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NFC East Q&A: Who is the rising star in the division?

When it comes to the rising star in the division, our NFC East reporters are divided.

Todd Archer, Dallas Cowboys reporter: It has to be Dak Prescott. He was named the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year last season, when he seamlessly took over for Tony Romo and led the Cowboys to a 13-3 record. He had 23 touchdown passes and just four interceptions. He ran for six scores. The Cowboys needed to go through a long list of quarterbacks after Troy Aikman’s retirement before finding Romo. In almost every way, they got lucky with Romo. In almost every way, they have gotten lucky again with Prescott, a fourth-round pick. There are high expectations on Prescott, who has shown this offseason he is willing to take on more leadership and more offensively. The quarterback of America’s Team always will get a ton of attention. When he is a second-year quarterback with a strong resume already, it makes sense that he is the rising star.

Jordan Raanan, New York Giants reporter: Redskins WR Jamison Crowder. He had more than 800 yards receiving last season with DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon on the roster. He did that as the fourth target behind tight end Jordan Reed, Jackson and Garcon. With Jackson and Garcon finding new homes in free agency, Crowder will really bust out this year. He just turned 24 and should receive more opportunity in a pass-friendly offense as one of its top targets. Crowder already was the most dangerous player on the field last season when I watched the Giants play the Redskins. Whether it was on screens, punt returns or downfield passes, he always was making plays. He’s dangerous every time he touches the ball. Crowder had 847 yards receiving and eight touchdowns last year. Expect that to be more than 1,000 yards receiving and double-digit touchdowns this season.

Tim McManus, Philadelphia Eagles reporter: Eagles QB Carson Wentz. The second-year signal-caller out of North Dakota State experienced a drop-off down the stretch last season following a red-hot start and ended the season ranked 25th in quarterback rating (79.3) and 29th in yards per attempt (6.23). On the flip side, he had a bit of a historic rookie year, setting a record for pass completions (379) while finishing fourth in all-time rookie passing yards (3,782) and fifth in completion percentage (62.44), per ESPN Stats & Information. The Eagles’ coaching staff and front office believe they have a gem in Wentz, who has established himself as one of the team’s top leaders in short order. Armed with better offensive weapons this season, Wentz should take a big step forward while capturing more of the national spotlight.

John Keim, Washington Redskins reporter: Prescott. He’s probably an easy name to say after last season and even though I think running back Ezekiel Elliott is the player more feared because of the trickle-down impact, Prescott is the quarterback of the Cowboys. That alone makes him a potential star. It’s not just that Prescott threw for 23 touchdowns and only four interceptions. Rather, it was how he went about his business in doing so. He was difficult to stop in key situations -- eighth in the NFL in third-down passer rating; 12th in red zone passer rating. Prescott’s ability to move in the pocket was critical, but he does so while staying poised -- and while keeping his eyes downfield. For a QB who can run, he did so only 57 times.