Updated 4/18/02
1. Houston Texans - QB David Carr, 6-3 230, Fresno State
The Houston organization announced they will select Carr with the first overall pick after April first so everybody would know they weren't foolin' around. Both sides have already agreed to a contract so the next worry for Houston will be the 33rd pick.
Other options: There aren't any. Once they take Carr, they must fill the holes they didn't take care of in free agency and in the expansion draft. Expect their draft to be defense-heavy, the strength of head coach Dom Capers.
2. Carolina Panthers - DE Julius Peppers, 6-6 283, North Carolina
The Panthers stated Peppers is their man. 'Lina had the fourth worst pass rush in the league with 25 sacks. Carolina also had the worst total defense, including rush defense. Peppers is an every down end. He has great skills as a pass rusher and he has the size to defend the run. With the lack of help around him, Peppers might not be an impact player, but his production will go up as the defense around him improves.
Other options: One way to improve the defense is through the draft. This year's draft class has good depth at defensive tackle. With the worst run defense in the league, it will be an area of concern addressed later in the draft.
3. Detroit Lions - CB Quentin Jammer, 6-0 204, Texas
The pivotal pick in this year's draft. This will be the second time in three years the Lions will draft a Longhorn cornerback. CB Bryant Westbrook didn't work out and was allowed to sign elsewhere. Detroit plays in a conference with great receivers (Minnesota's Randy Moss, Green Bay's Terry Glenn, Chicago's Marty Booker and Marcus Robinson). They need great corners in order to survive in the NFC North and Jammer is the first step in the right direction.
Other options: The Lions drafted quarterback Mike McMahon last year and he is yet to prove himself. His play last year should buy him some time to prove himself in '02. But if the Detroit front office feels QB Joey Harrington is a can't miss, he's the pick here.
4. Buffalo Bills - OT Mike Williams, 6-6 375, Texas
The latest word is the Bills have fallen in love with the massive Williams. He would fit in nicely in the run first Buffalo offense as he clears the way for second year back Travis Henry. The only drawback is Williams isn't the best pass blocker. Buffalo's line gave up 46 sacks last season.
Other options: If they can't pull off the Bledsoe deal, Buffalo will look for a QB. Word is they aren't thrilled with QB Joey Harrington's arm strength. It could be a smoke screen, but the Bills will take a passer if eventually.
5. San Diego Chargers - OT Bryant McKinnie, 6-8 343, Miami (FL)
QB Doug Fluite might had prevented a dozen sacks with his mobility, but if Drew Brees earns the starting role over Flutie, the Chargers could use some insurance. The knock on McKinnie is they say he isn't aggressive. On the flip side, he hasn't given up a sack throughout college. SD's O-line is depleted and needs blockers.
Other options: The starting WRs are up there in age and we all know Tim Dwight will never be a starter. SD also lost two D-linemen and could take one in the next round.
6. Dallas Cowboys - S Roy Williams, 6-0 219, Oklahoma
The Cowboys addressed the weakness of their defensive line by adding DT LaRoi Glover in free agency. The 'Boys don't have a starting FS with the release of George Teague and Izell Reese leaving in free agency. Williams projects as a SS, but as talented as scouts say he is, Williams shouldn't have much of a problem adjusting.
Other options: How confident is Dallas in RB Troy Hambrick? While it is understandable they want to get Emmitt Smith the all-time rushing record, the man is ancient and won't be around for much longer. If Hambrick isn't the answer in the future, the Cowboys look for one in the later rounds. They will be interested in a WR and CB as well.
7. Minnesota Vikings - DT Ryan Sims, 6-4 311, North Carolina
.1 yards is what separated the Vikings from being the worst rush defense in the league. Sims could be what Minnesota needs upfront. He has the size to stuff the run and he shouldn't see constant double-teams next to DT Chris Hovan.
Other options: The secondary sucks too, by the way. Figure in the free agency loss of S Robert Griffith, and the Vikes need to fill that position. A quality CB is on the menu as well.
8. Kansas City Chiefs - DT Albert Haynesworth, 6-6 320, Tennessee
Another team whose defense failed them. KC gave up an average of 133.8 yards a game to opponents on the ground and need to find a way to slow the flood. Haynesworth has elevated his stock above since the college season ended, but he has to answer questions about his maturity.
Other options: The Chiefs feel they have a great young corner in CB Eric Warfield. But they could use an upgrade opposite Warfield.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars - OT Levi Jones, 6-6 304, Arizona State
Free agency and the expansion draft has been unkind to the Jags and need to rebuild. While Jacksonville is down three critical defensive linemen, they can't overlook the 63 sacks allowed last season. The chances of finding a good OT in the second round is less than a second-round DT search.
Other options: Word is they have lost confidence in RB Fred Taylor because he is injury-prone. There should be some pretty good ones available later in the draft. Jacksonville will WR Keenan McCardell. They picked up WR Patrick Johnson, but need depth.
10. Cincinnati Bengals - QB Joey Harrington, 603 220, Oregon
It sounds like the Bengals will lose out on the QB Drew Bledsoe bidding. Harrington is the consolation prize. Not a bad one at that. Cincy might be a quality passer away from being a playoff team. Yes, they might not make a run in 2002, but in a year or two, Harrington could be leading the charge.
Other options: This could be the second most pivotal pick. Cincinnati will get offers to to trade down and they will listen, as this team seems pretty solid. They apparently are still bidding for QB Bledsoe. If they don't get him, a QB
11. Indianapolis Colts - DT Wendell Bryant, 6-4 308, Wisconsin
Head coach Tony Dungy will address the biggest problem his new team has. Bryant should fit in well as he's big enough to play in the middle and has the quickness to move to end on passing downs. His first job will be to plug holes in the league's 25th worst run defense.
Other options: Starting OGs Larry Moore and Steve McKinney departed for free agency money. OG Andre Gurode is a possibility. But considering the Colts gave up only 30 sacks last year, the position isn't a huge priority. The secondary is. If S Williams is still available, Dungy has a tough choice to make.
12. Arizona Cardinals - DT John Henderson, 6-7 306, Tennessee
'Zona has problems. They need a pass rusher to help improve on the league worst 19 sacks last season. But at the same time, they gave up 4.2 yards per rush, resulting in the 24th rush defense. The Cardinals will expect Henderson to contribute in both areas, but need him more stuffing run plays.
Other options: Arizona lost versatile RB Michael Pittman in free agency and don't have much confidence in RB Tomas Jones. Selecting RB William Green or T.J. Duckett wouldn't be a major surprise here. Don't rule out DE Charles Grant here either.
13. New Orleans Saints - CB Phillip Buchannon, 5-10 186, Miami (FL)
This will be the second attempt at solidifying the CB position. Two years ago, they signed Steve Israel and he spent most of his time injured. This year the Saints bring in Dale Carter. Come on. If he isn't picking up pass interference penalties, he's being penalized by the league and being suspended. At least Ross will be available to play weekly.
Other options: N'Orleans will think hard about taking DE Grant due to the losses along the defensive line. A WR wouldn't be out of the question. I heard there's on in the draft the Saints like a lot.
14. Tennessee Titans - OG Toniu Fonoti, 6-4 350, Nebraska
The passing game advanced by leaps and bounds as the run offense failed to produce in 2001. Now with the threat of being a improved passing game, opponents can't load up on the run anymore against the Titans. Fonoti is the best run blocking guard in the draft and could play a role in revitalizing a disappointing ground game.
Other options: Tennessee's pass defense was the worst in the league. They've signed SS Lance Schulters, but who will man the FS spot? S Ed Reed would be a reach, but never rule it out. The Titans should draft a fulltime FB. RB Eddie George can't make his own holes.
15. New York Giants - TE Jeremy Shockey, 6-4 255, Miami (FL)
The passing game was very productive for the Giants. The top three receivers caught no less than 51 passes. RB Tiki Barber pulled in 72 receptions. And FB Greg Comella had 39 of his own. Virtually missing from the air attack was a TE as an option. Shockey is a major receiving threat with soft hands and speed down the middle. He will be a valuable selection.
Other options: A counselor for DE Michael Strahan, whether a psychologist or a financial advisor to remind him 17 million is a sh*tload of money no matter when he gets it.
16. Cleveland Browns - RB T.J. Duckett, 6-0 254, Michigan State
Head coach Butch Davis failed to wrestle away RB Ricky Williams from New Orleans. If a big, phyical runner is what Davis wants, Duckett is just the player he's looking for. Duckett improved his stock with impressive numbers put up during his workout. If he really can run a 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds, then the Browns might have one hell of a back.
Other options: The Browns had poor production out of the TE position and will address it maybe as soon as the second round.
17. Atlanta Falcons - WR Donte Stallworth, 6-0 197, Tennessee
What better way to aid the development of a young quarterback than by giving him a go-to guy? The Falcons appear ready to hand the starting job to QB Michael Vick but he lacks targets. The WR position is thin due to the release of Terrance Mathis and Tony Martin. Shawn Jefferson is over 30 and is the only deep threat on the team.
Other options: Atlanta addressed the RB problem with the signing of Warrick Dunn. RB Jamal Anderson re-worked his contract to stay and Maurice Smith isn't going anywhere. This gives the Falcons the chance to shore up the shaky defense starting at DT.
18. Washington Redskins - WR Jabar Gaffney, 6-1 193, Florida
Head coach Steve Spurrier adds another one of his guys. He's already brought in WRs Jacquez Green and Reidel Anthony and traded for QB Danny Wuerful - all players he coached in college at the University of Florida. In this wide-open passing offense, it never hurts to have another pair of hands.
Other options: The Redskins lost two TEs in free agency. TE Daniel Graham could go this soon. Or he can improve the pass rush (25 sacks in '01) with DE Grant.
19. Denver Broncos - OG Andre Gurode, 6-4 316, Colorado
Head coach Mike Shannahan must shuffle the offensive line due to the loss of OT Trey Teague in free agency. Adding Gurode should keep the shuffling to a minimum. The O-line didn't exactly have a great year, allowing 42 sacks and decreased production out of the running game.
Other options: The Broncos add a QB to challenge Brian Griese. Confidence in him has decreased. Denver might still be interested in a WR (Gaffney?) even after adding WR Rob Moore.
20. Seattle Seahawks - TE Daniel Graham, 6-3 248, Colorado
With Christian Fauria and Itula Mili manning the TE position, they combined for 29 receptions, 286 yards, and three touchdowns. Nothing special, and it will get worse now that Fauria will be playing elsewhere. Graham is more of a pass catcher and his contributions will be welcomed.
Other options: The secondary got some much needed help with the recent signing of CB Doug Evans. Now Seattle can turn their attention to the defensive line.
21. Oakland Raiders - DT Anthony Weaver, 6-3 296, Notre Dame
Oakland let DT Grady Jackson leave. On top of that, they aren't expecting DT Darrell Russell to be available in 2002 due to a likely drug suspension. They already picked up DT John Parella and feel they have a good young DT in Roderick Coleman but he's inconsistent. While they have another pick two spots down, Weaver is taken now because the Jets might be interested in him.
Other options: Sure they brought in LB Bill Romanowski. Just remember he's is very veteran player. A young OLB likely is the next concern.
22. New York Jets - CB Lito Sheppard, 5-10 194, Florida
Think back to the expansion draft. New York made both starting corners, Aaron Glenn and Marcus Coleman, available and the Texans selected them. The Jets filled one spot with Aaron Beasley and now fill the other with Sheppard.
Other options: If Oakland doesn't take DT Weaver, the Jets might take him here. DTs Steve Martin and Shane Burton said adios and so did DE Rick Lyle. The offensive line must be addressed as well.
23. Oakland Raiders - DE Charles Grant, 6-3 278, Georgia
Last year they signed DE Trace Armstrong to be a pass rush specalist but he got hurt and missed most of the season. DE Reagan Upshaw is up there in age as well. Last year they drafted DE DeLawrence Grant. The two Grants could become the future of the Raiders' pass rush.
Other options: As good as CB Eric Allen is, he is 36. There's no telling how much longer he will be able to play well. Oakland might reach for a CB.
24. Baltimore Ravens - S Ed Reed, 5 -11 205, Miami (FL)
The Ravens can go in numerous directions, but being this far down in the draft, Reed is the best player available and fills a big-time need. Baltimore released FS Rod Woodson and SS Corey Harris was signed away as a free agent.
Other options: About a dozen more picks to fill all the positions that opened up when the Ravens made cuts to get under the salary cap. Since they are converting to a 3-4, more LBs and a true NT are primary.
25. New Orleans Saints - DE Kalimba Edwards, 6-5 265, South Carolina
The Saints are a sack-hungry team. Last year they picked up 53 of them. But the departures of DE Joe Johnson and DT LaRoi Glover subtracts 17 sacks from the 2001 totals. NO will blitz more and Edwards could be a big part of the third down package since he's on the small side to be a starter.
Other options: Another D-lineman, preferably a DT, and O-line depth. They found a replacement for OT Willie Roaf but the good G would be nice.
26. Philadelphia Eagles - OG Kendall Simmons, 6-3 311, Auburn
Even with one of the most dangerous running quarterbacks in the league, Philadelphia still gave up 40 sacks. Nebraska's G Tonui Fonoti is rated higher, but isn't polished as a pass blocker.
Other options: Nobody wanted to trade with the Eagles for MLB Jeremiah Trotter so Philly removed the franchise tag off him and he's a free agent. He's not coming back. Any LB drafted would help.
27. San Francisco 49ers - WR Ashlie Leslie, 6-3 197, Hawaii
The word out of the Bay Area is they are dissatisfied with the production out of WRs J.J. Stokes and Tai Streets. Leslie isn't a polished route runner, which is key in the West Coast offense. But you can't coach the kind of size and speed Leslie has. They'll spend time on the routes if they must. Otherwise Leslie is a nice fit for the 49ers.
Other options: San Fran has an aging pair of DTs and will need to find eventual successors.
28. Green Bay Packers - WR Josh Reed, 5-10 210, LSU
The Pack lost WRs Bill Schroeder and Corey Bradford, the number two and three wide outs. And in due time they will release Antonio Freeman. Yes they traded for Terry Glenn and signed Windrell Hayes, but there's still a spot left. Reed will be an ideal slot receiver.
Other options: They will be looking for depth. GB doesn't have glaring holes.
29. Chicago Bears - DE Dwight Freeney, 6-1 268, Syracuse
Because he doesn't have ideal size, Freeney, quite possibly the best pure pass rusher in this year's draft, free falls to the Bears. Chicago put up great numbers with 48 sacks. The Bears can afford to use Freeney just for passing situations.
Other options: In all honesty, the Bears are still in good shape in the secondary even with the loss of CB Walt Harris. They will move CB Jerry Azumah up into the spot. They should take a corner for depth.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers - WR Reche Caldwell, 6-0 194, Florida
Third down receiver Bobby Shaw made an exit from Pittsburgh. Caldwell will be his replacement. This selection is a nice fit as Caldwell is a good blocker and will be asked to block often in the Steel City.
Other options: A S might be a selection in this year's draft. Theyll also think about LB Napoleon Harris -- he'd be a perfect fit in a 3-4 defense.
31. St. Louis Rams - LB Napoleon Harris, 6-3 255, Northwestern
Now that they traded for WR Terrence Wilkins, the Rams don't have to worry about the offense. They already picked up LB Jamie Duncan to play the middle. Harris isn't likely to crack the starting lineup, but will see time behind LB Mark Fields in blitz packages to take advantage of Harris' pass rush abilities.
Other options: A beefy DT would be a great complement to DT Damione Lewis.
32. New England Patriots - WR Javon Walker, 6-2 210, Florida State
Head coach Bill Belichick hasn't drafted a WR in his two years coaching the Patriots. Now he might have no choice but to do so. The roster has only four wide outs with game experience after signing WR Donald Hayes in free agency. NE needs to improve depth.
Other options: NE might reach for DE Bryan Thomas. A more suitable (in other words, bigger) back-up to RB Antowain Smith would be nice.
Miami Dolphins: They traded for RB Ricky Williams and now have a number one ball carrier. That solved their biggest problem. They lack a quality tight end, but with the change in offensive philosophy, it could mean FB Rob Konrad will play H-back to take advantage of his good hands. The 'Fins should be interested in a S with the departure of Brian Walker.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: They paid a huge price in the trade for head coach Jon Gruden and won't make a selection until the third round. The offense has been stripped in free agency. They need wide receivers, a tight end, and a runner to spell relief for free agent acquisition Michael Pittman. The defense needs a few holes filled as well, starting with a linebacker and a D-lineman.
QB Major Applewhite, Texas - Short and weak armed. But he wins. You can't coach that. If you need proof, go back to the Longhorns' last two games.
RB Johnathan Wells, Ohio State - A big back with scat-back feet. He's sort of like the cartoon hippo-balerina. Wells isn't perfect, as he doesn't run physically for someone his size. There's always hope for him.
DE Will Overstreet, Tennessee - Maybe he was helped playing on the same line as DTs Henderson and Haynesworth, but Overstreet is an all-out effort guy with a non-stop motor. While undersized, hard workers like him are always valuable.
RB Travis Stephens, Tennessee - Like the runner that came before him, Travis Henry with Buffalo, he plays bigger than his size. A tough bastard to bring down with the ball in his hands. But at 5-7, he might only be a third-down back.
FB Jamar Martin, Ohio State - Martin's a dying breed: a pure blocker. He has no hands, isn't a good runner, but man, can he clear a path.
WR Antwaan Randle El, Indiana - Converted QB moved to wide out due to lack of size. Seeing defenses from the other persepective should help him find holes in zones. A playmaker from either position.
WR Aaron Lockett, Kansas State - Probably the best punt and kick returner available this year. At 5-7 166, he won't do much else.