February 21, 2007
Round 1
- Oakland Raiders
QB JaMarcus Russell - LSU
Shouldn't have passed on Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler in last year's draft. Russell has excellent size and a big arm. His upside is difficult to ignore.
- Needs: QB, LT, G/C, TE, RB, WR
- Other Options: WR C Johnson, RB A Peterson, OT J Thomas, trade down
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- Detroit Lions
OT Joe Thomas - Wisconsin
Attempts to cobble together a decent offensive line out of mid-tier free agents and castoffs have failed. Thomas provides an anchor on the left side and allows Jeff Backus to move to the right.
- Needs: OG, OT, DE, CB, RB, QB
- Hope might be available: QB J Russell
- Other Options: DE J Anderson, WR C Johnson, QB B Quinn, trade down
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- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
WR Calvin Johnson - Georgia Tech
Michael Clayton has disappointed after a promising rookie year. Joey Galloway isn't geting any younger. Johnson might be the best prospect regardless of position in this draft. He is a playmaker with an unbelievable combination of size and speed.
- Needs: DT, DE, WR, CB, S, LB, QB
- Hope might be available: QB J Russell
- Other Options: DE J Anderson, DT A Branch, QB B Quinn
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- Cleveland Browns
RB Adrian Peterson - Oklahoma
Phil Savage and Romeo Crennel have to be getting desperate in the third year of a rebuilding project that does not seem to be progressing. Quinn is a possibility, but drafting him would likely mean starting over. Peterson is an immediate difference maker if he can stay healthy.
- Needs: NT, OG, CB, OT, RB, DE, QB
- Hope might be available: QB J Russell, OT J Thomas
- Other Options: DE J Anderson, DT A Branch, QB B Quinn
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- Arizona Cardinals
DE Jamaal Anderson - Arkansas
Really want Thomas to fall. Really need Thomas to fall. Of course that is unlikely. Settling for Anderson certainly wouldn't be a bad thing. Bertrand Berry and Chike Okeafor are aging one dimensional edge rushers. Anderson came into his own as a junior. He's a big end that combines the ability to hold up against the run with the speed and explosiveness to get to the quarterback.
- Needs: OT, FS, CB, LB, DE, DT
- Hope might be available: OT J Thomas
- Other Options: DT A Branch, S R Nelson, trade up or down
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- Washington Redskins
DE Gaines Adams - Clemson
Need an infusion of talent on defense. Especially in the front seven. Adams is an accomplished pass rusher that would add a dimension that has been sorely lacking.
- Needs: DE, DT, MLB, CB, OG, FS
- Hope might be available: DE J Anderson
- Other Options: DT A Branch
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- Minnesota Vikings
WR Ted Ginn Jr. - Ohio St
Passing on Quinn is tough, although not unbelievable after trading up for Tarvaris Jackson in the second round just last year. Admittedly a second top ten receiver in three years might also be a bit much, but discounting Ginn because of the failures of Troy Williamson is ultimately unfair. 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.
- Needs: WR, TE, CB, DE, QB, OG
- Hope might be available: DE G Adams, WR C Johnson
- Other Options: QB B Quinn, trade up
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- Houston Texans
DT Alan Branch - Michigan
Another building block for the defense. Branch is a huge, athletic run stuffer with the physical upside to develop into a dominating presence.
- Needs: OT, S, DT, RB, CB, QB
- Hope might be available: RB A Peterson, OT J Thomas
- Other Options: OT L Brown, S R Nelson, QB B Quinn
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- Miami Dolphins
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. Cam Cameron will have a grace period to develop a young quarterback. It will also be easier for a new regime to give up quickly on Daunte Culpepper.
- Needs: LT, DT, CB, LB, WR, QB
- Hope might be available: DT A Branch, WR T Ginn
- Other Options: OT L Brown, DT A Okoye
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- Atlanta Falcons
S Reggie Nelson - Florida
Desperate need meets value. A good scenario for the Falcons. Nelson is a playmaker with a knack for finding the ball. He might even be able to play corner. The Falcons would likely be best served simply by inserting him at free safety in place of Chris Crocker.
- Needs: S, OG, DE, DT, CB, RB
- Hope might be available: DE G Adams, DT A Branch
- Other Options: DT A Okoye
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- San Francisco 49ers
DT Amobi Okoye - Louisvlle
An intriguing prospect. Pick really depends on the patience of Mike Nolan and new defensive coordinator Greg Manusky. Plus how they want to run the defense in the short term. Okoye is not suited for the nose at this point. He is currently more of a 3-technique player in a 4-3 or part timer in a hybrid defense. But he will only be 20 at the start of the season and has the frame to add bulk and develop into an unusually athletic interior presence.
- Needs: DT, LB, S, WR, CB, DE
- Hope might be available: DE/OLB G Adams, WR T Ginn, S R Nelson
- Other Options: DE A Carriker, WR D Jarrett, S L Landry
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- Buffalo Bills
OT Levi Brown - Penn St
Brown boosted his stock at the Senior Bowl. His physical attributes are not in question even though his senior season was a slight disappointment. Pairing him with Jason Peters would help solidify the line no matter who plays the left side.
- Needs: LB, OT, CB, DE, G/C, WR
- Hope might be available: DT A Okoye
- Other Options: CB D Revis, LB L Timmons
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- St. Louis Rams
DE Adam Carriker - Nebraska
Big end for the strong side that will help against the run and the pass.
- Needs: DT, LB, DE, WR, OG, S
- Hope might be available: WR T Ginn, DT A Okoye
- Other Options: WR D Jarrett, S L Landry, LB P Willis
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- Carolina Panthers
S Laron Landry - LSU
Could use an upgrade over Mike Minter and Shaun Williams. 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: LB, S, TE, DE, WR, QB
- Hope might be available: DE A Carriker, WR T Ginn
- Other Options: DE C Johnson, LB P Willis
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- Pittsburgh Steelers
OLB/DE Charles Johnson - Georgia
Joey Porter and Clark Haggans are starting to slow down. The lack of consistent pressure off the edge last season exposed a secondary that is better in run support than coverage. Johnson possesses the burst and explosiveness that is needed. Whether he can make a smooth transition to the 3-4 might be less of an issue with new coach Mike Tomlin. While Tomlin is committed to a base 3-4 in the short term, don't be surprised if he encourages Dick LeBeau to experiment with different looks. An eventual transition to the 4-3 can not be discounted.
- Needs: OLB/DE, C/G, ILB, CB, RB, WR, OT
- Hope might be available: OT L Brown
- Other Options: WR D Jarrett, RB M Lynch, OLB/DE J Moss, CB D Revis, LB P Willis
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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 30 year old Ahman Green is an unrestricted free agent. Lynch would provide a different dimension if Green stays or goes. He is an athletic all purpose back that provides a break away threat and can carry the load if needed.
- Needs: WR, RB, TE, CB, S, DE, DT
- Hope might be available: S L Landry
- Other Options: WR D Jarrett, CB D Revis
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- Jacksonville Jaguars
LB Lawrence Timmons - Florida St
Possess a stellar interior defense. Need to find playmakers on the edge. Timmons is a top athlete with excellent speed. He should be able to help immediately despite being relatively inexperienced on a team that otherwise might be starting Nick Greisen and Clint Ingram.
- Needs: OLB, DE, WR, QB, CB, S
- Hope might be available: DE C Johnson
- Other Options: WR D Jarrett, DE J Moss
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- Cincinnati Bengals
CB Darrelle Revis - Pittsburgh
None of the top corners in this draft are burners. Revis could be the first off the board because of his size. Deltha O'Neal and Tory James are both on the wrong side of 30. Last year's first rounder Jonathon Joseph recently found himself on the police blotter. Something that has happened much too frequently among Bengals. Given the situation having the first pick among all corners in this class would have to be enticing even though the position is not a glaring need.
- Needs: DT, SS, TE, OG, CB, OLB, DE
- Hope might be available: S L Landry, DT A Okoye, OLB L Timmons
- Other Options: DE J Moss, trade up or down
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- Tennessee Titans
WR Dwayne Jarrett - USC
Jarrett's performance in the Rose Bowl was an eye opener. He is a huge target with good hands. A weapon that would help Vince Young's development.
- Needs: WR, CB, FS, DE, DT, MLB, G/RT
- Hope might be available: CB D Revis
- Other Options: CB L Hall, DE J Moss
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- New York Giants
CB Leon Hall - Michigan
Attempts to revamp the secondary before last season were basically a failure. Sam Madison has seen better days. Corey Webster hasn't developed as expected. Hall is an experienced, reliable player that is solid in all facets of the game. He should be able to help immediately despite having a somewhat limitted physical upside.
- Needs: CB, OLB, OT, RB, FS, DT
- Hope might be available: OT L Brown, RB M Lynch, OLB L Timmons
- Other Options: OLB P Posluszny, OT T Ugoh
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- Denver Broncos
DE Jarvis Moss - Florida
Elvis Dumervil was a useful undersized pass rusher as a rookie. Veterans Kenard Lang, John Engelberger and Ebenezer Ekuban filled out the depth chart. Not good. Moss is a tall, lanky pass rusher that has the frame to add bulk. He has the ability to become a difference maker.
- Needs: DE, DT, CB, S, RB, WR
- Hope might be available: CB L Hall
- Other Options: CB A Ross
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- Dallas Cowboys
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. Selecting him would allow Anthony Henry to move to free safety to fill the most glaring need on defense.
- Needs: S/CB, OG, NT, WR, OT, K
- Hope might be available: OT L Brown
- Other Options: WR D Bowe, S B Meriweather
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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: DT, WR, OT, G/C, CB, QB
- Hope might be available: OT L Brown
- Other Options: DT J Harrell, OT T Ugoh
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- New England Patriots (from Seattle)
CB Daymeion Hughes - California
Originally thought of as only a cover-2 prospect, Hughes came on as a senior. Then followed up his breakout season with a nice week at the Senior Bowl. Athletic despite lacking top speed. A hard worker. The franchise tag was placed on Asante Samuels. That doesn't necessarily mean that he will return. Even if Samuels is back there is little behind him and Ellis Hobbs.
- Needs: S, WR, ILB, OLB, CB, TE
- Hope might be available: WR D Bowe
- Other Options: OLB/DE A Spencer, LB P Willis
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- New York Jets
OLB/DE Anthony Spencer - Purdue
Eric Barton is seriously miscast outside in a 3-4. Spencer provides a much needed presence on the edge opposite Bryan Thomas.
- Needs: NT, G/RT, CB, RB, OLB, WR
- Hope might be available: CB D Hughes, RB M Lynch
- Other Options: CB C Houston, WR R Meachem, G/T A Sears
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- Philadelphia Eagles
LB Patrick Willis - Mississippi
Andy Reid has repeatedly drafted linemen and defensive backs in the early rounds while trying to piece together his linebacker corps using less talented players. Having Willis and for that matter Posluszny fall to this pick could change his thinking. Willis won the Butkus Award and was the SEC defensive player of the year. He would be an immediate upgrade over Dhani Jones on the strong side and the eventual replacement inside for Jeremiah Trotter.
- Needs: LB, S, DE, CB, WR, TE
- Hope might be available: CB D Hughes, DE A Spencer
- Other Options: S B Meriweather
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- New Orleans Saints
LB Paul Posluszny - Penn St
Posluszny falls because of a lack of top measurables and concerns about the knee injury suffered in the 2006 Orange Bowl. Combine could move him higher if he works out well and his knee checks out. He is solid citizen and team leader with the versatility to play inside in this scheme.
- Needs: MLB, DT, CB, TE, WR, OG
- Hope might be available: CB D Hughes
- Other Options: DT J Harrell, CB C Houston, TE G Olson
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- New England Patriots
WR Robert Meachem - Tennessee
Probably would prefer an inside or outside linebacker at this spot. Settling for Meachem is not a bad option. Chad Jackson had a disappointing rookie year. Even should he eventually develop the receiver position lacks talent. Meachem was a top recruit that underachieved until his junior season. His combination of size and speed could get him drafted higher.
- Hope might be available: LB P Posluszny, OLB/DE A Spencer, LB P Willis
- Other Options: S B Meriweather
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- Baltimore Ravens
OT Tony Ugoh - Arkansas
Ugoh was flying under the radar despite starting 34 games in the SEC. Now there is a buzz surrounding him based on the athleticism he displayed in Mobile. Ozzie Newsome has shown a willingness to bypass more pressing needs to select the best athlete available. Ugoh is tough to ignore on that basis. Finding a possible future franchise LT this late in the draft is unusual. Ugoh could contribute immediately at RT if Tony Pashos leaves or even inside at OG. Nothing wrong with having both him and 2005 second rounder Adam Terry on the roster as possible future replacements for the soon to be 33 year old Jonathon Ogden.
- Needs: G/C, LB, RB, CB, OT, QB
- Hope might be available: CB D Hughes, LB P Posluszny
- Other Options: CB C Houston, G/T A Sears
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- San Diego Chargers
WR Sidney Rice - South Carolina
Deep threat that came out early as a redshirt sophomore. Steve Spurrier is not known for developing pro wideouts. Scouting reports on Rice are admittedly mixed. But he does have impressive physical skills and the Chargers are definitely looking for a downfield threat to compliment Tomlinson and Gates.
- Needs: S, WR, ILB, RT/G, CB, NT
- Hope might be available: LB P Posluszny
- Other Options: S B Meriweather, G/T A Sears
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- Chicago Bears
S Brandon Meriweather - Miami, Fla
Mike Brown can't stay healthy. Neither Chris Harris nor Todd Johnson are adequate replacements. Meriweather seems to have rehabilitated his reputation after a nasty on the field incident against Florida International. Interviews at the combine will be important for him. He is a natural on the field. Solid in coverage. Athletic. Physical. A playmaker that is hard to ignore.
- Needs: TE, S, OG, OT, OLB, DT
- Hope might be available: LB P Posluszny
- Other Options: TE G Olson, G/T A Sears
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- Indianapolis Colts
LB Jon Beason - Miami, Fla
Cato June is a free agent. Rob Morris is an aging stopgap. Gary Brackett and Gilbert Gardner are nothing special. Beason is an every down linebacker that can drop into coverage or make a big hit against the run. He played all three LB positions at Miami. Only knock is his lack of prototypical height. That should be fine with Bill Polian and Tony Dungy.
- Needs: LB, DT, CB, WR, S, OG
- Hope might be available: WR S Rice
- Other Options: DT J Harrell, CB C Houston
Round 2
- Oakland Raiders - OT Joe Staley - Central Michigan
Gallery is a bust that needs to move inside. Staley is an athletic, high upside project.
- Detroit Lions - CB Chris Houston - Arkansas
Bly wants out. Bryant can't stay healthy.
- Cleveland Browns - T/G Arron Sears - Tennessee
Shaffer is an adequate LT. Rest of the OLine is a shambles. Sears could play RT or OG.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DT Justin Harrell - Tennessee
Torn bicep cost him majority of the season. Has physical skills to move into first round.
- New York Jets (from Was) - G/RT Justin Blalock - Texas
Power blocker to compliment Ferguson and Mangold.
- Arizona Cardinals - S Michael Griffin - Texas
A playmaker that drops a little farther than expected due to average size and speed.
- Houston Texans - RB Michael Bush - Louisville
Complimentary power back if Davis returns. Possible feature back if Davis can't return.
- Miami Dolphins - DT DeMarcus Tyler - North Carolina St
Young widebody to offset possible loss of Traylor, Holliday and Zgonina.
- Minnesota Vikings - TE Greg Olsen - Miami, Fla
Childress needs a pass catching TE for his offense.
- San Fransisco 49ers - OLB/DE Quentin Moses - Georgia
Drops due to poor senior season and disasterous Senior Bowl week. Fits best as 3-4 OLB.
- Buffalo Bills - CB Marcus McCauley - Fresno St
Replacement for unrestricted free agent Nate Clements.
- Atlanta Falcons - OG Ben Grubbs - Auburn
Athletic former DT/TE. Petrino's scheme requires better linemen.
- Carolina Panthers - LB Brandon Siler - Florida St
Morgan can not stay healthy. Draft is not much of an alternative.
- Pittsburgh Steelers - CB/S Tanard Jackson - Syracuse
Tough. Solid in run support. Instinctive. Plays faster than he times.
- Green Bay Packers - TE Zach Miller - Arizona
Another weapon for Favre. Franks and Martin seem to have gotten old before their time.
- Jacksonville Jaguars - WR Anthony Gonzalez - Ohio St
Steady, sure handed receiver to pair with the more mercurial Williams and Jones.
- Cincinnati Bengals - DT Quinn Pitcock - Ohio St
Experienced. Hard worker. Leader by example. Need him to rub off on some teamates.
- Tennessee Titans - DE Victor Abiamiri - Notre Dame
A bit of an underacheiver with the physical ability to provide a much needed pass rush.
- New York Giants - RB/FB Brian Leonard - Rutgers
RB/FB/H-back/third down back hybrid that provides a different dimension.
- St. Louis Rams - LB David Harris - Michigan
One dimensional interior run stuffer that lacks athleticism and upside. Fills a need.
- Dallas Cowboys - OG Josh Beekman - Boston College
Rivera will be 35. Signing Kosier appears to have been a mistake.
- Kansas City Chiefs - C Ryan Kalil - USC
Wiegmann will be 34. Kalil provides too much value to pass up.
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- Seattle Seahawks
S/CB Eric Weddle - Utah
Versatile, intelligent team leader that could play corner or either safety spot. Probable replacement for Michael Boulware at strong safety in the short term.
- Needs: OG, TE, SS, CB, DE, RB
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- Denver Broncos - CB Eric Wright - UNLV
High upside former USC Trojan rehabilitated his career in Vegas.
- Philadelphia Eagles - S Aaron Rouse - va Tech
Looking for an upgrade over Considine and Lewis.
- New Orleans Saints - DT Brandon Mebane - California
Hard working overacheiver that could be overmatched in the pros.
- New York Jets - RB Tony Hunt - Penn St
Power back compliment to Washington and Houston without the baggage of Barlow.
- New England Patriots - LB Stewart Bradley - Nebraska
Type of big linebacker that seems to be prefered by Belichick. Can play inside or outside.
- Baltimore Ravens - QB Troy Smith - Ohio St
Confirmation that Boller was a bad mistake.
- San Diego Chargers - LB HB Blades - Pittsburgh
Both Godfrey and Edwards are unlikely to return.
- Chicago Bears - LB Rufus Alexander - Oklahoma
Nice fit in a cover-2 and good value even though Briggs was franchised.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Ind) - DE Tim Crowder - Texas
Rice is unlikely to return. Neither White nor Spires is a difference maker.
Round 3
- Oakland Raiders - RB Kenny Irons - Auburn
Jordan needs all the help he can get....
- Detroit Lions - DE LaMarr Woodley - Michigan
Hard worker that lacks top measurables. Provides upgrade over Edwards and DeVries.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers - LB Buster Davis - Florida St
Undersized playmaker to replace the aging Quarles.
- Cleveland Browns - DE/DT Ryan McBean - Oklahoma St
Nice fit at DE in a 3-4. Especially on a team that needs an upgrade across the line.
- Arizona Cardinals - OT Ryan Harris - Notre Dame
Even more of a desperate need since unrestricted free agent Davis wasn't tagged.
- Denver Broncos (from Was) - WR Aundrae Allison - East Carolina
Eventual replacement for Smith is too good to pass up at this point.
- Miami Dolphins - CB Josh Wilson - Maryland
Looking for an upgrade over Allen, Goodman, Daniels and Lehan.
- Minnesota Vikings - DE Ikaika Alama-Francis - Hawaii
Injuries have severely limited Udeze and James.
- Houston Texans - QB Drew Stanton - Michigan St
Rumors have Carr being traded, Plummer as a stopgap. Stanton provides a future.
- Buffalo Bills - LB Earl Everett - Florida
Weakside competion for Ellison. Crowell would have to move inside to replace Fletcher.
- Atlanta Falcons - DE Jay Moore - Nebraska
Kearney opted out of his contract. Abraham can not stay healthy.
- San Fransisco 49ers - WR Johnnie Lee Higgins - UTEP
Speed to open up the field for Gore and Davis. Return ability doesn't hurt.
- Pittsburgh Steelers - LB Rory Johnson - Mississippi
Slightly undersized heir apparent to Farrior in a 3-4. Weakside coverage backer in a 4-3.
- Green Bay Packers - CB/S David Irons - Auburn
Lack depth behind Harris and Woodson.
- Jacksonville Jaguars - DE Ray McDonald - Florida
Big end with upside to be added to the rotation.
- Cincinnati Bengals - used in supplemental draft
Brooks did not really distinguish himself when getting playing time due to injuries.
- Tennessee Titans - CB/S Fred Bennett - South Carolina
Could compete at corner opposite Jones or safety beside Hope.
- New York Giants - LB Juwan Simpson - Alabama
Need to replace Short and Emmons. Drug related arrest before senior season is an issue.
- St. Louis Rams - DT Marcus Thomas - Florida
Experienced. First round talent. Thrown off team due to failed drug tests.
- Carolina Panthers - WR Craig Davis - LSU
Depth needed at receiver whether Johnson retires or returns.
- Kansas City Chiefs - DT Kareem Brown - Miami, Fla
Seem to always be looking for a run stuffing interior presence.
- Seattle Seahawks - G/T Marshal Yanda - Iowa
Versatile JC transfer started at LG, RT and LT in his two years at Iowa.
- Denver Broncos - RB Antonio Pittman - Ohio St
Slightly undersized betwen the tackles slasher to compete with the Bells.
- Dallas Cowboys - WR Jason Hill - Washington St
Owens and Glenn aren't getting any younger.
- New Orleans Saints - CB CJ Gaddis - Clemson
Converted safety with good size. Surprise early entry that could move up.
- New York Jets - NT Antonio Johnson - Mississippi St
Somewhat inexperienced run stuffing interior plugger that is a good fit for the scheme.
- Philadelphia Eagles - DE Dan Bazuin - Central Michigan
McDougal is a bust. Kearse is aging and injury prone. Thomas is a free agent.
- New England Patriots - S John Wendling - Wyoming
Could play either safety spot. Didn't always play up to physical ability.
- Baltimore Ravens - RB Dwayne Wright - Fresno St
Slightly overaged early entry with upside that missed 2 seasons due to injuries.
- San Diego Chargers - S Michael Johnson - Arizona
Kiel has had problems on and off the field.
- Chicago Bears - OG Manuel Ramirez - Texas Tech
Powerful interior blocker to replace the aged Ruben Brown.
- Indianapolis Colts - DT Baraka Atkins - Miami, Fla
Disruptive, active interior defender.
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