BOYKIN IS THE NFL’S BEST NICKEL CORNER

We have entered the NFL twilight zone. The draft and first OTA’s are over, and everyone is focused on the beginning of training camp, which for the Eagles is DATE TK .

So, we thanks USA Today’s Brent Sobleski for this list of the NFC East’s most underrated players:

Eagles: Brandon Boykin, CB
Boykin technically isn’t a starter, but he’s quickly developed into the NFL’s best nickel corner. No single cornerback graded higher in coverage last year, according to ProFootballFocus.com. Boykin tied for second in the NFL with six interceptions during his second season. And he contributes as a kick returner.

Dallas Cowboys: Doug Free, OT
The Cowboys have invested heavily in the left side of their offensive line the past three years. Free, meanwhile, found a home at right tackle, even though it always seems like he’s on the verge of being replaced. He’s started every game the past four years, while putting together a really strong season in 2013.

New York Giants: Will Hill, S

While the Giants struggled at nearly every level last season, the team’s pass defense ranked 10th overall. Part of the reason for the team’s play in the secondary was Hill’s permanent insertion into the starting lineup for the final eight weeks of the season. Hill steps in against the run well and proved to be the perfect complement to Antrel Rolle.

Washington Redskins: Barry Cofield, NT
For the past three years, Cofield has started every game for the Redskins and sets the tone up front as the team’s nose tackle. Cofield isn’t a traditional nose tackle, though. He excels when asked to shoot gaps and provide pressure from the interior instead of taking on double-teams.