Round 1
- Oakland Raiders
QB JaMarcus Russell - LSU
Shouldn't have passed on Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler in last year's draft. Then they could have taken the player they really seem to want in this draft. Calvin Johnson. Passing on another QB without a plan in place for the position would be difficult. Russell has excellent size and a big arm. His upside is difficult to ignore.
- Needs: QB, G/C, OT, TE, WR, DT
- Other Options: WR C Johnson, trade down
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- Detroit Lions
WR Calvin Johnson - Georgia Tech
Johnson is a playmaker with an unbelievable combination of size and speed. The best prospect regardless of position in this draft. If the Lions can't trade out of this spot it will be hard to pass on him even considering Matt Millen's well documented failures drafting receivers in the top ten.
- Needs: CB, DE, MLB, S, QB, WR
- Hope might be available: no one
- Other Options: DE G Adams, QB B Quinn, OT J Thomas, trade down
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- Cleveland Browns
QB Brady Quinn - Notre Dame
Quinn suffered in the spotlight after staying for his senior year. Sort of like Leinart last season. He was a four year starter tutored in a pro style offense by Charlie Weis. He is the rare rookie QB that could be ready to step in and contribute immediately.
- Needs: QB, OT, CB, RB, DE, WR
- Hope might be available: WR C Johnson, QB J Russell
- Other Options: RB A Peterson, OT J Thomas
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- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
DE Gaines Adams - Clemson
The goal is to trade up for Johnson. Adams is the fallback position. DeWayne White joined former position coach Rod Marinelli in Detroit. Simeon Rice is a likely cap casualty. His age and health are concerns in any case. Recently signed Kevin Carter helps, but is not enough. Adams is an athletic edge rusher. His ability to get to the QB would help take pressure off the secondary.
- Needs: DT, DE, WR, S, C, LB
- Hope might be available: WR C Johnson
- Other Options: DT A Okoye, RB A Peterson, OT J Thomas, trade up
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- Arizona Cardinals
OT Joe Thomas - Wisconsin
Things couldn't work out better for the Cardinals. Thomas is an immediate starter on the left side. Athletic with a big frame. Intelligent. A hard worker. Right now Brandon Gorin would be battling Oliver Ross for the job. That of course is a huge problem.
- Needs: OT, DE, OLB, OG, RB, DT
- Hope might be available: DE G Adams
- Other Options: RB A Peterson
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- Washington Redskins
DT Amobi Okoye - Louisville
Need an infusion of talent on defense. Especially in the front four. Okoye is an intriguing prospect. He will only be twenty at the start of the season and has the frame to add bulk and develop into an unusually athletic interior presence. Remember this is their only pick before the fifth round. A trade down for multiple picks or a veteran and a pick would have to be considered strongly.
- Needs: DE, DT, S, OG, CB, OT
- Hope might be available: DE G Adams
- Other Options: DE A Carriker, S L Landry, trade down
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- Minnesota Vikings
RB Adrian Peterson - Oklahoma
Peterson is too good to pass up even though Chester Taylor is coming off a solid season after signing a big money contract. Peterson's big play ability would be a nice compliment to Taylor's tenacity and versatility. There should be plenty of rushing opportunities on a team with Brooks Bollinger and Tavaris Jackson at QB.
- Needs: QB, WR, CB, DE, TE, RB
- Hope might be available: WR C Johnson
- Other Options: CB L Hall, trade up or down
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- Atlanta Falcons (from Houston)
S Laron Landry - LSU
Desperate need meets value. A good scenario for the Falcons. Landry is an experienced, intelligent playmaker that can play either safety spot. His brother Dawan started last season as a fifth round rookie for the Ravens.
- Needs: S, DE, OT, OG, LB, RB
- Hope might be available: RB A Peterson
- Other Options: OT L Brown, DE A Carriker, trade up
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- Miami Dolphins
OT Levi Brown - Penn St
Can use all the help they can get in the trenches. Brown was a four year starter at the highest level of college football. His performance during Senior Bowl practices and in post season workouts put to rest any fears that he didn't have the athleticism to play the left side.
- Needs: LT, DL, QB, G/C, WR, TE
- Hope might be available: DT A Okoye, QB B Quinn
- Other Options: DT A Branch, WR T Ginn, trade up
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- Houston Texans (from Atlanta)
CB Leon Hall - Michigan
Hall solidified his position as the top corner by running a sub-4.4 forty at the combine. He is an experienced, reliable player that is solid in all facets of the game. He should be able to step in immediately opposite former first rounder Dunta Robinson.
- Needs: LT, S, CB, WR, DT, G/C
- Hope might be available: OT L Brown, S L Landry
- Other Options: DT A Branch, S R Nelson, OT J Staley, trade down
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- San Francisco 49ers
DE Adam Carriker - Nebraska
Carriker is a perfect fit at end in the 3-4. A hard worker without character concerns that should start from day one. Mike Nolan would have to be pleased.
- Needs: ILB, DE, WR, OT, FS, C/G
- Hope might be available: DT A Okoye
- Other Options: DT A Branch, LB P Willis, trade up
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- Buffalo Bills
LB Patrick Willis - Mississippi
Willis won the Butkus Award and was the SEC defensive player of the year. He solidified his position in the top fifteen with phenomenal workouts at the combine and his pro day. The linebacker corps needs to be rebuilt after the depature of London Fletcher-Baker and Takeo Spikes. Willis and Angelo Crowell are a good start no matter which plays inside.
- Needs: LB, RB, CB, WR, TE, FB
- Hope might be available: CB L Hall, RB A Peterson
- Other Options: RB M Lynch, CB D Revis
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- St. Louis Rams
DT Alan Branch - Michigan
Need to improve a run defense that was ranked better than only the Colts last season. Branch was thought of as a possible top five pick when he declared. His post season has not gone well to say the least. Poor workouts and rumors of stress fractures in his shins could drop him this far if not farther. His raw physical ability will entice someone to take the plunge in this general area.
- Needs: DT, DE, CB, WR, RB, G/C
- Hope might be available: DE A Carriker
- Other Options: DE J Anderson, CB D Revis
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- Carolina Panthers
S Reggie Nelson - Florida
Looking for an upgrade over Mike Minter and Shaun Williams. Nelson came out early after being a big part of a National Championship winning defense. He is a playmaker with a knack for finding the ball that might even be able to play some corner.
- Needs: S, TE, LB, WR, DE, OG
- Hope might be available: LB P Willis
- Other Options: DE J Anderson, WR T Ginn, TE G Olsen
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- Pittsburgh Steelers
DE Jamaal Anderson - Arkansas
Anderson came into his own as a junior. His 6.88 3-cone and 4.22 short shuttle times at 288 pounds were better than the other OLB/DE tweener prospects in this draft. His size, speed and agility give him the flexibility to play either end or linebacker in the 3-4 defense new coach Mike Tomlin has committed to for next season. He would of course be a perfect fit at end should there be an eventual transition to a 4-3 cover-2 scheme.
- Needs: LB, OL, DE, CB, WR, RB
- Hope might be available: OT L Brown, DE A Carriker, LB P Willis
- Other Options: LB J Beason, CB D Revis, OT J Staley, trade down
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- Green Bay Packers
RB Marshawn Lynch - California
Lack offensive weapons. Ranked 22nd in points per game and 31st in red zone efficiency. Doesn't help that Ahman Green went to Houston as an unrestricted free agent. Lynch provides a different dimension. He is an athletic all purpose back and break away threat that can carry the load if needed.
- Needs: RB, S, WR, TE, CB, DT
- Hope might be available: S R Nelson
- Other Options: WR T Ginn, TE G Olsen
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- Jacksonville Jaguars
DE Jarvis Moss - Florida
Possess a stellar interior defense. Need to find playmakers on the edge. Moss is a tall, lanky pass rusher that has the frame to add bulk. He has the ability to become a difference maker.
- Needs: S, DE, WR, OLB, CB, QB
- Hope might be available: S R Nelson
- Other Options: LB J Beason, WR T Ginn
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- Cincinnati Bengals
CB Darrelle Revis - Pittsburgh
Deltha O'Neal is on the wrong side of 30. Tory James signed with the Patriots. Last year's first rounder Jonathon Joseph recently found himself on the police blotter. Something that has happened much too frequently among Bengals. Revis could actually come off the board before Hall. He has excellent size and open some eyes with an excellent pro day performance. Taking him here appears to be a no brainer.
- Needs: LB, CB, DT, OG, S, TE
- Hope might be available: DT A Branch
- Other Options: DT J Harrell, LB J Beason
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- Tennessee Titans
WR Ted Ginn Jr - Ohio St
Ginn is a raw athlete that was originally recruited as a corner. Like all rookie receivers he will need work. His speed, athleticism and playmaking ability can not be taught. His skills as a returner would be a welcome addition with Pacman Jones sitting out at least the first ten games.
- Needs: WR, CB, RB, DE, DT, OG
- Hope might be available: RB M Lynch, CB D Revis
- Other Options: CB A Ross
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- New York Giants
OT Joe Staley - Central Michigan
David Diehl is pencilled in at LT after the release of Luke Petitgout. Not exactly the optimum way to protect their investment in Eli Manning. Staley is flying up draft boards. He is an athletic former TE that could now reportedly go as high as 10 to the Texans.
- Needs: OT, CB, OLB, WR, DT, RB
- Hope might be available: CB D Revis
- Other Options: LB J Beason, CB A Ross
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- Denver Broncos
DT Justin Harrell - Tennessee
Have been unable to bolster a very thin interior defensive line so far this off season. A torn bicep cost Harrell the majority of the year. He showed his toughness by playing against Florida with the injury before having surgery. Has moved back into the first round by proving himself healthy.
- Needs: DT, MLB, DE, OT, S, WR
- Hope might be available: DE J Moss, OT J Staley
- Other Options: LB J Beason, DE A Spencer
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- Dallas Cowboys
WR Robert Meachem - Tennessee
Can go in several directions after filling their most desperate needs in free agency. Meachem came out early after a breakout campaign. He combines good size with blazing speed. His youth will be a welcome addition to a receiver corps headed up by Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn.
- Needs: WR, LT, NT, CB, OLB, OG
- Hope might be available: OT J Staley
- Other Options: S M Griffin, CB A Ross
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- Kansas City Chiefs
WR Dwayne Bowe - LSU
Have ignored the receiver position for too long. Bowe is a big, physical receiver that plays faster than he times. He continually improved throughout his college career and has a lot of upside.
- Needs: WR, G/C, DT, OT, CB, RB
- Hope might be available: DT J Harrell, OT J Staley
- Other Options: G B Grubbs, C R Kalil
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- New England Patriots (from Seattle)
CB Aaron Ross - Texas
Ross wasn't a full time starter until his senior season because of the talent Texas had in the secondary. He responded by winning the Thorpe Award. The franchise tag was placed on Asante Samuels. Veteran Tory James was signed to provide depth. That has definitely reduced the short term need at corner assuming Samuel doesn't hold out or isn't traded. Ross would still be a welcome addition in the long term and tough to pass up.
- Needs: S, ILB, CB, OT, RB, OLB
- Hope might be available: S R Nelson, OT J Staley
- Other Options: LB J Beason, S M Griffin
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- New York Jets
TE Greg Olsen - Miami, Fla
Olsen's performance at the combine could get him drafted higher. He is a matchup problem as a downfield weapon in the passing game. Chris Baker is a useful all purpose TE and Sean Ryan a stellar blocker. Olsen provides a different dimension.
- Needs: CB, OG, TE, OLB, WR, NT
- Hope might be available: CB A Ross
- Other Options: G B Grubbs, CB C Houston, OLB/DE A Spencer
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- Philadelphia Eagles
S Michael Griffin - Texas
Michael Lewis left as a free agent. Sean Considine may be best suited to a reserve role. Griffin is solid in both coverage and run support. An athletic, fluid player with limitted downside. He ability as a kick blocker is an added bonus.
- Needs: S, CB, DE, LB, WR, RB
- Hope might be available: CB A Ross
- Other Options: LB J Beason, CB C Houston, DE A Spencer, trade up
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- New Orleans Saints
DE Anthony Spencer - Purdue
Charles Grant was very unhappy to be franchised. He may not be back in 2008. There is little behind him and Will Smith. Spencer has a motor that never quits. He is productive, instinctive and smart. The kind of player Sean Payton wants on his team.
- Needs: DT, WR, DE, TE, CB, LB
- Hope might be available: WR D Bowe, DT J Harrell, TE G Olsen
- Other Options: WR A Gonzalez, trade down
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- New England Patriots
LB Jon Beason - Miami, Fla
Beason is a versatile every down linebacker that can drop into coverage or make a big hit against the run. He played all three LB positions at Miami. In the Patriots scheme he fits best inside. He could also contribute in some instances as a pass rusher off the edge.
- Hope might be available: S M Griffin
- Other Options: S B Meriweather
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- Baltimore Ravens
OG Ben Grubbs - Auburn
Edwin Mulitalo was released. Chris Chester could move to center to compete with the aging Mike Flynn. That makes the guard position very thin. Grubbs is an athletic former TE/DT with upside that can pull and take on defenders in space.
- Needs: OT, G/C, LB, CB, QB, WR
- Hope might be available: OLB/DE A Spencer, OT J Staley
- Other Options: CB C Houston, C R Kalil
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- San Diego Chargers
WR Anthony Gonzalez - Ohio St
A possession receiver when teamed with Ted Ginn in college. Could be more. Solid route runner. Has the speed to get deep. Seems like a nice compliment to bigger, less accomplished receivers like Vincent Jackson and Malcom Floyd.
- Needs: WR, S, ILB, CB, DL, RB
- Hope might be available: LB J Beason, S M Griffin
- Other Options: S B Meriweather
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- Chicago Bears
LB Lawrence Timmons - Florida St
Lance Briggs is not happy about being slapped with the franchise tag. Timmons would provide insurance in case he is traded or carries out the threat of sitting out the first 10 games. Timmons came out early after a breakout junior campaign. His explosive playmaking ability was evident on the field although his workout numbers were not as good as expected.
- Needs: OT, OLB, OG, WR, DT, RB
- Hope might be available: WR A Gonzalez, OG B Grubbs, OT J Staley
- Other Options: S B Meriweather
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- Indianapolis Colts
LB Paul Posluszny - Penn St
Cato June left as a free agent. Rob Morris is an aging stopgap. Gary Brackett and Gilbert Gardner are nothing special. Posluszny falls because of continued concerns about the knee injury he suffered in the 2006 Orange Bowl. He is solid citizen and team leader with the versatility to play inside or outside in this scheme.
- Needs: DT, LB, CB, S, WR, C/G
- Hope might be available: WR A Gonzalez, S M Griffin, DT J Harrell
- Other Options: CB C Houston, S B Meriweather
Round 2
- Oakland Raiders - C Ryan Kalil - USC
Immediate starter to solidify the interior line. Known commodity to new coach Kiffin.
- Detroit Lions - CB Chris Houston - Arkansas
Bly is gone. Bryant can't stay healthy. Fisher and Wilson are nothing special.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers - S Brandon Meriweather - Miami, Fla
Playmaker for a serviceable secondary that lacks a top talent.
- Cleveland Browns - OT Tony Ugoh - Arkansas
Started 34 games in the SEC. Competion for Shaffer. Allows Steinbach to stay at OG.
- Chicago Bears (from Was/NYJ) - G/T Justin Blalock - Texas
Resigned Brown provides only a short term stopgap.
- Arizona Cardinals - DE Victor Abiamiri - Notre Dame
Berry and Okeafor are aging one dimensional edge rushers. Berry can't stay healthy.
- Atlanta (from Hou) - LB David Harris - Michigan
Relacement inside for Hartwell so the undersized Williams can stay outside.
- Miami Dolphins - WR Dwayne Jarrett - USC
Type of big red zone target that Cameron utilized well in San Diego.
- Minnesota Vikings - QB Trent Edwards - Stanford
Competition for Jackson. The eventual loser could still provide value in a trade.
- San Fransisco 49ers - WR Sidney Rice - South Carolina
Deep threat that came out early as a redshirt sophomore.
- Buffalo Bills - RB/FB Brian Leonard - Rutgers
RB/FB/H-back/third down back hybrid that provides a different dimension.
- Atlanta Falcons - DE Charles Johnson - Georgia
Kerney is in Seattle. Abraham can not stay healthy.
- Carolina Panthers - TE Zach Miller - Arizona
New OC Davidson wants to utilize the TE in the passing game.
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- Pittsburgh Steelers
WR Steve Smith - USC
New coordinator Bruce Arians wants to use more four receiver sets. Smith is tough, experienced and productive. A good blocker. Really the heir apparent to Hines Ward. He is not the big receiver that some think the Steelers need at a shade under 6 feet. The Steelers front office does not appear to be among those that prize size over other attributes.
- Green Bay Packers - S/CB Eric Weddle - Utah
Team leader. Could play corner or either safety spot. An upgrade over Manuel at SS.
- Jacksonville Jaguars - S/CB Tanard Jackson - Syracuse
Should be able to step in immediately for the departed Grant.
- Cincinnati Bengals - LB Stewart Bradley - Nebraska
Big LB to play inside or on the strong side. Needs to stay healthy.
- Tennessee Titans - CB Eric Wright - UNLV
Pacman's suspension means they need more help at corner even after signing Harper.
- New York Giants - CB Josh Wilson - Maryland
Attempts to revamp the secondary before last season were basically a failure.
- St. Louis Rams - CB Marcus McCauley - Fresno St
Size/speed combination makes him a nice compliment to the dimunitive Hill.
- Dallas Cowboys - G/T Arron Sears - Tennessee
Depth and competition at LG for Kosier. Experience starting at both OG and OT spots.
- Kansas City Chiefs - DT Turk McBride - Tennessee
Active, undersize interior lineman. Recently signed Boone is just a first step.
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- Seattle Seahawks
TE Ben Patrick - Delaware
Free agent acquisition Pollard is nothing more than a veteran stopgap. Heller is a blocker only. Former Texan Joppru is unlikely to ever develop. Patrick is an all purpose TE that can contribute as a blocker and receiver. He graduated from Duke before transferring for his final year of eligibility.
- Needs: OG, TE, CB, DE, DT, OT
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- Denver Broncos - LB Justin Durant - Hampton
Four year starter. Three year MEAC defensive player of the year.
- Philadelphia Eagles - DE LaMarr Woodley - Michigan
Kearse is near the end. Howard underacheived. Cole and Thomas are useful but limited.
- New Orleans Saints - WR Craig Davis - LSU
Replacement for Horn to compliment Colston and Henderson.
- New York Jets - CB Jonathon Wade - Tennessee
Track athlete with limited experience on defense. Physical upside tough to ignore.
- Miami Dolphins (from NE) - DT Ray McDonald - Florida
Nice fit in hybrid defense as a 3-4 end and active, penetrating 4-3 tackle.
- Baltimore Ravens - OLB/DE Tim Crowder - Texas
Experienced. Smart with good speed and athleticism. Replacement for Thomas.
- San Diego Chargers - DE Ikaika Alama-Francis - Hawaii
Developmental project. High upside. Provides depth as a 3-4 end.
- New York Jets (from Chi) - OLB/DE Quentin Moses - Georgia
Barton is miscast in the 3-4. Hobson might be better off inside.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Ind) - DT DeMarcus Tyler - North Carolina St
Need help inside after trade of McFarland.
Round 3
- Oakland Raiders - OT James Marten - Boston College
Trueblood redux. Pure RT allows Sims, Gallery to compete at LT. Loser moves to OG.
- Detroit Lions - QB Drew Stanton - Michigan St
Still looking for a QB of the future, just don't want to spend a top five pick on one.
- Cleveland Browns - RB Antonio Pittman - Ohio St
Slashing everydown back with good straight line speed. Lewis only got a one year deal.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers - WR Jason Hill - Washington St
Galloway is aging. Clayton continues to disappoint.
- Arizona Cardinals - RB Kenny Irons - Auburn
Whisenhunt rumored to believe James doesn't have much left in the tank.
- Denver Broncos (from Was) - S Sabby Piscitelli - Oregon St
Much needed depth behind Ferguson and the aging Lynch.
- Miami Dolphins - QB Kevin Kolb - Houston
Need a young QB to groom whether Green or Culpepper is the starter.
- Minnesota Vikings - WR Aundrae Allison - East Carolina
Signing Wade was not enough.
- Houston Texans - OT Ryan Harris - Notre Dame
Versatile, athletic four year starter that could legitimately develop into a starting LT.
- Buffalo Bills - CB Daymeion Hughes - California
Replacement for Clements that should be a nice fit for the cover-2 scheme.
- Atlanta Falcons - OG Andy Alleman - Akron
Petrino will not use a zone blocking scheme.
- San Fransisco 49ers - LB Brandon Siler - Florida
Early entry started as a true freshman. Intelligent team leader that lacks top measurables.
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- Pittsburgh Steelers
LB Antwan Barnes - Florida International
Barnes has the speed of a DB, size of a LB and played DE. He burst onto the scene by running a 4.43 forty, doing 31 bench press reps and impressing in OLB workouts at the combine. On the field Barnes is a relentless pass rusher. He will need work to develop other skills.
- Green Bay Packers - WR Laurent Robinson - Illinois St
Depth behind Driver and Jennings is questionable.
- Jacksonville Jaguars - QB John Beck - BYU
Leftwich remains an injury concern. Garrard's performance last season raised questions.
- Cincinnati Bengals - used in supplemental draft
Brooks did not really distinguish himself when getting playing time due to injuries.
- Tennessee Titans - RB Chris Henry - Arizona
Speed to compliment White.
- New York Giants - LB Quincy Black - New Mexico
Weakside competition for Wilkinson.
- Kansas City Chiefs (from StL) - OT Doug Free - Northern Illinois
Has the athleticism to play the left side. Needs to improve as a run blocker.
- Carolina Panthers - LB Buster Davis - Florida St
Morgan can not stay healthy. Draft left for the Rams.
- St. Louis Rams (from KC) - RB Brandon Jackson - Nebraska
Steven Jackson wore down under last year's heavy workload.
- Seattle Seahawks - C/G Samson Satele - Hawaii
Competition for Sims and Womack at OG. Depth behind Spencer at center.
- Denver Broncos - DE Brian Robison - Texas
Dynamic edge rusher.
- Dallas Cowboys - NT Paul Soliai - Utah
Ferguson isn't getting any younger.
- New Orleans Saints - DT Quinn Pitcock - Ohio St
Tough. Experienced. High motor. Limited upside. Depth behind Young and Thomas.
- New York Jets - OG Josh Beekman - Boston College
Possible replacement for Moore. Insurance against Kendall's age.
- Philadelphia Eagles - CB Michael Coe - Alabama St
Transfered from Arkansas to play for his father. Replacement at nickel for Hood.
- New England Patriots - S John Wendling - Wyoming
Could play either safety spot. Didn't always play up to physical ability.
- Buffalo Bills (from Bal) - WR Jacoby Jones - Lane
Fast riser provides much needed size.
- San Diego Chargers - LB Anthony Waters - Clemson
Drops due to knee injury that cost him majority of senior year.
- Chicago Bears - RB Lorenzo Booker - Florida St
Speedy compliment for Benson after trade of Jones.
- Indianapolis Colts - CB Usama Young - Kent St
Need depth after losing Harper and probably David as free agents.
- San Diego Chargers - S Aaron Rouse - Virginia Tech
Big former LB with good straight line speed. Possible replacement for Kiel.
- San Fransisco 49ers - T/G Allen Barbe - Missouri Southern
Small college standout with the frame and athleticism to stay at OT.
- Indianapolis Colts - C/G Leroy Harris - North Carolina St
Depth behind Saturday, Scott and Diem is lacking. Saturday is on the wrong side of 30.
- Oakland Raiders - TE Matt Spaeth - Minnesota
Big outlet receiver for the passing game.
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