The NFL offseason calendar turns away from the frenzy of free agency to the decisions of Draft Day. The NFL Draft will take place later this week. Between now and then, we’re looking at the needs for the teams from each division from a fantasy football perspective. What does each team need to do to maximize their roster’s fantasy returns? We’re off to the Eastern Seaboard this time (with a layover in Arlington, Texas), as we preview the 2023 NFC East.

2023 Pre-Draft Fantasy Needs Series

• AFC North
• NFC North
• AFC East
• NFC East
• AFC South
• NFC South
• AFC West
• NFC West

Note: All 2022 fantasy point totals and rankings are PPR, unless otherwise noted.

2023 NFC East Draft Needs: Philadelphia Eagles

It’s always an interesting exercise to examine the holes in a Super Bowl-caliber roster. The Philadelphia Eagles were tied for the best record in the regular season in 2022. They had the league’s third-highest point differential. PFF ranked Philly’s offensive line as the top such unit in the game. Their quarterback was an MVP candidate, and the team had six players initially named to the Pro Bowl. The success carried over to the fantasy realm. Jalen Hurts set numerous personal statistical career bests and was QB3 overall. After not scoring a touchdown in 2021, Miles Sanders had a career year and more than doubled his career rushing scores on his way to an RB15 finish. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith finished as WR6 and WR9. Dallas Goedert was the TE5 in fantasy points per game, although he did miss a handful of games. Even the Eagles’ DST finished fourth overall.

Ostensibly, there’s always room to improve, and free agency losses mean there are a couple areas of relative need for Philadelphia. At the least, filling those small holes should allow the Eagles to compete at or near the same level next season.

Eagles’ Bottom Line

This team has been linked to Bijan Robinson with breathless covetousness by numerous fantasy pundits. While I certainly understand the depths of their desire to see that marriage come to fruition (it really is that bad), I just don’t see the position as a big enough need to spend a first round pick on it. Even with the generational talent that Robinson is being touted as, and even with the luxury of two first-round picks. Plus, it’s fantasy. We should know what to expect when we get greedy. Plus, it’s just not a very “Philly” move to make. I’m not really “Philling” it.

I phully expect to be booed iph I’m ever recognized in public in Philadelphia. Phor the poor pun, as much as the analysis.

No, I’d say we’re much more likely to see the team address its offensive line, specifically on the right side. Starting guard Isaac Seumalo was lost in free agency. As of right now, 2022 second rounder Cam Jurgens is listed atop the depth chart, but it wouldn’t be a shock to see a guard taken at some point. Also, tackle Lane Johnson was lights out last season, but flirted with turning out the lights on his career over the offseason. The Eagles could take his successor, even possibly bumping that person to guard for the likely next two seasons until Johnson really does hang up his cleats.

Fantasy-wise, it’d also be really cool to see this team nail down the slot receiver position. Quez Watkins has everything you’d like at the position except a track record of performance. An effective, explosive slot could make this offense nigh-unstoppable as opposed to merely nightmare-inducing. Could we see a Jordan Addison or a Josh Downs pick in the first round? The thought of a third threatening wideout to go along with Dallas Goedert just as Jalen Hurts seems to be rounding into form as a pro passer is enough to make this fantasy analyst swoon almost as hard as my peers do for Bijan.

Eagles’ 2023 Draft Picks

• Round 1, picks 10 & 31
• Round 2, pick 31
• Round 3, pick 31
• Round 7, picks 2 & 31

2023 NFC East Draft Needs: Dallas Cowboys

A hard-fought loss to the 49ers ended the Cowboys’ 2022 season before they were ready. The loss was costly, as running back Tony Pollard suffered a high ankle sprain and fractured fibula in the contest. Pollard had career highs in just about every offensive statistical category in 2022, thrilling fantasy managers everywhere. Then, the club franchised tagged Pollard and released franchise icon (and Jerry Jones-favorite) Ezekiel Elliott. Pollard’s recovery will be a big factor for a Cowboys offense in transition and for fantasy offenses counting on even bigger things after Pollard’s RB8 breakout season. And establishing depth at the position should be a priority.

Speaking of transition, the ‘Boys are also looking for a new starter at tight end after Dalton Schultz will be moving down the I-45 to make his own way in Houston. It’s a deep tight end draft, as we’ve noted before in this series. So, it’s natural people have put two and two together to come up with four.

Cowboys’ Bottom Line

I honestly disagree with the notion that Dallas needs to draft a tight end. Dallas has already taken steps to mitigate the damage from a Schultz departure when they drafted Jake Ferguson in the fourth round in 2022 and signed UDFA Peyton Hendershot. Both acquitted themselves well when opportunities presented themselves. I’m a little biased as a Badger fan and multiple Ferguson Dynasty manager, but I’d like to see the Wisconsin product get a shot at being the starter this season. I’ll acknowledge the need for depth, but don’t see it as imperative they get a starter-level add through the draft. If I had to put money on it, I’d say they make a tight end selection. I just don’t think it’s as high a need as other positions.

The Cowboys brought in Brandin Cooks in the offseason, bumping Michael Gallup to number three on their wide receiver depth chart. Jalen Tolbert, consequently, is bumped even farther down. Wide receiver could be a position where the Cowboys look to add depth as well. While I wouldn’t disagree with that philosophy, I don’t see them making a big enough move in the draft to make an impactful fantasy add, at least not for 2023.

The intriguing add- and one I happen to agree with- would be to replace Zeke with Bijan Robinson. There’s been a lot of talk about the Cowboys’ infatuation with the in-state collegiate prospect. But the Cowboys don’t pick until 27 overall (26th actual pick- thank you, Miami!) Even with the devaluation of the running back position in recent draft dogma, that may be too low to expect a player of Robinson’s caliber to fall. Ol’ Jerrah may have to tell Stephen to move on up there if he wants to take that Longhorn. Bijan to Dallas probably caps both his and Pollard’s individual fantasy productions, but either would skyrocket to overall RB1 capability in the event the other were forced to miss any time. This would be a fun landing spot for Robinson.

Cowboys’ Draft Picks

• Round 1, pick 27
• Round 2, pick 27
• Round 3, pick 27
• Round 4, pick 27
• Round 5, pick 35
• Round 6, pick 35
• Round 7, pick 27

2023 NFC East Draft Needs: New York Giants

The Giants didn’t always make it pretty in 2022, but can’t necessarily argue with the results. Brian Daboll appears to have started something in New York. Quarterback Daniel Jones showed just enough improvement to his efficiency metrics to convince the Giants to sign him to a lucrative extension. That’s great news for fantasy, as Jones’s rushing ability already makes him a top-10 option. If he’s figuring it out on the throwing side of things… look out. New York placed the franchise tag on running back Saquon Barkley, who had his healthiest and most productive season since his remarkable rookie year. Fantasy managers who gambled on Barkley in the second round (on average) were rewarded handsomely for their faith.

But the Giants were still only the third place team in their own division. The two teams they trail both ranked in the top-three in scoring in the league last season. And while the Eagles are the defending NFC champions, Dallas won a road playoff game and nearly won a second.

Giants’ Bottom Line

The Giants didn’t waste time getting on top of roster building this offseason. In addition to the afore-mentioned Jones and Barkley moves, the team traded for tight end Darren Waller. 2022 draftee Daniel Bellinger looked like a solid player at the position, but a healthy Waller offers a weapon at tight end that few teams can match and perhaps fewer can match up against. They also brought in Parris Campbell and Jamison Crowder to stock their wide receiver room.

Unfortunately, those two signings at receiver did little to elevate the overall talent at the position. The Giants had one of the sorriest wide receiver corps in the league last season. Injuries, attitudes, and failure to deliver on talent can’t continue to be the hallmarks of this group. What doesn’t bode well for the Giants, is that they are already severely overstocked with slot receiver types. A large portion of the talent in this wide receiver class seems to be concentrated in slot types. New York has more picks than any other NFC East team. Can they find a playmaking wide receiver who fills a role they don’t already have covered? If so, I’m even farther in on Jones as a QB1 in 2023.

I also need to see this team invest along the offensive line. You’ve got Saquon Barkley. Block for him, please? Even a little bit? The 30th-ranked offensive line is not fair to the talent this team has in the backfield. With all the money they’re pouring into that backfield, they’ll have to rely on the draft for line upgrades, as any impact free agents are going to cost too much for the burgeoning Giant payroll.

Giants’ Draft Picks

• Round 1, pick 26
• Round 2, pick 26
• Round 3, pick 26
• Round 4, pick 26
• Round 5, picks 26 & 38
• Round 6, pick 32
• Round 7, picks 23, 26, & 37

2023 NFC East Draft Needs: Washington Commanders

Finally, an East team with multiple holes to fill!

I kid, I kid, Commanders fans. I mean, I’m not wrong; your team has multiple holes to fill. They are so NOT on the same talent level as the top teams in their division. Mostly at the top of the franchise (although change is a-coming, hopefully), but unfortunately also at the most important position on the field. OK, enough rubbing it in. Deepest apologies.

The Commanders let both Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke leave this offseason. They appear to be set to move forward with a quarterback competition between professional bridge quarterback Jacoby Brissett and 2022 fifth round pick Sam Howell. With a talented young receiver group and a capable running back duo of two-down back Brian Robinson and three-down-capable back Antonio Gibson, finding an answer at quarterback is just one of the holes this team needs to fill in an important year for the coaching staff and front office.

Commanders’ Bottom Line

At 16, Washington doesn’t pick high enough to really jump in on the top quarterback prospects this year. Someone like a Hendon Hooker might still be around at that point, but he’s over two years older than Howell. I’m not sure they could solve their quarterback question in the draft this year. Best case scenario for fantasy managers is that Howell looks like a viable starting quarterback who can establish connections and grow along with the young talent around him. Just like last season in Cleveland, Brissett won’t scuttle anyone’s fantasy value, but he won’t necessarily boost it, either.

The best way to help Howell grow would be to invest up front. Build a strong line that will not only protect Howell in pass-pro, but further insulate him by allowing Washington to establish a reliable run game. But another big boost to Howell would be to improve at tight end. Logan Thomas can make plays when healthy. But he struggled in that area last season. New offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is coming from Kansas City, where they know a little something about exciting tight end play. I would like to see Washington take advantage of the depth of the tight end class and take an athletic, play-making type. Someone like Luke Musgrave could really help as an outlet for Howell, but also to ensure safeties can’t just ignore the threat of the tight end to double up on Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson.

Commanders’ Draft Picks

• Round 1, pick 16
• Round 2, pick 16
• Round 3, pick 34
• Round 4, pick 16
• Round 5, pick 16
• Round 6, picks 16 & 38
• Round 7, pick 16

It’s Always Fantasy Season

There is no offseason in fantasy! Draft previews, free agency analysis, and Dynasty strategy are just some of what you’ll find when you check Belly Up Fantasy Sports for more fantasy football analysis and entertaining insight. With the MLB season in full-swing, there’s a ton of fantasy baseball content, too. As always, more great NFL coverage is available on the main Belly Up site, as well as fun, informative content on the Belly Up Podcast Network. Got something to say? Leave a comment below, follow me on Twitter @SttChaseFFB, and catch me on the Belly Up Fantasy Live podcast each week.