment, Brian Westbrook is it, though Reggie Brown and Kevin Curtis had their moments last season. Safety Brian Dawkins is 34 and nearing the end, while defensive lineman Darren Howard appears finished. Look for the club to start retooling with the offensive line, then move to defense.

Washington Redskins

The skinny: Despite making the playoffs, the Redskins are the trendy choice for last in this division. Why? Because Joe Gibbs is gone, and no one knows what to make of replacement Jim Zorn. Vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato will make the personnel decisions, with the club looking to help its passing game as well as its offensive and defensive lines.

Primary need: Defensive line, with a tackle the needier position.

Secondary need: Offensive line, wide receiver, cornerback.

Possible targets: The Redskins choose 21st, which isn't good for a team looking for a top defensive tackle. North Carolina's Kentwan Balmer is a possibility, but the Redskins might not budge on him. They'd like a pass rusher like Florida's Derrick Harvey or Clemson's Phillip Merling, but Harvey will be gone. There will be plenty of wide receivers available here, with someone like DeSean Jackson or Early Doucet possible.

Summary: Zorn is a former quarterback, so the club could tilt toward offense. The problem is: He needs to protect young quarterback Jason Campbell with something more than another wide receiver, so I could see Washington looking first for an offensive lineman who can pass block. It makes sense as an investment in Campbell's future.