PICK (OVR)

TEAM

PRIMARY NEEDS

SECONDARY NEEDS

PROJECTED SELECTION

1(1)

Houston

QB, WR, TE, DE, ILB, OLB, and S

RB, C, G, NT, and P

David Carr (QB), Fresno State

Notes:  GM Charley Casserly had his staff in place for over a year with no games to play and this draft as their top priority, so the selection of Carr has been well thought out.  The Texans recently signed veteran Kent Graham to be Carr’s backup, but another viable option is needed.  Other players added to the roster in the last few weeks include RB James Allen, K Kris Brown, and backup CBs Jason Simmons and Jacoby Shepherd.  The team enters the draft with solid starters and depth at two spots – corner and offensive tackle. 

2(2)

Carolina

QB, WR, DE, OLB, and CB

RB, FB, TE, and OT

Julius Peppers (DE), North Carolina

Notes:  Are the Panthers prepared to move forward with Chris Weinke as their starting QB?  Weinke recently had surgery on his right (throwing) shoulder, but he should be healthy by the start of training camp.  Most indications are that the club will pass on QB Joey Harrington and address one of their other pressing needs.  This would narrow their choice to Peppers and CB Quentin Jammer. 

3(3)

Detroit

QB, TE, OLB, and CB

RB, OT, DE, and MLB

Quentin Jammer (CB), Texas

Notes:  The Lions recently solidified three positions by signing underrated safety Corey Harris and re-signing WR Germane Crowell, guards Tony Semple and Kerwin Blaise, and backup safety Lamar Campbell.  After making these moves, Harrington or Jammer would appear to be the way to go, but the club is also interested in Peppers.  It is hard to believe that the Lions would go into the season with Mike McMahon as their starting QB, but it looks like they will gamble that Tulane’s Patrick Ramsey will be around for their next selection. 

4(4)

Buffalo

QB, DT, and S

C, G, DE, and OLB

Albert Haynesworth (DT), Tennessee

Notes:  The Bills are another team in need of a quarterback, but they do not appear to have much interest in Harrington.  Instead, they have been trying to work out a deal with the Pats for Drew Bledsoe.  The addition of Denver OT Trey Teague likely eliminates Bryant McKinnie or Mike Williams as possible options, too.  Peppers, safety Roy Williams, or one of the top defensive tackle prospects are the alternatives. 

5(5)

San Diego

G, OT, WR, DT, and CB

RB, FB, TE, C, and DE

Bryant McKinnie (OT), Miami, Fla

Notes:  The Chargers have the worst offensive line in football, so there is little doubt that this pick will come down to McKinnie or Williams.  

6(6)

Dallas

QB, TE, DE, and S

RB, WR, C, DT, MLB, and CB

Roy Williams (S), Oklahoma

Notes:  Thanks to the free-agent signings of DT La’Roi Glover, CB Bryant Westbrook, and OLB Kevin Hardy, the Cowboys do not have any glaring weaknesses.  Of course, QB could be a major sore spot, but the club seems to be pleased with Quincy Carter’s progress and will likely give him at least one more year to prove himself.  Safety Roy Williams would appear to be the most logical choice, but after signing three key defensive players, the team may opt for WR Donte Stallworth.  Mike Williams and Haynesworth are other possibilities. 

7(7)

Minnesota

OT, WR, OLB, CB, and S

MLB, P, and K

Mike Williams (OT), Texas

Notes:  The Vikes recently made several significant additions, signing defensive end Lorenzo Bromell and cornerback Corey Chavous and claiming wide receiver D'Wayne Bates off waivers from Chicago.  Corner and wideout, along with outside linebacker and safety, remain weak spots, but left tackle should be the team’s biggest concern.       

8(8)

Kansas City

G, DT, and OLB

QB, FB, WR, C, OT, CB, and S

Ryan Sims (DT), North Carolina

Notes:  Trading for former All-Pro OT Willie Roaf and signing WR Johnnie Morton and K Morten Anderson are the latest moves made by the club.  The Chiefs have told WR Derrick Alexander that they will release him in June, so wideout is still somewhat of a concern, and a quality backup is needed behind the aging Roaf.  Bigger needs exist at guard, defensive tackle and outside linebacker, but the team appears to have a lot of interest in Stallworth and Harrington. 

9(9)

Jacksonville

C/G, DE, DT, and OLB

QB, RB, FB, WR, OT, MLB, CB, and K

Wendell Bryant (DT), Wisconsin

Notes:  After losing six starters (5 on defense) to other teams, the Jags have made a number of late offseason additions, including WRs Patrick Johnson and Bobby Shaw, G Chris Naeole, DT Tim Morabito, and DE Stalin Colinet, but it is doubtful that any of these free agents have Jacksonville fans jumping for joy.  Shaw or Johnson will start for Keenan McCardell, who will be released in June, while Naeole joins a suspect offensive line that has absolutely no depth.  Of the team’s primary needs, only the remaining prospects at DT would warrant the ninth overall selection.    

10(10)

Cincinnati

QB, TE, and CB

G, OT, DE, DT, S, and K

Joey Harrington (QB), Oregon

Notes:  The Bengals would be ecstatic if Harrington fell this far, but there is a good chance that he will not be available.  CB Jeff Burris is the only significant free agent that the Bengals added this offseason, and he has not eliminated the team’s need for a big-time corner.  Phillip Buchanon, who can fill that role, would be their second choice. 

11(11)

Indianapolis

G, DT, DE, and CB

QB, RB, FB, TE, WR, MLB, and S

Phillip Buchanon (CB), Miami, Fla

Notes:  The Colts have lost more than they have gained this offseason, losing both their starting offensive guards and their No. 2 and 3 receivers.  The addition of Qadry Ismail and the expected development of last year’s top pick, Reggie Wayne, should more than offset the loss of Jerome Pathon (Saints) and Terrence Wilkins (Rams), but the guard position and the team’s porous defense are big concerns.  The Colts would prefer Buchanon, but they may have to settle for a lineman. 

12(12)

Arizona

DT, DE, and OLB

QB, RB, FB, WR, C, CB, and S

John Henderson (DT), Tennessee

Notes:  Defense will be the Cards’ top priority.  The club had only 19 sacks last season and would love to find a pass-rushing end or linebacker.  The 12th pick is probably too high, though, to take players such as Dwight Freeney, Kalimba Edwards, and Napoleon Harris.  The Cards will likely settle for a run-stuffing tackle if one of the top four DT prospects are available.  With Corey Chavous signing with Minnesota, cornerback is also a concern.  However, the team has several promising young corners, including David Barrett and Mike Stone, so using a high pick on a CB is not likely.  Also, the departure of Michael Pittman via free agency means that the team is likely to draft a running back.  Former number-one pick Thomas Jones is now the starter, and is backed up by undrafted second-year pro Marcel Shipp.

13(13)

New Orleans

DE

QB, RB, C, OT, WR, and CB

Donte Stallworth (WR), Tennessee

Notes:  The Saints have been a very busy team over the last three weeks, adding six free agents.  The newcomers include five projected starters – DT Grady Jackson, WR Jerome Pathon, TE David Sloan, OT Victor Riley, and G Spencer Folau.  These players respectfully offset the loss of La’Roi Glover, Willie Jackson, Cam Cleeland, Willie Roaf and Chris Naeole, but Pro Bowl DE Joe Johnson (Packers) has not been replaced.  Also, the team needs solid backups behind RB Deuce McAllister and the often-injured Pathon.  At this spot, they will likely pass on a DE, and take the best player available or trade down. 

14(14)

Tennessee

C, G, DT, and OLB

QB, RB, WR, OT, CB, and S

Ashley Lelie (WR), Hawaii

Notes:  The Titans have managed to sign just two notable free agents – free safety Lance Schulters and fullback Greg Comella.  The team still needs new starters at strong safety, defensive tackle, outside linebacker, center, and guard.  If the top four prospects are gone at DT, the club could go in a number of directions, including trading down.    They could fill a need by taking G Toniu Fonoti, or they could make a value pick – Lelie. 

15(15)

NY Giants

G, OT, TE, and S

FB, WR, C, DT, DE, MLB, OLB, and K

Levi Jones (OT), Arizona State

Notes:  The offseason losses continue to mount for the Giants, though they did manage to re-sign safety Shaun Williams.  Pro Bowl guard Ron Stone, backup WR Joe Jurevicius, and K Morten Andersen have all recently signed with other teams.  Stone is the third starting offensive lineman to leave the team this year, and the loss of Jurevicius could have more impact than expected because the club will be forced to rely more heavily on the often-injured, always-disgruntled Ike Hilliard.  The Giants should go with an offensive lineman at this spot, but they could surprise and take TE Jeremey Shockey. 

16(16)

Cleveland

RB and G

FB, C, OT, DT, OLB, and S

T.J. Duckett (RB), Michigan State

Notes:  After opening the offseason with a roaring start, the Browns made a few more significant moves over the last several weeks, including signing MLB Earl Holmes and re-signing DT Mark Smith.  These moves leave the team with two major concerns – guard and running back.  Duckett, Fonoti, and William Green are all possibilities.     

17(17)

Atlanta

WR, DE, MLB, and S

QB, G, OT, and DT

Jabar Gaffney (WR), Florida

Notes:  By far, the Falcons biggest need is at wide receiver, and they hope either Stallworth or Lelie falls to this spot.  They also need some defensive personnel to make their new 3-4 defense work, primarily a big end and an inside backer.  It’s very possible that none of the top available players will match their immediate needs, so safety would be another option. 

18(18)

Washington

QB, G, WR, and DE/DT

RB, TE, C, MLB, and S

Toniu Fonoti (G), Nebraska

Notes:  Whether the Redskins will admit it or not, they need a quarterback, first and foremost.  Danny Wuerffel is a questionable backup, let alone a starter.  However, unless the team wants to gamble on Patrick Ramsey, they will have to look for a QB in another round.  Other offensive weak spots include guard, tight end, and receiver.  On the defensive side of the ball, DE/DT Renaldo Wynn was recently signed to replace the departed Kenard Lang, but help is still needed at end or tackle (depending on where Wynn plays), middle linebacker, and safety.  This pick will likely come down to Gaffney, Fonoti and S Ed Reed, with Ramsey, WR Josh Reed, and DEs Dwight Freeney and Kalimba Edwards being longer shots. 

19(19)

Denver

 OT and S

WR, FB, G, DT, MLB, and OLB

Edward Reed (S), Miami, Fla

Notes:  So far this offseason, the Broncos have signed four notable free agents – TE Shannon Sharpe, WR Rob Moore, OT Ephraim Salaam, and DT Lional Dalton.  Dalton was the most significant addition because it will allow Pro Bowl DT Trevor Pryce to move to end, filling a major void.  Salaam, a former starter with the Falcons, was brought in to help offset the loss of LT Trey Teague.  The plan is to move RT Matt Lepsis to the left side, while Salaam will compete with three other candidates to start on the right.  However, none of the team’s tackles are first-rate, so drafting an OT has to be a priority.  Another major concern is safety, where Eric Brown has not been re-signed, and there are no qualified backups on the roster to replace him. 

20(20)

Seattle

TE and DE

RB, WR, OT, DT, OLB, and S

Jeremey Shockey (TE), Miami, Fla

Notes:  It is fairly clear that the Seahawks will address one of two positions with their first pick – TE or DE.  Given that the team recently signed DL Brandon Mitchell, who could serve as a starter at end, tight end would appear to be the top priority, and the Seahawks would be glad to get either Shockey or Daniel Graham. 

21(21)

Oakland from Tampa Bay

DT and S

QB, WR, TE, DE, MLB, OLB, and CB

Lito Sheppard (CB), Florida

Notes:  Oakland lost its only high-profile free agent this year when DT Grady Jackson signed with the Saints. That leaves the Raiders without both of their starting tackles from the past two seasons – Jackson and Darrell Russell, who is suspended for violating the league's substance-abuse policy.  Free agent John Parrella, one of the most underrated DTs in the league, will fill one spot, but there is a void next to him.  Other moves made by the team included replacing retired left guard Steve Wisniewski by re-signing Frank Middleton and signing Bill Romanowski, Gerald Dixon, and reportedly Roman Phifer to replace Elijah Alexander (released) and William Thomas (retired) at outside linebacker.  The trio of newcomers at OLB are near the end of their careers, so the Raiders could use some youth at the position.  Also, starting strong safety Johnnie Harris is somewhat suspect, and CB Eric Allen is contemplating retirement.  With none of the first-rate DTs expected to be available, the Raiders are doing what they can to trade up.  If they can’t, this pick will likely come down to Sheppard, Freeney, and OLB Napoleon Harris.               

22(22)

NY Jets

G, DT, CB, and S

QB, FB, WR, OT, TE, DE, and MLB

Anthony Weaver (DT), Notre Dame

Notes:  The Jets are in a tough spot.  Like the Raiders, their top priority is a run-stuffing defensive tackle, but the odds are slim to none that one of the top four prospects will be available.  Thanks to the expansion draft, cornerback is a concern, and the team has yet to replace safety Victor Green.  Also, it is unclear if fourth-year pro J.P. Machado or free agent Dave Szott can adequately replace starting guard Kerry Jenkins, who signed with Tampa Bay.  The need at tackle seems to outweigh the others by such a large margin that the club may have to reach for Anthony Weaver, Eddie Freeman or Larry Tripplett.  A safety would be next on the wish list, but if Reed is gone, the team will likely wait until a later round.     

23(23)

Oakland

DT and S

QB, WR, TE, DE, MLB, and OLB

Dwight Freeney (DE/OLB), Syracuse

Notes:  With no first-round tackles or safeties left on the board, the Raiders will likely take the best player available.  The choice will likely come down to Freeney, Harris, and TE Daniel Graham. 

24(24)

Baltimore from Miami

QB, WR, OT, DT, DE/OLB, CB, and S

RB, FB, G, TE, ILB, and P

Napoleon Harris (OLB), Northwestern

Notes:  The Ravens have lost so many players that the list is too long to print.  On offense, QB Elvis Grbac and WR Qadry Ismail were among those released, and seven starters and the coordinator are gone from a defense that has been the best in the league the past two seasons.  With so many needs, the Ravens would be wise to take the best talent available, and Harris would fit in with the team’s new 3-4 defense.  

25(25)

New Orleans

DE

QB, RB, C, OT, and CB

Kalimba Edwards (DE), South Carolina

Notes:  The Saints should be able to get a quality DE at this spot, but they may be tempted by RB William Green if he is available. 

26(26)

Philadelphia

MLB

RB, WR, C, DT, DE, CB and S

William Green (RB), Boston College

Notes:  The Eagles were positioned to take the best available player at this slot, but after releasing disgruntled Pro-Bowl MLB Jeremiah Trotter, the team’s strategy may change.  The club is hoping that former second-round draft pick Barry Gardner can fill Trotter's role, but at a minimum, a quality backup is needed.  It would be a little too early to take a player like ILB Robert Thomas, and the Eagles, who tried to sign Warrick Dunn (Falcons), will likely not be able to resist if Green is still on the board.  However, coach Andy Reid is not keen on players with questionable character, so the team could opt for a wideout or guard Andre Gurode, who can also play center.               

27(27)

San Francisco

 WR

OT, TE, DT, OLB, CB, S, and K

Antonio Bryant (WR), Pittsburgh

Notes:  The 49ers completed a very successful free-agency period by signing two-time Pro Bowl guard Ron Stone and safety Tony Parrish.  Stone will replace fellow Pro Bowler Ray Brown, who is expected to be released after June 1.  Parrish will take the place of Lance Schulters, who signed with the Titans.  These moves leave the team with no pressing needs.  Wide receiver will likely be the position they look at first.  J.J. Stokes is scheduled to count $3.75 million against the cap this year, and the 49ers may not want to spend that much on the underachieving wideout.  WRs Josh Reed and Antonio Bryant are good possibilities at this spot, while TE Daniel Graham and OT Mike Pearson will also draw consideration. 

28(28)

Green Bay

WR and DT

QB, RB, FB, G, MLB, and S

Josh Reed (WR), LSU

Notes:  The top three positions the Packers will address in the draft are WR, DT, and MLB.  The signing of Pro-Bowl DE Joe Johnson gives the team a potentially dominant line, but instead of moving DE Vonnie Holiday inside, the club's intention is to re-sign Gilbert Brown and team him with the promising Cletidus Hunt at tackle.  Brown’s inability to stay healthy is a concern, so a quality backup would be wise.  Wideout is also a concern because Terry Glenn has not proven to be reliable, Robert Ferguson is an unknown, and Antonio Freeman might be a salary-cap casualty.  At MLB, athletic second-year pro Torrance Marshall will be given the opportunity to win the starting job, but the Packers are not totally comfortable leaving this key position in the hands of such a raw player.  The sure-handed Reed would be an excellent fit for the West Coast offense, but the team could opt for a DT, such as Antonio Weaver. 

29(29)

Chicago

OT, TE, and CB

QB, RB, DT, DE, MLB, OLB, and S

Daniel Graham (TE), Colorado

Notes:  The Bears’ offseason has not been a smooth one.  The club expected to lose a few players, including S Tony Parrish and CB Walt Harris, but the losses of OT Blake Brockermeyer and backup WR D’Wayne Bates were not in the plans.  The team may also lose restricted free agent Warrick Holdman, a rising star at OLB, to the Chiefs because of a front office oversight.  The team did manage to solidify the QB position by re-signing Jim Miller and signing free agent Chris Chandler, and LB Mike Caldwell was added in case Holdman went elsewhere.  Replacing Brockermeyer and finding a receiving tight end are the Bears’ top priorities, and they should be able to grab either Graham or Pearson.    

30(30)

Pittsburgh

QB

C/G, OT, WR, TE, DE, CB, and S

Patrick Ramsey (QB), Tulane

Notes:  Not much has changed in Pittsburgh.  LB James Farrior was signed to replace Earl Holmes (Browns), Todd Peterson will handle the kicking for Kris Brown (Texans), and Troy Edwards will slide up the depth chart for departed No. 3 receiver Bobby Shaw (Jaguars).  This leaves the team in a position to draft the best talent, though quarterback should be the primary concern after watching Kordell Stewart fall apart in the AFC Championship.  Other than taking Ramsey with their first selection, the Steelers will also consider DTs Antonio Weaver and Eddie Freeman, G/C Andre Gurode, and WRs Javon Walker and Andre Davis.  

31(31)

St. Louis

OT

QB, RB, FB, WR, TE, MLB, OLB, CB, and S

Mike Pearson (OT), Florida

Notes:  The Rams do not have any major concerns, but they may give a little extra attention to the offensive tackle spot.  Starting RT Ryan Tucker (Browns) and backup Rod Jones (Redskins) are gone, leaving youngsters John St. Clair and Cameron Spikes to compete for the starting job.  The team traded for WR Terrence Wilkins to replace Az-Zahir Hakim (Lions), but they will want to bring in another wideout because Ricky Proehl (34) is near the end of his career.  The same applies to the cornerback position, where the 34-year-old Aeneas Williams starts.  Backup and former Pro-Bowl LB Mark Fields signed with Carolina, and strong-side starter Don Davis is only adequate, so the team wouldn't mind an upgrade there.  The Rams could take either Pearson, LB Robert Thomas, or a wideout.           

32(32)

New England

DT, OLB, and CB

QB, FB, WR, DE, and S

Robert Thomas (LB), UCLA

Notes:  If there is a glaring need on the Patriots, it is at outside linebacker.  Starter Roman Phifer is reportedly headed to Oakland.  Bryan Cox has signed with New Orleans, and fellow reserve Andy Katzenmoyer, who missed all of last season and most of 2000 because of a neck injury, may not be able or want to play football again.  Newcomer Ryan Phillips could takeover for Phifer, but he is better suited to be a backup.   Other major concerns are at DT and CB, where free agent journeyman Steve Martin and 36-year-old Otis Smith are expected to start, respectively.  Also, the Pats are reportedly close to a deal with the Bills that would send Drew Bledsoe to Buffalo, so a backup QB may be added to their wish list.  At this spot, it may be a bit too early for players like Thomas, CB Mike Rumph or DT Larry Tripplett, so the Pats may turn to the talent-laden wideout position.