NFC East Preview: Potential rising star for each team

We have finally made it! All NFL teams will have reported to training camp by the end of this week and the countdown to the regular season will ramp up.

Earlier this month, we took a look at who has the advantage position by position in the NFC East. Now, let’s take a look at a potential rising star for each team.

Philadelphia Eagles

Sidney Jones

Sidney Jones was taken in the second round pick of the 2017 draft. He would have been taken in the first round if he had not torn his Achilles. That injury caused him to miss the first 15 games of his rookie season. Reports out of Philly say that Jones has really looked good during the off-season workouts and is expected to take on a full time starting job in 2018.

Dallas Cowboys

Byron Jones

After the Cowboys picked up his fifth year option for 2019, Byron Jones is a guy that needs a huge season in 2018. Things are lining up for just that. They are moving him back to his natural position of corner after playing the last two seasons at safety. They have new secondary coach Kris Richard who has a history of success with corners with the type of length Jones has. Also, if Jones is able to perform well at corner he could set himself up nicely for a decent payday after the 2019 season.

New York Giants

Sterling Shepard

Shepard is entering his third season in the NFL in 2018. Shepard missed five games in 2017 due to injury. He is now fully healthy and the Giants have upgraded the weapons around him. They upgraded at running back, have Odell Beckham Jr. coming back from his injury and upgraded the offensive line this offseason. Those things and the emergence of Evan Engram could spell a lot of one on ones for Shepard.

Washington Redskins

Josh Doctson

Doctson is another receiver in the NFC east entering his third season with a lot to prove. After missing most of his rookie season and only collecting two receptions, Doctson was able to play in all 16 games in 2017 but still left a lot to be desired from those in DC. Doctson will begin the 2018 season as a starting receiver on the depth chart and figures to see his share of targets from new quarterback Alex Smith.