NFC East Notes: Cowboys, Eagles, Giants

Cowboys

• The Dallas Morning News’ John Owning identifies three sophomore breakout candidates for the Cowboys, including G Connor Williams, DE Dorance Armstrong and WR Michael Gallup.

Eagles

The Eagles have been impressed with how new running back additions Miles Sanders and Jordan Howard have integrated into their offense so far during the spring. The Eagles drafted Sanders in the second round and traded for Howard from the Bears. 

“I think that you talk to those guys, they’ll all tell you that . . . to get better, which you want those guys to think that way, be humble, especially when it comes to catching the ball and understand where to be,” Eagles RB coach Duce Staley said via PennLive.com’s Daniel Gallen. “That’s one of my things as far as route running. You’ve got to understand the offense, and you’ve got to understand the progression of the offense, which is very important. And for those two guys to come in and kind of learn that rather quickly, I’m very pleased.”

Giants

• The Athletic’s Dan Duggan writes it would be surprising if Giants first-round QB Daniel Jones doesn’t start at some point in 2019, the biggest question is just when that start will be. 
• Duggan expects first-round DT Dexter Lawrence to play a huge role in the rotation with about 60 percent of the snaps. Duggan says Lawrence won’t be limited to nose tackle and will line up all across the defensive line. 
• Per Duggan, third-round LB Oshane Ximines figures to play about 20 percent of the snaps as a situational pass rusher. 
• Duggan says first-round CB DeAndre Baker has moved into the lead for the No. 2 cornerback position. 
• Fourth-round CB Julian Love will compete with CB Grant Haley for the nickel corner job, according to Duggan. 
• Duggan mentions fifth-round LB Ryan Connelly was praised for his football I.Q. during minicamp, but likely will play primarily special teams in his rookie season along with sixth-round CB Corey Ballentine. 
• The Giants likely will let fifth-round WR Darius Slayton develop rather than press him into a role as the No. 3 wide receiver. 
• Seventh-round OL George Asafo-Adjei and DL Chris Slayton likely would be inactive during the season if they make the final roster and are candidates for the practice squad. 
• Out of the 13 undrafted free agents, Duggan notes TE C.J. Conrad has the best chance to make the final roster.