NFL: Intriguing Players to Watch in the NFC East
With the start of the NFL season just around the corner. We are going to highlight a player from every franchise that intrigues us. That can be a rookie asked to start, a player set to breakout or a league star who’s just fun to watch.
Next up the NFC East…
Dallas Cowboys - Tyler Guyton, OT
Did time stand still for Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys? They went back to Zeke Elliott at running back, they are stuck in limbo with Dak Prescott, and any grand redesign of this roster went seemingly by the wayside. Somebody did nudge the old guy into action to re-sign CeeDee Lamb, but outside of him, where’s the electricity on this offense? One player with a hefty weight on his shoulders is first-round pick Tyler Guyton. He replaces the legend of Tyron Smith at left tackle, and that’s a huge responsibility for a rookie. Can he hold up enough for Dak, CeeDee and Zeke to relive the good old days?
New York Giants - Malik Nabers, WR
This Giants team looks severely underpowered outside of a decently loaded defensive front. That’s why one of the few intriguing guys to watch on the team is someone who has yet to take a regular-season snap for the boys in blue. Malik Nabers is an electric playmaker, something he showed off at college level, teaming up with Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. Now, with the Giants, he almost takes a downgrade by pairing with Daniel Jones. There isn’t much to get excited for when it comes to the Giants but Nabers’ rookie season could be a lone bright spot.
Philadelphia Eagles - Saquon Barkley, RB
The NFC East became slightly incestuous this offseason, with each team seemingly raiding one another’s roster. Of course, playing each other twice a year gives rivals an extended look at personnel, and that has to figure into why these four have been traipsing through one another’s rubbish. That’s not the case with Saquon Barkley, though. Like an ageing sports car, the Giants felt the upkeep costs were getting out of hand. Over in Philly, they thought they deserved a treat and upgraded to a more high-powered model, even if the mileage was racking up. Car analogy aside, Barkley will be desperate to prove doubters in New York wrong.
Washington Commanders - Brian Robinson Jr., RB
As far as stumbling blocks go, getting shot in your rookie year is a pretty substantial one, which makes Brian Robinson Jr’s comeback even more astounding. In a fairly turgid display from the Commanders’ offense, Robinson led the team in rushing yards (733). The unit has been upgraded. Jayden Daniels is an explosive athlete at QB, and Austin Ekeler comes from LA. However, if you watched Ekeler in 2023, you’ll know his career is on a downward trajectory. That’s why I’m more than comfortable believing Robinson, paired with Daniels, can be even more effective than last season.
Rory-Joe Daniels
NFL & Cfb contributor
AS A LONG-SUFFERING CINCINNATI BENGALS FAN, RORY HAS FOLLOWED THE NFL FOR OVER 20 YEARS. HIS PASSION FOR THE DRAFT LED HIM TO GET ENTANGLED WITH COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND HE HAS BEEN WRITING ABOUT PROSPECTS AND THE CFB LANDSCAPE EVER SINCE.