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Draft needs by team
Identifying each club's top five needs plus key additions, subtractions
By Paul Tenorio
April 23, 2007
Updated at 4 p.m. EDT Tuesday, April 26
Providing a snapshot of how each NFL team will approach the draft, we have identified the top five needs of each club, in order, using position abbreviations, along with notes explaining why they are needs. In the second table below, we list how each team ranked last season in rushing and passing offense, rushing and passing defense and turnover differential (takeaways minus turnovers), as well as the key additions and subtractions in that club's roster since the end of the 2006 season.
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Top five needs
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| AFC East |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Notes |
| Buffalo |
CB |
LB |
RB |
WR |
DL |
After losing CB Nate Clements, Bills needed new starter. Lost LBs London Fletcher and Takeo Spikes. RB to pair with Anthony Thomas also a priority. Need No. 2 WR who demands respect from opposing defense. May address depth at DT. |
| Miami |
QB |
OT |
DT |
WR |
DE |
Will look to pick up young QB to groom into starter. Lost several O-linemen and will need to pick up OT. Lost number of veteran D-linemen and could look to add both DE and DT. Will also look for WR with game-breaking speed. |
| New England |
CB |
OT |
S |
RB |
LB |
Potential loss of Asante Samuel means CB will be priority. Also need a safety, with Rodney Harrison coming off two injury-plagued seasons. Matt Light has struggled at OLT. Need to add another RB to pair with Laurence Maroney. LB depth also desired. |
| N.Y. Jets |
CB |
TE |
DT |
LB |
OL |
Most glaring need is top-notch CB. Will also look for help at TE or WR. May also use first pick on LB. Also need DT help and depth along OL. |
| AFC North |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Notes |
| Baltimore |
OT |
LB |
OG |
DT |
QB |
Have needs up and down OL; could improve depth at every position. Loss of Adalius Thomas opens spot in LB corps that must be filled. Also might add depth at DT. QB Kyle Boller will be set to leave after '07, and QB Steve McNair is in his later years. |
| Cincinnati |
CB |
TE |
LB |
DL |
OL |
Poor pass defense creates demand for CB. Pass-catching TE also an option. Need to improve depth, talent at LB. Could also use young talent on D-line with DE Justin Smith becoming unrestricted free agent in '08. May be in market for OL help after loss of OG Eric Steinbach. |
| Cleveland |
RB |
QB |
CB |
DL |
OL |
Rumored to be leaning toward RB Adrian Peterson to pair with Jamal Lewis. Could also use QB as Charlie Frye may not be the answer. Also likely to consider adding CB on first day. Could use another DL and depth along O-line. |
| Pittsburgh |
LB |
CB |
DE |
OT |
OG |
Looking for help at ILB, OLB; likely to address one or both positions on draft's first day. Steelers lack lock-down CB. They're also in market for another rugged DE; Nebraska's Adam Carriker is said to have caught their eye. OT, OG spots need bolstering. |
| AFC South |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Notes |
| Houston |
OT |
WR |
DT |
LB |
RB |
Offensive tackle is most obvious need. Could also use WR to pair with Andre Johnson. Interested in improving "D," so DT help and LB help are priorities. Also could look to add RB despite signing of Ahman Green. |
| Indianapolis |
DT |
LB |
RB |
OL |
S |
Run defense showed how soft it was in middle of D-line. Losing Cato June opens a need in LB corps. Loss of Dominic Rhodes creates need for another RB. Could use more depth on O-line and at safety in case Bob Sanders goes down again. |
| Jacksonville |
S |
DE |
WR |
QB |
OL |
Loss of Deon Grant in free agency makes safety a big need. Jags could also bolster pass rush by adding DE. Need a No. 1 receiver to emerge. QB Byron Leftwich may bolt Jacksonville after this season. Could also use depth at OG and C. |
| Tennessee |
WR |
DE |
CB |
RB |
LB |
Need to fill void of WR Drew Bennett. Will look at DE with no one opposite Kyle Vanden Bosch. Secondary is a concern following loss of Pacman Jones for season, but Reynaldo Hill and Cortland Finnegan are fine for now. Need depth at RB behind LenDale White, though they might go the veteran route. |
| AFC West |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Notes |
| Denver |
DE |
S |
DT |
OL |
WR |
Need pass-rushing DE help badly. Also could use a safety with good range. Will look for help on interior of D-line with power-type DT. OL depth is a concern all around, and they could look for speedy WR. |
| Kansas City |
WR |
OT |
DT |
OG |
CB |
Have long wanted to complement WR Eddie Kennison, and this year's draft class may be the opportunity. Willie Roaf's retirement has led to revolving door at OT; need more stability. With Will Shields retiring, OG is need, and they will look to plug the run at DT. Also could use CB depth with Ty Law and Patrick Surtain aging. |
| Oakland |
OT |
QB |
OG |
DT |
WR |
Gave up 72 sacks last year, so OT is major need. QB will most likely be the top pick, as it's an obvious need. Despite strong WR corps, off-field issues may prompt WR to be selected. Also need help at OG, where Kevin Boothe was just OK, and at DT, where Warren Sapp is getting older. |
| San Diego |
WR |
S |
OL |
RB |
DL |
After cutting Keenan McCardell, they'll look to add WR. Also cut ties with Terrence Kiel and will need to add SS. No pressing needs along DL or OL but could look to add depth both places. With Michael Turner likely leaving via trade, adding a backup running back may become a priority. |
| NFC East |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Notes |
| Dallas |
OL |
WR |
FS |
NT |
QB |
They have luxury of taking best player available in Round One. With Flozell Adams and Marcus Rivera close to retirement, O-line is most glaring need. WRs Terry Glenn and Terrell Owens are aging. Florida S Reggie Nelson could be targeted despite addition of S Ken Hamlin. Jason Ferguson was great at NT in '06, but there is no backup. The 'Boys have to develop a backup for QB Tony Romo. |
| N.Y. Giants |
CB |
OT |
LB |
WR |
TE |
Giants could look at CB, maybe Chris Houston or Aaron Ross. Could use OLT with Dave Diehl currently starting. Could also use a pass-rushing or athletic cover 'backer (Paul Posluszny?). WR Sinorice Moss will improve, but Amani Toomer is aging. They have no true blocking TE. |
| Philadelphia |
DB |
LB |
DE |
WR |
RB |
Defense is most glaring need, but they could go WR first. CB could be first pick, but safety is also a need. Jeremiah Trotter isn't getting any younger at LB. Jevon Kearse has fallen off at DE. At WR they could use a real deep threat. Also need a bigger RB to spell Brian Westbrook. |
| Washington |
DT |
DE |
OG |
S |
CB |
Who goes first could depend on whether they trade out of No. 6. Skins need lots of help on D-line, both in pass rush and in run defense, so DT and DE are needed. Losing Derrick Dockery means need exists at OG, and they can use overall depth across the line. CB depth will probably come up at some point in draft, and safety is a need as well. |
| NFC North |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Notes |
| Chicago |
DT |
LB |
RB |
OL |
CB |
With Tank Johnson suspension and injuries in middle of line, DT is a need despite addition of Anthony Adams. The Lance Briggs dilemma creates a need at OLB. With RB Thomas Jones gone, RB depth is concern. Great O-line is getting older. CBs Charles Tillman, Nathan Vasher both free agents after 2007. |
| Detroit |
LB |
DE |
QB |
OL |
CB |
No Tampa-2 MLB on roster. SLB also could use upgrade. Two unproven starters at DE and little depth. QB John Kitna can't be long-term answer. Added veteran O-linemen in offseason, but talent level could be upgraded. CB position has age and injury issues and should be upgraded. |
| Green Bay |
RB |
CB |
TE |
DT |
WR |
No every-down back to replace Ahman Green. Little depth behind CB Charles Woodson and Al Harris. Another weapon besides over-the-hill TE Bubba Franks needed at the position. Cullen Jenkins shift to DE leaves interior line thin. Lack vertical threat at WR to stretch field. |
| Minnesota |
WR |
DE |
OL |
TE |
QB |
Arguably worst WR corps in NFL. Inept pass rush led to worst pass defense, and they need edge threat. Right side of OL is big question mark. TE is need despite pickup of Visanthe Shiancoe. QB is need, even with Brad Childress' faith in Tavaris Jackson. |
| NFC South |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Notes |
| Atlanta |
S |
DT |
RB |
WR |
OT |
Set at SS with Lawyer Milloy and Chris Crocker but need FS. RBs Warrick Dunn and Jerious Norwood don't fit new coach Bobby Petrino's system where power RB is often employed. DT Grady Jackson's lawsuit against team puts his status in doubt. QB Michael Vick is still looking for a No. 1 option at WR. OLT Wayne Gandy doesn't have much left in tank. |
| Carolina |
S |
LB |
DE |
OLT |
TE |
Veteran S Mike Minter plans to retire after '07, and they need a second starter. MLB Dan Morgan is concussion-prone. DE Mike Rucker is recovering from injury and may not be ready. Travelle Wharton is a better OG and Jordan Gross a better ORT than OLT. TE will be bigger part of offense in '07. |
| New Orleans |
CB |
LB |
WR |
DT |
DE |
Need to find second starter to pair with CB Mike McKenzie. Need young playmaking LB. LB Alfred Fincher is not the answer. Departure of Joe Horn creates need for WR — Terrance Copper, Devery Henderson need competition. Not much DT depth. Charles Grant will leave after '07, so Saints need replacement. |
| Tampa Bay |
WR |
DE |
DT |
S |
OLT |
WR Joey Galloway is 35, and Michael Clayton hasn't performed well enough. DEs Simeon Rice, Greg Spires and Kevin Carter are all over 30. DT Ellis Wyms did not impress after departure of Booger McFarland. Still looking for next John Lynch. OT Luke Petitgout is upgrade, but injury is concern. |
| NFC West |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
Notes |
| Arizona |
OT |
TE |
LB |
DE |
CB |
Longtime OLT Leonard Davis departed and ORT Reggie Wells moved to OLG. Leonard Pope is only TE on roster and isn't the best option. Want more LBs with expected move to 3-4 defense. Need better edge-rush DEs, and more depth is needed at CB. |
| San Francisco |
DE |
WR |
LB |
OL |
CB |
Huge need for pass-rushing DE off edge. A home-run threat WR to complement RB Frank Gore is a need, despite signing of WR Ashley Lelie, who's not dependable. Pass rusher could come at LB position, where Niners are getting old. O-line needs much more depth. CB depth is also an issue. |
| Seattle |
OG |
TE |
DT |
CB |
LB |
The Seahawks never fully replaced Pro Bowler Steve Hutchinson at OG, and Chris Gray is up in age. Depth behind TE Marcus Pollard is needed. DT Marcus Tubbs is coming off knee surgery. More depth at CB and LB needed in late rounds. |
| St. Louis |
DT |
DE |
RB |
WR |
CB |
Need space-eating run stuffer at NT (Jimmie Kennedy did not work out there last year) and pass-rushing end on other side of Leonard Little, despite addition of James Hall. A change-of-pace back to spell RB Steven Jackson, a No. 4 WR to replace Shaun McDonald and depth at CB are other needs. |
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2006 league ranking
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Offense |
Defense |
|
|
|
| AFC East |
Run |
Pass |
Run |
Pass |
T.O. |
Key additions |
Key subtractions |
| Buffalo |
27 |
28 |
28 |
7 |
23t |
DT Darwin Walker, OG Derrick Dockery, OL Langston Walker, OG Jason Whittle. |
WR André Davis, OT Mike Gandy, LB Takeo Spikes, QB Kelly Holcomb, RB Willis McGahee, OG Tutan Reyes, CB Nate Clements, MLB London Fletcher, OG Chris Villarrial, S Matt Bowen. |
| Miami |
22 |
13 |
8 |
5 |
13t |
OG Mike Rosenthal, WR Az-Zahir Hakim, OG Chris Liwienski, FB Cory Schlesinger, PK Jay Feely, S Cameron Worrell, LB Joey Porter, TE David Martin. |
P Donnie Jones, PK Olindo Mare, DE David Bowens, CB Eddie Jackson, OL Toniu Fonoti, DT Jeff Zgonina, RB Travis Minor, FB Darian Barnes, TE Randy McMichael, QB Joey Harrington, WR Wes Welker, OT Damion McIntosh, RB Sammy Morris, DE Kevin Carter, OG Jeno James, OL Bennie Anderson, OL Seth McKinney. |
| New England |
12 |
12 |
5 |
12 |
4t |
CB Tory James, CB Eddie Jackson, WR Kelley Washington, WR Donté Stallworth, WR Wes Welker, OLB Adalius Thomas, TE Kyle Brady, RB Sammy Morris. |
P Todd Sauerbrun, TE Daniel Graham, OLB Tully Banta-Cain, RB Corey Dillon, S Tebucky Jones. |
| N.Y. Jets |
20 |
17 |
24 |
14 |
17t |
DE David Bowens, DE Andre Wadsworth, QB Marques Tuiasosopo, DE Michael Haynes, FB Darian Barnes, DE Kenyon Coleman, RB Thomas Jones. |
DE Dave Ball, FB B.J. Askew, QB Patrick Ramsey, RB Derrick Blaylock, RB Kevan Barlow, OL Trey Teague. |
| AFC North |
Run |
Pass |
Run |
Pass |
T.O. |
Key additions |
Key subtractions |
| Baltimore |
25 |
11 |
2 |
6 |
1 |
RB Willis McGahee |
OG Edwin Mulitalo, OLB Adalius Thomas, DT Aubrayo Franklin, FB Ovie Mughelli, OT Tony Pashos, RB Jamal Lewis. |
| Cincinnati |
26 |
6 |
15 |
31t |
6t |
DT Michael Myers, C Alex Stepanovich. |
CB Tory James, QB Anthony Wright, DT Shaun Smith, S Kevin Kaesviharn, WR Kelley Washington, TE Tony Stewart, OL Eric Steinbach, LB Brian Simmons. |
| Cleveland |
31 |
23 |
29 |
15 |
31 |
S Mike Adams, TE Ryan Krause, DT Robaire Smith, DT Shaun Smith, OL Seth McKinney, WR Tim Carter, RB Jamal Lewis, CB Kenny Wright, DE Antwan Peek, OL Eric Steinbach. |
DE Nick Eason, CB Ralph Brown, DE Alvin McKinley, FB Terrelle Smith, S Brian Russell, RB Reuben Droughns, CB Daylon McCutcheon, WR Dennis Northcutt. |
| Pittsburgh |
10 |
9 |
3 |
20 |
27t |
DE Nick Eason, C-OG Sean Mahan. |
DE Rodney Bailey, WR Sean Morey, OLB Joey Porter, RB Verron Haynes. |
| AFC South |
Run |
Pass |
Run |
Pass |
T.O. |
Key additions |
Key subtractions |
| Houston |
21 |
27 |
20 |
22 |
21 |
WR André Davis, CB Jamar Fletcher, QB Matt Schaub, LB Shawn Barber, DT Jeff Zgonina, OT Jordan Black, LB Danny Clark, RB Ahman Green. |
S Michael Stone, QB David Carr, RB Domanick Williams, CB Lewis Sanders, DE Antwan Peek, WR Eric Moulds, DT Seth Payne, OT Zach Wiegert. |
| Indianapolis |
18 |
2 |
32 |
2 |
6t |
OG Rick DeMulling, QB John Navarre. |
S Mike Doss, OLB Cato June, CB Nick Harper, RB Dominic Rhodes, WR Brandon Stokley, DT Montae Reagor. |
| Jacksonville |
3 |
24 |
4 |
10 |
15t |
TE Jermaine Wiggins, WR Dennis Northcutt, OT Tony Pashos. |
WR Cortez Hankton, S Deon Grant, TE Kyle Brady. |
| Tennessee |
5 |
30 |
30 |
27 |
13t |
WR Justin Gage, S Bryan Scott, LB Ryan Fowler, CB Nick Harper. |
OLB Colby Bockwoldt, DT Robaire Smith, WR Bobby Wade, WR Drew Bennett, RB Travis Henry, TE Erron Kinney, OG Zach Piller. |
| AFC West |
Run |
Pass |
Run |
Pass |
T.O. |
Key additions |
Key subtractions |
| Denver |
8 |
25 |
12 |
21 |
17t |
P Todd Sauerbrun, WR David Terrell, WR Brandon Stokley, DT Alvin McKinley, QB Patrick Ramsey, TE Daniel Graham, RB Travis Henry, FB Paul Smith, OG Montrae Holland, CB Dré Bly. |
DT Michael Myers, LB Al Wilson, OG Cooper Carlisle, DE Courtney Brown, QB Jake Plummer, RB Tatum Bell, OT George Foster, OLB Patrick Chukwurah. |
| Kansas City |
9 |
22 |
18 |
18 |
10t |
S Jon McGraw, DT Alfonso Boone, LB Donnie Edwards, LS J.P. Darche, LB Napoleon Harris, OL Damion McIntosh. |
OG Will Shields, ILB Kawika Mitchell, CB Lenny Walls, S Sammy Knight, OT Kyle Turley, OT Jordan Black. |
| Oakland |
29 |
31 |
25 |
1 |
32 |
OG Cooper Carlisle, OT Cornell Green, QB Josh Booty, CB Chris Johnson, FB Justin Griffith, TE Fred Wakefield, TE Tony Stewart, RB Dominic Rhodes, C Jeremy Newberry. |
OT Brad Badger, DE Lance Johnstone, QB Marques Tuiasosopo, OL Langston Walker, QB Aaron Brooks. |
| San Diego |
2 |
16 |
7 |
13 |
3 |
|
WR Az-Zahir Hakim, TE Ryan Krause, ILB Donnie Edwards, WR Keenan McCardell, LB Steve Foley, SS Terrence Kiel. |
| NFC East |
Run |
Pass |
Run |
Pass |
T.O. |
Key additions |
Key subtractions |
| Dallas |
13 |
5 |
10 |
24 |
15t |
S Ken Hamlin, OT Jim Molinaro, QB Brad Johnson, OL Leonard Davis. |
ILB Ryan Fowler, OT Jason Fabini, C Al Johnson, QB Drew Bledsoe. |
| N.Y. Giants |
7 |
19 |
14 |
28 |
17t |
DT Marcus Bell, S Michael Stone, LB Kawika Mitchell, RB Reuben Droughns. |
CB Frank Walker, WR Tim Carter, PK Jay Feely, TE Visanthe Shiancoe, OT Bob Whitfield, RB Tiki Barber, KR-PR Chad Morton, LB LaVar Arrington, LB Carlos Emmons, OT Luke Petitgout. |
| Philadelphia |
11 |
3 |
26 |
9 |
9 |
LB Takeo Spikes, QB Kelly Holcomb, DT Montae Reagor, WR Kevin Curtis, WR Bethel Johnson. |
DT Darwin Walker, OLB Shawn Barber, WR Donté Stallworth, CB Roderick Hood, QB Jeff Garcia, S Michael Lewis. |
| Washington |
4 |
21 |
27 |
23 |
23t |
CB David Macklin, OT Jason Fabini, S Omar Stoutmire, OL Ross Tucker, CB Fred Smoot, MLB London Fletcher. |
WR David Patten, OT Jim Molinaro, SS Adam Archuleta, RB T.J. Duckett, PK John Hall, CB Kenny Wright, OG Derrick Dockery, TE Christian Fauria, CB Troy Vincent, CB Mike Rumph. |
| NFC North |
Run |
Pass |
Run |
Pass |
T.O. |
Key additions |
Key subtractions |
| Chicago |
15 |
14 |
6 |
11 |
4t |
DT Anthony Adams, S Adam Archuleta. |
WR Alfonso Boone, WR Justin Gage, S Todd Johnson, S Cameron Worrell, RB Thomas Jones. |
| Detroit |
32 |
7 |
21 |
25 |
29 |
WR-RS Kevin Kasper, OG Edwin Mulitalo, OG Zach Piller, TE Darnell Sanders, CB Travis Fisher, WR Shaun McDonald, RB T.J. Duckett, DE Dewayne White, RB Tatum Bell, OT George Foster. |
CB Jamar Fletcher, OG Rick DeMulling, S Jon McGraw, FB Cory Schlesinger, S Terrence Holt, DE James Hall, DT Marcus Bell, DT Toyoka Jackson, TE Marcus Pollard, CB Dré Bly, OLG Ross Verba. |
| Green Bay |
23 |
8 |
13 |
17 |
17t |
CB Frank Walker. |
FB William Henderson, TE David Martin, RB Ahman Green. |
| Minnesota |
16 |
18 |
1 |
31t |
10t |
WR Cortez Hankton, S Mike Doss, QB Drew Henson, WR Bobby Wade, ILB Vinny Ciurciu, TE Visanthe Shiancoe. |
DT Ross Kolodziej, WR Bethel Johnson, MLB Napoleon Harris, OL Jason Whittle, CB Fred Smoot, Jermaine Wiggins, OT Mike Rosenthal, QB Brad Johnson. |
| NFC South |
Run |
Pass |
Run |
Pass |
T.O. |
Key additions |
Key subtractions |
| Atlanta |
1 |
32 |
9 |
29 |
8 |
QB Joey Harrington, QB Chris Redman, PK Aaron Elling, OL Toniu Fonoti, WR Joe Horn, CB Lewis Sanders, FB Ovie Mughelli. |
CB Kevin Mathis, QB Matt Schaub, FB Justin Griffith, DE Patrick Kerney, OG Matt Lehr, WR Ashley Lelie, LB Edgerton Hartwell, LB Ike Reese. |
| Carolina |
24 |
15 |
11 |
4 |
23t |
QB David Carr, S Deke Cooper, DE Dave Ball, LB Terrence Melton. |
OLB Chris Draft, QB Chris Weinke, LB Vinny Ciurciu, WR Karl Hankton, TE Kris Mangum, DE Al Wallace. |
| New Orleans |
19 |
1 |
23 |
3 |
22 |
WR David Patten, PK Olindo Mare, S Kevin Kaesviharn, TE Eric Johnson, LB Brian Simmons. |
PK John Carney, CB Curtis Deloatch, S Bryan Scott, S Omar Stoutmire, LB Terrence Melton, OG Montrae Holland, WR Joe Horn, TE Ernie Conwell. |
| Tampa Bay |
28 |
26 |
17 |
19 |
30 |
OG Matt Lehr, LB Cato June, CB Sammy Davis, OT Luke Petitgout, DE Kevin Carter, FB B.J. Askew, QB Jeff Garcia, LB Patrick Chukwurah. |
OT Cornell Green, OG-C Sean Mahan, DE Dewayne White, OT Kenyatta Walker. |
| NFC West |
Run |
Pass |
Run |
Pass |
T.O. |
Key additions |
Key subtractions |
| Arizona |
30 |
10 |
16 |
30 |
12 |
DE Rodney Bailey, DE Joe Tafoya, CB Ralph Brown, DT Ross Kolodziej, OT Mike Gandy, FB Terrelle Smith, WR Sean Morey, CB Roderick Hood, S Terrence Holt, C Al Johnson. |
CB David Macklin, OG Chris Liwienski, QB John Navarre, TE Fred Wakefield, OT Leonard Davis. |
| San Francisco |
6 |
29 |
19 |
26 |
23t |
LB Colby Bockwoldt, OLB Tully Banta-Cain, WR Ashley Lelie, DT Aubrayo Franklin, CB Nate Clements, S Michael Lewis. |
S Mike Adams, S Deke Cooper, DT Lance Legree, TE Eric Johnson, C Jeremy Newberry, WR Antonio Bryant, CB Sammy Davis. |
| Seattle |
14 |
20 |
22 |
16 |
27t |
TE Marcus Pollard, S Brian Russell, S Deon Grant, DE Patrick Kerney. |
DE Joe Tafoya, S Ken Hamlin, DE Grant Wistrom, LS J.P. Darche, C Robbie Tobeck. |
| St. Louis |
17 |
4 |
31 |
8 |
2 |
P Donnie Jones, CB Mike Rumph, CB Lenny Walls, LB Chris Draft, TE Randy McMichael, S Todd Johnson, RB Travis Minor, WR Drew Bennett, DE James Hall. |
WR Kevin Curtis, CB Travis Fisher, WR Shaun McDonald, FB Paul Smith, LB Dexter Coakley, OG Adam Timmerman. |
PFW editors contributed to this posting.
E-mail your draft questions to PFW personnel analyst Nolan Nawrocki at ASKquestions@pfwmedia.com. He'll post answers to selected questions on April 25.
Related Articles:
Links, schedule for draft coverage
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