Version 3.0 Updated 4/23/03
1. Cincinnati Bengals: QB Carson Palmer, USC, 6-4 220
This team is still owned by Mike Brown. Yes he took steps towards modernizing the
scouting department, but he still sign the checks. Brown had his eye on Palmer for a
while. The scouts find it hard to argue this time around. The only knock on Palmer is he
excelled for only one year.
Options: What a surprise it would be if they opt for QB Byron Leftwich.
Leftwich had four years of great play versus Palmer's one. If the contract talks between
the top two QBs is too pricey, the Bengals can always take CB Terrance Newman.
2. Detroit Lions: WR Charles Rogers, Michigan State 6-2 203
Last year, Detroit picked the quarterback of the present and future in Joey Harrington.
Now they begin surrounding him with talent. On top of that, a hometown pick will get fans
behind the team. RB James Stewart led the team in catches, a sign that the current group
of receivers can't get open. The 25th passing offense gets a major boost with Rogers.
Options: WR Andre Johnson, who is bigger but is just as athletically
gifted as Rogers, would be a surprise. Or the Lions could go with defense, possibly DT
Jimmy Kennedy or Dwayne Robertson.
3. Houston Texans: WR Andre Johnson, Miami (FL), 6-3 220
All along Houston said they wanted an impact player and they hope Johnson can be one.
Last year's first pick overall, quarterback David Carr, will finally have the go-to player
he desparately needs. Players with Johnson's physical abilities don't come around often.
He should give the worst passing offense in the league a much needed boost.
Options: I won't rule out OT Jordan Gross. The Texans can't afford to let
Carr take another beating in 2003. The defense is in need of serious help. DT Kennedy or
Robertson would be very tempting.
4. Chicago Bears: DT Dwayne Robertson, Kentucky, 6-3 308
Around draft time, coaches and scouting departments can be so fickle. Chicago
originally fell in love with Penn State's Jimmy Kennedy. But thanks to strong workouts,
the Bears apparently are head over heels for Robertson. He's not big like Keith Traylor or
Ted Washington, but Chicago feels Robertson's quickness is an assett the defense could
really use.
Options: They know QB Kordell Stewart isn't the answer at the position.
Chicago would rather wait until the next round for a QB, but don't rule out QB Leftwich
for fourth overall.
5. Dallas Cowboys: CB Terrance Newman, Kansas State, 5-10 181
I went against popular belief for the longest time, but now will follow the suggestions
of the various experts that say Cowboys head coach Bill Parcells will take Newman. Dallas
has a very young secondary, starting two rookies for much of last season. After the top
two the depth lacks. Newman would take one of the starting spots, increasing the numbers
at a deficient position.
Options: Does Parcells believe in either QBs Chad Hutchinson or Quincy
Carter? Parcells might want to start with a guy he picked, namely QB Leftwich. The defense
needs help everywhere, so CB Newman is a possibility.
6. Arizona Cardinals: DE Terrell Suggs, Arizona State, 6-2 262
'Zona has the makings of a good, young defensive line and Suggs could be the crown
jewel. Defensive tackle Wendell Bryant could prove his worth with a full training camp and
season. Defensive end Kyle Vanden Bosch puts forth relentless effort all the time. Suggs,
if as good as advertised, will make an impace. He could be Arizona's best defensive end
since Simeon Rice.
Options: Staying with the defense, they could go with LB Boss Bailey or
one of the remaining top DTs in Kenndy or William Joseph. There is a major void at QB, so
they could take Leftwich.
7. Minnesota Vikings: DT Jimmy Kennedy, Penn State, 6-5 330
To plug a gaping hole in the run defense, the Vikes take one of the biggest defensive
tackles in this year's draft. Opponents averaged 4.2 yards per carry on Minnesota.
Kennedy's size makes him an anchor up the middle and should be able to draw attention away
from defensive tackle Chris Hovan, allowing Hovan to make plays.
Options: They could take a LB, either Bailey, who can get all over the
field and help the pass defense, or E.J. Henderson for the sole purpose of keeping
opponents from runnin' wild.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: OT Jordan Gross, Utah, 6-4 300
Quarterback Mark Brunell tasted turf 34 times last year. Whether the Jaguars stay with
Brunell for the long run or they intend on developing his eventual replacement,
Jacksonville must make the pocket a safe place for the passer to work. Gross can play more
than one position on the line, a definite plus.
Options: It won't be an easy decision if CB Marcus Trufant is still on
the board. Or Jacksonville can open some eyes by taking QB Leftwich.
9. Carolina Panthers: CB Marcus Trufant, Washington State, 5-10 186
An already fierce defense gets even more dangerous with the addition of Trufant, who
could become a shut-down corner. Much of the offensive problems have been settled through
free agency, adding quarterback Jake Delhomme, running back Stephen Davis, wide out Kevin
Dyson, and guard Doug Brzezinski. So defense gets served first in the draft.
Options: The building of the OL might be in the early phases. OT Harris
or G Steinbach could be added.
10. Baltimore Ravens: QB Byron Leftwich, Marshall, 6-5 252
Head coach Brian Billick is big on Kyle Boller, but he's not the one who makes the
pick. That responsibility falls on director of player personel Ozzie Newsome and he has
Leftwich rated higher than Boller. It might not be the player he wants, but Billick should
be happy with Leftwich.
Options: The passing game got great production out of WR Travis Taylor
and TE Todd Heap. Adding a #2 receiver, like Taylor Jacobs would only make the offense
better.
11. Seattle Seahawks: DT Kevin Williams, Oklahoma State, 6-4 301
The owners of the worst run defense in the league must find a remedy. Williams is very
quick for a player his size and he makes use of his speed to penetrate and disrrupt
offenses. He'll spend some time being toutored by John Randle before Williams becomes a
starter and forces Randle to defensive end.
Options: Instead of taking someone to prevent holes, they could take
someone who fills them in LB Henderson.
12. St. Louis Rams: LB Boss Bailey, Georgia, 6-2 230
Liinebacker play was so bad for the Rams last year, they used SS Adam Archuleta at the
position. Adding Bailey allows Archuleta to be more of a factor in the pass defense.
Defensive coordinator Lovie Smith desires speed on his defense and Bailey is as fast as
they come at the position this year.
Options: They lost two of their top three corners through free agency.
St. Louis could take a chance on CB Andre Woolfolk and let CB Aeneas Williams tutor him.
13. New York Jets: DT William Joseph, Miami (FL), 6-4 305
New York's failed miserably at stopping the run, allowing an embarrassing 4.6 yards per
carry. The Jets also had their problems getting to the quarterback, accumilating just 30
sacks in 2002. Joseph can help in both areas and could quickly become an important part of
New York's defensive line rotation.
Options: LBs Mo Lewis and Marvin Jones are getting up there in age. The
Jets could be interested in MLB Henderson.
14. New England Patriots: DT Johnathan Sullivan, Georgia, 6-3 305
Sullivan has been compared to Richard Seymour, a 2001 first round draft pick by the
Patriots. If Sullivan turns out to be as good as advertised, New England would be
ecstatic. If all goes well, Sullivan would allow the team to play Seymour at defensive end
to take advantage of his pass rushing ability.
Options: N.E. might be interested in upgrading the MLB position.
Henderson is a possibility, as long as he can play in a 3-4 defense. The Pats are also
interested in a CB, so Andre Woolfolk gets consideration.
15. San Diego Chargers: LB E.J. Henderson, Maryland, 6-1 250
Drafting Henderson would be surprising because he isn't capable of replacing Junior
Seau, the outside linebacker released during free agency. What the Chargers do is shift
last year's Mike 'backer Donnie Edwards outside to make room for Henderson. The run
defense gave up 4.2 yards per carry. Ironic, considering Henderson wore 42 in college.
Options: The pass defense was the worst in the league. They took a CB in
the first round and could do it again in Woolfolk. Or they might be interested in S Mike
Doss, a playmaker in the secondary.
16. Kansas City Chiefs: DT Rein Long, Washington State, 6-4 286
KC made it E-Z for opposing R-Bs weekly. Rookie defensive tackle Ryan Sims is a player
the coaches want to build their defense around so they start from the inside and work
their way out. Long could pair with Sims and turn a weakness into a strength.
Options: An offense like the one used by head coach Dick Vermeil could
always use another pair of hands. WR Taylor Jacobs would fit in nicely. More importantly,
they could address the secondary with maybe CB Woolfolk.
17. New Orleans Saints: CB Andre Woolfolk, Oklahoma, 6-1 193
N'Orleans has a jones for the top two corners in this year's draft. If they are forced
to sit and wait until now, they will take the consolation prize of Woolfolk, a raw big
corner with speed. The Saints have a pair of corners long in the tooth (Dale Carter and
Ashley Ambrose). They need to bring a youngster along.
Options: It's a DT-heavy draft and New Orleans can't go wrong with taking
one. It's a decent reach to take DT Kenny Peterson, but he would fill a need.
18. New Orleans Saints: DT Kenny Peterson, Ohio State, 6-2 293
In the end, the Saints reach for Peterson. The former Buckeye is termed a 'tweener, a
negative critique of a player to small for defensive tackle but not quick enough for
defensive end. While Peterson will spend most of his time at tackle, N.O. consider him
versatile and move Peterson along the line depending upon the situations.
Options: OT Wayne Gandy takes the place of the traded Kyle Turley. Gandy
has been in the league for 10 years so drafting a protoge like Kwame Harris would be a
good idea.
19. New England Patriots: WR Kelly Washington, Tennessee, 6-4 225
Washington has made a few visits to Gillette Stadium in the weeks leading up to the
draft so the Patriots must be pretty serious about him. They really need a big receiver
that has the speed to be a downfield threat. There's a concern about Washington's neck. If
New England's medical staff finds no problem with it, they'll select Washington.
Options: The offensive line needs to be upgraded. G Eric Steinbach is
versatile, a quality Belichick likes out of his linemen. OT Kwame Harris is another
possibility.
20. Denver Broncos: DE Jerome McDougle, Miami (FL), 6-0 264
By adding defensive tackle Daryl Gardner through free agency, the Broncos have a built
a big, physical defensive line. With that size, they can afford to take McDougle, a
undersized defensive end. Whether he's used in situations only or earns his way to start,
the Broncos like the speed he'd bring off the corner.
Options: The Broncos lost two key CBs in free agency. Filling that hole
will be on their minds. If they have an eye to the future, TE Jason Whitten could be the
eventual replacement for Shannon Sharpe.
21. Cleveland Browns: DE Chris Kelsay, Nebraska, 6-4 270
Cleveland hopes to reverse their disappointing trend of drafting defensive linemen
flops in the first round. First it was Courtney Brown. He was followed by Gerard Warren.
Neither has played up to their potential. Cleveland passes on Michael Haynes because of a
previous bad experience with a Penn State D-lineman (Brown). They take Kelsay for his
all-out effort.
Options: They lost C Dave Wohlabaugh during free agency can could go for
his replacement in Jeff Faine.
22. New York Jets: OG Eric Steinbach, Iowa, 6-5 300
The Jets have Washington to thank for this pick. After losing Pro Bowl guard Randy
Thomas through free agency, New York found his replacement in veteran Tom Nutten. But he's
a short term fix. Years down the road, the starting spot goes to Steinbach A former tight
end, he is very atheltically gifted with lots of potential.
Options: No offense, but WR Curtis Conway is no Lavernaues Coles. The
Jets consider WR Taylor Jacobs or even Kelly Washington. The latter has a troubled past,
but New York gambled on Coles and it paid off.
23. Buffalo Bills: OT Kwame Harris, Stanford, 6-7 310
When the Bills trade for quarterback Drew Bledsoe, he was at the beginning of a long
term contract. By taking Harris, Buffalo is taking insurance that Bledsoe will be able to
play for the duration of his deal. Harris must learn quickly if the downfield passing
offense is to continue without taking a step back.
Options: They cut TE Jay Riemersma during free agency and replaced him
with Dave Campbell, a player with just X career receptions. TE Jason Whitten would give
Bledsoe a Ben Coates-like option over the middle.
24. Indianapolis Colts: S Mike Doss, Ohio State, 5-9 200
Doss is the kind of player Indy head coach Tony Dungy likes: A playmaker. Doss has a
penchant for big plays at the right times. Doss is measureably undersized for the
position, but that won't stop Dungy. He likes players who display a lot of heart.
Options: Leading tackler LB Mike Peterson is no longer with the team
after being signed away as a free agent. To say the Colts need to replace him is an
understatement.
25. New York Giants: OT George Foster, Georgia, 6-4 317
This fills the need created by the departures of right tackle Mike Rosenthal and right
guard Jason Whittle. New York's offensive line was young but became a solid unit by the
end of the season. There was no way the Giants could keep the unit together. Rosenthal and
Whittle leaving will take the O-line back, but Foster should be able to step in early and
help.
Options: The truth is, the Giants want to groom a DE to eventually take
the place of Michael Strahan. If there is one of reasonable quality available, it would be
a sensible pick.
26. San Francisco 49ers: WR Bryant Johnson, Penn State, 6-2 208
Number two wide out Tai Streets might leave as a free agent. If that happens, that
would be 72 catches, 756 yards and five touchdowns to replace. Also, the 49ers gave J.J.
Stokes permission to find a team willing to trade for his services. Bryant ideally would
become the third receiver, but could start opposite Terrell Owens if San Fran can't keep
Streets.
Options: The idea of San Fran drafting a player from Hawaii just sounds
right. G Vince Manuwai fills the hole created with the departure of Dave Fiore.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Kyle Boller, California, 6-2 221
Steelers head coach Bill Cowher isn't afraid to draft a player with questions
surrounding him. He gambled with the likes of quarterback Kordell Stewart and converted
receivers Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle-El, both college quarterbacks. Boller, while
impressive in workouts, didn't post great numbers during his college career. With good
coaching, he could develop into a quality pro.
Options: It would be hard to pass up S Troy Polamalu. He has the speed
Lethon Flowers lacked and Polamalu has potential in pass coverage.
28. Tennessee Titans: WR Taylor Jacobs, Florida, 5-11 201
The wide outs on Tennessee for years haven't been impressive. They're all complementary
to the tight ends and the power running game. With the emergence of quarterback Steve
McNair, it's only fair to provide him with better weapons. Jacobs could turn out to be an
upgrade over Kevin Dyson, who left via free agency.
Options: They will miss DT John Thornton. Tennessee did draft Albert
Haynesworth last year, but must add depth for a healthy rotation.
29. Green Bay Packers: CB Dennis Weathersby, Oregon State, 6-0 211
It's simple math, really. Corners Tyrone Williams and Tod McBride were signed away
during free agency and the Packers are short one starter thanks to the departures.
Weathersby has ideal size to take on bigger receivers and the speed to run with the
smaller ones. His NFL education will be accelerated by practicing against the Packers'
offense and he could start on opening day.
Options: DE Vonnie Holliday won't be lining up for the Pack anymore. They
could be interested in DE Cory Redding or Tyler Brayton.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: DE Michael Haynes, Penn State, 6-3 274
Besides allowing team sack leader defensive end Hugh Douglas to leave via free agency,
the Eagles failed to sign Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila away from Green Bay. Philly's aggressive
defense needs a player that can get to the quarterback. Some question if Haynes is as good
as he appears, playing alongside Jimmy Kennedy. Philly would think so with this pick.
Options: The best way to keep QB Donovan McNabb in the pocket is to
provide him with receivers that can get open. They'll think about WR Anquan Boldin.
31. Oakland Raiders: C Jeff Faine, Notre Dame, 6-2 298
There are questions to whether Barrett Robbins will be back with the Raiders in 2003.
Only Adam Treu is listed on the roster at the position. Whether Faine starts or is
inserted as a back-up, Oakland needs depth at the position for insurance.
Options: The Raiders are a veteran team, but has enough youth on the team
for solid depth. They can afford to draft the best player available, whether a LB or a
D-lineman.
32. Oakland Raiders: RB Willis McGahee, Miami (FL), 6-1 220
The risk/reward potential is just too tempting for the Raiders. They can live with
McGahee not playing this year, but fully believe he can be the lead horse in their
backfield stable in 2004. Running back is one of the few positions Oakland lacks young
potential. They would feel very good with McGahee in line to become the lead back.
Options: See Options for pick 31.
What About...
Atlanta: They traded their first round pick (23rd overall) to Buffalo for wide receiver Peerless Price to be the Falcons' number one receiver. They've been very defensive-minded during free agency, but can still use a run-stuffing defensive tackle. A decent one could be available in the second round.
Miami: This year's first round pick belongs to New Orleans for the trade that brought running back Ricky Williams to the Dolphins. Williams was well worth the price. This is a team on paper that looks like it is on the cusp of of reaching the Super Bowl. But the question is coming up if quarterback Jay Fiedler is the passer that can take them there. It might be time to select a quarterback for the future.
Tampa Bay: As sound of a Super Bowl win the Buccaneers had, this team can be better, in particularly on offense. They still lack speed at the wide receiver spot. The Bucs could also be interested in a running back, as Michael Pittman was a disappointment during the regular season.
Washington: Where do they get their money? They've added 12 players during free agency and all are expected to play major roles in 2003. They filled all the holes in this manner but a defensive end could be a priority as Bruce Smith is approaching retirement.
Trade Talks
Five teams in the top eight (Cincinnatti, Houston, Dallas, Minnesota, and Jacksonville) would accept trading down if the bounty of extra picks is rich enough. Of those five, Cincy likely won't find a suitor, as no one wants the money that goes with the top pick in the draft. Houston is the strongest possibility to trade down. The team has numerous holes and would sacrifice drafting an impact player for extra picks to make all-around improvements to the team.
Four teams have multiple picks in the first round. Three of the four are strong candidates to move up:
New Orleans: They want to move up for a chance to draft either of the top two corners, Terrance Newman or Marcus Trufant.
New England: With the extra picks aquired by trading safety Tebucky Jones, the Patriots became probable for trading up. They seem after one of the top defensive tackles (Dwayne Robertson or Jimmy Kennedy). Some rumors have the Patriots interested in Miami (FL) wide receiver Andre Johnson or one of the top two corners, Newman and Trufant.
New York Jets: A Jets official recently stated that the Jets were not interested in trading up, prefering to hold thier ground and use both draft picks.
Favorites/Sleepers
RB Justin Fargas, USC - I remember him as a freshman at the University of Michigan and thought highly of him then. Fargas is no longer a secret, though. He's a aggressive and decisive runner. Will hit defenders, but has a history of injuries.
RB Quentin Griffin, Oklahoma - His production speaks for him. His small size will scare teams away, but he's dangerous with the ball in his hands. Extremely elusive, he could turn out to be one hell of a third down back.
RB Cecil Sapp, Colorado State - A bull in shoulder pads. Sapp isn't very elusive but has strong leg drive to gain yards after contact.
QB Ken Dorsey, Miami (FL) - Just because all the scouts dissed him. He lost just two games in three years as a starter but measureables are worth more to scouts than being a winner.
LB Victor Hobson, Michigan - Could be the next Wolverine linebacker to make a name for himself after Ian Gold and Dahani Jones. He gets all over the field and is a solid tackler. Might be too slow to play outside. Could move to middle linebacker.