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Every NFL team goes into the draft with a to-do list based on their team's needs, their draft position and their willingness to trade up or down. Our scouts have been doing their homework and, with the draft less than two weeks away, present an early look at the most likely scenarios each team will face on draft day.



San Diego Chargers
Day 1 Picks: 1st overall (first round); 35th (second round); 66th (third round).
First-Round Priorities:
# Trade down to stockpile second- and third-round picks
# Ole Miss QB Eli Manning
# Pittsburgh WR Larry Fitzgerald
# Iowa OT Robert Gallery
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
In any trade scenario with the Giants, WR Ike Hilliard could be in the mix, as we're hearing the Chargers are intrigued by him. If the Chargers moved from pick No. 1 to pick No. 4 for a second-round pick and Hilliard, they could then get Ben Roethlisberger at pick No. 4, Hilliard to fill a void at wide receiver, plus have two second-round picks to use in upgrading their offensive and defensive lines.

The other rumor with the Giants is that the Chargers are seeking a second-round pick in 2005, as well as one in the upcoming draft.

Furthermore, if the Chargers flip-flop with the Giants and Iowa OT Robert Gallery is still available at No. 4, there is a chance the Chargers could trade down again with the Browns for pick No. 7. That move could net San Diego another second-round pick, or maybe a third-round pick plus WR Dennis Northcutt. If that scenario plays out, the Chargers might still get Roethlisberger. But if he's gone, they still could draft QB Philip Rivers with the seventh pick, add Hilliard and Northcutt to their decimated receiving corps, and have two picks in the second round and two in the third round to really rebuild this team with young talent along the offensive and defensive fronts. Nobody believes Rivers is a better prospect than Manning. However, Roethlisberger or Rivers at seven along with two proven veteran receivers, an extra second-round pick and an extra third-round pick is clearly more attractive than just Manning at No. 1.

Finally, if the Chargers wind up stuck with this pick, we believe they'll try to use the agents of Fitzgerald and Gallery as leverage in order to get the best possible deal from IMG's Tom Condon (Manning's agent), but ultimately they would draft Manning with the top pick.

After Round 1:
There's a reason the Chargers have the No. 1 overall pick. They have several high-priority needs that must be addressed on Day 1, which is why the option of trading down and acquiring extra picks is so attractive. Regardless of whether or not they keep the top pick, we strongly believe the Chargers will draft a quarterback in the first round. If so, they then will need to shift their focus to their other positions of critical need, such as offensive tackle, wide receiver, defensive tackle and linebacker.

The best-case scenario for the Chargers would be to acquire at least one extra pick in this year's draft while moving down a few spots and drafting a quarterback such as Roethlisberger or Rivers. In doing so, they would be better positioned to draft a quality player at the aforementioned positions of high need. Adding Roethlisberger, a defensive end such as Alabama's Antwan Odom with the 35th pick, a wide receiver such as Southern Cal's Keary Colbert with an additional second round pick and an offensive tackle such Purdue's Kelly Butler with the 66th pick would make for a strong first day of the draft.



Oakland Raiders
Day 1 Picks: 2nd overall (first round); 45th, from Tampa Bay (second round); 67th (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Trade down
# Pittsburgh WR Larry Fitzgerald
# Iowa OT Robert Gallery
# Texas WR Roy Williams
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
The Raiders are getting a lot of phone calls, but we're not so sure that at the end of the day they will wind up with any legitimate offers to trade out of the second spot. The Raiders would love to move down a few spots, pick up an extra pick and still get Roy Williams, but they don't think he's worth the value at No. 2.

The most recent rumor had the Raiders trading from pick No. 2 to No. 5 with the Redskins for OT Chris Samuels. The Raiders would love to do it, because they would get a pro bowl starting left tackle and still be able to draft Roy Williams, but there's no way that the Redskins will do this deal.

The Raiders are likely to get some Larry Fitzgerald rumors started in order to strike fear in the Cardinals to get them to swap picks, but we don't think Dennis Green and the Cardinals will budge.

We are, in fact, hearing an awful lot of rumors about Gallery, but it begs the question of whether or not they are trying to get the Browns to bite in order to trade up. Right now the Browns are in love with Gallery, but from what we hear they will not trade up this high for him.

Judging by the moves the Raiders have made in the offseason, owner Al Davis still refuses to rebuild. If that's the case, Fitzgerald makes the most sense if they don't trade out of this spot. New coach Norv Turner is a vertical passing game coach and, while Roy Williams ran a 4.37 at 212 pounds at his Pro Day, Fitzgerald is clearly the best receiver prospect, and his height, playmaking skills and 4.47-speed would make him a threat in Turner's system. With Fitzgerald and Jerry Porter to add speed and vertical playmaking ability to an aging and slowing receiving corps with Jerry Rice and Tim Brown, Turner's system would be in good shape now and in the future.

However, if the rumors are true and the Raiders do indeed go with Gallery at No. 2, the rest of the top of the draft board falls in place. The Cardinals will get their guy in Fitzgerald, and the Browns no longer would be players in the trade-up game because Gallery would be gone. In that case, the Raiders would move Barry Sims inside to guard and allow Gallery and Langston Walker to become a young tandem of bookend tackles, which would solidify their offensive line for years to come.

After Round 1:
The Raiders are without their original second-round selection, instead holding the Buccaneers' 45th overall pick as a result of the John Gruden trade. Assuming Manning is drafted first overall and the Raiders can't move out of their No. 2 pick, their decision between Fitzgerald and Gallery will shape the rest of their draft. The Raiders have been much bigger players in the free agency market than expected, which has helped to minimize needs along their defensive line, at linebacker and at safety.

If the Raiders draft Gallery, they likely will need to use one of their remaining two selections on Day 1 on a wide receiver. However, if the Raiders draft Fitzgerald -- or Roy Williams -- in the first round, they will then have a lot more flexibility with their next two picks. After wide receiver, the Raiders have several needs, including quarterback, outside linebacker, safety, offensive tackle and center, but none is so pressing the team needs to draft a starter at the position for the 2004 season. If they drafted their receiver with the second pick, the Raiders could easily end up walking away from Day 1 with Fitzgerald, Florida State OLB Michael Boulware in the second round and Ohio State DS Will Allen in the third.

If that's the case, the Raiders would be looking for developmental players at quarterback and along their offensive line early on Day 2.

Finally, everybody has written off the deal between the Raiders and Bengals for RB Corey Dillon. However, this is a cat-and-mouse game in which the Raiders are simply waiting the Bengals out in order to see if they will panic. From what we are hearing, we would be surprised if Dillon did not become a Raider right before the draft, or even on draft day.



Arizona Cardinals
Day 1 Picks: 3rd overall (first round); 33rd (second round); 64th (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Pittsburgh WR Larry Fitzgerald
# Trade down
# Miami DS Sean Taylor
# Texas WR Roy Williams
# USC WR Mike Williams
# USC DE Kenechi Udeze
# Oklahoma DT Tommie Harris
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
There's no question about it -- the Cardinals want Fitzgerald. The question, however, is whether they are willing to flip-flop spots with the Raiders to get him. Early indications are they're not.

If Fitzgerald goes at No. 2, the Cardinals will be trying like crazy to trade down. In fact, from what we hear, they are currently trying to get a contingency deal done should that scenario arise. If Fitzgerald is gone and Gallery is still on the board, the first team we are hearing that the Cardinals could trade down with is the Browns, who would make the move to get Gallery. Dennis Green's son, Jeremy Green, is the director of pro personnel for the Browns, which makes that deal even more likely to occur. The deal will include picks, but the Browns could soften the blow by throwing in disgruntled WR Dennis Northcutt.

The other team that could be interested in moving up to this pick is the Texans, who evidently are hot on the trail of Miami DS Sean Taylor. The only concern the Cardinals should have in trading with the Texans, however, is that the Falcons (No. 8) and Jaguars (9) are both entertaining the idea of drafting wide receivers in the first round. That means Arizona could lose out on Roy Williams and Mike Williams by trading down to the 10th spot. But if they got Northcutt to go along with Anquan Boldin and Bryant Johnson, they could then draft a top defensive lineman such as Udeze or Harris with that pick.

Finally, if they are stuck at pick No. 3 and can't trade out, the best player on their board that fits a need will be Taylor. Knowing that, teams interested in Taylor will be extremely upset if Fitzgerald goes to the Raiders at No. 2, because there's a good chance Taylor won't slip past No. 3.

After Round 1:
If the Cardinals do get their receiver in the first round, they likely will shift their focus to defensive line, inside linebacker, cornerback and possibly even running back with their remaining two picks on Day 1. The Cardinals could walk away from the first day of the draft with Fitzgerald, Clemson DT Donnell Washington in the second round and a running back the likes of Oklahoma State's Tatum Bell in the third.

Lastly, the Cardinals could very well draft a quarterback, but we don't think they will until Day 2. Green feels strongly that Josh McCown can be his starter of the future, and the team brought in Shaun King as something of a solid veteran backup. The team is much more likely to draft a developmental No. 3 quarterback on the second day.



New York Giants
Day 1 Picks: 4th overall (first round); 34th (second round); 65th (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Trade up for Ole Miss QB Eli Manning
# Iowa OT Robert Gallery
# Miami (OH) QB Ben Roethlisberger
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
There are a lot of factors to take into consideration when it comes to a potential deal between the Giants and Chargers. Tom Condon, Eli Manning's agent, more than ever is trying to orchestrate a trade, because the IMG marketing machine wants Manning to play in New York. Longtime Giants GM Ernie Accorsi, who is getting closer to retiring, could really be looking to leave his legacy with Manning as the quarterback of the future. Furthermore, Kerry Collins is only under contract for one more year and will be 32 years old next season.

If the Giants aren't able to get a deal done to trade up for Manning, and if Fitzgerald and Gallery go at picks 2 and 3, the Giants could retreat to a team such as the Texans at pick No. 10. In that scenario, the Giants would acquire an extra pick or picks to trade down and still get either Roethlisberger or Rivers.

After Round 1:
In our opinion, it doesn't make a lot of sense for the Giants to trade up for Manning when they have so many other needs and could still get a guy like Roethlisberger with the fourth pick. They would have a year to groom the MAC quarterback while Collins plays out his contract. Furthermore, while trading up for Manning is enticing, if they give away a second-round pick in order to do so, it really handicaps them the rest of Day 1.

If the Giants do draft Roethlisberger in the first round, they still will have needs to address at inside linebacker, defensive tackle, cornerback, defensive end, free safety and wide receiver. While a lot will obviously have to do with what players fall to them at picks No. 34 and No. 65, the Giants would have to feel good about walking away with Roethlisberger as their future starting quarterback with the fourth overall pick, Georgia Tech ILB Daryl Smith as a future replacement for the departed Mike Barrow in the second round and Ohio State DL Darrion Scott as a "wave" defensive lineman in the third round.

If that's the case, the Giants would still be looking for depth at cornerbacks, free safety and wide receiver on the second day.

However, if they trade away their second-round pick for Manning, they will be looking at just two selections -- possibly Manning and Scott -- on Day 1, which would leave them with still another glaring need (ILB) on their depth chart.

Finally, they plugged holes along their offensive line with two free agents from the Browns in OC Shaun O'Hara and ROT Barry Stokes, but they still could also use an upgrade, which is why drafting Gallery is not out of the question, if he is still available. If they go with Gallery in the first round, Tulane QB J.P. Losman would be a good value with the 34th overall pick, if he is still available.




Washington Redskins
Day 1 Picks: 5th overall (first round).
First Round Priorities:
# Miami DS Sean Taylor
# Oklahoma DT Tommie Harris
# Miami TE Kellen Winslow
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
While it will be very tempting to trade down in order to get some of their picks back, it makes no sense for the Redskins to trade out of this spot when they could have their choice of three standouts -- TE Kellen Winslow, DS Sean Taylor and Oklahoma DT Tommie Harris -- at their top three positions of need.

After Round 1:
The Redskins have traded away their second-, third-, fourth-, sixth- and seventh-round picks. They did get a sixth-round pick back in a trade with the Bears, leaving Washington with just three picks in the entire 2004 draft -- Nos. 5, 139 and 180.




Detroit Lions
Day 1 Picks: 6th overall (first round); 36th (second round); 73rd (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Miami DS Sean Taylor
# Oregon State RB Steven Jackson
# Miami TE Kellen Winslow
# Trade down
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
Sitting at pick No. 6, the Lions will have players at positions of need that warrant the pick, such as Taylor and Winslow. The problem that the Lions will face, however, is that their biggest need is clearly at the running back position and, while Jackson is the No. 1 player at that position, he fits a lot better as a 10-20 selection than he does as the sixth overall pick. The Lions should have some options:

1. They could simply keep the pick and reach for Jackson, which would allow them to erase their biggest need.
2. They could draft Taylor, who is probably their highest rated-prospect, if he's available. Safety is now less of a need that the Lions added free agent Brock Marion to play free safety and still have Terrence Holt as a developmental backup, but Taylor would be an immediate upgrade over Brian Walker and Bracy Walker at the strong safety position.
3. If Taylor is gone and if they decide against drafting Jackson at No. 6, they could significantly upgrade the tight end position by selecting Winslow.
4. They could role the dice and trade down a bit. Assuming either Taylor and/or Winslow fall to the Lions at No. 6, they could have several offers from teams looking to move up to pick No. 6. While the Lions would like to add either Taylor or Winslow, a deal to move down could be their best option, because they could get an extra second round pick as compensation and then move down a few or several spots where drafting RB Steven Jackson is a lot more feasible than using the sixth overall pick on him. The scary part about moving down, however, is that the Lions could wind up trading down and getting themselves into trouble if a team like the Patriots, who have the ammunition to make a big jump up the board, leap-frog the Lions and draft Jackson ahead of them.

After Round 1:
If the Lions go with either Taylor or Winslow with their first pick, drafting a running back with the 36th overall pick will become a priority and Michigan's Chris Perry would be a great value if he fell to them at that spot. If they do wind up with Jackson in the first round, the Lions should draft the best available players at the following positions with their two remaining picks on Day 1: Linebacker, defensive end, safety, tight end, and wide receiver.




Cleveland Browns
Day 1 Picks: 7th overall (first round); 37th (second round); 68th (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Trade up for Iowa OT Robert Gallery
# Miami DS Sean Taylor
# Miami TE Kellen Winslow
# Trade down
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
The big question is how high they are willing to go and how much are they willing to give away for Iowa OT Robert Gallery? Gallery is clearly the top offensive tackle in this year's class and offensive tackle is clearly the Browns top need. By trading up for Gallery, the Browns would be able to move Ross Verba inside to guard and could really patch up an offensive line that has been a weak spot for several years.

If the Browns are unable to land Gallery it becomes a waiting game. They would gladly draft either Taylor or Winslow at No. 7 if one were available. From what we hear, they would take Taylor over Winslow if both wound up falling to them.

However, if Gallery, Taylor and Winslow are all off the board by the time the Browns pick at No. 7, they desperately will look to retreat in order to gain draft picks. In that case, they would like to move down, pick up an extra pick or two in compensation, and then possibly draft a defensive lineman such as USC's DE Kenechi Udeze or Ohio State DE Will Smith a little bit later where they would be better values.

After Round 1: The pressure will be off the Browns if they can get Gallery in the first round, but it most likely will mean them giving up their second round pick. If that's the case, the Browns are likely to walk away with Gallery and a tight end such as Ben Hartsock, a safety such as Purdue's Stuart Schweigert or a defensive end such as Hawaii's Travis Laboy in the third round.

If the Browns wind up with either Taylor or Winslow with the seventh pick, they'll be forced to use their second-round pick on an offensive tackle such as USC's Jacob Rogers and then draft the best value from those other positions of need with their third round pick.

Finally, QB Tim Couch should be gone by or on draft day, so don't be surprised if the Browns draft a quarterback late on Day 1 or early on Day 2 as their developmental No. 3 behind Jeff Garcia and Kelly Holcomb.




Atlanta Falcons
Day 1 Picks: 8th overall (first round); 38th (second round); 69th (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Texas WR Roy Williams
# USC WR Mike Williams
# USC DE Kenechi Udeze
# Ohio State DE Will Smith
# Oklahoma DT Tommie Harris
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
The Falcons will get some offers to trade down from teams that are looking to jump into the top 10 for a quarterback, defensive lineman or cornerback, but the Falcons would be wise to simply stay put and draft the best available player at either wide receiver or along the defensive line.

The Falcons' biggest need is probably at left tackle, where Bob Whitfield is nearing the end of his career and has become a liability in pass protection. The problem, however, is that Gallery will be gone and the next best offensive tackle prospect, Arkansas' Shawn Andrews, does not warrant the No. 8 pick.

The Falcons do have two quality starting defensive ends in Patrick Kerney and Brady Smith and they helped to ease the transition from a 3-4 to a 4-3 defense by adding Rod Coleman to a defensive tackle position that already includes veterans Ellis Johnson and Ed Jasper. However, if Fitzgerald, Roy and Mike Williams happen to all come off the board in the top seven picks, the Falcons would not rule out drafting an impact defensive lineman such as Udeze, Smith or Harris with the eighth pick.

After Round 1:
Assuming the Falcons get their wide receiver with the eighth pick, their focus will shift to offensive tackle in the second round. USC's Jacob Rogers is a strong possibility with the 38th pick. In the third round, the Falcons could draft a player at the following positions to help improve depth: Center, free safety, defensive tackle, defensive end and cornerback.

On day 2, the Falcons will also be targeting the fullback and quarterback positions.

Cornerback was once a higher need and it could still be addressed if a player falls to them that they feel is a great value in the second or third round. But in adding Aaron Beasley, Jason Webster and Derek Ross to go along with existing starter Tod McBride and backups Tyrone Williams, the Falcons no longer need to reach for a player at that position to fill a hole.




Jacksonville Jaguars
Day 1 Picks: 9th overall (first round); 39th (second round); 70th (third round); 72nd (third round, from Wash.).
First Round Priorities:
# Texas WR Roy Williams
# USC DE Kenechi Udeze
# Ohio State DE Will Smith
# USC WR Mike Williams
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
An interesting rumor we've heard recently is that the Jaguars are entertaining the idea of moving up a couple spots -- possibly with the Browns if they can't get Gallery -- in order to jump ahead of the Falcons for the receiver they want, which very well could be Roy Williams. If they don't trade up, we think they'll simply keep their ninth pick overall and draft the best available player at either wide receiver or defensive end.

After Round 1:
The Jaguars have their original second- and third-round picks, as well as an additional pick in the third round as a result of a trade with the Redskins. Wide receiver and defensive end are their two top positions of need, so whichever one they don't address with the ninth overall pick will be the one they are most likely to target in the second round.

With four picks to work with, the Jaguars could easily come out of the first day with a defensive end such as Udeze as their first-round selection, a wide receiver such as Oklahoma State's Rashaun Woods as their second-round selection, and players the likes of Nebraska OLB Demorrio Williams and South Carolina OT Travelle Wharton as their two selections in the third round. The Jaguars could also look to address needs at offensive guard and tight end on Day 1 if a player slips at one of those two positions.




Houston Texans
Day 1 Picks: 10th overall (first round); 33rd (second round, from Oak. - pick subsequently exercised in supplemental draft); 40th (second round); 71st (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Trade up for Miami DS Sean Taylor
# Virginia Tech DC DeAngelo Hall
# South Carolina DC Dunta Robinson
# Miami DT Vince Wilfork
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
There are a lot of rumors surrounding the Texans moving up for Taylor. They would likely have to give up their second-round pick in order to do so, however; so it just doesn't make much sense to us.

If they don't trade up, the Texans will likely draft the best available player at either cornerback or nose tackle with their first pick.

After Round 1:
If they do trade up and surrender their second-round pick in order to do so, they would end up with Taylor at safety and then would likely draft a nose tackle such as Hawaii's Isaac Sopoaga with their third-round pick.

However, if they stay at pick No. 10 and draft a top cornerback such as Hall, they could move Marcus Coleman to safety, which essentially addresses two needs. They then could draft an even better nose tackle prospect in a player such as Texas' Marcus Tubbs in the second round and address another need in the third round by drafting a rush end such as Hampton's Isaac Hilton to fit their 3-4 scheme.

While Taylor has a chance to be an exceptional safety in the NFL, we think we'd rather take our chances on Hall at cornerback, Coleman at safety, Tubbs as a wave nose tackle and future replacement for the aging and brittle Seth Payne, and Hilton as a situational rush end in the 3-4 scheme.




Pittsburgh Steelers
Day 1 Picks: 11th overall (first round); 44th (second round); 75th (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Miami (OH) QB Ben Roethlisberger
# North Carolina State Philip Rivers
# Virginia Tech DC DeAngelo Hall
# South Carolina DC Dunta Robinson
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
While Roethlisberger is a higher-rated quarterback, there are rumors that coach Bill Cowher and the Steelers really covet Rivers. We think the team would feel lucky if Rivers to fall to them here, so if he does we expect Pittsburgh to draft him.

However, it's not like the Steelers to trade up or down, so don't expect them to give up picks in later rounds in order to get Rivers, or any player in the first round for that matter.

If all three top quarterbacks -- Manning, Roethlisberger and Rivers -- are gone, the Steelers would gladly take one of the two top-rated cornerbacks -- Hall and Robinson -- with this pick.

After Round 1:
If the Steelers draft a quarterback in the first round, a cornerback becomes the top priority in the second round -- and vice versa. After addressing those two positions of need, the Steelers are likely to draft either a running back or a rush linebacker with their final pick (75) on Day 1.

With Jason Gildon expected to become a June 1 cut, the Steelers have a replacement in Clark Haggans, but need depth at the position and could be targeting good fits in the third- or fourth-rounds such as Hawaii's Travis Laboy, Hampton's Isaac Hilton and Kansas State's Andrew Shull.

The Steelers brought in Duce Staley to carry the load and they still have veteran Jerome Bettis as their short-yardage and change-of-pace back, but the Steelers need to target a back in the middle rounds such as Oklahoma's Tatum Bell, Notre Dame's Julius Jones or even Ohio State's Maurice Clarett -- as possible future starters.




New York Jets
Day 1 Picks: 12th overall (first round); 76th (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Virginia Tech DC DeAngelo Hall
# South Carolina DC Dunta Robinson
# Trade down
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
With only two legitimate top-15 cornerbacks, if Hall or Robinson goes earlier than expected the Jets could panic. They already traded away their second-round pick for No. 2 WR Justin McCariens, but it's feasible that they trade either their third-round pick or one of their fourth-round picks with a second- or third-round pick next season in order to trade up a few spots (possibly with the Jaguars, who could get the wide receiver or defensive end that they are looking for with this pick) in order to make sure they get one of the top two cornerbacks in this year's draft.

If, however, the Jets are stuck at No. 12 and both cornerbacks are gone, they could start fielding phone calls to move down. The perfect trading partner, despite being division rivals, could be the Patriots, who may be willing to give up their 21st pick along with one of their two second-round picks and one of their two fourth-round picks in order to get RB Steven Jackson at No. 12.

After Round 1:
After trading away their second-round pick for McCareins, the Jets only have two picks on Day 1. Assuming they get a top cornerback with the 12th overall pick, the Jets will look to draft the best available linebacker, offensive lineman or safety in the third round. Some possibilities at those positions include Georgia Tech OLB Keyaron Fox, Florida OT Max Starks and Iowa DS Robert Sanders.




Buffalo Bills
Day 1 Picks: 13th overall (first round); 43rd overall (second round); 74th overall (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# N.C. State QB Philip Rivers
# USC WR Mike Williams
# USC DE Kenechi Udeze
# Ohio State DE Will Smith
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
There hasn't been much talk about the Bills moving up or down in the upcoming draft, mostly because general manager Tom Donahoe likes it that way. The Bills could very easily draft a quarterback, wide receiver or defensive lineman with this pick and their decision will be made for them.

If Rivers is available, we'd be shocked if the Bills passed up on him. If Rivers is gone -- along with Manning and Roethlisberger -- the focus will shift to wide receiver where the Bills will be looking for a perimeter starter that can take some attention away from Eric Moulds and allow Josh Reed to move back to the No. 3 slot receiver role that he was so comfortable and productive in as a rookie. Larry Fitzgerald and Roy Williams are likely to be off the board, but there's an outside shot that Mike Williams will still be available.

If the top three quarterbacks and top three receivers are taken, the Bills will have a tough decision to make between drafting Reggie Williams or their highest rated defensive end available -- either Udeze or Smith. If there's one position that the Bills continue to miss on when it comes to the draft it is defensive end. Aaron Schobel is a relentless pass rusher that explodes off the snap but he isn't a dominant playmaker capable of consistently beating double teams.

Opponents can roll their protection to his side because the Bills, despite using a second-round pick on Ryan Denney in '02 and on Chris Kelsay in '03, have failed to add a productive edge rusher to take advantage of the attention Schobel draws. The team clearly needs a receiver more, but drafting Udeze or Smith could put an end to what has become a re-occurring problem at the position for the past few seasons.

After Round 1:
The Bills have their original second- and third-round picks still and much of what they do with those picks will be a trickle down affect following their first-round selection. If they draft Drew Bledsoe's replacement in the first round, the Bills will need to take advantage of the depth of this year's wide receiver class in the second round by drafting a potential impact player such as LSU's Devery Henderson. After that, the Bills will still be looking for a quarterback and a pass catching tight end.

If the Bills draft a top receiver with their first pick, they'll likely use their second-round selection on either a tight end -- if a guy like Georgia's Ben Watson falls -- or a quarterback -- if a guy like Tulane's J.P. Losman falls. If there is no value at either the quarterback or tight end positions when they pick in the second round, which very well could be the case, the Bills will probably draft the best available offensive lineman or cornerback.

If the Bills do wind up drafting a defensive end in the first round, they will most likely be looking for a wide receiver, quarterback and tight end in the next few rounds.




Chicago Bears
Day 1 Picks: 14th overall (first round); 47th (second round); 78th (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Miami DT Vince Wilfork
# Oklahoma DT Tommie Harris
# USC WR Mike Williams
# Washington WR Reggie Williams
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
From what we hear, the Bears will seriously consider moving up a few spots in order to assure that they will get one of only a couple legitimate first round defensive tackles. While many teams have Harris rated as the No. 1 player at the position, we've heard that the Bears actually prefer Wilfork and may be willing to give something up in order to move up and get him.

If Wilfork and Harris are gone, the Bears will take advantage of the strong crop of first-round wide receivers and then hope to get a good value at the defensive tackle position in the second round. Mike Williams isn't likely to be available, but if he is he would be a steal at pick No. 14. If Wilfork, Harris and Mike Williams are all off the board, Reggie Williams seems to be the best fit in terms of value and need for the Bears.

After Round 1:
Assuming the Bears wind up with either Wilfork or Harris with the 14th overall pick, their attention will quickly turn to the wide receiver position in the second round, where they will likely be looking at prospects such as LSU's Devery Henderson or USC's Keary Colbert.

After they address defensive tackle and wide receiver needs -- in any order -- with their first two picks, the Bears should be looking to draft a pass-catching tight end, outside linebacker and cornerback with their next few selections.




Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Day 1 Picks: 15th overall (first round); 79th (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# N.C. State QB Philip Rivers
# Washington WR Reggie Williams
# Trade down
# LSU WR Michael Clayton
# Wisconsin WR Lee Evans
# Oregon State RB Steven Jackson
# Miami DT Vince Wilfork
# Ohio State DE Will Smith
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
Coach Jon Gruden is absolutely in love with Rivers after the N.C. State QB impressed him with his confidence and ability at the Senior Bowl. If Rivers falls to pick No. 15, which we can't imagine happening, Gruden would talk GM Bruce Allen into taking him. However, don't expect the Bucs to lose any more picks in order to move up for him, especially with an already crowded quarterback position.

Trading down makes the most sense for the Buccaneers, and Allen is a master of wheeling and dealing on draft day. The Bucs already are without a second round pick. From what we hear, coach John Gruden is really pushing for a wide receiver in the first round, but with so many mid-to-late round wide receiver prospects available, Allen can get back that No. 2 pick and still get Gruden a receiver by trading down. With the Broncos trading up to 17 and the Patriots and Cowboys both looking to draft a running back, the Bucs could have several offers to trade down if RB Steven Jackson is still on the board at 15.

In reality, though, the Bucs could use a defensive lineman with this pick, but we'd be surprised if Allen got off on the wrong foot with Gruden by drafting a defensive player in the first round when Gruden has been lobbying so vigorously for an offensive player -- particularly a big wide receiver. With that in mind, Reggie Williams seems to fit best. If Williams is gone, the team will have a tough choice between Michael Clayton and Lee Evans, particularly if there were a higher rated player at a different position -- such as Jackson, Wilfork or Smith -- still on the board.

After Round 1:
If the Buccaneers aren't able to regain a second round pick by trading down, they'll have only one more pick on Day 1 (79). Assuming they stay at pick 15 and draft the best available wide receiver, they should be considering a tight end such as Utah State's Chris Cooley, an outside linebacker such as Nebraska's Demorrio Williams, a defensive tackle such as LSU's Chad Lavalais, a cornerback such as Montana State's Joey Thomas or a defensive end such as UCLA's Dave Ball in the third round.




San Francisco 49ers
Day 1 Picks: 16th overall (first round); 46th (second round); 77th (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Washington WR Reggie Williams
# Oklahoma DT Tommie Harris (if he falls)
# Miami DT Vince Wilfork (if he falls)
# Ohio State DE Will Smith (if he falls)
# LSU WR Michael Clayton
# Wisconsin WR Lee Evans
# Trade down
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
After Fitzgerald, Roy Williams, Mike Williams and Reggie Williams, there is a little bit of a drop-off at the WR position. However, there is another group worthy of being picked at the end of the first round, including Lee Evans, Michael Clayton, Michael Jenkins and Rashuan Woods. If the 49ers, who have needs at receiver as well as at several other positions, were creative enough, they could trade down, get an extra pick in the second or third round and still get one of the four aforementioned mid-to-late first round wide receiver prospects.

This is Bill Walsh's last draft with the team, but by all accounts he is not involved. Back when Walsh was calling the shots in San Francisco, this is where he could have put together a deal to really benefit his team. However, with Walsh not involved, we just don't think they have the capability of putting together a big-time draft day deal.

With that said, the 49ers would be ecstatic if Reggie Williams fell to them here. If not, they'll have a tough decision between Clayton and Evans at the wide receiver position.

The only wild card would be if a top defensive lineman such as Oklahoma's Tommie Harris, Miami's Vince Wilfork or Ohio State's Will Smith were to fall to them. Since the wide receiver class is so deep, the 49ers could chose to draft a highly rated defensive player in the first round, then draft a solid value at wide receiver in the second round.

After Round 1:
Assuming the 49ers stay at No. 16 and draft the best available receiver, they likely will shift their focus to the defensive side of the ball with their second- and third-round picks. The team still has a question mark at left defensive end, because of Brandon Whiting's health, and it desperately needs youth and depth at defensive tackle. The 49ers also are in bad shape at the cornerback position, where they don't have a legitimate nickel corner behind starters Ahmed Plummer and Mike Rumph.

It seems very feasible for the 49ers to finish Day 1 with a receiver such as Clayton or Evans from the first round, a defensive lineman such as Clemson's Donnell Washington or LSU's Marquise Hill from the second round, and a cornerback such as McNeese State's Keith Smith from the third round.

On Day 2, the 49ers will need to improve their depth along the offensive line, at running back and at safety.




[/B]Denver Broncos
Day 1 Picks: 17th overall, from Cincinnati (first round); 41st, from Washington, and 54th (second round); 85th (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Trade up for Oregon State RB Steven Jackson
# Trade up for Miami TE Kellen Winslow
# Miami OLB D.J. Williams
# Auburn OLB Karlos Dansby[/B]
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
The Broncos traded with the Bengals to move up to No. 17, and we wouldn't be surprised if they kept on moving up. The second move won't come until draft day, when they start to see some players come off the board. When you make a trade a couple of weeks before the draft, you typically don't have one specific guy targeted. However, sitting at 17 and with two second-round picks, the Broncos are in position to make a second move up to get the guy they want.

The most obvious choice is RB Jackson, who could quickly help the team get over the loss of Clinton Portis (Redskins). The Lions could move down a few spots from No. 6 to snatch Jackson, or the Patriots, who have seven picks in the first four rounds as ammunition to move up, could move up between 6 and 16 to get Jackson. If the Broncos do, in fact, covet Jackson, they likely will have to move up at least a few spots to get him.

One other player Denver could have interest in moving up for is Winslow, who could step in for Shannon Sharpe following his pending retirement. In our opinion, however, the Broncos' biggest need is at outside linebacker, with Ian Gold not likely to return and John Mobley coming off a serious injury. By trading up to the 17th spot, the Broncos have positioned themselves beautifully to draft the best outside linebacker in this year's class, which in our opinion is D.J. Williams.

After Round 1:
If our hunch is right, the Broncos will stay at 17 and draft the best available outside linebacker. If that's the case, they still have two picks in the second round -- 41 and 54 -- and one in the third to address needs at running back, tight end, defensive tackle, wide receiver and cornerback. If they keep all four picks on Day 1, they could finish with Williams at outside linebacker, a tight end such as Georgia's Ben Watson and a defensive tackle such as Oregon State's Dwan Edwards in the second round, then maybe take a chance on Ohio State RB Maurice Clarett in the third round.




New Orleans Saints
Day 1 Picks: 18th overall (first round); 48th and 60th, from St. Louis, (second round); 81st (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Trade up for DCs DeAngelo Hall (Virginia Tech) or Dunta Robinson (South Carolina)
# Ohio State DC Chris Gamble
# Miami OLB D.J. Williams
# Miami ILB Jonathan Vilma
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
The Saints, with two second-round picks, are one of the teams better equipped to move up. Despite adding Jason Craft in a trade for their fifth-round pick, the Saints are still desperate for an influx of youth at the cornerback position. There's an outside chance the team, which has two picks in the second round, could package picks to move up for one of the top two cornerbacks in this year's class. However, now that they've stabilized the position, they are less likely to do so.

If Hall, Robinson and Gamble are all gone by the time the Saints pick, they will likely draft the best available linebacker.

After Round 1:
The Saints have two picks in the second round (48 and 60) to draft the best available players at inside linebacker, outside linebacker, defensive tackle, safety and offensive guard. If things work out the right way, the team will select a cornerback like Gamble in the first round, an outside linebacker such as Florida State's Michael Boulware and an inside linebacker such as Auburn's Dontarious Thomas in the second, and then a potential starting interior offensive lineman such as Boston College's Chris Snee in the third.




Minnesota Vikings
Day 1 Picks: 19th overall (first round); 50th (second round); 82nd (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Ohio State DE Will Smith
# Trade down
# Miami OLB D.J. Williams
# Auburn OLB Karlos Dansby
# Miami OG Vernon Carey
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
Unless a stud defensive lineman such as Smith shockingly falls to the Vikings at 19, their first priority is to trade down. The Vikings are at a spot in the draft where the talent begins to noticeably drop off, and they feel they can get a similar value in the mid-20s as they would at 19. However, unless there is a player -- such as Oregon State RB Steven Jackson or Ohio State DC Chris Gamble -- that starts to fall, there probably won't be much interest from other teams to trade up for the 19th pick.

If Smith is gone and the Vikings are stuck at 19, there's a good chance they'll draft the best available outside linebacker. Williams and/or Dansby could be available, which means the Vikings could get a good value for the pick and possibly a player that could push for a starting job on the weak side as a rookie, with Chris Claiborne moving to the strongside spot.

After Round 1:
The Vikings have needs at linebacker, defensive end, offensive guard and wide receiver. If they get their linebacker in the first round, they could be looking at DEs such as Western Michigan's Jason Babin and Hawaii's Travis Laboy, guards such as Alabama's Justin Smiley or Boston College's Chris Snee, and wide receivers such as USC's Keary Colbert, Washington State's Devard Darling or Florida State's P.K. Sam with their other two picks on Day 1.




Miami Dolphins
Day 1 Picks: 20th overall (first round); 87th (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Trade down
# Arkansas OT Shawn Andrews
# Miami OG Vernon Carey
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
The Dolphins are without a second-round pick after trading it to the Patriots in last year's draft in order to select LOT Wade Smith. As a result, their top priority is to move down and recuperate that pick. The team has put some feelers out and has received a few calls with potential deals, but the Dolphins obviously won't be able to get a trade done until draft day when the teams' looking to move up to their spot are able to see what is still available.

After adding QB A.J. Feeley and WR David Boston in the offseason, the Dolphins have really limited their draft day needs. They did bring in OTs Damion McIntosh and John St. Clair via free agency, but neither player is a solid NFL starter, which is why this pick is most likely to be used on the top available offensive lineman.

Following a sinus condition that forced him to miss his team's bowl game and rumors of him ballooning to nearly 400 pounds, Andrews' draft value has slipped considerably, which could work in the Dolphins' favor. While there are weight and character concerns surrounding Andrews, he would be a very good value with this pick and, in our opinion, would be a significant upgrade over St. Clair at the right tackle position. If Andrews is gone or if the Dolphins are not sold on him, Carey is a possibility with this pick.

After Round 1:
Assuming the Dolphins can't move down to acquire extra picks and wind up drafting the best available offensive lineman at pick No. 20, they won't pick again until the third round (87). At that point, the team will simply be looking to draft the best available player at positions that need help in terms of depth, such as safety, defensive tackle, defensive end and linebacker.




New England Patriots
Day 1 Picks: 21st overall (first round, from Bal.); 32nd (first round); 56th (second round, from Mia.); 63rd (second round); 95th (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Trade up for Oregon State RB Steven Jackson
# Trade up for Miami DS Sean Taylor
# Trade up for Virginia Tech DC DeAngelo Hall
With Pick No. 21:
# Miami ILB Jonathan Vilma
# LSU WR Michael Clayton
# Auburn OLB Karlos Dansby
With pick No. 32:
# Virginia Tech RB Kevin Jones
# Michigan RB Chris Perry
# Miami OG Vernon Carey
# Georgia FS Sean Jones
# Oklahoma DC Derrick Strait
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
The Patriots have a huge need at running back and there is only one legitimate top-20 back in this class, Oregon State's Steven Jackson. One option is certainly to package a couple or a few of their picks in order to move up for Jackson. Another outside possibility could be to use DC Ty Law in a package to a team such as the Falcons or Texans, who both have needs at the cornerback position.

While the picks didn't add up in the rumor surrounding the Patriots trading up with the Lions for their sixth overall pick, the idea itself does make sense. By drafting Taylor it would allow the team to move Eugene Wilson back to cornerback, which would prepare it for the eventual loss of Law.

However, while the Patriots are better equipped than any other team in the draft to move up in the first round, it wouldn't surprise us one bit if they kept their two existing picks. One possibility would be to draft the big receiver that they are looking for -- possibly Clayton -- with the 21st pick and then draft a back such as Kevin Jones or Perry with the 32nd pick. Another possibility would be to use their 21st pick to address their need at linebacker and then draft a back with the 32nd pick.

After Round 1:
The Patriots draft day needs are as follows:

1. Running back
2. Inside linebacker
3. Offensive guard
4. Wide receiver
5. Safety/Cornerback
6. Offensive tackle

The Patriots can't afford to keep all seven of their picks in the first four rounds because they can't afford to sign all of those players. However, there's a good chance that they keep both of their first-round pick and then use later picks to target players in the second and third rounds.

One example of how Day 1 could play out: The Patriots could draft Clayton and Perry -- in that order -- with their two first-round picks. They then could target players such as Georgia DS Sean Jones and Georgia Tech LB Daryl Smith in the second round and then draft the best available offensive lineman -- such as Purdue's Kelly Butler or North Carolina State's Sean Locklear in the third round.




Dallas Cowboys
Day 1 Picks: 22nd overall (first round); 52nd (second round); 83rd (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Virginia Tech RB Kevin Jones
# Arkansas OT Shawn Andrews
# Miami OG Vernon Carey
# Michigan RB Chris Perry
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
The Cowboys are rumored to be interested in trading up for Steven Jackson, but with other pressing needs at cornerback and along their offensive line, coach Bill Parcells is not likely to mortgage away the rest of their draft -- or future drafts -- to get Jackson.

The Cowboys are most likely to keep their 22nd pick overall and evaluate the top players at their three top positions of need -- RB, DC, and OG when it's their turn to draft.

From what we hear, Parcells might actually like Kevin Jones more than Jackson, so if Jones is available he would be the perfect fit for the Cowboys at pick No. 22.

After Round 1:
The Cowboys are likely to draft a running back, cornerback and offensive guard -- in any order -- with their three Day 1 selections. In a perfect world, the Cowboys would get the back they covet (Kevin Jones) in the first round, draft a potential starting cornerback such as Arkansas' Ahmad Carroll in the second round, and then draft a potential starting offensive guard such as N.C. State's Sean Locklear in the third round.




Seattle Seahawks
Day 1 Picks: 23rd overall (first round); 53rd (second round); 84th (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Miami DT Vince Wilfork
# Maryland DT Randy Starks
# Miami OLB D.J. Williams
# Miami ILB Jonathan Vilma
# Auburn OLB Karlos Dansby
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
The team filled holes at defensive end with Grant Wistrom and cornerback with Bobby Taylor, but don't be surprised if it uses two or all three of its first day picks on that side of the ball. It still has holes at defensive tackle and linebacker, which is why we expect them to draft the best available player at either of those positions with the 23rd selection.

G.M. Bob Ferguson and coach Mike Holmgren don't like to trade picks to move up, but we've been told that they would do so if Wilfork began to slip on draft day and if they could get a reasonable deal to move up.

After Round 1:
If they wind up with Starks in the first round, they will likely target linebacker in the second round, where Georgia Tech' Daryl Smith, Florida State's Michael Boulware and Oklahoma's Teddy Lehman would all be good values. Drafting a potential starting safety or a potential replacement for veteran No. 3 WR Bobby Engram late on Day 1 and early on Day 2 are priorities.




Cincinnati Bengals
Day 1 Picks: 24th overall (first round, from Den.); 49th (second round); 80th (third round); 96th (third round, from NFL).
First Round Priorities:
# Maryland DT Randy Starks
# Texas DT Marcus Tubbs
# Virginia Tech OC Jake Grove
# Virginia Tech RB Kevin Jones
# Michigan RB Chris Perry
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
The Bengals moved back from 17 to 24 in exchange for DC Deltha O'Neal and a fourth-round pick (117) from the Broncos. The Bengals' thinking was that they could get a similar value with the 24th pick as they could the 17th, so why not get the compensation prior to the draft. While in large part that theory is true, the Bengals could possibly have drafted Ohio State DC Chris Gamble at 17, but he's not likely to slip all the way to 24 and there aren't any other cornerbacks that are worth drafting with that pick.

As a result, look for the Bengals to target a defensive tackle, center or running back with their first round selection.

After Round 1:
The Bengals would be best served to get a defensive tackle that they like in the first round, such as Starks or Tubbs. That would enable to focus on their other Day 1 needs -- OC, RB, DC and DE -- with their second-round pick (49) and two third-round picks (80 and 96). The Bengals could conceivably finish Day 1 with Starks from the first round, Florida State RB Greg Jones in the second round, and then a cornerback such as Pittsburgh's Shawntee Spencer and a center such as Ohio State's Alex Stepanovich with their two picks in the third round.




Green Bay Packers
Day 1 Picks: 25th overall (first round); 55th (second round); 86th (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Trade up for Ohio State DE Will Smith
# LSU WR Michael Clayton
# Wisconsin WR Lee Evans
# Florida TE Ben Troupe
# Florida State DT Darnell Dockett
# Tulane QB J.P. Losman
# Alabama DE Antwan Odom
# Western Michigan DE Jason Babin
# LSU DE Marquise Hill
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
For starters, N.C. State QB Philip Rivers isn't going to fall to the Packers at pick No. 25, and Tulane QB J.P. Losman isn't worth drafting that high. The Packers are in a difficult situation with this pick. One option would be to trade up for an impact defensive end, but since the team has depth issues in a lot of different areas, we'd be surprised if they sold off the rest of their draft to do so.

The Packers addressed their safety situation to a degree by adding Mark Roman (Bengals). While it is still a need in terms of depth, the Bengals can afford to wait until later on Day 1 or early on Day 2 to address it.

The team's biggest need is clearly at the defensive end position, but once USC's Kenechi Udeze and Ohio State's Will Smith come off the board, there won't be a legitimate first-round end left. One option would be to reach for an end such as Alabama's Antwan Odom, Western Michigan's Jason Babin or LSU's Marquise Hill, but we just can't see the Packers doing that.

One player to keep an eye on is Florida State DT Darnell Dockett, who has the potential to play some end on running downs, then rush the passer from the inside on obvious passing downs.

If the Packers are true to their value board, however, they could wind up drafting a tight end such as Troupe or a wide receiver such as Clayton or Evans with this pick. WR Robert Ferguson and TE Bubba Franks both will be free agents following the 2004 season, so it wouldn't be a shock if the Packers went for a more valuable player at one of those two positions rather than reaching for a defensive end.

After Round 1:
There's almost no telling which direction the Packers will go with their first pick. We do know they would like to select a defensive end, cornerback, quarterback, defensive tackle, safety, wide receiver and tight end on draft weekend. If they get the defensive lineman they want in the first round, they could go in any of those other directions with their other two picks on Day 1.

However, if the Packers fail to get a defensive end with the 25th pick, it will become a priority with the 55th, and they should be able to get a much better value on a player such as Hill, Hawaii's Travis Laboy or Ohio State's Darrion Scott.




St. Louis Rams
Day 1 Picks: 26th overall (first round); 91st (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Trade down, recoup their second-round pick, then draft a DE later in the first or early in the second, where there would be a better value.
# Miami OLB D.J. Williams
# Miami ILB Jonathan Vilma
# Florida TE Ben Troupe
# Auburn OLB Karlos Dansby
# Alabama DE Antwan Odom
# Tulane QB J.P. Losman
# Georgia FS Sean Jones
# Western Michigan DE Jason Babin
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
The Browns made a couple of trade offers for OT Orlando Pace early on, but those rumors have since died down.

If the Rams get stuck at this pick, they will have an extremely difficult decision between reaching for need and drafting for luxury. After letting Grant Wistrom go via free agency, addressing the defensive end position has become the top priority, but the Rams would have to reach for an end such as Alabama's Antwan Odom or Western Michigan's Jason Babin. They will need to think long and hard about whether to draft an end here, especially considering they don't have a second-round pick. But if they go with TE Troupe, he could add quite a dynamic dimension to their offense. Existing starter Brandon Manumaleuna is an excellent blocker and solid short-to-intermediate pass catcher, but Troupe would provide a deep element at the position that Mike Martz could really use to exploit defenses.

After Round 1:
The Rams are planning on drafting a quarterback at some point, and it's not out of the realm of possibility that they could pull the trigger on Losman in the first round. However, if they draft a quarterback -- or any other offensive position for that matter -- it means they still won't have a replacement for Wistrom and won't pick again until 91 overall.

If they do reach for a defensive end in the first round, they could target a quarterback (Bowling Green's Josh Harris, Michigan's John Navarre, Washington's Cody Pickett or Louisiana Tech's Luke McCown) or a tight end such as Utah State's Chris Cooley in the third round. The other positions that need addressing in terms of depth are running back, safety and linebacker.




Tennessee Titans
Day 1 Picks: 27th overall (first round); 42nd, from the New York Jets, and 57th (second round); 92nd (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Trade up for DTs Tommie Harris or Vince Wilfork
# Trade up for Ohio State DE Will Smith
# Miami OG Vernon Carey
# Florida State DT Darnell Dockett
# Virginia Tech OC Jake Grove
# Alabama DE Antwan Odom
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
After letting DE Jevon Kearse (Eagles) and DT Robaire Smith (Texans) go via free agency, the Titans have glaring needs along their defensive line. The problem they face, however, is that all the legitimate first-round talent at those two positions is likely to be gone by the 27th pick. One option could be to reach for a DT such as Dockett or a DE such as Odom.

GM Floyd Reese is known for moving up, not down. However, with such glaring needs along the defensive line and with two second-round picks, the Titans could package their original second-round pick with their first-round pick in order to move up to the middle of the first round for a DL such as Harris or Smith. They would then still have their other second-round pick available to draft another defensive lineman at 42.

The other option could be to address their lack of depth (and age concerns) along the offensive line by drafting a versatile player such as Carey.

After Round 1:
While the Titans do have a couple of pressing needs that they may not be able to dent in the first round, the good news is they own two second-round picks (after trading WR Justin McCariens to the Jets for the 42nd overall pick) and their original third-round pick, which means they have four Day 1 selections. Even if they can't get the defensive lineman they want in the first round, they can fill a need along the offensive line, then draft two defensive lineman -- such as Hawaii DE Travis LaBoy and Clemson DT Donnell Washington -- in the second round, where they are much better values, rather than reaching for one in the first.

In the third round, the Titans could look for depth at running back (Oklahoma State's Tatum Bell or Notre Dame's Julius Jones) and wide receiver (Clemson's Derrick Hamilton or Syracuse's Johnnie Morant).




Philadelphia Eagles
Day 1 Picks: 28th overall (first round); 58th (second round); 89th (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Ohio State DC Chris Gamble (if he were to fall)
# Auburn OLB Karlos Dansby
# Miami OG Vernon Carey
# Virginia Tech OC Jake Grove
# Tusculum DC Ricardo Colclough
# Oklahoma DC Derrick Strait
# Arkansas DC Ahmand Carroll
# UCLA DC Matt Ware
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
The Eagles plugged their biggest two positions of needs this offseason with free-agent acquisitions -- WR Terrell Owens and DE Jevon Kearse. They did, however, lose both their starting cornerbacks -- Bobby Taylor (Seahawks) and Troy Vincent (Bills) -- which makes drafting a cornerback one of the top priorities.

The other two top priorities are at linebacker and interior offensive line. The Eagles replaced Carlos Emmons (N.Y. Giants) with the Giants' former starter, Dhani Jones, but the team could still use a young potential starter on the outside. The Eagles also lost OG Bobbie Williams and have a lot of concerns regarding depth along their interior offensive line.

As a result, look for the Eagles to draft the best available player at one of the aforementioned positions.

After Round 1:
Andy Reid and VP of player personnel Tom Heckert Jr. proved last year, when they traded up for DE Jerome McDougle, that they were willing to sacrifice picks in later rounds to address a pressing need. However, while they have needs at all three of those positions, none are pressing enough to give away draft picks for, which is why we expect the Eagles to keep their three first-day picks and draft the best value at those positions of need.




Indianapolis Colts
Day 1 Picks: 29th overall (first round); 59th (second round); 90th (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Miami OLB D.J. Williams
# Miami ILB Jonathan Vilma
# Auburn OLB Karlos Dansby
# Arkansas DC Ahmad Carroll
# Oklahoma DC Derrick Strait
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
Defense is the priority for the Colts, not only in the first round, but probably throughout most of the draft. The team lost three starters from last year's unit, including SLB Marcus Washington and CBs Walt Harris and David Macklin. It also lost "wave" DL Chad Bratzke.

Considering the loss of Washington and Mike Peterson (Jaguars) the last two years, outside linebacker is clearly the most pressing need. With three solid first-round linebacker prospects in this year's class, there is a decent chance one of them will fall to the Colts at No. 29. Also, don't count the Colts out when it comes to moving up for a player they want, as President Bill Polian and director of football operations Dom Anile have proven in the past that they will do so should the right player become available.

If they can't find the outside linebacker they want in the first round, cornerback is the next-highest need, and there are several fringe late-first and early-second round prospects at that position to chose from.

After Round 1:
If the Colts take care of their linebacker need in the first round, they are likely to draft a cornerback in the second. UCLA's Matt Ware, Michigan's Jeremy LeSeuer and McNeese State's Keith Smith are all possibilities.

After addressing their linebacker and cornerback needs, the Colts will focus on their defensive line, middle linebacker and offensive line depth late in the first day and early into the second.




Kansas City Chiefs
Day 1 Picks: 30th overall (first round); 61st (second round); 93rd (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Wisconsin WR Lee Evans
# LSU WR Michael Clayton
# Trade down
# Texas DT Marcus Tubbs
# Oklahoma WR Rashaun Woods
# Ohio State WR Michael Jenkins
# Florida State DT Darnell Dockett
# Oregon State DT Dwan Edwards
First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
Wide receiver and defensive tackle should be the positions the Chiefs draft with their first two picks -- Nos. 30 and 61.

For starters, the Chiefs would love for Evans to fall to them. If he doesn't, they know they can get WR value early in the second round just as well as late in the first, so they will be looking to trade out of the first round with a team that is looking to jump into the first round.

Some teams to keep an eye on are the Giants, who might want QB J.P. Losman if they don't get a quarterback in the first round; the Lions, who could make a move for RB Chris Perry if they don't get Jackson in the first round; the Browns, for an offensive lineman if they don't get Gallery in the first round; or the Jaguars, for a receiver if they go with Udeze in the first round.

After Round 1:
Assuming the Chiefs keep pick No. 30 and draft either a receiver (such as Evans or Woods) or a defensive tackle (such as Tubbs or Dockett), they are most likely to draft the position they didn't get in the first round with their second-round pick. It seems more likely the Chiefs will wind up with a receiver like Woods in the first round, then draft a defensive tackle such as Oregon's Junior Savaii or Hawaii's Isaac Sopoaga in the second.

After addressing those top needs in the first two rounds, the Chiefs will shift their focus to cornerback, defensive end and depth at offensive guard with their last pick on Day 1 and their first couple of picks on Day 2.

On thing to note, however: If the Chiefs find a quarterback slips to them in the third round, they could put off other needs to draft a solid developmental reserve to eventually replace Todd Collins.




Carolina Panthers
Day 1 Picks: 31st overall (first round); 62nd (second round); 94th (third round).
First Round Priorities:
# Wisconsin WR Lee Evans
# LSU WR Michael Clayton
# Miami OG Vernon Carey
# Florida TE Ben Troupe
# Oklahoma State WR Rashaun Woods
# Ohio State WR Michael Jenkins
# Arkansas DC Ahmad Carroll
# Tusculum DC Ricardo Colclough
# Oklahoma DC Derrick Strait

First Round Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
The trouble with drafting 31st overall is that Carolina probably will be forced to overlook "need" and simply draft the best available player. They have done a nice job of plugging holes in their secondary and can live with their offensive guard and wide receiver situation if they had to, but the Panthers' top four needs are apparent: cornerback, offensive guard, safety and wide receiver -- not necessarily in any specific order.

For starters, the Panthers would love for a wide receiver like Clayton to fall to them, but there's a good chance he won't. They likely will draft the best available player at one of the aforementioned positions, unless there is a player at a different position that is a great value as a result of slipping past his projected draft spot. Florida TE Ben Troupe is a prime example.

After Round 1:
The Panthers have their original three selections -- 31, 62 and 94 -- on Day 1. If they wind up drafting a receiver like Clayton, Jenkins or Woods with their first pick, they can still plug needs with a cornerback such as Michigan's Jeremy LeSeuer in the second round and either a solid offensive guard prospect like North Carolina State's Sean Locklear or a wide receiver such as Clemson's Derrick Hamilton in the third round.




Baltimore Ravens
Day 1 Picks: 51st overall (second round); 88th (third round).
Day One Targets:
# LSU WR Devery Henderson
# USC WR Keary Colbert
# Alabama OG Justin Smiley
# Purdue OT Kelly Butler
# Iowa DS Bob Sanders
# Ohio State DS Will Allen
Draft Day Outlook/Trade Scenarios:
Without a first-round pick as a result of last year's trade with the Patriots for the 19th overall selection, with which they picked QB Kyle Boller, the Ravens won't be on the clock until the 51st pick overall. After losing out on WR Terrell Owens, the team is still in desperate need of a wide receiver.

GM Ozzie Newsome and director of player personnel Phil Savage have built this team with strong drafts by taking the best available player rather than focusing on need. However, if there is a receiver that is high on their list when it comes their turn to pick in the second round, there's a good chance they would take the receiver over a more highly rated player at a different position.

Other needs include free safety, offensive guard, right offensive tackle and nose tackle.