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The NFL’s streamlined draft process made its debut with a quicker pace than usual, the result of less time alloted for picks in the first and second rounds. While the period of time it took to conduct the annual selection meeting may have been shortened, the end result is the same as ever: 32 teams now feature a haul of fresh young talent to bolster their rosters.
What follows is a team-by-team look at the players drafted, and what each of them brings to his new team and how he may fill an existing need.
AFC East
There was little argument entering the draft that wide receiver and cornerback were the Bills’ two biggest needs. In No. 1 pick Leodis McKelvin, the Bills secured the draft’s top-rated cornerback who will bolster a defense that ranked 29th against the pass in 2007. He has the makings of the next great defender out of Troy, following in the footsteps of Pro Bowlers Osi Umenyiora and DeMarcus Ware. A surprisingly late run on receivers enabled the Bills to nab Indiana’s supersized James Hardy in Round Two. Although raw, Hardy’s blend of size and speed (6-5 3⁄8, 217 pounds, 4.54 in the 40) contributed to his catching a school-record 36 TD passes in just three seasons in Bloomington. Hardy provides the size complement to speed-merchant wideout Lee Evans that Buffalo has been sorely lacking. TE Derek Fine isn’t the stretch-the-seam athlete the Bills really want, but his fine blocking and reliable hands still will aid new coordinator Turk Schonert’s offense. Even with a dearth of offensive playmakers, WR Steve Johnson and RB Xavier Omon will struggle to find roles. OT Demetrius Bell, biological son of NBA great Karl Malone, doesn’t show the rugged toughness on the gridiron that his dad did on the hardwood. Chris Ellis has a chance to be the first defensive end off the bench, providing badly needed depth at a position that will be without top reserve Anthony Hargrove, who’s suspended for the season. Ironically, Ellis also comes with his share of character issues. Aptly named Reggie Corner lacks quality measurables but has the natural instincts to develop into a solid nickel back, while CB Kennard Cox’s makeup could lend itself better to safety. OLB Alvin Bowen’s best shot at making an impact — if not the roster — comes on special teams.
Jake Long joins Ron Yary (1968) and Orlando Pace (1997) as the only offensive tackles to be taken No. 1 overall. Although lacking elite athleticism, Long’s outstanding run blocking and efficient pass protecting has him looking like an OLT fixture for the next decade. Along with ORT Vernon Carey, the addition of Long gives the Dolphins an enviable pair of offensive bookends to build around. Miami was almost as needy at guard as it was at tackle, so 24-year-old Shawn Murphy and Donald Thomas will be in the mix for starting jobs in training camp, although Thomas needs to improve his lower-body strength. A hernia operation scared off teams from taking DE Phillip Merling in the first round, but Miami was glad to pluck him at No. 32. He won’t terrorize quarterbacks with blistering speed off the edge, but he should hold up nicely as a 3-4 end in Miami’s new scheme. With the selection of Chad Henne, the QB derby in Miami is shaping up as one of the NFL’s most intriguing training-camp battles. Henne’s a long shot to earn the starting gig in Week One, but he certainly will be groomed to compete soon for the top job. While not nearly as polished as Merling, Kendall Langford has the raw upside to emerge eventually as the better 3-4 end. He’s bigger than Merling and plays with the nastiness coaches love in their linemen. After shipping shifty and undersized RB Lorenzo Booker to Philadelphia, the Fins added some pop to their ground game with beefy RBs Jalen Parmele and Lex Hilliard. Too small to man the nose but not quick enough to play end, injury-prone DL Lionel Dotson will struggle finding a role in the 3-4.
The Patriots needed to get younger, faster and more physical in the back seven, and they accomplished their plan, beginning with the selection of Tennessee LB Jerod Mayo — a smart, tough, physical and versatile inside ’backer. Wiry OLB Shawn Crable needs to mature physically but brims with potential. He makes up for his lack of spatial awareness by bringing exceptional closing speed into the offensive backfield — his 28½ tackles for loss ranked second nationally in ’07. The Patriots’ LB-heavy draft culminated in the selection of try-hard Bo Ruud. Unlike his brother Barrett, who plays middle linebacker for the Bucs, Bo will play outside. Cornerback was the Patriots’ biggest need, but a lack of early first-round value convinced them they could wait until pick No. 62 to grab one. Undersized Terrence Wheatley had an injury-riddled college career but plays tough. His speed, instincts and man-cover skills give Belichick more flexibility to blitz. Jonathan Wilhite’s size and durability concerns are similar to Wheatley’s, but he adds depth to the underwhelming CB stable. The selection of Kevin O’Connell in Round Three is a sign that Matt Cassel, a free agent after this season, may be too expensive to keep around. Matt Slater, Jackie Slater’s son, has exceptional kick-return ability but virtually zero WR experience.
Coach Eric Mangini has made big strides this offseason overhauling his defense, as he continues to find the pieces to properly execute his preferred 3-4 scheme. After bringing aboard veterans Kris Jenkins to play nose tackle and Calvin Pace to play outside linebacker, the Jets’ selection of OLB Vernon Gholston is the third major front-seven fortification since the season ended. Gholston could be a terror off the edge, but he must learn to play hard every down. A rare physical specimen, he’ll team with Pace and ’07 rookie sensation ILB David Harris to give the Jets a trio of formidable, young linebackers. TE Chris Baker’s ordinary speed and playmaking ability convinced the Jets to trade back into Round One to nab Purdue’s ultra-athletic Dustin Keller. A scrappy yet underwhelming blocker, his receiving value will open things up for the wideouts, including fellow draftee Marcus Henry. A lanky possession receiver, Henry will compete for playing time at a position many believed the Jets would address earlier in the draft. With the uncertainty at quarterback, Tennessee’s Erik Ainge was added to the mix in Round Five. Although a late-round draftee, Ainge’s polish and experience playing top-flight collegiate competition make him a possibility to see rookie minutes if Chad Pennington and Kellen Clemens struggle. CB Dwight Lowery’s gaudy interception numbers — 13 over his last two seasons — don’t account for his coverage vulnerability. Massive OT Nate Garner is strictly a developmental prospect.
The Ravens traded back, then up, in Round One to select Delaware QB Joe Flacco. He will push Kyle Boller to be Baltimore’s Week One starter. Flacco fits the mold of the classic drop-back passer: He is tall (a shade over 6-foot-6) and blessed with a very strong arm, but he will require a clean pocket and much-improved decision-making to become more than an adequate backup. In Round Two, the Ravens bolstered their RB depth, selecting Rutgers’ Ray Rice. He has very good strength for a 5-8, 199-pound back and figures to have the inside track on becoming the first back off the bench. Rice also boasts very good vision and balance and could be an effective, tackle-breaking complement to Willis McGahee. The Ravens’ first Day Two selection was Miami (Fla.) LB Tavares Gooden, who likely will play inside in the Ravens’ 3-4 scheme. Gooden is something of a project. Extremely athletic, but lacking the instincts needed at the position, the Ravens likely will lean heavily on veterans Ray Lewis and Bart Scott to provide guidance. Notre Dame SS Tom Zbikowski will contribute heavily on special teams as a rookie and could even push Dawan Landry for a starting job on defense. A Golden Gloves boxer, Zbikowski has ample reserves of confidence and toughness but is best in the box because of a lack of speed. UTEP OT Oniel Cousins may be tried inside at guard. A converted defensive tackle, Cousins has very good athleticism and flashed considerable potential playing left and right tackle in college. He must play with more power, though, and he could spend much of his first season on the bench learning the pro game. New Mexico WR Marcus Smith’s biggest impact as a rookie may come on the special-teams coverage units. As a receiver, Smith has promise because of his toughness and quickness out of his breaks. Weber State’s David Hale will compete for the backup job at right tackle. Hale moves well but must become stronger. Cincinnati S Haruki Nakamura could be an asset on special teams. Virginia Tech WR Justin Harper is a developmental prospect; he has the size (a shade over 6-foot-3) and body control to be a contributor as a possession catcher, but his hands and route running must improve if he is going to make it. The Ravens’ final pick, Oklahoma’s Allen Patrick, initially could make it as a special-teams coverage contributor.
The Bengals were widely expected to take a defensive lineman in Round One, but when the Saints traded up to No. 7 for USC DT Sedrick Ellis and the Jaguars moved into the No. 8 pick to select Florida DE Derrick Harvey, the team turned its attention to USC LB Keith Rivers. Far and away the top prospect at his position, Rivers is likely to start immediately, perhaps in the middle, with massive Ahmad Brooks moving to the strong side. Rivers has exceptional speed, strength and instincts, and he is of strong character. He has the natural ability and football intelligence needed to make a swift transition to the professional game. The Bengals are hoping he can have the impact MLB Odell Thurman had on the defense three seasons ago. The Bengals followed the Rivers pick with the selection of Coastal Carolina WR Jerome Simpson, a player who turned heads with his play at the East-West Shrine game. Simpson could become a key part of the Bengals’ passing game in short order. He has excellent hands and ball skills and a burning desire to improve. But he could stand to get stronger, and he must become a better route runner. Florida’s Andre Caldwell is a little faster than Simpson but doesn’t have his ball skills. Caldwell’s greatest value in Year One could come on special teams; the Bengals have been looking for a playmaking returner. They also were looking to bolster their overall WR depth: Chad Johnson wants to be traded, and T.J. Houshmandzadeh is in the final year of his contract. In between the selections of Simpson and Caldwell, the Bengals selected Auburn DT Pat Sims. Sims has better quickness and pass-rush ability than you might expect out of a 310-pound man. The knocks on Sims are about his physique and lack of strength and conditioning. Also, a good deal of his production came when he was unblocked. Kansas OT Anthony Collins needs work on his technique but has the natural ability needed to eventually become a starter. For now, he’ll settle into a reserve role. In something of a surprise, the Bengals — who avoided character risks in the ’07 draft after the infamous Thurman and Chris Henry picks two years earlier — took a flier on Fresno State NT Jason Shirley in Round Five. Shirley is big and quick, but he doesn’t often play to his ability, and his senior season was marked by off-the-field issues. Appalachian State’s Corey Lynch, who might be remembered best for blocking Michigan’s game-winning FG attempt to clinch the Mountaineers’ historic upset, will try to make it as a backup safety and a special-teams coverage player. Villanova’s Matt Sherry will compete to be the Bengals’ third tight end. Cincinnati DE Angelo Craig has some pass-rush ability but followed up an impressive Hula Bowl performance with a disappointing Combine after bulking up too much. Louisville WR Mario Urrutia is a big possession receiver who lacks speed.
The Browns did not have picks in the first three rounds because of three separate deals. The first-rounder was dealt to Dallas to move up for QB Brady Quinn in the ’07 draft. The selections in Rounds Two and Three were dealt for veteran defensive linemen at the outset of free agency. The second-rounder was shipped to Green Bay for DE Corey Williams, while the third-rounder went to Detroit for massive DT Shaun Rogers. But the Browns did not stand pat on the draft’s second day, trading up twice in Round Four. They first added UNLV LB Beau Bell, a strong, instinctive big hitter who has been compared to Adalius Thomas, who was drafted by the Ravens eight years ago when Browns general manager Phil Savage was then Baltimore’s director of college scouting. Bell will provide depth at inside linebacker and will also pitch in on special teams. In time, he could develop into a starter, especially if he learns to trust his instincts and becomes better at changing direction. Later in Round Four, the Browns paired up again with familiar trading partner Dallas and landed Missouri TE Martin Rucker, who could become an immediate contributor on offense because of his very good pass-catching skills. He’ll get plenty of offseason practice reps, too, as Kellen Winslow is coming off more knee surgery and Steve Heiden is on the mend after back surgery. Iowa State NT Ahtyba Rubin has good strength and will compete for playing time in the Browns’ D-line rotation. Wisconsin WR Paul Hubbard will have to make it on special teams in his first NFL season. Hubbard is a big, physical possession receiver who has been plagued by drops. St. Augustine (N.C.) DE Alex Hall likely is to be converted to outside linebacker.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall is likely to get 6-to-10 touches per game as a complement to starter Willie Parker in his rookie season, and he eventually could unseat Parker for the lead role. Mendenhall and Parker are roughly the same height, but the rookie is more muscular. However, like Parker, he is best in space and has exceptional straight-line speed. Mendenhall had moments at Illinois where he looked like a blue-chip back in the making, especially in his junior season, but he must prove he is more than just a one-year, spread-offense wonder. Nevertheless, his upside is considerable, and the Steelers had to be surprised he was on the board at No. 23. Texas WR Limas Sweed is a prospect who, at the least, could be the big receiver Ben Roethlisberger has missed since Plaxico Burress left. Sweed is capable of more than that in time, though, and could push for a starting role by his second season. UCLA DE Bruce Davis will likely convert to outside linebacker in Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense. Davis can get to the quarterback — he finished his collegiate career with back-to-back double-digit sack seasons — but he’s not strong vs. the run, so he may see most of his playing time early in obvious passing situations. Texas OT Tony Hills is a converted tight end with good athleticism, but he has battled a history of left knee, foot and leg ailments. The Steelers’ next pick, Oregon QB Dennis Dixon, is coming off a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. He likely is to be the Steelers’ No. 3 quarterback this season and could eventually replace Charlie Batch as the backup. Dixon has a strong arm and moves well, but he needs time to develop as a pro passer. Iowa LB Mike Humpal projects inside in the Steelers’ scheme and will need to play well on special teams to make the squad. West Virginia FS Ryan Mundy could stick on the roster with a strong training camp.
Virginia Tech OLT Duane Brown will push Ephraim Salaam for a starting job, and he will have every chance to become the long-term solution at the position. The selection of Brown has the markings of one heavily influenced by assistant head coach Alex Gibbs, who is charged with helping improve the play of the struggling O-line. A converted tight end, Brown is athletic and long-armed. He moves very well for a left tackle. But he is not physical, and his technique needs significant work. Also, he has struggled with edge rushers, and he did not play well against top collegiate competition. He could be a major project. The Texans bolstered their CB depth by selecting Eastern Kentucky’s Antwaun Molden, who turned heads with his Combine workout. Molden has very good straight-line speed and strength and is fluid in his movements. But he is far from a finished product — he bites on double-moves, doesn’t close with the type of burst scouts would like to see and needs to get better in zone coverage. West Virginia RB Steve Slaton will compete to be a third-down and change-of-pace back in his first NFL season. Slaton is best in space; his acceleration is his calling card. But he’s going to have to become a better pass blocker if he wants to log a lot of snaps. Virginia Tech WLB Xavier Adibi was expected to be drafted earlier than Round Four. Don’t be surprised if he pushes for playing time right off the bat: The Texans are looking for more speed at linebacker. If kept clean of blockers — he’s only 232 pounds — Adibi can fill up the stat sheet. Texans DT Frank Okam is the massive interior lineman Houston has lacked in the middle, but he must show consistent passion for the game to reach his potential. Minnesota S Dominique Barber is best near the line of scrimmage. Washington State passer Alex Brink is a practice-squad candidate, as the Texans’ QB depth chart is set (Matt Schaub, Sage Rosenfels, Quinn Gray).
The well-stocked Colts were outfitted with a lot of late-round ammunition, and a class full of role players is befitting of a team in their position. Not that they intend for their draftees to always be backups. Venerable C Jeff Saturday will be 33 in June, and with the future of the position in mind, the Colts took three college centers. Neither Mike Pollak, Steve Justice nor Jamey Richard qualifies as a powerful road grader, but they all play with the intelligence demanded of the position. Their overall efficiency makes them attractive options to eventually replace Saturday. Pollak likely will compete at guard right away, but Richard needs a lot of coaching. TEs Jacob Tamme and Tom Santi provide value at a position lean with capable bodies behind Dallas Clark, although each excels in different areas. Tamme’s a crafty receiver with little worth as a blocker, while Santi can help open running lanes but doesn’t inspire with the ball in his hands. The third round has been Bill Polian’s Achilles’ heel, and OLB Philip Wheeler’s lack of football intelligence could be restricting. Marcus Howard has CB-speed but limited experience and zero instincts. His raw speed could allow him to rush the passer, however, and he could see action in a situational role initially. While Mike Hart is a better fit for a power-running offense than the Colts’ spread, he personified toughness and production throughout his standout career at Michigan and could make it. Division III product Pierre Garcon shows some spark as a punt and kickoff returner, and has the work ethic and speed to develop into a reliable receiver eventually.
The Jaguars provided new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams an awfully nice “Welcome to Jacksonville” gift, opting to use all but their last draft pick on the defensive side. Of paramount importance to Williams’ high-pressure 4-3 scheme are speedy ends to attack the quarterback off the edge, and Paul Spicer and Reggie Hayward hardly fit the bill. Enter Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves, two of the most physically gifted pass rushers in this class. The Jaguars gave up their first-round pick, two thirds and a fourth-rounder to Baltimore to move up to select Harvey, whose tremendous pre-draft workouts had him shooting up teams’ boards. A polished Florida product, Harvey should make his presence known immediately. Auburn’s Groves also terrorized SEC quarterbacks, and he has an even better burst off the line. But he’s a bit of a one-trick pony at this point and will be used as a situational pass rusher until he adds some bulk to his 6-3, 259-pound body to hold up against the run. An intelligent and fiery linebacker out of USC, Thomas Williams has much in common with coach Jack Del Rio. Although Williams has athletic limitations and wasn’t a full-time starter for the Trojans, his ability to play both inside and outside gives him value as a utility piece. CB Trae Williams also displays solid character, but middling speed and small size will make it hard for him to see much game time. RB Chauncey Washington, another Trojan, is the lone draftee for the offense. His college production didn’t meet his physical gifts, and he’s nothing more than insurance behind Fred Taylor and Maurice Jones-Drew.
The selection of East Carolina RB Chris Johnson was one of the major surprises of Round One, perhaps only trumped by Houston’s selection of Virginia Tech OLT Duane Brown. Clocked at 4.29 in the 40, Johnson is the fastest back in this draft class. He catches the ball well and is dangerous in space. He figures to contribute immediately as a kickoff returner and also could push Chris Henry to be the backup to LenDale White. Don’t be surprised if offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger works to get the ball in Johnson’s hands in a variety of ways. However, Johnson comes with major durability concerns: he runs upright, and he dips his head on contact. He is not physical, and he may never be more than a part-time player. This is the third straight year the Titans have spent a first-day selection on a running back. In Round Two, the Titans drafted Eastern Michigan’s Jason Jones, who will compete for time at left defensive end and as a pass-rushing defensive tackle on third downs. Jones has exceptionally long arms and very good quickness when the ball is snapped. With some work in the weight room and the guidance of DL coach Jim Washburn, Jones could become a fine starter. California’s Craig Stevens is an excellent blocker who could immediately contribute in two-TE sets. Winston Salem State DE William Hayes has very good speed for the position, but he could take some time to develop. Later in Round Four, the Titans added to their WR corps, selecting California’s Lavelle Hawkins. He’ll compete in a wide-open competition behind starters Justin Gage and Roydell Williams. Hawkins knows how to work open underneath but lacks the speed to get deep. Eight picks after selecting Hawkins, the Titans tabbed Purdue LB Stanford Keglar, whose strength and agility in Combine drills helped his draft stock. He figures to be a special-teams player for now, and he’ll need time to develop. His weight-room strength must translate better to the field, and he must be more instinctive. Washburn (Kan.) CB Cary Williams is a size-speed prospect.
The Broncos filled a big-time need in the first round, pulling Boise State OT Ryan Clady off the board. Clady appears to be a good fit for Denver’s zone-blocking scheme, and he likely will emerge as the replacement for retired OLT Matt Lepsis. Scouts say Clady’s major weakness is strength, and he’ll need to toughen up if he’s going to excel. Denver took Virginia Tech WR Eddie Royal as insurance for oft-injured slot receiver Brandon Stokley. Royal is undersized at 5-9 5⁄8, which leads to concerns about his durability, but he should be an immediate contributor in the return game. Bowling Green C Kory Lichtensteiger gives Denver some flexibility and depth on the O-line. Kent State CB Jack Williams is small but has good speed and ball skills. Always on the prowl for another runner, head coach Mike Shanahan took Arizona State RB Ryan Torain, who suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury in ’07. Torain has the cutback ability needed to succeed in Denver’s zone-blocking system. Last week’s trade for Jets DT Dewayne Robertson must have made Shanahan feel much better about his arsenal of defensive tackles, because he didn’t take one until the fifth round when the Broncos selected Carlton Powell, an athletic big man. LB Spencer Larsen could be an asset on special teams. SS Josh Barrett needs to take a more disciplined approach if he’s going to succeed, but he’ll have an opportunity to play early in his career with Denver lacking playmakers at safety. Peyton Hillis has good hands for a fullback, but is a long shot to make the squad.
Armed with a league-high 13 picks entering the draft, it was a make-or-break weekend for the Chiefs. Twelve selections later, it’s safe to say the Chiefs’ front office and coaching staff made the most of it, and possibly saved GM Carl Peterson’s job in the process. With at least modest needs at every position, the Chiefs were basically free to select the best value at every given draft slot, and that’s largely what they did. With immensely talented DT Glenn Dorsey available at No. 5, they jumped at the chance to select a dominating defensive lineman to help offset the loss of DE Jared Allen. Versatile OL Branden Albert, a steal at No. 15 even though they traded up to nab him, will be plugged in immediately at either right tackle or one of the OG spots. Brandon Flowers was the most physical corner in the draft and brings vibrancy to a position that was old and tired in ’07. Jamaal Charles has rare speed and could be productive as a change-of-pace back for bruising Larry Johnson and help in the return game. Although TE Tony Gonzalez continues to perform at a Pro Bowl level, massive target Brad Cottam helps ensure long-term stability at the position. S DaJuan Morgan is loaded with potential and a first-class work ethic. Speed-merchant WR Will Franklin should provide some big-play potential, eventually. CB Brandon Carr has good size but is a developmental prospect. OT Barry Richardson could be a solid contributor if the coaches can get him to play with more fire. WR-KR Kevin Robinson should upgrade a listless return game. The hope is that DE Brian Johnston, who shares Allen’s background of being a dominant small-school end, could have a similar impact to the departed star. TE Mike Merritt is no certainty to make the team.
The Raiders’ wheeling and dealing left them with just five picks in the draft, but they only needed one to generate perhaps the most-discussed decision of the weekend. Owner Al Davis passed on defensive line studs Vernon Gholston and Glenn Dorsey to take the two-time runner-up in Heisman Trophy balloting, Arkansas RB Darren McFadden. Of course, Oakland already had a fairly strong stable of running backs, including Justin Fargas, who rushed for 1,009 yards in ’07. Davis, however, couldn’t resist adding McFadden’s rare combination of speed, strength and breakaway ability. McFadden may be the best player in the draft because of his potential to become a once-in-a-lifetime performer, but some questionable off-field decisions and fumbling problems could make him the riskiest prospect taken early in Round One. One of the few guarantees McFadden provides is that he automatically will take some pressure off QB JaMarcus Russell in his first year as the full-time starter. The Raiders traded into the Dolphins’ spot at the top of the fourth round to take Connecticut CB Tyvon Branch, who will make an immediate impact as a gunner on special teams. He, like McFadden, was one of the most impressive athletic specimens in the draft, with size, speed, burst and smarts. WR Arman Shields had his senior season cut short by a knee injury, but he’s aggressive and could be a deep threat. Buffalo DE Trevor Scott is a converted tight end with a lot of upside. San Diego State WR Chaz Schilens has good size at 6-foot-4, but needs to become a better route runner.
San Diego Chargers
Courtesy of an ’07 draft-day trade to grab S Eric Weddle, an ’07 supplemental draft pick of CB Paul Oliver and a midseason trade to acquire WR Chris Chambers, a talent-laden Chargers squad had limited picks — especially high picks — with which to improve. With Drayton Florence gone to Jacksonville, San Diego’s top selection was Thorpe Award-winning CB Antoine Cason, who should be a solid nickel back immediately. Cason lacks the athleticism of starting CBs Antonio Cromartie and Quentin Jammer but excels in zone coverage. CB DeJuan Tribble is similarly equipped to handle zone coverage, although his lack of size and speed are liabilities. With Michael Turner now earning his paycheck in Atlanta, there was a considerable need to provide LaDainian Tomlinson with a capable backup running back. The Chargers added two, showing just how significant a void there was. FB-RB hybrid Jacob Hester runs with a bullish style that allows him to pick up yards after contact, and he’s a serviceable lead blocker, too. Marcus Thomas is a bit more natural as a runner, although he’s mostly a north-south guy. OT Corey Clark cut his teeth playing against the defensive ends of the Big XII, but his lack of quickness makes a move to the interior at the pro level a distinct possibility.
Dallas Cowboys
Owning the 22nd and 28th picks, you knew Jerry Jones would make something happen on Draft Day. And although he didn’t land Arkansas RB Darren McFadden — Jones’ desire to do so was perhaps the worst-kept secret these past few months — Jones did have what appears to be a fruitful haul. He stood pat at No. 22, landing McFadden’s college teammate and backfield partner, RB Felix Jones. Marion Barber is expected to move into the starting lineup, but Jones will be counted on heavily as a complement and change of pace. He has electric skills in the open field, even if he is a bit straight-linish, and could factor in the return game, too. The Cowboys slid up three spots, in front of Houston, to guarantee they landed South Florida CB Mike Jenkins, another apple of Jerry Jones’ eye. Jenkins has shown flashes of brilliance as a cover corner and also has good return skills, but he wasn’t consistent and needs to mature. The Cowboys landed a replacement for backup TE Anthony Fasano, who was traded to Miami. Some scouts rate Texas A&M Martellus Bennett as the top talent at his position. He has the body of a basketball forward, and he could develop into a good blocker, but he’s young and perhaps a few years away. The Cowboys landed a potential steal in Round Four in RB Tashard Choice, a hyper-competitive winner who has no special traits other than his desire. He will lead the special-teams units and eventually could replace Barber. CB Orlando Scandrick has character issues, although his ability isn’t questioned. He’ll have to fight hard to earn a roster spot if CB Anthony Henry and others are kept at corner. Middle Tennessee State’s Erik Walden projects to rush linebacker in the 3-4 scheme and could push OLB Justin Rogers for a spot as a backup.
The Giants believe Kenny Phillips can play either safety spot, although he probably will end up starting next to Sammy Knight as the free safety. Phillips might actually be better in the box, but he has enough athleticism and range to play back. CB Terrell Thomas isn’t the fastest corner, but he can tackle well and has a good frame. His long-term spot might be at safety, though. WR Mario Manningham has big-play ability, but his draft stock was hurt by maturity, work ethic and intelligence issues. If Manningham stays focused, he easily could supplant Sinorice Moss as the No. 4 receiver. Bryan Kehl projects to “Sam” or “Will” linebacker and should be a core special-teamer. He and Jonathan Goff improve the LB depth, and Goff should make a good backup to Antonio Pierce. He’s noted for his intelligence and hustle and will have a chance to unseat Chase Blackburn. QB Andre’ Woodson was considered a high-round prospect at one point, but he failed to answer questions about his ability to diagnose defenses and shorten a long throwing motion. That said, he has a nice, accurate arm and will develop behind Eli Manning and David Carr. Robert Henderson is a developmental size-speed prospect. He might be stashed on the practice squad if he can’t make the 53-man roster.
Philadelphia Eagles
For the second straight year, the Eagles traded out of Round One. This time around, the Eagles not only were able to get players who should contribute right away, they also stocked up for next year with the Panthers’ first-round pick in 2009. The Eagles moved down twice before picking, finally taking DT Trevor Laws, a high-energy run stopper who led Notre Dame in tackles and shares many qualities with Mike Patterson. Laws should be the third tackle in a scheme that rotates frequently up front. WR-RS DeSean Jackson fills two needs as a slot receiver with wheels and as an electric returner. The knock on him is that he might not be able to stand up to full-time duty at 169 pounds. Bryan Smith might end up at weak-side linebacker, and he fits the mold of what Jim Johnson looks for in his defenders. Smith is undersized, but he’s used to battling bigger players as a college D-end. Pitt OL Mike McGlynn showed a physical and nasty side and could figure in at guard now. S Quintin Demps fills a need as a playmaker (17 career interceptions), but he needs to work on his technique in coverage. CB Jack Ikegwuonu carries first-round talent but also questions. He’s coming off a torn ACL and might need a year of recovery and also carries character questions. Mike Gibson was a college tackle who also might factor inside. He’s a hard worker who brings versatility. ILB Joe Mays must make it as a two-down defender and special-teamer, although he did have a good pro day. An interesting sleeper is DE-OLB Andy Studebaker, who had great production in D-III and has a little bit of Chris Gocong in him. OT King Dunlap has monster height (6-foot-9) and reach but has to show that a disastrous senior season (he was benched in favor of a freshman) was an aberration.
Washington Redskins
It remains to be seen if the Redskins were better off not acquiring Bengals WR Chad Johnson, but they did add an interesting group of pass catchers. Trading out of Round One was risky but turned out to be a potentially brilliant move because the team landed Michigan State WR Devin Thomas. Thomas is extremely gifted and could be used in a variety of ways, but he needs to add refinement as a route runner, toughen up and prove he’s not a one-year wonder. He and Oklahoma WR Malcolm Kelly have the size that Jim Zorn was craving in a wideout. Kelly doesn’t run all that fast, but he continually produced in college. He’s tall with great hands, but can struggle to beat press coverage off the line. TE Fred Davis was a bit of a surprise, but he and Chris Cooley should make for a nice 1-2 punch. The problem is that Davis doesn’t give effort as a blocker and will need some schooling. OT Chad Rinehart might have been a bit of a reach. He has some ability, as he showed at the Senior Bowl, but Rinehart must show he can stand up vs. elite talent. His best position might be inside. Arizona State CB Justin Tryon has good skills but is undersized. He adds depth at a position of need. P Durant Brooks has a cannon for a leg and has shown the ability to drop balls inside the 20-yard line. He has an excellent chance of unseating Derrick Frost in camp. Nicholls State DB Kareem Moore should fit as a special-teams demon and backup safety. Hawaii QB Colt Brennan must recover from hip surgery and overcome some major flaws, but he has a flair for winning and could beat out Sam Hollenbach for the No. 3 job. Kansas State DE Rob Jackson is a pass-rush specialist who has an uphill battle to earn a roster spot. S Chris Horton is a step slow, but he’s a big hitter with upside.
The Bears played it safe in the first round when they made Vanderbilt’s Chris Williams the third tackle selected in the draft behind top overall pick Jake Long and Ryan Clady (No. 12). The Bears believe Williams immediately can become the starter at left tackle, with incumbent OLT John Tait moving to right tackle — a position better-suited for Tait at this stage of his career. Williams is the first O-lineman selected by the Bears in the first round since Marc Colombo in 2002 — Jerry Angelo’s first draft as the team’s general manager. Second-round RB Matt Forté’s ability to make things happen at the second level should make him a legitimate challenger to incumbent Cedric Benson for the starting RB job. Forté has had problems holding on to the ball and running too upright, but his big-play ability in the open field and passion for the game could have Benson looking over his shoulder more than a little. WR Earl Bennett, a teammate of Williams at Vanderbilt, became the leading receiver in Southeastern Conference history in only three years. He lacks separation speed but should have an opportunity to contribute immediately to the Bears’ work-in-progress WR corps. Arkansas DT Marcus Harrison has the skills to play both DT spots and can be a beast in one-on-one matchups, but he slipped on some draft boards due to injuries and character questions and could need further surgery to repair his knee. Fourth-round pick Craig Steltz should provide badly needed depth at safety and perhaps challenge for a starting job, in addition to contributing on special teams. Big and instinctive, Steltz is better-suited playing the run than the pass and is a good fit in the Bears’ cover-2 system. The Bears continued bolstering their secondary with the addition of CB Zackary Bowman, who has the size to match up with big receivers in the cover-2 and has great recovery speed coming out of breaks. His stock plummeted due to two serious knee injuries the last two seasons. Fellow fifth-rounder Kellen Davis is a natural talent who could potentially replace the departed John Gilmore as the team’s No. 3 blocking tight end. Of the team’s five seventh-round picks, the one who probably has the best chance of sticking on the roster is Georgia OG Chester Adams, who brings size, strength and versatility to the line. Michigan State DE Ervin Baldwin could compete for a pass-rush specialist role. Oregon State LB Joey LaRocque could challenge for a special-teams role. Ohio State OT Kirk Barton is very stiff but could provide depth at tackle. Arkansas WR Marcus Monk can bring value in the red zone with great size and leaping ability if he can stay healthy.
Detroit Lions
ORT Gosder Cherilus is slated to start from Day One, and his skills as a run blocker should fit in well with what the Lions hope to achieve in a more balanced attack. He was out of place as a senior on the left side, which might have hurt his stock some. OLB Jordon Dizon is a tough, instinctive tackler who isn’t afraid to mix it up despite his lack of size (5-11 7⁄8, 229 pounds), and the Lions will try him inside to start, although GM Matt Millen said he has the ability to play all three LB spots. The team found its runner in Round Three, landing Central Florida’s Kevin Smith. A major workhorse for George O’Leary’s offense, Smith likely will battle with Tatum Bell for first-team carries. However, he lacks run strength and burst and could struggle to become a bellcow in the pros. DT Andre Fluellen is a good fit in Rod Marinelli’s slanting defense. Fluellen opened some eyes at the Senior Bowl, showing an ability to get into the backfield that he didn’t always display in college. He should compete in a rotation up front if he can stay healthy. OLB Cliff Avril is most natural at strong-side linebacker and could contend for a starting job. WR-RB Kenneth Moore is a versatile receiver who can line up in multiple spots and has similar skills to Mike Furrey and Shaun McDonald. FB Jerome Felton might have trouble unseating Jon Bradley but could help as a pass catcher. DT Landon Cohen will have to show he can play inside at 274 pounds. Army’s Caleb Campbell, the star of Day Two of the draft, could switch to “Sam” linebacker or stay at safety, and he’ll play on special teams if he makes the club.
“Trader Ted” was true to form. For the 10th time in his four drafts as Green Bay’s GM, Ted Thompson traded down, delivering the Packers’ first-round pick to the Jets in exchange for the Jets’ No. 2 pick (36th overall) and an extra fourth-round pick. Thompson then used that No. 2 pick to select Kansas State WR Jordy Nelson, even though the Packers have one of the deepest and most talented WR corps in the league. In the back of Thompson’s mind, no doubt, was the fact No. 1 WR Donald Driver recently turned 33 and No. 2 WR Greg Jennings is expected to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2009 season. With the No. 2 pick the Packers obtained in the trade with Cleveland for DT Corey Williams, Thompson selected Louisville QB Brian Brohm to back up the team’s new starter under center, Aaron Rodgers. The Packers like Brohm’s accuracy and consistency and apparently are comfortable with him despite his lengthy injury history (he was injury-free in ’07 at Louisville). Four spots later, the Packers picked CB Patrick Lee to provide badly needed backup help behind aging starters Charles Woodson and Al Harris. The team likes Lee’s feistiness and believes he’s a good fit for the defense’s bump-and-run scheme. Third-round pick Jermichael Finley is a solid, hardworking blocker targeted to replace the departed Bubba Franks as the backup tight end behind Donald Lee, although he could stand to bulk up. With their two picks in the fourth round, the Packers took DE Jeremy Thompson, who has exceptional physical ability but questionable commitment, and Josh Sitton, who enters the mix at offensive guard now that Tony Palmer has been released. Green Bay continued to focus on its offensive line in the fifth round, selecting OT Breno Giacomini, a good fit in the team’s zone-blocking scheme who adds depth behind veteran starters Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher. After resting in Round Six, the Packers jumped back into action in the final round, selecting QB Matt Flynn, a decent intermediate-range passer who could qualify as the team’s No. 3 signalcaller, and developmental WR Brett Swain.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings made their biggest move days before the draft, landing the premier pass rusher they so desired in DE Jared Allen, which cost them several picks. Allen should be worth the bounty the team gave up, including its first-rounder, if he continues to play at the same level he did in Kansas City and stays out of trouble. As a result, the team didn’t pick until Round Two, but it didn’t stand pat, either. The team traded up for Arkansas State S Tyrell Johnson, an athletic freak and solid tackler. The Vikings view Johnson as being in a perfect position to learn from Darren Sharper and one day replace him, while competing for the third safety spot and on special teams. The team had to wait nearly 100 picks until its next choice, in Round Five. USC QB John David Booty is an interesting selection because he fits the West Coast offense the Vikings run but intelligence issues could be restricting. DT Letroy Guion has a chance to earn a backup spot behind Kevin Williams as a penetrating “three-technique.” Notre Dame C John Sullivan didn’t have as good a senior year as he did as a junior, but the team now has a few options to replace starter Matt Birk down the road with Dan Mozes and Sullivan. Jackson State WR Jaymar Johnson is one of the fastest wideouts in this class, although he’s very raw and susceptible to injury at 177 pounds.
Faced with a daunting rebuilding project in Atlanta, first-year Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff handled his debut as a personnel chief like a battle-tested veteran. He chose to cross quarterback off his wish list first, drafting Boston College QB Matt Ryan with the third pick and then traded back into the first round to secure USC OT Sam Baker. It’s always a particularly glaring risk to use a top-10 pick on a quarterback, but Dimitroff showed some spine, sticking with Ryan rather than addressing needs on the offensive or defensive lines. Baker was added to create some much-needed protection for Ryan. Dimitroff largely shifted his attention to defense after the opening round, nabbing a good value pick, Oklahoma ILB Curtis Lofton, and revamping the secondary with the selections of LSU CB Chevis Jackson and Cal S Thomas DeCoud. Lofton is a physical presence and could challenge for a starting job. Jackson, an instinctive ballhawk, and DeCoud, who should be solid in run support, also have starter potential. WR Harry Douglas has a slender frame, but he does his best to make up for it with toughness and should find a way into the WR rotation. The Falcons took a pair of outside linebackers in the fifth round, selecting Robert James and Kroy Biermann. Each of them could make an impact on special teams right off the bat. Georgia RB Thomas Brown doesn’t have the build to be an every-down back, but he could develop into a nice change-of-pace option. With two seventh-round picks, Atlanta added CB Wilrey Fontenot, an aggressive, but undersized, corner and Keith Zinger, a blocking tight end — both of whom could be challenged to make the roster.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers came away as one of the winners of Day One, plucking a franchise running back to replace DeShaun Foster in Oregon’s Jonathan Stewart and then finding him a powerful drive blocker in Pittsburgh OT Jeff Otah with the 19th pick. Carolina sacrificed future considerations, sending the Eagles their 2009 first-round choice, in order to get Otah, which conveyed the urgency to win GM Marty Hurney and head coach John Fox are feeling. Stewart is the workhorse the Panthers needed to establish an effective 1-2 punch with RB DeAngelo Williams. With Otah in place as the likely right tackle, OT Jordan Gross will shift back to the left side and Travelle Wharton will move inside to play left guard. Iowa CB Charles Godfrey is also an instant-impact addition who could have the opportunity to start right away if he’s moved to free safety, where he played early in his career as a Hawkeye. Carolina had another good value pick in the third round, taking Penn State OLB Dan Connor, who has the desire and instincts to help replace Dan Morgan. Louisville TE Gary Barnidge is a big target who could become a favorite of Jake Delhomme’s in the red zone. Wisconsin’s Nick Hayden adds some much-needed depth at defensive tackle. Hilee Taylor lined up at end in college but projects to “Sam” linebacker in the pros. Carolina beefed up the offensive line with its final two picks. Oregon OT Geoff Schwartz has good size and power and is a small-scale steal in the seventh round. Mackenzy Bernadeau has the athleticism to play guard or tackle.
New Orleans Saints
Credit Saints decision makers GM Mickey Loomis and head coach Sean Payton for crafting one of the best trades of Day One in order to secure coveted USC DT Sedrick Ellis. New Orleans moved up from the 10th pick to No. 7 in a swap with the Patriots after it was unable to finalize a deal with the Raiders and Chiefs that would have allowed them to take LSU DT Glenn Dorsey. Ellis gives the club a cornerstone run stuffer in the middle, which it severely lacked in past seasons. The 6-0½ , 309-pounder should be comfortable with first-year Saints DL coach Ed Orgeron, who helped recruit Ellis to USC. New Orleans addressed its other most pressing need in the second round, selecting Indiana CB Tracy Porter. The secondary was consistently burnt on deep passes last season and Porter is expected to stop that from becoming a trend with his good man-coverage skills. DT DeMario Pressley has been labeled as too inconsistent, but he shows flashes that he could be a very good pro with tough coaching and an improved work ethic. Few rookie offensive linemen have more upside than Nebraska OT Carl Nicks. He can play guard or tackle but will need time to mature. Wisconsin’s Taylor Mehlhaff was the first placekicker selected and could make the team as a kickoff specialist while Martin Gramatica handles field-goal duties. Mehlhaff has good range but questionable mechanics. The Saints traded back into the seventh round to nab Michigan WR Adrian Arrington, who has some character concerns but has a chance to contribute as a possession receiver.
It’s clear that the Bucs believed they had a major need for speed and found two explosive players in the first two rounds, drafting Kansas CB Aqib Talib and Appalachian State WR Dexter Jackson. Talib has excellent ball skills and good size at 6-0¾. His sound instincts and ability to play the ball in coverage make him a good fit for defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin’s Tampa-2 scheme. He’ll compete with Phillip Buchanon for a starting spot but could find his niche as a nickel back early in the season. It will be a challenge for Jackson, who played in a relatively straight-forward, spread-option offense in college, to learn head coach Jon Gruden’s complex playbook. His initial contributions will probably come as a kick returner. Tampa’s third-round pick, Rutgers OG Jeremy Zuttah, has the versatility to play any position on the O-line, but scouts envision him as a center or guard in the pros. Maryland DT Dre Moore needs some molding, but he has all the tools to be an effective three-technique down the road. The Bucs now have six quarterbacks on their roster following the selection of San Diego QB Josh Johnson. Gruden prides himself as a master of developing signal-callers, but polishing the raw talent of Johnson will be a challenge. Florida State OLB Geno Hayes was a good value pick in the sixth round and is a good fit as a weak-side ’backer in the cover-2. RB Cory Boyd is a tough runner, but he will have to make his mark on special teams to make the squad.
Resisting the options to either select Illinois RB Rashard Mendenhall or trade down in the first round, the Cardinals stayed put at the No. 16 spot and settled on Tennessee State CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The cousin of Chargers Pro Bowl CB Antonio Cromartie adds urgently needed depth behind adequate starting CBs Rod Hood and Eric Green. Rodgers-Cromartie, who drew rave reviews at the Senior Bowl in January, won over head coach Ken Whisenhunt and defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast with his blazing speed (4.29 40-time), innate playmaking skills (10 interceptions as a four-year starter at Tennessee State, including four returned for TDs) and his ability to play both zone and man coverage. Second-round DE Calais Campbell’s college résumé wasn’t nearly as impressive as that of Rodgers-Cromartie (only six sacks in his junior season at Miami (Fla.) after registering 10½ as a sophomore). But he was the highest-rated player on the Cardinals’ draft board with the 50th pick and adds depth at another position that needed it badly. With his long arms and 6-7¾, 290-pound frame, the Cardinals think Campbell can be a very good first- and second-down player off the edge and also play DT in a 4-3 front in nickel situations. In the third round, the Cardinals picked up a solid candidate to become their third receiver in place of the departed Bryant Johnson in LSU WR Early Doucet, who should fit nicely in the slot role. Subpar production his last two college seasons caused Iowa DE Kenny Iwebama to drop to the fourth round, but he was coached by Cardinals D-line coach Ron Aiken at Iowa and could develop into a solid pro under Aiken’s tutelage. The Cardinals finally grabbed a running back in Round Five, selecting Richmond RB Tim Hightower, who doesn’t have much speed but was very productive in college, rushing for more than 1,900 yards in his senior season. Sixth-round pick Chris Harrington, the third defensive end taken by the Cardinals, is a consistent overachiever who the Cardinals could consider moving to outside linebacker. King-sized seventh-round pick Brandon Keith, the only offensive lineman drafted by the Cardinals, is tough and physical and could play either right guard or tackle at the pro level.
After all was said and done, it was Virginia DE Chris Long’s “intangibles” that made him the Rams’ top pick over LSU DT Glenn Dorsey, the team’s top-ranked player on its draft board and, by all accounts, the preferred choice of defensive coordinator Jim Haslett. Long’s impressive bloodlines, (he’s the son of Hall of Famer Howie Long), relentless playing style and leadership skills were ultimately too hard to resist. The Rams are confident Long can become an immediate pass-rushing force (14 sacks his senior year) as the starting right end replacing James Hall, who was released after the season but later re-signed. Long is also versatile enough to be flipped with DLE Leonard Little on occasion and play inside as well as outside in 3-4 schemes, which the Rams employed with greater frequency as the 2007 season wore on. There were other more highly regarded receivers on the board when the Rams made Houston’s Donnie Avery the first WR taken in the draft early in the second round. But the Rams think Avery has the blazing speed and, more importantly, the yards-after-catch ability to become the team’s No. 3 receiver behind Torry Holt and Drew Bennett. In the third round, the Rams went to work on fortifying their offensive line with the selection of Toledo OT John Greco, who has a good shot at becoming the primary reserve behind Orlando Pace and Alex Barron but also could see action at guard. Fourth-round CB Justin King has excellent speed (4.3 40-time) and leaping ability, but he is viewed as a project whose major role figures to be on special teams. Keep an eye on fellow fourth-round pick Keenan Burton, a good-sized pass catcher who could be a factor both as a receiver and return specialist, provided he can avoid the injury problems that plagued him in college. Fifth-round pick Roy Schuening played both guard and tackle at Oregon State and probably will be used more as a guard. Seventh-round pick Chris Chamberlain, who was considered Tulsa’s best pure athlete, adds depth at outside linebacker, where starting WLB Pisa Tinoisamoa has had problems staying healthy the past couple of seasons. Idaho’s David Vobora, this year’s “Mr. Irrelevant” as the last pick in the draft, could provide depth at linebacker and help on special teams.
San Francisco 49ers
Bypassing the opportunity to initially bolster an offense short on firepower, the Niners chose to strengthen their defensive line with the late-first-round selection of North Carolina DT Kentwan Balmer. Balmer most likely figures as a replacement for the retiring Bryant Young at left end, but he also is considered versatile enough to push veterans Aubrayo Franklin and Isaac Sopoaga for playing time inside at nose tackle. Ten picks later, the Niners upgraded the interior O-line with the addition of USC OG Chilo Rachal. Described as a “poor man’s Larry Allen” by GM Scot McCloughan, Rachal becomes a strong possibility to start at left guard in place of Allen, who is expected to retire. Rachal also offers insurance in case David Baas, the leading candidate to start at right guard, is slow to recover from surgery on a torn pectoral muscle suffered while lifting weights in the week leading up to the draft. Third-round pick Reggie Smith is a versatile DB who probably will see more action for the Niners at cornerback, where starter Walt Harris is showing his age, and injury-prone Shawntae Spencer remains a health risk. In the fourth round, the Niners returned to addressing their beleaguered O-line with the selection of pure C Cody Wallace. A team captain at Texas A&M who performed well in the Senior Bowl against the likes of Sedrick Ellis and Trevor Laws, Wallace could push starting C Eric Heitmann, who had some problems in pass protection last season. WR Josh Morgan has good size and tremendous leaping ability, but he needs to play with more consistency than he did in college. OLB Larry Grant was the former national Junior College Player of the Year in 2005 at City College of San Francisco. Look for him to contribute primarily on special teams.
Seattle Seahawks
After moving down three spots late in the first round following a deal with Dallas that delivered picks in the fifth and seventh rounds, the Seahawks selected USC DE Lawrence Jackson, a player they began targeting after a strong Senior Bowl showing. A four-year starter for the Trojans, Jackson will challenge Darryl Tapp for the starting job at right end and is expected to see considerable playing time in the team’s DE rotation, whether he starts or not. That rotation was stretched very thin last season, with DLE Patrick Kerney forced to play too many snaps, and Tapp being hampered by a broken hand the second half of the ’07 campaign. The Seahawks were willing to sacrifice their third-round pick in a deal with the Ravens that enabled them to move way up in the second round to select Notre Dame product John Carlson, the top-rated tight end on their draft board. Carlson fills a major need and is expected to become a key member of an expected TE-by-committee with his size, blocking ability and, above all else, route-running ability, which the team hopes will make him a legitimate threat in the red zone. In the fourth round, Seattle switched gears to the defensive side of the ball, selecting massive run stuffer Red Bryant. The Texas A&M product adds badly needed beef up front and extra insurance in case Marcus Tubbs is unable to come back from major knee injuries the past two seasons. With the fifth-round pick they obtained from Dallas, the Seahawks selected FB Owen Schmitt, an ornery cuss who shattered 11 facemasks during his career at West Virginia. In the sixth round, they selected yet another “Schmitt” (Tyler), who hopefully fills a major need at long-snapper, which was a big-time problem area last season. The team’s first pick in the seventh round, California RB Justin Forsett, probably will earn a roster spot after scoring a conference-high 15 rushing TDs last season. With its final pick, Seattle once again addressed its special teams, picking Georgia product Brandon Coutu, who should have a decent opportunity to challenge free-agent addition Olindo Mare for the starting PK job.
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