[ssigman]

Pittsburgh Steelers
Team needs: CB, LB, DE, RB, WR/P
Overall pick/round: 15 (1), 46 (2), 77 (3), 119 (4), 132 (4), 156 (5), 170 (5), 192 (6), 227 (7)
CB: Ike Taylor was very inconsistent last year after receiving a new contract and Ricardo Colclough is dealing with a neck injury, so they are looking for a potential starter. If they make this a priority, they would most likely go after Michigan's Leon Hall at No. 15.
LB: New head coach Mike Tomlin has said that he plans to play the best defensive scheme for the players on the current roster, but the Steelers could start making plans for an eventual change to a 4-3, Cover 2 scheme. By drafting linebackers who have better coverage skills, they could amend their current scheme over the next few years.
DE: They would be drafting for depth at this position, but they could really use someone who could come off the bench and give them 20-25 plays per game as an edge rusher. I would expect this to be a spot they look at late first day or with one of their two, fourth-round selections.
RB: The Steelers would like to find a complement to Willie Parker; someone who could be used in short yardage or red zone carries, much in the way the New York Giants used Brandon Jacobs the past few years. Depending on when they opt to select a player at this position, they could target Kenneth Darby, Dwayne Wright or even Michael Bush if they were to have a positive opinion on his medical outlook.
WR/P: </STRONG>They are looking for another guy in addition to Santonio Holmes who could line up in the slot or be groomed behind Hines Ward since Bruce Arians prefers to use more multiple-receiver sets than previous offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt. The depth of the receiver class could allow them to hold off until the second day and keep a close eye on top-rated punter Daniel Sepulveda. If they don't draft Sepulveda, they could target a young, strong-legged punter in the last three rounds after failing in their attempt to sign 49ers restricted free agent punter Andy Lee.

New England Patriots
Team needs: LB, S, RB, OL, CB
Overall pick/round: 24 (1), 28 (1), 91 (3), 127 (4), 171 (5), 180 (6), 202 (6), 208 (6), 209 (6), 247 (7)
LB: Age is creeping up on this position as Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel and Rosevelt Colvin are moving past their prime years. All of them still seem to have a fair amount of gas left in the tank, but it's time to think about the long-term future here. The player that seems to impress the Patriots the most is versatile Miami (Fla.) linebacker Jon Beason, who would have to sneak past a few teams if he is to land in Foxborough, Mass.
S: If you look at the team's defensive core up the middle, the guys are all over 30 years old so now is the time to act before you get caught with two-three players on the field who are too slow to make a play. If the Patriots keep both of their first-round picks, it is likely they will consider someone like Brandon Meriweather. If they deal back into the second or early third round, they could focus on a versatile safety such as Kevin Payne or John Wendling.
RB: Rookie running back Laurence Maroney was worthy of being taken in the first round last year, but he wore down at times and has had offseason shoulder surgery that could limit him to around 250 carries next season. It would be a wild-card choice, but Rutgers running back/fullback Brian Leonard would be an excellent acquisition at No. 28 or later if they opted to drop back a few choices. If not, keep an eye on Darius Walker in the third-fourth round area or UAB's Corey White, who could split downs at both running back and fullback.
OL: The Patriots have done a great job of locating offensive linemen that fit into their system while also being able to draft them accordingly. If they hold onto both first-round choices, they could use one of them on a player like offensive tackle Joe Staley as he fits the mold of what they desire. More than likely, they will wait and pull from a pool of guys in the third-fourth round range like James Marten, Marshal Yanda, Allen Barbre or Julius Wilson. Also, look for them to add a late-round guard/center type as well.
CB: If there is a position the Patriots have done a better job of evaluating than offensive line in recent years, it would be cornerback. Asante Samuel, Ellis Hobbs and Randall Gay, signed as an undrafted free agent, were solid finds. As for now, they need to find someone that can do a better job of manning up against the slot receiver or motion tight end. The type of players they seem to like most would be defenders such as Michael Coe, C.J. Wilson, Fred Bennett or they could even take a flyer on DeAndre Jackson, who would have been a solid second-round pick had he not injured his knee during the season.
New York Jets
Team needs: OLB/DE, CB, TE, OL, DT
Overall pick/round:</STRONG> 25 (1), 59 (2), 63 (2), 89 (3), 164 (5), 177 (6)
OLB/DE: The Jets have tried to address this position through free agency. However, David Bowens has been used primarily as a situational pass rusher and the last time former first-round pick Andre Wadsworth played in the NFL, most of this year's draft eligible prospects were in junior high school. They need to find an edge rusher who can provide the type of pressure and havoc created by John Abraham. Adding Kenyon Coleman gives them a younger defender to challenge Kimo von Oelhoffen, but a playmaker in the front seven is what could put this defense in position to making another playoff run.
CB: This is the other pressing need as they have not found an adequate replacement since letting go of veteran Ty Law leave via free agency a year ago. Ideally, the Jets are searching for someone like Eric Mangini's former pupil Asante Samuel, a defender with sound technique, good football instincts and the ability to learn and retain information quickly. The Jets could find themselves in position to take someone like Daymeion Hughes, Michael Coe or Josh Wilson with one of their two, second round picks.
TE: Many felt the Jets would address this need in last year's draft. Instead, they waited until day two and picked more of a blocker, a move that failed to drastically improve the offense. Greg Olsen is likely to be off the board before the Jets select at No. 25 and Zach Miller does not fit the profile. A name to keep a close eye on is Ben Patrick, the former Delaware/Duke prospect who has very good hands, good speed and the intangibles that the Jets' staff desires. He could be a surprise pick late in the second round.
OL: The Jets pulled off a daily double last year by adding a franchise tackle and future All-Pro center. This year, they should find some good role players in the mid-to-late rounds to help support the talented blockers from the '06 draft. A possible challenger for the left guard spot and a swingman type that could back up at guard and right tackle would promote excellent competition this summer.
DT: What the Jets are looking for here is a space-eater type that has a good enough motor to provide rest for starter Dewayne Robertson. They are unlikely to spend a high choice on this position, but several second-day prospects could give them some much needed push up the middle off the bench. Keep an eye on Walter Thomas, Kelly Talavou, Ola Dagunduro or Louis Leonard.

Denver Broncos
Team needs: DE, OT, S, CB, RB
Overall pick/round: 21 (1), 56 (2), 70 (3), 86 (3), 176 (6), 233 (7)
DE: The Broncos were hoping to land free agent defensive end Patrick Kerney, but lost out to the Seahawks. If they are unable to land someone before the draft, this becomes their most pressing need. They have gone through every castoff from the Cleveland Browns, most recently adding defensive tackle Alvin McKinley. The Broncos seem to rotate based on down-and-distance, but have a strong need for an edge rusher. They are one of the teams mostly likely to try to deal up in the first round, but if unable to, they could chase after a pass rusher at No. 21.
OT: In their ideal world, the Broncos will be able to trade up to acquire the rights to Wisconsin left tackle Joe Thomas. Barring that, they could take a close look at guys like Joe Staley or Tony Ugoh in the first round. If they wait until later on the first day, names that will interest them include James Marten, Allen Barbre or Doug Free.
S: This position has gone overlooked in the past few drafts. Instead, they counted on guys such as Sam Brandon and Kenoy Kennedy, who have failed to produce ideal results. The ideal choice for the Broncos is a guy capable of playing both free and strong safety, so that he could rotate behind John Lynch and Nick Ferguson. What they need most is a fleet-footed defender with better range and ball skills than their current backups.
CB: The tragic loss of Darrent Williams means that even with the acquisition of new starting cornerback Dre' Bly, the Broncos should look to add someone to pair with Domonique Foxworth in nickel and dime situations. The defender they select could also be tried as a return specialist, so look at names such as Calvin Bannister, Marquice Cole, Daniel Francis or Corey Graham on the second day.
RB: This is Mike Shanahan's favorite position, so Travis Henry's long-term deal will not keep him from using a draft choice on a running back. Mike Bell had a few issues with holding onto the ball last year, so it should come as no surprise when they pull the trigger on a mid-to-late round back like DeShawn Wynn, Justise Hairston, Jackie Battle or Danny Ware.

Oakland Raiders
Team needs: QB, DT, WR, OL, TE
Overall pick/round: 1 (1), 33 (2), 65 (3), 99 (3), 100 (4), 138 (5), 175 (6), 211 (7), 254 (7).
QB: The Raiders have to weigh the long-term effects of drafting and paying a No. 1 overall QB when they could be in a similar situation a year from now. They could sign David Carr or deal for Aaron Rodgers in a trade that would send Randy Moss to Green Bay, which would allow them to pass on JaMarcus Russell and Brady Quinn, and target receiver Calvin Johnson.
DT: The defensive unit was strong last year as a whole, but wore down at times against the run. Adding a young, space-eater would help give them some fresh legs now and a future replacement for Warren Sapp. Potential prospects that could be available between Rounds 3-5 include Paul Soliai, Antonio Johnson, Kareem Brown or even Walter Thomas.
WR: Passing on Johnson does not mean they will write off this position. The depth of this receiver class allows them to find a complement to Jerry Porter between the second-fourth rounds, especially if a deal for Moss is completed by or at the draft. Guys like Craig Davis, Paul Williams or Aundrae Allison would fit that mold.
OL: They have drafted several linemen in recent years, including three in 2006, but injuries and inconsistency have plagued the unit. Adding a young tackle like Adam Koets, Stephon Heyer or Ken Shackleford could come in the middle rounds.
TE: Developing a young guy with good size and the combo skills to beat out the veterans would help improve the offense. Keep an eye on Kevin Boss (Western Oregon) and Michael Allan (Whitworth) as the two small-school prospects have the type of size, athleticism and speed to be worthy mid-round picks if the Raiders pass on this position early.

San Diego Chargers
Team needs: DB, WR, OL, LB, RB
Overall pick/round: 30 (1), 62 (2), 93 (3), 96 (3), 129 (4), 167 (5), 172 (5), 240 (7)
DB: The Chargers have several needs at this position, starting with a strong safety capable of playing both the run and pass opposed to just an in-the-box type guy like they have had in past years. If the Chargers stay at No. 30, they may have a shot at Brandon Meriweather. More than likely, they would be left to choose someone like Michael Griffin at which point they could wait until the second or third round. They could also come back with a second safety or corner later in the draft since Drayton Florence hits the open market in 2008.
WR: They opted to cut ties with Keenan McCardell, so one of their early choices will likely be spent on a receiver opposite of Vincent Jackson that possesses more vertical speed and better hands than the ones on their current roster. If a receiver were to slip in the first round, they could make a move on the position earlier than expected.
OL: They would be drafting for depth and future years at this position as Mike Goff is expected to depart via free agency when his contract is up. No matter what else they do on the draft's first day, expect them to take a lineman before the third round is up. Potential targets are Julius Wilson or Brandon Frye. If they look for a guard in rounds 3-4, Mike Jones could be a target, while Nicholls State tackle Jacob Bender is a solid mid-to-late round option.
LB: They released productive Donnie Edwards, so the time for youngsters like Tim Dobbins and Stephen Cooper has come. That has created a void in terms of depth and solid role players for their special teams units. On the outside, they also lack quality depth, so finding a young edge rusher that can come along slowly and see just limited action over the next few years would be fine as Carlos Polk is an average backup at best.
RB: As odd as it may sound with LaDainian Tomlinson and Michael Turner possibly in the fold for next season, the Chargers should look to add a running back on the second day. Turner, a restricted free agent who has piqued some interest this offseason, could soon be dealt. If not, he will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2007 campaign. They found a gem in the fifth round with the tough and speedy Turner, so going back to that philosophy in this year's draft could supply them with a guy like Tyrone Moss, Justin Vincent, D.D. Terry or Thomas Clayton.

Tennessee Titans
Team needs: WR, DB, DL, OG, RB
Overall pick/round: 19 (1), 50 (2), 80 (3), 115 (4), 128 (4), 152 (5), 188 (6), 204 (6), 206 (6), 223 (7)
WR: David Givens' recovery from a serious knee injury plus the free-agency losses of Drew Bennett and Bobby Wade have created a hole at receiver. The 19th pick could allow them to find a playmaker such as Robert Meachem, Dwayne Jarrett or Dwayne Bowe. With a total of 10 picks and the depth of this receiver class, they could even come back to select a receiver/return man between rounds 4-6.
DB: The Titans signed veteran Nick Harper, which makes you wonder if they plan to change to more of a zone scheme. But apparently they will lose Adam Jones to a suspension. Either way, they could use another top-flight defender – likely in the first two rounds. It is also likely that they will attempt to find a ball-hawking type free safety within their top-5 choices as Lamont Thompson has failed to make the grade the past two years.
DL: The health issues of Travis Laboy and Antwan Odom, and the free-agency departure of versatile veteran defender Robaire Smith create another void in the middle. The Titans need to find a situational pass rusher within the first few rounds and come back later with a high-motor playmaker.
OG: The Titans released veteran Zach Piller in the offseason, but still have an aging center and starter at right guard. They did not draft an offensive lineman a year ago and now face the reality of needing to draft for both depth and impact. If they draft at this position early, Ben Grubbs could come into focus. Later, they would benefit from taking an interior lineman such as Tala Esera, Uche Nwaneri or Brent Pousson.
RB: Chris Brown is still unsigned; LenDale White recently weighed in at over 260 pounds; and Travis Henry is now with the Denver Broncos. That leaves them without a change-of-pace type back to use on third downs who could be a safety-valve receiver for Vince Young out of the backfield.

Houston Texans
Team needs: S, OT, WR, DL, CB
Overall pick/round: 10 (1), 73 (3), 107 (4), 144 (5), 183 (6), 218 (7)
S: Neither of their current starters has ideal ball skills or range and the unit has been plagued by missed open-field tackles the past few seasons. A guy such as LaRon Landry would be a near perfect fit, but he could come off the board right in front of them to the Atlanta Falcons, Minnesota Vikings or Miami Dolphins. They are without a second-round pick, so if they pass on safety in the first, it will be guys like Josh Gattis, Aaron Rouse and Melvin Bullitt that they look at in the third.
OT: They are very hopeful that Charles Spencer can return to top form following a very serious knee injury last year and fellow '06 rookie Eric Winston showed some signs of being a steady right tackle. However, this line is still lacking a true franchise, so Levi Brown could be a strong option if he's still available when the Texans are on the board in the first round.
WR: Veteran Eric Moulds failed to deliver enough big plays, so the Texans are still looking for that second option alongside Andre Johnson. Backups Kevin Walter and speedy Jerome Mathis, if healthy, give them some nice situational players, but they need to use an early pick on a receiver. That, however, might be difficult after dealing away their second-round pick in the deal to obtain Matt Schaub.
DL: Mario Williams is a solid, strong-side defensive end who can also rotate inside on some downs, but he is not the play-making machine to lead a defense on his own. Part of the problem is that he's dealing with a foot injury that should have been addressed last summer before the start of his rookie campaign. The Texans need to find a true edge rusher to play opposite of him, and they could also use some added beef in the middle. Former first-round pick Travis Johnson has been a major disappointment to date.
CB: Anytime your two reserve cornerbacks are veteran Dexter McCleon and journeyman Dexter Wynn, this becomes a position of need. They could use a man cover corner to battle DeMarcus Faggins for the nickel spot.
Indianapolis Colts
Team needs: DT, LB, RB, DB, WR
Overall pick/round: 32 (1), 95 (3), 98 (3), 131 (4), 136 (4), 169 (5), 173 (5), 242 (7)
DT: They have their starters in place for 2007, but could use some depth. It would not be surprising to see the Colts use their first-round pick on a defensive tackle like Tank Tyler. If not, they could move around on the first day to obtain someone like Ray McDonald, Clifton Ryan or wait for Keith Jackson early on day two.
LB: The Colts plan is to have Gilbert Gardner slide over to weak-side linebacker, while second-year pro Freddy Keiaho gets the starting nod on the strong side. Veteran Rob Morris will back up both Keiaho and inside linebacker Gary Brackett, so finding a versatile linebacker that could do the same or push Gardner on the weak side would be ideal. This hole could be addressed later as the Colts have not drafted a linebacker in the first round during Tony Dungy's reign as head coach.
RB: The Colts made perfect use of then rookie Joseph Addai with veteran between the tackles runner Dominic Rhodes. If Rutgers combo back Brian Leonard is still available at No. 32, it would be sound and exciting choice by the Colts. He can play running back, fullback and even some one-back, which would allow the Colts to motion out Addai, who has very good hands and played receiver in college.
DB: Cornerback Kelvin Hayden and free safety Antoine Bethea both saw their games grow by leaps and bounds during the team's postseason run to the Super Bowl. However, losing safety Mike Doss means they would do well to find another aggressive hitter that can play special teams and maybe some on short-yardage situation. The Colts' ability to locate productive mid-to-late round corners should once again come into play as they have a pair of fifth-round choices.
WR: The Colts currently have only a handful of healthy receivers on their roster as they cut ties with Brandon Stokley and backup Aaron Moorehead is still pursuing his options. The receiver position has enough depth that they could find an adequate No. 4 receiver with one of their two fourth-round picks. Keep the names Jemalle Cornelius, Mike Walker and James Jones in mind. However, the best fit for them would be USC's Steve Smith if he would fall to them either late in the third or early on day two.