2. Detroit Lions - Gaines Adams, DE Clemson
Other options: QB Brady Quinn, OT Joe Thomas, WR Calvin Johnson
It is no secret that Lions GM Matt Millen has, at best, a spotty track record when it comes to the draft. Detroit has a loyal and hungry fan base, a beautiful new stadium, and a growing nucleus of young talent. This draft could very well make or break the playoff hopes of the Lions for the next five-plus years, and Millen knows that. Fighting the urge to add yet another high-profile skill position player like Georgia Tech's Calvin Johnson, Millen will listen to coach Rod Marinelli and his staff, and select Clemson DE Gaines Adams. Adams is the best pure pass-rusher in the draft and would bring the Lions the type of impact that Marinelli got from future Hall-of-Famer Simeon Rice during their days together in Tampa Bay. Note: It is highly probable that Detroit will move down 2 or 3 spots to stockpile a few extra draft choices while still being able to select Adams.

3. Cleveland Browns - Brady Quinn, QB Notre Dame
Other options: RB Adrian Peterson, OT Joe Thomas, WR Calvin Johnson
The Browns find themselves in a very similar situation as that of their draft predecessor, Detroit; a growing roster of talent, a young coaching staff and front office, and a fanbase that is dying for a playoff run. Browns head coach Romeo Crennel is obviously on the hot seat, and his decision-making right hand man, Phil Savage, will be as well if this draft proves to be a flop. Cleveland will be tempted to take Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson, a dynamic runner who could split time with newly-acquired RB Jamal Lewis to ease both of their checkered injury histories. They'll also give a long look at Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas who could step in and be the pass-protecting cornerstone that Cleveland has lacked for so long. In the end they'll opt for Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn, a hometown player(Quinn is from Akron, OH) who would instantly become the face of a franchise that desperately needs marketibility.

4. Tampa Bay Bucs - Calvin Johnson, WR Georgia Tech*
Other options: RB Adrian Peterson, OT Joe Thomas, DT Amobi Okoye
It isn't often that the consensus #1 talent in a given draft falls all the way to the 4th pick, so Tampa Bay is assuredley ecstatic to draft Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson in this slot. Head coach Jon Gruden has even mused about using one of Tampa's two 2nd round selections to move up a few slots in the first round and ensure the chance of taking Johnson, so they could be a nice fit as trading partners for the Detroit Lions. The Bucs had WR Keyshawn Johnson in his prime, where he won a Super Bowl ring and only fell out of favor because of his poor attitude and big mouth. In Calvin Johnson they'll get perhaps an even bigger, faster version of Keyshawn--but without the character issues.

5. Arizona Cardinals - Joe Thomas, OT Wisconsin
Other options: RB Adrian Peterson, FS LaRon Landry, DE Jamaal Anderson
The Cardinals found their franchise plauyer and quarterback in last year's draft--Matt Leinart--and things appear to be looking up for the much-maligned franchise. New head coach Ken Whisenhunt is bringing an entirely new approach to the team than former coach Dennis Green, and that might be just what the team needs. Whisenhunt professes running the ball and playing defense, and claims to want to run the ball upwards of 550 times this season, so he'll be more than pleased to see Wisconsin OT Joe Thomas on the board at pick #5. Whisenhunt could be swayed by pairing the ageing Edgerrin James with Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson, but it will be too hard to say no to a franchise left tackle like Thomas.

6. Washington Redskins - LaRon Landry, FS Louisiana State
Other options: DE Jamaal Anderson, DT Amobi Okoye, DT Alan Branch
The Redskins were un-characteristically quiet during free agency this season, and only possess 1 pick on the first day of the Draft. With head coach Joe Gibbs leaning towards (another) retirement and an already-inflated player and coaching staff payroll, this first choice for the Skins better prove to be a damn good one, or the franchise could be left in really bad shape. With the departures of FS Troy Vincent(free agency) and S Adam Archuleta(trade), the Redskins are left with only one experienced player at Safety--Pro Bowler Sean Taylor. The easy remedy is in LSU's LaRon Landry, a well-rounded safety who dramatically improved his coverage skills as a Senior and is now viewed as the best safety to come out of the draft since the afforementioned Taylor. Taylor and Landry would provide the Skins with two reliable, play-making safeties and take pressure off the rest of their un-productive defense.

7. Minnesota Vikings - Adrian Peterson, RB Oklahoma*
Other options: CB Leon Hall, MLB Patrick Willis, DT Alan Branch
The Vikings started the '06 season hot under rookie head coach Brad Childress, but wained down the stretch and find themselves with the 7th choice overall. It is believed that the Vikings covet Clemson DE Gaines Adams and LSU FS LaRon Landry, and may even be willing to move up to grab either of them. If the draft falls as projected here and they find Oklahoma's Adrian Peterson sitting in their lap, it would be incredibly tough to pass on him--even after a productive '06 campaign from RB Chester Taylor. A greater "need pick" would be Michigan's Leon Hall or Alan Branch, but Peterson is a once-in-a-lifetime prospect that would pair with Taylor to form a formidable duo and ease the transition of new QB Tarvaris Jackson.

8. Atlanta Falcons(f. HOU) - Amobi Okoye, DT Louisville
Other options: OT Levi Brown, WR Ted Ginn, CB Leon Hall
It has been a roller coaster off-season for the Falcons, firing former coach Jim Mora Jr, hiring Louisville's Bobby Petrino to take over the post, and having to deal with another public relations nightmare from QB Michael Vick. But the biggest loop-de-loop of all came when Petrino metaphorically put all of his eggs in Vick's basket by dealing sought after back-up QB Matt Schaub to the Houston Texans. Petrino is now looking to use this draft as a catalyst to put his stamp on the Falcons franchise, both offensively and defensively. An explosive player such as Ohio State WR Ted Ginn would be a great fit for Petrino's "power spread" offense, but there are greater needs elsewhere. A disruptive 3-technique defensive lineman like Louisville DT Amobi Okoye could be just what the doctor ordered; and conveniently enough, the 19-year-old prodigy was coached by none other than Bobby Petrino at Louisville.

9. Miami Dolphins - Levi Brown, OT Penn State
Other options: CB Leon Hall, DT Alan Branch, WR Ted Ginn
Despite the sweltering Miami sun, the Dolphins were left in the cold by head coach Nick Saban when he was fished away by Alabama. They have tried to quickly recover and re-establish themselves as one of the AFC's up-and-comers, and that starts with the hiring of Cam Cameron as head coach. Cameron is an offensive guru with roots as an offensive line coach, so Penn State OT Levi Brown is an attractive choice. Brown needs refinement in his technique and consistency, but that is the only thing holding him back from being a potentially elite left tackle. Cameron would give Levi Brown the type of attention and tutilage necessary to turn him from a player with just "raw ability," into the complete package. After all, the Dolphins need someone to protect the blindside of their quarterback--whoever that turns out to be.

10. Houston Texans(f. ATL) - Leon Hall, CB Michigan
Other options: DT Alan Branch, CB Darrelle Revis, DE Jamaal Anderson
The Houston Texans are a team struggling to form an identity, especially after the nucleus that was built by former GM Charley Casserly was turned upside down and torn apart in about 10 months by new GM Rick Smith. Gone is David Carr, and back again are the rampant questions of why Houston didn't choose Vince Young or Reggie Bush in the '06 draft. On the bright side, the Texans found some gems like DeMeco Ryans(the 2006 defensive rookie of the year) in the '06 draft, and also believe they've added their QB of the future in Matt Schaub. They could go a number of directions with this pick, including moving either up or down the board. Two Junior-eligible defensive linemen, Michigan DT Alan Branch and Arkansas DE Jamaal Anderson, could be looked at to add protection to Mario Williams. A more dire need might be adding another capable player to their secondary, where CB Dunta Robinson displays Pro Bowl ability but needs some sort of supporting cast in order to reach his ceiling. The answer: Michigan CB Leon Hall, a tough and instinctive player who does a little bit of everything from the corner position.

11. San Francisco 49ers - Patrick Willis, ILB Mississippi
Other options: DE Adam Carriker, FS Reggie Nelson, WR Ted Ginn
The 49ers are about to enter Year 3 of the "Rollin' with Nolan" operation; that being the regime of head coach Mike Nolan. They were big spenders in free agency, doling out big dollars to shore up holes in the secondary(CB Nate Clements, SS Michael Lewis) and at linebacker(Tully Banta-Cain). On offense, Niners faithful are enjoying the development of their new "Big 3," in QB Alex Smith, RB Frank Gore, and TE Vernon Davis. There is a need for help at wide receiver, but with the WR class being so deep the Niners will be better served going defense in the first round. Nebraska's Adam Carriker is a versatile, blue-collar DE who has the athleticism and versatility to play almost anywhere in any scheme. But Mike Nolan believes the team is extremely close to having the proper personnel to run a true, every-down "34" defense, and they might only be an Inside Linebacker away from having that. Mississippi's Patrick Willis is a textbook tackle who plays downhill, with great leadership ability and even greater competitiveness. He would prove to be the perfect addition to a budding Niners team.

12. Buffalo Bills - Darrelle Revis, CB Pittsburgh*
Other options: RB Marshawn Lynch, LB Jon Beason, CB Chris Houston
The Bills proved to be a tough opponent in their first season under coach Dick Jauron, but have since undergone a number of departures via free agency and trade. The Willis McGahee Era ended with a quiet fizzle when he was dealt to Baltimore for three draft picks during the off-season, so the team could look to address the RB position with this pick, but might find greater value in someone like Ohio State RB Antonio Pittman in Round 2. They lost CB Nate Clements to the big free agency dollars, and are currently heading into camp with journeyman Kiwaukee Thomas and 2006 3rd-rounder Ashton Youboty competing for a starting CB slot. Simply put, that won't suffice for a team with playoff hopes. Pittsburgh's Darrelle Revis is a junior-entry who is rising up draft boards due to his physical nature and great raw ability. He could aid in the return game as well, another area where the Bills were hit by the departure of Clements.

13. St Louis Rams - Alan Branch, DT Michigan*
Other options: DE Jamaal Anderson, DE Adam Carriker, LB Jon Beason
The Rams may no longer be "The Greatest Show on Turf" as they were during the days of Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk, but their offense looks pretty good nonetheless, thanks to the development of RB Steven Jackson and the addition of WR Drew Bennett in free agency. So it is likely that the Rams focus on defense with this pick, and more specifically the defensive line, where they haven't had much luck in past drafts. Michigan DT Alan Branch is a 6'5", 330 pound mountain who could be a real force if he puts it all together. His stock is falling after concerns were raised regarding his conditioning, competitiveness, and consistency--all of which have been very common concerns with Michigan DT's. It may take a year or two to put it together, but if Branch exhibits the disruptive play-making ability that he did (at times) while at Michigan, it would be well worth the wait and investment for St. Louis.

14. Carolina Panthers - Jon Beason, LB Miami*
Other options: DE Adam Carriker, WR Ted Ginn, FS Reggie Nelson
Perhaps the most disappointing team of the 2006 season, the Carolina Panthers were a shique pre-season pick but failed to make the playoffs even in the weak NFC. Head coach John Fox is still running on the fumes of taking the Panthers to the Super Bowl in '03, but he realizes he is on a short leash and needs to turn the team around quickly. The Panthers were inactive in free agency due to being stuck in Salary Cap hell, and could dis-assemble their core even more on draft day by dangling guys like DT Kris Jenkins, DE Mike Rucker, and S Mike Minter as trade bait. Because of this there are a number of holes that Carolina will look to fill, and it could start by adding Miami LB Jon Beason. Beason is a junior-entry with the versatility to start at any of the 3 linebacker spots, and could even replace incumbent MLB Dan Morgan, whose career is in jeopardy after numerous concussions.

15. Pittsburgh Steelers - Adam Carriker, DE Nebraska
Other options: DE Jamaal Anderson, DE/OLB Anthony Spencer, CB Chris Houston
The Bill Cowher era came to an end this off-season after a decade and a half, and Steelers fans are readying themselves for what they hope will be another lengthy head coaching tenure; this time in the form of 33-year-old Mike Tomlin, who comes to Pittsburgh after serving a year as Minnesota's defensive coordinator. The Steelers have retained a lot of the same talent from their Super Bowl winning roster, but the quandry lays in Tomlin's strong preference of running a "Tampa2" cover-2 defense, which features a base-43 defense and occupies quick, instinctive players. So what's the problem? Tomlin inherits a defensive unit that, over the years, was built to be a strict base-34 defense with down-hill players and blitzing DB's, so there is going to be quite an overhaul if Tomlin wants to make the schematic switch immediately. Nebraska DE Adam Carriker is an easy pick if he is still on the board at #15, because he has the ability to play DE and DT if Pittsburgh runs the Tampa2, as well as the ability to play the five-technique DE position if the team retains the base-34 defense.

16. Green Bay Packers - Marshawn Lynch, RB California
Other options: WR Ted Ginn, FS Reggie Nelson, CB Chris Houston
Another year has gone by, and Brett Favre still remains the starting QB of the Packers, for better or worse. The Packers played a lot better than expected as a unit last season, and much of that extends from Favre himself, who drastically cut down on his bone-headed interceptions. With that said, head coach Mike McCarthy knows there is still a lot of work to be done in order for Green Bay to really make noise in the NFC Black 'n' Blue. The biggest concern on offense is depth, where the free agency departure of long-time RB Ahman Green has left the unproven Vernand Morency slated as the starting runner. Green Bay's 2006 2nd-round choice, WR Greg Jennings, proved to be a welcome addition but got tired down the stretch and will likely need a new running-mate in the coming years, as Pro Bowler Donald Driver isn't getting any younger. Both the RB and WR positions are deep in this draft, so the Pack has the luxury of taking the best player availabe at either position with pick #16, and addressing the other spot in a later round. The Packers will be happy to see California RB Marshawn Lynch still on the board, because he is exactly the type of one-cut runner who fits their system, and would be an every-down player from day 1.

17. Jacksonville Jaguars - Reggie Nelson, FS/CB Florida*
Other options: DE Jamaal Anderson, WR Ted Ginn, DE Anthony Spencer
The Jaguars may be one of the most talented teams in the league, but head coach Jack Del Rio has only gotten them as far as a first-round Playoff exit. Del Rio is on the hotseat and important starters like QB Byron Leftwich are approaching free agency, so the Jaguars will be feeling the winds of change unless there is a dramatic improvement. An area of interest is the wide receiver position, where the Jaguars have spent two of their last three 1st-round choices(Reggie Williams in '04, Matt Jones in '05) but have yet to see the desired production. Taking yet another receiver in the first round is probably a luxury that Del Rio cannot afford. A wiser choice might be Florida FS Reggie Nelson, who practically played his college career in the Jaguars' back yard. He is an instinctive playmaker with great range, who would not only fill the departure of FS Deon Grant, but also provide an upgrade over him as well.

18. Cincinnati Bengals - Jamaal Anderson, DE Arkansas*
Other options: CB Chris Houston, TE Greg Olsen, DE Anthony Spencer
The Bengals are no longer saddled with the stigma of being the league's perennial cellar-dwellers, but they're now being labeled as something much more denegrating; a home for the NFL's thugs and low-lifes. With the NFL cracking down on players who get in trouble with the law, the Bengals will have to be extra careful in going out of their way to draft high-character players this year. Outside of that, their biggest needs are on defense and for a playmaking Tight End on offense. The defense could use help essencially everywhere, and a run-stuffing interior lineman might be the highest priority; unfortunately for Cincy, there is very little value at defensive tackle with this pick. So the Bengals will slide outside and address the pass-rush by adding raw but talented Arkansas DE Jamaal Anderson, a junior-entry who has all the athleticism(is a converted wide receiver) to potentially be the "next" Julius Peppers. This would be a great value pick for the Bengals, this late in the first round.

19. Tennessee Titans - Ted Ginn, WR Ohio State*
Other options: CB Chris Houston, DE Anthony Spencer, WR Dwayne Bowe
The Titans finished '06 with an amazing second half run that saved head coach Jeff Fisher's job and nearly landed them in the playoffs. Much of that success was due to QB Vince Young, the 2006 offensive rookie of the year. With an explosive playmaker like Young under center, the Titans have their focal point of the offensive unit, but there is still work to be done before they can legitimately compete in the deep and competitive AFC South division. On defense, the Titans want to pressure the opposing quarterback. After a double-digit sack season in '05--his first season with the Titans--DE Kyle Vanden Bosch returned back to Earth, posting moderate numbers alongside the rest of the D-Line, so they could opt for a pass-rusher at this spot. They also need help badly at cornerback, where their only reliable player--Adam "PacMan" Jones--was made an example of by NFL commish Roger Goodell and suspended for the entire season due to off-the-field conduct. That aside, there is too much value here to ignore picking Ohio State WR/Returner Ted Ginn, Jr. Ginn is a raw but remarkable talent who could blossom alongside Vince Young to form one of the AFC's most enamoring combos.

20. New York Giants - Chris Houston, CB Arkansas*
Other options: CB Aaron Ross, WR Dwayne Bowe, LB Paul Posluszny
The Giants of 2006 were an example of a dreaded football cliche, a team that "backed into the playoffs." They finished 2-6 in the second half of the season, but made the Playoffs as an 8-8 wildcard team due in large part to the overall mediocrity of the NFC. They won't be as fortunate this year, so returning head coach Tom Coughlin is on a very short leash with very little room for error. Logic insists that this team will live and die with the play of QB Eli Manning, so the team may look to add a player like LSU WR Dwayne Bowe to go alongside WRs Plaxico Burress, and Amani Toomer(who is coming off of an ACL injury). On defense, there are holes at every level. Converted DE Justin Tuck is slated to start at DT this year, but that could change if the Giants find value at defensive tackle with this pick. They also desperately need linebacker help after the departure of OLB Carlos Emmons, and the free agency flop of OLB LaVar Arrington. But the most pressing need of all is at cornerback, where ageing CB Sam Madison has lost a step, and the young Corey Webster got picked upon in the pass-happy NFC East. Insert Arkansas CB Chris Houston, a junior-entry who wowed scouts with his workout numbers and would give the Giants an immediate bump-and-run technician to be the slot defender.

21. Denver Broncos - Anthony Spencer, DE Purdue
Other options: OC Ryan Kalil, FS Brandon Meriweather, DE Jarvis Moss
The Broncos off-season was mired by tragedy after the untimely passing of two players, CB Darrent Williams and RB Damien Nash. It has understandably been hard for head coach Mike Shanahan and the rest of the front office to move on to football matters, but you can bet that they'll be ready on draft day. Shanahan handed over the reigns of quarterback from Jake Plummer--who was highly successful as Denver's starter, especially in the Win/Loss column--to the live-armed, gun-slinging rookie from Vanderbilt, QB Jay Cutler. Despite missing the playoffs last year, there is plenty of optimism for a Broncos team that has young talent all over the roster, and added some productive veterans via free agency. Rumors are rampant of the Broncos moving up into the top-10 of the draft, presumably for a defensive tackle--of which there is little value at pick #21. However, if that doesn't happen, look for them to address the exterior pass-rush by adding a player like Purdue DE Anthony Spencer. Spencer is a high-motor player who doesn't stop until he has the quarterback on the ground. He may not be an every-down player, but could pair with DE Elvis Dumervil to form a very productive rotation at one of the End spots.

22. Dallas Cowboys - Dwayne Bowe, WR Louisiana State
Other options: DE/OLB Jarvis Moss, WR Robert Meachem, OT Joe Staley
The 2006 season for "America's Team" ended in a blooper reel with the newly-christened savior of the franchise, QB Tony Romo, botching the hold on an extra point that may have extended their brief Playoff run. With that came the end of the Bill Parcells experiment, and team owner Jerry Jones is now back in full control of his war room. New head coach Wade Phillips plans to employ the same base-34 defense as the staff predecessors, but will likely seek out some more instinctive playmakers over the gritty run-defenders that Parcells preferred. On offense, WR Terry Glenn is getting older and losing his once-blazing speed, and WR Terrell Owens is the NFL's resident ticking time bomb, so the wide receiver position needs to be addressed in order for Tony Romo to further develop. Jerry Jones would be more than happy to snatch up LSU WR Dwayne Bowe with this pick. Bowe is a big, tough receiver who plays with a lot of competitiveness and aggression. He is fearless over the middle and inside the redzone, and would supply the Cowboys with a lot of the same (on-field) traits as current WR Terrell Owens.

23. Kansas City Chiefs - Justin Blalock, OG Texas
Other options: CB Aaron Ross, WR Robert Meachem, DT Justin Harrell
The Chiefs snuck into the Playoffs in 2006 after some very fortunate tie-breakers went their way, and they don't appear to be slowing down any time soon under head coach Herm Edwards. QB Damon Huard was re-signed to become the full-time starter after winning nearly every one of his starts in place of injured QB Trent Green. Green is expected to be dealt on draft day, and while Huard is no spring chicken, there simply isn't enough value at this spot to warrant selecting a young QB. On defense the Chiefs desperately need an infusion of talent and youth in their secondary and interior defensive line, so they could opt to go there. But with the '05 retirement of OT Willie Roaf and the '06 retirement of Will Shields, the Chiefs need to add a road-grader to ensure that franchise-RB Larry Johnson lives to see the age of 30. They'll be happy to take Texas OG Justin Blalock, a four-year starter who can be a real force paving the way for the running game at either right tackle or right guard.

24. New England Patriots(f. SEA) - Aaron Ross, CB Texas
Other options: MLB David Harris, LB Paul Posluszny, DB Tanard Jackson
Heading into the '06 season, the Patriots were considered by some to be a "re-building team." Through free agency and trades they shead a good portion of their veteran talent, but found themselves in the AFC Title Game once again, regardless. With head coach Bill Belichick, player personnel VP Scott Pioli, and QB Tom Brady all remaining on the payroll, it would be fair to assume that the Patriots will be as good--if not better--in '07. With the 24th choice(acquired from Seattle for WR Deion Branch), New England could afford to take the best player available but seem to be leaning towards defense either way. Emerging CB Asante Samuel is on a 1-year franchise tender and wants a long-term deal or a trade, so it would be wise to add a cornerback that could be groomed as a replacement, like Texas's Aaron Ross, a mature and experienced starter who wouldn't take much developing.

25. New York Jets - Greg Olsen, TE Miami*
Other options: CB Eric Wright, DE/OLB Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB LaMarr Woodley
The "J-E-T-S Jets Jets Jets" were one of the AFC's surprise teams in '06, rebounding from a 4-12 campaign in 2005 to win the wildcard in head coach Eric Mangini's first year on the job. Mangini(dubbed "Mangenius" by New York media) and Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum have a strict outline for the type of team they want to build, and the type of players they want to build it with. There are needs defensively at cornerback, where Andre Dyson and Justin Miller currently comprise a less-than-stellar starting combo. The linebacking corps could also use some bolstering in order for Mangini to be able to switch to an every-down base-34 defense. Incumbent TE Chris Baker is getting better every year and recently inked a new contract, so while it may seem to be a luxury pick right now, selecting a player like Miami TE Greg Olsen could prove to be a wise move down the road. Olsen isn't a polished blocker but has the top-end athleticism that would offer battered QB Chad Pennington another talented receiving option.

26. Philadelphia Eagles - Tanard Jackson, CB/FS Syracuse
Other options: MLB David Harris, DE Jarvis Moss, FS Brandon Meriweather
Morale was low in the City of Brotherly Love after the Eagles opened their 2006 season with a 5-6 record and lost QB Donovan McNabb to a torn ACL. But the team quickly broke off a surprising turnaround under journeyman back-up QB Jeff Garcia, riding a 5-game winning streak all the way to the NFC Divisional Playoffs. The Eagles addressed most of their needs internally, in addition to shoring up glaring holes at wide receiver and linebacker by signing WR Kevin Curtis and trading for All-Pro OLB Takeo Spikes. Head coach Andy Reid has had a turbulent off-season due to family issues, but the front office has prepared in his absence and the team will be looking to rebound from a 2006 draft class that disappointed in its first year. Even with the acquisition of Spikes, the Eagles could opt to take a linebacker that they could groom behind MLB Jeremiah Trotter, whose knees are giving out on him. But with an open battle for the nickel cornerback role as well as a need to address the safety position, the Eagles could kill two birds with one stone by taking versatile Syracuse DB Tanard Jackson.

27. New Orleans Saints - Paul Posluszny, OLB Penn State
Other options: CB Eric Wright, OLB Lawrence Timmons, DT Justin Harrell
The surprise to end all surprises in 2006 had to be the New Orleans Saints, a team that won 2 games in '05 before completely turning over their roster and coaching staff, all the while coping with the tragedy that was Hurricane Katrina. The Saints were one game away from a Super Bowl berth behind savvy personnel additions like QB Drew Brees(free agency), RB Reggie Bush(1st rd pick) and WR Marques Colston(7th rd pick). If New Orleans can string together a draft that is half as good as the one they had in 2006, they'll be a team to be feared. They could look to address their depth(or lack thereof) at wide receiver after former staple Joe Horn departed to Atlanta in free agency. But any pressing needs reside on the defensive side of the ball, where they could use a youth infusion at linebacker, defensive tackle, and defensive back. If Penn State LB Paul Posluszny is still on the board at pick #27, the Saints will race to the podium in order to take the all-time leading tackler in Linebacker U's history.

28. New England Patriots - Jarvis Moss, DE/OLB Florida*
Other options: MLB David Harris, FS Brandon Meriweather, OC Ryan Kalil
With their second pick in the first round the Patriots could again afford the luxury of going with the best player available, or even using the pick as ammunition to move up the draft board and get a highly-desired player. If they stay put, they are still likely to take a defensive player to ease an expected roster turnover of ageing veterans and young free agents next year. Florida defensive end Jarvis Moss is a raw but gifted player with a great burst off of the snap and the athleticism to make the transition from College-DE to Pro-OLB. The Patriots signed one of the most sought-after defensive free agents on the market in OLB Adalius Thomas, but also lost starter Tully Banta-Cain to San Francisco via free agency, so they will definitely look for a pass-rusher at some point in the early rounds.

29. Baltimore Ravens - Lawrence Timmons, OLB Florida State*
Other options: OG Ben Grubbs, OT Joe Staley, DE LaMarr Woodley
Under newly-acquired QB Steve McNair, the Ravens ran rampant through their regular season schedule and dominated almost every opponent they went toe-to-toe with. That is, before they were haulted by the (eventual World Champions) Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Divisional round. Un-satisfied with such a performance, Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome and head coach Brian Billick made another big off-season splash this February by trading for Bills RB Willis McGahee. They will look long and hard at an offensive lineman to groom with this pick, but the value is too great in Florida State OLB Lawrence Timmons. Timmons only started one season at Florida State but decided to leave school early and enter the draft based off of the perception of his raw ability. He is a rare athlete who could be used similarly to the versatile guided missile, OLB Adalius Thomas, who left in free agency.

30. San Diego Chargers - Brandon Meriweather, FS Miami
Other options: SS Michael Griffin, WR Robert Meachem, CB Eric Wright
It is not often that you see a head coach get the proverbial axe after winning 14 games, but Marty Schottenheimer got the boot after another early-round Playoff exit. RB LaDainian Tomlinson is coming off of one of the greatest single-seasons in NFL history, and QB Philip Rivers was stellar in his first full season as the team's starter. The defense is a ferocious unit lead by some of the game's elite defenders like OLB Shawne Merriman, NT Jamal Williams, and DE Luis Castillo. Norv Turner takes over as head coach and brings with him a new coaching staff entirely, but the Chargers are still one of the favorites in the AFC and really only have one un-settled position: safety. The Chargers will consider moving up to grab rangey Florida DB Reggie Nelson if he starts to slide, but would find similar value in Miami FS Brandon Meriweather. Meriweather is an instinctive player who makes plays all over the field, and is only held back by some proported character issues.

31. Chicago Bears - Robert Meachem, WR Tennessee*
Other options: OT Joe Staley, DT Tank Tyler, WR Dwayne Jarrett
The Bears are readying for high expectations in the Windy City after they cut through an inferior NFC like a warm knife through butter in 2006. Beyond the off-the-field controversey of players like DT Tank Johnson(gun charges) and OLB Lance Briggs(trade request), and the on-the-field controversey of embattled QB Rex Grossman, the Bears have few holes. The defensive personnel fits head coach Lovie Smith's "Tampa2" scheme to a T, and all of their offensive starters return. However, there is an issue of age on the offensive side of the ball; OTs John Tait and Fred Miller, TE Desmond Clark, and WR Muhsin Muhammad are all nearing the downside of their career and might need to be replaced in the near future. A balanced receiving option would take some pressure of QB Rex Grossman, whose current starting receivers adhere to strict stereotypes of the position: Possesion(Muhsin Muhammad) and Deep Threat(Bernard Berrian). Tennessee WR Robert Meachem is a big, strong receiver who lead the NCAA in yards receiving per game during his Junior season, and may be the best yards-after-catch receiver in the entire draft.

32. Indianapolis Colts - Justin Harrell, DT Tennessee
Other options: CB Eric Wright, DE/OLB LaMarr Woodley, WR Dwayne Jarrett
It can be difficult to argue the needs of a team when they're coming off of a near-flawless season that culminated in a convincing Super Bowl victory, such as the Colts are. The offensive staples remain and RB Joseph Addai is an up-and-comer at the position, but the Colts could still afford to give a look at a young receiver or offensive tackle to prepare themselves for the not-so-far-away retirements of WR Marvin Harrison and OT Tarik Glenn. The defensive unit took some hits during the off-season when it lost OLB Cato June and CB Nick Harper, both of whom perfectly suited the needs of head coach Tony Dungy's "Tampa2" scheme. A player like UNLV CB Eric Wright would be a nice fit, but his legitimate character concerns could scare off the image-consceous front office. While it could be considered a bit of a reach, Tennessee DT Justin Harrell is a compact, strong interior defensive lineman who can be dominant when healthy. His quick-twitch, one-gap penetrating style perfectly suits the perameters of the Tampa2 defense.

Round 2
33. Oakland Raiders - Joe Staley, OT Central Michigan
34. Detroit Lions - David Harris, MLB Michigan
35. Tampa Bay Bucs - LaMarr Woodley, DE Michigan
36. Cleveland Browns - Marcus McCauley, CB Fresno State
37. Arizona Cardinals - Tony Hunt, RB Penn State
38. Chicago Bears(f. NYJ, f. WAS) - Ben Grubbs, OG Auburn
39. Minnesota Vikings - Dwayne Jarrett, WR USC*
40. Atlanta Falcons(f. HOU) - Ryan Kalil, OC USC
41. Miami Dolphins - Michael Griffin, SS Texas
42. Atlanta Falcons - Michael Bush, RB Louisville
43. San Francisco 49ers - Steve Smith, WR USC
44. Buffalo Bills - Antonio Pittman, RB Ohio State*
45. St Louis Rams - Daymeion Hughes, CB California
46. Carolina Panthers - Trent Edwards, QB Stanford
47. Pittsburgh Steelers - Brian Leonard, TB Rutgers
48. Green Bay Packers - Eric Wright, CB UNLV*
49. Jacksonville Jaguars - Craig Davis, WR LSU
50. Cincinnati Bengals - Marcus Thomas, DT Florida
51. Tennessee Titans - Charles Johnson, DE Georgia*
52. New York Giants - Kenny Irons, RB Auburn
53. Denver Broncos - James Marten, OT Boston College
54. Dallas Cowboys - Jonathan Wade, CB Tennessee
55. Kansas City Chiefs - Anthony Gonzalez, WR Ohio State*
56. Seattle Seahawks - Zach Miller, TE Arizona State*
57. New York Jets - David Irons, CB Auburn
58. Philadelphia Eagles - Buster Davis, MLB Florida State
59. New Orleans Saints - Fred Bennett, CB South Carolina
60. Miami Dolphins(f. NE) - Ikaika Alama-Francis, DE Hawaii
61. Baltimore Ravens - Tony Ugoh, OT Arkansas
62. San Diego Chargers - Aundrae Allison, WR East Carolina
63. New York Jets(f. CHI) - Marshal Yanda, OT/G Iowa
64. Tampa Bay Bucs(f. IND) - Justin Durant, ILB Hampton