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Michael Lombardi surveys NFL topics in newspapers from around the country and adds in his own analysis and perspective.
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FROM JENNY VERENTAS OF THE NEWARK STAR-LEDGER ... Update: An NFL executive familiar with the Giants' thinking told our Paul Needell he doesn't expect them to pursue (Anquan) Boldin if he is indeed put on the trading block. Needell is hearing that the Giants and Eagles are among the interested teams. Both teams could use Boldin's powerful style and 1,038 receiving yards from the 2008 season -- the Giants, as they await Plaxico Burress' future, and the Eagles, who always seem to be wideout-needy. Both teams also have three picks each in the first two rounds of the upcoming draft. After the Super Bowl, it was reported Boldin wanted out of Arizona, but he later appeared open to a new deal with the team. He is expected to want a yearly salary closer to the $10 million per season teammate Larry Fitzgerald earns.
It appears to me, based on the work the Giants have done this offseason, they are going to use their draft choices to improve their skill positions on offense. The Giants have focused on defense in the free-agent market, but with the draft looming, it appears they have the ability take the best players available on offense.
Here is a breakdown of key NFC East questions.
DALLAS
1. Who is going to make plays on the ball in the secondary? The Cowboys were one of the worse teams in the NFL in interceptions. They must improve their secondary play.
2. Where is the depth in the offensive line going to come from? Every starter is over 30 years old.
3. Will the Cowboys be able to repair their run defense with the addition of Keith Brooking? They allowed too many big plays in the run game, and some of this was a result of some of the worse safety tackling in the NFL.
4. Who will be the main return man for the 'Boys? Pacman Jones averaged a "whopping" 4.5 yards per punt return. They need to improve their vertical field position.
5. Will they have enough depth at wide receiver? Miles Austin and Patrick Crayton take a larger role in the offense. Who will fill their roles?
GIANTS
1. Who will assume the No. 1 wide receiver role if Plaxico Burress doesn't make it back to the field? Domenik Hixon is much better as the third receiver, not as the one. The Giants were 28th in the NFL in dropped passes.
2. Where is the depth in the offensive line? The Giants have been fortunate to keep their line together and avoid injuries. This is the year to add depth to that area.
3. Do the Giants have enough corners? In the NFL, corners are hard to find and harder to keep because of the cost of re-signing them. The Giants can add depth by finding the right corners.
4. How do they improve the kicking game? The Giants ranked 31st in the NFL in allowing returns on kicks, an indication they need additional speed in depth positions.
