Pick

TEAM

PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

1(1)

Cincinnati Bengals

Carson Palmer

QB

USC

The Bengals eliminated the suspense surrounding the top overall selection of the draft by signing Heisman Trophy winner Carson Palmer to a seven-year contract on Thursday.  The team has not had much luck drafting high-profile quarterbacks (see David Klingler – sixth overall in 1992 and Akili Smith – third overall in 1999), but all things considered, the Bengals appear to have made the right choice.  In the remainder of the draft, the team will be looking to plug holes at CB, DT, and C.    

2(2)

Detroit Lions

Charles Rogers

WR

Michigan State

The Lions appear to have narrowed their choice down to WRs Charles Rogers and Andre Johnson and CB Terence Newman.  The club could use help at both spots, but wideout is probably a bigger trouble spot.  The team also needs help at outside linebacker and safety.  

3(3)

Houston Texans

Andre Johnson

WR

Miami, Fla.

The Texans need offensive help, especially at tackle and running back, but they seem to have their sights set on WR Andre Johnson.  On the defensive side of the ball, they are in pretty good shape, but a pass-rushing end is needed. 

4(4) from Chicago

New York Jets

Dewayne Robertson

DT

Kentucky

Needing help at WR and DT and coveting one of three players (Rogers, Johnson, and Dewayne Robertson), the Jets made a great move trading up to the fourth spot.  Outside linebacker is another high priority for the Jets. 

5(5)

Dallas Cowboys

Terence Newman

CB

Kansas State

Even though quarterback appears to be their biggest trouble spot, the Cowboys appear to be leaning toward taking either Robertson or Newman.  In addition to QB, DT, and CB, the team needs to upgrade at RB and DE.  

6(6)

Arizona Cardinals

Terrell Suggs

DE

Arizona State

The Cards have many needs, but their biggest concerns are at QB, WR, DE, and CB.  This selection will likely come down to QB Byron Leftwich, DE Terrell Suggs or CB Marcus Trufant, but the team would probably jump on Rogers or Johnson if those wideouts were still available. 

7(7)

Minnesota Vikings

Kevin Williams

DT

Oklahoma State

The Vikings’ biggest needs are at DT and S.  They will likely take either Kevin Williams or Jimmy Kennedy, but if Newman, Trufant, or Suggs are still available, it would not be a shock to see the team opt for one of those defensive stars. 

8(8)

Jacksonville Jaguars

Byron Leftwich

QB

Marshall

The Jags filled some voids via free agency, but they still have significant concerns at WR, C, G, and CB.  Despite those needs, the club apparently is enamored with Leftwich.  Starting QB Mark Brunell (32) still has some good years left in him, and Rogers, Johnson, Newman, or Trufant would fill more immediate needs.  

9(9)

Carolina Panthers

Jordan Gross

OT

Utah

The Panthers have four major concerns – QB, TE, OT, and CB.  At this spot, they should be able to find a blue-chip prospect at one of those positions.  Their choice will likely come down to Leftwich, Trufant, and OT Jordan Gross. 

10(10)

Baltimore Ravens

Kyle Boller

QB

California

The Ravens’ biggest needs are at QB and WR.  Unfortunately, it is unlikely that Rogers, Johnson, or Leftwich will be available.  The team will likely attempt to trade down a few spots and take QB Kyle Boller.  If they stay at the tenth spot, they may pass on Boller and go with either Kennedy or Trufant. 

11(11)

Seattle Seahawks

Jimmy Kennedy

DT

Penn State

The Seahawks must fix their last-ranked run defense, and their foremost needs are at defensive tackle and inside linebacker.  At this spot, the team will be looking to add a tackle such as Kennedy, Williams, or William Joseph. 

12(12)

St. Louis Rams

Marcus Trufant

CB

Washington State

The Rams had a rough offseason, losing a number of solid players.  As a result, the team is left with concerns at TE, DT, LB, and CB. Cornerback is probably the club’s biggest concern, and the Rams may be willing to trade up a few spots to get Trufant.  Other options would be linebacker Boss Bailey and tackles Kennedy, Williams, and Joseph. 

13(13) from N.Y. Jets

Chicago Bears

Boss Bailey

OLB

Georgia

Having five major concerns (QB, OT, DE, CB, and OLB) plus a few other weak spots, the Bears traded down from the fourth spot to acquire multiple first-round picks from the Jets.  The team could go in a number of different directions at this spot, including Boller, Suggs, Bailey, and OT Kwame Harris.  Another option would be DT Jonathan Sullivan, who the club is apparently very high on.  Given that the club should be able to grab Sullivan or another quality defensive lineman with the 22^nd pick, look for the pick to be Bailey or Harris. 

14(14) from Buffalo

New England Patriots

Jonathan Sullivan

DT

Georgia

The Pats have 13 picks, including two first-rounders.  They have their eye on Robertson, and they are in the process of trying to work out a deal with the Lions for second overall pick.  If they stay at this spot, they will likely take another defensive lineman, such as Joseph or Sullivan.  Other positions needing attention are RB, WR, and CB.  

15(15)

San Diego Chargers

William Joseph

DT

Miami, Fla.

The Chargers’ top priorities are at OLB and CB, but they could be tempted to take an OT, DT or S, depending on who is available.  Given that the team will find more value at the latter three positions with the 15^th pick, look for the selection to come down to Harris, Joseph, or S Troy Polamalu. 

16(16)

Kansas City Chiefs

Taylor Jacobs

WR

Florida

The Chiefs ranked last in total defense in 2002, but the club may not use this pick for a defensive player after adding DE Vonnie Holliday, LB Shawn Barber, and CB Dexter McCleon via free agency.  The Chiefs could go in a number of directions as they need help at RB, WR, OT, DE, ILB, and CB.  The pick will likely come down to Harris, G Eric Steinbach, who could be moved to tackle, WR Taylor Jacobs, RB Larry Johnson, and DE Jerome McDougle. 

17(17)

New Orleans Saints

Troy Polamalu

S

USC

The Saints’ main priorities are at DT, ILB and CB, and they have back-to-back first-round picks to help fill those needs.  Unfortunately, it is unlikely that the club will find at value those positions at this point in the draft.  The Saints could attempt to move up, or they could reach a little for a player such as DT Ty Warren or CB Andre Woolfolk.  Another option would be a value pick like Steinbach, Harris, Polamalu, or C Jeff Faine. 

18(18) from Miami

New Orleans Saints

Jeff Faine

C

Notre Dame

They’ll consider Warren and Woolfolk, but one of the more highly rated offensive linemen will likely be the choice. 

19(19)

New England Patriots

Larry Johnson

RB

Penn State

The Pats have a lot of interest in RB Willis McGahee, but they’ll likely opt for the completely healthy Larry Johnson. 

20(20)

Denver Broncos

Eric Steinbach

G

Iowa

The Broncos’ top priorities are upgrading at DE and CB.  McDougle would appear to be the logical selection, but don’t be surprised if they go for an offensive lineman such as Steinbach or Harris. 

21(21)

Cleveland Browns

Kwame Harris

OT

Stanford

Even though the Browns made the playoffs last season, they could use some help at nearly every position, with the exceptions being QB and WR.  Their top priorities are upgrading at TE, OT, DT, and LB. 

22(22) from N.Y. Jets

Chicago Bears

Jerome McDougle

DE

Miami, Fla.

The Bears need to replace the pass-rushing skills of Rosevelt Colvin (New England).  McDougle, Chris Kelsay, and Michael Haynes are all solid options. 

23(23) from Atlanta

Buffalo Bills

Jason Witten

TE

Tennessee

After going on a free-agent spending spree, the Bills have no pressing needs.  They’ll likely focus on upgrading at TE, WR, DE, and S, but they are in a position to take the best player available. 

24(24)

Indianapolis Colts

Ty Warren

DT

Texas A&M

The Colts will be mostly looking for defensive help, especially at DT, OLB, and CB.  Warren or CB Andre Woolfolk would be good options at this spot. 

25(25)

New York Giants

Michael Haynes

DE

Penn State

Upgrading the offensive line should be the Giants’ top priority, but they appear to be more concerned with their defensive line.  Depth at CB and S is also a concern.   

26(26)

San Francisco 49ers

Chad Kelsay

DE

Nebraska

Help for their defensive line has to be at the top of the Niners’ draft wish list.  Cornerback is also a concern, and depth at wide receiver and offensive tackle is needed.  Warren, Haynes, and DE Chad Kelsay would be logical options, but do not be shocked if the offensive-minded Niners go with a WR such as Kelley Washington or Bryant Johnson. 

27(27)

Pittsburgh Steelers

Andre Woolfolk

CB

Oklahoma

Heading into the draft, the Steelers have three positions that should be addressed immediately – OT, CB, and S.  Fortunately, they should be able to fill one of those needs at this spot with a solid player like Woolfolk, S Mike Doss, or OT George Foster. 

28(28)

Tennessee Titans

Kelley Washington

WR

Tennessee

The Titans could use depth at nearly every position, but their top priorities have to be wide receiver and defensive tackle.  At this spot, the value will be at wideout. 

29(29)

Green Bay Packers

Kenny Peterson

DL

Ohio State

The Packers are in a position to take the best player available, though middle linebacker and the defensive line are concerns.  They also need depth at a number of spots, including quarterback, guard, offensive tackle, and outside linebacker.  This pick will likely come down to QB Rex Grossman, MLB E.J. Henderson, or DL Kenny Peterson. 

30(30)

Philadelphia Eagles

E.J. Henderson

MLB

Maryland

After making it to the NFC Championship for two straight years, the Eagles should be looking for the last few pieces of the puzzle and be picking for need.  They have two major concerns heading into the draft – DE and MLB.  QB Donovan McNabb could also use a little help, so a playmaker at RB, WR, or TE is not out of the question.  At this spot, the Birds will likely go with either Henderson, McGahee, WR Bryant Johnson, or TE Dallas Clark.  

31(31)

Oakland Raiders

Willis McGahee

RB

Miami, Fla.

The Raiders’ primary need is a pass-rushing defensive end, but there may not be much value at that position at this point of the draft.  They need depth and youth at many spots, so taking the best available player may be the way to go.  Safety Mike Doss and McGahee are two likely options. 

32(32) from Tampa Bay

Oakland Raiders

Tyler Brayton

DE

Colorado

After picking for value with the previous pick, they’ll likely reach for an end such as Tyler Brayton or Calvin Pace. 

PICK

TEAM

PLAYER

POS

COLLEGE

1(33)

Cincinnati Bengals

Sammy Davis