Pick

Secondary: wide receiver, guard, linebacker, cornerback, kicker.

Secondary: backup quarterback, fullback, center, guard, linebacker, kicker.

The Cards’ only significant offseason move was signing guard Pete Kendall from Seattle. Their number-one priority has to be rebuilding their once-promising defensive line, which has been ravaged by defections and injuries. They could go with local product Justin Smith, but he lacks ideal size for the pro game. Size is not a concern for the 325-pound Warren, who would immediately upgrade the club’s woeful run defense.

Secondary: wide receiver, offensive linemen, cornerback, safety.

RB Deuce McAllister, Mississippi

Many feel that the Browns will take WR David Terrell at this spot, but the team already has promising young wideouts in Kevin Johnson, Dennis Northcutt, and JaJuan Dawson and a new tight end in Rickey Dudley. With the offensive line and linebacking corps addressed with the free-agent signings of OT Ross Verba and OLB Dwayne Rudd, the team will look at defensive tackle or running back. If Warren is available, I think that the Browns will grab him. Otherwise, look for them to take McAllister. However, if the club has plans to sign restricted free agent RB Corey Dillon, which does not appear to be the case, or thinks that it can get a solid RB in round two, they could go with Terrell.

Secondary: tight end, guard, cornerback, safety.

5(5)

Secondary: quarterback, outside linebacker, safety, kicker.

DE Justin Smith, Missouri

The Falcons have three major needs (OT, WR, and DE), and Davis, Terrell, and Smith are the players that would best fill those respective voids. In this scenario, the choice would come down to Smith and Terrell, and they will likely pass on the wideout, thinking that they can get a quality receiver later in the draft.

6(6)

Secondary: running back, wide receiver, tight end, defensive end, cornerback.

The Pats have moderately addressed needs at OG, WR, DE, and CB by signing a number of low-priced and not-so-coveted free agents. They will have to decide between filling their biggest voids, OT or DT, or taking a more highly rated player at a position that does not require as much attention. In this scenario, the choice is between Terrell, Walker, and DT Richard Seymour.

7(7)

Seattle from Dallas

Secondary: backup quarterback, tight end, guard, defensive end, cornerback.

The Seahawks have solidified the middle of their defense by signing free agent linemen John Randle, Chad Eaton, and Jeremy Staat, and linebacker Levon Kirkland. They also think that they have solved their quarterback woes by trading with Green Bay for Matt Hasselbeck. This leaves the club with one major void -- wide receiver. Coach Mike Holmgren would gladly have either Terrell, Koren Robinson, or Rod Gardner.

8(8)

Secondary: running back, fullback, wide receiver, guard, tackle, defensive end.

Like the Seahawks, the Bears retooled their defensive line by signing massive tackles Ted Washington and Keith Traylor. With this area addressed, they can focus on improving at cornerback and tight end, but it is unlikely that they would take Nate Clements or Todd Heap this early in the first round. Instead, they will probably address a lesser need with a higher valued prospect.

9(9)

Secondary: guard, offensive tackle, tight end, linebacker, cornerback.

Strapped by the salary cap, the 49ers were unable to re-sign RB Charlie Garner, leaving them with a big void at tailback. Their other pressing need is at defensive end. With Tomlinson, and McAllister likely to be gone at this point, Carter would be an easy choice.

10(10)

Green Bay from Seattle

Secondary: backup quarterback, wide receiver, guard, linebacker, cornerback.

The Packers spent most of their offseason energy and money re-signing their own players, so they basically have the same squad that they ended the season with. More than anything, they need one or two impact defensive linemen, but it is likely that Robinson is too good to pass over at this spot. However, the club does have three third-round picks, and general manager Ron Wolf did find Robert Brooks and Antonio Freeman in that round in past drafts, so DT Richard Seymour could go in this slot.

11(11)

Secondary: quarterback, running back, guard, defensive linemen.

By adding offensive linemen Todd Steussie, Jeff Mitchell, and Kevin Donnalley through free agency, the team has filled its biggest holes. However, by releasing QB Steve Beuerlein, they are gambling that unproven Jeff Lewis can lead the team. Many are projecting that the Panthers will use this pick on a running back to replace the often-injured Tim Biakabutuka, but it is doubtful that they will draft a back at this spot if Tomlinson and McAllister are off the board. They will likely take the best player available at one of a handful of positions, and in this scenario, that would be Morgan, who has the ability to play both inside and outside linebacker.

12(12)

Secondary: guard, wide receiver, defensive tackle, cornerback.

A crazy offseason has left the Chiefs without a starting quarterback, and Beuerlein and Trent Dilfer are the only remaining viable free agents. The often-discussed Trent Green trade could still go through with the Rams, and if it does, the Chiefs will have to sacrifice this pick. The club also has its annual problem at running back, though it might be a reach for them to take Michael Bennett or Lamont Jordan at this slot. It would also be a little early to take QB Drew Brees, so they will likely make a value pick for players such as Seymour, WR Rod Gardner, or OG Steve Hutchinson.

13(13)

Secondary: backup quarterback, fullback, defensive end, outside linebacker, cornerback, safety.

The club spent most of the offseason trimming down their roster to get under the salary cap, but a solid core of players remains. The Jags would be ecstatic if Kenyatta Walker falls this far because tackle is their primary need. If he is not available, Hutchinson, who played guard at Michigan but could be moved to tackle, would be another good option.

14(14)

Secondary:  backup quarterback, defensive end, cornerback, and safety.

Strapped by the salary cap, the Bills have jettisoned players such as DT Ted Washington and QB Doug Flutie and have lost DE Marcellus Wiley to free agency. At the same time, they have not been able to bring in any significant new players. To stop the bleeding, they need to hit a homerun with their top pick. Their primary needs are at the tackle spots on both sides of the line and at center. The selection will likely come down to OT Jeff Backus or Stroud.

15(15)

Secondary: backup QB, defensive linemen, cornerback.

The Redskins have gone from Super Bowl contenders to also-rans rather quickly. This offseason, their roster had to be stripped because of salary cap problems, and in the process, they released both of their starting guards. They are also left with just two wide receivers who have caught an NFL pass, so unlike other teams, they cannot afford to pass on a wideout in the first round.

16(16)

Secondary: quarterback, wide receiver, center, cornerback, safety.

The Steelers solved some of their issues via free agency, signing guard Jeff Hartings, who will be used at center in place of the departed Demontti Dawson, and free safety Mike Logan. Their remaining significant voids are at defensive end and inside linebacker, where Kevin Henry and Levon Kirkland must be replaced, respectively. No ILB left on the board would be worthy of a first-round selection, while Jamal Reynolds would be the best DE available. Reynolds is too small to play at end in a 3-4 defense, so the Steelers will opt for the 295-pounder from Miami, a tackle who can be converted to the position.

17(17)

Seattle from Green Bay

Secondary: backup quarterback, tight end, wide receiver, guard, defensive end, cornerback.

Having secured a wideout with their first pick, the S’hawks will go with Heap, Reynolds, or a cornerback. Considering how valuable a solid tight end can be in a West Coast offense and taking into account that Heap is way ahead of the other TE prospects, I do not think that it is a reach to say that he will go this early.

18(18)

Secondary: backup running back, fullback, tight end, defensive end, linebacker, safety.

It seems like the Lions are looking for offensive line help every draft, and this year will be no different, thanks to the defections of C Mike Compton and G Jeff Hartings. A solid offensive line would help keep the often-injured Charlie Batch in the lineup, but the team will be looking for another quarterback anyway. Another concern is cornerback Bryant Westbrook’s ruptured Achilles' tendon -- he isn't even expected to be jogging until early May. Veteran Todd Lyght was recently signed for insurance, so cornerback will not likely be a top priority. If they pick for need, they should go with Brees. If they want value, Reynolds would be their best option.

19(19)

Secondary: backup running back, wide receiver, tackle, defensive end, safety, kicker.

The Jets’ only significant offseason move so far has been signing wideout Matthew Hatchette, which likely rules out taking a WR in the first round. They do need help along the defensive line, and Reynolds would be a great value at this spot. However, with end Shaun Ellis and linebacker John Abraham currently projected to start at tackle and end, respectively, they need a player with more size. The 330-pound Rogers would fit that bill.

20(20)

Secondary: tight end, offensive linemen, safety.

The signings of free agents S Kim Herring and LB Mark Fields are good starting points, but the Rams still have much work to be done on defense. The line needs to be rebuilt almost from scratch, speed is needed at outside linebacker, and size is desired at cornerback. Once again, Reynolds is the best defensive player available, but the Rams’ unit is already undersized.

21(21)

Secondary: wide receiver, tight end, guard, safety.

Signing free agent QB Brad Johnson may be viewed as the last piece to the Bucs’ Super-Bowl puzzle, but in order to have everything come together, they must improve their offensive line. They will be thrilled if Backus falls this far because he is the last top-of-the-line prospect available at tackle.

22(22)

Secondary: backup quarterback, backup running back, wide receiver, defensive end, linebacker.

Defense will be the priority for the Colts, who have made no major free-agent moves this offseason. Defensive end Shawn King, who was suspended for all of last season, has been reinstated, and second-year middle linebacker Rob Morris should be ready to contribute after missing the majority of last year with an injury. Even so, the club has no free safety on the roster, a run-stuffing defensive tackle would be welcome addition, and a cornerback to replace the released Tyrone Poole is needed. With the top five DTs already off the board, the choice will come down to a corner or safety, and the club appears to be very high on the fast-rising Middlebrooks.

23(23)

Secondary: running back, fullback, wide receiver, tight end, offensive tackle, defensive tackle, linebacker, defensive back, kicker.

The Saints addressed their two primary needs during free agency with the signings of wide receiver Albert Connell and free safety Jay Bellamy, leaving the team with no glaring weaknesses. Depth could be used at every position except quarterback, but the club is in a position to draft the best player available. The Saints are very high on Moss, and envision him playing in the slot and perfectly complementing Connell and Joe Horn on the outside. Other possibilities would include Reynolds, CB Fred Smoot, and WRs Chad Johnson and Freddie Mitchell.

24(24)

Secondary: fullback, wide receiver, tight end, linebacker, cornerback.

Unlike many playoff teams, the Broncos did not have to purge their roster to get under the salary cap. In fact, they were able to sign key free agents to fill major voids. Cornerback Denard Walker and tackles Chester McGlockton and Leon Lett significantly upgraded the Denver defense, and Eddie Kennison and Todd Fordham give the team a viable No. 3 receiver and offensive tackle, respectively. This leaves them with only one significant concern -- defensive end. The club will be very pleased if Reynolds slips this far, and he should be a good fit for the Broncos’ system.

25(25)

Secondary: defensive end, outside linebacker, cornerback.

The Eagles signed a couple of free agents -- WR James Thrash and DE Ndukwe Kalu -- to address some need positions, but more help would be welcomed at those spots, and the team should upgrade at center. Also, running back Duce Staley appears to be recovering nicely from the foot injury that cut short his 2000 season, but the club will draft a prospect for insurance. Johnson would be a very good value at this spot, and of all the remaining top wideouts, he is the best suited for a West Coast offense.

26(26)

Secondary: defensive tackle.

For a division-winning club, the Dolphins find themselves with a relatively large number of pressing needs. Ho-hum was their offseason, as they signed a few modest free agents. Out with Damon Huard, in with Ray Lucas, so quarterback is still a major need. James McKnight was signed, and Tony Martin was released, so wide receiver remains a position badly in need of upgrading. The team will also be looking to replace three former starters who remain free agents -- LT Richmond Webb, FS Brock Marion, and OLB Robert Jones. With Brees already off the board, I could see them taking either Mitchell, fellow wideout Chris Chambers, safety Derrick Gibson or OLB Tommy Polley.

27(27)

Secondary: backup quarterback, guard.

The Vikings fell apart in the NFC Championship game, and the bleeding has not stopped yet. Stung by the unexpected retirement of running back Robert Smith and a number of free agent defections, the Vikings have many needs, especially on defense. Given their situation, they might as well take the best player available, which would narrow the choice down to corners Fred Smoot and Allen.

28(28)

Secondary: backup quarterback, fullback, tight end, defensive tackle.

The Raiders are another playoff team with a fairly big wish list. They pulled off a big coup by signing RB Charlie Garner last week. Before that, their only significant free agent signing was aging DE Trace Armstrong, while TE Rickey Dudley left for Cleveland, and RB Napoleon Kaufman retired. Overall, the Raiders mostly require depth, but they need at least one new starter at wide receiver, outside linebacker, and safety.

29(29)

St. Louis from Tennessee

Secondary: tight end, offensive linemen, safety.

The Rams will still be looking for defense with their second pick. They need linemen badly, so they will not leave the first round without one, even if it means passing on more talented players at other positions.

30(30)

Secondary: defensive linemen, outside linebacker, safety, kicker.

The defending NFC Champions kept their core intact by re-signing RB Tiki Barber and CB Jason Sehorn, and they added a quality free agent in DE Kenny Holmes. Even with Sehorn, the Giants want to add some speed at corner, and a tight end is needed, with Pete Mitchell not expected to be re-signed. Also, the club needs to find promising backups for aging offensive linemen Lomas Brown and Glenn Parker.

31(31)

Secondary: running back, tight end, wide receiver, defensive end, linebacker, cornerback.

The defending World Champions made a couple of big free agent moves, signing QB Elvis Grbac and OT Leon Searcy. This leaves them few needs, but they could use depth almost everywhere. Their primary defensive concern is at safety, where Rod Woodson remains unsigned and Kim Herring has left for St. Louis. With center Jeff Mitchell signing with Carolina, they also need to shore up the interior of their offensive line.