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URGENT NEWS — DELIVER IMMEDIATELY ll VOL. XVIII, NO. 1 l MAY 2003

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Cincinnati kidCincinnati kidCincinnati kidCincinnati kidTHE NEW

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2003 DRAFT REVIEWS P E C I A L I S S U E

TEAM REPORTS & GRADES ■ PLAYER RATINGS ■ DRAFT LISTS ■ IMPACT ON FANTASY FOOTBALL CHARLESROGERS

LARRYJOHNSON

KYLEBOLLER

WILLISMcGAHEEBuffalo makes him a surprise first-round pick

WRONGSPORT?Houston gamblesthat Drew Hensonwill choose football

IN THETRENCHESDewayne Robertsonleads first-roundrun on D-linemen

KEVINWILLIAMS Do the Vikes haveanother contractheadache coming?

BENGALS TAKE ANOTHERSWING AT A FIRST-ROUND

QUARTERBACK

PLUS FREE-AGENCY UPDATE2003 NFL SCHEDULE ARENA NFL EUROPE

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NFL DRAFT PHOTOS BY BRUCE L. SCHWARTZMAN l SPORTPICS (BOLLER)

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2 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com MAY 2003

HE WILL ALWAYS BE WITH US:

Buchsbaum’s spirit guides us through another draftrafting without Joel was like the ballparkwithout beer, jocks without straps andKansas without Todo. It’s been a little

more than four months now since my friend,Joel Buchsbaum, died, and much of the sad-ness has dulled. Most of the time I spendthinking about Joel these days is filled withquick smiles and fond memories of the manwho I believe is most responsible for makingthe NFL college draft the huge event it hasbecome. But closure is a must for every sig-nificant moment in our lives, and I knew thisfirst draft without him would be bittersweetat best, filled with moments of regret, andthe most difficult I’ve ever tried to navigate.Nobody knew the draft like Joel, who hadbeen our rudder for the last 25 years.

Somehow, though, now that it’s over, Iknow Joel was with us and will be forever.Maneuvering through the 2003 draft, I feltfor sure there was an angel on my shoulder.Our guys here at Pro Football Weekly, partic-ularly Jeff Reynolds and Nolan Nawrocki,did an incredible job of picking up the ballJoel was forced to leave on the ground —with his work for this year just two-thirdscompleted. PFW’s scouting reports and pre-draft projections were as good as ever. Butwhen it comes down to working the phonesand knowing what’s up once the bullets startflying, we needed a little help from above tokeep ourselves ahead of the game.

In the final PFW mock draft that was post-ed on our website the Friday night before thedraft kicked off, we correctly projected thefirst five picks and 13 of the first 14, match-ing seven of the first nine picks with the cor-rect team. Overall, we successfully tabbed25 of the 32 first-round picks — clearly notBuchsbaumesque, but the best performanceof any mock drafts we could find following

one of the most volatile first rounds in histo-ry. Had Joel not been whispering in our ears,we could have been in trouble.

As we pondered our final first-roundmock, Carson Palmer, Charles Rogers andAndre Johnson appeared to be slam-dunksfor the Bengals, Lions and Texans, respec-tively. But figuring out what the Jets woulddo with the fourth pick — after making thefirst big move of this draft — was a chal-lenge. Conventional wisdom suggested thatHerman Edwards, a former defensive backwho recently lost one of the top kick return-ers in the game, Chad Morton, via freeagency, would tab double threat TerenceNewman. It made great sense until I heardthat unmistakable voice with the Brooklyntwang somewhere in the back of my mindtelling me that the Jets didn’t have to go allthe way up to the No. 4 spot to get a shut-down cover corner with both Newman andMarcus Trufant available. No, they moved upto get the best defensive tackle on the boardand fill their greatest need. Had Newmangone to the Jets at No. 4, the entire top 10would have been different. By taking Robert-son, everything fell into place.

Late in the first round, I heard the heavensrumble. It was Joel whispering in my earagain. The phone lines and chat rooms fromChicago to Baltimore were burning up withfans screaming about the brilliant Ravenstrading up and outfoxing the Bears, whotraded down, with both clubs ending up witha pass rusher and a quarterback. But therewas Joel reminding me, “You don’t even tryto analyze a draft for two or three years, andif you’re going to make a comparison, makeit apples to apples!”

The fact is nobody has a clue whether Ter-rell Suggs or Michael Haynes will be the

better NFL pass rusher, nor can we reallysay whether Kyle Boller or Rex Grossmanwill become the better quarterback. And ifwe hadn’t had Joel through the years, noneof us would even be trying to guess. The onething we do know is that Haynes and Gross-man cost the Bears one No. 1 pick, thefourth in this year’s draft, while Suggs andBoller cost the Ravens two No. 1’s — the10th pick this year and their first pick nextyear — and their No. 2 pick this year aswell. Let’s make the players suit up for ayear or two before we pretend to knowwhich club was smarter.

Joel went on to tell me that we should justrespect the bold moves up the ladder by theJets, Saints and Ravens, just as we shouldadmire the calculated moves downward bythe Bears and Cardinals until we know howthey’ve all panned out.

He accurately pointed out that the Ravenswere as much or more responsible for theVikings’ seeming buffoonery in the firstround, and that the Cardinals deserved ascolding for being so unprepared when theirturns finally came up at No. 17 and No. 18.Calvin Pace may eventually be a fine defen-sive end, but the Cardinals still overpaid forhim. Joel wasn’t the least bit shy in claimingthat, in terms of value, the Patriots, Ravens,Vikings and Texans had very good week-ends, while Arizona and New Orleans might— and I stress might — have done better.

Finally, Joel said he was looking forwardto the two or three days a year when hemight actually get some rest before going towork on the class of 2004. And, of course,he reminded me that the NFL draft truly isthe best non-game sporting event in all ofsports.

Yep, now we can all move on.

HUB ARKUSH PUBLISHER/EDITOR

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Publisher/Editor Hub Arkush

Editor-in-chief Keith Schleiden

Art director Bob Peters

Managing editor Mike Holbrook

Executive editors Dan ArkushNeil Warner

Associate editors Trent ModglinAndy HanacekKen BikoffJeff ReynoldsNolan NawrockiEric EdholmMike Wilkening

Assistant art director Jody Burr

Production assistant Brian Hertel

NEW MEDIAPublisher Sue Nemitz

Web site coordinator Kevin McCauley

Business manager Christine Klimusko

Network support tech. Jeff Howes

Circulation manager Ron Stringer

Asst. circulation manager Patrick Cameron

Distribution manager Rodney Jackson

Subscription manager Kristine Carlsson

ADVERTISING SALESVP, Marketing Phil Hornthal

Sales manager Bob Sherman

COLUMNISTSRon Borges, Jim Campbell, Bob Carroll,

Glenn Dickey, Barry Jackson, Jerry Magee, Don Pierson, Reggie Rivers, Bill Wallace

AFC REPORTERSBaltimore Ravens Jaymes Powell

Buffalo Bills Chuck PollockCincinnati Bengals Marty WilliamsCleveland Browns Tony Grossi

Denver Broncos Adam SchefterHouston Texans Joseph Duarte

Indianapolis Colts Tom JamesJacksonville Jaguars Vito Stellino

Kansas City Chiefs Rick DeanMiami Dolphins Alex Marvez

New England Patriots Glen FarleyNew York Jets Ken Berger

Oakland Raiders Michael WagamanPittsburgh Steelers Jim Wexell

San Diego Chargers Kevin AceeTennessee Titans Paul Kuharsky

NFC REPORTERSArizona Cardinals Darren Urban

Atlanta Falcons Matt WinkeljohnCarolina Panthers Scott Fowler

Chicago Bears Bob LeGereDallas Cowboys Mickey Spagnola

Detroit Lions Curt SylvesterGreen Bay Packers Bob McGinnMinnesota Vikings Kent Youngblood

New Orleans Saints Brian Allee-WalshNew York Giants Paul Schwartz

Philadelphia Eagles Dave WeinbergSt. Louis Rams Steve Korte

San Francisco 49ers Kevin LynchSeattle Seahawks Mike Sando

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Roger MillsWashington Redskins John Keim

CONTRIBUTING WRITERSMike Carlson, Art Edelstein,Rick Matsumoto, Gary Bond

STATISTICIANSRick Arkush, Steve Soucie

Pro Football Weekly (ISSN: 0032-9053, USPS Pub.#000-509) is published by PFW Acquisition LLC, 302Saunders Road, Suite 100, Riverwoods, IL 60015,weekly September through January, once a monthMarch through June, biweekly in February and July,and three times in August, for a total of 32 issuesannually. The subscription price is $99.95 for 32issues. Periodicals postage is paid at Deerfield, IL,and additional offices.

‘‘Canada Post International Publications Mail Product(Canadian Distribution) Sales Agreement No. 1356097’’

POSTMASTER: Send address change to:

Pro Football Weekly302 Saunders Road, Suite 100

Riverwoods, IL 60015

SUBSCRIPTION: 1-800-331-7529

PRINTED IN U.S.A.

CREATORS & FOUNDERSArthur Arkush, Robert Drazkowski

and Joel Buchsbaum

TO COMMENT ON ANY OF THE STORIES OR COLUMNS IN THIS ISSUE, E-MAIL PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY AT [email protected]

DRAFT OVERVIEW ............................5TEAM-BY-TEAM ANALYSIS ..............6Eric Edholm column:

BENGALS DESERVE PRAISE;DREW HENSON PICK COULD PAY OFF ..8

Mike Holbrook column: SOMETHING DEFINITELY WASMISSING AT THIS YEAR’S DRAFT........11

Ask the Experts: WHICH TEAM HAD THE MOSTINTRIGUING DRAFT?........................15

FINAL PLAYER PRINTOUT ..............16DRAFT LIST BY POSITION ............19ROUND-BY-ROUND DRAFT LIST ....20D

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ALSO:

Then and now

Prep footballanalystTom Lemming recallshis impressions of thisyear’s first-round draftpicks as they wereleaving high school.

The Way We Hear It ..........................Pg. 3Fantasy football coverage:

An early look at the rookies ..Pg. 21Free-agency update ......................Pg. 252003 team-by-team schedules......Pg. 282003 week-by-week schedules ....Pg. 29Arena Football; NFL Europe ..........Pg. 30Audibles ..........................................Pg. 33Transactions ....................................Pg. 34The Slant ..........................................Pg. 35

Ken Bikoff; Jerry Magee ................Pg. 26Ron Borges; Don Pierson ..............Pg. 27

NEXT ISSUEFree-agency update … Offseason progress

reports for each NFL team … Fantasy footballcoverage … PFW goes to press with its nextissue on June 1.

In thisweek’s

Volume XVIIINo. 1

DEPARTMENTS

COVER STORY

BRUCE L. SCHWARTZMAN

COLUMNISTS

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MAY 2003 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com 3

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Dawkins’ contractdone; attention turnsto Vincent, Taylor

Now that the Eagles and FSBrian Dawkins have come to anagreement on a seven-year con-tract extension, Dawkins has said

publicly he would like histwo longtime secondarymates — CBs Troy Vin-cent and Bobby Taylor— taken care of as well.The three have played

together since 1996, considerednearly an eternity by NFL stan-dards, and are considered the

core of one of the best secon-daries in the league. Both Vin-cent and Taylor are in the finalyears of their deals, but it is notclear if re-signing them is as biga priority to the team as keepingOLB Carlos Emmons, forinstance. One source close to theteam said it might try to work ongetting Emmons a new deal firstbecause it is confident youngCBs Lito Sheppard and Shel-don Brown should be ready forstarting duty soon.

DALLAS COWBOYSSome observers were a little

surprised that the Cowboys didnot select a defensive lineman inthe draft, but team officials arereportedly happy with whom theyhave up front. DT La’Roi Glover

is the obvious starter atone spot, and now thatthe team has re-signedMichael Myers, he willcompete with John Nixfor the other starting DT

spot. Although DE Greg Ellis isas solid as they come on oneside, DE Ebenezer Ekuban hasbeen a disappointment and willhave to prove himself quicklyunder Bill Parcells’ watch. Theneed for a speed rusher asopposed to a plugger in the mid-dle might end up being thegreater need.

WASHINGTON REDSKINSSteve Spurrier identified

receiver as an area of needheading into the offseason,especially those who can stretch

the field and make his“Fun ’n’ Gun” offense go.Now the position looksloaded. First came theacquisition of WR Laver-anues Coles, whose

speed is exactly what the teamwas looking for. Now add free-agent pickup Patrick Johnsonand Spurrier’s former student atFlorida, WR Taylor Jacobs, andthere appears to be ampleweaponry this season. Johnsonand Jacobs are expected to bat-

tle for the No. 3 WR role.Sources say the team still wantsto know what it has in last year’sthird-round pick Cliff Russell,who missed the season with aknee injury.

NEW YORK GIANTSIt was no surprise that the

team went after defensive linehelp in the draft, but the team’sfirst two picks were not whom

experts expected the teamto come up with. The teamwas happy but surprisedthat DT William Josephwas still on the board atNo. 25. General manager

Ernie Accorsi told PFW that hestill expects his four starters fromlast year, DTs Cornelius Griffinand Keith Hamilton (provided heis healthy) and DEs MichaelStrahan and Kenny Holmes, tostart again. But Joseph’s arrival,plus the drafting of DE OsiUmenyiora in the second roundgives the team nice depth on theline. Umenyiora, whom manyprojected to be a third-rounder,was seen as a reach, but theteam thinks he has terrificupside.

Packers expectinga breakout year fromyoung WR Walker

It was seen as a low-risk gam-ble on potential when the Pack-ers moved up to get WR JavonWalker in the first round of the2002 draft. Walker had physicaltools coming out of his backpocket. At 6-23⁄8, 210 pounds andwith big, 10-inch hands and a4.39 time in the 40-yard dash,

Walker was the stuff No. 1receivers are made of. “Hewas horribly inconsistentlast year,” one NFC Northpro scout said. “But youcould tell he was getting

there. His routes were better, hewas just more comfortable.”Walker spent the offseason witha personal strength-and-condi-tioning coach and has bulked upto about 222 pounds. He hasn’tlost any speed, and his physicaltransformation is being comparedto the one made by ChargersWR David Boston while he waswith the Cardinals. AlthoughWalker lacked the broad frame atthe genesis of his makeover, astrict diet and dedication withinhis workout regime make him aprime candidate for a breakout

season. For starters, he mustbecome a starter. Walker isexpected to compete for the No.2 receiver job with third-year WRRobert Ferguson.

CHICAGO BEARSThere is an argument against

the philosophy behind the tradeBears general manager JerryAngelo made before the draft,moving out of the top five formultiple first-round picks, but hethinks it can work in the Bears’favor. Only time will tell; and itmay be longer than Bears fansexpect. DE Michael Haynes isexpected to fill a need as a situa-

tional pass rusher thisseason, and could evenbump DRE Alex Brownout of the starting lineup.The Bears do not foreseea role — of any kind — for

QB Rex Grossman as a rookie.Unlike the 1999 season, whenthe Bears marched first-roundpick Cade McNown onto thefield a series or two at a time,Grossman will become familiarwith the clipboard and baseballcap in ’03. If current plans tokeep Chris Chandler on the ros-ter beyond June 1 play out,Grossman will not even be active

● Texans QB David Carr has puton about 10 pounds of muscle in theoffseason and is beginning to resem-ble a linebacker, which if he gets hitas often as he did a year ago, shouldhelp keep him healthy.

● The Broncos attempted to tradeup to Minnesota’s No. 9 spot to draftDE Terrell Suggs.

● Several Eagles veterans, mostrecently QB Donovan McNabb,expressed their displeasure with theway the team handled the HughDouglas situation. There is specula-tion that head coach Andy Reid wasnever a big fan of Douglas .

● We hear that new Jaguars coachJack Del Rio has interrogated

reporters for publishing reports ofkey players missing the team’s vol-untary workout program. He hasmade it clear that he doesn’t likenegative publicity and is going to tryto bully his way into eradicating it.Reporters who were expecting a bigchange from the tirades and tight-lipped ways of Tom Coughlin are

in for a big surprise. What’s ironic isthat a big reason Del Rio got the jobwas his great public persona, butnow he’s having problems withreporters who aren’t jumping on theJaguars’ bandwagon.

● Some Falcons insiders found it

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Vikings’ shiphits the fans DRAFT-DAY BLUNDER ONLY PART OF TUMULTUOUS OFFSEASON

There was Mike Tice on April 26th, DraftDay 2003. Minutes had passed since theVikings, selecting within the top 10 for the sec-ond consecutive year, had called the name ofOklahoma State DT Kevin Williams as theirfirst-round choice.

Tice went before a national TV audience, butnot to celebrate his selection as other coachesand general managers had. Tice was there tobat down criticism and defend why exactly, forthe second consecutive year, his Vikings stum-bled on the way to the podium, failing to beatthe clock and secure the player they had target-ed.

Unfortunately for Tice, disorder does notbode well for his future or the Vikings’ future.

Since Minnesota wrapped up a 6-10 season, one fromwhich plenty of distractions arose, a more recent string ofevents could leave the franchise with a black eye. It start-ed with the drunken-driving arrest of executive vicepresident Mike Kelly and allegations of a team playerinvolved in a sexual assault, each alleged to haveoccurred at a fundraising benefit in February. Last month,starting RB Michael Bennett suffered a fractured leftfoot working out at the team facility.

Finally, the draft miscue. Now, consider that it could getmuch worse, with the greatest of off-the-field distractions.

Owner Red McCombs wants to sell the team, andthough he’s turned down two low-ball offers, he could beforced to accept a bid from an out-of-state buyer with

intentions of relocating. McCombs met with commission-er Paul Tagliabue the day after the draft. Tagliabue haspublicly encouraged McCombs to keep the Vikings inMinnesota, but McCombs could have asked for themeeting to explain his bind: His product is unattractive tobidders. The Minnesota legislature has made a state-approved stadium bill for the Minnesota Twins its priori-ty and is unlikely to give its blessing on a new footballbuilding. It isn’t the only option, but one scenario that istoo obvious to ignore is a recent proposal for a $500 mil-lion renovation to the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.,where a Los Angeles-based franchise could settle.

Vikings fans may be hoping against hope that this timethe team doesn’t cash in its card.

On ice? If Minnesota’s fortunes don’t change, Mike Tice may be the fall guy

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for a game this season. Instead,he’ll watch Kordell Stewart andChandler, unless a mop-up situa-tion arises late in a game. As anaside, recall Stewart has beenvery durable in his career, but ifhe were to go down, the plan tokeep Grossman out of actionwould be scrapped. Either way,depending on his learning curve,Grossman will be the No. 2 quar-terback or will compete withStewart for the starting job head-ing into 2004.

DETROIT LIONSIt didn’t take long for rookie

WR Charles Rogers to steal theshow in Detroit. On Day One ofthe team’s minicamp, Rogersmade multiple highlight-reelgrabs and showed off his all-world sprinter’s speed as a returnman. Same story on Day Two,when head coach Steve Mariuc-

ci couldn’t help butapplaud Rogers’ efforts.“There were four (spec-tacular catches),” Mariuccisaid. “He caught a coupleof deep ones down the

left baseline here and then hecaught one over the middle —the one he got the cramp on atthe end. Then he caught a drive-route and came screamingaround like the Indianapolis 500.”But the greatest part of the mini-camp for Mariucci has been vet-eran leadership that many out-siders don’t believe exists. TakeRogers for example. He isalready being mentored underthe wing of veteran WR BillSchroeder. “He’s got all the toolsand the talent. Now he just needsto learn the system,” Schroedersaid. ”There are some little tricks

that will allow him to learn faster,but he’s picking up on it reallyquick. The sky is the limit for thiskid and hopefully good things willcome from him.”

MINNESOTA VIKINGSThe Vikings aren’t listening to

your conspiracy theories — theirpick was going to be DT KevinWilliams with Dewayne Robert-son off the board. Though ownerRed McCombs has voiced greatdispleasure with his personnelteam’s inability to “execute theplan,” his greater concern maybecome getting Williams signed.The Vikings and Ravens hadagreed to a trade that would

have given Minnesota the10th pick in the draft, aswell as Baltimore’s fourth-and sixth-round picks, withthe Ravens moving upthree spots to No. 7 in

order to draft QB Byron Left-wich. When the call wasn’t madeon time, the Jaguars and Pan-thers jumped ahead of theVikings, who ended up withWilliams but didn’t receive com-pensation for moving down twospots. Williams’ agent, Tom Con-don, plans to press the Vikingsto pay his client as if he were theNo. 7 pick, not the No. 9. TheVikings believe an appeal to theNFL is all it will take, the thoughtbeing that the league office willcrack down on Condon and sidewith the Vikings. The mainhangup is likely to be Condon’srepresentation of Leftwich, whichcreates a conflict in trying to gettwo players paid as if each wasthe seventh overall pick.

N F C l S O U T H

Releasing Matthewscould haunt Bucs’future dealings

The Bucs may have gottenone of the steals of the draftwhen they snagged Texas QBChris Simms with the final pickof the third round, and theybelieve they now have their quar-terback of the future in the fold.But the decision to release veter-an QB Shane Matthews two

days later may strain rela-tions between the teamand other veteran freeagents in the future.Matthews turned down a$350,000 signing bonus

with the Vikings to ink a deal withthe Buccaneers, allowing him tobe closer to his Florida home.But Matthews became expend-able when Simms was drafted,and there is a feeling amongsome of the players thatMatthews — who now finds him-self with few opportunities to signelsewhere as a backup — shouldhave been given at least achance to compete for the back-up position. Insiders don’t believecutting Matthews will have anylong-term effects on team-playerrelations, but for the short term,

players might be cautious aboutputting their futures in the handsof the Bucs.

ATLANTA FALCONSThe Falcons didn’t have a first-

round pick in last month’s draft —they traded their selection to theBills in exchange for WR Peer-less Price — but we’re told theteam was ecstatic about itschoices in the second and fourthrounds. Atlanta selected PennState CB Bryan Scott in the sec-

ond round (55th overall)and expect him to makemajor contributions thisseason. The Falconsdidn’t pick again until thefourth round (121st over-

all), and insiders say they werestunned that Mississippi State FBJustin Griffith was still available.The team opened the secondday of the draft desperately call-ing around to try to work out adeal to move up to get Griffith,but they had no takers. It allworked out, however, when Grif-fith still was on the board inRound Four. Despite all the hap-piness coming from the organiza-tion, some local media weren’tquite as impressed with the

team’s performance. That didn’tsit so well with team ownerArthur Blank, who went so faras to summon a local beat writerto his office to voice his displea-sure about the negative pressthe Falcons had received afterthe draft.

CAROLINA PANTHERSThe Panthers rolled the dice

on having an unhappy player ontheir hands when they slappedthe franchise tag on P ToddSauerbrun in February, but hedidn’t make the team wait to signa new deal, inking a one-year,

$1.471 million contractApril 24. More than a fewobservers wondered whySauerbrun would sudden-ly sign a deal that hadbeen on the table for

months instead of waiting tonegotiate for better terms.Sources say Sauerbrun simplyneeded the money now ratherthan later. Sauerbrun got a$200,000 signing bonus with thecontract, and insiders say that hewas in need of the cash. We’retold that Sauerbrun wasn’t desti-tute or broke by any means, buthe wanted the $200K for some

business dealings. The Panthersalso promised to negotiate along-term deal with Sauerbrunafter July 15. Sauerbrun led theNFL in gross punting average at45.5 yards last season, and headcoach John Fox believes thatSauerbrun is a key part to thePanthers’ strategy on the fieldbecause he helps the team winthe battle of field position.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTSWe’re told Saints head coach

Jim Haslett may have madesome enemies in the media bysuggesting that the team waslooking to improve its secondarywhen it was actually focusing onthe defensive line. Lying in thedays leading up to Draft Day isn’t

anything new, but theSaints were so effectivethat it was a huge shockwhen they traded up toselect Georgia DTJohnathan Sullivan with

the sixth-overall pick. We’re toldHaslett was hoping to trade withthe Bears for the No. 4 pick tohave a shot at Kentucky DTDewayne Robertson, but when

odd that the team didn’t addresssome needs on the defensive line inthe recent draft because the teamdoesn’t feature a lot of depth upfront, and there figures to be salary-cap issues with starters Ellis John-son and Brady Smith in the nextcouple of years.

● The Falcons are hoping rookieFB Justin Griffith, who was select-ed in the fourth round out of Missis-sippi State, will have a career thatmirrors that of recently retired FBBob Christian, who also was aconverted running back coming outof college and enjoyed a successfulcareer as a blocker and short-yardage runner.

● The Saints were thrilled to workout a deal with the Seahawks thatsaw DT Norman Hand head forthe Pacific Northwest in exchangefor a future sixth-round pickbecause they were planning on cut-ting Hand anyway June 1 and didn’texpect to get anything in return.Hand was available because theteam believed he wasn’t going toget his weight — he may haveplayed as heavy as 360 pounds lastseason — under control in time tobe productive in 2003.

● The addition of S TebuckyJones to the Saints’ roster meansthat veteran Jay Bellamy will bepushed to a backup role, and insid-ers say the coaching staff was keep-ing a watch on Bellamy’s attitudeduring minicamp to see how heresponded. If he puts up any sort ofresistance to the move, Bellamy like-ly will be released.

● Panthers CB Rashard Ander-son is hoping he will be reinstated bythe NFL after sitting out last seasonserving a suspension for violating theleague’s drug policy. But the additionof rookie Ricky Manning Jr. likely

means that Carolina won’t make a bigeffort to re-sign Anderson.

● More than a few eyebrows wereraised when rookie TE Mike Seid-man was held out of Panthers mini-camp while recovering fromsurgery to repair a sports hernia,the same problem that plagued PKJohn Kasay, LB Dan Morgan andCB Dante Wesley last season.

● We’re told the Bucs jumped atthe chance to sign Ohio State PAndy Groom after he went undraft-ed because he came highly recom-mended by former P Tom Tupa,whose records Groom broke withthe Buckeyes.

● In the wake of Bucs OT Kenyat-ta Walker and FS Dwight Smithboth being arrested in separate inci-dents this offseason, some insidersare concerned that some Buccaneersare enjoying their championship off-season too much and might notreport to training camp in top shape.

● We hear the Cardinals couldhave their sights set on Panthers WRMuhsin Muhammad, who isexpected by many to be a salary-cap casualty after June 1.

● Word is the Cardinals desper-ately wanted to include RB ThomasJones in their Draft Day trade withthe Saints, but New Orleans didn’twant anything to do with him.

● According to our sleuths inSeattle, the Seahawks are quitepleased with DE Joey Evans, one ofeight players they allocated to NFLEurope. Evans led the spring leaguewith five sacks through three gamesfor the Frankfurt Galaxy.

● Although there had been sometalk that Garrison Hearst could bea surprise post-June 1 salary-capvictim, we are now hearing that theNiners’ running back is a solid bet toreturn without any reduction in hissalary.

● Although the Niners eventually

plan to make first-round pickKwame Harris the starting lefttackle, we hear what they’d reallylike initially is for Harris to beat outformer Stanford teammate EricHeitmann at the OLG spot, withHeitmann becoming the team’s pri-mary backup at guard and center.

● We hear Niners QB CadeMcNown still is experiencing prob-lems with his throwing shoulder, andthat his future with the team is onincreasingly shaky ground.

● The Rams’ plan to give disap-pointing WR Terrence Wilkinsanother chance went up in smokeafter the team drafted a pair of shiftyreceivers tailor-made for the slotposition in Kevin Curtis andShaun McDonald.

● Word is the weak-side LB joblong owned by Junior Seau is ZekeMoreno’s to lose. With DL and OLneeds to address after June 1 cuts,it’s doubtful the Chargers will makea strong push to bring in some vet-eran competition for Moreno.

● The Chiefs certainly will belooking for a pass rusher after June1, but if they can’t bring someone in,they believe they can produce morepressure schematically, using LBsShawn Barber and Scott Fujita attimes or situational edge rusherGary Stills on passing downs.

● A lot of attention will be paid tonew SS Rogers Beckett in SanDiego during training camp. Becketthad trouble tackling and didn’tadapt well to the added responsibil-ities of the new system last seasonand will be asked to switch overfrom the FS position to replace Rod-ney Harrison.

● With a healthy Cory Raymerreturning to the lineup, there hasbeen some talk of shifting C JasonBall to guard, but some AFC scouts

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Better late than never: The Vikesevenutally picked DT Kevin Williams

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Vikings ‘pass’, defense rules,Jets get their man, Bills roll diceBy MIKE HOLBROOKMANAGING EDITOR

NEW YORK — It’s hard to resist the temptationto quote my esteemed departed colleague JoelBuchsbaum by saying “the theme of this year’sdraft was, let’s make a deal.” But it applies toowell to the 68th annual NFL player selectionmeeting, held April 26-27 at The Theater at

Madison Square Garden.Trades dominated the action — there were 23 in all (11

on the first day) — but the talk that day had to be the rare,and bizarre, pass that the Vikings were forced into after alast-minute trade failed to get reported to the NFL staff intime.

In the confusion after time elapsed on the Vikings’ No.7 pick in the first round, Jacksonville, slated to pick eighth,and Carolina, slated to pick ninth, leaped into action andhanded their draft selection cards to the league. As a result,the Jaguars’ pick of Marshall QB Byron Leftwich wasannounced as the seventh pick with the Panthers’ pick ofUtah OT Jordan Gross announced moments later.

Finally, with the crowd still buzzing, the Vikings select-ed Oklahoma State DT Kevin Williams with the ninthpick. The irony of it all is that the Vikings claimed laterthat this was the guy they wanted all along. They had beenentertaining a trade offer from the Ravens, who wanted tomove up to select Leftwich.

Remarkably, the Ravens rebounded from that disap-pointment quickly and snatched up Arizona State DE Ter-rell Suggs, a potential pass-rushing force, at No. 10. Theythen made a bold move to trade their second-round pickthis year and their first-rounder next year to the Patriots sothey could select Cal QB Kyle Boller, whom they hopewill be their quarterback of the future.

The No. 1 pick was a foregone conclusion as the Ben-gals had negotiated a deal with USC QB Carson Palmerand signed him on April 23. He signed earlier than anyother Bengals top draft pick ever, another good sign for adowntrodden franchise that has had a wonderful offseason,starting with the astute hiring of head coach Marvin Lewis.

After Palmer, the Bengals gladlygrabbed Iowa OG Eric Steinbach, afirst-round talent, at the top of the sec-ond round. They also got first-round tal-ent with their third- and fourth-roundpicks when they took a chance on Ten-nessee WR Kelley Washington, whoseability to come back following neck fusion surgery last fallwas questioned, and Oregon State CB Dennis Weathersby,who was hospitalized with a non-fatal gunshot wound lessthan a week before the draft.

The hottest player in the days leading up to the draft wasclearly Kentucky DT Dewayne Robertson, a 6-13⁄8, 317-pound space eater who has been called “Baby Sapp” forhis similarities to the Bucs’All-Pro Warren Sapp. The Jets,Patriots and Cowboys were rumored to be enamored withRobertson. The Pats, who had two first-round picks, triedfirst to move up to the Bears’ spot to pick Robertson, butthe two sides couldn’t agree to terms and the trade fellthrough.

The Jets swooped in next and completed a deal the daybefore the draft, when the Bears agreed to trade their No.4 overall pick to the Jets for New York’s two first-roundpicks — No. 13 and No. 22 — and a fourth-rounder.

As expected, the Jets picked Robertson after sweatingthrough the Lions and Texans taking the top two widereceivers on the board, Michigan State’s Charles Rogersand Miami’s Andre Johnson, respectively.

The selection of Robertson began a run on defensiveplayers that was unprecedented in NFL draft history. Arecord-tying six first-rounders were defensive tackles, and18 of the first 32 selections were defensive players — alsoa record.

The Patriots manipulated the draft better than any otherteam, trading down for multiple picks, then trading up whenthey wanted a particular player. In the process, they nettedan extra first-round pick to go along with two second-roundpicks and three fourth-rounders in 2004. That gives NewEngland great flexibility for next year’s draft too.

Buffalo may have taken the biggest gamble in the firstround when it selected Miami (Fla.) RB Willis McGaheewith the 23rd overall pick. The pick elicited great “oohs”and “aahs” when it was announced, but there’s no denyingthat if McGahee continues his miraculous comeback froma severe knee injury suffered in early January, he has thepotential to be a superstar. The fact that Buffalo could take

this chance reflects what a solid job theBills did filling holes via free agency.

The Bills were rewarded for theirrisky move when the defensive linemanthey wanted, Nebraska DE Chris Kel-say, was still around for Buffalo’s pickin the second round, 48th overall.

Another second-round pick of note was by Washington,which snatched up Florida WR Taylor Jacobs, reunitinghead coach Steve Spurrier with yet another of his formerGators.

Some quality players slipped to the third round, partic-ularly star collegiate RBs Musa Smith, Chris Brown andJustin Fargas. The final selection of the third round couldbe a steal for Tampa Bay if head coach Jon Gruden canwork his magic with Texas QB Chris Simms.

Day Two saw Seattle take a chance on Iowa State QBSeneca Wallace, arguably the best athlete in the draft, inthe fourth round. Also, several more talented runningbacks went in that round — Artose Pinner, DomanickDavis, Onterrio Smith, Quentin Griffin, Lee Suggs andLaBrandon Toefield.

Houston surprised many in the sixth round when itselected Yankees minor-leaguer Drew Henson, the formerMichigan quarterback, 192nd overall. Some draft expertspredicted Henson would have been a top-10 pick had hedeclared his intentions to play football. The Texans nowown his rights until next year’s draft and certainly willentertain trade offers if he does decide to try football.

The seventh round brought two interesting selections.The 49ers grabbed Miami (Fla.) QB Ken Dorsey, whoselack of arm strength sent him tumbling down draft boards.And with the 262nd and final selection, the Raiders tookGustavus Adolphus WR Ryan Hoag, making him thisyear’s Mr. Irrelevant.

NOTES: The first round lasted four hours, 58 minutes, whilethe entire draft took 15 hours and one minute to complete. … Ofthe 45 underclassmen who declared for this draft, 31 weredrafted — 10 in the first round, five each in the second and thirdrounds, eight in the fourth round, two in the sixth and one in theseventh. Twenty of the underclassmen selected were offensiveplayers. … For the sixth straight year, the Southeastern Confer-ence led all conferences in total number of selections. The SEChad 43 players selected this year. The Big Ten and Big 12 had35 players taken each, followed by the Pac-10 (29), Big East(23) and Atlantic Coast Conference (17).

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Deals, DLs dominate Day OneOn the scene: Terrell Suggs (leftto right), Charles Rogers, DewayneRobertson, Carson Palmer, TerenceNewman, Byron Leftwich and JimmyKennedy were invited to New York tobe part of Draft Day festivities

BRUCE L. SCHWARTZMAN

FinelineDefensive line prospectsrule 2003 draftBy JEFF REYNOLDSand NOLAN NAWROCKIASSOCIATE EDITORS

Take the 11 defensive linemendrafted in the first round out ofthis draft, and the overall talentpool looks more like a distantmirage. But as the 262 playersdrafted begin their careers,realize it will be two or three

years before it is known whether teams hit thejackpot or stockpiled fool’s gold.

For certain, this draft was not considereddeep. Most scouts believed there were 11 to14 players worth drafting in the first round. TheJets — who sent picks 13, 22 and 116 to theBears for the No. 4 pick — were sold on onlyfive. Seeing only five or six elite, blue-chipplayers on the board, New York moved up totake junior DT Dewayne Robertson from Ken-tucky. With visions of Warren Sapp dancing intheir heads, the Jets and general managerTerry Bradway would have settled fora receiver such as Charles Rogers orAndre Johnson, but clearly Robertsonwas their guy. The Saints viewed thefirst round through a similar micro-scope. New Orleans moved the 17thand 18th picks to get into Arizona’sspot, No. 6, and draft a defensive tackle of theirown. While Johnathan Sullivan was rankedfourth or even fifth at the position by someteams, the Saints had him graded closely toRobertson and wanted to pair Sullivan withformer Georgia linemate DE Charles Grant.

You have to wonder exactly what was goingthrough the mind of Rod Graves and the Car-

dinals when they moved out of thatspot. They could have taken TerrellSuggs sixth overall, filling theirneed for a defensive end. And inthe second round, Penn State WRBryant Johnson or Florida WR Taylor Jacobs

likely would have been on the board.Instead, the Cardinals reached forJohnson and Wake Forest DE CalvinPace at 17 and 18.

Behind Sullivan, teams took defen-sive linemen with six of the next ninepicks. Making one of the great value

picks of this draft, the Ravens drafted Suggs(considered a defensive end in 4-3 schemes)to play right outside linebacker in the 3-4.

Baltimore originally tried to trade with Min-nesota to move up from No. 10 and selectMarshall QB Byron Leftwich. Instead, time ranout on the Vikings and they were beaten to thepodium. The Jaguars took Leftwich, but the

Ravens were able to salvagethings in a major way, trading theirsecond-round pick and a first-round pick next year to New Eng-land to get in position to select Cal

QB Kyle Boller 19th.Boller was the third of four quarterbacks

taken in the first round. The Bengals couldn’tfind a trade partner to get out of the top spotand settled on Carson Palmer. Palmer maydevelop eventually, but he is the kind of playerwho could suffer if rushed onto the field. Left-wich is the draft’s most gifted passer and, if notfor health concerns, could have gone No. 1.Boller and Bears QB Rex Grossman (drafted22nd) are the wild cards. Boller will have agood support system in Brian Billick and MattCavanaugh and could emerge as the elitequarterback in the class of 2003. Grossman isnot NFL ready, but if he matures, he couldbecome a winning quarterback as a pro.

1. Palmer ■ 2. Rogers ■ 3. Johnson ■ 4. Robertson ■ 5. Newman ■ 6. Sullivan ■ 7. Leftwich6 PRO FOOTBALL WEEKLY ■ http://www.profootballweekly.com MAY 2003

Warren report: Jets DTDewayne Robertson gives headcoach Herman Edwards a War-ren Sapp-like presence in themiddle of his cover-2 defense

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RD PLAYER POS COLLEGE PICK

1 Willis McGahee RB Miami 232 Chris Kelsay DE Nebraska 483 Angelo Crowell LB Virginia 944 Terrence McGee CB Northwestern State 1114 Sam Aiken WR North Carolina 1275 Ben Sobieski OG Iowa 1516 Lauvale Sape DT Utah 1877 Mario Haggan LB Mississippi State 228

Another very impressive draft for TomDonahoe and Tom Modrak. First-roundpick Willis McGahee will push TravisHenry, who could be traded prior to nextyear’s draft. The Bills know better than topush McGahee, no matter how far alonghe is in his rehab. The intelligent move isto put him on the physically unable to per-

form list andbring him backat midseason, orredshirt him oninjured reservefor 2003. Don’tget us wrong,Henry is talent-ed. But SuperBowl contenderscan’t afford toworry aboutd o u b l e - d i g i tturnovers fromthe running backposition, regard-less of how pro-ductive he is,and that is exact-ly what Henrydid in 2002. DEChris Kelsay is a

legitimate pass rusher and, if healthy,could make his mark this season with DTsPat Williams and Sam Adams drawing somuch attention. The Bills can line up Kel-say and OLB Jeff Posey on opposite sidesand create a formidable edge rush. LBAngelo Crowell was ultraproductive atVirginia and adds depth to a sound LBcorps. He is physical, and his strength isplaying the run, a Bills weakness last sea-son. WR Sam Aiken is not a burner. He’llfill the role of possession receiver and ishighly motivated to succeed. Pick No. 111,CB Terrence McGee was drafted for hismeasureables and return ability. OG BenSobieski has potential but must erase dura-bility questions that emerged at Iowa. Hecould prove to be a great pick in the fifthround, as could LB Mario Haggan inRound Seven. He will play inside andcould make the team on special teams.

GRADE: A

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Miami Dolphins2003 DRAFT PICKS


2 Eddie Moore LB Tennessee 493 Wade Smith OT Memphis 783 Taylor Whitley OG Texas A&M 875 Donald Lee TE Mississippi State 1565 J.R. Tolver WR San Diego State 1696 Corey Jenkins S South Carolina 1816 Tim Provost OT San Jose State 2096 Yeremiah Bell S Eastern Kentucky 2137 Davern Williams DT Troy State 248

Drafting LB Eddie Moore, a speedy out-side guy, with their first pick was a shock-er, especially with players like Hawaii OTWayne Hunter available when the Dol-phins made the selection deep into the sec-ond round. OLBs Morlon Greenwood and

Derrick Rodgers could be moved, meaningMoore could play a big role. He’s active,productive and explosive and plays biggerthan he measures (6-0, 235). He couldn’task for a better situation with ZachThomas and Junior Seau teaching class.Like former Tennessee LB Al Wilson,Moore can lay the lumber. The Dolphinsfound converted TE Wade Smith, a playerwith great upside but little experienceagainst solid competition. He has a futureas a left tackle. He has nifty feet and canpull from his outside position. He has toget bigger and stronger, but Smith has allthe natural skills you look for. He may beable to help this season. OG Taylor Whit-ley is a bulldozer who is a nasty run block-er. TE Donald Lee is a better blocker thancurrent TE Randy McMichael and was nota major need. He could become anotherweapon in Norv Turner’s offense, whichlost Jed Weaver and could lose OrondeGadsden. WR J.R. Tolver was incrediblein a pass-happy offense, averaging almost19 yards per catch. Tolver is not unlikeJames McKnight. Corey Jenkins, a 26-year-old former quarterback, and Yeremi-ah Bell are projects who could contributeon special teams. Provost gives a teamwith a thin O-line another project. Bell is asmall, undersized defensive back wholacks top-end speed.

GRADE: C

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New England Patriots2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Ty Warren DT Texas A&M 132 Eugene Wilson CB Illinois 362 Bethel Johnson WR Texas A&M 454 Dan Klecko DT Temple 1174 Asante Samuel CB Central Florida 1205 Dan Koppen C Boston College 1646 Kliff Kingsbury QB Texas Tech 2017 Spencer Nead TE Brigham Young 2347 Tully Banta-Cain DE California 2397 Ethan Kelley DT Baylor 243

Every pick made by this club fits its sys-tem. The Patriots needed a clogger insideand first-round pick Ty Warren, backed byDan Klecko, Tully Banta-Cain and EthanKelley, answers that need. The Pats alsoreceived a 2004 first-round pick for the19th pick in the draft. Warren had injuryproblems slow him at Texas A&M. Whenhe was healthy, he was one of the bestdefensive linemen in the country, with theskills to get to the passer from the middle.He is an instant upgrade for the Patriots’porous run defense and can play on theedge in a crunch. Bill Belichick got morehelp for the defense in the second roundwith smooth, fluid CB Eugene Wilson.Wilson can also return kicks and was ratedhigher on the Patriots’ board than most. Heled the country in passes broken up in2001 and fills a need in the Patriots’ shakysecondary — RCB Otis Smith will be 38in October. WR Bethel Johnson fits themini-WR theme the Patriots have withTroy Brown and David Patten. He ran a4.37 and can stretch defenses but willstruggle to beat the jam at the line. John-son is a good blocker who doesn’t mindgetting his hands dirty, but he needs to bemotivated to reach his potential. C DanKoppen was great value. He could beNFL-ready and may help at guard. QBKliff Kingsbury was superproductive anda leader at Texas Tech. Kingsbury is simi-lar to Tom Brady in terms of his leadershipand limited athletic skills. He cannot beatyou with his arm strength. If the Pats stickto their spread offense, Kingsbury maypan out for them in the future. TE Spencer

Nead is a big body and a nice target in thered zone because of his hands. He excelledin Brigham Young’s passing offense buthas to learn how to block.

GRADE: A

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New York Jets2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Dewayne Robertson DT Kentucky 42 Victor Hobson LB Michigan 533 B.J. Askew FB Michigan 855 Derek Pagel S Iowa 1405 Matt Walters DT Miami (Fla.) 1506 Brooks Bollinger QB Wisconsin 2007 Dave Yovanovits OT Temple 237

The Jets got an immediate impact play-er with fourth overall pick DT DewayneRobertson. Often compared to WarrenSapp, Robertson will upgrade the Jets’shoddy run defense if he can make theadjustment. Herman Edwards neededmore than Josh Evans and Jason Ferguson,and now he has a potential Pro Bowl play-er. Robertson can penetrate and disruptwith his quickness and power. LB VictorHobson is big and physical. He’s a backupfor now but is a welcome injection ofyouth to an old LB corps. He’s betteragainst the run and needs to improve incoverage because he looked lost in spaceat Michigan. FB B.J. Askew is similar toRichie Anderson, who went to Dallas infree agency. Askew is a better runner and apoor blocker. He lacks the speed to be afeatured back and is similar to Bears RBAnthony Thomas. S Derek Pagel fromIowa is a lot like another former walk-on,

Jon McGraw, but is probably stronger.Pagel loves to play near the line of scrim-mage. DE Matt Walters wasn’t a standoutat Miami (Fla.). He is a relentless workerwho knows the game. He may be teamedwith Robertson inside. Brooks Bollinger isan intelligent quarterback with goodmobility. He is a high-percentage passerwho many scouts believe can be an NFLstarter down the road. The Jets found OTDave Yovanovits in the ever-popular Tem-ple program. The Jets’ front office saidwide receiver wasn’t a need despite losingLaveranues Coles. The team believes WRCurtis Conway is good enough.

GRADE: B

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Baltimore Ravens2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Terrell Suggs LB Arizona State 101 Kyle Boller QB California 193 Musa Smith RB Georgia 774 Jarret Johnson DE Alabama 1094 Ovie Mughelli FB Wake Forest 1345 Aubrayo Franklin DT-NT Tennessee 1465 Tony Pashos OT Illinois 1736 Gerome Sapp S Notre Dame 1827 Trent Smith TE Oklahoma 2237 Mike Mabry C Central Florida 2507 Antwoine Sanders S Utah 258

The Ravens’ draft was head and shoul-ders above the rest. General manager OzzieNewsome made shrewd moves up top,securing two of the top 10 players on their


8. Gross ■ 9. Williams ■ 10. Suggs ■ 11. Trufant ■ 12. Kennedy ■ 13. Warren ■ 14. Haynes

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Baltimore bargain: Terrell Suggs could prove to be a steal for the Ravens, who drafted him No. 10

Knocked need:Some scouts ques-tions the Bills’ selec-tion of Willis McGahee

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board in OLB-DE Terrell Suggs and QBKyle Boller. Yes, they gave up their first-round pick in 2004, but many feel Bollercould prove to be one of the stars of thisdraft. The Ravens have lacked depthbehind RB Jamal Lewis for the last twoyears. That won’t happen again. Not ifthird-round pick Musa Smith, an earlyentry, can stay healthy and avoid furtherneck and back injuries. He’s a no-nonsensenorth-south runner and has a lot of similar-ities to Lewis. Safeties Antwoine Sanders(seventh round) and Gerome Sapp (sixth)were also bargains. Tony Pashos isn’tquick, but he is powerful and has the meanstreak to be an NFL right tackle. TheRavens are counting on Orlando Brown atthat position, but he hasn’t played footballin three years. Like Pashos, fifth-roundpick Aubrayo Franklin may help some thisseason. Franklin has the size and quicknessto earn time at nose tackle and was a blue-chip linebacker coming out of high school.FB Ovie Mughelli will start and lead theway for Lewis this season. Mughelli is apure fullback who can improve as a receiv-er but blocks like his lunch depends on itand is superior to last year’s starter, AlanRicard.

GRADE: A-plus

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Cincinnati Bengals2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Carson Palmer QB USC 12 Eric Steinbach OG-OT Iowa 333 Kelley Washington WR Tennessee 654 Dennis Weathersby CB Oregon State 984 Jeremi Johnson FB Western Kentucky 1185 Khalid Abdullah LB Mars Hill (N.C.) 1366 Langston Moore DT South Carolina 1747 Scott Kooistra OT North Carolina State 2157 Elton Patterson DE Central Florida 259

Pinch yourself, because you’re about toread unabashed praise of the Bengals, whohad a truly great draft. The team benefittedfrom head coach Marvin Lewis and per-sonnel man Bill Tobin having say on DraftDay. QB Carson Palmer needs time togrow, but he could be a very good quarter-back. Unlike most top-pick quarterbacks,Palmer has a decent offensive line, anestablished running game and talentedreceivers. OG-OT Eric Steinbach fell outof the first round, and the Bengals couldn’tpass him up. Steinbach had been projectedto offensive tackle, though Cincinnati is


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Bengals’ selections show legitimate signs of team’s progresshese are strange times we live in. As come-dian Chris Rock recently pointed out, thebest golfer is black, the best rapper is white,the French are accusing the Americans of

being arrogant, and — adding my own contribu-tion — the Bengals are starting to resemble alegitimate NFL franchise.

The NFL draft convinced me of this.I really liked the hiring of Marvin Lewis. I saw

what they did in free agency and was mildlyimpressed. I even lauded the fact that theynamed QB Jon Kitna the starter for now so as totake the pressure off of Carson Palmer. But I wasnot fully convinced that things were going in theright direction for the star-crossed franchise untilI saw what went down in New York.

Sure, the Bengals’ draft starts with Palmer, thefirst overall pick, and will ultimately be judged onhis success. But the second-, third- and fourth-round picks are the ones that sealed the deal.Selecting Iowa OG Eric Steinbach, TennesseeWR Kelley Washington and Oregon State CBDennis Weathersby was what convinced me thatthis team understands where it is and where itneeds to be.

This was not a deep draft according to mosttalent evaulators. It was not a draft where youcould have afforded to pick purely based on needand ignore your value chart. This year you tookthe best players on your board. The Bengals real-ized this and picked accordingly.

Cincinnati had more pressing needs on thedefensive line and in the secondary early butwent with Steinbach and Washington — two play-ers rated as first-rounders on their board — whohad slipped for whatever reason. Lewis, thedefensive-minded coach, spent his first threepicks on offense despite the urge to upgrade adefense that allowed a league-high 456 points in2002. He went according to the board — anothersign the team is working in unison.

Finally, the Bengals were in harmony on DraftDay.

The talk leading up to the draft was that Lewisdid not want to take Palmer No. 1. He was look-ing hard at his top two defensive prospects, CBTerence Newman and DE Terrell Suggs, as alter-natives. It was thought that Palmer was the pref-erence of owner Mike Brown. But Palmer was the pick; per-haps it was the shadows of doubt cast by Suggs’ poor pre-draft workouts or Newman’s medical concerns, but Lewisbecame convinced at some point that Palmer was the rightman and signed off on the pick.

All the “new era” talk that came out of Palmer’s first pressconference as a Bengal suddenly meant something. It wasn’tjust standard, empty press-conference drivel — it actuallymeant something with evidence to back it up. Strange days inCincy.

Sure, the front office and coaches, having secured their QBof the future a few days earlier, had ample time to coachPalmer with the new club mantra, but this was no snow job.

Signing Palmer before the draft also gave the team a leg upon its strategy: By sealing the deal ahead of time, the atten-tion moved to who might be available at the tops of rounds 2-7. Smart move.

Palmer had to be thrilled with the Steinbach and Washing-ton picks. Steinbach does not fill a glaring need, but he is aready-made guard (or center) who should come right in andmake an impact. And Washington, provided his surgicallyrepaired neck is tip top, adds a new weapon to a potentiallyscary collection of pass catchers.

The Weathersby pick at the top of Round Four was not justthe team throwing Lewis a bone. Weathersby was projectedas a first-round possibility (and no later than the second)before suffering a gunshot wound on Easter Sunday. Under-standably, teams were scared about drafting the Oregon Statecorner, but the Bengals’ staff felt good enough about its evalu-ation to make him a potential steal on Day Two.

So with the first four picks, they walked away with four play-

ers who will not only start very soon but who atone time held first-round grades. Throw in thesecond fourth-rounder, FB Jeremi Johnson — a266-pound bulldozer who might start this season— and their fifth-round project, LB Khalid Abdul-lah, who has huge upside, and that’s a heck of adraft.

The shrewd picks and surprising patience theyhave shown were for years the antithesis of whatthe Bengals have done in the offseason — andthe reason why they own a 55-137 reccord withno postseason berths under Brown. Now all of asudden they are becoming a team of intrigue.

And Brown, who has been roasted, blastedand burned in effigy in more ways than the DixieChicks, deserves a lot of the recent credit for thechange. He hired Lewis quickly. He allowed theteam to spend on the free-agent market — notfreely but wisely. And for the draft, he got moreinput from the personnel folks, including the well-respected Bill Tobin, a scouting consultant. Most-ly, he backed off.

There is no doubt that Brown is still the CEOof this team and that he holds last say overmajor decisions. But after a dozen years of fail-ure, he has done his team and city a favor byentrusting good NFL people to make good NFLdecisions.

Progress, from top to bottom.

CORNERING THE MARKETLast year, when the Eagles selected defensive

backs with their first three picks, they were calledstupid by some because the team possessedone of the best secondaries in the league. Thisyear, after the Chargers took three straight DBsto open the draft, they were called desperate.

Not so, if you believe Marty Schottenheimer.The coach was handcuffed so often with lastyear’s porous secondary that he had to use thecover-2 scheme — to mask their shortcomingsand lack of speed — far too often: about a thirdof the time.

No longer. CBs Sammy Davis and Drayton Flo-rence both ran in the 4.4 range at the Combineand will make a nice trio with CB Quentin Jam-mer for years to come; second-round S TerrenceKiel will be in the rotation as well.

What deceased Chargers general manager John Butlerrealized, and what many other GMs are just starting to get, isthat you need three quality cornerbacks these days. So youcan understand the reasoning behind new GM A.J. Smith fol-lowing Butler’s posthumous model in his first draft in charge.

TEXANS GAMBLE ON HENSONAmong the more intriguing picks in the draft was the sixth-

rounder Houston spent on current New York Yankees flop andformer Michigan QB Drew Henson. This was just a year afterthe team spent its inaugural No. 1 pick on David Carr and justthree rounds after it grabbed QB Dave Ragone.

The irony is that had Henson stuck with football, it’s possi-ble that he, not Carr, might have been the Texans’ No. 1 picklast year. Scouts drooled over Henson’s raw ability and hisbazooka of an arm. He has a prototype body — 6-3 and 225pounds — and many NFL scouts still feel he has a real futurein football if he ever gives up on baseball. (At presstime, hewas hitting below .200 and averaging a strikeout every threeat-bats in Class AAA.)

Henson’s agent repeatedly said before the draft that hisclient was not — repeat, not — going to play football, andthus no NFL team should waste a draft pick on him. Althoughthey have myriad needs all over the field, the Texans’ pick ofHenson could end up being a brilliant stroke. The hope is thatHenson gives up his baseball dream and Houston can tradehim before next year’s draft — considered to be extremelyshort of quarterbacks except for Ole Miss’ Eli Manning — to ateam in need. If they don’t trade him before next year’s draft,they lose his rights. The asking price next year (a high sec-ond-round pick?) could be well worth the investment.

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‘New era’ Bengals:(Top to bottom) Eric Stein-bach, Kelley Washingtonand Dennis Weathersby

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15. McDougle ■ 16. Polamalu ■ 17. Johnson ■ 18. Pace ■ 19. Boller ■ 20. Foster ■ 21. Faine(Continued from Page 7)

Pocket change: Carson Palmer is the futureat quarterback in Cincinnati

likely to use him inside until Willie Ander-son loses a step. Steinbach is versatile andhas the athleticism of a tight end. WR Kel-ley Washington is 26 and has characterconcerns, but he could easily be the No. 2receiver opposite Chad Johnson with PeterWarrick in the slot. He has the size andspeed to make a difference. CB DennisWeathersby was shot in the back one weekbefore the draft, but he will be contact-ready in six weeks. The first pick in thefourth round, Weathersby has size andspeed to be a No. 1 cornerback. LB KhalidAbdullah and FB Jeremi Johnson aresleepers who need time. Johnson is a loadat fullback. Abdullah is athletic, blessedwith pass-rush skills, but was productiveagainst very average competition. NTLangston Moore could be good in rotationon running downs. OT Scott Kooistra (big,raw) and DE Elton Patterson (hard workerwith improving size but not explosive)could develop with time.

GRADE: A-plus

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Cleveland Browns2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Jeff Faine C Notre Dame 212 Chaun Thompson LB West Texas A&M 523 Chris Crocker S Marshall 844 Lee Suggs RB Virginia Tech 1155 Ryan Pontbriand C-LS Rice 1425 Michael Lehan CB Minnesota 1526 Antonio Garay DT Boston College 195

The Browns addressed an immediateneed with first-round pick C Jeff Faine ofNotre Dame, who replaces DaveWohlabaugh, a free-agent refugee wholanded in St. Louis. Though centers rarelygo this high, Faine is superathletic andcould be an All-Pro three years down theroad. They added LB Chaun Thompson,another specimen, and DB Chris Crockerfrom Marshall on the first day. Thompsoncould emerge and will have a chance tostart on a team with little polish at the posi-tion. His athleticism sets him apart, and hecould replace Jamir Miller or DwayneRudd. Crocker was the best cornerbackMarshall had but played safety. Clevelandtook the risk on RB Lee Suggs, who hashad knee and shoulder injuries, to backupWilliam Green. Suggs is a gifted goal-linerunner with above-average straight-linespeed. Many teams wouldn’t take a risk onSuggs because of a torn rotator cuff, thelatest in a rash of injuries. Cleveland gotexcellent value late with CB Mike Lehanand DL Antonio Garay. Lehan might bebest suited to add weight and move to safe-ty, though his tackling shortcomings makethat switch a concern. Garay was a forcewhen he played next to Chris Hovan in col-lege. If Garay can stay healthy, he willprove to be a good risk because he is capa-ble of dominating. The Browns drafted LSRyan Pontbriand in the fifth round.

GRADE: B

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Pittsburgh Steelers2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Troy Polamalu S USC 162 Alonzo Jackson DE Florida State 594 Ivan Taylor CB Louisiana Lafayette 1255 Brian St. Pierre QB Boston College 1637 J.T. Wall FB Georgia 242

Pittsburgh nabbed the player they feltwas the best overall defensive back in thedraft, S Troy Polamalu. The Steelers needswere in the secondary, and Polamalu is a

throwback who covers well and can comeup and make plays in the box. He remindsscouts of Brian Dawkins. DE-OLB AlonzoJackson is too weak to be a defensive end,but he could explode as an outside line-backer. He is underdeveloped physicallyand lacks the upper-body strength to be onthe field right now, but his wingspan andbuild remind some of Simeon Rice. Hecould begin his career as a third-down passrusher. CB Ivan Taylor was highly toutedbecause of his measureables and could bea nice nickel back. He’s sudden, quick andcapable of being a return man, butextremely raw, having moved from run-ning back late in his college career. QBBrian St. Pierre has good size and enougharm strength to make it. He doesn’t standout, but he manages games and has moregoing for him than players like Matt Has-selbeck coming out of Boston College. FBJ.T. Wall is a hard-working fullback whofits in well behind Dan Kreider. He’sunselfish and simply wants to be on thefield, the kind of guy who endears himselfto head coach Bill Cowher. He’ll be hardto get rid of.

GRADE: B

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Houston Texans2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Andre Johnson WR Miami (Fla.) 32 Bennie Joppru TE Michigan 413 Antwan Peek LB Cincinnati 673 Seth Wand OT NW Missouri State 753 Dave Ragone QB Louisville 884 Domanick Davis RB LSU 1016 Drew Henson QB Michigan 1926 Keith Wright DT Missouri 2147 Curry Burns S Louisville 2177 Chance Pearce C Texas A&M 233

Houston started strong with WR AndreJohnson, who is a physical specimen withworld-class sprinter’s speed. He instantlybecomes QB David Carr’s top target. Hewas a man among boys in college butwon’t dominate immediately. He’s an ath-

lete in the Terrell Owens mold, but hisintelligence could be a problem in ChrisPalmer’s offense. TE Bennie Joppru is agreat pass-catching tight end without deepspeed. He’ll help in the red zone and intwo-TE sets because he has exceptionalhands. TE Billy Miller will stretch theseam, but Joppru could challenge for thestarting job because he’s a more completeplayer. He made a big impression on theTexans’ coaching staff at the Senior Bowl.OLB Antwan Peek can fly and may fill therole of Jeff Posey (Bills), who departed infree agency. Peek will need time to learnthis complex defense, but his potential wasworth a third-round pick. OT Seth Wand isa giant, but he’s a raw I-AA product whoneeds a good teacher. He should spend asmuch time with Tony Boselli as he can andrefine his technique. The Texans went wildfor quarterbacks, drafting Dave Ragoneand Drew Henson. Ragone is a greatleader and could blossom under Palmer,who praised Ragone’s leadership andtoughness at the Senior Bowl. Strugglingwith the Yankees at the triple-A level, Hen-son could have trade potential if he returnsto football. RB Domanick Davis, anotherfind at the Mobile all-star game, is a solidbetween-the-tackles runner who gives theteam a change-of-pace back. DT KeithWright could have a tough time winning aroster spot. DB Curry Burns, drafted inRound Seven, was a value pick, and LSChance Pearce is very good.

GRADE: B-minus

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Indianapolis Colts2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Dallas Clark TE Iowa 242 Mike Doss S Ohio State 583 Donald Strickland CB Colorado 904 Steve Sciullo OT Marshall 1225 Robert Mathis LB Alabama A&M 1385 Keyon Whiteside LB Tennessee 1626 Cato June S Michigan 1986 Makoa Freitas OT Arizona 208

Indianapolis surprised some by taking atight end, a position offensive coordinator

Tom Moore must have been lobbying forin the first round. With Ken Dilger gone,junior TE Dallas Clark will allow theColts to go back to the two-TE offense theteam scrapped when Ken Dilger signedwith Tampa Bay last year. The Coltsaddressed their poor secondary with aphysical safety and a cornerback on DayOne. SS Mike Doss lacks great size andneeds to improve in coverage. TonyDungy was drawn to his instincts and abil-ity to support against the run. CB DonaldStrickland is also small, but he has a heartthe size of the RCA Dome. He’s tough andscrappy. OG-OT Steve Sciullo and OTMakoa Freitas may provide needed depth,but neither player is a sure thing. Freitascan play guard or tackle and has NFLbloodlines. He could use more bulk butmoves and runs well. If his techniqueimproves, to go with his impressive work-out numbers, Freitas has starter potential.Sciullo was a fine player at Marshall butlooked average against elite competitionat the Senior Bowl. OLB Robert Mathis ofAlabama A&M may have been a surprisein Round Five, but he has the quicknessand tackling skills to stand out in thecover-2. OLB Keyon Whiteside and CatoJune, who could move to outside ’backer,improve the team’s defensive speed.

GRADE: B-plus

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Jacksonville Jaguars2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Byron Leftwich QB Marshall 72 Rashean Mathis DB Bethune-Cookman 393 Vincent Manuwai OG Hawaii 724 George Wrighster TE Oregon 1044 LaBrandon Toefield RB LSU 1326 Brandon Green DE Rice 1766 David Young S Georgia Southern 1796 Marques Ogden OT Howard 1937 Malaefou MacKenzie RB USC 218

Last year’s QB project, David Garrard,can’t be happy, but the Jags will be. QBByron Leftwich was the team’s first-roundpick. He will have at least one year to learnBill Musgrave’s version of the West Coastoffense. His struggles may be accentuatedby the fact he played in a primarily shotgunoffense at Marshall, but he is better undercenter than he was six months ago. Left-wich looks like an offensive lineman withhis shirt off. DB Rashean Mathis is versa-tile and speedy. He’s probably going toplay cornerback but is capable of lining upagainst slot receivers and playing safetybecause of his size and zone skills. Vince



22. Grossman ■ 23. McGahee ■ 24. Clark ■ 25. Joseph ■ 26. Harris

Hands team: TE Dallas Clark joins Marcus Pol-lard and Marvin Harrison in Indy

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Overdrive: WR Andre Johnson is expected to help QB David Carr rev up the Texans’ offense

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Manuwai could challenge Daryl Terrell forthe starting job at left guard, where ZachWiegert left a vacancy upon his departurefor the Texans. Manuwai is versed in passprotection but can improve as a run block-er, where bulk and leg drive aren’t prob-lems. TE Kyle Brady could be gone withthe addition of junior TE George Wrigh-ster, an athletic pass catcher with goodhands. Stacey Mack left, making ElvisJoseph the team’s No. 2 back. RB LaBran-don Toefield has been snake-bitten withinjuries. If healthy, he could be the manbehind Fred Taylor. Toefield is a cutbackrunner with great vision, very similar toTaylor. DE Brandon cannot play everydown unless he gets a lot bigger. SS DavidYoung is a hard hitter with good size andstrength. He’s probably going to be limitedto special teams this season. OT MarquesOgden is a heady player and the brother ofJonathan Ogden, who was drafted by Jack-sonville’s new personnel man James Harrisin Baltimore. Marques may project to cen-ter. Pass-catching FB Malaefou MacKen-zie has potential and figures in behindMarc Edwards. He must become disci-plined and work on his blocking. The big,thick back has health questions.

GRADE: B-plus

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Tennessee Titans2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Andre Woolfolk CB Oklahoma 282 Tyrone Calico WR Middle Tennessee State 603 Chris Brown RB Colorado 934 Rien Long DT Washington State 1265 Donnie Nickey S Ohio State 1547 Todd Williams OG Florida State 225

The Titans had a need at cornerbackwith nickel back Donald Mitchell gone toDallas. They took CB Andre Woolfolk inthe first round. He’s an athlete who isn’tversed at the position yet, and some teamsconsidered him a wide receiver playing the

position. However, most scouts thinkWoolfolk could pan out in time. In-stateproduct Tyrone Calico is a naturally giftedreceiver, but physical play is not his forte.A real burner with great size, Calico dis-played alligator arms at the Senior Bowland needs to toughen up. But if he getstougher and generally more aggressive, hecould be brilliant. Facing Tank Williamsand Lance Schulters every day shouldhelp. RB Chris Brown has a lot of EddieGeorge in him — size and running style.Brown must learn how to run lower andprotect himself upon contact. Like George,he was productive in college and hasabove-average speed. He’s best betweenthe tackles but prone to injury and fumblesbecause of the way he runs. Regular meet-ings with NFL linebackers could inspireBrown to change his running style. DTRien Long was good value at the top ofRound Four. Like DT AlbertHaynesworth, who slipped in the firstround last year, Long may have been over-rated and slipped because of characterconcerns. He is quick at 6-6 and moveswell, especially laterally. He adds depthinside with Henry Ford and John Thorntonout of the picture. S Donnie Nickey is abig safety who was overshadowed byMike Doss at Ohio State. He’ll playbehind Schulters and Williams and fits inbecause he’s physical. OG Todd Williamshad a lot of help on Florida State’s offen-sive line. He is an average overall blockerbut adds needed depth inside.

GRADE: B-plus

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Denver Broncos2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 George Foster OT Georgia 202 Terry Pierce LB Kansas State 514 Quentin Griffin RB Oklahoma 1084 Nick Eason DT Clemson 1144 Bryant McNeal DE Clemson 1285 Ben Claxton C Mississippi 1575 Adrian Madise WR Texas Christian 1586 Aaron Hunt DE Texas Tech 1947 Clint Mitchell DE Florida 2277 Ahmaad Galloway RB Alabama 235

Denver was in need of an anchor on theleft side of the line and landed OT GeorgeFoster with the 20th pick in the draft. Oth-ers may have more upside, but Fostercomes with his share of promise. MLBTerry Pierce, a junior, is active and physi-cal. He didn’t test well but can make a dif-ference for the Broncos. RB Quentin Grif-fin was successful in a spread offense. Hiscutback style may work in Denver despitehis lack of size. He changes directions welland may be capable helping out as a returnman. The team also had to get quicker onthe edge defensively, and drafted threedefensive ends on Day Two, in addition toDT Nick Eason. Eason looks like a bodybuilder and will push for playing timebehind DTs Daryl Gardener and LionalDalton. Bryant McNeal is a pass-rush spe-cialist with initial quickness but needsmore weight to hold up at the next level.He reminds some of Lorenzo Bromell.Mitchell, a 6-7 junior, has upside andquickness but is too thin and narrow-framed right now. DE Aaron Hunt leftTexas Tech as the school’s all-time sackleader, but he’s a one-trick pony who isstill green. C Ben Claxton is an over-achiever with high character, but he is nota starter right now. Claxton is marginalathletically and gets his feet tied up but

makes up for his shortcomings withsmarts. He can play on the move, which iswhy he may fit in Denver. TCU’s AdrianMadise adds depth at receiver and couldreturn punts. Ahmaad Galloway joins anoverstocked stable of running backs.

GRADE: B

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Kansas City Chiefs2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Larry Johnson RB Penn State 272 Kawika Mitchell LB South Florida 473 Julian Battle CB Tennessee 924 Brett Williams OT Florida State 1135 Jordan Black OT Notre Dame 1536 Jimmy Wilkerson DE Oklahoma 1897 Montique Sharpe DT Wake Forest 2307 Willie Pile S Virginia Tech 252

The Chiefs got the player they wanted inthe first round in RB Larry Johnson, asecurity blanket in case RB Priest Holmes’hip injury doesn’t fully heal. Johnson isblessed with great size and speed. He has aburst to hit the hole and is an improvingreceiver. LB Kawika Mitchell is speedyand a perfect fit for this scheme. He is pro-ductive and left South Florida as the all-time leading tackler. He is versatileenough to play any of the three LB posi-tions, a boost for a defense in dire need ofmore speed. S Julian Battle is gifted ath-letically but is not a hard worker. Someteams see him as a cornerback, but he canrun and hit, with the potential to be animpact safety. Kansas City added depth toits talented, veteran offensive line on DayTwo, bringing in OT Brett Williams andOT-OG Jordan Black. Both could havebeen taken higher. Williams is technicallysound but could be moved inside becausehe has shorter arms. He will benefit great-

ly learning from Willie Roaf and WillShields, two of the best offensive linemenin the game. Black is not a pure athlete buthas the size and frame to be an offensivetackle. He gets off the ball quickly but canbe clumsy. Vonnie Holliday signed in freeagency, but junior DE-DT Jimmy Wilker-son provides a safety net at defensive endand a player who could be a future starter.Wilkerson is a lot like Holliday in that he’sbig enough to play every down but is not agifted pass rusher despite a decent burstoff the line. He could have used anotheryear in school to improve his strength. DTMontique Sharpe is an undersized interiorlineman. S Willie Pile has the measure-ables and aggressiveness but is a liabilityin coverage.

GRADE: B

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Oakland Raiders2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Nnamdi Asomugha CB California 311 Tyler Brayton DE Colorado 322 Teyo Johnson WR Stanford 633 Sam Williams LB Fresno State 833 Justin Fargas RB USC 964 Shurron Pierson DE South Florida 1295 Doug Gabriel WR Central Florida 1676 Dustin Rykert OT BYU 2047 Jeremy "Siddeeq" Shabazz S New Mexico State 2467 Ryan Hoag WR Gustavus Adolphus 262

Three years down the road, the Raiderscould easily be the winners of this draft.On the other hand, with so many risk-reward picks, it could prove to be a disas-ter. Oakland took athletes with great mea-surables and potential. The team canafford to develop young players behindtheir packed cast of veterans. First-roundpicks CB Nnamdi Asomugha and DE


27. Johnson ■ 28. Woolfolk ■ 29. Barnett ■ 30. Davis ■ 31. Asomugha

Right on: QB Byron Leftwich was the secondquarterback selected, taken seventh overall

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No Name? Nnamdi Asomugha was lesser-known, but he has the size and speed to succeed

(Continued from Page 9)

Tyler Brayton are workout warriors. Aso-mugha could be a third cornerback andstart at safety because he’s 6-2, but he runsin the 4.4s. WR-TE Teyo Johnson cameout too early, but has potential as a tightend or H-back because he is 6-7 and ath-letic. LB Sam Williams may be moved todefensive end. He has good timed speedand upper-body strength. RB Justin Fargaswill be a return man unless injury strikesCharlie Garner. Fargas had a solid finalfour games of the season and helped him-self at the Senior Bowl and Scouting Com-bine. DE Shurron Pierson is another explo-sive player with as much potential as anyplayer in the draft. WR Doug Gabriel is abig receiver who can also return and couldmake this team as a fifth receiver. OTDustin Rykert has upside, especially con-sidering he was the 204th pick in the draft.S Jeremy “Siddeeq” Shabazz is similar toAsomugha, though he’ll be used inside.And don’t count out Mr. Irrelevant, WRRyan Hoag. Hoag is raw, but he is a dili-gent worker with good timed speed andmeasurables.

GRADE: B

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San Diego Chargers2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Sammy Davis CB Texas A&M 302 Drayton Florence CB Tuskegee 462 Terrence Kiel S Texas A&M 623 Courtney Van Buren OT Arkansas-Pine Bluff 804 Matt Wilhelm LB Ohio State 1125 Mike Scifres P Western Illinois 1496 Hanik Milligan S Houston 1887 Andrew Pinnock FB South Carolina 229

It seems as if it was all secondary, all thetime for the Chargers, who ranked 32nd inthe NFL in pass defense in 2002. CBSammy Davis is a lot like last year’s first-round pick, Quentin Jammer, in that he’sphysical and aggressive. He’s a bump cor-ner who will attack you every snap and hasthe instincts to make big plays. His formersecondary mate at Texas A&M, S TerrenceKiel, is a pure, fluid athlete who can playin the box and will challenge for the start-ing spot at free safety. He knocks the snotout of opponents when he reads the playcorrectly. CB Drayton Florence openedsome eyes at the Senior Bowl with his

great speed and hands. He will strugglewith bigger receivers, a problem whenDenver and Oakland come to town. Theteam needed an offensive lineman, and aswas the case with John Butler, new gener-al manager A.J. Smith went for a small-school product in Arkansas-Pine Bluff’sCourtney Van Buren. Other teams willconsider this pick a reach, but Van Buren is6-6, 350, and moves well for a man hissize. He’ll need time, but OL coach Hud-son Houck gets the most out of his playersand is the perfect teacher. LB Matt Wil-helm is stiff but athletic for a player hissize. When he plays compact, he has fewother flaws. He’s the kind of worker headcoach and former linebacker Marty Schot-tenheimer loves. Wilhelm plays too tightbut is similar to Ben Leber. The first kick-er selected in the draft was Western IllinoisP Mike Scifres, who went in the fifthround. Scifres has a good leg and can kickdirectionally. S Hanik Milligan is a lights-out tackler who cannot cover. Like Kiel,Milligan will challenge for time this year.FB Andrew Pinnock can back up bothLorenzo Neal at fullback and LaDainianTomlinson at running back. He’s athletic

and runs hard with the ability to produce inshort-yardage situations.

GRADE: B

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Dallas Cowboys2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Terence Newman CB Kansas State 52 Al Johnson C Wisconsin 383 Jason Witten TE Tennessee 694 Bradie James LB LSU 1036 B.J. Tucker CB Wisconsin 1786 Zuriel Smith WR Hampton (Va.) 1867 Justin Bates OG Colorado 219

The Cowboys filled needs in the firstthree rounds. CB Terence Newman is thethe shutdown corner this team lacked. Hewill start and give Dallas a potential-packed secondary, paired with S RoyWilliams. Grabbing C Al Johnson inRound Two was a solid pick and findingJason Witten, ranked the top tight end by


32. Brayton ■ 33. Steinbach ■ 34. Bailey ■ 35. Tillman ■ 36. Wilson ■ 37. Stinchcomb

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MISSED BY MANY:

Without Joel, draft weekend was incompletehe NFL’s 68th annual selection meeting went onas scheduled April 26-27 in New York City.ESPN televised both days live. Hundreds of fanswaited hours in the rain before they were let in

to pack themselves into the seats in the balcony atthe Theater at Madison Square Garden. There weretons of trades — 24 in two days of action. There wasa rare pass by the Vikings that dropped them downtwo spots. Willis McGahee cried when he was select-ed by the Bills in the first round only 16 weeks afterseriously injuring his knee. The Jets traded up to grabDT Dewayne Robertson, an underclassman, fourthoverall. And the Patriots zoomed up and down thedraft board, piling up quality players and extra picks.

Somewhere Joel Buchsbaum was smiling.I just wish I could have seen it for myself. But I

guess God had a greater plan in mind for PFW’s high-ly respected personnel expert when He took Joel fromthis earth at the young age of 48.

You see, my first NFL draft was supposed to be somuch more than it was. Don’t get me wrong, I had agreat time experiencing the media event that the drafthas become. Being there among the other nationalmedia and amongst the fans as each team tookanother step into its future was truly memorable. Ithink it’s safe to say the NFL draft has become thebiggest offseason event in the national sports scene.

And I will never forget the view of the concrete jun-gle that is New York City from the 86th-floor observa-tion deck of the Empire State Building.

But, truth be told, the main reason why I was look-ing forward to covering the draft for PFW was thechance to see Joel in his element at the event that heloved so much and cared so deeply about.

“It’s almost impossible to think about this wholeprocess without him,” NFL.com writer and ex-Jetsassistant player personnel director Pat Kirwan saidlate on the first day of the draft. “He was a big part ofbringing (the draft) public and turning it into an event.He’ll probably never get the credit for making it theevent it’s become, but I think he was one of the firstguys that club executives felt comfortable endorsing.

“There are plenty of other people who make waymore money than Joel made — who pass the eyeballtest and all those things. But this guy was about sub-stance. Guys I know who are very private, who don’tshare their opinion on things, who would never really

give much credit to an outsider, would say, ‘Joelknows what he’s doing. Joel knows.’ ”

When the Jets traded up, outmaneuvering Dallasand New England, among others, to select KentuckyDT Dewayne Robertson with the fourth overall pick, Icouldn’t help but think back to December whenRobertson declared himself eligible for the draft. I real-ly didn’t know much about the junior run-stuffer fromKentucky, but Joel knew. He was fully aware ofRobertson’s talent and his potential, saying that hewas one of the top two or three defensive tackles inthe country. As soon as the Jets picked Robertson, Iimagined Joel praising them for getting such a promis-ing player.

“I remember when Robertson came out, (Joel) toldme that he was a top-10 pick, that he’d give the draftmore depth at defensive tackle,” Patriots head coachBill Belichick recalled. “All during the spring, Joel wassomeone I would talk to two or three times a week —about workouts or different guys that I had just seenand what he thought of them. Maybe questions abouthow he wrote about them in his book (PFW’s ProProspects Preview or PFW’s Draft Preview Guide).

“It’s funny, we went back to his fall ratings onEugene Wilson (the Pats selected the Illinois corner-back in the second round, 36th overall) and he hadhim as his second-rated corner. It’s pretty funny howJoel had this guy rated last year as the No. 2 cornerand there he was the No. 2 corner behind (KansasState’s Terence) Newman on our board. So, I thinkonce again we saw things the same way.”

Belichick and Buchsbaum had a close friendship foryears and considered each other dear friends. I hadonly gotten to know Joel in the last three months ofhis life, talking daily on the phone whenever Joel hadan idea to offer or a request to make or analyses onthe day’s events in the world of football. Believe it ornot, the coach and I have something in common —neither of us ever met Joel in person.

The NFL’s Senior Director of Player Personnel/Foot-ball Operations Joel Bussert, who had a catbird seatright in front of the stage for the entire draft, was oneof the lucky ones. He got to see Joel every April.

“This was the one time of year when I would seeJoel. He’d visit with us for a couple minutes whenthere was a lull — you know, late in the second roundor something like that,” Bussert said. “I’d talk to him

periodically throughout the year but this was the oneday I’d actually see him in person. I suppose he hadthe same excitement anybody who’s interested in thedraft has, but probably more than most of us.”

It was that enthusiasm for his work, and particularlythe draft, that endeared him to so many peoplethroughout the football world. He was one of kind, nodoubt, and his passion for football was unequaled. Hewatched more tape than anyone. He had a keenlytrained scout’s eye for talent. And once he hadprocessed all the information at his disposal andformed an opinion, he stuck to his guns.

“I talked to (Joel) every year. (This year) I foundother people to talk to, but I miss him a lot becausewe used to talk back and forth and exchange ideas,”Sports Illustrated senior writer Paul Zimmerman said.“I think a lot of my thinking crystallized listening toJoel because he was so knowledgeable and incisiveand opinionated. He went his own way; he didn’t bowto public opinion. He had his own opinions and I liketo pride myself that I do too, so we used to have argu-ments. But it was a good give and take. There aren’ttoo many other guys you can have that relationshipwith.”

There was talk among some members of the media— New Orleans Times-Picayune writer Brian Allee-Walsh, in particular — who called for the NFL to havea moment of silence for Joel at this year’s draft. Butthat didn’t happen, and I’m pretty sure Joel would’veobjected to such a thing since it would’ve taken thefocus away from the players and the draft.

Each year Joel was invigorated to study and ana-lyze the next crop of draft-eligible players. He lovedtelling us about that unheralded quarterback fromSouthern Miss. Or discovering that little-known quar-terback from Morehead State.

“There were draftniks before Joel, but I alwaysthought the one thing that Joel did that was a little dif-ferent than anybody that preceded him was that hemade the draft a 365-day-a-year thing. He had peoplethinking about it throughout the year,” Bussert said.“He’d write about it constantly in Pro Football Weekly,he had the Pro Prospects Preview in the fall and hisdraft guide in the spring. Plus, you had the radioshows and that all helped make the draft bigger andbigger and bigger.”

Bigger yes, but never the same.

MIKE HOLBROOK

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some scouts, in the third round wasimpressive. Witten has the ability to startimmediately. He was a weapon on thirddowns for Tennessee and is a welcomeaddition for young QB Chad Hutchinson,who needs a safety valve and go-to receiv-er. LB Bradie James could replace OLBKevin Hardy, who signed with Cincinnati,but is more likely to be a brute on specialteams this season. The last three picks ofthe Cowboys were average, though theydid pick up return specialist and third-down back Aveion Cason from the Lionsin a draft-day trade. CB B.J. Tucker is ablazer and gets knocked for being a trackguy playing football, but he is tougher thanyou expect. WR Zuriel Smith has a chanceto stick if he contributes on special teams.OG Justin Bates joins former Coloradoteammate Andre Gurode inside. He’s ver-satile but lacks NFL size and strength.

GRADE: B-plus

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New York Giants2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 William Joseph DT Miami (Fla.) 252 Osi Umenyiora DE Troy State 563 Vishante Shiancoe TE Morgan State 914 Rod Babers CB Texas 1235 David Diehl OG Illinois 1606 Willie Ponder WR SE Missouri State 1996 Frank Walker CB-S Tuskegee 2076 David Tyree WR Syracuse 2117 Charles Drake S Michigan 2407 Wayne Lucier C Colorado 2497 Kevin Walter WR Eastern Michigan 255

Project Central. General manager ErnieAccorsi seemingly took risks with everypick in this draft, starting with DT WilliamJoseph in the first round and DE OsiUmenyiora in the second. But, justbecause he didn’t stock up on “papersuperstars” doesn’t mean Accorsi struckout. Joseph has the talent to be comparedto Warren Sapp, another ex-Hurricane, buthe hasn’t played up to his potential. Josephfills the need for a run-stopping defensivetackle but will need DL coach DennyMarcin to find a way to keep him motivat-ed. Consistency, effort and weight couldbe concerns with Joseph. Umenyiora wasvery productive at Troy State. He has topsize and speed, but technique work will bejob one for the Giants. He has not facedmany NFL-caliber offensive tackles. The

Giants could not pass on TE Vishante Shi-ancoe after what they saw from JeremyShockey a year ago. Shiancoe blew up sev-eral tests at the Scouting Combine. TheMorgan State product might be a yearaway, though he and Shockey will create alot of matchup problems in the red zone.CB Rod Babers is a tiny corner who is nota hitter. With Jason Sehorn gone, Baberscould be a serviceable nickel cornerback.OG David Diehl has size and athleticismbut needs to bend his knees and be morenasty. WRs Willie Ponder, David Tyreeand Kevin Walter will likely compete forone spot, and Tyree could make a living onspecial teams. Each has potential. CBFrank Walker is another long shot. CWayne Lucier could have been a fourth-round pick but fell because he does notplay a glamour position. DB CharlesDrake has potential, and the Giantsweren’t expecting him to be available.

GRADE: C-plus

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Philadelphia Eagles2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Jerome McDougle DE Miami (Fla.) 152 L.J. Smith TE Rutgers 613 Wilbur “Billy” McMullen WR Virginia 954 Jamaal Green DE Miami (Fla.) 1316 Jeremy Bridges OL Southern Miss. 1857 Norman LeJeune S LSU 244

The Eagles moved up to fill the vacancycreated by DE Hugh Douglas’ departure.Miami (Fla.) DE Jerome McDougle fillsthe need and should be effective becauseof his speed. The Eagles added a greatpass-catching tight end, L.J. Smith, and abig target in WR Billy McMullen, whogives Donovan McNabb his only wideoutover 6-foot. Smith was one of the mostagile and athletic tight ends in the draft.He’ll create matchup problems but canimprove as a blocker. Head coach AndyReid will pair Smith with new mentorChad Lewis in two-TE sets. McMullen isbuilt to last and has the vertical leap (40inches) to be a weapon inside the 20 andwill help put third-year WR FreddieMitchell on the hot seat. McDougle’s col-lege teammate, Jamaal Green, will spellDE N.D. Kalu as a speed rusher. Surpris-ingly, Green may be the better player thanMcDougle in the long run. He was moreproductive, leading the team in sacks, on adeep Miami (Fla.) line. Athletic OL Jere-my Bridges could play guard but will needsome time before he’s an NFL offensivetackle. Bridges played offensive tackle atSouthern Miss, where he could get by onhis quickness and athleticism. But NFLdefensive ends will push him into the quar-terback at his current weight. DB NormanLeJeune is smart, tough and instinctiveand will provide depth behind MichaelLewis at strong safety replacing BlaineBishop.

GRADE: B-plus

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Washington Redskins2003 DRAFT PICKS


2 Taylor Jacobs WR Florida 443 Derrick Dockery OG Texas 817 Gibran Hamdan QB Indiana 232

The Redskins already conducted theirown version of the draft by plucking sev-eral free agents from the New York Jetsroster and having a very active offseason,and their grade is for the sum of their off-

season moves rather than just their threedrafted rookies. With former Jets WR Lav-eranues Coles and Rod Gardner on board,some question whether WR Taylor Jacobswas better value than S Mike Doss, whowent 58th to the Colts. No doubt SteveSpurrier pushed for the former Gator, andJacobs is familiar with the offense. Hecould be effective his rookie year, and he’llbe used in several roles but primarily as aslot receiver. Jacobs lacks confidence andwill shut down against superior competi-tion, as he did vs. Miami (Fla.) last year.OG Derrick Dockery is a safe addition inthe third round. He’s massive, versatileand capable of playing offensive tackle,but he is more natural inside. He mustwatch his weight to remain agile. Becauseof his mass, he has been compared toVikings OG David Dixon, who is a mas-sive man but struggles to block wide rush-ers. QB Gibran Hamdan would not havebeen drafted if not for Steve Spurrier, whomakes him his latest project.

GRADE: B-plus

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Chicago Bears2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Michael Haynes DE Penn State 141 Rex Grossman QB Florida 222 Charles Tillman CB Louisiana-Lafayette 353 Lance Briggs LB Arizona 684 Todd Johnson S Florida 1004 Ian Scott DT Florida 1165 Bobby Wade WR Arizona 1395 Justin Gage WR Missouri 1435 Tron LaFavor DT Florida 1716 Joe Odom LB Purdue 1916 Brock Forsey RB Boise State 2067 Bryan Anderson OG Pittsburgh 261

In three years, fans in Chicago will askthis question: Was it worth trading out ofthe fourth spot and essentially swappingDT Dewayne Robertson to the Jets for DEMichael Haynes, QB Rex Grossman andDT Ian Scott? Also consider it would nothave been impossible for the Bears to moveup from the No. 13 slot to draft DE TerrellSuggs, and jump from 22 to draft QB KyleBoller. Haynes was taken 14th and wouldhave likely been around at 22. A big, ath-letic playmaker, Haynes was productive ona very talented line at Penn State. He’s dis-ruptive and always knows where the ball is.He could provide the much-needed passrush the Bears lost when Rosevelt Colvinleft for the Patriots. Haynes’ stock rose atthe Senior Bowl, where Brian Urlacher wasthe MVP three years ago. General managerJerry Angelo went for four Florida prod-ucts, including Grossman. Grossman, ajunior, is a fiery leader who benefitted fromplaying in Steve Spurrier’s offense. Hisnumbers fell off last season as a juniorwithout Spurrier and WRs Jabar Gaffneyand Reche Caldwell. His success is likelyto depend on how hard he works, but hesurely doesn’t lack for confidence. Bearsfans won’t want to see him in jersey No. 8— the last player in that uniform was CadeMcNown, a brash quarterback who was tooarrogant for his teammates. CB CharlesTillman will contribute on special teamsright away but the Bears went off the boardto draft him at No. 35. They probably couldhave moved down and added Tillman, butthe need for a replacement for JerryAzumah, who was picked on early andoften last season, is great. Also, CB Roo-sevelt Williams was in awe of being in thesame meeting room as Urlacher and didn’t

look good as a rookie. LB Lance Briggswas drafted higher than some expectedbecause of his versatility. He can play anyof the three LB spots, and will probablyback up at weak side and strong side as arookie. Expect Todd Johnson to challengeMike Green at strong safety. Ian Scott is abig clogger who could have used anotheryear in school to become more effective.With Keith Traylor and Ted Washingtonaging, the team needed more big bodies tokeep the LB corps free. WRs Bobby Wadeand Justin Gage add depth to an averageWR corps. Gage may have been the team’sbest draft choice. He should compete withDavid Terrell for the team’s No. 3 receiverjob. Tron LaFavor could be part of the DTrotation. LB Joe Odom brings smarts,speed and athleticism but needs a lesson onhow to shed blocks. It will be a challengefor RB Brock Forsey to earn a roster spot.OG Bryan Anderson is a marginal linemanheaded to the practice squad.

GRADE: B-minus

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Detroit Lions2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Charles Rogers WR Michigan State 22 Boss Bailey LB-S Georgia 343 Cory Redding DE Texas 664 Artose Pinner RB Kentucky 995 Terrence Holt S North Carolina State 1375 James Davis DE-LB West Virginia 1446 David Kircus WR Grand Valley State 1757 Ben Johnson OT Wisconsin 2167 Daniel "Blue" Adams CB Cincinnati 2207 Brandon Drumm FB Colorado 2367 Travis Anglin WR Memphis 260

By the end of this season, each of theLions first five picks — WR CharlesRogers, LB Boss Bailey, DE Cory Red-ding, RB Artose Pinner, S Terrence Holt— could be starters and the Lions nailedalmost every pick. Rogers has the size andspeed to be compared to Randy Moss. Hehas body control, quickness and hands tobe a franchise-type player. He played onlytwo years of college football at MichiganState, but he is polished and could verywell be the solution to the struggles of sec-ond-year QB Joey Harrington. Baileycould have gone as high as 12th overall butfell to No. 34 because he needs to be inspace and medical concerns. He has sub-4.3 speed and a vertical close to 50 inches.He’s a once-in-a-lifetime athlete whodoesn’t play with a physical attitude andhas had serious knee injuries in the past.He could end up playing safety because hedoesn’t seem to enjoy contact. However,the Lions will let him fly around at line-backer for now. Redding needs to develophis body. The Lions weren’t disappointedthe last time they gambled on a Texas line-man, DT Shaun Rogers. Redding may notbe a starter, but he can help on third downsand may have a brighter future inside withmore bulk. Pinner slid down the boardsbecause of a foot injury suffered at theSenior Bowl. He’s a bowling ball runnerwho needs to get better as a pass blocker,but he could be the team’s starter in 2004.Holt is an exceptional special-teams play-er, of Pro Bowl-caliber, and had 12blocked kicks in college. He also happensto play safety, an area of need for theLions. West Virginia’s James Davis wasdrafted for his athleticism and even playeddefensive end for the Moutaineers. TheWR position was a clear priority, and theLions added three in this draft, includingDavid Kircus of Grand Valley State. OTBen Johnson is good value. Johnson ismassive and has tons of upside and pro-


38. Johnson ■ 39. Mathis ■ 40. Henderson ■ 41. Joppru ■ 42. Hamlin ■ 43. Tinoisamoa

Star search: CB Terence Newman gives Dallasits first shutdown corner since Deion Sanders

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jects to right tackle in the NFL. CB BlueAdams is tiny and has had a lot of injuriesbut could provide depth as a nickel or dimecorner. FB Brandon Drumm, a nativeAlaskan, is similar to Corey Schlesingercoming out of Nebraska and wants to hitpeople. He is a decent runner. Long, lanky,athletic receiver Travis Anglin is a longshot.

GRADE: A

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Green Bay Packers2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Nick Barnett LB Oregon State 293 Kenny Peterson DE-DT Ohio State 795 James Lee DT Oregon State 1475 Hunter Hillenmeyer LB Vanderbilt 1666 Brennan Curtin OT Notre Dame 2127 Chris Johnson CB Louisville 2457 DeAndrew Rubin WR South Florida 2537 Carl Ford WR Toledo 2567 Steve Josue LB Carson Newman 257

Many teams had Boss Bailey and E.J.Henderson ahead of Nick Barnett, but Bar-nett topped the Packers’ board. The formersafety reminds some teams of AdamArchuleta, though Barnett has addedweight and will use his speed at line-backer. Barnett has very good timed speedand goes hard from sideline to sideline, buthe misses some tackles and fails to get offblocks because he’s undersized. Tradingup to add DT-DE Kenny Peterson in thethird round was no surprise either — thePackers visited with him days before thedraft. Peterson was a tremendous valuepick. He is versatile and active, and if hecan translate college production to theNFL, he’ll be a steal. He added a lot ofweight after the college season and mustshow he has maintained his speed. Atweaked hamstring kept him from provingit to scouts, but he is a safe gamble onpotential. Peterson is the kind of playerwho can be good to very good but nevergreat. DT James Lee will help Petersoninside. He is probably better than RodWalker and Steve Warren right now. Leecame on strong as a senior and has the

measurables. He is still a few Big Mac’sshy of Gilbert Brown, but Lee is a load tomove. LB Hunter Hillenmeyer is a stock-ing choice — he’ll be a backup for a fewyears. He is not flashy but very intelligentand was productive inside for Vanderbilt.He has the ideal special-teams mentalitybut because the Packers still lack a truemiddle linebacker , he could push for play-ing time. OL coach Larry Beightol has hiswork cut out for him with Brennan Curtin,who is strictly a project at this point. ThePackers’ took hit-or-miss players withtheir four seventh-round choices — ChrisJohnson, DeAndrew Rubin, Carl Ford andSteve Josue. There may be a diamondamong this rubble. All told, the Packersshould have added an impact offensivelineman.

GRADE: B

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Minnesota Vikings2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Kevin Williams DT Oklahoma State 92 E.J. Henderson LB Maryland 403 Nate Burleson WR Nevada 714 Onterrio Smith RB Oregon 1056 Eddie Johnson P Idaho State 1806 Mike Nattiel LB Florida 1907 Keenan Howry WR Oregon 221

Though they got off to a slow start, fail-ing to turn in their card for the seventhpick, the Vikings still got the player theywanted in DT Kevin Williams of Okla-homa State and ended up with a nice draft.The addition of the versatile Williams,who can play defensive end in a 3-4, andthe wealth of talent at linebacker indicatesthe Vikings could be serious about a moveto the 3-4. Williams is a penetrating tackleinside who plays the run well. MLB E.J.Henderson was great value in the secondround. He’ll learn behind Greg Biekert andshare the inside in the 3-4 front. He slidbecause he doesn’t have great straight-linespeed and is two years removed from backsurgery. Henderson should be a solid pro ifhe can stay healthy and is one of the mostcomplete ’backers in the draft. WR Nate

Burleson had 138 receptions as a senior atNevada and is a very good athlete.Burleson is a good leaper whose produc-tion had a lot to do with the offense heplayed in. He’ll struggle to translate hiscollege numbers to the NFL. The Vikingsstill need a No. 2 receiver next to RandyMoss, and they like Burleson a ton. RBOnterrio Smith and WR Keenan Howryare primarily going to be return men earlyin their careers but could prove to beincredible values. Smith is very talentedand would have been taken much higher ifnot for character questions and a kneeinjury last season. Third-year RB MichaelBennett is coming off foot surgery, andSmith is adequate protection. Howry canfly, but he is a shrimp like current VikingsWR Kelly Campbell. Howry has thetoughness to be a special-teams gem. OLBMike Nattiel is not big and lacks bulk. Heneeds to play in space, clear of blockers, tobe effective. P Eddie Johnson has the bootthe Vikings covet. He will regularly puntthe ball 55-60 yards.

GRADE: B

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Atlanta Falcons2003 DRAFT PICKS


2 Bryan Scott CB-S Penn State 554 Justin Griffith FB Mississippi 1215 Jon Olinger WR Cincinnati 1596 LaTarence Dunbar WR Texas Christian 1966 Waine Bacon S Alabama 2027 Demetrin Veal DE Tennessee 238

Personnel boss Ron Hill did a nice jobfilling needs. Mississippi State FB JustinGriffith is a perfect fit in the NFL’s mostathletic backfield and will contribute rightaway. He’s more athletic than retired FBBob Christian, who was a major cog in theFalcons’ offense before suffering a con-cussion late last season. Griffith can block,but he is also gifted with the ball. LaDain-ian Tomlinson’s former lead back at TCU,George Layne, is the current starter butprobably isn’t long for that role. CB BryanScott was not a need, though he suppliesdepth to a revamped secondary and shouldsee plenty of action as a big corner whofits the 3-4. The rest of the draft was lit-tered with projects who may or may notpan out. Cincinnati WR Jon Olinger hasgreat size. He could be used to stretch thefield as a tight end with a few morepounds. He doesn’t play to his 4.49 speedand is built similar to Brian Finneran. IfOlinger can hold his weight, he may havea future as an H-back. WR LaTarenceDunbar flashes vertical speed but is under-sized. He needs to refine his route-runningand will be granted time to develop in asound WR corps.

GRADE: B

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Carolina Panthers2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Jordan Gross OT Utah 82 Bruce Nelson C Iowa 503 Mike Seidman TE UCLA 763 Ricky Manning, Jr. CB UCLA 824 Colin Branch S Stanford 1195 Kindal Moorehead DE Alabama 1457 Walter Young WR Illinois 2267 Casey Moore FB Stanford 247

Another team that did a bang-up job offilling its greatest needs. The Panthersaddressed their most pressing need with

OT Jordan Gross at No. 8, jumping aheadof Minnesota to make the pick. Gross wasthe most athletic lineman in the draft andcould have an instant impact on an offen-sive line that was awful last season. Hecould be a Pro Bowl left tackle with moreweight but needs to get stronger and gainleverage at the point of attack. The teamadded a very solid pivot in C Bruce Nelsonin the second round. He’s a technician whowas not going to last much longer in thedraft. Nelson can also play guard in apinch, but don’t be surprised if he bootscurrent C Jeff Mitchell out of the startingrole. With Wesley Walls gone, TE MikeSeidman may be on the field a lot as arookie. He has all-around skills, has hugelegs and is intelligent. He can be a three-down tight end and figures to be thrust intoaction early. The Panthers two seventh-round picks, WR Walter Young and FB



Draft reachesand steals

The draft-day drama may haveended when Willis McGahee’s namewas called for some, but the tensionlasted seven rounds for others. Below isa list of players drafted higher or lowerthan expected, and those whosenames were surprisingly not called.

DRAFTED EARLIER THAN EXPECTEDDT Johnathan Sullivan (6), SaintsWR Bryant Johnson (17), CardinalsDE Calvin Pace (18), CardinalsTE Dallas Clark (24), ColtsDB Nnamdi Asomugha (31), RaidersDL Tyler Brayton (32), RaidersCB Charles Tillman (35), BearsLB Eddie Moore (49), DolphinsDE Osi Umenyiora (56), Giants

DRAFTED LOWER THAN GRADEOLB-DE Terrell Suggs (10), RavensOG Eric Steinbach (33), BengalsOLB Boss Bailey (34), LionsMLB E.J. Henderson (40), VikingsDE Chris Kelsay (48), BillsWR Kelley Washington (65), BengalsTE Jason Witten (69), CowboysOT Wayne Hunter (73), SeahawksDL Kenny Peterson (79), PackersQB Chris Simms (97), Buccaneers

SURPRISINGLY UNDRAFTED (SIGNED BY)OLB LaMarcus McDonald (Chargers)RB Cecil Sapp (Broncos)RB Sultan McCullough (Redskins)TE Mike Pinkard (Chiefs)TE Robert Johnson (Falcons)OG Jeff Roehl (Giants)C Brett Romberg (Jaguars)

— JEFF REYNOLDS and NOLAN NAWROCKI

Johnathan Sullivan

Lions’ win: WR Charles Rogers has Randy Moss-like ability and similar measureablesB

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Casey Moore, have NFL futures and eachcould have been selected earlier in the sec-ond day. CB Ricky Manning Jr. is small-ish, but he and S Colin Branch helpupgrade the secondary. Manning willnever be more than a nickel cornerbackbecause of his size, but he is feisty andcapable. Branch is intelligent and instinc-tive. He’s a fluid runner who figures intothe mix right now, especially on specialteams. DL Kindal Moorehead joins a tal-ented D-line rotation. He has some injuryconcerns but is quick and could providedepth on a very deep defensive line.

GRADE: B

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New Orleans Saints2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Johnathan Sullivan DT Georgia 62 Jonathan Stinchcomb OT Georgia 373 William “Cie” Grant LB Ohio State 864 Montrae Holland OG Florida State 1025 Melvin Williams DE Kansas State 1556 Kareem Kelly WR USC 2037 Talman Gardner WR Florida State 231

The Saints were solid in rounds 1-4 anddid stellar bargain shopping late. Theytraded the 17th and 18th picks for DTJohnathan Sullivan as the sixth overallpick and OT Jonathan Stinchcomb in thesecond round. It may have seemed like areach to move up for Sullivan, but he wasnot going to last long and both could proveto be great picks. Sullivan is steady andloves to play. He will benefit playing withcollege linemate Charles Grant, who cameout of Georgia last season. OLT WayneGandy was believed to be on the decline inPittsburgh. Stinchcomb will likely start theseason as a backup right tackle behind Vic-tor Riley. However, he could move into thestarting lineup, and may be viewed asGandy’s eventual successor. Stinchcombplayed under 290 pounds at times, whichis a big concern. He’s a technician who hasto keep his weight above 305 pounds.Some scouts project him to be better thanhis brother, Matt, a starter for the Raiders.Others feel Stinchcomb is better off play-ing guard. The Saints also added a speedyOLB in Cie Grant. Grant has played safe-ty and cornerback and has incrediblestraight-line speed. He can run and hit andplays well in space but has to be moreintelligent and instinctive on the field. Twoplayers with baggage, WRs Talman Gard-

ner and Kareem Kelly, could pan outbecause the Saints had luck with Turleyand Joe Horn. OG Montrae Holland willhelp give Deuce McAllister a lot of roomto run. Holland is built like a house,square-framed and powerful. DE MelvinWilliams is quick and explosive but can bemauled if offensive linemen get theirhands on him.

GRADE: B

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers2003 DRAFT PICKS


2 Dewayne White DE Louisville 643 Chris Simms QB Texas 974 Lance Nimmo OT West Virginia 1304 Austin King C Northwestern 1335 Sean Mahan OG Notre Dame 1686 Torrie Cox CB Pittsburgh 205

Having forfeited their first-round pickfor Jon Gruden, the team focused on itsoffensive line after securing QB ChrisSimms and DE Dewayne White. Whiteslid down some boards because he playedat less than 100 percent as a junior, butwith all he has overcome, he is the kind ofplayer you root for. He’s very quick, dis-ruptive and, if healthy, will make animpact this season. Simms becomes JonGruden’s pet project. He must improvementally, make better decisions and readhis progressions. In the long run, Simmscould be the steal of this draft, but he has alot of improvement to make first. OLcoach Bill Muir could make something ofOT Lance Nimmo, C Austin King and OGSean Mahan. Nimmo is a position blockerwho succeeds because of his heart. King isagile and intelligent. He’s a fallback if acontract with C Jeff Christy cannot bereached. His short arms are a concern, butKing is a battler. Mahan is a widebody butwill need 20 more pounds to avoid beingragdolled at the next level. CB Torrie Coxwas nice value in the sixth round, but muststay out of trouble to play for the Bucs.He’s 5-9, 185, but plays big.

GRADE: B-minus

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Arizona Cardinals2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Bryant Johnson WR Penn State 171 Calvin Pace DE Wake Forest 182 Anquan Boldin WR Florida State 543 Gerald Hayes LB Pittsburgh 705 Kenny King DT Alabama 1416 Reggie Wells OT Clarion 1776 Tony Gilbert LB Georgia 210

It’s hard to find a team that fared worsein this draft. The selections of first-rounderBryant Johnson and Calvin Pace were out-rageous reaches who will be overpaid —both players would have been available inRound Two. That’s not to say both of theseplayers won’t be solid NFL players. Everyother team in the mix understands youhave to fill needs. But you cannot ignorebetter players available on the board, espe-cially when your guys can be had later on,when the picks are more logical. RodGraves did make a mini-recovery with theselections of Florida State WR AnquanBoldin in Round Two and in the third

round with LB Gerald Hayes. Boldindoesn’t show blazing speed, but he hasnice hands and is a pure athlete. He has alot of Marty Booker’s qualities and the tal-ent to make a difference on a team thatrichly needs that presence, though he is atleast a year away. Hayes is versatile, phys-ical and strong. He won’t win a footracebut, along with second-year LB LevarFisher, he upgrades this unit and suppliesquality depth. Head coach Dave McGinnisonce coached Mike Singletary and does agreat job of eyeing talent at that position.DT Kenny King has a good first step andwas probably the best athlete on the Alaba-ma defensive line. He’s under 300 poundsand needs more bulk. OT Reggie Wells ofClarion is a project the team could affordbecause of its stable offensive line. He’smobile and agile but is light in the buttright now. ILB Tony Gilbert left Georgiaearly, and even his coaches didn’t think hewas ready. He is speedy but small andneeds to play in space, where he can run tothe ball. Defensive end was a major need,and the Cardinals passed on drafting themost NFL-ready player at the position inTerrell Suggs from Arizona State. Theywanted a pass rusher and two receivers,and accomplished that. But their value hasto be questioned.

GRADE: C-minus

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St. Louis Rams2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Jimmy Kennedy DT Penn State 122 Pisa Tinoisamoa LB Hawaii 433 Kevin Curtis WR Utah State 744 Shaun McDonald WR Arizona State 1064 DeJuan Groce CB Nebraska 1075 Dan Curley TE Eastern Washington 1485 Shane Walton CB Notre Dame 1705 Kevin Garrett CB SMU 1726 Scott Tercero OG California 1847 Scott Shanle LB Nebraska 2517 Richard Angulo TE Western New Mexico 254

This was a nice draft for the Rams. DTJimmy Kennedy has the potential to be aPro Bowl-caliber player and anchor thecover-2 defense. Kennedy was the top-rated player on the board when the Rams’12th pick came up. He has quick feet andgreat size. He’ll draw a lot of attention andfree up DEs Grant Wistrom. OLB PisaTinoisamoa is good in coverage and covers

the field sideline-to-sideline, perfect forthe Lovie Smith scheme. He has a similarframe to Adam Archuleta. If he can remaindisciplined, he’ll be a regular. TE-H-backDan Curley has good athleticism andspeed. He can run after the catch and couldbecome the replacement for Ernie Con-well. Kevin Curtis and Shaun McDonaldare speedy receivers who could be theteam’s third and fourth wideouts. Bothhave the qualities the team missed whenAz-Zahir Hakim went to Detroit prior tothe 2002 season. They are productive,undersized receivers with good speed andrun-after-the-catch skills. CB DeJuanGroce is small but aggressive and fills thepunt-return role Dre Bly vacated. CBShane Walton has less speed, but he andCB Kevin Garrett should both make thisteam. Walton makes more plays but lacksGarrett’s footspeed. Cal OG Scott Terceroprovides depth on the offensive line. OLBScott Shanle is a football player and tech-nician who lacks instincts and strength atthe point. He’s likely a special-teams guy.TE Richard Angulo is a giant target. Itwould be a surprise if he wasn’t a practice-squad player for now.

GRADE: B-plus

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San Francisco 49ers2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Kwame Harris OT Stanford 262 Anthony Adams DT Penn State 573 Andrew Williams DE Miami (Fla.) 894 Brandon Lloyd WR Illinois 1245 Aaron Walker TE Florida 1616 Arnaz Battle WR Notre Dame 1977 Ken Dorsey QB Miami (Fla.) 241

With Terry Donahue running the showfor the first time, there was much lesswheeling and dealing. It was the first timesince 1990 the Niners didn’t complete atrade on Draft Day weekend. They didn’taddress a need at cornerback, which meansthey must be comfortable that Jason Web-ster and Mike Rumph can do the job thisseason after an up-and-down run in 2002.OT Kwame Harris was a steal at No. 26,and active but undersized DT AnthonyAdams will succeed next to Bryant Young.The question for Harris is maturity. Theline needed some youth and potential. Har-ris is a rare big man with the athleticism to

49. Moore ■ 50. Nelson ■ 51. Pierce ■ 52. Thompson ■ 53. Hobson

Top of the line: In OT Jordan Gross, the Pan-thers got the premeir offensive lineman available

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Run stopper: DT Jimmy Kennedy gives the Ramsa monster in the middle of their defensive line

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stick as a blind-side protector if he getsstronger. Adams is an energetic, undersizedbowling ball of a defensive tackle who getsoff the ball like he’s been shot out of a can-non. With Dana Stubblefield out of the mix,Adams may get a lot of time next to Young.DE Andrew Williams figures to push DLEJohn Engelberger. He’s built like Adonisand has his swagger. Right now, he’s notstrong enough against the run. New headcoach Dennis Erickson found three newtargets for Jeff Garcia on Day Two. WRsBrandon Lloyd and Arnaz Battle are ath-letes who can make plays. Lloyd is an idealNo. 2 receiver who rarely drops a pass. Hefinds a way to get behind coverage despitenot being a burner and goes after the ball.His in-your-face style will mesh perfectlynext to Terrell Owens. Battle, a formerquarterback, is raw but has natural handsand needs refinement in his routes. TEAaron Walker — a pass-catching tight endwho is similar to Eric Johnson with poten-tial as a blocker — was a nice addition inthe fifth round. Adding QB Ken Dorsey inthe final round was low-risk. Dorsey willhave to improve in a lot of areas to stick inthe NFL, and his arm strength will con-stantly be questioned.

GRADE: B-plus

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Seattle Seahawks2003 DRAFT PICKS


1 Marcus Trufant CB Washington State 112 Ken Hamlin S Arkansas 423 Wayne Hunter OT Hawaii 734 Seneca Wallace QB Iowa State 1104 Solomon Bates LB Arizona State 1355 Chris Davis FB Syracuse 1656 Rashad Moore DT Tennessee 1837 Josh Brown PK Nebraska 2227 Taco Wallace WR Kansas State 224

Needing a shutdown corner, the Sea-hawks were surprised to see CB MarcusTrufant on the board. Trufant is fluid, hasgood hands, excellent ball skills and couldbecome a great corner. S Ken Hamlinreminds some of Steve Atwater and couldplay right now. Hamlin is a lights-out,intimidating strong safety who packs apunch. His character concerns didn’t drophim as far as scouts felt they would. OTWayne Hunter is an athlete, but he’s rawand will need to be molded by OL coachTim Lovat. Hunter is inexperienced andcan be too aggressive, going for the killshot on every down. He struggles to con-trol his anger, which should help him onthe field. OLT Walter Jones still has notagreed to a long-term contract, and Huntergives the Seahawks talent in reserve. QBSeneca Wallace comes in without pressurebecause he is not going to play for at leasttwo years. He’ll benefit from playing underQB guru Mike Holmgren. Wallace isundersized but can be accurate. He has aswagger and is very athletic but, despitebeing strongly opposed to a positionchange, may have to contribute in otherareas for a few years. LB Solomon Batesdidn’t even start for Arizona State last year,but he is a very good athlete. He has a lotof football left in him. FB Chris Davis waspicked as a special-teams helper and ath-lete who could blossom. PK Josh Brown isentered into the competition to replaceRian Lindell, who left for the Bills. DTRashad Moore has the athletic ability toperform if he has a coach to get it out ofhim. He could develop in a rotation. WRTaco Wallace is not long for the NFLbecause he lacks speed and explosiveness.

GRADE: B


54. Boldin ■ 55. Scott

Question: Which team’s draft intrigued you the most?

Ask the Experts

KEITH SCHLEIDENEDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PICK: New England PatriotsThe front office took the unusual

approach of signing a slew of low- to mid-tier free agents prior to the 2001 season andparlayed that into an unexpected SuperBowl championship. This offseason, theyhave taken the opposite approach, addingimpact players like Rosevelt Colvin andRodney Harrison in free agency. But evenmore interesting is the way they have posi-tioned themselves for the future. In additionto acquiring 10 rookies in this draft —including first-round NT Ty Warren, who willstep in and start right away — the Patriotsmaneuvered to secure an extra first-roundernext year. In the 2004 draft, the Patriotshave a pair of first-round picks, and eight inthe first four rounds. Next year’s draft classis considered to be much richer in talentthan this one, so New England could be inthe driver’s seat next April.

● ● ●

MIKE HOLBROOKMANAGING EDITOR

PICK: Baltimore RavensI was impressed that the Ravens were

able to switch gears so rapidly in the firstround after failing to trade up to No. 7 to getQB Byron Leftwich. Instead, Ozzie New-some, Phil Savage, Brian Billick & Co.stayed patient and watched pass-rusherextraordinaire Terrell Suggs fall to them atNo. 10 after Jacksonville snatched up Left-wich. Then, although it cost them a 2004first-round pick, the Ravens used New Eng-land’s pick at No. 19 to grab the quarterbackrated No. 2 on their draft board, Cal’s KyleBoller, whom Billick loves. If healthy, RBMusa Smith can be a workhorse. I also likedthe selections of DE Jarret Johnson, a high-motor guy and Ovie Mughelli, one of thebest fullbacks in the draft. They addressedthe trenches with DT Aubrayo Franklin andOT Tony Pashos and got a couple of highlyproductive collegiate DBs in Gerome Sappand Antwoine Sanders.

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NOLAN NAWROCKIASSOCIATE EDITOR

PICK: Buffalo BillsNo front office is stacked with better talent

evaluators who understand the draft thanBuffalo, and their selection of RB WillisMcGahee will prove to be a microcosm oftheir genius. To some, it may seem like aradical pick, but the Bills got incredible valuein McGahee — a superdiligent, ferociouscompetitor. The Bills won’t jeopardize hiscareer by bringing him back early, andMcGahee should be back to full health bynext season to take the league by storm. Aspeed rusher was a priority, but with the runon defensive linemen early in the first round,they were aware many of the teams pickingbefore them in the second round likelywouldn’t be looking for another D-lineman inthe second, allowing first-round talent ChrisKelsay to fall into their laps. OG Ben Sobies-ki and LB Mario Haggan were steals andevery pick has a strong chance of makingthe roster.

JEFF REYNOLDSASSOCIATE EDITOR

PICK: Oakland RaidersWith kudos to runner-up New England,

which had a fine draft and set itself up witheight picks — including two in rounds oneand two — in the first four rounds of the tal-ent-rich ’04 draft, Al Davis, Bruce Allen andMike Lombardi stole the show when itcomes to intrigue. Essentially need-free, theRaiders added superb athletes from the get-go. CB Nnamdi Asomugha and DE TylerBrayton can help right away. TE-H-backTeyo Johnson will work in this offensebecause he won’t have the pressure ofbeing featured, and how can Rich Gannonmiss a 6-foot-7 target with sponge-softhands? RB Justin Fargas adds a newdimension. He can return kicks with his 4.3speed and play sparingly, which may benecessary to keep him fresh and healthy.DE Shurron Pierson of South Florida isgoing to be an impact player who bringsexplosive speed off the edge. Bottom line,this veteran-laden team has a future and it’slooking brighter.

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KEN BIKOFFASSOCIATE EDITOR

PICK: Cincinnati BengalsThe Bengals got something right for once.

Picking Carson Palmer to fill their need atquarterback was the easy part of the draft.That was a no-brainer. But it was the workthe Bengals did in the next couple of roundsthat will make the difference going forward.OG Eric Steinbach could have gone in thefirst round and was a steal with the first pickof the second. Selecting WR Kelly Washing-ton in the third round gives the Bengals atrio of young, talented receivers. Cincy’sfourth-round picks, DB Dennis Weathersbyand FB Jeremi Johnson, both have a lot ofpotential as well. Weathersby could havebeen a first-rounder if not for getting shot inthe back in the days leading up to the draft,but he is expected to make a full recovery.Johnson is a bruising blocker who will makeCorey Dillon’s life much easier. It looks likethe Bengals may have started to put theirdark days behind them.

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ERIC EDHOLMASSOCIATE EDITOR

PICK: New York GiantsThese picks are intriguing because most

are unknowns; unless Troy State, MorganState and Tuskegee are colleges on yourregular watch. DE Osi Umenyiora was not areach; he would have been gone within thenext 10-15 picks. And the comparison toMichael Strahan (don’t laugh) is undeniable:small-school guy, raw with limitless talent. Noone knew anything about Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila when he came out. The Giants lovethe two-TE set, and Vishante Shiancoe andJeremy Shockey could make a great pair. CBRoderick Babers has a shot to beat outRalph Brown for the third spot. WR WilliePonder could be a steal with his size and ath-leticism; so could OG Dave Diehl and spe-cial-teams ace David Tyree. And, hey, canthis William Joseph kid play at all?

Huge target: With all of the Raiders’offensive weapons, Teyo Johnson won’tfeel pressure to produce right away

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Take it slow: Willis McGahee couldprove to be a great value pick if the Billsallow his knee time to completely heal

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KEY TO SYMBOLS IN PLAYER PRINTOUTAge — Player is overaged.Ahtlete — Player has the athletic ability to play multiple positions and could have

been drafted higher because of it.BB — Pro baseball player who is entering the draft.e — Player’s height and weight are estimated, unless otherwise indicated.Elig. — There is some question about this player’s draft eligibility.Jr. — Player entered the draft as a junior (So. for sophomore).MI — More information needed to accurately grade player.RB — Can also play running back (S for safety, OLB for outside linebacker, ILB for

inside linebacker, LS for long-snapper, P for punter, RS for return specialist, ST forspecial-teamer, etc.).

RS-5.0 — Player has separate grade as a return specialist, in this case 5.0 (appliesto other position abbreviations too).

X — Past or current injury could have had an impact on where this player was draft-ed, according to at least one source. Due to the confidentiality of medical records, wecannot confirm nor deny whether the injury problem is still a concern.

XX — More serious injury concern.6017 — Example of player’s height. First digit applies to feet; second and third to

inches; fourth to fractions of an inch in eighths. This example is 6-17⁄8.

GRADE SCALE FOR NFL PROSPECTS9.00 — A once-in-a-lifetime player (e.g., John Elway, Jim Brown or Lawrence Taylor).8.00 - 8.99 — Perennial All-Pro (e.g., Bruce Matthews).7.00 - 7.99 — Should reach All-Pro status.6.50 - 6.99 — Sure-fire first-round pick who, aside from a quarterback, should con-

tribute as a rookie.6.00 - 6.49 — Has a good chance to go in the first round and be a starter by his

second season.5.60 - 5.99 — A legitimate second-round pick.5.50 - 5.59 — Depending on the depth of the draft, player will go in the late sec-

ond-round or the third round.5.40 - 5.49 — A third-round pick, taking into account the selections the NFL adds

at the end of the rounds.5.30 - 5.39 — A fourth-round pick.5.21 - 5.29 — A fourth- or fifth-round pick.5.20 — A fifth- or sixth-round pick.5.11 - 5.19 — A sixth-round pick.5.10 — A seventh-round pick.5.01 - 5.09 — Top-priority free agents who could end up being drafted.4.95 - 5.00 — Priority free agents who could end up being drafted.4.50 - 4.94 — Solid free agents who have an outside chance to make the right NFL

team.4.00 - 4.49 — A player who could be in an NFL training camp.About the player printout: Players are ranked according to the grades we have given

them, but not necessarily in the order they were drafted. Factors such as a drafting club’sneeds and the abundance or scarcity of available talent at a given position caused play-ers to be drafted higher or lower than their grades would indicate.

All grades are based on information available to us as of our May 4, 2003, copydeadline. Other information such as injuries can change grades, sometimes dramati-cally. The printout includes underclassmen who were declared eligible for the draft bythe NFL.

REGARDLESS OF POSITIONRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Palmer, Carson USC 6050 232 4.85 6.602. Rogers, Charles Michigan State 6023 200 4.28 6.59 Jr.3. Johnson, Andre Miami (Fla.) 6020 230 4.30 6.56 Jr.4. Robertson, Dewayne Kentucky 6013 324 4.84 6.55 Jr.5. Suggs, Terrell Arizona State 6033 262 4.77 6.55 Jr., OLB6. Newman, Terence Kansas State 5103 189 4.38 6.55 Age, RS7. Leftwich, Byron Marshall 6053 241 5.10 6.50 X8. Gross, Jordan Utah 6044 300 5.02 6.459. Kennedy, Jimmy Penn State 6040 322 5.20 6.45

10. Trufant, Marcus Washington State 5111 199 4.44 6.4511. Boller, Kyle California 6030 234 4.60 6.4012. Williams, Kevin Oklahoma State 6047 304 4.84 6.40 DE13. Sullivan, Johnathan Georgia 6031 312 4.92 6.40 Jr.14. McDougle, Jerome Miami (Fla.) 6020 264 4.63 6.4015. Harris, Kwame Stanford 6070 310 5.21 6.30 Jr.16. Haynes, Michael Penn State 6035 278 4.70 6.2017. Henderson, E.J. Maryland 6014 238 4.75 6.20 X18. Bailey, Boss Georgia 6031 230 4.35 6.20 S19. Steinbach, Eric Iowa 6062 295 4.84 6.20 OT20. Joseph, William Miami (Fla.) 6050 308 4.95 6.2021. Kelsay, Chris Nebraska 6043 273 4.72 6.2022. Johnson, Larry Penn State 6010 222 4.40 6.1523. Warren, Ty Texas A&M 6045 307 5.03 6.10 X24. Faine, Jeff Notre Dame 6027 298 4.90 6.10 Jr.25. McGahee, Willis Miami (Fla.) 6003 223 4.40e 6.10 So., XX26. Foster, George Georgia 6053 331 5.03 6.1027. Woolfolk, Andre Oklahoma 6013 197 4.48 6.10 WR28. Grossman, Rex Florida 6010 217 5.09 6.10 Jr.29. Polamalu, Troy USC 5101 206 4.33 6.0130. Davis, Sammy Texas A&M 5116 186 4.46 6.0031. Washington, Kelley Tennessee 6024 215 4.41 6.00 Age, X32. Johnson, Bryant Penn State 6023 211 4.37 6.0033. Manuwai, Vincent Hawaii 6020 304 5.11 6.00 C34. Brayton, Tyler Colorado 6061 270 4.64 6.0035. Peterson, Kenny Ohio State 6031 288 4.80 6.0036. Pierce, Terry Kansas State 6013 251 4.80 6.00 Jr.37. Brown, Chris Colorado 6025 217 4.52 6.00 Jr.38. Mathis, Rashean Bethune-Cookman 6006 202 4.41 6.00 CB39. Doss, Mike Ohio State 5101 207 4.47 6.0040. Witten, Jason Tennessee 6056 256 4.69 6.00 Jr.41. Simms, Chris Texas 6043 225 4.86 6.0042. Hayes, Gerald Pittsburgh 6007 238 4.75 6.00 OLB43. Suggs, Lee Virginia Tech 5115 202 4.45 5.95 X44. Clark, Dallas Iowa 6033 256 4.61 5.90 Jr.45. Smith, Onterrio Oregon 5097 220 4.45e 5.90 Jr., X46. Jacobs, Taylor Florida 6003 197 4.37 5.9047. Hunter, Wayne Hawaii 6055 311 5.10 5.90 X48. White, Dewayne Louisville 6021 273 4.74 5.90 Jr.49. Calico, Tyrone Middle Tennessee State 6036 223 4.27 5.8550. Holland, Montrae Florida State 6014 326 5.19 5.8551. Dockery, Derrick Texas 6054 338 5.50 5.80 OT52. Stinchcomb, Jon Georgia 6050 306 5.02 5.80 OG53. Wilson, Eugene Illinois 5103 187 4.49 5.80 RS54. Smith, L.J. Rutgers 6032 258 4.63 5.7055. Hamlin, Ken Arkansas 6024 207 4.55 5.70 Jr.56. Joppru, Bennie Michigan 6042 272 4.78 5.6957. Boldin, Anquan Florida State 6005 211 4.62 5.65 Jr., X58. Lloyd, Brandon Illinois 6001 188 4.54 5.65 Jr.59. Williams, Brett Florida State 6050 315 5.11 5.65 X60. Barnett, Nick Oregon State 6015 236 4.66 5.60 S61. Johnson, Al Wisconsin 6034 305 4.99 5.6062. Nelson, Bruce Iowa 6052 295 5.21 5.60 OG, X63. Pace, Calvin Wake Forest 6040 267 4.65 5.60 X64. Umenyiora, Osi Troy State 6030 278 4.59 5.60

65. Pierson, Shurron South Florida 6016 244 4.56 5.60 Jr., OLB66. Weathersby, Dennis Oregon State 6005 204 4.38 5.60 MI, X67. Asomugha, Nnamdi California 6023 210 4.38 5.50 S68. Pinner, Artose Kentucky 5096 229 4.60e 5.50 X69. Fargas, Justin USC 6007 219 4.35 5.50 X70. Johnson, Bethel Texas A&M 5110 201 4.27 5.5071. Lucier, Wayne Colorado 6036 301 5.15 5.5072. Koppen, Daniel Boston College 6025 297 5.26 5.5073. Redding, Cory Texas 6035 274 4.88 5.5074. Moorehead, Kindal Alabama 6024 283 4.96 5.5075. Banta-Cain, Tully California 6021 264 4.81 5.5076. Ragone, Dave Louisville 6035 249 5.04 5.5077. Eason, Nicholas Clemson 6032 298 5.02 5.45 X78. Adams, Anthony Penn State 5115 299 5.09 5.4579. Long, Rien Washington State 6061 302 5.05e 5.45 Jr.80. King, Kenny Alabama 6026 281 4.93 5.45 X81. Florence, Drayton Tuskegee 6002 198 4.44 5.4182. Mughelli, Ovie Wake Forest 6010 250 4.84 5.4083. Smith, Musa Georgia 6006 231 4.45 5.40 Jr.84. Davis, Domanick LSU 5090 213 4.55 5.40 RS85. Aiken, Sam North Carolina 6017 203 4.50 5.4086. Pashos, Tony Illinois 6060 342 5.46 5.4087. Mitchell, Clint Florida 6067 252 4.95 5.4088. Jackson, Alonzo Florida State 6040 265 4.69 5.40 OLB89. Hobson, Victor Michigan 6004 252 4.61 5.40 ILB90. James, Bradie LSU 6023 238 4.65 5.40 ILB91. Peek, Antwan Cincinnati 6025 246 4.66 5.40 DE92. Holt, Terrence North Carolina State 6016 205 4.53 5.4093. Diehl, David Illinois 6056 310 5.10 5.40 OT94. Johnson, Teyo Stanford 6053 247 4.68 5.38 Jr., TE95. McDonald, Shaun Arizona State 5084 175 4.46 5.37 Jr.96. Curtis, Kevin Utah State 5111 186 4.34 5.3797. Burleson, Nate Nevada-Reno 6004 197 4.46 5.3798. Gage, Justin Missouri 6040 217 4.46 5.3799. Scott, Ian Florida 6023 310 5.12 5.36 Jr.

100. Johnson, Jarret Alabama 6025 284 4.98 5.36 DE101. Sapp, Gerome Notre Dame 6001 216 4.69 5.36 X102. Thompson, Chaun West Texas A&M 6017 240 4.56 5.35 ILB103. Kiel, Terrance Texas A&M 5111 204 4.47 5.35104. Griffith, Justin Mississippi State 5112 232 4.62 5.35105. Moore, Casey Stanford 6017 240 4.68 5.35106. McMullen, Wilbur “Billy” Virginia 6035 205 4.61 5.35107. Young, Walter Illinois 6045 214 4.55 5.35108. Wade, Bobby Arizona 5102 189 4.65 5.35109. Romberg, Brett Miami (Fla.) 6021 295 5.17 5.35110. King, Austin Northwestern 6037 299 5.47 5.35111. Whitley, Taylor Texas A&M 6037 321 5.20 5.35 OT112. Sobieski, Ben Iowa 6052 311 4.99 5.35 OT, X113. Wilkerson, Jimmy Oklahoma 6027 270 4.73 5.35 Jr., DT114. Crowell, Angelo Virginia 6003 236 4.74 5.35 OLB115. Johnson, Todd Florida 6007 206 4.50 5.35116. Tillman, Charles Louisiana-Lafayette 6011 199 4.49 5.30 X117. Seidman, Mike UCLA 6044 271 4.74 5.30118. Branch, Colin Stanford 5116 203 4.41 5.30119. Battle, Julian Tennessee 6022 204 4.46 5.30 CB120. Grant, William “Cie” Ohio State 6003 230 4.49 5.30 DB121. Tinoisamoa, Pisa Hawaii 6003 231 4.56 5.30 S122. Black, Jordan Notre Dame 6057 314 5.20 5.30 OG123. Bridges, Jeremy Southern Mississippi 6041 301 5.42 5.30124. Walters, Matthew Miami (Fla.) 6044 272 4.74 5.30 DE125. Leonard, Matt Stanford 6025 305 4.97 5.30 X

QUARTERBACKSRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Palmer, Carson USC 6050 232 4.85 6.602. Leftwich, Byron Marshall 6053 241 5.10 6.50 X3. Boller, Kyle California 6030 234 4.60 6.404. Grossman, Rex Florida 6010 217 5.09 6.10 Jr.5. Simms, Chris Texas 6043 225 4.86 6.006. Ragone, Dave Louisville 6035 249 5.04 5.507. St. Pierre, Brian Boston College 6026 218 4.81 5.208. Kingsbury, Kliff Texas Tech 6033 206 4.76 5.209. Wallace, Seneca Iowa State 5113 196 4.53 5.15 WR, RS

10. Dorsey, Ken Miami (Fla.) 6045 208 5.02 5.1511. Gesser, Jason Washington State 6005 205 4.85 5.15 X12. Banks, Brad Iowa 5106 203 4.73 5.1513. Engemann, Bret Brigham Young 6033 227 4.85 5.15 Age, X14. Romo, Tony Eastern Illinois 6020 230 5.02 5.1015. Bollinger, Brooks Wisconsin 6004 204 4.71 5.00 Athlete16. Wood, Juston Portland State 6005 207 4.81 5.0017. Bryant, D. Iowa Wesleyan 6020 221 4.78 5.0018. Thomas, Jason Nevada-Las Vegas 6036 241 4.77 4.9919. Hamdan, Gibran Indiana 6040e 215e 5.00e 4.9920. Johnson, Jason Arizona 6013 215 4.85 4.9821. Anes, Curt Grand Valley State 6004 221 5.25 4.9022. Printers, Casey Florida A&M 6020 200 4.60 4.9023. Blackwell, Marquel South Florida 5110 207 4.70 4.8024. Blankenship, Joshua Eastern Washington 6017 208 5.12 4.8025. Threadgill, Zach Nevada 6022 206 4.90 4.8026. Hybl, Nate Oklahoma 6033 219 4.76 4.7527. Rob Adamson Mount Union 6036 216 4.78 4.7528. Cobb, Daniel Auburn 6034 224 4.90 4.7529. Arth, Tom John Carroll 6031 232 4.77 4.7430. McCann, Ryan Tennessee-Chattanooga 6030 217 4.90 4.7431. Noel, Grant Virginia Tech 6012 221 4.73 4.74 Age, X32. Jones, Brian Toledo 6002 197 4.89 4.50 Athlete33. Warker, Michael Widener (Pa.) 6010 227 4.80 4.0034. Fuentes, Jose Utah State 6024 217 4.74 4.0035. Dunn, Marc Kansas State 6024 203 4.89 4.0036. Klein, Jeff Citadel 6021 212 5.00e 4.0037. Burchette, Joseph Appalachian State 6022 243 5.10e 4.0038. Sahm, Andy Bowling Green State 6050 227 5.17 4.00

FULLBACKSRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Mughelli, Ovie Wake Forest 6010 250 4.84 5.402. Griffith, Justin Mississippi State 5112 232 4.62 5.353. Moore, Casey Stanford 6017 240 4.68 5.354. Askew, B.J. Michigan 6020 241 4.60 5.25 X5. Pinnock, Andrew South Carolina 5101 255 4.75 5.256. Drumm, Brandon Colorado 6013 227 4.65 5.18 X7. Johnson, Jeremi Western Kentucky 5112 260 4.94 5.16

8. Wall, J.T. Georgia 5113 262 4.78 5.009. Davis, Chris Syracuse 5114 235 4.52 5.00

10. Lopienski, Tom Notre Dame 5116 246 4.75 5.0011. Comella, J.P. Boston College 5113 242 4.75 4.90 X12. Diggs, Claude Richmond 6006 245 4.82 4.7513. Moss, Dawan Michigan State 5101 241 4.81 4.6514. Rue, Josh Duquesne 6030 245 4.68 4.5015. Tapeh, Thomas Minnesota 6005 231 4.76 4.5016. Lynch, James Maryland 5100 271 4.78 4.5017. Costa, Steve Nevada-Las Vegas 6014 223 4.46 4.5018. Ward, Derrick Fresno State 5106 230 4.55e 4.5019. Pierson, Chad USC 6002 240 4.80 4.50 RB, X20. Killian, Chad Maryland 6014 265 4.92 4.50

RUNNING BACKSRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Johnson, Larry Penn State 6010 222 4.40 6.152. McGahee, Willis Miami (Fla.) 6003 223 4.40e 6.10 So., XX3. Brown, Chris Colorado 6025 217 4.52 6.00 Jr.4. Suggs, Lee Virginia Tech 5115 202 4.45 5.95 X5. Smith, Onterrio Oregon 5097 220 4.45e 5.90 Jr., X6. Pinner, Artose Kentucky 5096 229 4.60e 5.50 X7. Fargas, Justin USC 6007 219 4.35 5.50 X8. Smith, Musa Georgia 6006 231 4.45 5.40 Jr.9. Davis, Domanick LSU 5090 213 4.55 5.40 RS

10. Toefield, LaBrandon LSU 5107 229 4.53 5.25 Jr., X11. Griffin, Quentin Oklahoma 5070 195 4.43 5.21 RS12. Sapp, Cecil Colorado State 5110 226 4.50 5.21 X13. Mackenzie, Malaefou USC 5102 233 4.55 5.2114. Diedrick, Dahrran Nebraska 6001 228 4.63 5.2015. McCullough, Sultan USC 5113 202 4.30 5.20 X16. Beard, Santonio Alabama 5115 222 4.56 5.18 X17. Hicks, Dwone Middle Tennessee State 5095 217 4.61 5.17 RS, X18. Carter, Kerry Stanford 6017 238 4.66 5.1719. Galloway, Ahmaad Alabama 5116 223 4.72 5.16 X20. Graham, Earnest Florida 5091 225 4.70 5.1621. Cobourne, Avon West Virginia 5074 199 4.69 5.1522. Maddox, Nick Florida State 5105 211 4.49 5.1023. Harris, Antoineo Illinois 5104 227 4.60 5.1024. Watson, Derek South Carolina State 6001 223 4.66 5.10 X25. Forsey, Brock Boise State 5110 198 4.65 5.0026. Collins, Thunder Nebraska 6012 195 4.55e 5.00 MI27. McCleskey, DeMarco Cincinnati 5100 212 4.73 4.9928. Reynolds, Joffrey Houston 5093 217 4.57 4.9029. Merriweather, Marcus Ball State 6013 218 4.71 4.9030. Harris, Arlen Hofstra 5092 212 4.41 4.8031. Lee, ReShard Middle Tennessee State 5096 229 4.62 4.8032. Walker, Dontae Mississippi State 5100e 245 4.60e 4.7533. Burnell, Keith Delaware 5106 205 4.30 4.7534. Talley, Fred Arkansas 5084 179 4.36 4.7535. Smith, Joe Louisiana Tech 6011 216 4.67 4.7536. Johnson, Ryan Montana State 6000 203 4.65 4.7037. Lowe, Montrell Purdue 5071 191 4.75 4.7038. Rambert, Bernard Clemson 5103 201 4.62 4.7039. Sharps, Tanardo Temple 5087 192 4.65 4.7040. Washington, Quincy Illinois State 5106 212 4.48 4.7041. Brinker, Chad Ohio 5096 203 4.60 4.60 X42. Duncan, Reggie Kansas 5082 212 4.55 4.5043. Muhammed, Saleem Portland State 5111 212 4.83 4.50 WR44. Childs, Henri Colorado State 6011 217 4.65 4.5045. Benge, Adam Northern Iowa 5110 194 4.44 4.5046. Austin, Sherman Texas-El Paso 5062 174 4.41 4.5047. Ike, Victor Southern 5105 198 4.45 4.5048. Brown, Dante Memphis 6001 213 4.55 4.5049. Bell, Randy Carson-Newman 5091 200 4.50 4.5050. Smart, Ian CW Post 5073 188 4.55 4.0051. Beard, Jerry Appalachian State 5104 206 4.60 4.0052. Taylor, J.R. Eastern Illinois 6002 219 4.55 4.0053. Foster, Shawn Michigan State 5104 205 4.32 4.0054. Lofton, Jeremy Northwestern State (La.) 5105 228 4.68 4.0055. Griffity, Jovan Eastern Washington 5075 211 4.68 4.0056. Haro, Joe Nevada-Las Vegas 5087 191 4.56 4.0057. Davis, Lee Southwest Texas State 5100e 190e 4.50e 4.0058. Mays, Preston “P.J.” Youngstown State 5092 208 4.78 4.0059. Amundson, Allan Oregon 5085 185 4.46 4.0060. Cleman, Braxton Washington 5111 217 4.53 4.0061. Moline, Russ Wisconsin-LaCrosse 6000 214 4.52 4.0062. Peroulis, J.R. Utah 6001 206 4.48 4.0063. Davis, Darrin Southern Connecticut State 5112 201 4.59 4.00

TIGHT ENDS / H-BACKSRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Witten, Jason Tennessee 6056 256 4.69 6.00 Jr.2. Clark, Dallas Iowa 6033 256 4.61 5.90 Jr.3. Smith, L.J. Rutgers 6032 258 4.63 5.704. Joppru, Bennie Michigan 6042 272 4.78 5.695. Seidman, Mike UCLA 6044 271 4.74 5.306. Walker, Aaron Florida 6055 252 4.73 5.247. Wrighster, George Oregon 6021 254 4.72 5.20 Jr.8. Shiancoe, Vishante Morgan State 6043 251 4.58 5.209. Nead, Spencer Brigham Young 6044 259 4.86 5.20

10. Lee, Donald Mississippi State 6032 249 4.80 5.20 Age11. Smith, Trent Oklahoma 6051 243 4.75 5.2012. Johnson, Robert Auburn 6055 278 4.83 5.20 Jr.13. Pinkard, Mike Arizona State 6047 263 4.68 5.20 BB14. Curley, Dan Eastern Washington 6040 254 4.61 5.17 X15. Hilton, Zachary North Carolina 6076 259 4.73 5.1616. Zeigler, Doug Mississippi 6035 257 4.68 5.16 X17. Berton, Sean North Carolina State 6043 279 4.99 5.10 X18. Diamond, Lorenzo Auburn 6027 253 4.61 5.1019. Ware, Kevin Washington 6027 256 4.68 5.1020. Angulo, Richard Western New Mexico 6074 260 4.70 5.0021. Golliday, Aaron Nebraska 6036 287 5.09 5.0022. Afariogun, Mobolaji Western Michigan 6035 250 5.00 4.9023. Farmer, Steve Tennessee State 6036 252 5.05 4.9024. Bartoszek, Chad Buffalo State 6061 255 4.84 4.9025. Reid, Gabe Brigham Young 6033 255 4.75 4.5026. Porter, Greg Texas A&M 6042 228 4.75e 4.5027. Condon, Phillip Grand Valley State College 6037 244 4.86 4.5028. Huebner, Matt St. Cloud State 6034 271 4.92 4.5029. Harp, Samuel Kentucky 6030 247 4.90 4.50

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30. Luke, R.J. Western Illinois 6024 255 4.74 4.5031. Thomas, Raymond Wake Forest 6043 248 5.01 4.5032. Hugo, James Arizona 6051 270 4.95 4.5033. Heller, Will Georgia Tech 6056 241 5.10 4.3034. Hughes, Patrick Florida State 6031 265 4.91 4.3035. Mandley, DeJhown Nevada-Las Vegas 6030 235 5.09 4.3036. Poppinga, Casey Utah State 6046 256 4.80 4.3037. Streelman, Erick Nevada-Reno 6051 248 5.06 4.2538. Lemay, Jason Appalachian State 6041 237 4.93 4.2039. Knock, Kyle Iowa State 6016 265 5.03 4.2040. Misurelli, Frank Boston College 6027 246 5.17 4.2041. Fitzsimmons, Casey Carroll 6026 248 4.90 4.2042. Brown, Robin California (Pa.) 6045 247 4.90e 4.1543. Slater, Toné Louisville 6016 278 4.90 4.1044. Hampton, John Southern Methodist 6022 243 4.93 4.0545. Jackson, Mario Central Florida 6017 238 5.00 4.0546. Sanders, Theo Alabama 6022 243 4.83 4.0047. Pritchett, Jonathon Houston 6032 244 4.72 4.0048. Stofle, Joshua Liberty 6043 237 5.13 4.00

WIDE RECEIVERSRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Rogers, Charles Michigan State 6023 200 4.28 6.59 Jr.2. Johnson, Andre Miami (Fla.) 6020 230 4.30 6.56 Jr.3. Washington, Kelley Tennessee 6024 215 4.41 6.00 Age, X4. Johnson, Bryant Penn State 6023 211 4.37 6.005. Jacobs, Taylor Florida 6003 197 4.37 5.906. Calico, Tyrone Middle Tennessee State 6036 223 4.27 5.857. Boldin, Anquan Florida State 6005 211 4.62 5.65 Jr., X8. Lloyd, Brandon Illinois 6001 188 4.54 5.65 Jr.9. Johnson, Bethel Texas A&M 5110 201 4.27 5.50

10. Aiken, Sam North Carolina 6017 203 4.50 5.4011. Johnson, Teyo Stanford 6053 247 4.68 5.38 Jr., TE12. McDonald, Shaun Arizona State 5084 175 4.46 5.37 Jr.13. Curtis, Kevin Utah State 5111 186 4.34 5.3714. Burleson, Nate Nevada-Reno 6004 197 4.46 5.3715. Gage, Justin Missouri 6040 217 4.46 5.3716. McMullen, Wilbur “Billy” Virginia 6035 205 4.61 5.3517. Young, Walter Illinois 6045 214 4.55 5.3518. Wade, Bobby Arizona 5102 189 4.65 5.3519. Battle, Arnaz Notre Dame 6005 210 4.43 5.3020. Osgood, Kassim San Diego State 6047 208 4.70 5.3021. Kelly, Kareem USC 5116 186 4.37 5.3022. Gardner, Talman Florida State 6005 209 4.38 5.3023. Bellamy, Ronald Michigan 6000 208 4.41 5.2524. Gabriel, Douglas Central Florida 6022 213 4.51 5.2525. Edwards, Terrence Georgia 6000 179 4.54 5.2426. Bush, Mike Washington State 6050 198 4.72 5.2027. Madise, Adrian Texas Christian 5113 208 4.53 5.2028. Dunbar, LaTarence Texas Christian 5106 196 4.52 5.2029. Savage, Antwone Oklahoma 5113 192 4.51 5.2030. Tolver, Gregory “J.R.” San Diego State 6010 202 4.68 5.2031. Rubin, DeAndrew South Florida 5111 190 4.50 5.1532. Howry, Keenan Oregon 5095 178 4.62 5.15 RS33. Kircus, Dave Grand Valley State College 6016 182 4.47 5.00 RS34. Hoag, Ryan Gustavus Adolphus 6021 200 4.50 5.0035. Tyree, David Syracuse 6005 197 4.52 5.0036. Smith, Zuriel Hampton 5110 168 4.54 5.0037. Olinger, Jon Cincinnati 6034 213 4.67 5.0038. Morris, Carl Harvard 6026 214 4.63 5.0039. Riley, Jerome Washington State 6003 189 4.61 5.0040. McKelvey, Johnathan Clemson 6030 212 4.65 5.0041. Ponder, Willie Southeast Missouri State 6003 205 4.51 5.00 RS42. Vance, Chris Ohio State 6005 192 4.58 5.0043. Bush, Mike Washington State 6050 198 4.72 5.0044. Stricker, Dan Vanderbilt 6021 203 4.62 5.0045. Moore, Cecil East Tennessee State 6012 215 4.63 5.0046. Anglin, Travis Memphis 6035 192 4.55 5.0047. Newhouse, Reggie Baylor 6004 198 4.50 5.0048. Quinnie, Willie Alabama-Birmingham 5115 180 4.50 5.0049. Morgan, Robert Florida State 5106 192 4.60 5.00 X50. Hayes, Michael Southern 6043 223 4.63 5.00 TE51. Adkisson, James South Carolina 6036 219 4.40 5.0052. Arnold, Paul Washington 6006 213 4.45 5.00 X53. Walter, Kevin Eastern Michigan 6030 222 4.50 4.9054. Ford, Carl Toledo 6000 174 4.43 4.9055. Wallace, Taco Kansas State 5113 192 4.50e 4.9056. Forde, Andre Buffalo State 5102 210 4.46 4.9057. Fagan, Curtis Oklahoma 5116 173 4.58 4.90 X58. Mahe, Reno “Junior” Brigham Young 5092 198 4.71 4.9059. Alston, Richard East Carolina 5116 215 4.50 4.9060. Myers, Jerel LSU 5108 178 4.53 4.9061. Sands, Ethenic Miami (Fla.) 5111 175 4.65 4.9062. Thomas, Wilson Nebraska 6050 207 4.65 4.9063. Watkins, Kerry Georgia Tech 5101 184 4.58 4.7564. Marriott, Denero Marshall 6010 181 4.65 4.6565. Goines, Dwayne Texas A&M 5093 180 4.38 4.6066. Metcalf, Terrence South Carolina State 6032 207 4.69 4.6067. Pauley, Charles San Jose State 5097 158 4.44 4.6068. Jones, Clinton “C.J.” Iowa 5105 202 4.55 4.5069. Collins, Sam Alabama 6005 183 4.46 4.5070. Scott, Leonard Tennessee 5101 185 4.26 4.5071. Burke, Jamal Boston College 6004 204 4.55 4.5072. Hamilton, Sparky Arkansas 6042 212 4.56 4.5073. Lewis, Greg Illinois 5110 172 4.49 4.5074. Lewis, Jermaine Western Michigan 6041 203 4.50 4.50 S75. Bell, KeyKowa Houston 5094 184 4.48 4.5076. Paige, Anton Texas Tech 6043 205 4.58 4.4577. Vann, Ladaris Cincinnati 5090 200 4.53 4.4078. Carter, Antonio Alabama 5090e 195e 4.55e 4.4079. Ward, Lashaun California 5116 197 4.45 4.4080. Allen, Bosley Stephen F. Austin 6005 196 4.62 4.4081. Hamilton, Lawrence Stephen F. Austin 6021 200 4.41 4.4082. Battle, Steve Valley City State College 6007 188 4.46 4.4083. Devoe, Todd Central Missouri State 6015 202 4.47 4.4084. Gasaway, Byron Kansas 6030e 210 4.70 4.4085. Lovett, B.J. Michigan State 6026 209 4.65 4.4086. Davis, Fabian Wake Forest 5101 174 4.58 4.4087. Anglin, Travis Memphis 6035 192 4.55 4.4088. Mays, Jermaine Minnesota 5114 200 4.50 4.4089. Grindle, Terrell Mississippi State 5083 189 4.48 4.40

90. Gessner, Chas Brown 6047 201 4.61 4.4091. Brewer, Ryan South Carolina 5092 211 4.70 4.4092. Moorehead, Aaron Illinois 6033 203 4.60 4.4093. Oliva, Mike California-Davis 6007 210 4.52 4.4094. Burns, Antoine Minnesota 5115 195 4.51 4.4095. Hankton, Cortez Texas Southern 6000 204 4.49 4.4096. Rampersant, Curtis Benedict College (S.C.) 6026 200 4.75 4.4097. Sump, Brian Colorado School of Mines 5111 183 4.52 4.4098. Wingfield, Billy Boise State 5100 178 4.49 4.3599. Peterson, Bryan North Carolina State 5113 195 4.72 4.35

100. Fryzel, James Central Florida 5110 191 4.58 4.35101. Lindsey, Neal Alabama A&M 6001 213 4.62 4.35102. Pugh, Alfonso Truman State 6027 222 4.71 4.35103. Monroe, Scooter Maryland 6016 194 4.60 4.30104. Fry, Todd Washington & Jefferson 5104 177 4.45 4.30105. Willis, Jason Oregon 6010 190 4.58 4.30106. Amerson, Drew Troy State 5096 162 4.59 4.30107. Swillie, Jay Boise State 6027 212 4.70 4.30108. Blount, David Hampton 6036 213 4.61 4.30109. Smith, Hugh South Florida 5080 165 4.47 4.30110. Braxton, Phil West Virginia 6023 193 4.75 4.30111. Breeden, Sam Arkansas 6034 212 4.56 4.20112. Holden, Laquonne Morris Brown College 6021 206 4.60 4.20113. Borders, Chesley North Carolina 5111 187 4.60 4.20 S114. Lewis, John Oklahoma State 5112 189 4.42 4.20115. Morales, Seth Purdue 5093 170 4.54 4.20116. Bonner, Cedric Texas A&M-Commerce 6000 172 4.37 4.20117. Glover, Will Georgia Tech 5097 183 4.55 4.10118. Davenport, Ronnie San Diego State 6004 195 4.68 4.10119. Wells, Ryan Stanford 5110 197 4.53 4.10120. Thomas, J.T. Indiana (Pa.) 5106 188 4.41 4.10121. Lusk, Gary Texas A&M-Kingsville 6012 192 4.63 4.10122. Sanders, Cale Eastern New Mexico 5114 173 4.47 4.10123. Slade, Lamar Pittsburgh 6033 203 4.65 4.10124. Dillard, Sean Temple 5080 173 4.32 4.10125. Parham, Terrell Virginia Tech 5114 187 4.45 4.10126. Golson, Vito Illinois State 6010 190 4.69 4.00127. Hill, Harrison Kansas 5112 191 4.65 4.00 XX128. Comeaux, Aris Army 5101 198 4.65 4.00129. Lilla, Adam Winona State 5116 178 4.54 4.00130. Mackey, Damian Oklahoma 5110e 180 4.60 4.00131. Opara, Chisom Princeton 6012 223 4.65e 4.00132. Layton, Andrew Appalachian State 5113 183 4.73 4.00133. Willis, Marcel Auburn 6010e 185 4.57 4.00134. Hemmings, Keith Boston College 6014 211 4.62 4.00135. Glover, William Georgia Tech 5097 181 4.75 4.00136. Jacobs, Robert Jackson State 6020 210 4.69 4.00137. Robinson, Reggie LSU 6002 209 4.59 4.00138. Mason, Troy Nevada-Las Vegas 5087 171 4.47 4.00139. Schweighardt, Jon Northwestern 5102 191 4.64 4.00

CENTERSRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Faine, Jeff Notre Dame 6027 298 4.90 6.00 Jr.2. Johnson, Al Wisconsin 6034 305 4.99 5.603. Nelson, Bruce Iowa 6052 295 5.21 5.60 OG, X4. Lucier, Wayne Colorado 6036 301 5.15 5.505. Koppen, Daniel Boston College 6025 297 5.26 5.506. Romberg, Brett Miami (Fla.) 6021 295 5.17 5.357. King, Austin Northwestern 6037 299 5.47 5.358. Claxton, Ben Mississippi 6025 301 5.21 5.209. Mruczkowski, Gene Purdue 6025 297 5.19 5.15 OG

10. Nowland, Ben Auburn 6026 298 5.18 5.1211. Mirambeau, Antoine Florida State 6030 299 5.40 5.10 X12. Ephraim, Alonzo Alabama 6014 312 5.35 5.0013. Iorio, Joe Penn State 6024e 300e 5.25e 4.9014. Mabry, Mike Central Florida 6020 295 5.20e 4.9015. Brigman, Lucas Nebraska-Omaha 6003 308 5.45 4.9016. Garrison, John Nebraska 6042 288 5.22 4.7517. Brigandi, Mike Hofstra 6026 322 5.40 4.6018. Huff, Scott Boise State 6011 292 5.30 4.5019. Setterstrom, Chad Northern Iowa 6031 309 5.44 4.4020. Johnson, Cody Nevada-Reno 6032 276 5.30 4.2021. Klein, Donny Temple 6014 296 5.25 4.20

OFFENSIVE GUARDSRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Steinbach, Eric Iowa 6062 295 4.84 6.20 OT2. Manuwai, Vincent Hawaii 6020 304 5.11 6.00 C3. Holland, Montrae Florida State 6014 326 5.19 5.854. Dockery, Derrick Texas 6054 338 5.50 5.80 OT5. Diehl, David Illinois 6056 310 5.10 5.40 OT6. Whitley, Taylor Texas A&M 6037 321 5.20 5.35 OT7. Sobieski, Ben Iowa 6052 311 4.99 5.35 OT, X8. Bates, Justin Colorado 6037 304 5.41 5.25 OT9. Roehl, Jeff Northwestern 6036 300 5.14 5.25

10. Davis, Anthony Virginia Tech 6043 316 5.20 5.25 OT11. Williams, Todd Florida State 6046 340 5.15 5.15 OT12. Tercero, Scott California 6037 303 5.22 5.1213. Breedlove, Kevin Georgia 6034 320 5.31 5.1114. Mahan, Sean Notre Dame 6030 301 5.14 5.1015. Anderson, Bryan Pittsburgh 6043 321 5.30 5.1016. Tucker, Torrin Southern Mississippi 6056 328 5.38 5.1017. Schindler, Greg Stanford 6051 307 5.08 5.1018. Williams, Cedric South Carolina 6023 303 5.29 5.08 X19. Jackson, Alex Georgia 6040 356 5.40 5.08 X20. Demar, Enoch Indiana 6037 334 5.62 5.0821. Gerda, Joe Memphis 6041 308 5.00 5.08 X22. Haji-Rasouli, Sherko Miami (Fla.) 6050e 310 5.50 5.0523. Wilson, Zachary USC 6045 296 5.28 5.0524. Pears, Morgan Colorado State 6062 319 5.13 5.0525. Archibald, Ben Brigham Young 6040e 300 5.40 5.05 X26. Beard, Dwight William & Mary 6037 316 5.40 5.0527. Davis, Lee Oregon State 6032 306 5.30 5.00 X28. Hall, Shane South Carolina 6060 305 5.30 5.0029. Kellerman, Rob Wyoming 6052 301 5.43 4.90 X30. Miller, David Ball State 6027 320 5.40 4.9031. Portis, Marico Alabama 6014 311 5.43 4.90 OT32. Felder, Gus Penn State 6033 319 5.60 4.80 OT33. Wilkins, Edward Miami (Fla.) 6032 326 5.20 4.4034. Kuykendall, Michael Oregon State 6056 337 5.40 4.40

35. Crossley, John Arkansas State 6021 321 5.37 4.4036. Terrel, Tony Nevada-Las Vegas 6032 334 5.49 4.4037. Petruziello, Dave Michigan 6030 298 5.32 4.4038. Choi, Brian Montana State 6041 314 5.19 4.40 OT39. Fuata, Lui Hawaii 6017 309 5.34 4.40 OT40. Fast, Ben South Dakota State 6057 311 5.20e 4.4041. Wike, Todd Maryland 6032 305 5.54 4.3942. Riggs, Shane North Carolina State 6027 285 5.35 4.30 OT43. Perretta, Steve Marshall 6020 294 5.35 4.3044. Vian, Rob Boise State 6044 308 5.40 4.3045. Cody, Wes Nebraska 6022 307 5.42 4.3046. Zajac, Elliot Washington 6035 304 5.28 4.20 Age, X47. Riley, Conor Nebraska-Omaha 6032 305 5.30e 4.2048. Roche, Derrick Washington State 6053 286 5.40 4.20 C49. Eaton, Kyle Oklahoma State 6071 295 5.30e 4.20 OT50. Patrick, Joseph Appalachian State 6025 307 5.50e 4.1051. Meyer, Keith Rice 6026 288 5.09 4.1052. Croskey, Kyle Central Michigan 6025 336 5.48 4.1053. Doolin, William Cincinnati 6040 306 5.42 4.10 C54. Turner, Rob Purdue 6033 303 5.20 4.1055. Burger, Aaron Army 6011 283 5.14 4.10

OFFENSIVE TACKLESRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Gross, Jordan Utah 6044 300 5.02 6.452. Harris, Kwame Stanford 6070 310 5.21 6.30 Jr.3. Foster, George Georgia 6053 331 5.03 6.104. Hunter, Wayne Hawaii 6055 311 5.10 5.905. Stinchcomb, Jon Georgia 6050 306 5.02 5.80 OG6. Williams, Brett Florida State 6050 315 5.11 5.65 X7. Pashos, Tony Illinois 6060 342 5.46 5.408. Black, Jordan Notre Dame 6057 314 5.20 5.30 OG9. Bridges, Jeremy Southern Mississippi 6041 301 5.42 5.30

10. Johnson, Ben Wisconsin 6064 329 5.36 5.30 X11. Sciullo, Steve Marshall 6051 330 5.48 5.2912. Smith, Wade Memphis 6037 296 5.14 5.2413. Wand, Seth Northwest Missouri State 6070 321 5.14 5.24 X14. Freitas, Makoa Arizona 6040 307 5.01 5.20 OG, X15. Provost, Tim San Jose State 6051 301 5.22 5.20 OG16. Wells, Reggie Clarion (Pa.) 6032 300 5.14 5.15 C17. Rykert, Dustin Brigham Young 6063 327 5.47 5.1518. Ogden, Marques Howard 6042 317 5.15 5.15 OG, C19. Kooistra, Scott North Carolina State 6057 316 5.13 5.10 X20. Curtin, Brennan Notre Dame 6091 318 5.25 5.1021. Van Buren, Courtney Arkansas-Pine Bluff 6055 340 5.34 5.0522. Nimmo, Lance West Virginia 6052 298 5.25 5.0123. Ofenheusle, Will Tennessee 6067 308 5.26 5.0024. Byrd, Gary Clemson 6041 314 5.20 4.9925. Johnson, Garry Arkansas State 6033 289 5.26 4.9926. Marshall, Kareem Georgia 6045 342 5.55 4.9927. Saffer, Mike UCLA 6045 301 5.16 4.98 X28. Kuppe, Jake Minnesota 6053 346 5.41 4.9829. Doane, Robbie Texas 6055 308 5.32 4.95 OG30. Ellington, Dante Alabama 6050e 350e 5.60e 4.9531. Booker, Ulish Michigan State 6062 304 5.20 4.9532. Jimenez, Jason Southern Mississippi 6067 303 5.15 4.9533. Barnett, Thomas Kansas State 6044 316 5.23 4.9034. Soriano, Jamil Harvard 6041 317 5.54 4.90 OG35. Sands, Justin Kansas 6067 311 5.02 4.90 OG36. Brandt, Bobby Indiana 6063 307 5.30 4.90 X37. Chambers, Corey Oregon 6036 285 5.22 4.9038. Yovanovits, Dave Temple 6030 294 5.30e 4.9039. Crawford, Matt Maryland 6050 313 5.60 4.7540. Newton, Jim Utah State 6092 297 5.20 4.7041. Goldberg, Adam Wyoming 6055 330 5.50 4.50 OG42. Jowers, Jason Wisconsin 6063 319 5.26 4.5043. Lavergne, Damian Louisiana Tech 6060 333 5.55 4.5044. Burks, Dralinn Kansas State 6034 307 5.19 4.5045. Brantley, Derrick Clemson 6042 301 5.10 4.50 X46. Randle-Veasey, Alfia Texas 6044 313 5.35e 4.5047. Unutoa, Ben Kentucky State College 6045 281 5.23 4.41 TE48. Lougheed, Pete Purdue 6046 300 5.15 4.4049. McElfish, Justin Richmond 6050 293 5.33 4.4050. Sanderson, Watts South Carolina 6050 300 5.29 4.4051. Barrick, Brady Texas Christian 6051 295 5.05 4.4052. Williams, Rufus Houston 6041 302 4.85 4.40 OG53. Reese Hicks Georgetown (Ky.) 6047 299 5.28 4.4054. Bohlander, Bryce UCLA 6053 296 5.57 4.3955. Safranek, Darren Arizona 6070e 270 5.25 4.35 X56. Porter, David Iowa 6057 311 5.32 4.3057. Klabo, Chuck North Dakota State 6053 291 5.27 4.3058. Wendel, Dennis Bowling Green State 6070 310 5.50 4.3059. Surratt, Johnny Fayetteville (Ark.) State 6051 297 5.21 4.30 X60. Swartz, Noah Toledo 6052 310 5.20 4.3061. Parenteau, Mark Boston College 6041 291 5.89 4.2062. Myler, A.C. Indiana 6037 333 5.66 4.2063. Tuttle, Alex Northwest Missouri State 6047 305 5.37 4.2064. Burgess, Jackie Liberty 6060 301 5.44 4.2065. Johnson, Belton Mississippi 6051 296 5.43 4.2066. Carswell, Trohn Rutgers 6042 300 5.12 4.2067. Mullins, Mike Virginia 6067 283 5.47 4.2068. Thompson, Eric Virginia State 6057 356 5.75 4.1069. Raulston, Bart Alabama 6081 376 5.60 4.1070. Billingsley, Bill Arkansas-Pine Bluff 6027 305 5.22 4.1071. Schey, Joe Fresno State 6060 320 5.73 4.0072. Cain, Steven Furman 6044 282 5.16 4.0073. Huff, Brian Central Florida 6060 290 5.35 4.0074. Vincent, Tim Northern Illinois 6053 282 5.39 4.0075. Jackson, Jamaal Delaware State 6026 351 5.45e 4.0076. Matthews, Michael Jackson State 6046 350 5.41 4.0077. Denay, Joe Michigan 6067 307 5.40 4.0078. Denton, Chase Sam Houston State 6030e 315 5.70 4.0079. Washburn, James Appalachian State 6051 285 5.50e 4.0080. Kayser, Joshua Augustana College (S.D.) 6033 312 5.71 4.00

DEFENSIVE ENDSRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Suggs, Terrell Arizona State 6033 262 4.77 6.55 Jr., OLB2. McDougle, Jerome Miami (Fla.) 6020 264 4.63 6.403. Haynes, Michael Penn State 6035 278 4.70 6.20

Player printout


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4. Kelsay, Chris Nebraska 6043 273 4.72 6.205. Brayton, Tyler Colorado 6061 270 4.64 6.006. Peterson, Kenny Ohio State 6031 288 4.80 6.007. White, Dewayne Louisville 6021 273 4.74 5.90 Jr.8. Pace, Calvin Wake Forest 6040 267 4.65 5.60 X9. Umenyiora, Osi Troy State 6030 278 4.59 5.60

10. Pierson, Shurron South Florida 6016 244 4.56 5.60 Jr., OLB11. Redding, Cory Texas 6035 274 4.88 5.5012. Moorehead, Kindal Alabama 6024 283 4.96 5.5013. Banta-Cain, Tully California 6021 264 4.81 5.5014. Mitchell, Clint Florida 6067 252 4.95 5.4015. Jackson, Alonzo Florida State 6040 265 4.69 5.40 OLB16. Wilkerson, Jimmy Oklahoma 6027 270 4.73 5.35 Jr., DT17. McNeal, Bryant Clemson 6043 248 4.82 5.2518. Williams, Andrew Miami (Fla.) 6022 263 4.61 5.25 X19. Burley, Nick Fresno State 6035 243 4.70 5.25 OLB20. Garay, Antonio Boston College 6027 295 4.90 5.20 X21. Green, Jamaal Miami (Fla.) 6016 267 4.70 5.20 X, OLB22. Hand, Omari Tennessee 6036 267 4.85 5.20 X23. Hunt, Aaron Texas Tech 6024 267 4.79 5.2024. Orr, Shantee Michigan 6020 255 4.75 5.20 OLB25. Green, Brandon Rice 6023 267 4.72 5.1626. Adams, Demoine Nebraska 6014 258 4.75 5.1627. Veal, Demetrin Tennessee 6021 288 5.24 5.1528. House, Raymond Arkansas 6023 273 5.02 5.1529. Patterson, Elton Central Florida 6015 271 5.03 5.1530. Williams, Melvin Kansas State 6021 269 4.75 5.1031. Gbaja-Biamila, Akbar San Diego State 6046 250 4.90 5.1032. Sprague, Jake Wisconsin 6021 274 4.79 5.10 DT, X33. Jones, Lakendrick South Carolina State 6023 276 4.93 5.1034. Rumishek, Dan Michigan 6033 277 4.90 5.0035. Green, Cornelius Miami (Fla.) 6027 243 4.80 5.00 X36. Alston, Charles Bowie State College 6046 264 4.88 4.9037. Quinn, Dennis South Carolina 6036 269 4.89 4.9038. Jackson, Corey Nevada-Reno 6061 268 4.85 4.6039. Wright, Darrell Oregon 6035 259 5.00 4.5040. Bleisath, DJ Tennessee Tech 6034 261 4.86 4.5041. Murphy, Leif North Dakota State 6025 252 4.81 4.5042. Roundtree, Durrand Maryland 6022 259 4.75 4.4043. Smith, Justin Nebraska 6035 263 4.76 4.4044. Dorsey, Quinn Oregon 6032 256 4.80 4.4045. Turntine, John Texas Christian 6011 268 4.95 4.3046. Tippins, Andrew Mankato State 6015 270 4.87 4.30 OLB47. Brown, Tony Memphis 6016 273 4.83 4.3048. Powell, Eric Florida State 6025 268 4.57 4.30 OLB49. Washburn, Clifton Citadel 6051 275 4.95 4.3050. Roberts, Ryan Notre Dame 6017 258 4.90 4.30 X51. Oquendo-Johnson, Marcus Florida 6027 225 4.50 4.30 LB52. Collier, Anthony Baylor 6030 245 4.96 4.2053. McEwen, Seth Oregon 6046 271 5.03 4.20 DT54. Stephen, Roderick Wake Forest 6025 258 4.82 4.1055. Wimsatt, Andrew North Carolina State 6027 242 4.85 4.1056. Dennis, Charlie Kansas 6040e 248e 4.80e 4.00 MI57. Wilson, Pierre Kent State 6030 271 4.85 4.0058. Chapman, Terrance North Carolina State 6027 250 4.80 4.0059. Willis, Ahmad Northwestern State (La.) 6007 260 4.88 4.0060. Iata, Fiaoo San Diego State 6040 262 5.07 4.0061. McKeithan, Hassan Alabama-Birmingham 6014 255 5.11 4.0062. Jeffries, Josh Appalachian State 6004 255 5.02 4.0063. Barnett, Derek Indiana 6033 246 4.89 4.00 X64. Harris, Richard Indiana State 6023 255 4.93 4.00

DEFENSIVE TACKLESRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Robertson, Dewayne Kentucky 6013 324 4.84 6.55 Jr.2. Kennedy, Jimmy Penn State 6040 322 5.20 6.453. Williams, Kevin Oklahoma State 6047 304 4.84 6.40 DE4. Sullivan, Johnathan Georgia 6031 312 4.92 6.40 Jr.5. Joseph, William Miami (Fla.) 6050 308 4.95 6.206. Warren, Ty Texas A&M 6045 307 5.03 6.10 X7. Eason, Nicholas Clemson 6032 298 5.02 5.45 X8. Adams, Anthony Penn State 5115 299 5.09 5.459. Long, Rien Washington State 6061 302 5.05e 5.45 Jr.

10. King, Kenny Alabama 6026 281 4.93 5.45 X11. Scott, Ian Florida 6023 310 5.12 5.36 Jr.12. Johnson, Jarret Alabama 6025 284 4.98 5.36 DE13. Walters, Matthew Miami (Fla.) 6044 272 4.74 5.30 DE14. Leonard, Matt Stanford 6025 305 4.97 5.30 X15. Klecko, Dan Temple 5114 273 4.89 5.2916. Moore, Rashad Tennessee 6031 324 5.10 5.25 X17. Lee, James Oregon State 6044 327 4.88 5.2518. Cole, Colin Iowa 6015 307 5.15 5.25 DE, X19. Franklin, Aubrayo Tennessee 6014 307 5.20 5.20 X20. Riley, Bernard USC 6015 315 4.95 5.20 X21. Manning, Eric Oregon State 6010 303 5.05 5.2022. Moore, Langston South Carolina 6010 303 4.94 5.19 MI23. Sharpe, Montique Wake Forest 6020 296 4.91 5.18 MI24. LaFavor, Tron Florida 6017 286 5.10 5.15 X, Elig.25. Sape, Lauvale Utah 6015 297 5.09 5.1526. Kelley, Ethan Baylor 6014 301 5.13 5.1027. Wright, Keith Missouri 6006 275 4.88 5.1028. Williams, Davern Troy State 6026 300 5.37 5.1029. Upchurch, David West Virginia 6030 283 5.10 5.1030. Dielman, Kris Indiana 6032 311 5.09 5.00 TE31. Martin, Terrance North Carolina State 6030 299 5.15 5.0032. Harden, Cedric Murray State 6022 309 5.20 5.0033. Jones, Rayshun Southern Mississippi 6016 280 5.03 5.0034. Smith, Garrett Utah 6024 296 5.13 4.90 MI35. Rayburn, Sam Tulsa 6026 300 5.11 4.5036. Reese, Allen “Tank” Kansas State 5105 294 4.82 4.5037. Clanton, Jon Nebraska 6013 290 4.92 4.5038. Moten, Travis Nebraska-Omaha 6022 343 5.54 4.50 XX39. Love, Tim Harding 6021 323 5.14 4.50 OLB40. Brown, LaWaylon Oklahoma State 6041 299 5.12 4.50 OLB41. Holmes, Clarence Army 6016 257 4.93 4.50 DE42. Thompson, David Ohio State 6041 286 5.12 4.4043. Black, Floyd Harding 6034 304 5.18 4.3044. Mounga, Tonga Southern Utah 6022 296 5.08 4.30 X45. Malone, James Alabama-Birmingham 6015 280 5.10 4.2046. Kendrick, Edward Tennessee 6040e 255 4.80 4.2047. Allen, Kendrick LSU 6045 311 5.28 4.20 X48. Stewart, Jason Fresno State 6000e 270 5.00 4.20

49. Attieh, Roy Kent State 6016 312 4.92 4.2050. Brooks, Jermaine Arkansas 6027 297 5.00 4.19 MI51. Hall, Jerrick North Carolina State 6012 300 5.32 4.1052. Thompson, Young Arizona 6015 315 5.20 4.1053. Lazarus, Shawn Michigan 6031 288 5.10 4.1054. Clay, Michael Texas A&M-Kingsville 6016 279 4.80 4.1055. Lohr, Jason Nebraska 6007 272 5.26 4.1056. Freeman, Trey Stanford 6022 288 5.15 4.1057. Hayes, Marc Rhode Island 5117 320 5.27 4.1058. Geter, Jason Carson-Newman 6022 311 5.30 4.1059. Smoot, Greg Connecticut 6025 276 5.12 4.1060. Booker, Dante Auburn 6030e 280 5.10 4.1061. Gassen, Bill South Dakota 5110 292 5.02 4.01 X62. Terry, Ryan Miami (Ohio) 6012 349 5.50 4.00 X63. Butler, Ivan North Carolina A&T 6005 308 5.50 4.0064. Benford, Demond Alabama State 6023 278 5.11 4.0065. Blair, Ja’Warren East Carolina 6055 255 5.21 4.0066. Savelio, Bryan Florida 6016 289 5.28 4.00 OG, FB67. Sperling, Lebryan Furman 6014 286 5.48 4.0068. White, Corey Kansas State 6010 291 5.10 4.0069. Falls, Tim Penn State 6030e 280 5.20 4.0070. Smith, Shaun South Carolina 6020 308 5.32 4.0071. Jurineack, Tavares South Florida 6026 273e 5.16 4.00

INSIDE / MIDDLE LINEBACKERSRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Henderson, E.J. Maryland 6014 238 4.75 6.20 X2. Pierce, Terry Kansas State 6013 251 4.80 6.00 Jr.3. Hayes, Gerald Pittsburgh 6007 238 4.75 6.00 OLB4. Crowell, Angelo Virginia 6003 236 4.74 5.35 OLB5. Smith, Clifton Syracuse 6023 253 4.86 5.30 X6. Mitchell, Kawika South Florida 6006 251 4.61 5.267. Wilhelm, Matt Ohio State 6036 243 4.66 5.25 X8. Haggan, Mario Mississippi State 6025 252 4.68 5.259. Hillenmeyer, Hunter Vanderbilt 6037 241 4.79 5.25

10. Bates, Solomon Arizona State 6013 244 4.78 5.2011. Whiteside, Keyon Tennessee 5117 229 4.77 5.2012. Gilbert, Tony Georgia 5117 244 4.78 5.2013. Robertson, Merrill Virginia 6010e 252e 4.75 5.2014. Flugence, Lawrence Texas Tech 6011 239 4.83 5.2015. Brown, Mark Auburn 6003 238 4.77 5.2016. Grigson, Dru William Penn (Iowa) 6012 235 4.71 5.17 Age, X17. Strong, Eddie Mississippi 6017 242 4.86 5.1618. Robinson, Terrence Oklahoma State 6003 240 4.84 5.1519. Schumacher, Jerry Illinois 6016 233 5.06 5.0020. Hardmon, Byron Florida 6010 232 4.76 5.00 OLB21. Moretti, David Oregon 6006 237 4.77 5.0022. Wahlroos, Drew Colorado 6024 235 4.71 4.9023. Unck, Mason Arizona State 6017 235 4.90 4.7024. Barr, Fred Iowa 6002 242 4.85e 4.5025. Word, Matt Iowa State 5110 233 4.70e 4.5026. Hunnicutt, Jesse Texas A&M 6026e 250e 4.80e 4.4027. Lewis, Darvin Central Michigan 6024 227 4.70 4.4028. Brown, Chris Hawaii 5116 238 4.83 4.3029. Ciurciu, Vinny Boston College 5115 239 4.70 4.2530. Andrews, Elgin Jackson State 5110 240 4.76 4.2031. Myers, Ryan Akron 6012 245 4.74 4.2032. Pitts, Greg Southwest Texas State 6030 238 5.00e 4.10 X33. Gardner, David Toledo 6015 243 4.95e 4.1034. Thompson, Mark Richmond 6025 224 4.92 4.1035. Hartmann, Ray Carthage 6006 239 4.79 4.1036. Mack, Lernard Texas Southern 5117 228 4.87 4.1037. Burnette, Dantonio North Carolina State 5100 233 4.77 4.1038. McWilliams, Jason Western Illinois 6001 224 4.80 4.00 X39. Barno, Dustin Eastern Pennsylvania 6015 263 5.06 4.00

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERSRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Bailey, Boss Georgia 6031 230 4.35 6.20 S2. Barnett, Nick Oregon State 6015 236 4.66 5.60 S3. Hobson, Victor Michigan 6004 252 4.61 5.40 ILB4. James, Bradie LSU 6023 238 4.65 5.40 ILB5. Peek, Antwan Cincinnati 6025 246 4.66 5.40 DE6. Thompson, Chaun West Texas A&M 6017 240 4.56 5.35 ILB7. Tinoisamoa, Pisa Hawaii 6003 231 4.56 5.30 S8. Grant, William “Cie” Ohio State 6003 230 4.49 5.30 DB9. Nattiel, Michael Florida 5115 220 4.60 5.30 Jr.

10. Moore, Eddie Tennessee 6003 237 4.65 5.20 X11. Williams, Sam Fresno State 6042 257 4.60 5.1912. Abdullah, Khalid Mars Hill (Pa.) 6021 227 4.64 5.1513. Odom, Joe Purdue 6007 241 4.61 5.1514. Briggs, Lance Arizona 6005 242 4.74 5.15 ILB15. Shanle, Scott Nebraska 6021 245 4.69 5.1016. Davis, James West Virginia 6014 221 4.70 5.10 S17. McDonald, LaMarcus Texas Christian 6012 229 4.98 5.1018. Clemons, Chris Georgia 6030 236 4.71 5.10 Jr.19. Lee, Chad Louisville 6020 256 4.80 5.1020. Penright, Jerrod Texas A&M 6016 233 4.65 5.10 X21. Loyd, Jeremy Iowa State 6015 235 4.67 5.1022. Josue, Steve Carson-Newman 6010 227 4.70 5.1023. Wimbush, Recardo Georgia Tech 6010 203 4.86 5.10 S24. Mathis, Robert Alabama A&M 6003 228 4.53 5.0025. Kramer, Jordan Idaho 6011 233 4.62 5.0026. Mahdavi, Ben Washington 6007 240 4.56 5.0027. Thomas, Rodney Clemson 5114 219 4.70 4.9028. Williamson, John East Carolina 6016 230 4.98 4.9029. Martin, Shaka Rhode Island 6013 225 4.53 4.9030. Klotsche, John California 5110 230 5.00 4.90 X31. Ellis, Kai Washington 6034 238 4.89 4.90 X32. Reese, Marcus UCLA 6003 231 4.62 4.9033. Coates, Sherrod Western Kentucky 6007 224 4.59 4.60 S34. Cooper, Stephen Maine 6007 233 4.70 4.5035. Price, Shawn North Carolina State 6007 223 4.65 4.5036. Randall, Curtis Louisiana Tech 6022 221 4.71 4.4037. Henley, Joe Southern Mississippi 5105 227 4.46 4.4038. Landrum, German Mississippi 6021 235 4.65 4.4039. Wells, Ray Arizona 6010e 224 4.60 4.3540. O’Neil, Keith Northern Arizona 6005 227 4.67 4.3041. Killins, Joseph Miles College 6010 234 4.69 4.30 DE42. Dunn, Anthony Northern Colorado 6017 249 4.82 4.25 ILB43. Robillard, Matthew Miami (Ohio) 6023 230 4.81 4.25

44. Stella, Randy Nebraska-Omaha 6005 210 4.76 4.2045. Deckhart, Sheldon Utah 6014 241 4.75 4.20 ILB46. Whitaker, Chris Iowa State 6000e 222e 4.60 4.2047. Cain, Josh Tennessee-Chattanooga 5110e 230 4.75 4.2048. Johnson, Joey Colorado 6020e 220 4.70 4.2049. White, Tracy Howard 5113 218 4.54 4.1550. Ceaser, Brian Western Illinois 6012 244 4.74 4.1051. Walls, Gavin Arkansas 6016 223 4.62 4.1052. Josue, Steve Carson-Newman 6016 218 4.67 4.1053. Jackson, Lee Texas 6022 213 4.62 4.1054. Williams, Tim Augustana College (Ill.) 6047 224 4.99 4.1055. Davis, Ranney Arkansas Central 6030e 248 4.98 4.00 MI56. Massey, Joe Bucknell 6010 253 5.09 4.0057. Scott, Kevin California (Pa.) 6013 235 4.65e 4.0058. Hamphill, Reggie East Carolina 6000e 230e 4.90e 4.0059. Morgan, Shawn Fayatteville (Ark.) State 6022 201 4.66 4.00 ILB60. Clark, Howard Miami (Fla.) 6010e 228e 4.70e 4.0061. Cole, Greg Kansas 6010e 230e 4.70e 4.00

CORNERBACKSRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Newman, Terence Kansas State 5103 189 4.38 6.55 Age, RS2. Trufant, Marcus Washington State 5111 199 4.44 6.453. Woolfolk, Andre Oklahoma 6013 197 4.48 6.10 WR4. Davis, Sammy Texas A&M 5116 186 4.46 6.005. Wilson, Eugene Illinois 5103 187 4.49 5.80 RS6. Asomugha, Nnamdi California 6023 210 4.38 5.50 S7. Weathersby, Dennis Oregon State 6005 204 4.38 5.60 MI, X8. Florence, Drayton Tuskegee 6002 198 4.44 5.419. Groce, DeJuan Nebraska 5095 192 4.50 5.30 RS

10. Garrett, Kevin Southern Methodist 5093 194 4.32 5.3011. Battle, Julian Tennessee 6022 204 4.46 5.30 CB12. Tillman, Charles Louisiana-Lafayette 6011 199 4.49 5.30 X13. Walton, Shane Notre Dame 5105 184 4.67 5.2914. Manning Jr., Ricky UCLA 5085 180 4.45 5.2515. Strickland, Donald Colorado 5100 187 4.44 5.25 X16. Babers, Roderick Texas 5086 192 4.46 5.2417. Cox, Torrie Pittsburgh 5092 181 4.50 5.20 X18. Taylor, Ivan Louisiana-Lafayette 6003 191 4.32 5.2019. Samuel, Asante Central Florida 5107 185 4.51 5.16 X20. Tucker, B.J. Wisconsin 5104 188 4.32 5.15 RS, X21. Lehan, Michael Minnesota 5116 190 4.46 5.1522. McGee, Terrence Northwestern State (La.) 5095 201 4.58 5.10 RS23. Walker, Frank Tuskegee 5106 193 4.50 5.1024. Johnson, Chris Louisville 5113 181 4.60 5.0525. Adams, Danny Cincinnati 5092 182 4.52 5.05 S26. Goss, Jason Texas Christian 5100 183 4.67 5.0527. Brown, Chris Alabama-Birmingham 6003 195 4.52 5.0028. Elpheage, Lynaris Tulane 5090 170 4.49 5.00 Jr., RS29. Henry, Cedric Michigan State 5094 189 4.52 5.0030. Banks, Korey Mississippi State 5097 188 4.57 5.0031. Mance, Brian Clemson 5103 191 4.53 5.00 X32. Jones, Rushen Vanderbilt 5106 201 4.65 5.0033. Whitaker, Ronyell Virginia Tech 5087 196 4.56 4.9934. Powell, Jemeel California 6002 186 4.66 4.9935. Leftwich, Terrance Temple 5110 184 4.55 4.9936. Sowells, Jesse Houston 5113 197 4.49 4.95 S37. Bodden, Leigh Duquesne 6002 184 4.60 4.9538. Sharpe, Ricky San Diego State 5110 188 4.57 4.9539. Covington, Raheem Northwestern 5080 180 4.40 4.9040. Nelson, Rhett Colorado State 6000 198 4.30 4.90 X41. Faison, Ahmad South Carolina 5085 190 4.50 4.9042. Hester, Marvious Georgia Tech 5102 172 4.53 4.9043. Hardy, Kelly East Carolina 5111 194 4.56 4.9044. Carter, A.C. Indiana 5073 196 4.68 4.9045. Cromartie, Robert Florida 5070e 192 4.50 4.9046. Rideaux, Darrell USC 5080 171 4.26 4.70 RS47. Hunter, Will Syracuse 5103 193 4.53 4.6048. Roberts, Terrell Oregon State 5091 203 4.52 4.6049. McGee, Don North Texas State 5102 195 4.49 4.5050. Waddell, Michael North Carolina 5103 169 4.39 4.5051. Miles, Willie Tennessee 5101 180 4.46 4.4052. Singfield, Dahnel Buffalo State 5114 182 4.48 4.40 RS53. Johnson, LeRoy Southern Mississippi 5100e 177 4.42 4.30 BB54. Oliver, Latroy Syracuse 5077 193 4.45 4.3055. Knight, Kevin North Carolina 5073 184 4.47 4.3056. Collins, Chris Arkansas Central 5091 182 4.49 4.3057. Cooks, Weldon Texas-El Paso 6002 182 4.54 4.3058. Johnson, D.J. Iowa 5100 185 4.54 4.3059. Boston, Courtney Sam Houston State 5090e 170e 4.35e 4.2560. Smith, Art Northeastern 6003 190 4.60 4.2061. Tatum, Derrick Kentucky 5104 190 4.60 4.2062. Tucker, Maurice South Florida 5106 190 4.45e 4.20 S63. Bolden, Herschel Alabama 5104 195 4.59 4.2064. Hood, Roderick Auburn 5100e 193 4.57 4.2065. Thomas, Robert Hofstra 5092 200 4.62 4.2066. Reed, Rayshun Troy State 5094 182 4.51 4.2067. Haith, William “Roc” Liberty 5097 192 4.53 4.2068. Nelson, Broderick Michigan State 5114e 170 4.58 4.2069. Holmes-Miller, Ricklan Oklahoma State 5100 196 4.52 4.20 S70. Sanchez, Jeff Tulane 5100e 175 4.50 4.2071. Bolden, Hirchel Alabama 5105 196 4.48 4.2072. Hunter, Joe UCLA 5110 171 4.55 4.2073. Dixon, Gerald Alabama 5107 182 4.47 4.1074. White, Victor Winston-Salem 6000 207 4.60e 4.1075. Jimoh, Ade Utah State 6007 185 4.50 4.10 X76. Satterwhite, Yancey Marshall 5094 173 4.52 4.1077. Thornton, James Morris Brown 5103 188 4.54 4.10 Elig.78. Green, Carnell California-Davis 5084e 190e 4.60e 4.1079. Watson, Derrick Jackson State 5102 176 4.56 4.1080. Williams, Brandon Michigan 5104 180 4.40 4.0181. Hanson, Joselio Texas Tech 5084 165 4.39 4.0182. Crockett, D’Shaun Utah 5075 182 4.57 4.0083. Dalton, Anthony Western Washington 5086 194 4.50 4.0084. Tarpley, Terence Marshall 5092 174 4.53 4.0085. Faulk, Stephen Pennsylvania 5094 175 4.45e 4.00 X86. White, David Ohio 5104 184 4.65 4.0087. Sneed, Roderick Colorado 5100 182 4.63 4.0088. Malone, Victor Houston 5104 176 4.55 4.0089. Carlyle, Calvin Oregon State 5112 184 4.60e 4.0090. Hopkins, Roy Connecticut 5080 178 4.40 4.0091. Williams, Rosie Eastern Illinois 5107 172 4.47 4.00

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92. Austin, Atif Iowa State 5084 174 4.65 4.0093. Shell, Wagner Jacksonville 5103 178 4.76 4.0094. Baughman, Justin Kent State 5096 187 4.60 4.0095. Dyer, Nashville Kent State 5096 176 4.50 4.00

SAFETIESRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Polamalu, Troy USC 5101 206 4.33 6.012. Mathis, Rashean Bethune-Cookman 6006 202 4.41 6.00 CB3. Doss, Mike Ohio State 5101 207 4.47 6.004. Hamlin, Ken Arkansas 6024 207 4.55 5.70 Jr.5. Holt, Terrence North Carolina State 6016 205 4.53 5.406. Sapp, Gerome Notre Dame 6001 216 4.69 5.36 X7. Kiel, Terrance Texas A&M 5111 204 4.47 5.358. Johnson, Todd Florida 6007 206 4.50 5.359. Branch, Colin Stanford 5116 203 4.41 5.30

10. Pile, Willie Virginia Tech 6020 204 4.53 5.30 X11. Sanders, Antwoine Utah 6015 202 4.48 5.30 Jr.12. June, Cato Michigan 6001 218 4.60 5.3013. Pile, Willie Virginia Tech 6020 204 4.53 5.30 X14. Crocker, Chris Marshall 5116 194 4.65e 5.25 CB15. Pagel, Derek Iowa 6010 208 4.54 5.2516. Nickey, Donnie Ohio State 6022 215 4.51 5.2517. Drake, Charles Michigan 6010 205 4.44 5.2518. Milligan, Hanik Houston 6023 201 4.48 5.1619. Floyd, Anthony Louisville 5094 202 4.57 5.16 WR20. Scott, Bryan Penn State 6010 219 4.45 5.1521. Shabazz, Siddeeq “Jeremy” New Mexico State 5112 202 4.47 5.1522. Burns, Curry Louisville 6003 216 4.51 5.1523. LeJeune, Norman LSU 6003 200 4.66 5.1024. Young, David Georgia Southern 6010e 200 4.60 5.1025. Bell, Yeremiah Eastern Kentucky 5114 193 4.46 5.00 CB26. Bacon, Waine Alabama 5100 195 4.50 5.0027. Muyres, Jeremy Georgia Tech 6024 206 4.73 5.0028. Jenkins, Corey South Carolina 6001 220 4.57 5.00 Age, QB29. Scott, James Miami (Fla.) 6020e 193 4.50 5.0030. Suggs, DeMario Michigan State 5111 195 4.45 5.00 Age31. Celestine, Oliver Texas Southern 5114 195 4.50 4.9532. Wright, Thomas Michigan State 6013 201 4.85 4.9533. Parent, Ralph Boston College 6012 201 4.60 4.9534. Curry, Julius Michigan 5112 191 4.57 4.9535. Massey, Chris Oklahoma State 5114 216 4.65 4.90

36. Wallace, Jamal Temple 6000e 186 4.55 4.9037. Mikell, Quintin Boise State 5100 204 4.55 4.9038. Meekins, Eric Clemson 6016 197 4.55 4.5039. Hill, DeShaun USC 5110 195 4.55 4.5040. Cumby, Quentis Kentucky 6006 207 4.49 4.5041. Bowen, Milton Miami (Ohio) 6010 201 4.58 4.40 X42. Dykes, Donald Notre Dame 5106 194 4.60 4.4043. Webster, Rasuli Oregon 5114e 210 4.55 4.4044. Mayer, Shawn Penn State 6000e 192 4.70 4.4045. Bethel, Ron Indiana 6023 225 4.67 4.3546. Newby, Shenard Virginia 6013 210 4.65 4.3047. Evans, Jerton Virginia 5104 195 4.58 4.30 CB48. Gatlin, Gregory Rice 5110 180 4.52 4.30 CB49. Bodrick, Altroy Clemson 6010e 215 4.50 4.3050. Lemon, Jermaine South Carolina 5111 214 4.67 4.30 X51. Walker, Keeon Syracuse 5100 197 4.74 4.3052. Williams, Alfred Arizona State 6005 201 4.72 4.2053. Farley, Scott Williams College (Mass.) 6002 202 4.65 4.2054. Glenn, Jamar South Carolina State 6010 197 4.60 4.2055. Rahman, Isa Tennessee State 6024 200 4.56 4.2056. Swift, Joe Colorado 5097 179 4.40 4.20 MI57. Gholar, Michael Mississippi State 6046 201 4.89 4.1058. Ferguson, Taurus Missouri 5101 204 4.49 4.1059. Jackson, Tommy Albany State (Ga.) 6011 218 4.60e 4.1060. Martin, Jonathan South Carolina 5095 214 4.65e 4.1061. Turner, Ralph Purdue 6010 213 4.60 4.0062. Collins, Corey Georgia Tech 5111 200 4.69 4.0063. Gonzalez, Joe Indiana 5113 201 4.60 4.0064. Coleman, Defonte North Carolina 6011 217 4.81 4.0065. Bessette, Doug Boston College 5101 207 4.70 4.0066. Worcester, Jarvie Arizona 6000e 195 4.80 4.0067. Horton, Jason North Carolina A&T 5117 182 4.71 4.0068. Patterson, Julius North Carolina State 5095 184 4.80 4.0069. Clark, Clyde US Naval Academy 6006 190 4.70 4.0070. Fields, Ivan Cincinnati 5100e 184 4.52 4.0071. Bush, Derrick Alabama-Birmingham 6027 231 4.60 4.00

PLACEKICKERSRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Brown, Joshua Nebraska 6006 202 4.85 5.202. Marler, Seth Tulane 6011 195 5.00e 5.203. Ruffin, Jonathan Cincinnati 5101 180 5.07 5.15

4. Walls, Alex Tennessee 6000 211 5.00 4.905. Asparuhov, Asen Fresno State 6042 225 5.25 4.906. Sievers, Todd Miami (Fla) 6026 214 4.90 4.907. Christofilakos, Peter Illinois 5084 173 5.00 4.858. Barth, Mike Arizona State 5112 217 5.14 4.509. Calaycay, Nick Boise State 5067 168 4.97 4.50

10. Holiday, Adam Washington State 6035 236 5.00 4.30

PUNTERSRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Johnson, Eddie Idaho State 6034 232 5.19 5.25 X2. Scifres, Mike Western Illinois 6024 236 4.97 5.203. McBriar, Mat Hawaii 6001 213 4.90 5.204. Barnard, Brooks Maryland 6026 194 4.72 5.205. Mariscal, Mark Colorado 6015 201 5.00 5.156. Duval, Damon Auburn 5115 196 4.90 5.007. Groom, Andrew Ohio State 5117 196 4.63 5.008. Pakulak, Glenn Kentucky 6024 226 4.96 5.009. Fikse, Nathan UCLA 5084 196 4.86 4.90

10. Huber, Joey Colorado State 6055 246 5.00 4.9011. Mullins, Steve Utah State 6032 219 4.82 4.9012. Hildbold, Joey Notre Dame 5100 191 5.05 4.5013. Capshaw, Freddie Miami (Fla.) 5095 192 4.85 4.4514. Simpson, Jason Fresno State 6004 206 4.73 4.4015. Simnjanovski, Brian San Diego State 6024 223 5.00e 4.40

LONG-SNAPPERSRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Pontbriand, Ryan Rice 6017 250 5.01 4.802. Pearce, Chance Texas A&M 6011 250 5.55e 4.803. Smith, Patrick Arkansas Central 6042 302 5.42 4.704. Booth, Ross Virginia Military Institute 6001 242 5.01 4.505. Deal, Aaron Tennessee-Chattanooga 6054 300 5.40 4.20

RETURN SPECIALISTSRK. NAME COLLEGE HT. WT. SP. GR. COM.

1. Rideaux, Darrell USC 5080 171 4.26 5.152. Singfield, Dahnel Buffalo State 5114 182 4.48 5.003. Armstead, Jason Mississippi 5080 156 4.42 4.504. Wells, Ryan Stanford 5110 197 4.65e 4.45

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QUARTERBACKS (13)PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD

1. Carson Palmer USC 17. Byron Leftwich Marshall 1

19. Kyle Boller California 122. Rex Grossman Florida 188. Dave Ragone Louisville 397. Chris Simms Texas 3

110. Seneca Wallace Iowa State 4163. Brian St. Pierre Boston College 5192. Drew Henson Michigan 6200. Brooks Bollinger Wisconsin 6201. Kliff Kingsbury Texas Tech 6232. Gibran Hamdan Indiana 7241. Ken Dorsey Miami (Fla.) 7

FULLBACKS (9)PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD85. B.J. Askew Michigan 3

118. Jeremi Johnson Western Kentucky 4121. Justin Griffith Mississippi 4134. Ovie Mughelli Wake Forest 4165. Chris Davis Syracuse 5229. Andrew Pinnock South Carolina 7236. Brandon Drumm Colorado 7242. J.T. Wall Georgia 7247. Casey Moore Stanford 7

RUNNING BACKS (14)PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD23. Willis McGahee Miami 127. Larry Johnson Penn State 177. Musa Smith Georgia 393. Chris Brown Colorado 396. Justin Fargas USC 399. Artose Pinner Kentucky 4

101. Domanick Davis LSU 4105. Onterrio Smith Oregon 4108. Quentin Griffin Oklahoma 4115. Lee Suggs Virginia Tech 4132. LaBrandon Toefield LSU 4206. Brock Forsey Boise State 6218. Malaefou MacKenzie USC 7235. Ahmaad Galloway Alabama 7

WIDE RECEIVERS (37)PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD

2. Charles Rogers Michigan State 13. Andre Johnson Miami (Fla.) 1

17. Bryant Johnson Penn State 144. Taylor Jacobs Florida 245. Bethel Johnson Texas A&M 254. Anquan Boldin Florida State 260. Tyrone Calico Middle Tenn. State 263. Teyo Johnson Stanford 265. Kelley Washington Tennessee 371. Nate Burleson Nevada 374. Kevin Curtis Utah State 395. Wilbur “Billy” McMullen Virginia 3

106. Shaun McDonald Arizona State 4124. Brandon Lloyd Illinois 4

127. Sam Aiken North Carolina 4139. Bobby Wade Arizona 5143. Justin Gage Missouri 5158. Adrian Madise Texas Christian 5159. Jon Olinger Cincinnati 5167. Doug Gabriel Central Florida 5169. J.R. Tolver San Diego State 5175. David Kircus Grand Valley State 6186. Zuriel Smith Hampton (Va.) 6196. LaTarence Dunbar Texas Christian 6197. Arnaz Battle Notre Dame 6199. Willie Ponder SW Missouri State 6203. Kareem Kelly USC 6211. David Tyree Syracuse 6221. Keenan Howry Oregon 7224. Taco Wallace Kansas State 7226. Walter Young Illinois 7231. Talman Gardner Florida State 7253. DeAndrew Rubin South Florida 7255. Kevin Walter Eastern Michigan 7256. Carl Ford Toledo 7260. Travis Anglin Memphis 7262. Ryan Hoag Gustavus Adolphus 7

TIGHT ENDS (13)PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD24. Dallas Clark Iowa 141. Bennie Joppru Michigan 261. L.J. Smith Rutgers 269. Jason Witten Tennessee 376. Mike Seidman UCLA 391. Vishante Shiancoe Morgan State 3

104. George Wrighster Oregon 4148. Dan Curley Eastern Washington 5156. Donald Lee Mississippi State 5161. Aaron Walker Florida 5223. Trent Smith Oklahoma 7234. Spencer Nead Brigham Young 7254. Richard Angulo Western N. Mexico 7

OFFENSIVE TACKLES (23)PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD

8. Jordan Gross Utah 120. George Foster Georgia 126. Kwame Harris Stanford 137. Jonathan Stinchcomb Georgia 273. Wayne Hunter Hawaii 375. Seth Wand NW Missouri St. 378. Wade Smith Memphis 380. Courtney Van Buren Arkansas-Pine Bluff 3

113. Brett Williams Florida State 4122. Steve Sciullo Marshall 4130. Lance Nimmo West Virginia 4153. Jordan Black Notre Dame 5173. Tony Pashos Illinois 5177. Reggie Wells Clarion 6185. Jeremy Bridges Southern Miss. 6193. Marques Ogden Howard 6204. Dustin Rykert BYU 6208. Makoa Freitas Arizona 6

209. Tim Provost San Jose State 6212. Brennan Curtin Notre Dame 6215. Scott Kooistra North Carolina St. 7216. Ben Johnson Wisconsin 7237. Dave Yovanovits Temple 7

OFFENSIVE GUARDS (12)PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD33. Eric Steinbach Iowa 272. Vincent Manuwai Hawaii 381. Derrick Dockery Texas 387. Taylor Whitley Texas A&M 3

102. Montrae Holland Florida State 4151. Ben Sobieski Iowa 5160. David Diehl Illinois 5168. Sean Mahan Notre Dame 5184. Scott Tercero California 6219. Justin Bates Colorado 7225. Todd Williams Florida State 7261. Bryan Anderson Pittsburgh 7

CENTERS (10)PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD21. Jeff Faine Notre Dame 138. Al Johnson Wisconsin 250. Bruce Nelson Iowa 2

133. Austin King Northwestern 4142. Ryan Pontbriand Rice 5157. Ben Claxton Mississippi 5164. Dan Koppen Boston College 5233. Chance Pearce Texas A&M 7249. Wayne Lucier Colorado 7250. Mike Mabry Central Florida 7

DEFENSIVE ENDS (26)PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD10. Terrell Suggs Arizona State 114. Michael Haynes Penn State 115. Jerome McDougle Miami (Fla.) 118. Calvin Pace Wake Forest 132. Tyler Brayton Colorado 148. Chris Kelsay Nebraska 256. Osi Umenyiora Troy State 259. Alonzo Jackson Florida State 264. Dewayne White Louisville 266. Cory Redding Texas 379. Kenny Peterson Ohio State 389. Andrew Williams Miami (Fla.) 3

109. Jarret Johnson Alabama 4128. Bryant McNeal Clemson 4129. Shurron Pierson South Florida 4131. Jamaal Green Miami (Fla.) 4145. Kindal Moorehead Alabama 5155. Melvin Williams Kansas State 5176. Brandon Green Rice 6189. Jimmy Wilkerson Oklahoma 6194. Aaron Hunt Texas Tech 6195. Antonio Garay Boston College 6227. Clint Mitchell Florida 7238. Demetrin Veal Tennessee 7239. Tully Banta-Cain California 7259. Elton Patterson Central Florida 7

DEFENSIVE TACKLES (23)PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD

4. Dewayne Robertson Kentucky 16. Johnathan Sullivan Georgia 19. Kevin Williams Oklahoma State 1

12. Jimmy Kennedy Penn State 113. Ty Warren Texas A&M 125. William Joseph Miami (Fla.) 157. Anthony Adams Penn State 2

114. Nick Eason Clemson 4116. Ian Scott Florida 4117. Dan Klecko Temple 4126. Rien Long Washington State 4141. Kenny King Alabama 5146. Aubrayo Franklin Tennessee 5147. James Lee Oregon State 5150. Matt Walters Miami (Fla.) 5171. Tron LaFavor Florida 5174. Langston Moore South Carolina 6183. Rashad Moore Tennessee 6187. Lauvale Sape Utah 6214. Keith Wright Missouri 6230. Montique Sharpe Wake Forest 7243. Ethan Kelley Baylor 7248. Davern Williams Troy State 7

LINEBACKERS (29)PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD29. Nick Barnett Oregon State 134. Boss Bailey Georgia 240. E.J. Henderson Maryland 243. Pisa Tinoisamoa Hawaii 247. Kawika Mitchell South Florida 249. Eddie Moore Tennessee 251. Terry Pierce Kansas State 252. Chaun Thompson West Texas A&M 253. Victor Hobson Michigan 267. Antwan Peek Cincinnati 368. Lance Briggs Arizona 370. Gerald Hayes Pittsburgh 383. Sam Williams Fresno State 386. William "Cie" Grant Ohio State 394. Angelo Crowell Virginia 3

103. Bradie James LSU 4112. Matt Wilhelm Ohio State 4135. Solomon Bates Arizona State 4136. Khalid Abdullah Mars Hill (N.C.) 5138. Robert Mathis Alabama A&M 5144. James Davis West Virginia 5162. Keyon Whiteside Tennessee 5166. Hunter Hillenmeyer Vanderbilt 5190. Mike Nattiel Florida 6191. Joe Odom Purdue 6210. Tony Gilbert Georgia 6228. Mario Haggan Mississippi State 7251. Scott Shanle Nebraska 7257. Steve Josue Carson Newman 7

CORNERBACKS (26)PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD

5. Terence Newman Kansas State 111. Marcus Trufant Washington State 128. Andre Woolfolk Oklahoma 130. Sammy Davis Texas A&M 131. Nnamdi Asomugha California 135. Charles Tillman Louisiana-Lafayette 236. Eugene Wilson Illinois 246. Drayton Florence Tuskegee 255. Bryan Scott Penn State 282. Ricky Manning, Jr. UCLA 390. Donald Strickland Colorado 392. Julian Battle Tennessee 398. Dennis Weathersby Oregon State 4

107. DeJuan Groce Nebraska 4111. Terrence McGee Northwestern St. 4120. Asante Samuel Central Florida 4123. Rod Babers Texas 4125. Ivan Taylor Louisiana Lafayette 4152. Mike Lehan Minnesota 5170. Shane Walton Notre Dame 5172. Kevin Garrett SMU 5178. B.J. Tucker Wisconsin 6205. Torrie Cox Pittsburgh 6207. Frank Walker Tuskegee 6220. Daniel "Blue" Adams Cincinnati 7245. Chris Johnson Louisville 7

SAFETIES (24)PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD16. Troy Polamalu USC 139. Rashean Mathis Bethune Cookman 242. Ken Hamlin Arkansas 258. Mike Doss Ohio State 262. Terrence Kiel Texas A&M 284. Chris Crocker Marshall 3

100. Todd Johnson Florida 4119. Colin Branch Stanford 4137. Terrence Holt North Carolina St. 5140. Derek Pagel Iowa 5154. Donnie Nickey Ohio State 5179. David Young Georgia Southern 6181. Corey Jenkins South Carolina 6182. Gerome Sapp Notre Dame 6188. Hanik Milligan Houston 6198. Cato June Michigan 6202. Waine Bacon Alabama 6213. Yeremiah Bell Eastern Kentucky 6217. Curry Burns Louisville 7240. Charles Drake Michigan 7244. Norman LeJeune LSU 7246. Jeremy "Siddeeq" Shabazz New Mexico State 7252. Willie Pile Virginia Tech 7258. Antwoine Sanders Utah 7

KICKERS/PUNTERS (3)PK. PLAYER COLLEGE RD

149. Mike Scifres (P) Western Illinois 5180. Eddie Johnson (P) Idaho State 6222. Josh Brown (PK) Nebraska 7

Draft list by position


PK. TEAM PLAYER POS. COLLEGE1. Cincinnati Carson Palmer QB USC2. Detroit Charles Rogers WR Michigan State3. Houston Andre Johnson WR Miami (Fla.)4. New York Jets Dewayne Robertson DT Kentucky

(FROM CHICAGO)

5. Dallas Terence Newman CB Kansas State6. New Orleans Johnathan Sullivan DT Georgia

(FROM ARIZONA)

7. Jacksonville Byron Leftwich QB Marshall8. Carolina Jordan Gross OT Utah9. Minnesota Kevin Williams DT Oklahoma State

(PASSED AT #7, PICKED HERE)

10. Baltimore Terrell Suggs LB Arizona State11. Seattle Marcus Trufant CB Washington State12. St. Louis Jimmy Kennedy DT Penn State13. New England Ty Warren DT Texas A&M

(FROM WASHINGTON THROUGH N.Y. JETS AND CHICAGO)

14. Chicago Michael Haynes DE Penn State(FROM BUFFALO THROUGH NEW ENGLAND)

15. Philadelphia Jerome McDougle DE Miami (Fla.)(FROM SAN DIEGO)

16. Pittsburgh Troy Polamalu S USC(FROM KANSAS CITY)

17. Arizona Bryant Johnson WR Penn State(FROM NEW ORLEANS)

18. Arizona Calvin Pace DE Wake Forest(FROM MIAMI THROUGH NEW ORLEANS)

19. Baltimore Kyle Boller QB California(FROM NEW ENGLAND)

20. Denver George Foster OT Georgia21. Cleveland Jeff Faine C Notre Dame22. Chicago Rex Grossman QB Florida

(FROM N.Y. JETS)

23. Buffalo Willis McGahee RB Miami(FROM ATLANTA)

24. Indianapolis Dallas Clark TE Iowa25. New York Giants William Joseph DT Miami (Fla.)26. San Francisco Kwame Harris OT Stanford27. Kansas City Larry Johnson RB Penn State

(FROM PITTSBURGH)

28. Tennessee Andre Woolfolk CB Oklahoma29. Green Bay Nick Barnett LB Oregon State30. San Diego Sammy Davis CB Texas A&M

(FROM PHILADELPHIA)

31. Oakland Nnamdi Asomugha CB California32. Oakland Tyler Brayton DE Colorado

(FROM TAMPA BAY)

ROUND TWOPK. TEAM PLAYER POS. COLLEGE33. Cincinnati Eric Steinbach OG-OT Iowa34. Detroit Boss Bailey LB-S Georgia35. Chicago Charles Tillman CB Louisiana-Lafayette36. New England Eugene Wilson CB Illinois

(FROM HOUSTON)

37. New Orleans Jonathan Stinchcomb OT Georgia(FROM ARIZONA)

38. Dallas Al Johnson C Wisconsin39. Jacksonville Rashean Mathis DB Bethune Cookman40. Minnesota E.J. Henderson LB Maryland41. Houston Bennie Joppru TE Michigan

(FROM BALTIMORE THROUGH NEW ENGLAND)

42. Seattle Ken Hamlin S Arkansas43. St. Louis Pisa Tinoisamoa LB Hawaii44. Washington Taylor Jacobs WR Florida45. New England Bethel Johnson WR Texas A&M

(FROM CAROLINA)

46. San Diego Drayton Florence CB Tuskegee47. Kansas City Kawika Mitchell LB South Florida48. Buffalo Chris Kelsay DE Nebraska49. Miami Eddie Moore LB Tennessee50. Carolina Bruce Nelson C Iowa

(FROM NEW ENGLAND)

51. Denver Terry Pierce LB Kansas State52. Cleveland Chaun Thompson LB West Texas A&M53. New York Jets Victor Hobson LB Michigan54. Arizona Anquan Boldin WR Florida State

(FROM NEW ORLEANS)

55. Atlanta Bryan Scott CB-S Penn State56. New York Giants Osi Umenyiora DE Troy State57. San Francisco Anthony Adams DT Penn State58. Indianapolis Mike Doss SS Ohio State59. Pittsburgh Alonzo Jackson DE Florida State60. Tennessee Tyrone Calico WR Middle Tennessee State61. Philadelphia L.J. Smith TE Rutgers62. San Diego Terrence Kiel S Texas A&M

(FROM GREEN BAY THROUGH PHILADELPHIA)

63. Oakland Teyo Johnson WR Stanford64. Tampa Bay Dewayne White DE Louisville

ROUND THREEPK. TEAM PLAYER POS. COLLEGE65. Cincinnati Kelley Washington WR Tennessee66. Detroit Cory Redding DE Texas67. Houston Antwan Peek LB Cincinnati68. Chicago Lance Briggs LB Arizona69. Dallas Jason Witten TE Tennessee70. Arizona Gerald Hayes LB Pittsburgh71. Minnesota Nate Burleson WR Nevada72. Jacksonville Vincent Manuwai OG Hawaii73. Seattle Wayne Hunter OT Hawaii74. St. Louis Kevin Curtis WR Utah State75. Houston Seth Wand OT Northwest Missouri State

(FROM WASHINGTON THROUGH NEW ENGLAND)

76. Carolina Mike Seidman TE UCLA77. Baltimore Musa Smith RB Georgia78. Miami Wade Smith OT Memphis

(FROM KANSAS CITY THROUGH NEW ORLEANS AND NEW ENGLAND)

79. Green Bay Kenny Peterson DE-DT Ohio State(FROM BUFFALO)

80. San Diego Courtney Van Buren OT Arkansas-Pine Bluff81. Washington Derrick Dockery OG Texas

(FROM NEW ENGLAND)

82. Carolina Ricky Manning, Jr. CB UCLA(FROM DENVER)

83. Oakland Sam Williams LB Fresno State(FROM HOUSTON - SUPPLEMENTAL PICK)

84. Cleveland Chris Crocker S Marshall85. New York Jets B.J. Askew FB Michigan86. New Orleans William "Cie" Grant LB Ohio State87. Miami Taylor Whitley OG Texas A&M

88. Houston Dave Ragone QB Louisville(FROM ATLANTA)

89. San Francisco Andrew Williams DE Miami (Fla.)90. Indianapolis Donald Strickland CB Colorado91. New York Giants Vishante Shiancoe TE Morgan State92. Kansas City Julian Battle CB Tennessee

(FROM PITTSBURGH)

93. Tennessee Chris Brown RB Colorado94. Buffalo Angelo Crowell LB Virginia

(FROM GREEN BAY)

95. Philadelphia Wilbur “Billy” McMullen WR Virginia96. Oakland Justin Fargas RB USC97. Tampa Bay Chris Simms QB Texas

ROUND FOURPK. TEAM PLAYER POS. COLLEGE98. Cincinnati Dennis Weathersby CB Oregon State99. Detroit Artose Pinner RB Kentucky

100. Chicago Todd Johnson FS Florida101. Houston Domanick Davis RB LSU102. New Orleans Montrae Holland OG Florida State

(FROM ARIZONA)

103. Dallas Bradie James LB LSU104. Jacksonville George Wrighster TE Oregon105. Minnesota Onterrio Smith RB Oregon106. St. Louis Shaun McDonald WR Arizona State107. St. Louis DeJuan Groce CB Nebraska

(FROM WASHINGTON)

108. Denver Quentin Griffin RB Oklahoma(FROM CAROLINA)

109. Baltimore Jarret Johnson DE Alabama110. Seattle Seneca Wallace QB Iowa State111. Buffalo Terrence McGee CB Northwestern State112. San Diego Matt Wilhelm LB Ohio State113. Kansas City Brett Williams OT Florida State114. Denver Nick Eason DT Clemson115. Cleveland Lee Suggs RB Virginia Tech116. Chicago Ian Scott DT Florida

(FROM N.Y. JETS)

117. New England Dan Klecko DT Temple(FROM HOUSTON - SUPPLEMENTAL PICK)

118. Cincinnati Jeremi Johnson FB Western Kentucky(FROM NEW ORLEANS)

119. Carolina Colin Branch FS Stanford(FROM MIAMI)

120. New England Asante Samuel CB Central Florida(FROM NEW ENGLAND THROUGH CAROLINA AND DENVER)

121. Atlanta Justin Griffith FB Mississippi122. Indianapolis Steve Sciullo OT Marshall123. New York Giants Rod Babers CB Texas124. San Francisco Brandon Lloyd WR Illinois125. Pittsburgh Ivan Taylor CB Louisiana Lafayette126. Tennessee Rien Long DT Washington State127. Buffalo Sam Aiken WR North Carolina

(FROM PHILADELPHIA THROUGH GREEN BAY)

128. Denver Bryant McNeal DE Clemson(FROM GREEN BAY THROUGH NEW ENGLAND)

129. Oakland Shurron Pierson DE South Florida130. Tampa Bay Lance Nimmo OT West Virginia131. Philadelphia* Jamaal Green DE Miami (Fla.)132. Jacksonville* LaBrandon Toefield RB LSU133. Tampa Bay* Austin King C Northwestern134. Baltimore* Ovie Mughelli FB Wake Forest135. Seattle* Solomon Bates LB Arizona State

ROUND FIVEPK. TEAM PLAYER POS. COLLEGE

136. Cincinnati Khalid Abdullah LB Mars Hill (N.C.)137. Detroit Terrence Holt S North Carolina State138. Indianapolis Robert Mathis LB Alabama A&M

(FROM HOUSTON)

139. Chicago Bobby Wade WR Arizona140. New York Jets Derek Pagel S Iowa

(FROM DALLAS THROUGH NEW ENGLAND AND WASHINGTON)

141. Arizona Kenny King DT Alabama142. Cleveland Ryan Pontbriand C-LS Rice

(FROM MINNESOTA)

143. Chicago Justin Gage WR Missouri(FROM JACKSONVILLE)

144. Detroit James Davis DE-LB West Virginia(FROM WASHINGTON)

145. Carolina Kindal Moorehead DE Alabama146. Baltimore Aubrayo Franklin DT-NT Tennessee147. Green Bay James Lee DT Oregon State

(FROM SEATTLE)

148. St. Louis Dan Curley TE Eastern Washington149. San Diego Mike Scifres P Western Illinois150. New York Jets Matt Walters DT Miami (Fla.)

(FROM KANSAS CITY)

151. Buffalo Ben Sobieski OG Iowa152. Cleveland Mike Lehan CB Minnesota153. Kansas City Jordan Black OT Notre Dame

(FROM N.Y. JETS)

154. Tennessee Donnie Nickey S Ohio State(FROM HOUSTON - SUPPLEMENTAL PICK - THROUGH NEW ENGLAND)

155. New Orleans Melvin Williams DE Kansas State156. Miami Donald Lee TE Mississippi State157. Denver Ben Claxton C Mississippi

(FROM NEW ENGLAND)

158. Denver Adrian Madise WR Texas Christian159. Atlanta Jon Olinger WR Cincinnati160. New York Giants David Diehl OG Illinois161. San Francisco Aaron Walker TE Florida162. Indianapolis Keyon Whiteside LB Tennessee163. Pittsburgh Brian St. Pierre QB Boston College164. New England Dan Koppen C Boston College

(FROM TENNESSEE)

165. Seattle Chris Davis FB Syracuse(FROM GREEN BAY)

166. Green Bay Hunter Hillenmeyer LB Vanderbilt(FROM PHILADELPHIA)

167. Oakland Doug Gabriel WR Central Florida168. Tampa Bay Sean Mahan OG Notre Dame169. Miami* J.R. Tolver WR San Diego State170. St. Louis* Shane Walton CB Notre Dame171. Chicago* Tron LaFavor DT Florida172. St. Louis* Kevin Garrett CB SMU173. Baltimore* Tony Pashos OT Illinois

ROUND SIXPK. TEAM PLAYER POS. COLLEGE

174. Cincinnati Langston Moore DT South Carolina175. Detroit David Kircus WR Grand Valley State

176. Jacksonville Brandon Green DE Rice(FROM CHICAGO)

— Houston (exercised in supplemental draft)177. Arizona Reggie Wells OT Clarion178. Dallas B.J. Tucker CB Wisconsin179. Jacksonville David Young S Georgia Southern180. Minnesota Eddie Johnson P Idaho State181. Miami Corey Jenkins S South Carolina

(FROM CAROLINA)

182. Baltimore Gerome Sapp S Notre Dame183. Seattle Rashad Moore DT Tennessee184. St. Louis Scott Tercero OG California185. Philadelphia Jeremy Bridges OT Southern Mississippi

(FROM WASHINGTON THROUGH GREEN BAY)

186. Dallas Zuriel Smith WR Hampton (Va.)(FROM KANSAS CITY)

187. Buffalo Lauvale Sape DT Utah188. San Diego Hanik Milligan S Houston189. Kansas City Jimmy Wilkerson DE Oklahoma

(FROM NEW YORK JETS)

190. Minnesota Mike Nattiel LB Florida(FROM NEW ORLEANS)

191. Chicago Joe Odom LB Purdue(FROM MIAMI)

192. Houston# Drew Henson QB Michigan193. Jacksonville Marques Ogden OT Howard

(FROM NEW ENGLAND THROUGH CHICAGO)

194. Denver Aaron Hunt DE Texas Tech195. Cleveland Antonio Garay DT Boston College196. Atlanta LaTarence Dunbar WR Texas Christian197. San Francisco Arnaz Battle WR Notre Dame198. Indianapolis Cato June S Michigan199. New York Giants Willie Ponder WR Southeast MissouriState200. New York Jets Brooks Bollinger QB Wisconsin

(FROM PITTSBURGH THROUGH KANSAS CITY)

201. New England Kliff Kingsbury QB Texas Tech(FROM TENNESSEE)

202. Atlanta Waine Bacon S Alabama(FROM PHILADELPHIA)

203. New Orleans Kareem Kelly WR USC(FROM GREEN BAY THROUGH SEATTLE)

204. Oakland Dustin Rykert OT BYU205. Tampa Bay Torrie Cox CB Pittsburgh206. Chicago* Brock Forsey RB Boise State207. New York Giants* Frank Walker CB-S Tuskegee208. Indianapolis* Makoa Freitas OT Arizona209. Miami* Tim Provost OT San Jose State210. Arizona* Tony Gilbert LB Georgia211. New York Giants* David Tyree WR Syracuse212. Green Bay* Brennan Curtin OT Notre Dame213. Miami* Yeremiah Bell S-CB Eastern Kentucky214. Houston# Keith Wright DT Missouri

ROUND SEVENPK. TEAM PLAYER POS. COLLEGE

215. Cincinnati Scott Kooistra OT North Carolina State216. Detroit Ben Johnson OT Wisconsin217. Houston Curry Burns SS Louisville218. Jacksonville Malaefou MacKenzie RB USC

(FROM CHICAGO)

219. Dallas Justin Bates OG Colorado220. Detroit Daniel "Blue" Adams CB Cincinnati

(FROM ARIZONA)

221. Minnesota Keenan Howry WR Oregon222. Seattle Josh Brown PK Nebraska

(FROM JACKSONVILLE)

223. Baltimore Trent Smith TE Oklahoma224. Seattle Taco Wallace WR Kansas State225. Tennessee Todd Williams OG Florida State

(FROM ST. LOUIS THROUGH NEW ENGLAND)

226. Carolina Walter Young WR Illinois(FROM WASHINGTON THROUGH MIAMI)

227. Denver Clint Mitchell DE Florida(FROM CAROLINA)

228. Buffalo Mario Haggan LB Mississippi State229. San Diego Andrew Pinnock FB South Carolina230. Kansas City Montique Sharpe DT Wake Forest231. New Orleans Talman Gardner WR Florida State232. Washington Gibran Hamdan QB Indiana

(FROM MIAMI)

233. Houston# Chance Pearce C Texas A&M234. New England Spencer Nead TE Brigham Young235. Denver Ahmaad Galloway RB Alabama236. Detroit Brandon Drumm FB Colorado

(FROM CLEVELAND THROUGH SAN DIEGO AND DALLAS)

237. New York Jets Dave Yovanovits OT Temple238. Atlanta Demetrin Veal DE Tennessee239. New England Tully Banta-Cain DE California

(FROM INDIANAPOLIS THROUGH NEW ORLEANS)

240. New York Giants Charles Drake S Michigan241. San Francisco Ken Dorsey QB Miami (Fla.)242. Pittsburgh J.T. Wall FB Georgia243. New England Ethan Kelley DT Baylor

(FROM TENNESSEE)

244. Philadelphia Norman LeJeune S LSU(FROM GREEN BAY)

245. Green Bay Chris Johnson CB Louisville(FROM PHILADELPHIA)

246. Oakland Jeremy "Siddeeq" Shabazz S New Mexico State247. Carolina Casey Moore FB Stanford

(FROM TAMPA BAY THROUGH MIAMI)

248. Miami* Davern Williams DT Troy State249. New York Giants* Wayne Lucier C Colorado250. Baltimore* Mike Mabry C Central Florida251. St. Louis* Scott Shanle LB Nebraska252. Kansas City* Willie Pile FS Virginia Tech253. Green Bay* DeAndrew Rubin WR South Florida254. St. Louis* Richard Angulo TE Western New Mexico255. New York Giants* Kevin Walter WR Eastern Michigan256. Green Bay* Carl Ford WR Toledo257. Green Bay* Steve Josue LB Carson Newman258. Baltimore* Antwoine Sanders S Utah259. Cincinnati* Elton Patterson DE Central Florida260. Detroit* Travis Anglin WR Memphis261. Chicago* Bryan Anderson OG Pittsburgh262. Oakland* Ryan Hoag WR Gustavus Adolphus

* — Compensatory choice (could not be traded).# — Supplemental pick.

Round-by-round listROUND ONE

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By TRENT MODGLINASSOCIATE EDITOR

antasy football drafts are still far off,but with the NFL draft recently com-pleted, it’s never too early to start look-ing at the potential impact of thisyear’s crop of rookies.

What follows is a team-by-teamlook at each club’s skill-position newcom-ers and what they might bring to the tablein 2003.

Arizona — Both Bryant Johnson andAnquan Boldin will see action because theyinstantly became the most talented passcatchers on the roster. Either of them couldland in the starting lineup, but questionsstill surround the Cardinals’ passing attack.

Atlanta — Justin Griffith is a convertedrunning back who will get every chance towin the starting FB job with Bob Christiansettled into retirement, but with WarrickDunn and T.J. Duckett, his touches will belimited.

Baltimore — Kyle Boller wowed scoutswith his talent, but he’s behind Chris Red-man for now. RB Musa Smith should get afew carries as the primary backup to JamalLewis.

Buffalo — The Bills surprised by takingMiami (Fla.) RB Willis McGahee in thefirst round. McGahee was expected to begrabbed by Philadelphia or Oakland, butBuffalo acted first. McGahee isn’t expectedto make much of a contribution this year ashe continues to rehab his knee, but he couldseriously affect Travis Henry’s draft stockin 2004. Sam Aiken, a fourth-rounder, hassome tools and could factor into an averagecollection of WR depth.

Carolina — The Panthers don’t havemuch at the TE position, so third-rounderMike Seidman could see plenty of time onthe field.

Chicago — Rex Grossman will sit andlearn for at least a year. Justin Gage couldpush Dez White for the No. 3 WR job,while Bobby Wade should contribute in thereturn game.

Cincinnati — Jon Kitna has been grant-ed the starting job, and the Bengals appearset on letting Carson Palmer learn from thesideline initially. WR Kelley Washingtonhas size, speed and skills and could beworth a late-round flyer in your fantasydraft.

Cleveland — Uncertainty remains con-cerning RB Lee Suggs’ availability for thisseason because of a torn rotator cuff. Evenif he does play, he’ll have William Greenand Jamel White in front of him.

Dallas — Jason Witten, the top tight endon PFW’s board, was a steal for the Cow-boys in the third round and could make animpact, even with Dan Campbell in thelineup at the same time. Some believe Wit-

ten could be the starter before September isup.

Denver — Fourth-rounder Quentin Grif-fin was a nifty runner at Oklahoma andcould get a few third-down opportunitiesbehind entrenched starter Clinton Portis.

Detroit — The Lions are banking onCharles Rogers making an immediateimpact. He’ll be a Day One starter atflanker, the premier pass-catching positionin the West Coast offense and could get lotsof looks near the goal line with his greatbody control and 40-inch vertical and withDetroit’s lack of goal-line runner. Fourth-round pick Artose Pinner could be a RBsleeper of sorts. If he can return relativelyquickly from a foot injury, he could be afactor because the Lions aren’t sold onwhat they have in front of him.

Green Bay — Not a whole lot to lookforward to here, but WR DeAndrew Rubincould make the team as a returner.

Houston — Most believe it’s only a mat-ter of time until Andre Johnson becomesthe No. 1 wideout in Houston. And it prob-ably won’t take long. The Texans werehurting for playmakers to put around QBDavid Carr, and the selection of Johnsonprovides the size and speed combinationeveryone covets these days. Bennie Joppruout of Michigan is a better all-around tightend than last year’s go-to guy, Billy Miller,but expect Miller to post the better num-bers, at least in 2003.

Indianapolis — The Colts went heavywith defense, but the first round belongedto TE Dallas Clark, a reliable receiver withgood hands and the speed to stretch theseam. He figures to see action in a lot oftwo-TE sets, the way Ken Dilger used to,and could take away from Marcus Pollard’sfantasy value.

Jacksonville — Byron Leftwich isalmost certain to be more of an observerthis year, but next season the reins mayvery well be thrown to him. Fourth-roundRB LaBrandon Toefield should challengeElvis Joseph to back up Fred Taylor.

Kansas City — The Chiefs are callingformer Penn State phenom and 2,000-yardrusher Larry Johnson “an insurance policy”in case Priest Holmes’ hip isn’t ready whenit’s time to suit up. Depending on Holmes’status, Johnson could go from a fantasynobody to a fantasy starter in a quality sys-tem.

Miami — Fifth-round TE Donald Leewon’t be a frequent target behind RandyMcMichael, but he could take on a JedWeaver-type role near the endzone.

Minnesota — With a logjam battle forthe No. 2 and No. 3 WR roles, NateBurleson, a pass-catching machine at Neva-da-Reno, could make his presence felt. RBOnterrio Smith probably would be the fea-tured back should an injury shut down

Michael Bennett.New England — Bethel Johnson has the

blazing speed to compete right off the batin a WR corps that looks like it has clones.

New Orleans — Late-round picksKareem Kelly and Talman Gardner willhave a depth-chart battle ahead of them, butboth have speed and big-play capabilities.

N.Y. Giants — A year after landing Jere-my Shockey, the Giants snag another tightend, Vishante Shiancoe, to back him up.

N.Y. Jets — FB B.J. Askew is a lot likethe departed (and productive) RichieAnderson, but he has more speed, whichcould translate into good things both as areceiver and occasional runner.

Oakland — Justin Fargas may serve as areturn man initially, but he would appear tofit the versatile Charlie Garner mold at run-ning back. WR Teyo Johnson was taken around ahead of Fargas, but his time to shineis probably down the road with all theproven receivers ahead of him.

Philadelphia — The productivity fromthe TE position has been up and down late-ly, and L.J. Smith is a good receiver whocould pair with Chad Lewis in two-TE sets.Billy McMullen isn’t exactly a householdname, but he’s built like a tight end and is ona team loaded with second- and third-typewideouts but no one to man the top spot.

Pittsburgh — Brian St. Pierre will com-pete for the third QB spot but has no fanta-sy value.

St. Louis — The Rams envision KevinCurtis and Shaun McDonald as prototypecandidates to fill the Az-Zahir Hakim rolecurrently manned by Troy Edwards.

San Diego — The Chargers went defen-sive in the draft, but Andrew Pinnock is astocky FB-RB tweener, and the Chargersare in need of quality depth behind LaDain-ian Tomlinson.

San Francisco — With J.J. Stokes alikely goner after June 1, Brandon Lloydand Arnaz Battle could find themselvesfighting for the No. 3 role.

Seattle — Seneca Wallace will stay atquarterback, but expect him to be part ofsome goal-line packages and trick plays —a la Antwaan Randle El.

Tampa Bay — Chris Simms was theonly skill-position selection for thechamps, and he’ll be the third quarterback.

Tennessee — The Titans need a true No.2 receiver and would love Tyrone Calicoand his speed to fill the role, but immediatereturns aren’t a sure thing. Former ColoradoRB Chris Brown will compete with RobertHolcombe for time behind Eddie George.

Washington — It’s safe to say formerGator Taylor Jacobs is familiar with SteveSpurrier’s system, and he could make apush for the No. 3 WR spot behind Laver-anues Coles and Rod Gardner, where heprimarily would be facing nickel corners.

Fantasyfreshmen

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F A N T A S Y F O O T B A L L 2003 NFL draft

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Fantasy prospects: Only time will tell if (topto bottom) Charles Rogers, Andre Johnson,Larry Johnson and Kyle Boller can make animmediate fantasy impact

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An early look at the rookie classand its fantasy potentialfor Year One

Lemming’s impressionsof the NFL’s future starsBy TOM LEMMING

Editor’s note: Tom Lemming is consid-ered the nation’s foremost authority onhigh school recruiting and travels aroundthe country every year evaluating the tophigh school talent. Having seen the topprospects as they were coming up throughthe ranks, Pro Football Weekly wanted toknow what Lemming thought of the 32 first-rounders in the 2003 draft as they werecoming out of high school.

■ ■ ■

1CINCINNATI BENGALSQB CARSON PALMERSANTA MARGARITA (CALIF.) H.S.

Palmer was my No. 2-rated quarterback in thecountry in 1997 — the best pure quarterback inthe West. He was on my All-America team. Hecommitted to Notre Dame but did not meet theschool’s academic qualifications. It’s ironic thathe came back and torched them. My No. 1 quar-terback that year was Drew Henson. No. 3 wasa kid named Matt Holliday from Oklahoma whogave up football, signed a baseball contract andis still at the double-A level. No. 4 was RonaldCurry. Michael Vick was also on that All-Ameri-can team. Vick and Curry were from the sameneighborhood. Curry had the entire nation chas-ing him, but Virginia Tech and Syracuse were theonly two recruiting Vick. A kid named JaredJones, who also opted for baseball, rounded outthe All-America team. The next quarterbackranked was Adam Dunn, the Cincinnati Reds’outfielder.

2 DETROIT LIONSWR CHARLES ROGERSSAGINAW (Mich.) H.S.

Charles was a phenom. He was the closestreceiver I have seen since Randy Moss. In 24years, Randy Moss is the best player I have everseen in high school. Charles was just a phe-nomenal athlete who averaged 22 yards percatch. He finished the year second in the state inthe 100 meters (10.5). At the end of the year, hewas my National Player of the Year in 1999,while USA Today had Brock Berlin.

3 HOUSTON TEXANSWR ANDRE JOHNSONMIAMI SENIOR (Fla.) H.S.

Johnson was on my All-America team. Hewas 6-3, 200 in high school and ran a 4.4. I hadhim ranked as the top receiver in Florida.Before he blew up physically, I said he couldplay corner. He was a bad student and playedon a run-oriented team. As a junior, he caught16 passes for only 300 yards. He was theirdeep threat once a game. He was a big, physi-cal receiver, probably the best in the country.

Jabar Gaffney, who went early last year, andTaylor Jacobs were in that group too. The stateof Florida had a great year in 1998. CourtneyWatson was one of my top running backs downthere. He played cornerback on defense. Now,he’s a 240-pound linebacker at Notre Damewho will be a high pick next year. Another high-ly-rated guy was Jason Geathers who will becoming out of Miami (Fla.) next year as a run-ning back.

4 NEW YORK JETSDT DEWAYNE ROBERTSONMELROSE (TENN.) H.S.

Interesting story. When I went to see him inhigh school in 1999, he was not the best playeron his team. He was on my All-Southeast team.He was the third-ranked defensive lineman inthe state behind Albert Means and his team-mate Mondre Dickerson, who was nationallyrecruited and played defensive tackle next toDewayne. Dewayne surprised everyone bygoing to Kentucky, but a year later, Kentucky’scoaching staff was let go, in part due to allega-tions of wrongdoing. Dewayne was listed as 6-3back then. I knew when I saw him that he wasshorter, but he had great feet.

5 DALLAS COWBOYSCB TERENCE NEWMANSALINA CENTRAL (Kan.) H.S.

Newman was one of the few guys KansasState got out of high school. They get a lot ofplayers from the junior-college ranks. I had himrated as a “player to watch” in 1997. He wassmall, very small. In high school, he was listedas 5-10, 165 pounds. He wasn’t heavily recruit-ed.

6 NEW ORLEANS SAINTSDT JOHNATHAN SULLIVANGRIFFIN (Ga.) H.S.

Sullivan was 6-4, 275 with 4.8 speed and anAll-American both at offensive tackle and defen-sive end in high school. I rated him as a “domi-nating, drive blocker on offense and an out-standing, aggressive defensive player who had45 tackles, six sacks and 20 tackles for loss. Hisgrades were iffy, but his talent was the best.” Irated him as the No. 1 offensive lineman in thestate and one of the top three defensive line-men. Normally, it’s the other way around. Almostevery kid, when they are two-way players, wantsto play defense.

7 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARSQB BYRON LEFTWICHH.D. WOODSON (Wash., D.C.) H.S.

Leftwich was rated as a “player to watch” in1997. I don’t know if it was bad grades or what,but he was turned down by all the Big Tenschools and all the powers in the East. Theydidn’t think he was quarterback material, buthe was a heck of an athlete. It wasn’t like theDaunte Culpepper situation, that when hecame out, his grades were so bad that fewschools could touch him. College coaches allknew he was a great one. But Leftwich was aplayer who a lot of college coaches thought

was going to be playing another position.

8 CAROLINA PANTHERSOT JORDAN GROSSFRUITLAND (Idaho) H.S.

I don’t go to Idaho very often because theyonly have a player every five years, and Gross isthat player. I grade 1,500 players in the maga-zine, but he was not in there in 1997. It goes toshow you that you can find talent anywhere.

9 MINNESOTA VIKINGSDE KEVIN WILLIAMSFORDYCE (Ark.) H.S.

He was a “quick-footed, long-armed playerwho had great growth potential.” He was only235 pounds in high school, so he put on 50pounds since then. He came off the corner well,but since has been moved inside. He was one ofthe top five guys in Arkansas in 1997.

10BALTIMORE RAVENSDE TERRELL SUGGSHAMILTON (Ariz.) H.S.

Heading into his senior year, he was a “playerto watch.” At the end of the year, he was thePlayer of the Year for Arizona. Everyone knewabout him. He came on very strong as a senior.He had a coach who came from Chicago, JohnWrenn, and he really turned him into a greatplayer as a running back and as a linebacker. Heput on some weight in college.

11SEATTLE SEAHAWKSCB MARCUS TRUFANTWILSON (Wash.) H.S.

Trufant was a two-way player who preferredrunning back, as most young players do. He wasexplosive and only weighed 170 at the time. Hewas “very fluid in his motions and known for hishard-hitting style of play despite his lack of size.He was a physical player who excels in one-on-one pass situations, but also averaged overeight yards per carry as a running back.” He wasa better offensive player in high school, but wastoo small, so they knew what they were doingmoving him to defense. And he was not goodenough for the University of Washington. Theydid not offer him a scholarship.

12 ST. LOUIS RAMSDT JIMMY KENNEDYROOSEVELT (N.Y.) H.S.

Roosevelt High School produces a lot of goodplayers. He was a 6-5, 323-pound offensive line-man — “a massive offensive tackle with surpris-ing quick feet, long arms, good leg drive.” He rana 5.2 but had a sloppy build. On defense, he had61 tackles and a reported 19 QB sacks, and“reported” is because they don’t keep great statsat Roosevelt. But he benched 350 pounds andwhen I talked to him, had been offered scholar-ships to Syracuse, Boston College, Indiana andPenn State. He was also a very good center onthe basketball team, averaging 12 points andfour rebounds per game. He was a prototypicaloffensive guard or tackle at the time. It shows youhow some of these guys can transform them-


Lemming H.S. All-Americans: (top to bottom)Carson Palmer, Charles Rogers and Andre Johnson

From high schoolto the first round

selves. In New York, he was the No. 4-rated play-er. A couple of the guys in front of him wereAnthony Weaver (Ravens) and Marquise Walker(Buccaneers).

13NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTSDT TY WARRENBRYAN (Texas) H.S.

Warren was my No. 4 defensive tackle in thecountry in 1998. He was 6-5, 281 pounds with4.74 speed and iffy grades but had 80 tacklesand 18 tackles for loss. His reports said he was“explosive and great against the run, and alsoplayed both end and tackle as a senior. He canpenetrate, shows a quick burst and is better-suited to play tackle than end because he didn’thave the explosiveness to run down guys.” Hehad a 31-inch vertical and benched 400 poundsin high school — an amazing number. The No. 1tackle that year was Albert Haynesworth(Titans), No. 2 Cedric Hilliard, who hasn’t done awhole lot at Notre Dame, and No. 3 was TimAnderson, who is doing really well at Ohio State.No. 5, believe or not, was Walter Young, a 6-5,300-pound guy who is now an outfielder in dou-ble-A baseball.

14 CHICAGO BEARSDE MICHAEL HAYNESBURLINGTON (N.J.) H.S.

Haynes was a fullback in high school, butwhen players are 17 and 18 years old, their bod-ies change so much that they change positions.In 1997, he was a 6-4, 240-pound fullback/defen-sive end but preferred to play fullback, averagedmore than six yards per carry as a senior, was a“great blocker with good hands and a goodbetween-the-tackles runner on offense and asolid defender.” He was more of an offensive guyin high school. A lot of people thought he wouldeither be a fullback or tight end. Although he wasrecruitable as a top-25 player in New Jersey, hewas not very heavily recruited heading into hissenior season because he had transferred priorto the year and had slipped under the radar. Thethree most recruited were Eric McCoo, who alsowent to Penn State, Avon Cobourne, who went toWest Virginia, and David Thompson, a defensiveend who went to Ohio State.

15 PHILADELPHIA EAGLESDE JEROME McDOUGLEELY (Fla.) H.S.

He was a major, major player. When I went toThomas Aquinas H.S. that year, everyone wastalking about Jerome, so I had a relative bringhim over to the school from Ely. He originallysigned with Maryland. He was probably themost recruited defensive lineman in the state ofFlorida, but a lot of Florida schools backed offbecause of his grades. He had to go the juniorcollege route. Whenever you have a big-timebrother, (Stockar McDougle, Lions), it draws alot of interest. Jerome wasn’t that big in highschool at 240 pounds, but he was “very quick,tough, aggressive and had a so-so junior yearand a very good senior year. He was a domi-nating preps player. He was one of the mosttalked about players in South Florida.” AntoineMirambeau was another big, big name downthere — he was a dominating center, who pre-ferred to play defense, but played center atFlorida State.

16 PITTSBURGH STEELERSS TROY POLAMALUDOUGLAS (Ore.) H.S.

Polamalu was one of the top five players inOregon but not a national recruit. Early on, itlooked like he was going to stay in the PacificNorthwest, but then USC came after himbecause of his hard-hitting ability. His uncle wasa fullback there in the mid-’80s and is now theRB coach. Troy was probably the hardest hitterin that area, but he was not on my All-Americateam.

17 ARIZONA CARDINALSWR BRYANT JOHNSONBALTIMORE CITY (Md.) COLLEGE H.S.

He was a big name in 1998. It was anextremely weak year for Penn State, recruit-

ing-wise. Usually they are ranked in the top 20in recruiting, but they were No. 44 that yearbecause they signed only 11 players and gotlucky on a couple of guys, and Johnson wasone of them. He was the only All-Americanthat year. He was the top-rated receiver in theCarolinas, Maryland and Virginia — AtlanticCoast Conference territory. He was 6-4, 205,and a very good student, and he committed toPenn State in June of his junior year. Hepicked Penn State over Maryland, Michiganand Tennessee and was a jack-of-all-trades.He was the top tackler, receiver and place-kicker on the team. He did everything — heplayed free safety, cornerback and some line-backer. He was “the most physically giftedplayer in Maryland” in a year with current Flori-da State DT Darnell Dockett, who was No. 2. I

had Johnson rated as “the nation’s mostunderrated receiver prospect.”

18 ARIZONA CARDINALSDE CALVIN PACELITHIA SPRINGS (Ga.) H.S.

He went to Wake Forest, so don’t hold yourbreath, because back then, they were like Tem-ple. The school didn’t attract big-name playersand had to wait until all the other big schools aredone recruiting and take what’s left. Or theyhave to find gems that no one knows about.Pace was listed with “other names to watch.” Hewas a tight end/defensive end who was 6-4, 238pounds in high school, but not a top 25 player inGeorgia. In 1997, Boss Bailey was my top-ratedplayer in Georgia. My No. 2 player in the state

that year was WR Corey Patterson, who is withthe Chicago Cubs now. Jonathan Stinchcomb,the Saints’ second-rounder this year, was No. 3.Charles Grant, a Saints’ first-rounder last year,was No. 4. Grant was a terrific running back inhigh school.Terrence Edwards, who was a quar-terback in high school, was No. 5.

19 BALTIMORE RAVENSQB KYLE BOLLERHART (Calif.) H.S.

Heading into his senior season, Boller wasthe No. 8-ranked quarterback in California. Atthe end of the year, he was No. 4. He had a greatsenior year. He was 6-3, 190 pounds with 4.8speed. He had “excellent feet, good leadership



Comingthis summer2003 PREVIEW andFANTASY FOOTBALL GUIDE 2003A V A I L A B L E A T Y O U R L O C A L N E W S S T A N D S

skills and a superstrong arm and is very good ina sprint-out offense because of his quickrelease.” He wound up on the All-America teamas one of four quarterbacks from California afterhe tossed 57 touchdowns and three intercep-tions as a senior. Just like he did in college, hehad a lights-out senior year in high school. No. 1that year was Chris Lewis, who still hasn’t devel-oped yet but has one year left at Stanford. No. 2was Ken Dorsey. No. 3 was J.P. Losman, whowent to UCLA, but transferred to Tulane as afreshman. He will be a senior next year. Almostevery year, four out of 12 of the All-Americanquarterbacks are from California.

20 DENVER BRONCOSOT GEORGE FOSTERSOUTHEAST (Ga.) H.S.

Foster was my No. 2-ranked offensive line-man behind Jon Stinchcomb and the No. 6ranked Georgia product in 1997. Foster was abig name who was 6-6, 270 with 5.2 speed. Heplayed both tackle and guard and was on myAll-Southeast team. I wrote: “He came onstrong as a junior and is now considered to beone of the top three offensive linemen in thestate. He is a very good athlete who couldmove his feet and is also a No. 3 center in bas-ketball.” I remember when I met him, he wasn’ta real talkative kid.

21CLEVELAND BROWNSC JEFF FAINESEMINOLE (Fla.) H.S.

Faine was my No. 2-rated offensive linemanin the country that year behind Vernon Carey,one of the top offensive lineman in the countryplaying for Miami now. Faine was my No. 1 cen-ter. At the time, I said he was “the most domi-nating center I have seen in three years.” Hewas a great one. He graded out at 92 percent inhis blocking assignments in high school andhad a school-record 84 pancake blocks. He wasone of those real aggressive, athletic, big guys.And Carey was even more athletic. I’m sur-prised he didn’t come out this year. When weplayed at the ESPN Zone, Vernon was dunkingthe basketball, and he weighed 330. I thoughtFaine was a great athlete and then I saw Carey,and I put Faine No. 2, but he was an all-every-thing guy.

22 CHICAGO BEARSQB REX GROSSMANBLOOMINGTON (Ind.) H.S.

Grossman was the first player I visited inMarch of 1998. I went down to Bloomington tosee him. I remember former Indiana head coachCam Cameron telling me he was a great one.Rex’s dad and uncle, Terry Cole, had played atIndiana, and everyone thought he was goingthere. He committed to Florida a few weeks afterI saw him — a major surprise. He broke a lot ofpassing records as a junior. He threw for morethan 2,000 yards and 35 touchdowns as a juniorand was picked off just five times. When I talkedto him, Rex told me he had just talked to SteveSpurrier, and Spurrier was going to offer him,but hadn’t yet. Spurrier told him he was his No.1 quarterback in the country, which was surpris-ing because Rex stood only 6-foot or 6-1 at best,and there were several other big guys. ButSpurrier said he saw all the big-time quarter-backs on film early and this was the guy hewanted. At the end of the year, Chris Simms wasranked No. 1, then Chris Lewis of Stanford, thenJohn Navarre of Michigan and Grossman wasNo. 4. As far as being a precision passer withaccuracy and production, he was better thanSimms and the rest of the guys. He just didn’thave the size but would have been No. 1 basedon what you saw on film.

23 BUFFALO BILLSRB WILLIS McGAHEECENTRAL (Fla.) H.S.

I remember Willis being a very cocky, confi-dent kid. When I was down in Miami in 1999,McGahee was my No. 1 player in Florida inanother real good year for talent. I had him rated

as one of the nation’s top three RB prospects.He got hurt a little bit as a junior, but on the filmyou saw, you saw the best back in the country.He combined 6-1, 215 pounds with reported 4.3speed. He ran a 10.7 100 meters, which proba-bly would correlate closer to 4.5. He had 7.8yards per carry. He was “one of the most com-petitive players I’ve seen.”You’d see him pushingand shoving on film. He was “extremely tough,runs hard between the tackles, but also has thespeed to take the ball the distance. A very fluidrunner with some moves and exceptional bodycontrol,” which was the way he was in collegetoo. I had him as a prep version of Terrell Davis,because he reminded me a little facially of Ter-rell and physically, body-wise. He chose Miamiover West Virginia, Ohio State and Tennessee.He was No. 2 in the country behind MarcusHouston, who was a Big 12 freshman of the yearbefore injuries sidetracked him. There was talkabout him coming out as a sophomore, but he isjust becoming fully healthy now at Colorado.

24 INDIANAPOLIS COLTSTE DALLAS CLARKTWIN RIVER VALLEY (Iowa) H.S.

I go through Iowa like a fine-toothed comb,and it’s a difficult task because there’s not a lot oftalent in that state. It’s a challenge going throughIowa every year because players always seem tocome from little, dinky towns. The No. 1 player inthe state in 1997 was Aaron Kampman, whowent to Iowa and is now with the Packers. Clarkcame to Iowa as a linebacker whom they didn’teven want. I didn’t have him rated.

25 NEW YORK GIANTSDT WILLIAM JOSEPHEDISON (Fla.) H.S.

Joseph was a 6-5, 253-pound defensive line-man who ran a 5-flat. He did not play anyoffense in high school but was considered apotential offensive guard or tackle in college. Hewas “naturally strong, but excelled at stoppingthe run.” He’s gained 50 pounds since highschool. He was ranked as one of the top defen-sive lineman in Florida on the All-Southeastteam in 1997. I had him rated as an honorablemention All-American.

26 SAN FRANCISCO 49ERSOT KWAME HARRISNEWARK (Del.) H.S.

Harris was my No. 1 lineman in the country inthe preseason and postseason. I saw him twicein 1999 because he was my No. 1 lineman andmy No. 3 player in the country that year behindCharles Rogers and Teyo Johnson. Teyo was anincredible athlete, a top power forward on theWest Coast and could make incredible one-handed catches. He was a phenom in highschool. It’s hard to understand why he lasted tothe third round. Kwame’s younger brother proba-bly will be heavily recruited in a couple of years.Kwame was 6-6, 320 and ran a 4.99. At the time,I wrote that “it was my first visit to Delaware infive years, and I happened to find the nation’spremier offensive lineman. He’s a terrific talent.On film, he is a dominating offensive tackle withlong arms and superquick feet, great strengthand outstanding balance.” He was a two-time, all-stater at offensive tackle. His coach told me he isa once-in-a-lifetime player, which he was for thatarea. When I visited Newark High School towatch him on film, Tyrone Willingham, who wasStanford’s head coach at the time, was at theschool that day and offered him a scholarship onthe spot at the school. For Willingham to travelacross the country to see him, you knew he wasa special player.

27 KANSAS CITY CHIEFSRB LARRY JOHNSONSTATE COLLEGE (Pa.) AREA H.S.

Johnson was the only big-time kid I didn’tinterview personally that year, because PennState is very hands-off when it comes to dealingwith prospects, and his father was a coach onthe staff, which made it even more difficult. Larrywas one of the top three backs in the state in1998. He was the only guy I requested film thatI didn’t get, but I knew about him. He was a verysolid back, and he was focused on Penn Statefrom the beginning. There was no other recruit-

ment going on. He was going to Penn State allalong.

28 TENNESSEE TITANSCB ANDRE WOOLFOLKTHOMAS JEFFERSON (Colo.) H.S.

Woolfolk was a pretty big name, and Coloradocouldn’t keep him at home. He was not an All-American, but a very good player who wasnamed to my All-Colorado team in 1997. He wasone of the top 10 players in the state who pickedOklahoma over Colorado. He was “a good ath-lete and two-way player who could play widereceiver, running back or cornerback in college.”He was 6-2, 185 with 4.4 speed, so he shrunkalmost an inch, which most of these guys seemto do. Jefferson High School is a very, very pro-ductive school that plays the best competition.He had two teammates that year who also madethe top 10 in the state of Colorado.

29 GREEN BAY PACKERSOLB NICK BARNETTA.B. MILLER (Calif.) H.S.

He was a “player to watch” who was not heavi-ly recruited. Washington, USC and UCLA wouldhave come after him if he were, but he was asmall safety and receiver back then who didn’t puthimself on the radar until he got to Oregon State.

30 SAN DIEGO CHARGERSCB SAMMY DAVISHUMBLE (Texas) H.S.

Davis was the No. 2 cornerback in the coun-try in 1998 behind Lito Sheppard, whom theEagles took in the first round (26th) out of Flori-da last year. At the time, I wrote that “I had beento Humble for several years to see David Bostonand David Givens and now Sammy.” He was 6-0, 180 and ran a 4.37 and a 10.9 100 meters. Hewas “very quick, fluid and physical” for a corner-back. He had 10 interceptions as a junior and 65tackles and broke up seven passes. I keep a lotof their highlight tapes, and I still have his. Hewas a good student with a 3.7 GPA, but hechose Texas A&M over Miami and Michigan. Hewas heavily recruited and could have playedanywhere in the country, but A&M sure does agood job. It seems like everyone they get to gothere finds a way into the first round. I don’t knowwhy they got rid of head coach R.C. Slocum andthat coaching staff at the end of last season.

31 OAKLAND RAIDERSS NNAMDI ASOMUGHANARBONNE (Cal.) H.S.

Asomugha was 6-2, 195 in high school — “thehardest-hitting free safety in Southern Californiathat year.” He was a “wait-and-see prospect” asa junior who turned into a great player as asenior, when he really came on strong. He had“good speed, not great speed.” He must havedeveloped that in college, but he was “a smartkid who led the team in tackles.” The coach atCalifornia, Tom Holmoe, did a very good jobrecruiting in 1999, but it must have been that herecruited well and couldn’t coach them. Aso-mugha picked California over Michigan. KyleBoller and Wayne Hunter went to Cal with himthat year. They had some big-name guys.

32 OAKLAND RAIDERSDE TYLER BRAYTONPACO (Wash.) H.S.

Brayton was a 6-5 240-pound tight end with4.8 speed who also played defensive tackle. Myreport that year said, “He has great hands onoffense, has deceptive speed and is a persistentblocker who uses his hands well. Shows out-standing balance, very smart and technicallysound. Prefers to play tight end over defensivetackle,” but these colleges know where playersbelong. Brayton was one of the better players onmy All-Pacific Northwest team in 1997. As far asWest Coast tight ends, he ranked behind ToddHeap, who was No. 1, and a couple of other guys.

Tom Lemming is editor of Prep FootballReport. Prep Football Report’s three year-ly magazines and five newsletters ($60 forthe magazines and $90 for both magazinesand newsletters) can be ordered by calling630-907-1000.


Lemming H.S. All-Americans: (top to bottom)Jeff Faine, Rex Grossman and Willis McGahee

High school to pros(Continued from Page 23)


By TRENT MODGLINASSOCIATE EDITOR

hings slowed down considerably onthe free-agent market in April, but thatdoesn’t mean it was completely quiet.

Packers DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamilaflirted with the Eagles as a restrictedfree agent in late March but eventuallycame to terms with Green Bay to thetune of seven years and $37.3 million.

His $11 million signing bonus is second onlyto Brett Favre’s $12 million in terms of up-front money doled out by the Pack. Biamilahas sacked opposing passers 25 times the lasttwo years, and the Eagles were very interest-ed after losing Hugh Douglas to the Jaguarsless than a month earlier. Biamila wasaccused of using the Eagles to drive up hisprice with the Packers, but he and his agentinsisted they were only testing his mar-ketability and wanted to stay in Green Bayall along.

Someone who could’ve stayed in GreenBay and gotten paid more than he did on theopen market was DE Vonnie Holliday, whonarrowed his options down to Seattle, Ari-zona and Kansas City before signing with theChiefs for five years and a little more than$11 million. Holliday is a solid addition towhat was a woeful defense in 2002, but hedoesn’t exactly fill the team’s pass-rushingvoid.

Junior Seau was close to shopping hiswares in free agency but was able to negoti-ate a deal to be traded to Miami, where hewill bring his veteran influence and fieryleadership to an already stellar Dolphinsdefense. Seau agreed to a new four-year, $14million contract with the Dolphins, whichwas a requirement for the trade to happen.

Another trade involving a free agent hap-pened when the Patriots’ franchise player, FSTebucky Jones, was dealt to the Saints forthree draft picks. The Pats were set afteracquiring former Charger Rodney Harrisonto team with Lawyer Milloy, so Jones quick-ly became expendable.

The mass exodus of receivers out of Ari-zona continued, as MarTay Jenkins joinedPeerless Price in Atlanta and Frank Sandersheaded to Baltimore. The Ravens’ WR corpshas a significantly different look to it nowwith Sanders and Marcus Robinson on boardand Brandon Stokley having signed withIndianapolis.

The Ravens outdueled several other suitorsfor Robinson’s services after he was releasedby the Bears in mid-April. Though they havejust one year invested in him at a reasonablerate of $700,000, the Ravens hope he canreturn to form after injuries limited him thelast few years in Chicago. After a breakoutyear in 1999, Robinson played only 11games in 2000 due to a bad back and thensuffered a season-ending knee injury in WeekFive of 2001. He caught only 21 passes lastseason as a reserve with the Bears.

After a seemingly endless foray around theNFL circuit, Olandis Gary, a former 1,000-yard rusher with Denver, shuffled off to Buf-falo with a two-year deal in hand. Gary want-ed a shot at a starting job, but with so fewavailable, he settled on being Travis Henry’sbackup. The Chiefs, Lions and Cowboyswere all in pursuit but wanted to wait untilafter the draft to get something done. Know-

ing that, the Bills pounced, despite Gary’sinjury-checkered past.

“Olandis is one of the premier backs in theleague,” said Gary’s agent, Harold Lewis. “Iwas a little surprised the other team wanted towait so long to get a deal done because it’s nota strong year in the draft for running backs.

“And a year ago, the Baltimore Ravens werewilling to trade a second-round pick to theBroncos for Olandis. I think in some people’sminds, Olandis lost a step due to injuries,which is not the case. I think he’s going to bethe steal of this year’s free agency.”

Gary may have to be a one-year steal, con-sidering that the Bills surprised people byselecting Willis McGahee with the 23rd pick.

One of the starting jobs Gary was eyeingwas snatched up by Stacey Mack, who islooking to break out of Fred Taylor’s shadow.Mack showed promise in his time on thefield in Jacksonville, and now the pressure ofshouldering the load will be his in Houston.The Texans are hoping he can help jumpstartthe NFL’s last-ranked offense, but he signedfor just one year, so it may be more of a briefshowcase of his skills.

The Texans also added LBs CharlieClemons (Saints) and Shannon Taylor(Ravens) after losing Jeff Posey to the Billsearlier in free agency.

The rich got richer when Dwayne Ruddwas added to the champion Buccaneersdefense at a reasonable rate.

One linebacker who decided to stay putwas Peter Sirmon of the Titans, who flirtedwith signing with the Rams before coming toterms on a four-year, $8.45 million deal withTennessee.

The Lions let Chris Claiborne leave forNFC North rival Minnesota, but theyaddressed needs at the LB position by inkingveterans Wali Rainer (Jaguars) and EarlHolmes (Browns) to two- and three-yeardeals, respectively. Both led their respectiveteams in tackles in 2002.

The Giants added RB depth to competewith the sluggish Ron Dayne in the form ofDorsey Levens, who had a similar role withthe Eagles last season. They also signed for-mer Bills PK Mike Hollis.

Perhaps they were trying to keep up withtheir rivals, the Redskins, who added to theirlengthy list of new faces when an arbitrator(and Redskins season-ticket holder) ruled infavor of Washington for the services of RB-RS Chad Morton. The Jets originallymatched the offer sheet he signed with Wash-ington as a restricted free agent, but by leav-ing a voidable-years portion out of their deal,they lost out on one of the game’s elite spe-cial-teamers.

The Jets weren’t the only team raided bythe free-spending Redskins. Washington alsoinked restricted-free-agent DT JermaineHaley, a former Dolphin.

The Rams added TE Cam Cleeland andsaw Ernie Conwell sign with the Saints.

The Seahawks nabbed a much-neededdefensive end in Chike Okeafor, whileOkeafor’s old team, the 49ers, signed DTD’Marco Farr. Attempting a comeback, Farrhas been out of football since 2000 andworking with Fox Sports Net.

Panthers P Todd Sauerbrun signed his one-year tender as the team’s franchise player,and talks on a long-term extension plan toresume later this summer.

FREE AGENCY 2003

T

Biamila’s huge dealhighlights April’sfree-agent spending

RANKING THE FREE-AGENT CLASS OF 2003Below are the highest-graded players who hit the free-agent market. Some came free because their con-

tracts expired, others were cut in cost-cutting moves. (Updated through May 4)

TOP 100 UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTSRK. POSITION/PLAYER 2002 TEAM 2003 TEAM TERMS (YRS. ■ VALUE ■ SIGN BONUS) COMMENTS

1 DE Hugh Douglas Philadelphia Jacksonville 5 yrs./$27 mil./$6 mil. SB Surprise move South disappointed other suitors

2 OT Walter Jones Seattle Franchised but unsigned Seahawks don’t want him holding out like in 2002

3 OT Orlando Pace St. Louis Franchised but unsigned Asking for the moon or a trade

4 WR Peerless Price Buffalo Atlanta 7 yrs./$42 mil./$10 mil. SB Trade gives QB Mike Vick a No. 1 WR

5 WR Laveranues Coles N.Y. Jets Washington 7 yrs./$35 mil./$13 mil. SB ’Skins spend big, give up first-rounder for RFA speedster

6 CB Chris McAlister Baltimore Franchised but unsigned Negotiations were going well, should pick up again in July

7 OLB Takeo Spikes Cincinnati Buffalo 6 yrs./$32 mil./$9 mil. SB Wanted out of Cincy; Bengals gave him his wish

8 WR David Boston Arizona San Diego 7 yrs./up to $47 mil./$4.55 mil. SB Brings big-play threat, off-the-field history to Martyball

9 OLB Anthony Simmons Seattle Seattle 5 yrs./$23 mil./$7.5 mil. SB Seahawk ‘D’ could not afford to let him leave

10 QB Jake Plummer Arizona Denver 7 yrs./$40 mil./$7 mil. SB Broncos banking on him finding new life at Mile High

11 OLB Rosevelt Colvin Chicago New England 7 yrs./$25.9 mil./$6 mil. SB Colvin’s 21 sacks the last two years will help Patriots

12 DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila Green Bay Green Bay 7 yrs./$37.3 mil./$11 mil. SB RFA teased Philly before re-upping with the Pack

13 DT Daryl Gardener Washington Denver 7 yrs./$39.655 mil./ $5 mil. SB Replaces Chester McGlockton; needs to stay healthy

14 OT Luke Petitgout N.Y. Giants N.Y. Giants 6 yrs./$30 mil./$9.75 mil. SB Top non-franchised tackle secured by Giants early on

15 OT Flozell Adams Dallas Dallas 5 yrs./$25 mil./$10 mil. SB Cowboys broke the bank for “The Hotel” at left tackle

16 OG Randy Thomas N.Y. Jets Washington 7 yrs./$28 mil./$7 mil. SB ’Skins probably overpaid, but nabbed a quality guard

17 OLB Mike Peterson Indianapolis Jacksonville 6 yrs./$20.4 mil./$5 mil. in bonuses Can run and hit; Indy will miss him

18 OG Mo Collins Oakland Big, powerful blocker who’s a key to protecting Gannon

19 WR Ike Hilliard N.Y. Giants N.Y. Giants 5 yrs./$12.5 mil./$2.5 mil. SB Looking to rebound from season lost to shoulder injury

20 QB Kordell Stewart Pittsburgh Chicago 2 yrs./$5 mil. “Slash” may be nothing more than a short-term solution

21 OLB Shawn Barber Philadelphia Kansas City 7 yrs./$30 mil./$5.5 mil. SB Chiefs get their weak-side playmaker at hefty price

22 OT Roman Oben Tampa Bay Tampa Bay 4 yrs./$4.655 mil./$700,000 SB Viewed as the anchor of a line that showed improvement

23 OT Wayne Gandy Pittsburgh New Orleans 6 yrs./$30 mil./$5 mil. SB Arrival of the steady vet paved way for Turley trade

24 MLB Shelton Quarles Tampa Bay Tampa Bay 5 yrs./$19.5 mil. Bucs keep Quarles’ speed in the middle

25 SS Donovin Darius Jacksonville Jacksonville Franchised — 1 yr./$3.043 mil. Signed qualifying offer, still wants long-term deal

26 DE Vonnie Holliday Green Bay Kansas City 5 yrs./$20 mil./$3 mil. SB Chiefs needed a quality defensive end badly

27 FS Tebucky Jones New England New Orelans Franchised — Traded to Saints Pats get three draft picks, Saints get quality safety

28 OLB Mike Maslowski Kansas City Kansas City 6 yrs./$12.25 mil./$2.75 mil. SB Now gets to patrol the middle, where he is a better fit

29 QB Jake Delhomme New Orleans Carolina 2 yrs./$4 mil. Not as much interest as expected; will compete w/Peete

30 SS Rodney Harrison San Diego New England 6 yrs./$14.4 mil./$2.5 mil. SB Nearly a Raider, but liked what Belichick had to say

31 CB Dre’ Bly St. Louis Detroit 5 yrs./$24.5 mil./$6.5 mil. SB Early signing raised plenty of eyebrows

32 DT Sam Adams Oakland Buffalo 4 yrs. Teams with Pat Williams to make a formidable land mass

33 OT Ryan Young Houston Dallas 3 yrs. Potential building block who was plagued by injury in 2002

34 C Jeff Saturday Indianapolis Indianapolis 6 yrs./$20 mil./$5 mil. SB Peyton’s protection didn’t come cheap

35 ILB Chris Claiborne Detroit Minnesota 2 yrs./$5 mil./$750,000 SB Vikings need Claiborne to get in shape

36 RB Stacey Mack Jacksonville Houston 1 yr./$705,000.$175,000 SB Gets a chance to emerge from Fred Taylor’s shadow

37 WR Kevin Dyson Tennessee Carolina 1 yr. One year in Carolina and then back on the market

38 DT Cletidus Hunt Green Bay Green Bay 6 yrs./$25.1 mil./$6 mil. SB Gamble on Hunt’s potential helped keep KGB in town

39 P Todd Sauerbrun Carolina Carolina Franchised — 1 yr./$1.471 mil. Long-term extension could be close to happening

40 LB Nate Wayne Green Bay Philadelphia 4 yrs./$13 mil./$4 mil. SB Pack didn’t want to pay roster bonus for leading tackler

41 QB Jeff Blake Baltimore Arizona 3 yrs./$7.5 mil./$1.5 mil. SB Ravens miffed at his hesitancy and rescinded offer

42 WR Curtis Conway San Diego N.Y. Jets 3 yrs./$7.5 mil./$1.2 mil. SB Jets had him waiting in the wings once Coles left

43 TE Jim Kleinsasser Minnesota Minnesota Franchised — 1 yr./$3.05 mil. Big-time blocker was first to sign franchise qualifying offer

44 CB Denard Walker Denver Minnesota 4 yrs./$13 mil. Walker, Ken Irvin figure to be new starting tandem

45 FS Dexter Jackson Tampa Bay Arizona 5 yrs./$14 mil./$2.75 mil. SB Time to see if he was a product of Tampa’s scheme

46 DT John Thornton Tennessee Cincinnati 6 yrs./$22.5 mil./$5 mil. SB Moves well and clogs the run, but not worth that price

47 S Sammy Knight New Orleans “Out clause” in contract allowed big hitter to test market

48 CB Tyrone Williams Green Bay Atlanta 5 yrs./$14.05 mil./$3 mil. SB Good thing the Pack traded for Eagles’ Al Harris

49 OG Zach Piller Tennessee Tennessee 7 yrs./$21.28 mil./$4 mil. SB O-line with holes couldn’t lose its key cog

50 LB Kevin Hardy Dallas Cincinnati 4 yrs./$14 mil. Spikes didn’t want any part of Cincy, but Hardy did

51 RB Emmitt Smith Dallas Arizona 2 yrs./$7-8 mil. NFL’s all-time rushing leader heads to the Valley of No Fun

52 WR Tai Streets San Francisco RFA has told Niners’ brass he’s ready to move on

53 FB Lorenzo Neal Cincinnati San Diego 3 yrs./$4.5 million Addition of proven blocker makes L.T. a happy camper

54 RB Olandis Gary Denver Buffalo 2 yrs./up to $3 mil./$175,000 Couldn’t find a starting gig, now Travis Henry’s backup

55 FB Jon Ritchie Oakland Philadelphia 2 yrs./$1.5 mil./$400,000 SB Solid lead blocker, receiver who saw his role diminish

56 LB Jamir Miller Cleveland Can rush the passer but is coming off Achilles injury

57 PK John Carney New Orleans New Orleans 5 yrs./$4.4 mil./$500,000 SB Has made 58-of-66 FG attempts since coming to Bayou

58 TE Ernie Conwell St. Louis New Orleans 5 yrs. Proven pass catcher a nice addition for Saints

59 RB Tyrone Wheatley Oakland Oakland Terms not available Received interest early but wanted to stay in Oakland

60 DT Jeff Zgonina St. Louis Miami 4 yrs./approx. $3.6 mil./$500,000 SB Jermaine Haley signed w/ Skins for nearly the same price

61 OLB Keith Newman Buffalo Atlanta 3 yrs./$5 mil. Adds to an already deep LB corps; should fit well in 3-4

62 OT Solomon Page Dallas Signing of Ryan Young sealed his fate in Dallas

63 OG-C Jason Whittle N.Y. Giants Tampa Bay 5 yrs./$8.2 mil./$1.8 mil. SB Broke a leg in post-draft minicamp

64 OG Edwin Mulitalo Baltimore Baltimore 7 yrs./$15.5 mil./$4 mil. SB Solidifies left side of the O-line with Ogden

65 WR MarTay Jenkins Arizona Atlanta 1 yr./$450,000 Falcons promising a shot at No. 2 job opposite Price

66 WR Derrius Thompson Washington Miami 3 yrs./$3.7 mil. Quietly made 53 catches last year; becomes Miami’s No. 2

67 LB Earl Holmes Cleveland Detroit 3 yrs. Salary proved to be a cap-buster in Cleveland

68 DE Chike Okeafor San Francisco Seattle 2 yrs./$4 mil./$2 mil. SB Seahawks missed out on Douglas, Holliday first

69 DE Regan Upshaw Oakland Washington 5 yrs./$7.5 mil./$2 mil. SB Arrival likely gives Bruce Smith a third-down role

70 RB-RS Brian Mitchell Philadelphia N.Y. Giants 4 yrs./$3.55 mil./$500,000 SB Highlight of a big push to upgrade poor special teams

71 DE Brad Scioli Indianapolis Indianapolis 5 yrs./$13 mil./$1 mil. SB Good against the run and versatile to help inside

72 OLB Al Singleton Tampa Bay Dallas 4 yrs./$8 mil./$2 mil. SB Better Parcells fit than Kevin Hardy on the strong side

73 PK Mike Hollis Buffalo N.Y. Giants 5 yrs./$4 mil. Seen as key to Bills’ special-teams turnaround

74 FS Omar Stoutmire N.Y. Giants N.Y. Giants 3 yrs./$3 mil. Looking to atone for poor outing in playoffs last year

75 FB Richie Anderson N.Y. Jets Dallas 3 yrs./$3.9 mil./$800,000 SB Parcells talked him out of signing with the Patriots

76 OT Mike Rosenthal N.Y. Giants Minnesota 2 yrs./$1.8 mil./$500,000 SB Will form a mammoth OT tandem with Bryant McKinnie

77 FB Mack Strong Seattle Seattle 3 yrs./$2.58 mil./$300,000 SB Reliable fullback whom the Falcons had an eye on

78 CB Tyrone Poole Denver New England 4 yrs. Veteran cover man really came on late last year

79 TE Jay Riemersma Buffalo Pittsburgh 3 yrs./$3.95 mil./$850,000 SB Catch total dropped last year under Bledsoe, Gilbride

80 OLB Jeff Posey Houston Buffalo 4 yrs./$6.425 mil./$1.75 mil. SB Teams with Spikes, Fletcher in upgraded LB corps

81 WR Oronde Gadsden Miami Has made the rounds, may focus on Minnesota

82 OT Mark Dixon Miami Miami Terms not available Banged up last season but paved the way for Ricky

83 ILB Jay Foreman Houston Houston 5 yrs./$12.1 mil./$2.2 mil. SB Texans keep leading tackler after losing Posey to Bills

84 OG Tom Nütten St. Louis N.Y. Jets 4 yrs./$5.6 mil./$600,000 SB Doesn’t replace Randy Thomas, but a decent starter

85 LB Dwayne Rudd Cleveland Tampa Bay 2 yrs./$2.75 mil./$200,000 SB Not an every-down player; fell out of favor in Cleveland

86 WR Bobby Engram Seattle Seattle 4 yrs./$6 mil. Solid third-down WR and a positive veteran influence

87 ILB Wali Rainer Jacksonville Detroit 2 yrs./$1.83 mil./$475,000 SB Led Jaguars in tackles a year ago

88 FS Kwamie Lassiter Arizona Still serviceable, but age is a major turnoff

89 QB Rob Johnson Tampa Bay Washington Terms not available Spurrier goes outside the Gator family for insurance QB

90 CB Jason Sehorn N.Y. Giants Defensive back could land with the Rams

91 DT Chester McGlockton Denver Still can command the double-team when motivated

92 RS Jermaine Lewis Houston Jacksonville 3 yrs./$3 mil./$1 mil. SB Hurt most of last year but still has the wheels

93 RB Moe Williams Minnesota Minnesota 3 yrs./$2.7 mil./$800,000 SB Scored 11 TDs in 84 carries as short-yardage specialist

94 PK John Hall N.Y. Jets Washington 5 yrs./$7.13 mil./$1.6 mil. SB Spurrier had enough of PK debacle in first year

95 C Andy McCollum St. Louis St. Louis 3 yrs./$2.91 mil./$500,000 SB May play guard with Wohlabaugh now in town

96 QB Rodney Peete Carolina Carolina 3 yrs./$4 mil./$500,000 SB Will compete with Delhomme for starting gig

97 FB Zack Crockett Oakland Oakland 7 yrs./$12 mil./$400,000 SB Kept goal-line stud, let Ritchie depart as a free agent

98 RB Larry Centers Buffalo Great pass catcher, though numbers dipped in 2002

99 C Dave Wohlabaugh Cleveland St. Louis 4 yrs./$6 mil./$2 mil. SB Cut by Browns, along with LB corps, in salary-cap slashing

100 S Anthony Dorsett Oakland Improved after moving to strong safety last season


BLESSING IN DISGUISE:

Simms’ slide will prove to be the best for him in the futurehris Simms has had a toughlife.

Sure, we all would like tohave the troubles that come

with being the son of a Super BowlMVP, living in the lap of luxuryand going through life as a celebri-ty of sorts. It’s a nice problem tohave. But sometimes the only wayto solve a problem is to getknocked down a couple of pegs.

That’s what Simms will be look-ing at now that he has fallen from“everyone’s star of the future” to“Buccaneers third-round draftpick.”

Let’s start at the beginning. Itseems as good a place as any.

Simms, of course, is the son offormer Giants QB Phil Simms,whose up-and-down career in theBig Apple included both a SuperBowl victory and a public outcryfor his head just a few years later.The younger Simms, meanwhile,grew up watching his father getripped by the media and fans, allwhile developing in to a prettydecent quarterback himself.

He was the USA Today Offen-sive Player of the Year and aParade All-American for RamapoHigh School in New Jersey in1999, and he arrived in Austin,Texas, with the kind of expecta-tions that few have felt. Simms

was going to be the guy whobrought the Longhorns a nationalchampionship in a state wherefootball takes a close second tooxygen in importance to most peo-ple.

Never mind that the Longhornsalready had a star quarterback inMajor Applewhite. He eventuallybecame the leading passer in Long-horns history, but that wasn’t goodenough for some fans. They want-ed the Simms name, and theywanted it sooner rather than later.

They got what they wanted.Applewhite suffered a knee

injury in the 1999 Cotton Bowl,and despite the fact he was comingoff a year in which he was the Big12’s co-Offensive Player of theYear, he lost his starting job toSimms. The two rotated the jobduring the 2000 season, andalthough Applewhite was the moreeffective of the two, Simms washanded the starting job for 2001.The move polarized the passionateLonghorn fans and put Simmssquarely in the crosshairs for criti-cism.

The knock on Simms was thathe couldn’t win the big game. Hecouldn’t beat Oklahoma. He neverwon a national title.

“I was always comfortable withmy career at (Texas),” Simms said

at the Combine. “I felt like Iplayed good, and we won a lot ofbig games. Everyone always wantsto focus on the Oklahoma game,but I felt like I played well. Some-where along the way it seems toget lost that I led the conference inpassing for three years. I’m confi-dent in my abilities as a player.”

Expectations, however, canchange perception. Simms’ plightat Texas reminds me of formerIndiana University basketball play-er Damon Bailey. Bailey first com-mitted with the Hoosiers when hewas in the eighth grade, and peopleexpected him to walk on waterwhen he got to Bloomington. Butfour years and no national title leftfans disappointed with his career.This despite scoring 1,700 pointsand leading IU to 11 wins in theNCAA tournament. Baileycouldn’t possibly live up to theexpectations that people placed onhim, and Simms faced the samesituation at Texas.

That’s why it will turn out to bea blessing that Simms wasn’tselected in the first or secondrounds of the draft. If he had goneto a team such as the Bears,Ravens or Panthers, there wouldhave been a lot of pressure to pro-duce immediately. His own historywould repeat itself, only this time

he would do it in the glare of theentire NFL, not just a state stockedwith rabid fans.

Basically, NFL teams let him offthe hook by allowing him to slidedown the draft board. No, it didn’tfeel all that good for Simms towait until the final pick in the thirdround to hear his name called, buthe will look back on Draft Daywith fond memories.

Simms goes into a situation inTampa in which there will be noexpectations. There will be nohype preceeding his arrival. Bucca-neers fans won’t see him as theSecond Coming. He will be justanother rookie with a familiarname.

But best of all, he will be able tolearn for a couple of years at theknee of Brad Johnson, a Pro Bowlquarterback who is a consummateprofessional. Simms will betutored by head coach Jon Gruden,who dug up a nearly forgottenplayer named Rich Gannon andturned him into one of the betterquarterbacks in football.

And for the first time in his life,Simms will get to take his timedeveloping. Even growing up, hestill was “Phil Simms’ son,” nomatter what he did or where hewent. Everyone expected superstar-dom from the second he stepped

onto the playing field. Now thathe’s with the defending SuperBowl-champion Bucs, his time as astar will come, but it won’t bethrust upon him. The past hasmade him more mature than rook-ies his age, and that will helpgoing forward as well.

“I went through two processeswhere I saw Dad and what he wentthrough in New York,” Simms said.“Experiencing the same thing first-hand at Texas definitely took me toanother level. It has made me moremature and made me realize whatthis game, this business, is allabout.”

For Simms, it’s an entirely newgame. Nobody will be clamoringfor Simms if Johnson makes a mis-take. Everybody understands that itis going to take some time forSimms to become a star. Loweredexpectations doesn’t mean peopleexpect less. They just don’t expectit right away.

So what if Simms wasn’t a first-rounder? Ryan Leaf was a first-rounder, and we all know how thatturned out. But Simms can enjoylife for a change and know that inthe future, he will get his chance.He will have the opportunity to bea star in the NFL.

Simms shouldn’t expect any-thing less.

KEN BIKOFF

C

ON THE CLOCK:

Time sure flies when you’re having fun on Draft Dayam “on the clock.” Tick, tock, etc. Damn,the pressure.

Quickly, let me purge myself of somethoughts before I turn into the journalis-

tic equivalent of the Minnesota Vikings.I thought the biggest “reach” of the draft

was Bill Parcells showing up in Dallas as ablond. Gray hair, coach, is good. It’s honest,like playing defense, which you know athing or two about, I understand. A fascina-tion with youth is not an uncommon thingamong coaches, who, having to associatewith persons many years their junior, cometo want to resemble them. I know of oneNFL coach, whom I won’t name, whounderwent a facelift. And I’m not referringto Jerry Jones.

Nothing like a little debauchery to enlivenan offseason. Or an in-season. I’m thinking,of course, of Mike Price, who got himselffired by the University of Alabama becausehe chose to dally with a stripper. Price’scarousing and the adventures of LarryEustachy, the Iowa State basketball coach,cause one to think: might there not be someNFL coaches whose conduct could belooked at askance? The answer is, “Ofcourse there are.”

Pressure, pal. It’s there. Coaches relieve itin various ways. I remember one coach whoin times of the greatest stress overate. Hispreference was chocolate pie. Some guysdrink. Correction. A lot of guys drink. Someare not as careful as they might be in theirchoice of female companions. I am aware ofone coach — who happened to be married

— who became so involved with a mistressthat his club’s management had to intercede.

To get back to the draft, the most imagina-tive choice was the Texans identifying athird baseman, Drew Henson, in the sixthround. Should the former Michigan quarter-back determine that his continuing battlewith the curveball as a chattel of the NewYork Yankees can’t be won, the Houstonclub could have something there. As CharleyCasserly noted, the Texans aren’t wastinganything. Few sixth-rounders are found tohave NFL futures.

Frankly, I couldn’t understand the Jets’willingness to deal a couple of first-roundselections to Chicago in order that the NewYorkers could name Dewayne Robertson, adefensive tackle, with the fourth selection ofthe first round. Robertson isn’t very tall andhe had only five sacks last season at Ken-tucky. Line play in the NFL, remember, islike ju-jitsu; the first guy who can grab theguy opposite him generally wins. This givesfolks with long arms an advantage. Fellowsof Robertson’s height don’t have long arms.

This draft had a quality that was unusual.Pandemonium!

It set in when being “on the clock” wasmore than the Vikings could bear. Theyfroze. In the resulting tumult, the Minnesotaclub, scheduled to exercise the No. 7 choice,had the Jaguars and the Panthers rush in andlodge the No. 7 and No. 8 selections, thuslending a frenetic quality to what customari-ly is a sedate procedure.

When the Vikings at last acted at No. 9,

taking Kevin Williams, a defensive tacklefrom Oklahoma State, ESPN focused itstelevision programming on a gathering ofthe team’s fans in Eden Prairie, Minn. Acouple of guys were gesturing, thumbsdown.

Minnesota’s hesitancy had afforded theJaguars an opportunity to claim the giantMarshall quarterback, Byron Leftwich, andfreed the Panthers to identity Jordan Gross,an offensive tackle from Utah.

What had precipitated this frenzy was thatthe Vikings had permitted the 15 minutesteams are afforded to make first-round selec-tions to lapse. Under draft procedures, whenthis occurs, the next team due to select canact. In this case, it was the next team and theteam after that.

Minnesota coach Mike Tice explained thatthe delay resulted from the Vikings beinginvolved in trade discussions with theRavens and two other teams. The player theVikings wanted was Williams, Tice said, butin the thinking that it could name him lowerin the first round, the club was hopeful ofdealing down and acquiring additional picks.

With 32 seconds remaining on the clock,Tice said the Vikings did reach an agreementwith the Ravens on a deal that would havesent Minnesota two surplus selections.

“I’m piqued,” admitted Tice, although“piqued” wasn’t exactly the word he chose.“I don’t know what else to say. First of all,after last year, it doesn’t look good, so that’sthe reason I’m piqued. The second reason isI felt we were going to get our guy and two

more picks, and I felt that would have been ahell of a deal.”

The Vikings also had a problem with theclock a year ago. They held the No. 6 selec-tion in the first round, but did not chooseswiftly enough and Kansas City moved upand named Ryan Sims, a defensive tackle.Minnesota then selected Bryant McKinnie, atowering offensive tackle whom Tice termed“a great player.”

Ironically, Sims suffered an injury thatidled him through what would have been hisrookie season.

As soon as the Jaguars entered their selec-tion, Tice said the Vikings sought to formal-ize their selection. “Obviously, Carolina ranup and turned its pick in right away,” saidthe coach.

When the Vikings’ selection was recog-nized, Baltimore moved swiftly to name Ter-rell Suggs . “It happened very quickly,” Bil-lick said, “but we were prepared for it.”

On a subsequent selection, No. 19, gainedthrough a trade with New England in whichthe Patriots gained a first-round selection inthe 2004 draft, the Ravens grasped Cal QBKyle Boller. “We got two players we had inthe top 10,” Billick proclaimed.

Some teams respond positively to being“on the clock” and some do not. We all,when one thinks of it, are on the clock. Ourclock is known as life. Tick, tock.

Jerry Magee has covered pro football forthe San Diego Union-Tribune since 1961and for PFW since its inception in 1967.

JERRY MAGEE

I


WORTH THE RISK:

Bills’ gamble on McGahee was definitely the right moveet’s get the first part out of the way ina hurry. It was a gamble.

Drafting a running back who is atthe moment unable to run is a gamble

of some proportions to be sure, but every-thing about the NFL draft is a gamble. It isonly slightly less of a crapshoot than aweekend in Las Vegas, to be honest about it,despite the presence of all those stopwatchesand jumping sticks and videotapes andWunderlic intelligence tests that providepersonnel men and scouts with a securityblanket that doesn’t really exist in their busi-ness.

Drafting college-age kids and projectingtheir survival rate in the National FootballLeague is like buying Internet stocks. Someof them are going to hit, but you have a bet-ter chance of going broke than you do ofgoing to Grand Cayman with your profits.

If you think Carson Palmer is a lock,remember Ryan Leaf, Heath Shuler andDavid Klingler.

If you think Charles Rogers is a lock,remember David Terrell, Terry Glenn andPeter Warrick.

If you think Dewayne Robertson is a lock,remember Kenny Sims, Aundray Bruce andDan Wilkinson.

If you think Terence Newman is a lock,remember Bryant Westbrook, Chris Cantyand Terrell Buckley.

Having said that, the drafting of WillisMcGahee by the Bills was a gamble worthtaking, regardless of how it works out. If henever plays a down on his surgicallyrepaired knee, never quite comes backenough for him to be what he was at Miami

(Fla.), so be it. The risk was worth taking.What Bills president and general manag-

er Tom Donahoe saw when he stepped upto make the 23rd selection in the draft wasthat, no matter whom he took, it would bea gamble, so if you’re going to gamble,why not go for broke, slap it all down onnumber two and bet on a spin of thewheel? Or, in this case, bet on Willis’wheels.

Donahoe understands the NFL. He under-stands talent. He understands risk. He alsounderstands the theory of risk-reward ratio,and when he applied it in this case, thereward was well worth the risk, although hecertainly was not blind to it.

“We didn’t even have a first-round pick amonth or two ago,” Donahoe told a Bostonradio station the week after the draft. “Sowhen we got one for trading Peerless Priceit was sort of a luxury item. We just feltWillis was a good value, looking at the play-ers that were available. We don’t expect himto play this year. If he does, it’s an extra.But our medical people believe he’ll make afull recovery.”

In a draft where nearly every team wasmore interested in moving down the draftboard than up, Donahoe’s decision to draftMcGahee, despite the fact McGahee stillcannot run on the knee he tore to shreds inJanuary during the national championshipgame against Ohio State, was a commentaryon two things.

First, if the best running back available isone who can’t run, what does it say aboutthe other guys?

Second, and more important, Donahoe is

not gambling on talent. If McGahee had notbeen injured, he would have been among thetop five players taken, and many would haveconsidered him the best player in the draft.So talent in and of itself is not the issue. Ifhe had been running instead of limping inApril, McGahee would not have been therewhen the Bills picked, and even in his pre-sent condition, he would have been longgone by the time Buffalo selected a secondtime.

So what Donahoe did is choose to gambleon youth and medical science.

He’s betting that the improvements bothin surgical procedures and rehabilitationtechniques are such that McGahee can comeback to nearly full strength after tearingthree ligaments in one knee.

Although no one can ever be sure of sucha thing, McGahee has shown thus far that heheals quickly and is willing to do all he canto speed up the process. Now the Bills are ina position to slow it back down and wait forhim to catch up.

That is why this was a bet worth making.Although the Bills remain a team withpressing needs, was there anyone availablewhen they selected on the first round whowas a sure thing to iron out any of them?Could Donahoe be comfortable that KennyPeterson or Eugene Wilson or Boss Baileywould come in and make a faster impact onhis team than McGahee?

No, so he took McGahee, knowing hedoesn’t need him at the moment.

Travis Henry is a 1,400-yard rusher whowent to the Pro Bowl last year. After thisseason, he’s likely going to want a raise of

some proportions if he produces the sameway again. If that becomes a problem, andMcGahee is healthy, Donahoe has options.If they are both healthy, Donahoe hasoptions. If McGahee is still limping, Dona-hoe has options.

Options are what it’s all about when itcomes to building and maintaining a team inthis era of free agency. Donahoe’s ability todo that was on display for years in Pitts-burgh, where the Steelers kept losing play-ers but not many games until they lost Don-ahoe and Tom Modrak, who together ran thepersonnel department.

The drafting of McGahee gives the Billsthe same kind of options the Steelersseemed to always have when someone likeGreg Lloyd or Chad Brown was ready totake the money and run. Fortunately forMcGahee, it also gives him options becausethe Bills don’t need him to take a singlesnap this season with Henry and free-agentacquisition (and former 1,000-yard rusher)Olandis Gary on the roster.

What they did was make a bet, a bet theycan afford to lose but one they have as muchchance of winning as any option available tothem at the time.

If they win on this one, they win big. Ifthey lose, they probably lose less both finan-cially and in terms of their future than any-thing else they could have done.

So did they gamble on Willis McGahee?Not really.

They just made a bet worth making.

Ron Borges is a columnist for the BostonGlobe.

RON BORGES

L

REVISIONIST HISTORY:

A look at the big winners and losers — in the 2000 draftt’s time to analyze the draft and give grades for the bestand worst. The 2000 draft, that is.

The only grades that make sense for the 2003 draftwere the “C’s” that one rating system placed on nearly

every team. Until proven otherwise, everybody’s draft isaverage, nothing but bodies filling slots.

But the 2000 draft can be scrutinized with 20-20 hind-sight. By now, the grades fall mainly into two categories —“A’s” and “F’s.” This is a black-and-white, win-or-lose busi-ness. You either added a few players in that draft, or youbombed.

The envelopes, please.The Packers, Bears, Jets, and 49ers are among the teams

who get “A’s.”The Cardinals, Falcons, Bills, and Browns are among the

leading “F” teams. Most of the rest of the teams also fall into these extremes.

Either a majority of the picks panned out, or they didn’t. Decide for yourself.The Packers got five solid starters — TE Bubba Franks,

OLT Chad Clifton, LB Na’il Diggs, DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila and ORT Mark Tauscher.

The Bears got four starters and a kicker — LB BrianUrlacher, FS Mike Brown, WR Dez White, SS Mike Greenand PK Paul Edinger.

The Jets turned their trade of WR Keyshawn Johnson intoa four-starter first round of DEs Shaun Ellis and John Abra-ham, QB Chad Pennington and TE Anthony Becht, plusthird-round WR Laveranues Coles.

When Coles was signed by Washington as a restricted freeagent this offseason, the Jets were able to package their twofirst-round picks and move up to snag Kentucky DTDewayne Robertson, supposedly the next Warren Sapp.

The 49ers moved down in the draft in 2000 and collected

LB Julian Peterson, CB Ahmed Plummer, DE John Engel-berger, CB Jason Webster and LB Jeff Ulbrich.

Now for the failures.The Cardinals picked RB Thomas Jones first. They got

starting LB Ray Thompson and CB David Barrett, but in thethird round, they selected DT Darwin Walker and cut himafter one game.

Yes, it’s the same Darwin Walker who got 71⁄2 sacks for theEagles last year while the starting front four of the Cardinalscollected nine. The Cardinals still are searching desperatelyfor defensive linemen, and they had one right under theirnoses.

“I could see why they were having problems with him,”Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson told the Philadel-phia Daily News. “Darwin’s an intelligent person — he hashis civil engineering degree — but at the time, he didn’tcarry that intelligence onto the football field. We just didn’tknow if the light was ever going to come on. He was on theground so much, being reckless, playing without balance. …It took almost a year.”

So maybe the Cardinals really had an “A” draft with an“F” for development. The two are intertwined, you know.

The Falcons had traded their 2000 No. 1 pick in 1999 todraft TE Reggie Kelly, now in Cincinnati. They also draftedLB Mark Simoneau, now in Philadelphia, and OT MichaelThompson, now in Seattle. They were working for otherteams.

The Bills drafted DE Erik Flowers, DB Travares Till-man, LB Corey Moore and WR Avion Black with theirfirst four picks. None were with the Bills last season. Onlythree of their eight selections stuck, and none started agame.

The Browns were only one year removed from theirexpansion draft and collected 13 players in the 2000 draft. In

2002, those players had a grand total of 13 starts, 11 fromDE Courtney Brown and two from DB Lewis Sanders.

You would think that an expansion team could have usedplayers.

Here’s another interesting fact about the draft grades of2000: Of the top four “A” teams and bottom four “F” teams,only one regime has lasted long enough to also conduct its2003 draft — Atlanta’s Dan Reeves and Ron Hill, and theyhave survived a new owner.

In Green Bay, general manager Ron Wolf retired after the2001 draft.

In Chicago, personnel chief Mark Hatley left under pres-sure, in part because his 1999 selection of first-round QBCade McNown failed.

At the Jets, Bill Parcells quit after the 2000 season, in partbecause of an ownership change.

In San Francisco, Bill Walsh stepped aside as generalmanager in 2001, turning the job over to Terry Donahue,who conducted the 2003 draft with a new coach, DennisErickson.

In Arizona, head coach Dave McGinnis has replaced VinceTobin, and general manager Rod Graves has replaced BobFerguson since 2000.

In Cleveland, head coach Butch Davis has replaced ChrisPalmer and director of football operations Dwight Clark.

In Buffalo, head coach Gregg Williams and general man-ager Tom Donahoe have replaced Wade Phillips and JohnButler.

Win or lose, “A” drafts or “F” drafts, this is a volatilebusiness. Whether you like your team’s 2003 draft or not,stick around.

Things will change.

Don Pierson covers pro football for the Chicago Tribune.

DON PIERSON

I


AFC EASTBuffalo Bills

Sept. 7 New England 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Jacksonville 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Miami 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 28 Philadelphia 1 p.m.

Oct. 5 Cincinnati 1 p.m.

Oct. 12 at N.Y. Jets 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 19 Washington 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Kansas City 8:30 p.m.

Open Date

Nov. 9 at Dallas 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 16 Houston 1 p.m.

Nov. 23 Indianapolis 1 p.m.

Nov. 30 at N.Y. Giants 1 p.m.

Dec. 7 N.Y. Jets 4:15 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Tennessee 1 p.m.

Dec. 21 Miami 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 at New England 1:30 p.m.

Miami DolphinsSept. 7 Houston 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 at N.Y. Jets 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 Buffalo 8:30 p.m.

Open Date

Oct. 5 at N.Y. Giants 1 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Jacksonville 1 p.m.

Oct. 19 New England 1 p.m.

Oct. 27 at San Diego 9 p.m.


Nov. 9 at Tennessee 1 p.m.

Nov. 16 Baltimore 1 p.m.

Nov. 23 Washington 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 27 at Dallas 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 7 at New England 4:15 p.m.

Dec. 15 Philadelphia 9 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Buffalo 1 p.m.

Dec. 28 N.Y. Jets 1 p.m.

New England PatriotsSept. 7 at Buffalo 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Philadelphia 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 21 N.Y. Jets 1 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Washington 1 p.m.

Oct. 5 Tennessee 1 p.m.

Oct. 12 N.Y. Giants 1 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Miami 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 Cleveland 1 p.m.

Nov. 3 at Denver 9 p.m.

Open Date

Nov. 16 Dallas 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 23 at Houston 1 p.m.

Nov. 30 at Indianapolis 1 p.m.

Dec. 7 Miami 4:15 p.m.

Dec. 14 Jacksonville 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 at N.Y. Jets 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 27 Buffalo 1:30 p.m.

New York JetsSept. 4 at Washington 9 p.m.

Sept. 14 Miami 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 at New England 1 p.m.

Sept. 28 Dallas 4:15 p.m.

Open Date

Oct. 12 Buffalo 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Houston 4:05 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Philadelphia 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 2 N.Y. Giants 1 p.m.

Nov. 9 at Oakland 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 16 at Indianapolis 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 23 Jacksonville 1 p.m.

Dec. 1 Tennessee 9 p.m.

Dec. 7 at Buffalo 4:15 p.m.

Dec. 14 Pittsburgh 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 New England 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 28 at Miami 1 p.m.

AFC NORTHBaltimore Ravens

Sept. 7 at Pittsburgh 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 Cleveland 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 at San Diego 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 28 Kansas City 1 p.m.

Open Date

Oct. 12 at Arizona 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Cincinnati 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 Denver 1 p.m.


Nov. 9 at St. Louis 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 16 at Miami 1 p.m.

Nov. 23 Seattle 1 p.m.

Nov. 30 San Francisco 1 p.m.

Dec. 7 Cincinnati 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Oakland 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Cleveland 1 p.m.

Dec. 28 Pittsburgh 8:30 p.m.

Cincinnati BengalsSept. 7 Denver 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Oakland 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 21 Pittsburgh 1 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Cleveland 1 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Buffalo 1 p.m.

Open Date

Oct. 19 Baltimore 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 Seattle 1 p.m.

Nov. 2 at Arizona 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 9 Houston 1 p.m.

Nov. 16 Kansas City 1 p.m.

Nov. 23 at San Diego 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 30 at Pittsburgh 1 p.m.

Dec. 7 at Baltimore 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 San Francisco 1 p.m.

Dec. 21 at St. Louis 1 p.m.

Dec. 28 Cleveland 1 p.m.

Cleveland BrownsSept. 7 Indianapolis 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Baltimore 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 at San Francisco 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 28 Cincinnati 1 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Pittsburgh 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 12 Oakland 1 p.m.

Oct. 19 San Diego 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 at New England 1 p.m.

Open Date

Nov. 9 at Kansas City 1 p.m.

Nov. 16 Arizona 1 p.m.

Nov. 23 Pittsburgh 1 p.m.

Nov. 30 at Seattle 4:15 p.m.

Dec. 8 St. Louis 9 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Denver 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 21 Baltimore 1 p.m.

Dec. 28 at Cincinnati 1 p.m.

Pittsburgh SteelersSept. 7 Baltimore 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Kansas City 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Cincinnati 1 p.m.

Sept. 28 Tennessee 1 p.m.

Oct. 5 Cleveland 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Denver 4:15 p.m.

Open Date

Oct. 26 St. Louis 1 p.m.



Nov. 17 at San Francisco 9 p.m.

Nov. 23 at Cleveland 1 p.m.

Nov. 30 Cincinnati 1 p.m.

Dec. 7 Oakland 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 at N.Y. Jets 1 p.m.

Dec. 21 San Diego 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 28 at Baltimore 8:30 p.m.

AFC SOUTHHouston Texans

Sept. 7 at Miami 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 at New Orleans 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 Kansas City 1 p.m.

Sept. 28 Jacksonville 1 p.m.

Open Date

Oct. 12 at Tennessee 1 p.m.

Oct. 19 N.Y. Jets 4:05 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Indianapolis 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 2 Carolina 1 p.m.

Nov. 9 at Cincinnati 1 p.m.

Nov. 16 at Buffalo 1 p.m.

Nov. 23 New England 1 p.m.

Nov. 30 Atlanta 1 p.m.

Dec. 7 at Jacksonville 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Tampa Bay 1 p.m.

Dec. 21 Tennessee 1 p.m.

Dec. 28 Indianapolis 1 p.m.

Indianapolis ColtsSept. 7 at Cleveland 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 Tennessee 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 Jacksonville 1 p.m.

Sept. 28 at New Orleans 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 6 at Tampa Bay 9 p.m.

Oct. 12 Carolina 1 p.m.

Open Date

Oct. 26 Houston 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 2 at Miami 1 p.m.

Nov. 9 at Jacksonville 1 p.m.

Nov. 16 N.Y. Jets 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 23 at Buffalo 1 p.m.



Dec. 14 Atlanta 1 p.m.

Dec. 21 Denver 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 28 at Houston 1 p.m.

Jacksonville JaguarsSept. 7 at Carolina 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 Buffalo 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Indianapolis 1 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Houston 1 p.m.

Oct. 5 San Diego 4:05 p.m.

Oct. 12 Miami 1 p.m.

Open Date


Nov. 2 at Baltimore 1 p.m.


Nov. 16 at Tennessee 1 p.m.

Nov. 23 at N.Y. Jets 1 p.m.

Nov. 30 Tampa Bay 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 7 Houston 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 at New England 1 p.m.

Dec. 21 New Orleans 1 p.m.

Dec. 28 at Atlanta 1 p.m.

Tennessee TitansSept. 7 Oakland 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Indianapolis 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 New Orleans 1 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Pittsburgh 1 p.m.


Oct. 12 Houston 1 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Carolina 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Jacksonville 1 p.m.

Open Date

Nov. 9 Miami 1 p.m.


Nov. 23 at Atlanta 4:15 p.m.

Dec. 1 at N.Y. Jets 9 p.m.

Dec. 7 Indianapolis 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 Buffalo 1 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Houston 1 p.m.

Dec. 28 Tampa Bay 1 p.m.

AFC WESTDenver Broncos

Sept. 7 at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 at San Diego 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 22 Oakland 9 p.m.

Sept. 28 Detroit 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Kansas City 1 p.m.

Oct. 12 Pittsburgh 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Minnesota 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Baltimore 1 p.m.


Open Date

Nov. 16 San Diego 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 23 Chicago 4:05 p.m.


Dec. 7 Kansas City 4:15 p.m.

Dec. 14 Cleveland 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Indianapolis 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 28 at Green Bay 4:15 p.m.

Kansas City ChiefsSept. 7 San Diego 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 Pittsburgh 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Houston 1 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Baltimore 1 p.m.


Oct. 12 at Green Bay 1 p.m.

Oct. 20 at Oakland 8 p.m.

Oct. 26 Buffalo 8:30 p.m.

Open Date

Nov. 9 Cleveland 1 p.m.

Nov. 16 at Cincinnati 1 p.m.

Nov. 23 Oakland 4:15 p.m.


Dec. 7 at Denver 4:15 p.m.

Dec. 14 Detroit 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Minnesota 5 p.m.

Dec. 28 Chicago 1 p.m.

Oakland RaidersSept. 7 at Tennessee 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 14 Cincinnati 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 22 at Denver 9 p.m.

Sept. 28 San Diego 4:05 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Chicago 1 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Cleveland 1 p.m.

Oct. 20 Kansas City 9 p.m.

Open Date

Nov. 2 at Detroit 1 p.m.

Nov. 9 N.Y. Jets 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 16 Minnesota 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 23 at Kansas City 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 30 Denver 4:15 p.m.

Dec. 7 at Pittsburgh 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 Baltimore 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 22 Green Bay 9 p.m.

Dec. 28 at San Diego 4:15 p.m.

San Diego ChargersSept. 7 at Kansas City 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 Denver 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 21 Baltimore 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Oakland 4:05 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Jacksonville 4:05 p.m.

Open Date

Oct. 19 at Cleveland 1 p.m.

Oct. 27 Miami 9 p.m.

Nov. 2 at Chicago 1 p.m.

Nov. 9 Minnesota 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 16 at Denver 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 23 Cincinnati 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 30 Kansas City 4:15 p.m.

Dec. 7 at Detroit 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 Green Bay 4:15 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Pittsburgh 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 28 Oakland 4:15 p.m.

NFC EASTDallas Cowboys

Sept. 7 Atlanta 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 15 at N.Y. Giants 9 p.m.

Open Date

Sept. 28 at N.Y. Jets 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 5 Arizona 1 p.m.

Oct. 12 Philadelphia 1 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Detroit 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Tampa Bay 1 p.m.

Nov. 2 Washington 1 p.m.

Nov. 9 Buffalo 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 16 at New England 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 23 Carolina 1 p.m.

Nov. 27 Miami 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 7 at Philadelphia 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Washington 1 p.m.

Dec. 21 N.Y. Giants 1 p.m.

Dec. 28 at New Orleans 1 p.m.

New York GiantsSept. 7 St. Louis 1 p.m.

Sept. 15 Dallas 9 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Washington 4:05 p.m.

Open Date

Oct. 5 Miami 1 p.m.


Oct. 19 Philadelphia 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Minnesota 1 p.m.

Nov. 2 at N.Y. Jets 1 p.m.


Nov. 16 at Philadelphia 1 p.m.

Nov. 24 at Tampa Bay 9 p.m.

Nov. 30 Buffalo 1 p.m.

Dec. 7 Washington 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 at New Orleans 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Dallas 1 p.m.

Dec. 28 Carolina 4:05 p.m.

Philadelphia EaglesSept. 8 Tampa Bay 9 p.m.

Sept. 14 New England 4:15 p.m.

Open Date

Sept. 28 at Buffalo 1 p.m.

Oct. 5 Washington 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Dallas 1 p.m.

Oct. 19 at N.Y. Giants 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 N.Y. Jets 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 2 at Atlanta 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 10 at Green Bay 9 p.m.


Nov. 23 New Orleans 1 p.m.

Nov. 30 at Carolina 1 p.m.

Dec. 7 Dallas 1 p.m.

Dec. 15 at Miami 9 p.m.

Dec. 21 San Francisco 4:15 p.m.

Dec. 27 at Washington 8:30 p.m.

Washington RedskinsSept. 4 N.Y. Jets 9 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Atlanta 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 N.Y. Giants 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 28 New England 1 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Philadelphia 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 12 Tampa Bay 1 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Buffalo 1 p.m.

Open Date

Nov. 2 at Dallas 1 p.m.

Nov. 9 Seattle 1 p.m.


Nov. 23 at Miami 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 30 New Orleans 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 7 at N.Y. Giants 1 p.m.


Dec. 21 at Chicago 1 p.m.

Dec. 27 Philadelphia 8:30 p.m.

NFC NORTHChicago Bears

Sept. 7 at San Francisco 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Minnesota 8:30 p.m.

Open Date

Sept. 29 Green Bay 9 p.m.

Oct. 5 Oakland 1 p.m.

Oct. 12 at New Orleans 1 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Seattle 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 26 Detroit 1 p.m.

Nov. 2 San Diego 1 p.m.

Nov. 9 at Detroit 1 p.m.

Nov. 16 St. Louis 1 p.m.

Nov. 23 at Denver 4:05 p.m.


Dec. 7 at Green Bay 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 Minnesota 1 p.m.

Dec. 21 Washington 1 p.m.

Dec. 28 at Kansas City 1 p.m.

Detroit LionsSept. 7 Arizona 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Green Bay 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 Minnesota 1 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Denver 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 5 at San Francisco 4:15 p.m.

Open Date

Oct. 19 Dallas 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Chicago 1 p.m.

Nov. 2 Oakland 1 p.m.

Nov. 9 Chicago 1 p.m.


Nov. 23 at Minnesota 1 p.m.

Nov. 27 Green Bay 12:30 p.m.

Dec. 7 San Diego 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Kansas City 1 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Carolina 1 p.m.

Dec. 28 St. Louis 1 p.m.

Green Bay PackersSept. 7 Minnesota 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 Detroit 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Arizona 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 29 at Chicago 9 p.m.

Oct. 5 Seattle 1 p.m.

Oct. 12 Kansas City 1 p.m.

Oct. 19 at St. Louis 1 p.m.

Open Date

Nov. 2 at Minnesota 8:30 p.m.

Nov. 10 Philadelphia 9 p.m.

Nov. 16 at Tampa Bay 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 23 San Francisco 1 p.m.

Nov. 27 at Detroit 12:30 p.m.

Dec. 7 Chicago 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 at San Diego 4:15 p.m.

Dec. 22 at Oakland 9 p.m.

Dec. 28 Denver 4:15 p.m.

Minnesota VikingsSept. 7 at Green Bay 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 Chicago 8:30 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Detroit 1 p.m.

Sept. 28 San Francisco 1 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Atlanta 1 p.m.

Open Date


Oct. 26 N.Y. Giants 1 p.m.




Nov. 23 Detroit 1 p.m.

Nov. 30 at St. Louis 1 p.m.

Dec. 7 Seattle 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Chicago 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 Kansas City 5 p.m.

Dec. 28 at Arizona 4:05 p.m.

NFC SOUTHAtlanta Falcons

Sept. 7 at Dallas 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 14 Washington 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 Tampa Bay 1 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Carolina 1 p.m.

Oct. 5 Minnesota 1 p.m.

Oct. 13 at St. Louis 9 p.m.

Oct. 19 New Orleans 1 p.m.

Open Date

Nov. 2 Philadelphia 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 9 at N.Y. Giants 1 p.m.

Nov. 16 at New Orleans 1 p.m.

Nov. 23 Tennessee 4:15 p.m.



Dec. 14 at Indianapolis 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 at Tampa Bay 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 28 Jacksonville 1 p.m.

Carolina PanthersSept. 7 Jacksonville 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Tampa Bay 4:05 p.m.

Open Date

Sept. 28 Atlanta 1 p.m.

Oct. 5 New Orleans 1 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Indianapolis 1 p.m.


Oct. 26 at New Orleans 1 p.m.


Nov. 9 Tampa Bay 1 p.m.

Nov. 16 Washington 1 p.m.

Nov. 23 at Dallas 1 p.m.

Nov. 30 Philadelphia 1 p.m.

Dec. 7 at Atlanta 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Arizona 4:15 p.m.

Dec. 21 Detroit 1 p.m.

Dec. 28 at N.Y. Giants 4:05 p.m.

New Orleans SaintsSept. 7 at Seattle 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 14 Houston 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Tennessee 1 p.m.

Sept. 28 Indianapolis 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Carolina 1 p.m.

Oct. 12 Chicago 1 p.m.

Oct. 19 at Atlanta 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 Carolina 1 p.m.

Nov. 2 at Tampa Bay 1 p.m.

Open Date


Nov. 23 at Philadelphia 1 p.m.

Nov. 30 at Washington 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 7 Tampa Bay 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 N.Y. Giants 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Jacksonville 1 p.m.


Tampa Bay BuccaneersSept. 8 at Philadelphia 9 p.m.

Sept. 14 Carolina 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Atlanta 1 p.m.

Open Date

Oct. 6 Indianapolis 9 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Washington 1 p.m.

Oct. 19 at San Francisco 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 26 Dallas 1 p.m.

Nov. 2 New Orleans 1 p.m.




Nov. 30 at Jacksonville 8:30 p.m.

Dec. 7 at New Orleans 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 Houston 1 p.m.

Dec. 20 Atlanta 1:30 p.m.


NFC WESTArizona Cardinals

Sept. 7 at Detroit 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 Seattle 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 21 Green Bay 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 28 at St. Louis 1 p.m.

Oct. 5 at Dallas 1 p.m.

Oct. 12 Baltimore 4:15 p.m.

Open Date

Oct. 26 San Francisco 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 2 Cincinnati 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 9 at Pittsburgh 1 p.m.

Nov. 16 at Cleveland 1 p.m.

Nov. 23 St. Louis 4:05 p.m.


Dec. 7 at San Francisco 4:05 p.m.


Dec. 21 at Seattle 4:15 p.m.

Dec. 28 Minnesota 4:05 p.m.

St. Louis RamsSept. 7 at N.Y. Giants 1 p.m.

Sept. 14 San Francisco 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 at Seattle 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 28 Arizona 1 p.m.

Open Date

Oct. 13 Atlanta 9 p.m.

Oct. 19 Green Bay 1 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Pittsburgh 1 p.m.

Nov. 2 at San Francisco 4:15 p.m.

Nov. 9 Baltimore 8:30 p.m.


Nov. 23 at Arizona 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 30 Minnesota 1 p.m.

Dec. 8 at Cleveland 9 p.m.


Dec. 21 Cincinnati 1 p.m.

Dec. 28 at Detroit 1 p.m.

San Francisco 49ersSept. 7 Chicago 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 14 at St. Louis 1 p.m.

Sept. 21 Cleveland 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 28 at Minnesota 1 p.m.

Oct. 5 Detroit 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 12 at Seattle 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 19 Tampa Bay 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Arizona 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 2 St. Louis 4:15 p.m.

Open Date

Nov. 17 Pittsburgh 9 p.m.

Nov. 23 at Green Bay 1 p.m.


Dec. 7 Arizona 4:05 p.m.

Dec. 14 at Cincinnati 1 p.m.

Dec. 21 at Philadelphia 4:15 p.m.


Seattle SeahawksSept. 7 New Orleans 4:15 p.m.

Sept. 14 at Arizona 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 21 St. Louis 4:05 p.m.

Open Date

Oct. 5 at Green Bay 1 p.m.

Oct. 12 San Francisco 8:30 p.m.

Oct. 19 Chicago 4:15 p.m.

Oct. 26 at Cincinnati 1 p.m.

Nov. 2 Pittsburgh 4:05 p.m.

Nov. 9 at Washington 1 p.m.

Nov. 16 Detroit 4:15 p.m.


Nov. 30 Cleveland 4:15 p.m.

Dec. 7 at Minnesota 1 p.m.

Dec. 14 at St. Louis 1 p.m.

Dec. 21 Arizona 4:15 p.m.

Dec. 27 at San Francisco 5 p.m.

ALL TIMES EASTERN

2003 NFL TEAM-BY-TEAM SCHEDULE

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NFL HATS AT A BARGAIN PRICEPro Football Weekly has a limited supply of NFL-licensed hats that it isclearing out of its inventory. The cost is only $11.95 each, plus $2.50for shipping and handling.Although hats for every team are available, the supply for some clubsis extremely limited, so you may wish to list a second choice in caseyour first choice has sold out. The hats are one size fits all.Place your order now, before the supplies are exhausted.


Week OneTHURSDAY, SEP. 4

N.Y. Jets at Washington, 9 p.m.SUNDAY, SEP. 7

Arizona at Detroit, 1 p.m.Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.Denver at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.Houston at Miami, 1 p.m.Indianapolis at Cleveland, 1 p.m.Jacksonville at Carolina, 1 p.m.Minnesota at Green Bay, 1 p.m.New England at Buffalo, 1 p.m.San Diego at Kansas City, 1 p.m.St. Louis at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.Atlanta at Dallas, 4:15 p.m.Chicago at San Francisco, 4:15 p.m.New Orleans at Seattle, 4:15 p.m.Oakland at Tennessee, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, SEP. 8Tampa Bay at Philadelphia, 9 p.m.

Week TwoSUNDAY, SEP. 14

Buffalo at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.Cleveland at Baltimore, 1 p.m.Detroit at Green Bay, 1 p.m.Houston at New Orleans, 1 p.m.Miami at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.Pittsburgh at Kansas City, 1 p.m.San Francisco at St. Louis, 1 p.m.Tennessee at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.Washington at Atlanta, 1 p.m.Carolina at Tampa Bay, 4:05 p.m.Seattle at Arizona, 4:05 p.m.Cincinnati at Oakland, 4:15 p.m.Denver at San Diego, 4:15 p.m.New England at Philadelphia, 4:15 p.m.Chicago at Minnesota, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, SEP. 15Dallas at N.Y. Giants, 9 p.m.

Week Three(OPEN: Carolina, Chicago, Dallas, Phila-delphia)

SUNDAY, SEP. 21Jacksonville at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.Kansas City at Houston, 1 p.m.Minnesota at Detroit, 1 p.m.New Orleans at Tennessee, 1 p.m.N.Y. Jets at New England, 1 p.m.Pittsburgh at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.Tampa Bay at Atlanta, 1 p.m.Green Bay at Arizona, 4:05 p.m.N.Y. Giants at Washington, 4:05 p.m.St. Louis at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.Baltimore at San Diego, 4:15 p.m.Cleveland at San Francisco, 4:15 p.m.Buffalo at Miami, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, SEP. 22Oakland at Denver, 9 p.m.

Week Four(OPEN: Miami, N.Y. Giants, Seattle,Tampa Bay)

SUNDAY, SEP. 28Arizona at St. Louis, 1 p.m.Atlanta at Carolina, 1 p.m.Cincinnati at Cleveland, 1 p.m.Jacksonville at Houston, 1 p.m.Kansas City at Baltimore, 1 p.m.New England at Washington, 1 p.m.Philadelphia at Buffalo, 1 p.m.San Francisco at Minnesota, 1 p.m.Tennessee at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.San Diego at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.Dallas at N.Y. Jets, 4:15 p.m.Detroit at Denver, 4:15 p.m.Indianapolis at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, SEP. 29Green Bay at Chicago, 9 p.m.

Week Five(OPEN: Baltimore, Houston, N.Y. Jets, St.Louis)

SUNDAY, OCT. 5Arizona at Dallas, 1 p.m.Cincinnati at Buffalo, 1 p.m.Denver at Kansas City, 1 p.m.Miami at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.Minnesota at Atlanta, 1 p.m.New Orleans at Carolina, 1 p.m.Oakland at Chicago, 1 p.m.Seattle at Green Bay, 1 p.m.Tennessee at New England, 1 p.m.San Diego at Jacksonville, 4:05 p.m.Detroit at San Francisco, 4:15 p.m.Washington at Philadelphia, 4:15 p.m.Cleveland at Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, OCT. 6Indianapolis at Tampa Bay, 9 p.m.

Week Six(OPEN: Cincinnati, Detroit, Minnesota,San Diego)

SUNDAY, OCT. 12Carolina at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.Chicago at New Orleans, 1 p.m.Houston at Tennessee, 1 p.m.Kansas City at Green Bay, 1 p.m.Miami at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.N.Y. Giants at New England, 1 p.m.Oakland at Cleveland, 1 p.m.Philadelphia at Dallas, 1 p.m.Tampa Bay at Washington, 1 p.m.Baltimore at Arizona, 4:15 p.m.Buffalo at N.Y. Jets, 4:15 p.m.Pittsburgh at Denver, 4:15 p.m.San Francisco at Seattle, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, OCT. 13Atlanta at St. Louis, 9 p.m.

Week Seven(OPEN: Arizona, Indianapolis, Jacksonville,Pittsburgh)

SUNDAY, OCT. 19Baltimore at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.Dallas at Detroit, 1 p.m.Denver at Minnesota, 1 p.m.Green Bay at St. Louis, 1 p.m.New England at Miami, 1 p.m.New Orleans at Atlanta, 1 p.m.Philadelphia at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.San Diego at Cleveland, 1 p.m.Tennessee at Carolina, 1 p.m.Washington at Buffalo, 1 p.m.N.Y. Jets at Houston, 4:05 p.m.Chicago at Seattle, 4:15 p.m.Tampa Bay at San Francisco, 4:15 p.m.

MONDAY, OCT. 20Kansas City at Oakland, 9 p.m.

Week Eight(OPEN: Atlanta, Green Bay, Oakland,Washington)

SUNDAY, OCT. 26Carolina at New Orleans, 1 p.m.Cleveland at New England, 1 p.m.Dallas at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.Denver at Baltimore, 1 p.m.Detroit at Chicago, 1 p.m.N.Y. Giants at Minnesota, 1 p.m.Seattle at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.St. Louis at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.Tennessee at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.San Francisco at Arizona, 4:05 p.m.Houston at Indianapolis, 4:15 p.m.N.Y. Jets at Philadelphia, 4:15 p.m.Buffalo at Kansas City, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, OCT. 27Miami at San Diego, 9 p.m.

Week Nine(OPEN: Buffalo, Cleveland, Kansas City,Tennessee)

SUNDAY, NOV. 2Carolina at Houston, 1 p.m.Indianapolis at Miami, 1 p.m.Jacksonville at Baltimore, 1 p.m.New Orleans at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.N.Y. Giants at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.Oakland at Detroit, 1 p.m.San Diego at Chicago, 1 p.m.Washington at Dallas, 1 p.m.Cincinnati at Arizona, 4:05 p.m.Pittsburgh at Seattle, 4:05 p.m.Philadelphia at Atlanta, 4:15 p.m.St. Louis at San Francisco, 4:15 p.m.Green Bay at Minnesota, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, NOV. 3New England at Denver, 9 p.m.

Week 10(OPEN: Denver, New England, New Or-leans, San Francisco)

SUNDAY, NOV. 9Arizona at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.Atlanta at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.Chicago at Detroit, 1 p.m.Cleveland at Kansas City, 1 p.m.Houston at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.Indianapolis at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.Miami at Tennessee, 1 p.m.Seattle at Washington, 1 p.m.Tampa Bay at Carolina, 1 p.m.Minnesota at San Diego, 4:05 p.m.Buffalo at Dallas, 4:15 p.m.N.Y. Jets at Oakland, 4:15 p.m.Baltimore at St. Louis, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, NOV. 10Philadelphia at Green Bay, 9 p.m.

Week 11SUNDAY, NOV. 16

Arizona at Cleveland, 1 p.m.Atlanta at New Orleans, 1 p.m.Baltimore at Miami, 1 p.m.Houston at Buffalo, 1 p.m.Jacksonville at Tennessee, 1 p.m.Kansas City at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.N.Y. Giants at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.St. Louis at Chicago, 1 p.m.Washington at Carolina, 1 p.m.N.Y. Jets at Indianapolis, 4:05 p.m.San Diego at Denver, 4:05 p.m.Detroit at Seattle, 4:15 p.m.Green Bay at Tampa Bay, 4:15 p.m.Minnesota at Oakland, 4:15 p.m.Dallas at New England, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, NOV. 17Pittsburgh at San Francisco, 9 p.m.

Week 12SUNDAY, NOV. 23

Carolina at Dallas, 1 p.m.Detroit at Minnesota, 1 p.m.Indianapolis at Buffalo, 1 p.m.Jacksonville at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.New England at Houston, 1 p.m.New Orleans at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.Pittsburgh at Cleveland, 1 p.m.Seattle at Baltimore, 1 p.m.San Francisco at Green Bay, 1 p.m.Chicago at Denver, 4:05 p.m.St. Louis at Arizona, 4:05 p.m.Cincinnati at San Diego, 4:15 p.m.Oakland at Kansas City, 4:15 p.m.Tennessee at Atlanta, 4:15 p.m.Washington at Miami, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, NOV. 24N.Y. Giants at Tampa Bay, 9 p.m.

Week 13THURSDAY, NOV. 27

Green Bay at Detroit, 12:30 p.m.Miami at Dallas, 4:05 p.m.

SUNDAY, NOV. 30Arizona at Chicago, 1 p.m.Atlanta at Houston, 1 p.m.Buffalo at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.Cincinnati at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.Minnesota at St. Louis, 1 p.m.New England at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.Philadelphia at Carolina, 1 p.m.San Francisco at Baltimore, 1 p.m.New Orleans at Washington, 4:05 p.m.Cleveland at Seattle, 4:15 p.m.Denver at Oakland, 4:15 p.m.Kansas City at San Diego, 4:15 p.m.Tampa Bay at Jacksonville, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 1Tennessee at N.Y. Jets, 9 p.m.

Week 14SUNDAY, DEC. 7

Chicago at Green Bay, 1 p.m.Cincinnati at Baltimore, 1 p.m.Dallas at Philadelphia, 1 p.m.Houston at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.Indianapolis at Tennessee, 1 p.m.Oakland at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m.San Diego at Detroit, 1 p.m.Seattle at Minnesota, 1 p.m.Tampa Bay at New Orleans, 1 p.m.Washington at N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.Arizona at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m.Kansas City at Denver, 4:15 p.m.Miami at New England, 4:15 p.m.N.Y. Jets at Buffalo, 4:15 p.m.Carolina at Atlanta, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 8St. Louis at Cleveland, 9 p.m.

Week 15SUNDAY, DEC. 14

Atlanta at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.Buffalo at Tennessee, 1 p.m.Dallas at Washington, 1 p.m.Detroit at Kansas City, 1 p.m.Houston at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.Jacksonville at New England, 1 p.m.Minnesota at Chicago, 1 p.m.Pittsburgh at N.Y. Jets, 1 p.m.Seattle at St. Louis, 1 p.m.San Francisco at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.Baltimore at Oakland, 4:05 p.m.Cleveland at Denver, 4:05 p.m.Carolina at Arizona, 4:15 p.m.Green Bay at San Diego, 4:15 p.m.N.Y. Giants at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 15Philadelphia at Miami, 9 p.m.

Week 16SATURDAY, DEC. 20

Atlanta at Tampa Bay, 1:30 p.m.Kansas City at Minnesota, 5 p.m.New England at N.Y. Jets, 8:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, DEC. 21Baltimore at Cleveland, 1 p.m.Cincinnati at St. Louis, 1 p.m.Detroit at Carolina, 1 p.m.Miami at Buffalo, 1 p.m.New Orleans at Jacksonville, 1 p.m.N.Y. Giants at Dallas, 1 p.m.Tennessee at Houston, 1 p.m.Washington at Chicago, 1 p.m.San Diego at Pittsburgh, 4:05 p.m.Arizona at Seattle, 4:15 p.m.San Francisco at Philadelphia, 4:15 p.m.Denver at Indianapolis, 8:30 p.m.

MONDAY, DEC. 22Green Bay at Oakland, 9 p.m.

Week 17SATURDAY, DEC. 27

Buffalo at New England, 1:30 p.m.Seattle at San Francisco, 5 p.m.Philadelphia at Washington, 8:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, DEC. 28Chicago at Kansas City, 1 p.m.Cleveland at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.Dallas at New Orleans, 1 p.m.Indianapolis at Houston, 1 p.m.Jacksonville at Atlanta, 1 p.m.N.Y. Jets at Miami, 1 p.m.St. Louis at Detroit, 1 p.m.Tampa Bay at Tennessee, 1 p.m.Carolina at N.Y. Giants, 4:05 p.m.Minnesota at Arizona, 4:05 p.m.Denver at Green Bay, 4:15 p.m.Oakland at San Diego, 4:15 p.m.Pittsburgh at Baltimore, 8:30 p.m.

PostseasonSATURDAY, JAN. 3

AFC and NFC wild cardsSUNDAY, JAN. 4

AFC and NFC wild cardsSATURDAY, JAN. 10

AFC and NFC divisional playoffsSUNDAY, JAN. 11

AFC and NFC divisional playoffsSUNDAY, JAN. 18

AFC and NFC championshipsSUNDAY, FEB. 1

Super Bowl XXXVIII at HoustonSUNDAY, FEB. 8

Pro Bowl at Honolulu

ALL TIMES EASTERN

2003 NFL WEEKLY SCHEDULE

The year-round sourcefor expert football analysisThe year-round sourcefor expert football analysis

As those of you who follow the draft know only too well, the NFL’soffseason is really a season unto itself. Although many of the printpublications provide only limited coverage of the league during this

period, ProFootballWeekly.com continues to be an online source for dailyanalysis of the many happenings around the NFL — all year long.

■ Regularly updated coverage of free agency, including free-agent news and rumors, plus team-by-team lists of unsignedand re-signed free agents, key additions and departures, andcontract terms for the signed free agents.

■ Our “spin” on the day’s most noteworthy events.

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■ Periodic fantasy football articles.

■ Team pages, polls, fan forums and much more.

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browser to www.ProFootballWeekly.com, and you’ll be in the know.

By MIKE CARLSONAn old football adage says, “if you’ve got

two starting quarterbacks, you don’t haveany,” but don’t try telling that to the coachesin NFL Europe. Defenses have dominatedearly in the season, and there hasn’t been aquarterback who has set the leagueon fire thus far.

Every team in the league openedthe season either alternating twosignal-callers or giving their No. 2quarterback the second quarter.

“This is a developmental league,” onecoach explained. “And we owe it to guys togive them a chance.”

“Second-quarter syndrome” worked lastyear for the Berlin Thunder, which won theWorld Bowl with Tim Hasselbeck spellingTodd Husak in many games. One year prior,the Barcelona Dragons posted the league’sbest record by replacing starter Jarious Jack-son with backup Roderick Robinson in sec-ond quarters. This season, AmsterdamAdmirals QB David Rivers was impressivein relief of starter Shaun Hill during the firstthree weeks, completing 23-of-28 passes for224 yards and two touchdowns in his briefplaying time. But when Rivers went downwith an injury, Hill responded to getting hisfirst complete game by completing 25-of-39passes for 261 yards and two touchdowns inan upset win over previously unbeatenFrankfurt.

Scottish Claymores QB Craig Nall haslooked like the league’s best at times, espe-cially when he plays Berlin. In a 62-31opening day win over the Thunder, Nallcompleted 10-of-14 passes for 192 yardsand one touchdown, and backup Shane

Stafford was effective despite throwing apair of interceptions. But after Nall stalledand Stafford failed to impress in losses tothe Rhein Fire and Frankfurt Galaxy, headcoach Gene Dahlquist went all the waywith Nall in the rematch with the Thunder.The Packer product threw three touch-

downs as the Claymores againdoubled Berlin’s score, 34-17.The following week vs. the Drag-ons, Nall completed 24-of-46passes for 256 yards and onetouchdown. But he also threw two

interceptions, which combined with 12penalties, three missed field goals and alost fumble to give the Dragons a 17-10win.

Job-sharing under center is nothing new inNFL Europe. In 1995, each team was allo-cated two quarterbacks and given clearinstructions to play both. Brad Johnson, PaulJustin, and Jamie Martin were among thosewho finally emerged as starters.

“These things have a way of workingthemselves out,” one coach suggested.

The Galaxy won the 1999 World Bowlwith their “two-headed monster” of JakeDelhomme and Pat Barnes alternating quar-ters.

This season, the Barcelona and Rheintook different paths. After he shared timewith Chris Finlen for the first four weeks ofthe season, Dragons QB Seth Burfordestablished himself as the starter in WeekFive by completing 11-of-18 passes for 114yards and one score and rushing for 63yards in a 17-10 win over Scotland. Burfordhad yet to throw a pick in Barcelona’s fivegames, and the Dragons used takeaways tohold opponents to a total of 52 points in that

span.Fire QBs Nick Rolovich and Chris

Greisen, meanwhile, can get down field,especially to WR Kendall Newson, but theyalso produce more turnovers. When theDragons and Fire met in Week Four,Barcelona turned three interceptions into ahard-fought 11-3 win.

Fire head coach Pete Kuharcek likes toalternate two running backs, which nevercreates a controversy. NFL veterans AutryDenson and Frank Moreau run behind a linethat assistant coach Whitey Jordan thinks isthe best he has ever had. Playing in front ofan impressive 42,000 fans in their temporaryhome in Gelsenkirchen, Denson and Moreauwere held to 40 yards combined by theGalaxy. Still, the Fire still managed a 14-10

victory.Frankfurt’s defense, led by Luis Almanzar

and Joey Evans up front, picked up where itleft off last year, helping the Galaxy to a 3-0start. In Week Three vs. Berlin, the Galaxyopened with an onside kick, then turned twointerceptions and two fumbles (one onanother kickoff, which LB Idris Pricereturned for a score) into a 35-0 first-quarterlead. They hung on to win 41-21 before los-ing their next two games.

At quarterback, however, head coachDoug Graber discovered that brown andgray don’t mix. Quinn Gray’s ineffective-ness handed the solo job to backup JamesBrown. But Brown remains erratic: Hethrew for more yards in Frankfurt’s two loss-es (550) than in its three wins, but two inter-ceptions (and three missed field goals),handed Graber his fifth straight loss to theFire in Week Five.

And what of defending champs Berlin?The Thunder make other offenses look great,surrendering more than 200 rushing yardsper game in the first four weeks before final-ly winning a 34-30 shootout over the Admi-rals in Week Five. QB Henry Burris has beenthe league’s greatest disappointment. He hasthrown too many bad balls and made toomany mistakes for a player with his NFLexperience. Phil Stambaugh, in his secondtour of Europe, has been steadier, but he isnot always a playmaker. The Thunderopened the last two seasons 0-2 and 0-3, butthe team bounced back to win the last twoWorld Bowls. Can head coach Pete “Re-Pete” Vaas make it “Three-Pete” despite an0-4 start?

He will need better play out of his quar-terbacks to get the job done.

By GARY BONDOffensive Player, Defensive Player,

Coach and Rookie of the Year honors arehanded out every season in professionalfootball. The Arena Football League,however, symbolizes its authenticity, itsexistence and its uniqueness with theIronman of the Year award. The award isgiven to the league’s best two-way play-er, which happens to be the backbonebehind the arena football concept.

Los Angeles Avengers WR/LB GregHopkins knows the impor-tance of being a solid two-way player. Last season’srecipient of the award hascarved a career in the AFL bymaking himself valuable onboth sides of the ball, and he has becomeone of the top talents in the league. Notbad for a small-town boy from Nineveh,Pa., a town in the southwest corner of thestate with a population of 88, no trafficlights and only one stop sign.

Hopkins isn’t blessed with blazingspeed, but he’s fast enough. And despitebecoming one of the nation’s top NCAADivision II receivers during his seniorseason at Slippery Rock in 1994, it washard for Hopkins to gain much respect orexposure at the small university.

So when the 6-2, 205-pound Hopkinsdidn’t hear his name called on NFL DraftDay or have his phone ring with a free-agent invite to an NFL camp, he wasn’tsurprised.

“I wasn’t as polished then as I amnow,” said Hopkins, who has played thelast eight seasons in the AFL. He has

averaged 105 catches and roughly 26touchdowns over the past three years, andthis season he was on pace to approachthose numbers again.

On offense, Hopkins is part of a talent-ed receiving trio that includes formerCentral Florida standout Siaha Burleyand Washington State product ChrisJackson. Hopkins’ strengths on defenseinclude not only shadowing the quarter-back’s every move, but also possessingthe strength and ability to handle full-backs on running plays and tight ends on

pass plays.Last season he recorded

five interceptions, returningthree of them for touch-downs. In fact, Hopkins is theAFL’s all-time leader in

interception returns for touchdowns.“Our practices have always been

geared towards offense, but it has helpedme to be a better defensive player byplaying in the same (type of) system,”said Hopkins, who spent his first six sea-sons with the Albany/Indiana Firebirds.

His work last year earned him the Iron-man award, but the honor easily could berenamed the “Barry Wagner IronmanAward.”

From 1992-’97, Wagner was the stan-dard by which all two-way players pat-terned their game after. He won theaward a record six consecutive seasons asa member of the Orlando Predators. Wag-ner has played the last four seasons withthe San Jose SaberCats, last season’sArena Bowl Champions. Other thanWagner, there has been only one otherplayer who has won the Ironman of the

Year in consecutive years, Arizona Rat-tlers’ WR/LB Hunkie Cooper (1999 and2000).

“Being named the league’s Ironman ofthe Year was a big honor,” Hopkins said.“But I didn’t go out onto the field thisseason with the hope of repeating,” Hop-kins said. “The only goal I have is to playas hard as I can.”

Playing six seasons with WR EddieBrown, one of the AFL’s top offensiveplayers, has helped in Hopkins’ develop-ment. Hopkins also credits his then-coach Mike Dailey, who taught him thegame on the defensive side of the ball.Hopkins’ time spent with the wrestlingteam during his sophomore and juniorseasons at Slippery Rock also has givenhim an edge.

“Wrestling taught me the importanceof balance and being physically strong,”Hopkins said. “(Wrestling also taught)how important having a strong workethic and (good) cardiovascular (fitness)was. You’re part of a wrestling team, butwhen you’re on the mat, you’re out thereall by yourself.”

Hopkins has never been invited to anNFL training camp, and at the age of 31,it’s more and more unlikely to happen.But he still holds on to the dream ofsomeday getting an opportunity in theNFL. He has developed into one of thebest — if not the best — two-way play-ers in the AFL, and his impact has helpedthe Avengers become one of the eliteteams this season.

Gary Bond covers Arena Football forthe Grand Rapids Press.

‘Ironman’ Hopkins keeps L.A. among elite

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Greg Hopkins: Arena-baller excels as a two-way player

Craig Nall: Property of Packers has looked likethe best quarterback in NFL Europe this season

Two heads often better than one at QB

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the Jets beat them to the punch,Haslett & Co. went to Plan B. TheSaints swapped their two pickswith the Cardinals to move up tograb Sullivan, who was ratedsecond among defensive tackleson the Saints’ draft board. But theopportunity to nab Sullivanwasn’t the only reason the Saintsmade the deal. They alsoswapped second-round pickswith the Cardinals and got a highfourth-round pick, something theteam was lacking. If the Saintsweren’t able to work out a deal tomove up, we’re told they hadtheir eyes on USC S Troy Pola-malu and would also have takenthe highest remaining defensivetackle on their board.

N F C l W E S T

Cardinals could againhave real problemssigning top rookies

If you think the natives were abit put off by the Cardinals’ curi-ous Draft Day maneuverings —selecting in the first round a pairof players (WR Bryant Johnsonand DE Calvin Pace) who wereconsidered major reaches bymost draft experts after tradingdown — imagine how they’ll feelif Johnson and Pace decide tostage prolonged contract hold-outs, as DT Wendell Bryant,their top pick last year, did. Wehave it on good authority thattesty contract negotiations could

very well be on the horizonunless the Cardinals change theirstance on injury protection andlike most of the teams in theleague, guarantee their unsignedrookies contracts commensuratewith their draft slots if they’reinjured in minicamp. The Cardi-nals’ longtime policy has been toset a minimum amount for their

mandatory injury waiverand promise to negotiatein good faith — a stancethat infuriated Bryant’sagent, Neil Cornrich, andresulted in his client miss-

ing his entire rookie trainingcamp, significantly impeding hisdevelopment. Cardinals vice pres-ident of football operations RodGraves said he hopes to havethe injury-waiver issue resolvedby rookie camp in early June, butthe way we hear it, anything shortof guaranteeing Johnson andPace their likely signing bonuses(expected to be in the $3 millionto $4 million range) in case ofinjury could result in another uglysituation this summer. Consider-ing that both Johnson and Pacealready have been projected bymany as starters — as the No. 2wide receiver and left or rightdefensive end, respectively — theprospect of them following inBryant’s footsteps is seriouscause for concern.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKSDespite the fact that beefy DT

Norman Hand’s play in NewOrleans the last few seasonsdefinitely left a lot to be desired,the consensus in Seattle is thatthe acquisition of the 30-year-old

gap-stuffer on the second day ofthe draft in exchange for a sixth-round draft pick was a masterstroke that adequately filled theteam’s most glaring need.Although it’s very likely theHawks could have waited untilJune 1 to sign Hand for a lot lessmoney, they decided to grab himnow in fear of losing him later toanother team. As it turned out,the deal for Hand was contingenton him reworking his bloatedcontract, which will now pay him$1.8 million in 2003 (instead of

$3.9 million) and $3 mil-lion in ’04 (instead of $4.5million). Plans call forHand to start alongsideChad Eaton in the middleof Seattle’s defensive line,

with a rejuvenated John Randlereplacing Hand as a pass rusherin the nickel defense. Of course,Hand’s penchant for ballooninginto the 360- to 380-pound rangecould hinder the team’s best-laidplans, but the fact Hand hadbeen working out diligently thisoffseason under the watchful eyeof Saints strength coach RockGullickson provides reason foroptimism. Hand weighed in at326 before his first Seahawkspractice a few days beforepresstime.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS While the Dennis Erickson

regime officially got underway theweekend before this issue wentto press with the Niners’ firstminicamp of the offseason, starWR Terrell Owens’ contract sta-tus continues to be the majorissue on the minds of everyone

connected with the team. If theNiners are unable to reach a newagreement with Owens — itremained extremely quiet on thecontract front at presstime — wehear there is major concern

building over the dominoeffect that could have on ahost of players scheduledto become free agentsafter the 2003 season.Included in that group are

OLB Julian Peterson, CBsAhmed Plummer and JasonWebster, among others, and thelikelihood that the team couldretain all three of them, regard-less of what happens to Owens,is realistically pretty slim.

ST. LOUIS RAMSDon’t be surprised if the Rams’

rookie who makes the biggestimpact initially is one of the threecornerbacks the team selectedon the second day of the draft —in order, DeJuan Groce, ShaneWalton and Kevin Garrett. Thereason for this is the broken footsuffered by James Whitley, theteam’s top candidate for the nick-

el CB job, in conditioningdrills April 17 in the RamsPark indoor facility. We’retold the Rams kept Whit-ley’s injury under wrapsbecause they didn’t want

other teams to know how desper-ate they were for CB help.Although the Rams are bankingon at least one of the aforemen-tioned rookies being able to cutthe mustard at cornerback, theydefinitely are expected to seekveteran help at the position afterJune 1 and have already, in fact,

offered a contract to Fred Weary,who has played for the Saintsand Falcons.

A F C l E A S T

Jets DE Thomas, a 2002 first-rounder,ready for huge year

Word out of Jets’ minicamp isthat 2002 first-round pick BryanThomas looks and sounds like acompletely different player thanthe one who got sick, dropped a

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ARE YOUFIRED UPABOUT THE2003

NFL SEASON?

ARE YOUFIRED UPABOUT THE2003

NFL SEASON?

Change of scenery: DT NormanHand was traded to the Seahawks

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significant amount of weight andwas a major bust last season.Thomas worked extremely hardin the offseason to gain back thebulk he lost after his diet went

haywire following theremoval of his wisdomteeth last year. He isreportedly up to 269pounds and looks asthough he’s added some

upper-body strength. He told themedia he has set an eight-sackgoal for himself and is very deter-mined to prove that he’s not theplayer who barely saw the fieldas a rookie in 2002 and didn’t domuch at all when he did.

BUFFALO BILLSFor all the skeptics out there,

word out of Buffalo is that RBTravis Henry, who originallycalled the drafting of Miami (Fla.)RB Willis McGahee “a slap inthe face,” is truly sold on havingMcGahee on the team after hemade a few realizations. Hisrecent comments that he couldlive with McGahee on the roster

with him were not just lipservice. First, McGaheelikely will be put on thephysically-unable-to-per-form list to start the sea-son. That move allows the

Bills to activate him during a four-week window between weeks 10and 14, but we hear that’s notlikely to happen, no matterMcGahee’s progress. The Billswon’t jeopardize his long-termcareer for a quick fix in Novem-ber. Second, Henry recentlysigned a one-year contract exten-sion, locking him up through2005. Although that happenedprior to the draft, Henry knowshe’s established as the starterand it’s McGahee that must provehimself to take over the role.

MIAMI DOLPHINSThough the pick has been

questioned by several in themedia, don’t be surprised if yousee second-round pick EddieMoore starting at strong-sidelinebacker for the Dolphins thisyear. Recently, head coach DaveWannstedt in effect called outthree of Miami’s 2001 draft picks— CB Jamar Fletcher, WR

Chris Chambers andOLB Morlon Greenwood.Of the three, only Cham-bers isn’t in danger of los-ing his job after Wannst-edt’s challenge. With the

acquisition of Junior Seau via atrade last month, LB DerrickRodgers was made expendable,and we hear there were a fewteams interested in acquiring theveteran at presstime. If Green-wood doesn’t impress in trainingcamp and Moore does, Green-wood could lose his job, thoughthe Dolphins likely wouldn’t tradeGreenwood, instead using him tobolster their depth.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTSThe Patriots’ are now groom-

ing two quarterbacks to back upTom Brady, after they draftedTexas Tech QB Kliff Kingsburyin the sixth round. Kingsbury’s

arrival is bad news for currentNo. 2 Damon Huard, who couldbe pushed out in a year or twofor the younger, cheaper optionsof Kingsbury and current No. 3Rohan Davey. Both Kingsburyand Davey are projects, but we

hear Davey has madedecent progress, thoughhe’s still an erratic passer.The Patriots do plan tooccasionally use Davey ingoal-line situations to take

advantage of his athleticism andsize, both of which have gar-nered comparisons to Vikings QBDaunte Culpepper. The Patriotslikely will carry four quarterbacksthis season, reassess the young-sters’ progress next offseasonand decide if Huard is still worththe money he’ll make.

A F C l N O R T H

Browns may shuffleO-line in the wakeof drafting Faine

The Browns were thrilled toadd C Jeff Faine in the draft. Hewill step into the spot vacated byC Dave Wohlabaugh, who wascut in a salary-cap move andsigned by Rams. But we hearthat’s not the only move thatcould be brewing along theCleveland offensive line. Incum-bent starting ORG Shaun

O’Hara will be pushedhard by Qasim Mitchell, a2002 undrafted free-agentwho spent last season oninjured reserve. We hearMitchell could very well

overtake O’Hara. The 6-foot-6Mitchell is said to weigh close to350 pounds, bulk a Brownssource says is largely weight-room muscle, not fat. In his finalseason at North Carolina A&T in2001, Mitchell had 62 “pancake”blocks. At the other OG spot,starter Barry Stokes will com-pete with Melvin Fowler. Fowlerwas thought to be Wohlabaugh’ssuccessor at center, but theselection of Faine is a clear indi-cation that his future is else-where on the line. At themoment, we hear Stokes wouldrate an edge in the battle for leftguard. Should Mitchell take overat right guard, we hear O’Haracould be in the mix at left guard.

BALTIMORE RAVENSThe Ravens’ WR corps got

some much-needed veteran helpwhen the team signed formerCardinals WR Frank Sanders inmid-April and former Bears WRMarcus Robinson in early May.The Ravens surprised some bygiving Sanders a four-year, $8.8million contract. Sanders isregarded as a good possession

receiver, but his catcheshave declined each of thelast five seasons. We hearthe Ravens believed theyhad to secure at least oneveteran receiver to help its

passing game, and were worriedabout losing Sanders to anotherteam. However, we hear Robin-son could very well win the otherstarting WR spot opposite ofTravis Taylor. Robinson was abig-play threat for the Bears, buthe has been injury-prone inrecent years. The Ravens arehopeful Robinson will be better in

his second full season after tear-ing his left anterior cruciate andlateral collateral ligaments inOctober 2001. If Robinson canreturn to form, he will be a coupfor the Ravens; Robinson’s con-tract with Baltimore is for just oneyear for a reported $600,000 insalary, not including a $100,000signing bonus.

CINCINNATI BENGALS The unexpected addition of

Iowa OL Eric Steinbach maygive the Bengals impetus tomake wholesale changes to theinterior of their offensive line.Head coach Marvin Lewis wantsto try Steinbach, the first pick ofthe second round, at left guard.

Under this plan, the for-mer starter on the leftside, Matt O’Dwyer, willmove to the right side,replacing Mike Goff, whomoves to center to

replace Rich Braham. We hearthis plan is in line with the Ben-gals’ long-standing belief that thefive best players, regardless ofposition, should start on the line.A prospect expected to go in themiddle to late first round, Stein-bach’s versatility and athleticismare welcome additions to theBengals’ offensive line.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS Word from the Steelers’ post-

draft minicamp was that S TroyPolamalu flashed the speed thatmade the Steelers covet him inthe draft. However, don’t pencilPolamalu into the starting lineupjust yet. We hear veteran MikeLogan is the favorite to win thestrong safety job, with Polamalu

serving as his backup.Logan is recovering fromsurgery to repair a rightknee injury suffered whenhe made an interceptionin the Steelers’ win over

the Browns in the wild-cardround, but he is expected to beready for training camp. Steelershead coach Bill Cowher is loyalto veterans, and he could bereluctant not to give Logan a shotat starting. Brent Alexander, thequarterback of the secondary, isthe No. 1 free safety with ChrisHope the backup.

A F C l S O U T H

Texans could reapreward for Henson

With former Michigan QBDrew Henson reaffirming hiscommitment to baseball andwarning NFL teams prior to thedraft not to waste a pick on him,the Texans have been widely crit-icized for selecting him in thesixth round. But the way we hearit, the Texans did their homeworkon Henson the baseball player.

They don’t think he can hitor field and anticipate himtrading in his baseballspikes for a pair of footballcleats, where he wouldbecome excellent trade

bait. Henson is hitting below .200in his second full season as athird baseman in the Yankees’minor-league system at Triple-AColumbus. If he gives up base-ball after this season, he wouldforfeit the $12 million the Yankeesowe him for 2004 through 2006,but the 23-year-old could likelyrecoup the money in the NFL.


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W H I S P E R S

don’t believe he has the range or foot-work to play there.

● The Raiders are licking their chopsat the thought of using Doug Jolley andsecond-round choice Teyo Johnson(6-5, 247) in two-TE sets near the goalline. Both are athletic receivers who canbe split out wide and create mismatch-es. Roland Williams, meanwhile, isn’texpected to be ready to go until Augustafter offseason knee and toe surgeries.His days may be numbered in Oakland.

● Highly regarded Broncos OL coachAlex Gibbs, who retired after the 1999season before returning to a part-timerole last year, has said he would like toreturn to coaching on a full-time basis in2004, hopefully with the Broncos.

● It had been 20 years since the Bron-cos spent a first-round pick on an offen-sive lineman, but the addition of Geor-gia’s George Foster was deemed nec-essary after the Broncos allowed 46sacks last year, the most since 1994.

● This season is a huge contract yearfor Patriots RB Antowain Smith, as theteam has an option at the end of theyear to slash the final three years of thefive-year deal he signed after the SuperBowl win in 2001. If the Patriots decidethat they’re paying Smith too much forhis on-field performance, they couldlook elsewhere and hand Smith hiswalking papers. Smith and the Patriotsdesigned the deal to be two-tiered, withthe second tier kicking in after 2003 atthe Patriots’ discretion.

● We hear the Dolphins tried veryhard to move up into the lower end ofthe first round of the draft to take Stan-ford OT Kwame Harris, but no dealwas ever agreed upon.

● The Jets’ superstudent of the game,QB Chad Pennington, has been work-ing overtime with new WR Curtis Con-way, trying to get a rapport betweenthe two in place prior to the start of theseason. But that’s normal for quarter-backs and receivers. Pennington hasgone above and beyond, as far as theJets are concerned, because he also hasbeen watching loads of tape on Conway,Wayne Chrebet and Santana Moss,studying their styles and preferences onthe field, trying to pick up their nuances.

● Don’t expect to see Jets first-roundpick Dewayne Robertson starting atdefensive tackle right away, but mostJets observers believe he’ll supplant NTJason Ferguson sooner rather thanlater. For now, the Jets plan to rotateRobertson and Josh Evans in the 3-technique DT spot.

● When Titans OL Tom Ackermanre-signed with the team last month, hisagent said his client was initially toldhe'd be the starting center this fall.When Ackerman found out the teamwas talking about re-signing releasedveteran C Gennaro DiNapoli, he initi-ated a meeting with general managerFloyd Reese. After starting all 18games and coming on strong late lastyear, DiNapoli would have the insidetrack on the job, which is not expectedto sit well with Ackerman.

● By looking at Texans rookie QBDave Ragone’s body language uponarriving in Houston, it seemed clear hewas unhappy with the situation heentered, playing behind a franchisequarterback with nowhere to go on thedepth chart.

● OT Tony Boselli claims to be 500percent stronger after participating inthe Texans’ offseason workout program

and has seen increased range of motionin his shoulder. He will be limited intraining camp to avoid risking furtherinjury, but the Texans are very encour-aged by his recovery.

● The Texans’ lack of depth ondefense was masked last seasonbecause just one starter, FS EricBrown, missed one game, and PFWhears defensive coordinator Vic Fan-gio was not pleased that the team draft-ed only three defensive players with 10picks. As a result, Fangio expects third-rounder Antwan Peek to make animpact at rush defensive end early on.

● The main reason the Bears select-ed two wide receivers in the fifth roundof the NFL draft was depth — Chicagohas none. But an underlying thoughtwas getting a big, capable target topush third-year WR David Terrell. TheBears did just that, selecting MissouriWR Justin Gage, an elite athlete withthe size and speed to succeed. Gener-al manager Jerry Angelo wasted notime in touting Gage as a threat to Ter-rell, who has been chided for his imma-turity and inability to acclimate to anNFL offense.

● The Packers are very likely to bringback NT Gilbert Brown, though a con-tract had not been reached as ofpresstime. The Packers re-signed DTCletidus Hunt to a big-money deal,and drafted DT-DE Kenny Peterson,but neither is big or strong enough atthe point of attack to play the nose.

● If QB Eric Crouch, claimed onwaivers from St. Louis last week, showsthe accuracy on short, high-percentagepasses the Packers expect him to, he islikely to make the roster because theteam believes he has tremendousupside. That could create a quandarywhen final cuts roll around in August.The team needs a veteran behind BrettFavre, and has a one-year pact with QBDoug Pederson to be their No. 2 quar-terback. That would mean eitherCrouch or second-year QB Craig Nallwould be forced to the emergency role.Nall has made great strides, showingarm strength, accuracy and mobility inthe pocket as a starter in NFL Europe. IfNall has a great training camp, Crouchcould be right back where he started— looking for work.

● The Vikings have to at least consid-er using a 3-4 front as their basedefense. Why? One scout explains:“The ideal unit, be it offense, defense,or special teams, is to have your best 11on that group. The strength of theVikings defensively would be going to a3-4. Chris Hovan and KevinWilliams are 4-3 defensive tackles,but both would be effective as ends ona three-man line. Go get yourself abeast for the middle, because in GregBiekert, Chris Claiborne and E.J.Henderson — who was a steal (in thesecond round) — three of your fourbest defenders play the linebackerposition. But technically, they all play thesame ‘Mike’ spot.” Defensive coordina-tor George O’Leary is on record thathe’ll use various defenses, but thedepth and talent at linebacker may lenditself to making the 3-4 the choice fronta majority of the time.

● The Eagles reportedly had theirsights set on trading up in the firstround but were reportedly aiminghigher. They were eyeing Arizona StateDE Terrell Suggs, who slipped, andPenn State DE Michael Haynes butwouldn’t trade both of their second-round picks.

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The Texans think they may beable to get a first-rounder or mul-tiple picks in return for the sixth-round selection they burned.According to an NFL source, ifno one had taken Henson, theRaiders were planning to makehim Mr. Irrelevant, but the Red-skins and several other teamshad intentions of taking himbefore the last pick.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTSThe Colts addressed their

major need in the secondary onthe first day of the draft with tworun-stuffing, hard-hitters in OhioState SS Mike Doss and Col-orado CB Donald Strickland. Butthe team is just as excited aboutthe crop of undrafted free agentsthey signed to bolster the sec-ondary — USC CB-RS DarrellRideaux, Louisville S Anthony

Floyd and Oregon StateCB Calvin Carlyle. Thecoaching staff becameenthused about Rideauxafter he kept showing upon film of Troy Polamalu,

whom the Colts had targeted inthe first round, at USC, whichruns a very similar defense to theColts. General manager BillPolian thinks Rideaux has thepotential to step into the nickelrole. All three are experiencedplaymakers who stand a goodchance of earning roster spots.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARSOne NFL insider thinks the

Jaguars are completely mishan-dling the Mark Brunell situationby making him a lame-duck quar-terback. Owner Wayne Weaver,who encouraged the selection offirst-round pick Byron Leftwich,was miffed that Brunell went pub-lic with details of a meetingbetween Weaver and Brunell.Weaver offered a contract exten-sion that did not include a signingbonus, and when Brunell refused

to sign it, Weaver told him hewould remain the quarterbackthis year, but the team would notlikely be able to keep him nextyear. Brunell promised he won’t

be a malcontent or have abad attitude, but that does-n’t mean he is happy, con-sidering he took lessmoney in a contract rene-gotiation a few years ago

to stay with the Jaguars and washoping to finish his career inJacksonville. The insider said theJaguars could have made a muchbetter decision by trading downfor multiple picks and drafting afew much-needed receivers.

TENNESSEE TITANSThe way we hear it, Titans gen-

eral manager Floyd Reese hastremendous confidence in hiscoaching staff, which is a big rea-son he chose three players in thefirst four rounds of the draft whommany other teams passed onbecause of their raw skill level.

Oklahoma’s Andre Wool-folk is a converted receiv-er who has only two yearsof experience at corner-back, WR Tyrone Calicocame to Middle Tennessee

State as a linebacker and DTRien Long slipped in the draft inpart because of character ques-tions. DL coach Jim Washburn’sproven ability to whip players intoshape — which he has done withRobaire Smith and last year’sfirst-round pick AlbertHaynesworth — is a big reasonthey took a chance on Long.

A F C l W E S T

Chiefs’ selection ofJohnson viewed as a‘security blanket’

The selection of Penn StateRB Larry Johnson after tradingdown to the 27th pick was

deemed “a great security blanket”by head coach Dick Vermeil, a“contingency plan” by offensivecoordinator Al Saunders and “aninsurance policy” by general man-ager Carl Peterson. Vermeilcalled Priest Holmes, who is stillrecovering from a season-endinghip injury and arthroscopic

surgery in March, themorning of the draft toassure him he was still thestarter. Vermeil actuallywanted to go defense withthe 16th pick, but no one

really knocked their socks off atthat slot, and they believed John-son, whom they had rated quitehigh on their board, would beavailable later. When Mike Cloudand Derrick Blaylock failed toshow much when given a chancelate last year, it became a priorityto acquire a backup of substancefor Holmes, who has seen 772touches in the past two seasons.

DENVER BRONCOSDavid Ware, the agent for

Rookie of the Year Clinton Por-tis, has made it known he islooking to restructure the con-tract of his client, the team’s sec-

ond-round pick in 2002.But the Broncos have saidthe contracts of LBs AlWilson and Ian Goldneed to be addressedfirst, so don’t expect any-

thing to happen anytime soon.The Broncos also could be plan-ning to target at least one corner-back on the free-agent marketafter June 1, so money will needto be put aside for that as well.Portis’ decision to work out inSouth Florida during the offsea-son has nothing to do with therequest for an upgraded deal,and a holdout seems unlikely.

OAKLAND RAIDERSThough they intend to keep

their options open with first-round

pick Nnamdi Asomugha, itseems pretty certain he’ll beplaying cornerback in Oakland,perhaps even in Charles Wood-

son’s place in 2004. Aso-mugha switched fromsafety to corner midwaythrough his senior seasonat California, and his size(6-2), speed and good use

of his hands to jam receivers atthe line of scrimmage could havehim manning the nickel role ini-tially. If Woodson’s asking price istoo high when he becomes afree agent after this year, a lotmore could be asked of Aso-mugha down the road. The samecould very well hold true if Der-rick Gibson doesn’t show thenecessary progress at strongsafety.

SAN DIEGO CHARGERSThe Chargers made no bones

about what position they neededto upgrade, drafting three defen-sive backs with their first threepicks in hopes of improving the

league’s last-ranked passdefense. After having touse more conservativezone schemes in his firstseason because hebelieved the secondary’s

speed and personnel kept himfrom doing much else, MartySchottenheimer has plans toplay more physical, bump-and-run coverage in 2003, somethinghe has been known for in thepast. The team hopes the smoothSammy Davis, the team’s first-rounder at No. 30 overall, canstart at corner opposite QuentinJammer. With Tay Cody workingas the team’s nickel back, sec-ond-rounder Drayton Florenceshould have time to mature andrefine his raw skills. “There’s no

question we needed a defensiveemphasis, and we wanted tomake a hit right away,” generalmanager A.J. Smith told PFW.“We realize we’ll have to growwith them and there will be somegrowing pains, but we needed toget faster and younger backthere, and I’m excited about thegroup.”

The following quotes were madeanonymously to PFW by NFL scouts,coaches and front-office personnel.

● “If the Rams can work some-thing out with (Orlando) Pace,they will have the best tackle tan-dem in league, ahead of Washing-ton with Chris Samuels and JonJansen. Kyle Turley is a greatrun blocker and very athletic inpass protection. The Rams did a

helluva job reconstructing that lineto keep (Kurt) Warner healthythis year.”

● “The Chargers did an incredi-ble job signing free agents after thedraft. A.J. Smith didn’t miss a beat,acquiring a lot of good talent. Justwatch, at least five undrafted freeagents will make that team. And(Titans general manager) FloydReese and (Ravens general manag-er) Ozzie Newsome do a fabulousjob after the draft.”

● “The Saints were able to workup and get the player they wanted,Johnathan Sullivan, and they did anice job in the draft. But every team

in that division has a wide receiverthat can burn you and the Saintsdon’t have that top cornerback.They were one of the worst defensesin the NFL last year and didn’t doanything in free agency to changethat, and I don’t see any one playerwho is going to make that big of animpact this season, even Sullivan. Ifyou watch the tape, the cornersweren’t excellent, but they got bybecause Sammy Knight can bail

you out. He’s gone, and you don’tknow if Tebucky Jones gets tothe ball that way. Just the way welooked at it, Marcus Trufant

had much greater value. He’s aguy who matches up with a Peer-

less Price and can shut downKeyshawn Johnson. The way itsets up, they are praying DaleCarter will.”

● “The whole Vikings’ fiasco goesback to Dennis Green leaving.There are too many cooks in thekitchen up there. Everyone, fromMike Tice down, wants to be theend-all, the top decision-maker.Unless you have a pecking order inthe front office, a clear final-sayparty, you are going to have chaos inyour draft room and in every area.Look at how they handled freeagency. When you have $20 millionto spend, and your top free agents

are Mike Rosenthal and DenardWalker, there is going to be criti-cism.”

● “If the Dolphins are going to bebetter, they have to go get theimpact guy for the middle of thedefensive line and hope for a veter-an or two on the offensive line. Youcan beat them running right atJason Taylor. That offensive linedidn’t dominate last year, it sur-vived. If you fancy yourselves as apower-running team, there better bea physical force up front that getsyou there. What did RickyWilliams run for last year, 1,600yards? He won’t run for 1,200 if theydon’t get him help.”

● “I still think something couldhappen with Dallas and Vinny Tes-taverde. It may not happen untilBill Parcells gets in there andlooks at what he has, but he isn’tgoing to go this season with theyoung guys. If not Testaverde, they’lldo something, even if it means swal-lowing a salary.”

● “Physically, (Raiders C) BarretRobbins is the best center in theleague.You worry about how he willhold up emotionally with the way hehurt the team before the SuperBowl, but he’s very strong in thelower body and finishes as well asanyone in the league. He can handle

big two-gap linemen or quick one-gap guys. The Raiders know howgood he is. He’s not going any-where. The media has created a bigcircus around him, speculating thathe will be released, but he’s notgoing anywhere. If he did, we’d beall over him, like I’m sure a lot ofother teams would be.”

● “I always find it amusing how somany teams claim they got first-round picks late in the draft. TheRavens claimed it with (Georgia RB)Musa Smith. The Jaguars did with(Bethune-Cookman DB) RasheanMathis. The Jets said it about(Michigan LB) Victor Hobson, theRedskins with (Florida WR) TaylorJacobs and (Texas OG) DerrickDockery. All they are trying to do isjustify their picks and make it looklike they are smarter than everyoneelse for taking a risk. In a nutshell,that’s what the draft is all about —risks and rewards. The key is to min-imize your risks. That’s why all theseguys were still hanging around.They were all major risks. Smith wasflagged (for injuries); Mathis isn’tgoing to be two steps faster thaneveryone on the field anymore;Hobson is a liability in coverage;Jacobs lacks confidence and Dock-ery has a weight issue. But everyyear, teams overlook the risks and

gamble. Sometimes they pay off, butjust as often, they blow up in yourface.”

● “(Bengals RB) Corey Dillonneeds a serious attitude adjustment.I would not be the least surprised if(head coach) Marvin (Lewis)unloads him if he doesn’t get onboard quickly. You’re either withMarvin or against him, and he’s notgoing to tolerate any prima donnasputting themselves before the team.”

● “The Cardinals and Vikingshave the two cheapest owners in theleague, and it has a ripple effectdown the franchise. How do youexpect coaches and players to layeverything on the line when theteam is so cheap and players areunderpaid? It has an impact on thecoaching staff, team chemistry, freeagency and all the way down tobeing able to keep players. SeeSimeon Rice a few years ago. Ifthey ever want to field a winner,they are going to have to changetheir ways. It was one of the firstthings Marvin Lewis did inCincinnati, demanding that theowner pay (QB Jon) Kitna thebonus he deserved. It all starts atthe top. If you want to have a win-ning franchise, whether it’s a busi-ness, home or any organization, youhave to treat your people right.”

A U D I B L E S

For even more AUDIBLEScheck out ouronline version atw w w . P r o F o o t b a l l W e e k l y . c o m

Not a priority: Clinton Portis’ wishfor a new deal won’t come true soon

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(As reported, March 31-May 4)

AMERICAN FOOTBALL CONFERENCEBALTIMORE — Roster addition: CB Art Smith (North-

eastern); WR Marcus Robinson (Bears). UFAs signed: WRFrank Sanders (Cardinals). UFA re-signed: LB BernardoHarris. RFAs re-signed: QB Anthony Wright; DT DavidNugent; TE John Jones. ERFA re-signed: WR RandyHymes. UFA lost: FB Sam Gash (Bills).

BUFFALO — Roster additions: WR Paris Jackson(Utah); TE Raymond Thomas (Wake Forest); OT Gary Byrd(Clemson); C Jon Dorenbos (Texas-El Paso); S JertonEvans (Virginia); CB Ken Hilliard (Texas Christian); QBJason Johnson (Arizona); QB Jerel Myers (LSU); OT JustinSands (Kansas). UFA signed: RB Olandis Gary (Broncos).RFAs re-signed: RB Sammy Morris; LB DaShon Polk.ERFAs re-signed: FB Phillip Crosby; LB Anthony Denman;DE Grant Irons. Cut: CB Chris Watson; OL Ronald Boldin.UFAs lost: PK Mike Hollis (Giants); RB/KR Charlie Rogers(Dolphins).

CINCINATTI — Roster addition: WR Kwazi Leverette(Bengals camp ’02); WR James Adkisson (South Carolina);DT Ja’Waren Blair (East Carolina); WR Chesley Borders(North Carolina); OT Garrett DiCarlo (Williams College); OTBelton Johnson (Mississippi); OT Garry Johnson (ArkansasState); QB Ryan McCann (Tennessee-Chattanooga); CDustin McQuivey (Utah); CB Terrell Roberts (Oregon State);LB Rodney Thomas (Clemson); S Maurice Tucker (SouthFlorida); WR Adam Ziesel (Missouri Western). Assignedon waivers: FB Mike Green from Titans. RFAs re-signed:PK Neil Rackers; WR Danny Farmer; WR Ron Dugans; CRich Braham (had individually negotiated right of firstrefusal). Draft choice signed: QB Carson Palmer (1/1).Cuts: QB Joe Germaine; DE Vaughn Booker.

CLEVELAND — Roster addition: C Bryan Pittman(Washington); QB Nate Hybl (Oklahoma); RB Randy Bell(Carson-Newman); FB Billy Blanchard (Murray State); WRAntoine Burns (Minnesota); WR C.J. Jones (Iowa); WR B.J.Lovett (Michigan State); OL Enoch Demar (Indiana); OLGus Felder (Penn State); OL Reese Hicks (Georgetown(Ky.)); OL Jason Jiminez (Southern Miss); OL Chuck Klabo(North Dakota State); OL Brady Washburn (AppalachianState); DT Robert Branch (Stillman); LB Howard Clark(Miami (Fla.)); LB Sherrod Coates (Western Kentucky); LBJeremy Lloyd (Iowa State); LB Mason Unck (Arizona State);DB Leigh Bodden (Dusquesne); DB Oliver Celestine (TexasSouthern); DB Yancey Satterwhite (Marshall); DB RickySharpe (San Diego State); QB Daniel Cobb (Auburn); FBCorey Parlet (Concordia); WR Rother Heard (MorrisBrown); WR Jeff Lerner (John Carroll); TE James Hugo (Ari-zona); TE Doug Ziegler (Ole Miss); OL Jackie Burgess (Lib-erty); OL Dave Petruziello (Michigan); DE Onaje Grimes(Northwestern); LB Ryan Myers (Akron); DB Corvin Amos(Akron); DB Jonathan Ordway (Boston College). RFAs re-signed: RB Jamel White; TE Aaron Shea. ERFA re-signed:DB Michael Jameson. Reinstated: TE Ben Miller (fromreserve/military).

DENVER — Roster additions: LB Quincy Stewart (nottendered as ERFA by 49ers 2/27); S Nick Ferguson (nottendered as RFA by Jets 2/27); OT Ed Ellis (released byChargers 2/26); OG Tyler Lenda (Penn State); RB CecilSapp (Colorado State). RFAs re-signed: QB Jarious Jack-son; WR Chris Cole; RB Reuben Droughns. UFA lost: RBOlandis Gary (Bills).

HOUSTON — Roster additions: LB Shannon Taylor(RFA tender withdrawn by Ravens 3/19); TE Greg Porter(Texas A&M). UFAs signed: LB Charlie Clemons (Saints);RB Stacey Mack (Jaguars). UFAs re-signed: QB TonyBanks; OL Ryan Schau; CB Kenny Wright. ERFA re-signed: LB Troy Evans.

INDIANAPOLIS — Roster additions: LB AnthonyWilliams (Colts camp ’02); WR Andre Forde (Buffalo); WRAaron Moorehead (Illinois); WR Carl Morris (Harvard); WRRobert Redd (Bowling Green); C Joe Iorio (Penn State); CRodney Michael (Fresno State); PK Kevin Kerr (Ohio U.); FBTom Lopienski (Notre Dame); RB Montrell Lowe (Purdue);QB James MacPherson (Wake Forest); OT Jim Newton(Utah State); OG Rex Richards (Texas Tech); DB DarrellRideaux (Southern Cal); DT Jason Stewart (Fresno State).UFA signed: LB Jim Nelson (Vikings). RFAs re-signed: CBCliff Crosby; CB David Macklin. ERFAs re-signed: WRDrew Haddad; RB Ricky Williams. Cut: LB Paul Lacoste.UFA lost: DE Chukie Nwokorie (Packers).

JACKSONVILLE — Roster addition: PK James Tuthill(released by Redskins 12/2/02, Chargers 12/23/02); CBChris Brown (Alabama-Birmingham); P Damon Duval(Auburn); WR Cortez Hankton (Texas Southern), Kevin Sim-monds (Howard); DT Matt Leonard (Stanford); LB CurtisRandall (Louisiana Tech); C Brett Romberg (Miami); RB JoeSmith (Louisiana Tech); PK Seth Marler (Tulane). UFAssigned: OG Jamar Nesbit (Panthers); UFA CB James Trapp(Ravens). UFA re-signed: DT Larry Smith. RFAs re-signed: S Ainsley Battles; DE Paul Spicer; CB KiwaukeeThomas. ERFA re-signed: RB Elvis Joseph. UFAs lost: LBWali Rainer (Lions); RB Stacey Mack (Texans).

KANSAS CITY — Roster additions: RB Joe Hall(released by Rams 7/3/02); DB Darrius Johnson (releasedby Broncos 3/7/00); WR Wilson Thomas (Nebraska); TEMike Pinkard (Arizona State); RB Henri Childs (ColoradoState); FB Allen Reese (Kansas State); WR Wilson Thomas(Nebraska); WR LaShaun Ward (California). UFAs signed:DE Vonnie Holliday (Packers); WR Dameane Douglas(Eagles). UFA re-signed: OT Willie Jones. ERFAs re-signed: DB Corey Harris; LB Quinton Caver. Traded: CBDerek Combs to Packers for future draft pick.

MIAMI — Roster additions: CB Cedric Donaldson(Dolphins camp ’02); S Shawn Wooden (released by Dol-phins 3/11); QB Josh Blankenship (Eastern Michigan); QBLon Sheriff (San Diego State); LB Byron Hardmon (Flori-da); CB Korey Banks (Mississippi State); WR Ronald Bel-lamy (Michigan); WR Jimmy Fryzel (Central Florida); DEOtis Grigsby (Kentucky); S Terrance Leftwich (Temple); TEDejhown Mandley (Nevada-Las Vegas); OT Morgan Pears(Colorado State); FB Josh Rue (Duquesne); OG Billy Yates(Texas A&M). UFAs signed: DT Jeff Zgonina (Rams);

RB/KR Charlie Rogers (Bills). ERFA re-signed: RB RobertEdwards. Traded: Conditional sixth-round pick in 2004draft to Chargers for LB Junior Seau. Received executedsheet: RFA DT Jermaine Haley (from Redskins). Firstrefusal rights not exercised: RFA DT Jermaine Haley(did not match Redskins offer; Dolphins received seventh-round pick in 2003 draft as compensation). Cut: QB RayLucas.

NEW ENGLAND — Roster addition: P Daniel Pope(Bears camp ’02); OG Kyle Croskey (Central Michigan); OTJasen Esposito (Kutztown); WR Chas Gessner (Brown); WRMichael Hayes (Southern); CB Ricklan Holmes (OklahomaSt); LB Jason Hunt (Cincinnati); LB Chad Lee (Louisville); SChris Massey (Oklahoma St); S Shawn Mayer (Penn State);WR Rob Milanese (Penn); DE Buck Rasmussen (Nebraska-Omaha); DL Walter Simpson (Louisiana-Lafayette); WRDan Stricker (Vanderbilt); WR Kerry Watkins (Georgia Tech);LB Matt Word (Iowa State). RFA re-signed: LB MattChatham. ERFA re-signed: OT Tom Ashworth. UFA lost:TE Cam Cleeland. Executed offer sheet: On SeahawksRFA DT Cedric Woodard (Seahawks matched offer). UFAlost: C Grey Ruegamer (Packers).

N.Y. JETS — Roster additions: RB Sean Bennett(released by Giants 12/5/02); LB Kenyatta Wright (not ten-dered as ERFA by Bills 3/1/02); LB Kyle Weaver (Army); LBVince Alexander (Pennsylvania); DT Alonzo Shuler (Bene-dict); RE Rolando Shuler (Benedict); S Eric Williams (C.W.Post); OG Steve Parretta (Marshall); RB/KR Ian Smart(C.W. Post). RFA lost: RB/KR Chad Morton (awarded toRedskins by arbitrator; Jets receive fifth-round pick in 2003draft as compensation).

OAKLAND — Roster additions: CB Anthony Parker(released by 49ers 2/20); DE Emil Ekiyor (Raiders camp’02); DE Akbar Gbaja-Biamila (San Diego State); S JasonHebert (Chargers camp ’02, ended ’02 season on Titanspractice squad); OG Todd Wike (Maryland); OL Isaac Her-ring (Brigham Young); LB Dave Moretti (Oregon). Cut: TEBen Steele.

PITTSBURGH — Roster additions: WR Jason Arm-stead (Mississippi); DE Roy Attieh (Kent State); WR PhilBraxton (West Virginia); RB Dante Brown (Memphis); LBDantonio Burnette (North Carolina State); WR Jeremy Con-ley (Duquesne); CB Nashville Dyer (Kent State); OT JackFadule (Harvard); S Rashad Faison (South Carolina); PMike Hayes (Akron); TE Casey Poppinga (Utah State); CJimond Pugh (Memphis); WR Brian Robinson (Houston);LB Terrence Robinson (Oklahoma State); PK Jonathan Ruf-fin (Cincinnati); DE Dan Rumishek (Michigan); WR LeonardScott (Tennessee); S Russell Stuviants (Youngstown State);DT David Upchurch (West Virginia); OG Deon White (Jack-sonville State). RFAs re-signed: DT Kendrick Clancy; LBClark Haggans; FB Dan Kreider; CB Hank Poteat. Cut: RBDarcey Levy.

SAN DIEGO — Roster additions: WR Tim Baker(Panthers camp ’02); QB Cleo Lemon (Ravens camp ’02);QB Rob Adamson (Mount Union); OG Phil Bogle (NewHaven); OG Kevin Breedlove (Georgia); OT Dralinn Burks(Kansas State); DE Jacques Cesaire (Southern Connecti-cut State); LB Greg Cole (Kansas); LB Stephen Cooper(Maine); RB Dahrran Diedrick (Nebraska); DT Kris Diel-man (Indiana); DE Omari Hand (Tennessee); RB AntoineoHarris (Illinois); CB Cedric Henry (Michigan State); PKMackenzie Hoambrecker (Northern Iowa); FB Chad Killian(Maryland); LB Jordan Kramer (Idaho); DT Tim Love(Harding); WR Josh Lyman (Utah); RB Nick Maddox (Flori-da State); WR Grant Mattos (Southern California); RBDeMarco McCleskey (Cincinnati); LB LaMarcus McDonald(Texas Christian); WR Kassim Osgood (San Diego State);WR Brian Sump (Colorado Mines); OG Tony Terrell(UNLV); OT Alex Tuttle (Northwest Missouri). UFA re-signed: PK Steve Christie. RFAs re-signed: DT LeonardoCarson; OT Damion McIntosh. ERFAs re-signed: WRDondre Gilliam, WR Eric Parker; FB Joey Goodspeed; OTMichael Keathley. Traded: LB Junior Seau to Dolphins forconditional sixth-round pick in 2004 draft. Named: Assis-tant general manager A.J. Smith, executive vice presi-dent/general manager.

TENNESSEE — Roster additions: QB Jason Gesser(Washington State); QB Tyler Watts (Alabama); RB DwoneHicks (Middle Tennessee); FB R.J. Luke (Western Illinois);WR Aaron Overton (Drake); WR Anthony Dingle (StephenF. Austin); WR Bryan Peterson (North Carolina State); WRDetronn Harris (West Georgia); TE John Hampton (South-ern Methodist); TE Theo Sanders (Alabama); OG ReggiePoole (Jacksonville State); OG Derrick Roche (WashingtonState); OG Marico Portis (Alabama); C John Garrison(Nebraska); C Jamal Powell (Texas Christian); OT MarioBranch (Mississippi Valley); DT Jake Sprague (Wisconsin);DT Richard Harris (Indiana State); DT Jon Clanton (Nebras-ka); DT Cedric Harden (Murray State); DE Nick Burley(Fresno State); DE Josh Jeffries (Appalachian State); DEAnthony Dunn (Northern Colorado); LB Fred Barr (Iowa); LBLee Jackson (Memphis); S Thomas Wright (MichiganState); S Steven Marsh (Tennessee); S Jesse Sowells

(Houston); C Vince Walker (Stephen F. Austin). UFA re-signed: C Tom Ackerman. RFAs re-signed: QB Billy Volek;LB Peter Sirmon. ERFA re-signed: DE Juqua Thomas. Cut:RB Mike Green.

NATIONAL FOOTBALL CONFERENCEARIZONA — Roster additions: DT Talifaia Atoe

(Idaho); CB Robert Cromartie (Florida); TE Lorenzo Dia-mond (Aurburn); FB Phillip Doolin (Arkansas-Pine Bluff);WR Lawrence Hamilton (Stephen F. Austin); CB Rhett Nel-son (Colorado State); WR Reggie Newhouse (Baylor); DEDennis Quinn (South Carolina); OT Watts Sanderson(South Carolina); WR Antwone Savage (Oklahoma); P BrianSimnjanovski (San Diego State). UFA signed: S DexterJackson (Buccaneers). RFA re-signed: CB Justin Lucas.ERFA re-signed: WR Nate Poole. UFA lost: WR FrankSanders (Ravens). Cut: C Mike Gruttadauria (failed physi-cal).

ATLANTA — Roster addition: PK John Markham(Giants camp ’01); DT Floyd Black (Harding); OT UlishBooker (Michigan State), OT Steven Cain (Furman), OTMike Saffer (UCLA); WR Jamal Burke (Boston College),Terrence Edwards (Georgia), John Lewis (OklahomaState); DE Raymond House (Arkansas); P Joey Huber(Colorado State); TE Robert Johnson (Auburn); LB BenMahdavi (Washington), LB Recardo Wimbush (GeorgiaTech); S Travaris Robinson (Auburn); RB Fred Talley(Arkansas). UFAs signed: TE Lamont Hall (Saints); CKevin Dogins (Bears). UFAs re-signed: S Keion Carpen-ter; C Todd McClure; CB Juran Bolden. RFA re-signed: QBDoug Johnson. ERFAs re-signed: DE Ronald Flemons;WR Quentin McCord; LB Karon Riley; PK Jay Feely. Trad-ed: OT Michael Thompson to Seahawks for conditional pickin 2004 draft. Cuts: C Mike Malano; DT Jerry Togiai; TEBobby Collins.

CAROLINA — Roster additions: DE Tony Brown(Memphis); C Zach Butler (Iowa State); OT Trohn Carswell(Rutgers); LB Vinny Ciurciu (Boston College); LB LawrenceFlugence (Texas Tech); DT Eric Manning (Oregon State);DE Shawn Price (North Carolina State); P David Sanger(Massachusetts). ERFAs re-signed: WR Nathan Black; SDeke Cooper; DT Mario Fatafehi. Franchise FA re-signed:P Todd Sauerbrun.

CHICAGO — Roster additions: TE Patrick Hughes(Florida State); CB Jason Goss (Texas Christian); S JuliusCurry (Michigan); CB James Thorton (Morris Brown); LBJerry Schumacher (Illinois); WR Billy Wingfield (BoiseState); OT Pete Lougheed (Purdue). RFA re-signed: CBTodd McMillon; WR Dez White. Named: Richard Dent, asst.DL coach. Cut: WR Marcus Robinson. UFA lost: C KevinDogins (Falcons).

DALLAS — Roster addition: PK Ola Kimrin (Broncoscamp ’02); DE Charles Alston (Bowie State); WR AaronBoone (Kentucky); RB ReShard Lee (Middle TennesseeState); WR Aaron Martin (Rutgers); CB Don McGee (NorthTexas); LB Keith O’Neil (Northern Arizona); QB Tony Romo(Eastern Illinois); DT Shaun Smith (South Carolina); OLNoah Swartz (Toledo); OG Torrin Tucker (Southern Miss);DE Darrell Wright (Oregon). RFAs re-signed: RB MichaelWiley; QB Clint Stoerner; CB Mario Edwards. ERFA re-signed: RB Troy Hambrick.

DETROIT — Roster addition: LB Earl Holmes(released by Browns 2/27); OG Zack Wilson (Southern Cal-ifornia); OT Tywoin Breaux (Louisiana Tech); TE CaseyFitzsimmons (Carroll College); PK Mark Jenson (Califor-nia); OG David Miller (Ball State); DT Shawn Lazarus(Michigan); RB Avon Cobourne (West Virginia); DL JohnTurntine (Texas Christian); WR Scottie Vines (Wyoming); FBReggie Holts (Texas Christian); WR Jermaine Lewis (West-ern Michigan); CB Jemeel Powell (California); OG Rob Vian(Boise State); WR Todd Fry (Washington & Jefferson); CBGerald Dixon (Alabama); S Chris Kern (Mount Union); QBCurt Anes (Grand Valley State). UFA signed: LB Wali Rain-er (Jaguars). Executed offer sheet: RFA C Brian Jennings(49ers). Offer sheet matched: RFA C Brian Jennings (by49ers). Cuts: WR Jacquez Green; QB Jonathan Beasley.UFA lost: DT Travis Kirschke (49ers).

GREEN BAY — Roster additions: WR Gari Scott(released by Eagles 7/30/02); WR Shockmain Davis (Sea-hawks camp ’02); QB Jose Fuentes (Utah State); CB Quen-tus Cumby (Kentucky); CB Keith Burnell (Delaware); FBTommy Collins (Connecticut); TE Matt Huebner (St. CloudState); DL Cullen Jenkins (Central Michigan); LB ShanteeOrr (Michigan); OT David Porter (Iowa); DE Eric Powell(Florida State); OL Jamil Soriano (Harvard); RB J.R. Taylor(Eastern Illinois). Assigned on waivers: QB Eric Crouchfrom Rams. UFAs signed: DE Chukie Nwokorie (Colts); CGrey Ruegamer (Patriots). UFAs re-signed: QB Doug Ped-erson; TE Tyrone Davis. RFAs re-signed: LB Na’il Diggs;DE Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila; P Josh Bidwell. Traded: Condi-tional seventh-round pick in 2004 draft to Redskins for OLDavid Brandt (remains on reserve/left squad); Future draftpick to Chiefs for CB Derek Combs. Reinstated: OL DavidBrandt from reserve/left squad. Cuts: WR Shawn Mills; LB

Everick Rawls; C Frank Winters; LB Billy Silva; C Frank Win-ters. UFA lost: DE Vonnie Holliday (Chiefs).

MINNESOTA — Roster addition: S Ron Israel (Red-skins camp ’02). UFA re-signed: TE Hunter Goodwin. RFAre-signed: RB Doug Chapman; C Cory Withrow. UFA lost:LB Jim Nelson (Colts). Cut: OT Lorenzo White (failed phys-ical).

NEW ORLEANS — UFAs re-signed: OT Scott Sander-son; TE Ernie Conwell (Rams). RFAs re-signed: RB CurtisKeaton; FB Terrelle Smith. ERFA re-signed: TE BooWilliams. Cut: OG Wally Williams. UFAs lost: TE LamontHall (Falcons); LB Charlie Clemons (Texans).

N.Y. GIANTS — Roster additions: DE Cliff Washburn(The Citadel); OT Jeff Roehl (Northwestern); LB EddieStrong (Mississippi); DT David Thompson (Ohio State).UFAs signed: RB Dorsey Levens (Eagles); PK Mike Hollis(Bills). RFAs re-signed: CB Ralph Brown; C Chris Bober;LB Dhani Jones. ERFAs re-signed: DE Frank Ferrara; OGOmar Smith; TE/C Dan O’Leary. Cut: WR Chris Taylor.

PHILADELPHIA — Roster additions: FB KevinClemens (Seahawks camp ’02, Los Angeles-Arena Football’03); PK Carlos Martinez (Fresno-Arena2 ’02); RB ChrisDowns (Maryland); OT Dante Ellington (Alabama); C Alon-zo Ephraim (Alabama); P Derrick Frost (Northern Iowa); WRByron Gasaway (Kansas); CB David Hinton (Arizona); CB/SRoderick Hood (Auburn); OT Jamaal Jackson (DelawareState); DE Ron Johnson (Shippensburg); OT DamianLaVergne (Louisiana Tech); LB Darvin Lewis (Central Michi-gan); WR Greg Lewis (Illinois); WR Sateki Mahe (BrighamYoung); WR Denero Marriott (Marshall); OT Kareem Mar-shall (Georgia); S Quintin Mikell (Boise State); WR ScooterMonroe (Maryland); DT Sam Rayburn (Tulsa); OG TaylorRobertson (Central Florida); LB Merrill Robertson (Virginia);LB Drew Wahlroos (Colorado); and S Jamal Wallace (Tem-ple). UFA lost: RB Dorsey Levens (Giants); WR DameaneDouglas (Chiefs).

ST. LOUIS — Roster additions: WR Michael Cole-man (released by Falcons 3/31), WR Dedrick Dewalt(Titans camp ’02); RB Arlen Harris (Hofstra); QB KirkFarmer (Missouri); QB Kirk Famer (Missouri); WR SteveBattle (Valley City (North Dakota) State); RB Arlen Harris(Hofstra); RB Joffrey Reynolds (Houston); WR Mike Fur-rey (New York Dragons-Arena Football League). UFAsigned: TE Cam Cleeland (Patriots). UFA re-signed: OGAndy McCollum. RFA re-signed: OT John St. Clair; DTBrian Young. UFAs lost: DT Jeff Zgonina (Dolphins); TEErnie Conwell (Saints). Cut: WR Eric Crouch (fromreserve/retired).

SAN FRANCISCO — Roster additions: DT RossKolodziej (ERFA tender withdrawn by Giants 3/7); DTD’Marco Farr (released by Rams 2/22/01); OG GregSchindler (Stanford); WR Bosley Allen (North Carolina);RB Allan Amundson (Oregon); OT Ben Archibald (BYU);WR Mike Bush (Washington State); P Fred Capshaw(Miami); CB Joselio Hanson (Texas Tech); S Kelly Hardy(East Carolina); TE Marcus Helfman (San Jose State); PKNathan Fikse (UCLA); DE LaKendrick Jones (South Car-olina State); OT Jason Jowers (Wisconsin); WR TroyMason (UNLV); C Ben Nowland (Auburn); LB MarcusReese (UCLA); OG Shane Riggs (N.C. State); OG GregSchindler (Stanford); LB Raymond Wells (Arizona); LB Vic-tor White (Winston-Salem). UFA signed: DT TravisKirschke (Lions). UFA lost: DE Chike Okeafor (Sea-hawks). Received executed sheet: RFA C Brian Jennings(from Lions; 49ers have until 4/25 to match or receive sev-enth-round pick in 2003 draft as compensation). Exer-cised right of first refusal: RFA C Brian Jennings(matched Lions offer).

SEATTLE — Roster addition: P Ryan Flinn (CentralFlorida); PK J.D. Wallum (Wyoming); TE Deitan Dubuc(Michigan). UFA signed: DE Chike Okeafor (49ers). UFAsre-signed: FB Mack Strong; CB Willie Williams. RFAs re-signed: LB Marcus Bell; WR James Williams; DT CedricWoodard; DT John Hilliard; WR Darrell Jackson. Receivedexecuted offer sheet: RFA DT Cedric Woodard (Patriots).Exercised right of first refusal: RFA DT Cedric Woodard(matched Patriots offer). Traded: Conditional pick in 2004draft to Falcons for OT Michael Thompson.

TAMPA BAY — Roster additions: LB Bubba Alexander(Cowboys camp ’02); DT Ryan Fletcher (49ers minicamp‘02); S Clayton White (released by Giants 2/28); DT Cleve-land Pinkney (49ers camp ’02); LB Dwayne Rudd (releasedby Browns 2/26); WR/KR Jacquez Green (released by Lions4/2); LB Altroy Bodrick (Clemson); LB Michael Brown(Louisville); CB Hirchel Boldin (Alabama); CB Marvious hes-ter (Georgia Tech); CB Ronyell Whitaker (Virginia Tech); WRSam Collins (Alabama); WR Fabian Davis (Wake Forest);WR J.J. McKelvey (Clemson); OT Anthony Davis (VirginiaTech); RB Ernest Graham (Florida); P Andy Groom (OhioState); TE Will Heller (Georgia tech); DT Bernard Riley(Southern California). UFA lost: S Dexter Jackson (Cardi-nals). UFA re-signed: QB Shaun King. RFAs re-signed:TE Todd Yoder; RB Aaron Stecker; LB Nate Webster. ERFAre-signed: C Ryan Benjamin. Cuts: TE Casey Crawford;WR Antoine Toliver; QB Shane Matthews, QB Greg Zolman;WR Ramondo North.

WASHINGTON — Roster addition: CB Alex Molden(released by Chargers 2/26); QB Brad Banks (Iowa); LBChris Clemons (Georgia); DL Nic Clemons (Georgia); FBPreston Hartfield (Texas Tech); CB Brian Mance (Clemson);RB Sultan McCullough (Southern California); OL JustinMcElfish (Richmond); CB Ade Jimoh (Utah State); WRJames Johnson (Bowie State); CB Serge Sejour (Howard);LB Clifton Smith (Syracuse); TE Kevin Ware (Washington).UFA re-signed: LB Kevin Mitchell. RFA awarded by arbi-trator: RB/KR Chad Morton (Jets receive fifth-round pick in2003 draft as compensation). RFA signed: RB/KR ChadMorton (Jets). RFA re-signed: S David Terrell. ERFAs re-signed: LB Anthony Pierce; FB Bryan Johnson. Traded: OLDavid Brandt to Packers for conditional seventh-round pickin 2004 draft. Executed offer sheet: RFA DT JermaineHaley (Dolphins). First refusal rights not exercised: RFADT Jermaine Haley (Dolphins did not match offer andreceive seventh-round pick in 2003 draft as compensation).Cut: RB Eric McCoo.

NFL TRANSACTIONS

Vonnie Holliday Olandis Gary Junior Seau Stacey Mack

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Rogers, Johnson are worthy of special attentionYou can talk until you’re blue in the face about the

record 11 defensive linemen selected in the first round ofthis year’s draft.

Same goes for the four first-round quarterbacks whohave been generating such a big-time buzz, even thoughonly one of them, the Ravens’ Kyle Boller, has any realshot at starting right off the bat, a la David Carr lastseason.

But as far as I’m concerned, the most intriguing posi-tion this year was wide receiver, most notably the toptwo players selected at that position, Charles Rogers bythe Lions and Andre Johnson by the Texans — the firsttwo wide receivers in the 68-year history of the draft tobe selected among the first three overall picks.

Considering the well-documented problems the major-ity of first-round receivers have had in recent years interms of making an instant impact — as well as the factJoey Harrington and Carr, respectively, will be throwing

to them — the question asto whether Rogers and John-son will sink or swim in theearly going is one of themost intriguing questionsthe league will be offering in the coming months.

Early impressions provide strong reason for optimism.“What we have is a guy that other teams have to

account for,” Lions chief executive Matt Millen said ofRogers, who is compared favorably by many to theVikings’ Randy Moss, a first-round pick who clickedimmediately.

The fact Rogers is a local product who starred at Sagi-naw High School and Michigan State is icing on the cakefor a franchise that appeared to be hopelessly founderinga few short months ago.

“People in Detroit are excited, just like they are in East

Lansing, Saginaw and Iron Mountain because of CharlesRogers being a Detroit Lion,” said new Lions head coachSteve Mariucci, a native of Iron Mountain, Mich. “Thisin some ways was a slam dunk.”

As for Johnson, who is a bit brawnier than Rogers andconsidered more in the mold of 49ers superstar TerrellOwens, Carr said the Miami (Fla.) receiver’s selectionby the Texans was “like Christmas in April.”

Texans offensive coordinator Chris Palmer feels thesame way.

“Johnson gives us a big-play player, which I think willhelp the other players,” said Palmer. “Any time you havea player of Andre’s caliber, it brings up the level of theother guys. It makes the whole operation run smoother.”

Although both the Lions and Texans figure to improveon offense, I look for Houston to have fewer problemsgetting its act together, thanks to another newcomer, freeagent Stacey Mack, whom I believe could develop into avery productive starting back now that he’s out fromunder Jaguars RB Fred Taylor’s shadow.

“What we did in the draft, getting Johnson (and TEBennie) Joppru, and (signing) Mack, that allows us touse more personnel groups to keep people off-guard,”Palmer said. “We’re in a situation now where we can getmatchups that we’re looking for, and that’s encouraging.”

Encouraging enough to receive a playoff berth? Con-sidering that Texans head coach Dom Capers got theexpansion Carolina Panthers into the playoffs in onlytheir second season, it’s not that big a reach.

Ravens deserve rave reviewAlthough I agree wholeheartedly with PFW colleague

Eric Edholm that the Bengals had a marvelous draft (seehis column on Page 8), my vote for the best draft goes tothe Ravens on the strength of their two first-round picksalone, Terrell Suggs and Boller.

Did Ravens owner Art Modell go overboard when hecompared the Suggs-Boller duo to the first-round picksBaltimore selected in the 1996 draft — perennial ProBowlers Ray Lewis and Jonathan Ogden?

Absolutely not.Playing alongside Lewis at right outside linebacker

while being taught by new Ravens LB coach Mike Sin-gletary, one of the all-time great modern middle line-backers, Suggs is my odds-on favorite for DefensiveRookie of the Year honors in 2003.

Boller might not make his presence felt as quickly asSuggs, but just wait.

“He’s got a real magnetism about him,” said Ravenshead coach Brian Billick, who finally has a quarterbackin Baltimore capable of helping him regain his fadingreputation as one of the NFL’s foremost offensive minds.

“He’s got that aura of greatness about him that a quar-terback has to have.”

Granted, the Ravens were forced to relinquish theirNo. 1 pick to New England next year in order to obtainthe bazooka-armed Cal quarterback whose stock sky-rocketed after a terrific senior season.

But if the Ravens’ defense is as good as I think it’sgoing to be — on par with the unit that spearheaded theirSuper Bowl run a few seasons ago — that pick couldlose much of its luster near the bottom of the first round.

Letter-perfect draftMy favorite names from the 2003 draft class — from

“A” to “Y” (there were no Z’s): California CB NnamdiAsomugha (Raiders); Eastern Kentucky CB YeremiahBell (Dolphins); Middle Tennessee State WR TyroneCalico (Titans); Texas A&M CB Sammy Davis (Charg-ers); Clemson DT Nicholas Eason (Broncos); USC RBJustin Fargas (Raiders); Ohio State OLB Willie “Cie”Grant (Saints); Stanford OT Kwame — rhymes with“fame,” as opposed to “swami” — Harris (49ers);Michigan TE Bennie Joppru (Texans); Temple DT DanKlecko (Patriots); Florida DT Tron LaFavor (Bears);USC RB Malaefou MacKenzie (Jaguars); West VirginiaOT Lance Nimmo (Buccaneers); Howard OT Marques— not to be confused with Jonathan — Ogden(Jaguars); Cincinnati OLB Antwan Peek (Texans);South Florida WR DeAndrew Rubin (Packers); New

Mexico State SS Siddeeq Shabazz (Raiders); HawaiiOLB Pisa Tinoisamoa (Rams); Troy State DE OsiUmenyiora (Giants); Arkansas-Pine Bluff OG CourtneyVan Buren (Chargers); Kansas State WR Taco Wallace(Seahawks); Temple OT Dave Yovanovits (Jets).

In case you didn’t take the trouble to notice, therewere no I’s, Q’s or X’s either.

A-bombs■ Sorry, Butch Davis, but the Browns appear to be

steadily regressing. Heading into the draft, releasingsalary-cap casualties Earl Holmes, Dwayne Rudd andCorey Fuller appeared to really have weakened Cleve-land’s defense. A solid draft with some pizzazz wouldhave been just what the doctor ordered, but aside fromfirst-round pick Jeff Faine, who should have no problemstepping right in at center for the departed DaveWohlabaugh, the Browns’ most noteworthy maneuverwas taking a long-snapper, Ryan Pontbriand, in the fifthround. Be still my heart.

■ Let’s see now, on the day the last issue of PFWwent to press, the hottest topic was Buccaneers headcoach Jon Gruden’s sniping at general manager RichMcKay over the latter’s methodical approach to freeagency. On the day before this issue went to press, notlong after it was disclosed that Warren Sapp gave dia-mond-studded bracelets to each starter and a number ofother major contributors on the Bucs’ defense, the ProBowl defensive tackle said he wouldn’t be surprised ifTampa Bay let him go after the 2003 season. Somethingtells me we could be in store for a season-long soapopera of potentially blockbuster proportions.

■ Although I still believe the free-agent signing offuture Hall of Famer Emmitt Smith is going to blow upin the Cardinals’ faces, I believe the exact opposite aboutthe Dolphins’ signing of future Hall of Famer JuniorSeau. Seau has wasted no time developing a specialbond with fellow Dolphins LB Zach Thomas. I see himlighting a badly needed fire in December that couldresult in an AFC title for the Fish.

■ I’m not sure what to make of the Giants’ draft, butyou certainly have to admire how much they’ve bolsteredtheir special teams this offseason with the likes of PKMike Hollis, return specialist Brian Mitchell, P JeffFeagles and long-snapper Ryan Kuehl. With preciouslittle cap room, the Giants focused on the one area theirlimited funds could definitely handle.

■ Speaking of solid free-agent moves, I wouldn’t besurprised at all if LBs Earl Holmes and Wali Rainerimmediately help shore up Detroit’s dismal defense.Holmes is a tackle machine, and Rainer is extremelyunderrated.

■ If I were the Steelers, I would have thought twiceabout giving up extra picks in the third and sixth roundsto Kansas City in order to move up in the first round toselect USC S Troy Polamalu, who has sustained at leastfive concussions since his freshman year in high school,including three during his career at Southern Cal. TheSteelers seem convinced Polamalu has a clean bill ofhealth, but I would think the way players hit at the NFLlevel would be real cause for concern.

The quotebook■ Bills veteran OG Ruben Brown speculating on the

Bills’ draft strategy two days before they pulled a shock-er by selecting Miami (Fla.) Willis McGahee with theirNo. 1 pick: “I don’t think we can go wrong in this draft.… Anyone else that comes along now is sort of likegravy or icing. The cake’s there. It’s cooked. It’s done.It’s ready to go. It’s just what icing we’re going to put onthe top.”

■ Vikings owner Red McCombs on his team’s inabil-ity to make a first-round pick within the allotted time forthe second straight season: “I think that our guys didwhat they had set out to do. They had a plan. They fol-lowed the plan, and their plan was working. It’s just thatit takes two parties to get something executed. Our guysfollowed the process, agreed to a trade, and then trustedthe other people to do what they said they were going todo. That didn’t happen.”

DAN ARKUSH EXECUTIVE EDITOR

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Great expectations:Andre Johnson should great-ly help the Texans’ offense

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