Here is a look at how the 2001 NFL
Draft could play out if the draft was approaching. Keep in mind though
that a significant amount of this will change, as team needs, players'
stock, etc. change over the next few months. Here is what we are hearing
around legitimate league circles.
*Denotes Underclassmen
1. San Diego Chargers
*Michael Vick QB Virginia Tech
Most indications from team sources
indicate that they are currently leaning towards Vick at this point. Trade
talk will get interesting as we get closer to the draft.
2. Arizona Cardinals
*David Terrell WR Michigan
The Cardinals want to trade down
because they do not feel any defensive lineman is worth the number two
pick. They will likely just take Terrell if they can't trade down.
3. Cleveland Browns
*Koren Robinson WR North Carolina
State
The Browns have a lot of areas to
address, but will explore the most dynamic option if they keep this pick.
4. Cincinnati Bengals
Leonard Davis OT Texas
They are looking for a pass rusher,
but will settle on solidifying the offensive line for the future.
5. Atlanta Falcons
*Kenyatta Walker OT Florida
Another team with a lot of needs.
Solidifying their offensive line is near the top of the list.
6. New England Patriots
*Gerard Warren DT Florida
The Patriots face the odds of losing
Chad Eaton. Warren can clog up the run game, but he also can be disruptive
in the backfield.
7. Seattle Seahawks
*Justin Smith DE Missouri
They are looking at Warren, but if
he is off the board, they are looking at the pass rush potential that Smith
can provide along with his size.
8. Chicago Bears
Andre Carter DE California
The Bears want to bolster their pass
rush to take pressure off Phillip Daniels. Carter will provide that along
with some leadership down the road.
9. San Francisco 49ers
Deuce McAllister RB Mississippi
With the possibility of losing Charlie
Garner high and the uncertainty of Garrison Hearst, McAllister is the prototypical
back for this offense.
10. Seattle Seahawks
Drew Brees QB Purdue
If the Seahawks do not like what
they see in the veteran crop, they will go with Brees. He fits well with
Mike Holmgren's philosophy with his resourcefulness and leadership ability.
11. Carolina Panthers
Richard Seymour DT Georgia
Although the Panthers have some young
defensive lineman they like, they need an anchor upfront. Seymour can help
solidify their future here. They could trade up for Kenyatta Walker if
they want to give up picks.
12. Kansas City Chiefs
*Michael Bennett RB Wisconsin
Bennett needs more experience to
develop better run instincts and exposure in the passing game, but the
Chiefs like his speed.
13. Jacksonville Jaguars
Dan Morgan LB Miami
The Jaguars will focus some of the
priorities towards improving their production and depth in their front
seven. Morgan would be a refreshing addition to their defense.
14. Buffalo Bills
*Nate Clements CB Ohio State
Clements needs to develop a lot more
consistency, but he has the tools to take the secondary to new heights
when he develops more experience.
15. Washington Redskins
Rod Gardner WR Clemson
There are some within the organization
that love Moss' speed, but Marty Schottenheimer might prefer size and physical
tools.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers
Shaun Rogers DT Texas
The Steelers would like to find a
physical presence to plug in their defensive line. Rogers brings that potential
as he would likely play end in their 3-4 alignment.
17. Green Bay Packers
Damione Lewis DT Miami
The Packers would love to get a top
defensive lineman to help raise the level of play upfront. Lewis has the
quickness to provide good penetration upfront.
18. Detroit Lions
Jamal Reynolds DE Florida State
The Lions would love to find a rush
end with better pass rush skills at right end. Reynolds could provide solid
perimeter pressure for their defense.
19. New York Jets
Chris Chambers WR Wisconsin
The Jets would like a receiver with
a good blend of strength and speed. Chambers could be a solid addition
here.
20. St. Louis Rams
Marcus Stroud DT Georgia
Getting younger throughout the defense,
especially at the tackle spots is a must. Stroud is a good athlete with
good size to develop into a difference maker as he matures.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
*Todd Heap TE Arizona State
The Buccaneers like to run a lot
of tight ends within their offense. Heap would make a huge difference in
their passing game in terms of the balance he would provide.
22. Indianapolis Colts
Fred Smoot CB Mississippi State
The Colts need a matchup corner with
the ability to make plays. Smoot can definitely bring some swagger to the
defense.
23. New Orleans Saints
Santana Moss WR Miami
Adding speed on both sides of the
ball is most important for the Saints this spring. Moss would significantly
upgrade the passing game with another speed guy in Joe Horn along with
the return game.
24. Denver Broncos
Ken Lucas CB Mississippi
The Broncos could use a good athlete
with some size in their secondary. Lucas would provide that athleticism
along with a good attitude.
25. Philadelphia Eagles
Reggie Wayne WR Miami
Wayne would give the Eagles a smart
and reliable receiver with excellent ball skills. He could be very productive
in this offense.
26. Miami Dolphins
Chad Johnson WR Oregon State
The Dolphins need speed in their
passing game. Johnson brings a different dimension to the Dolphins passing
game.
27. Minnesota Vikings
Lamont Jordan RB Maryland
The Vikings need a runner if Robert
Smith holds onto to his retirement thoughts. Jordan is the strong runner
with good skills that the Vikings like.
28. Oakland Raiders
Tommy Polley LB Florida State
Polley brings much needed youth and
speed to the Raiders linebacker unit. His aggressiveness would be well
received on defense.
29. Tennessee Titans
*Jamar Fletcher CB Wisconsin
The Titans hope to add more depth
at cornerback and Fletcher could fall into their laps despite their need
for offense.
30. New York Giants
Steve Hutchinson OG Michigan
The Giants have a few immediate needs,
but Hutchinson would be a future rock on the aging offensive line.
31. Baltimore Ravens
Jeff Backus OT Michigan
The Ravens will be looking for another
receiver and possibly an outside linebacker, but they also need someone
like Backus would can take over for Harry Swayne at right tackle. Kansas
State's Quincy Morgan could figure here as a receiver if he is still on
the board depending on his personal interviews with the Ravens.