hot off the wire -- mock drafts from newspapers

[LarryD]

By Rick Gosselin
Dallas Morning News

TEAM; NEEDS; PICK; COMMENT
1.CINCINNATI DE, DT, QB, CB — Carson Palmer, QB, Southern Cal — Cincinnati fans have turned on the Bengals, suing the team for not making an effort. How do you get the fans back on your side? Draft a Heisman Trophy winner from a football factory such as Southern Cal.
2.DETROIT Team Needs: WR, CB, LB, S — Charles Rogers, WR, Michigan State — The Lions appear to have their first franchise quarterback since Bobby Layne. Now they need to give Joey Harrington a chance to succeed. The best playmaker in this draft is a superb start.
3.HOUSTON Team Needs: RB, WR, TE, OL — Andre Johnson, WR, Miami — Same as above. The Texans used the first overall pick in franchise history on a quarterback in 2002 (David Carr). To accelerate his development, you must surround him with weapons.
4.NY JETS Team Needs: DT, LB, OL — Dewayne Robertson, DT, Kentucky — As a defensive assistant with the Bucs, Herman Edwards coached Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks and John Lynch. In his two years as head man of the Jets, he has lacked an impact player on defense. Robertson can be his Sapp.
5.DALLAS Team Needs: QB, RB, CB, Pass rusher — Terence Newman, CB, Kansas State — Bill Parcells would consider trading down and making this a quantity draft. If he stays at five, the quality would be Newman. He’s been compared to Champ Bailey — a shutdown corner and elite punt returner.
6.ARIZONA Team Needs: Pass rusher, 2 WR, CB — Marcus Trufant, CB, Washington State — The Cardinals ranked 28th in the NFL in pass defense and 29th in punt returns. Trufant addresses both areas of need. The Cards wanted to like NCAA sack leader Terrell Suggs, but his 4.8 speed scared them off.
7.MINNESOTA Team Needs: DL, CB, WR — Kevin Williams, DT, Oklahoma State — His stock has been soaring since the Senior Bowl and NFL scouting combine. Williams would bring size (6-4, 304 pounds), speed (4.8 40) and versatility (can play end or tackle) to a defense that needs all three.
8.JACKSONVILLE Team Needs: QB, OL, S — Byron Leftwich, QB, Marshall — Jack Del Rio was hired to rebuild a team that has been ravaged in recent seasons by the salary cap. Any rebuilding process starts at quarterback — and Leftwich is too good a value here to pass up.
9.CAROLINA Team Needs: OT, WR, TE, CB — Jordan Gross, OT, Utah — The Panthers ranked 31st in the NFL in offense last season. They need playmakers, but the two best wide receivers are gone and there’s no runner worthy of a top-10 selections. So Carolina takes the best blocker.
10.BALTIMORE Team Needs: DL, WR, QB, OL — Terrell Suggs, DE, Arizona State — No matter where the Ravens are in the draft, an elite player seems to slide to them — whether it’s Chris McAllister at 10, Ray Lewis at 27 or Todd Heap at 32. This time it’s the best pass rusher in the draft.
11.SEATTLE Team Needs: CB, MLB, DT — Jimmy Kennedy, DT, Penn State — Seattle is another team looking to move up. The Seahawks want defense and will take what slides to them. In this mock, that’s Kennedy. He’s the biggest of the defensive tackles at 6-4, 322.
12.ST. LOUIS Team Needs: CB, LB, WR — Boss Bailey, OLB, Georgia — No one likes linebackers like the Rams. They took Robert Thomas in the first round last April and Tommy Polley in the second round in 2001. Bailey is a freak of nature with his 6-3, 233-pound size and 4.35 speed.
13.CHICAGO Team Needs: DT, CB, LB — Kyle Boller, QB, Cal — There had to be a reason the Bears would leave the blue-chip range by trading out of the top five. The guess here is that they’ve decided to address an unsettled quarterback position with the athletic Boller.
14.NEW ENGLAND Team Needs: DE, LB, RB, WR — Jonathan Sullivan, DT, Georgia — The top 15 is the place to be if you want an impact defensive lineman, and Georgia is the place to go if you want a tackle. This will mark the third consecutive year the Bulldogs have had a DT in the first round.
15.SAN DIEGO Team Needs: CB, S, OT — Jerome McDougle, DE, Miami — The Chargers are desperate for a defensive lineman and are holding their breath one of the good ones slides to them here. In McDougle, they land the second end on the board and an outside speed rusher.
16.KANSAS CITY Team Needs: DE, LB, CB — Larry Johnson, RB, Penn State — The Chiefs have the NFL’s highest-scoring offense and wanted to go defense here. But nine defenders in the first 15 picks emptied the board. Rather than reach, the Chiefs take the best player — a 2,000-yard rusher.
17.NEW ORLEANS Team Needs: DT, CB, DE — Troy Polamalu, S, Southern Cal — With Aaron Brooks, Deuce McAllister and Donte Stallworth, scoring points is not a problem for the Saints. Preventing points is for the NFL’s 27th ranked defense. New Orleans goes with the best defender on the board.
18.NEW ORLEANS Team Needs: DT, CB, DE — William Joseph, DT, Miami — Polamalu addresses the back end of the defense. Joseph addresses the front end. Entering the 2002 NCAA season, he was the top-rated player on NFL draft boards. The Saints now benefit from his slide.
19.NEW ENGLAND Team Needs: DE, LB, RB, WR — Eric Steinbach, OT, Iowa — If you’re not in the mood to reach for defensive help, you can find some good bargains on the offensive side of the ball in the 20s. Steinbach can play four spots on the line, both guards and both tackles.
20.DENVER Team Needs: CB, DL, S — Sammy Davis, CB, Texas A&M — The Broncos ranked in the top 10 in rushing, passing and run defense but still missed the playoffs. The weakness was pass defense, where the Broncos ranked 17th and intercepted just nine passes. Davis is a walk-in starter.
21.CLEVELAND Team Needs: LB, OL, Pass Rusher — Kwame Harris, OT, Stanford — Like virtually everyone else in the top 20, the Browns would prefer to draft defense. But should you reach for a defender here or draft a better value on the offensive side of the ball at a position of need?
22.CHICAGO Team Needs: DT, LB, OL — Chris Kelsay, DE, Nebraska — Kelsay is a high-energy player in the Grant Wistrom-mold. You can never have enough pass rushers. He’ll be a great fit in a defense that already includes the high energy of Brian Urlacher and Mike Brown.
23.BUFFALO Team Needs: DL, LB, WR — Ty Warren, DT, Texas A&M — There are six top-shelf tackles in the first round. Warren represents the end of the line. He’s the best tackle to come out of A&M since Sam Adams. The Bills need a wide body for the NFL’s 29th-ranked run defense.
24.INDIANAPOLIS Team Needs: CB, S, TE — Jason Witten, TE, Tennessee — The Colts lost their two-tight end package in 2002 when Ken Dilger became a salary-cap casualty. The offense lost its versatility and top-five ranking without him. A Marcus Pollard-Witten tandem solves that problem.
25.NY GIANTS Team Needs: 2 DL, CB, OT — Michael Haynes, DE, Penn State — The Giants will take the best defensive lineman available. New York also has a history of drafting big producers from the Big Ten. Haynes led the Big Ten in sacks with 14.
26.SAN FRANCISCO Team Needs: CB, WR, OT — Taylor Jacobs, WR, Florida — The 49ers slumped to 14th in the NFL in passing last season. New coach Dennis Erickson needs to pump some new blood onto the flank alongside Terrell Owens. Jacobs led the SEC with 71 catches in 2002.
27.PITTSBURGH Team Needs: RB, S, CB — Andre Woolfolk, CB, Oklahoma — Statistically in 2002, the Steelers ranked in the top 10 in everything except pass defense. Woolfolk is the best big corner in this draft at 6-1 and brings elite ball skills. He’s a converted wide receiver.
28.TENNESSEE Team Needs: CB, WR, RB — Tyrone Calico, WR, Middle Tennesee — Coming off an appearance in the AFC title game, the Titans have needs but no urgencies. So at 28 they can troll for the best bargain. Calico gives them much-needed size, speed and playmaking ability on the flank./p
29.GREEN BAY Team Needs: DL, LB, CB — Kenny Peterson, DT, Ohio State — In a salary-cap world, can you draft for the future? Do you prepare for life-after-Favre (whenever that is) by taking Rex Grossman — or draft a defensive player like Kenny Peterson or Terry Pierce who helps you win now?
30.PHILADELPHIA Team Needs: WR, TE, OL — Dallas Clark, TE, Iowa — The Eagles place too much pressure on franchise quarterback Donovan McNabb to do it all. Wide receiver is the weapon of need, but tight end is the weapon of choice. Every West Coast offense needs a Brent Jones.
31.OAKLAND Team Needs: DE, CB, S — Jeff Faine, C, Notre Dame — As defending AFC champions, the Raiders don’t need immediate help anywhere. But they need to get younger, deeper (and cheaper) across the board. Faine represents the best value on the board.
32.OAKLAND Team Needs: DE, CB, S — Rashean Mathis, CB, Bethune Cookman — Al Davis has been the ultimate measurables advocate for the last 40 years. He believes you win with size and speed — at all positions. Mathis is the best size (6-0, 202), speed (4.43) package available.

TEAMS WITH NO FIRST-ROUND PICKS:
44. Washington: Ken Hamlin, S, Arkansas
55. Atlanta: Bennie Joppru, TE, Michigan
64. Tampa Bay: Vince Manuwai, G, Hawaii

 

[LarryD]

By Don Pierson
Chicago Tribune

Tribune pro football reporter Don Pierson takes a look at how Saturday’s first round could develop:

PICK; TEAM; PLAYER; POSITION; COLLEGE
1.Cincinnati.Carson PalmerQB.Southern Cal
2.Detroit..Charles RogersWR.Michigan State
3.Houston.Andre JohnsonWR.Miami
4.New York Jets-a.Dewayne RobertsonDTKentucky
5.DallasTerence NewmanCBKansas State
6.Arizona.Terrell SuggsDEArizona State
7.Minnesota.Jimmy Kennedy.DT.Penn State
8.JacksonvilleByron LeftwichQBMarshall
9.Carolina.Jordan Gross..OTUtah
10.BaltimoreMarcus TrufantCBWashington State
11.Seattle.Kevin Williams.DT.Oklahoma State
12.St. Louis.Boss Bailey.LB..Georgia
13.Chicago-b.Johnathan SullivanDTGeorgia
14.New England-cTy WarrenDTTexas A&M
15.San Diego.William JosephDTMiami
16.Kansas CityChris KelsayDE..Nebraska
17.New Orleans.E. J. HendersonLB.Maryland
18.New Orleans-dJeff FaineC.Notre Dame
19.New England.Kwame HarrisOTStanford
20.Denver..Jerome McDougleDE.Miami
21.Cleveland.Eric Steinbach.G.Iowa
22.Chicago-b..Kyle BollerQBCal
23.Buffalo-e.Michael HaynesDE.Penn State
24.Indianapolis.Troy Polamalu.S.Southern Cal
25.New York GiantsKenny PetersonDTOhio State
26.San Francisco.Taylor JacobsWRFlorida
27.Pittsburgh.Andre WoolfockCBOklahoma
28.Tennessee.Sammy DavisCBTexas A&M
29.Green Bay.Rex GrossmanQBFlorida
30.PhiladelphiaWillis McGaheeRBMiami
31.Oakland.Kelley WashingtonWRTennessee
32.Oakland-fMike Doss.S..Ohio State
a-from BEARS for 13th pick through Washington as 2003 compensation for WR Laveranues Coles and Jets’ own 22d pick; b-from Jets for fourth pick; c-from Buffalo in 2002 trade for QB Drew Bledsoe; d-from Miami in 2002 trade for RB Ricky Williams; e-from Atlanta in 2003 trade for WR Peerless Price; f-from Tampa Bay as part of 2002 compensation for coach Jon Gruden.

 

[LarryD]

By Curt Sylvester, Detroit Free Press.

1. Cincinnati: The Bengals tempt fate again by drafting a quarterback in the first round. Most recently they have gone wrong with Akili Smith (1999) and David Klingler (1992), and before that Jack Thompson (1979) and Greg Cook (1969) didn’t make much impact. The law of averages is on their side: Pick: QB Carson Palmer of Southern Cal.
2. Detroit: Wide receivers traditionally don’t go this high, but the Lions are desperate for a playmaker. It might have been RB Willis McGahee, but his knee injury left WR Charles Rogers as the top big-play threat in the draft. He occasionally drops passes but makes up for it with outstanding speed, leaping ability and an uncanny ability to come down with the football. Pick: Rogers of Michigan State.
3. Houston: Before the Bengals agreed to a contract with Carson Palmer, there was speculation the Texans might try to trade up to No. 1 to get Charles Rogers, but they seem content now to stay at No. 3 and get a different big-play receiver to go with last year’s No. 1 pick, QB David Carr. WR Andre Johnson might be slightly behind Rogers in development at this stage but his future is just as bright. Pick: Johnson of Miami (Fla.).
4. Chicago: The Bears apparently feel they solved their QB problem — short-term at least — with Kordell Stewart. Also, no running back is worth taking this high, so general manager Jerry Angelo can beef up his defensive front four with the best big man in the draft. Pick: DT Dewayne Robertson of Kentucky.
5. Dallas: The first act of the Bill Parcells/Jerry Jones show takes center stage with plenty of holes to fill in the crumbling Cowboys. Neither one has been particularly adept in calling the draft shots in the past, but it will be hard to go wrong in choosing between CB Terence Newman and DT Jimmy Kennedy. Pick: Newman of Kansas State.
6. Arizona: The Cardinals need a replacement for WR David Boston, who left via free agency, but coach Dave McGinnis might prefer to build a pass rush first and pursue later a receiver out of a solid, deep crop. DE Terrell Suggs can’t run an impressive 40, but he made 24 sacks last year and that’s pretty convincing. Pick: Suggs of Arizona State.
7. Minnesota: Here’s where the plot begins to thicken — the cutoff between the draft’s elite players and the very good players, although it might be argued that DT Jimmy Kennedy belongs with the top group. The Vikings might be willing to accommodate the New Orleans Saints in their attempt to trade up. Otherwise, coach Mike Tice goes for a dominating defensive lineman. Pick: Kennedy of Penn State.
8. Jacksonville: The Jaguars invested a bundle in defensive free agents — including DE Hugh Douglas and LB Mike Peterson — and the top four defensive players in the draft already are gone, so it makes sense to upgrade the NFL’s 25th-ranked offense of 2002. Quarterback Mark Brunell has a big cap number looming, and vice president of player personnel James Harris is high on QB Byron Leftwich. Pick: Leftwich of Marshall.
9. Carolina: If the Panthers don’t need a quarterback to replace 37-year-old Rodney Peete immediately, they’ll need one soon, but they also have to upgrade their offensive line play. Carson Palmer and Byron Leftwich are off the board, but the Panthers can have their pick of offensive linemen to fill the hole at right tackle. Pick: OT Jordan Gross of Utah.
10. Baltimore: Some draft picks are just meant to be. Coach Brian Billick has been rummaging around for a quarterback for the past four years, and this might be his best chance. Pick: QB Kyle Boller of California.
11. Seattle: For four years under Mike Holmgren, the Seahawks’ first-round focus was offense, and they built a solid arsenal. Out of necessity, that will change this year under new GM Bob Ferguson, who will do everything in his power to stock the defense. First is a lineman with speed, capable of applying inside pressure. Pick: DT Kevin Williams of Oklahoma State.
12. St. Louis: Playing Lovie Smith’s Tampa Bay style of defense built on quickness and speed, the Rams couldn’t go wrong with OLB Boss Bailey. But CB Aeneas Williams is 35, coming off an injury-plagued season, and they lost Dre’ Bly to the Lions, leaving them dangerously thin in the secondary. Pick: CB Marcus Trufant of Washington State.
13. New York Jets: With the Nos. 13 and 22 picks, the Jets might consider moving up to get Charles Rogers or Andre Johnson as a replacement for WR Laveranues Coles. But they have so many defensive needs it makes more sense to stay where they are and load up with defenders. Their biggest need is linebacker, and they get the pick of the litter. Pick: OLB Boss Bailey of Georgia.
14. New England: Less than two years after winning the Super Bowl, the Patriots have holes to fill — offensive line, defensive line and wide receiver. Coach Bill Belichick also would like an upgrade at running back and, with seven picks in the first four rounds, he can afford to gamble on Willis McGahee’s complete recovery from knee surgery. But not this early. Pick: DT Johnathan Sullivan of Georgia.
15. San Diego: The arrival of free agent WR David Boston filled a big hole, but the Chargers still have major needs at safety, defensive tackle and offensive line. Pick: OT Eric Steinbach of Iowa.
16. Kansas City: The Chiefs have to do something to improve their defense, which ranked 32nd in the NFL in yards allowed and 31st in passing yardage allowed last year. A major presence on the defensive line seems to be a must — DT William Joseph or DE Chris Kelsay. Pick: Kelsay of Nebraska.
17. New Orleans: With back-to-back picks in the middle of the round, the Saints might be able to trade up. They probably can’t go high enough to take DT Dewayne Robertson, but they might have a chance of moving five or six spots to draft Johnathan Sullivan or Kevin Williams. If they stand pat, they can get a pretty good linebacker. Pick: MLB E. J. Henderson of Maryland.
18. New Orleans: The Saints could trade lower in the draft if they can’t get the defensive tackle they covet, but a pretty good one is still available. Pick: DT William Joseph of Miami (Fla.).
19. New England: If Bill Belichick wants to risk going for Willis McGahee, this will be his last chance until midway through the second round. It’s probably still too early in the draft for that, however. Pick: OT Kwame Harris of Stanford.
20. Denver: Probably the best team to miss the playoffs last year. Now the Broncos have a new quarterback in Jake Plummer, and they think they can be back in the mix with a few key additions — a pass rushing defensive end, an offensive tackle and a cornerback. Pick: OT Wayne Hunter of Hawaii.

 

[LarryD]

sylvester continued...

21. Cleveland: The Browns have plenty of needs — cornerback, linebacker and offensive linemen — and you can bet coach Butch Davis, formerly of Miami (Fla.), will be looking for a Hurricanes player somewhere in the draft. It won’t be Willis McGahee, at least not this early. Pick: CB Sammy Davis of Texas A&M.
22. New York Jets: With their second pick in the first round, the Jets have a chance to get a wide receiver to replace Laveranues Coles. It’s just a question of who they feel is No. 3 behind Charles Rogers and Andre Johnson. Pick: WR Kelley Washington of Tennessee.
23. Buffalo: The Bills are overhauling their defense and need to beef up their front four, which for them is like a front two or three. A defensive end with pass rushing ability is a priority, but whom do they take — Jerome McDougle or Michael Haynes? Pick: Haynes of Penn State.
24. Indianapolis: Tony Dungy is always looking for defensive players with speed. The Colts also need a tight end and depth on their offensive line. The top priority, however, could be upgrading the defensive secondary. Pick: CB Eugene Wilson of Illinois.
25. New York Giants: The Giants are looking for a defensive lineman and even though the supply is running short, some quality remains. Pick: DE Jerome McDougle of Miami (Fla.).
26. San Francisco: The 49ers would love it if Kyle Boller slipped this far in the draft, or if one of the top defensive ends were still available, or if they could land a starting cornerback. This probably will come down to a choice between a No. 2 receiver and the cornerback. Pick: CB Andre Woolfolk of Oklahoma.
27. Pittsburgh: Eventually, the Steelers will have to develop a young quarterback to follow Tommy Maddox, but this probably isn’t the time. They failed in their bid to sign unrestricted free agent Dexter Jackson as free safety, so they have a big hole to fill. Pick: S Troy Polamalu of USC.
28. Tennessee: GM Floyd Reese loaded up on defensive players last year — six in the first four rounds — so the Titans probably will go the other way. They could use a tight end, an offensive lineman, a backup for running back Eddie George and a young quarterback to back up Steve McNair. The best value might be at wide receiver, however. Pick: WR Tyrone Calico of Middle Tennessee State.
29. Green Bay: Quarterback Brett Favre turns 34 in October, so it’s time to start grooming a replacement. But with just one draft pick in the first two rounds, the Packers might be tempted by a more pressing need — an offensive lineman or a linebacker with speed. Pick: QB Rex Grossman of Florida.
30. Philadelphia: The Eagles would love to draft a middle linebacker here, but there probably is no one worth the first-round price. Tight end is another possibility, as is a defensive end to replace Hugh Douglas, but the best player available might be a wide receiver. Pick: WR Taylor Jacobs of Florida.
31. Oakland: The Raiders need speed on the offensive side but might have more pressing needs — cornerback, safety, outside linebacker. But, considering the uncertainty of Barret Robbins’ future, a center might be a good choice. Pick: C Jeff Faine of Notre Dame.
32. Oakland: Al Davis has always been willing to take a chance, and this one could be well worth the risk — a top-five talent with the final pick of the first round. Pick: RB Willis McGahee of Miami (Fla.).

 

[LarryD]

By Charles Bricker
South Florida Sun-Sentinel

Charles Bricker takes a look at how the opening round may unfold:
1. Cincinnati Bengals: QB Carson Palmer (USC). He’s signed and ready for a playbook.
2. Detroit Lions: WR Charles Rogers (Michigan State). This one has been obvious for two months, and they won’t be dissuaded by Rogers’ yellow-flagged drug test.
3. Houston Texans: WR Andre Johnson (UM). This does nothing directly to reduce QB David Carr’s 76 sacks, but that will be addressed later.
4. New York Jets: DT Dewayne Robertson (Kentucky). Instant inside defense that was such a trouble spot last season. But moving up to No. 4 cost them one of their first-round picks.
5. Dallas Cowboys: CB Terence Newman (Kansas State). They missed getting CB Quentin Jammer a year ago. This time they’ll get their man.
6. Arizona Cardinals: DE Terrell Suggs (Arizona State). Forget the disappointing workout. He had 24 sacks last year, and he can play the run.
7. Minnesota Vikings: CB Marcus Trufant (Washington State). Yes, they need more run defense, but they also gave up 33 TD passes. Pair him with newly acquired Denard Walker.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: T Jordan Gross (Utah). They’ve lost Zach Wiegert and John Wade in free agency, and they haven’t had a quality tackle since they cut Tony Boselli loose.
9. Carolina Panthers: QB Byron Leftwich (Marshall). You really don’t think they’re hitching the future to Jack Delhomme, do you?
10. Baltimore Ravens: DT Jimmy Kennedy (Penn State). Coach Brian Billick would take Leftwich here, but not Cal QB Kyle Boller. Kennedy, with ILB Ray Lewis, once again gives them defensive strength in the middle.
11. Seattle Seahawks: DT Kevin Williams (Oklahoma State). They absolutely have to shut off the run and this guy can move outside on third down and rush the passer.
12. St. Louis Rams: CB Sammy Davis (Texas A&M). A good fit for coordinator Lovie Smith’s zone schemes. He’s not really a bump-and-run corner.
13. Chicago Bears: DT William Joseph (UM). Remember how tough Ted Washington and Keith Traylor were at defensive tackle two years ago? They want that feeling back.
14. New England Patriots: DT Johnathan Sullivan (Georgia). Fifth defensive tackle taken in the first 14. Pats gave up 4.7 yards per carry and 17 rushing TDs last season.
15. San Diego Chargers: T Kwame Harris (Stanford). Chargers line performed well last year, but it’s not deep and needs tackle help.
16. Kansas City Chiefs: DE Michael Haynes (Penn State). Good free agency addition in Vonnie Holliday, but Holliday isn’t a classic pass rusher.
17. New Orleans Saints: OLB Boss Bailey (Georgia). Explosive offense needs defensive help everywhere. This is the speed and tackling machine they need.
18. New Orleans Saints: DE Jerome McDougle (UM). It won’t be easy to overlook his recent minor problem with the law, but they’ll find a way.
19. New England Patriots: RB Willis McGahee (UM). He’ll play sparingly, if at all, for a season, and then replace the rapidly deteriorating Antowain Smith.
20. Denver Broncos: DE Chris Kelsay (Nebraska). This allows them to move Trevor Pryce back to defensive tackle and rejuvenate their pass rush.
21. Cleveland Browns: TE Jason Witten (Tennessee). Coach Butch Davis without a great tight end? Not any longer.
22. Chicago Bears: QB Kyle Boller (California). This could be one of the more controversial picks of the opening round, but he won’t have to play as a rookie if Kordell Stewart does his job.
23. Buffalo Bills: DE Dewayne White (Louisville). Emphasis must be on defense and especially up front. The offense is in fine shape.
24. Indianapolis Colts: S Troy Polamalu (Southern California). Coach Tony Dungy was spoiled at Tampa Bay with John Lynch. Can he clone this guy?
25. New York Giants: DT Kenny Peterson (Ohio State). He can also play outside. Giants need a real line rotation to give DE Michael Strahan some rest.
26. San Francisco 49ers: WR Taylor Jacobs (Florida). Big-play coach Dennis Erickson requires a big-play receiver. But is there a wideout curse on Gator receivers in the NFL?
27. Pittsburgh Steelers: QB Rex Grossman (Florida). Tommy Maddox is 31 years old and an easy target in the pocket. QB coach Tom Clements is the guru Grossman needs.
28. Tennessee Titans: C Jeff Faine (Notre Dame). With the re-signing of Tom Ackerman, they’ll have a deep offensive line.
29. Green Bay Packers: LB E.J. Henderson (Maryland). It’s a start toward replacing those 30-something linebackers. He showed no problems in 2002 from his 2001 back injury.
30. Philadelphia Eagles: TE Dallas Clark (Iowa). Another major receiving threat only enhances QB Donovan McNabb’s overall threat.
31. Oakland Raiders: G Eric Steinbach (Iowa). Best available grunt with the footwork to get out on the sweeps. He can also play tackle.
32. Oakland Raiders: WR Bryant Johnson (Penn State). Johnson and Terry Porter — the successors to Jerry Rice and Tim Brown.

 

[magnus]

Bricker came through and made the good pick, not the "I'm trying to be right" pick. Nice work.
I've talked to him a couple of times, back when I was doing the beat writing thing and pretending to be a bigshot. Was the good stuff, he was a gracious participant and a good guy to chat with.

 

[LarryD]

bump-bump for the fun of it.