1. Cincinnati Bengals -- Carson Palmer, QB, USC
With Troy Aikman/Drew Bledsoe-like potential, Palmer has continued to solidify the top spot. With Jon Kitna as the incumbent, the Bengals have no recourse -- they really need a quarterback. Unless they get bowled over by an unbelievable deal, they need top to take Palmer with the top pick.
2. Detroit Lions -- *Charles Rogers, WR, Michigan State
The Lions need a big-time go-to target for franchise quarterback Joey Harrington, and Rogers fits the bill. At the combine he measured at 6-foot-2½, not the 6-4 I expected. But he's still a remarkable talent with Randy Moss-like potential.
3. Houston Texans -- Jordan Gross, OT, Utah
The Texans desperately need a left tackle to protect the blind side of franchise quarterback David Carr. Carr was sacked an NFL-record 76 times this past season. If the Texans trade down, they could lose Gross, though they might be able to get Iowa OL Eric Steinbach, who could project to left tackle. But if they really want Gross, they should take him at No. 3.
4. Chicago Bears -- *Terrell Suggs, DE, Arizona State
The Bears likely will look to acquire a veteran quarterback via free agency, so I expect their major draft needs to be a pass-rushing defensive end and a defensive tackle to free up MLB Brian Urlacher more. Centers and offensive guards were getting out to Urlacher too often in 2002. Suggs, who set the NCAA single-season sack record (24), could fill the pass-rushing need, but Penn State DT Jimmy Kennedy is another possibility for the Bears.
5. Dallas Cowboys -- Terence Newman, CB, Kansas State
New Cowboys coach Bill Parcells loves cornerbacks and understands the need for shut-down corners in an era of four wide-receiver sets. Newman, who had a great combine workout, is a classic cover corner and excels in the return game, too.
6. Arizona Cardinals -- Jimmy Kennedy, DT, Penn State
If the Bears pick Kennedy, the Cardinals could take DE Terrell Suggs here. But Arizona needs a defensive tackle to go alongside DT Wendell Bryant, their first-round pick last year. At 6-4¼ and 335 pounds, Kennedy is a huge presence.
7. Minnesota Vikings -- Marcus Trufant, CB, Washington State
He had a great combine after an outstanding week at the Senior Bowl -- both of which followed a heck of a college career. Trufant is arguably right there with Terence Newman as the top cornerback in this draft. The Vikings might also look at a defensive tackle, such as Dewayne Robertson or Johnathan Sullivan.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars -- *Andre Johnson, WR, Miami-Fla.
Since WR Keenan McCardell moved on, the Jaguars really haven't had a big-time receiver. Johnson is a speed-burner with size (6-2, 230), and he played in a pro-style offense with the Hurricanes. He would be a value pick at No. 8.
9. Carolina Panthers -- Byron Leftwich, QB, Marshall
If Chicago passes on Leftwich, as I now expect, the Panthers should snap him up. They need a big-time young QB, because who knows how much incumbent veteran Rodney Peete has left in the tank. Leftwich and Carson Palmer are clearly the best pure passers in the draft -- and the best in years.
10. Baltimore Ravens -- Eric Steinbach, OL, Iowa
Steinbach offers ability and versatility. He can play guard or tackle and would immediately be a starter for the Ravens at right tackle. The Ravens need help there and at both guard spots. Steinbach played for former Ravens assistant Kirk Ferentz, Iowa's current head coach.
11. Seattle Seahawks -- *Dewayne Robertson, DT, Kentucky
A tough 315-pounder with excellent pass-rush ability, Robertson was a three-year starter at Kentucky. Seattle had all kinds of problems at defensive tackle this past season, so Robertson would be an immediate hole-filler. He's quick and puts pressure on the quarterback.
12. St. Louis Rams -- Taylor Jacobs, WR, Florida
The Rams need a wide receiver because they never really filled the void left by the departed Az-Zahir Hakim. Jacobs is clearly the third-best wideout in this draft, and he was among the best players at the Senior Bowl practices. A polished receiver, he would be a major contributor as a rookie.
13. Washington Redskins -- *Johnathan Sullivan, DT, Georgia
The 'Skins desperately need a defensive tackle. They might try to sign a free-agent DT, but the 300-pound Sullivan would fill the need nicely. He had 15½ tackles for loss in 2002 and posted a solid combine workout.
14. New England Patriots (from Buffalo) -- Kevin Williams, DT, Oklahoma State
A 300-pounder who runs a 4.8 in the 40, Williams had an excellent combine and a great Senior Bowl week. The Patriots need a DT to complement DT Richard Seymour. The Pats acquired this pick in the Drew Bledsoe deal.
15. San Diego Chargers -- William Joseph, DT, Miami-Fla.
San Diego needs a DT to stuff the run and provide a pass-rush threat from the inside. In 2002, Joseph didn't play up to the level of his junior year, or he probably would have been a top-five pick. He could be a good value pick here.
16. Kansas City Chiefs -- Chris Kelsay, DE, Nebraska
When Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil was with the Rams, he had Nebraska DE Grant Wistrom. Kelsay has a similar non-stop motor. He had a strong combine, running a 4.73 in the 40 at 6-4¼ and 273 pounds. He also did 23 bench-press repetitions (at 225 pounds) and posted a 36½-inch vertical leap.
17. New Orleans Saints -- Dennis Weathersby, CB, Oregon State
Weathersby has moved ahead of Oklahoma CB Andre Woolfolk on my draft board (I had the Saints picking Woolfolk in my initial first-round projection). He had an inconsistent senior year after a standout junior campaign. But he has good size (6-1, 205) and great speed (4.3 range in the 40) plus a 37-inch vertical leap.
18. New Orleans Saints (from Miami) -- *Jason Witten, TE, Tennessee
Witten has good size (6-5½, 264) and will be an ideal target in the intermediate passing game for QB Aaron Brooks. A strong athlete, he sometimes lined up at wide receiver for the Vols. Witten also has great strength, and he's an excellent blocker. The Saints acquired this pick in the Ricky Williams deal.
19. New England Patriots -- Boss Bailey, OLB, Georgia
The Patriots need more big plays on defense -- they need a difference-maker at linebacker. Bailey is an unbelievable natural athlete, with a 42-inch vertical leap at 6-3 and 233 pounds. With safety-type speed and athleticism, he would upgrade New England's linebacker corps.
20. Denver Broncos -- Jerome McDougle, DE, Miami-Fla.
A gifted athlete, McDougle is one of the best rushing ends available in this draft. He had an excellent Senior Bowl week and a great combine workout. For his size (6-2, 264), he ran an exceptional 40-yard dash (4.65), displaying great closing speed off the edge. He posted a 34-inch vertical leap. Offensive tackle is also a need area for Denver.
21. Cleveland Browns -- *Kwame Harris, OT, Stanford
Had Harris stayed in school, he might have been a top-five pick in the 2004 draft, so he's a value pick here. He didn't play up to the level of his talent this past year, but he has great size (6-7, 310) and runs the 40 in the 5.2 range. If he can sustain a high intensity level, he could become a Pro Bowl tackle.
22. New York Jets -- Ty Warren, DT, Texas A&M
Warren is one of the many defensive tackles I expect to go in the first round of this draft. At 6-4½ and 307 pounds, he has outstanding weight-room strength and explosive up-field speed. He would be a great addition to the Jets' DT rotation.
23. Atlanta Falcons -- *Kelley Washington, WR, Tennessee
The Falcons need to upgrade their wide-receiver corps to complement QB Michael Vick. Washington didn't run at the combine and had injury problems in 2002. But if he checks out medically and runs well in his individual workouts, he would be a great pick here. He has good size (6-2½, 225) and displayed exceptional ability on the collegiate level.
24. Indianapolis Colts -- *Rien Long, DT, Washington State
Long was a little stiff in the combine drills, but you can't question his on-field performance in the Pac-10 this past season. He had 13 sacks on his way to the Outland Trophy. Colts coach Tony Dungy wants to continue to bolster his defense.
25. New York Giants -- Kenny Peterson, DT, Ohio State
This is an area of concern for the Giants, who struggled on the D-line late in the season after Keith Hamilton was injured. Peterson had an outstanding season and an excellent week at the Senior Bowl. He's versatile enough to play guard or tackle.
26. San Francisco 49ers -- *Dewayne White, DE, Louisville
In 2001, he was one of the the nation's best defensive players, but his performance suffered in '02 because of an ankle injury. When he was at full strength, he was a force off the edge. The Niners need a pass-rush threat opposite DE Andre Carter.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Mike Doss, S, Ohio State
Pittsburgh's secondary was torched in '02 by opposing quarterbacks. Doss is a team leader who's always in the right place at the right time. He's a tough, productive and instinctive performer.
28. Tennessee Titans -- George Foster, OT, Georgia
Foster probably would have been a top-15 pick if he hadn't missed some time early this past season after sustaining a wrist injury in an August car accident. A tough, fiery competitor, Foster could push for a starting job at guard or tackle early in his NFL career.
29. Green Bay Packers -- *Rex Grossman, QB, Florida
Grossman would be a great value pick here, making him the heir apparent to Brett Favre. He has a great arm plus confidence and other intangibles. He played behind a sub-par offensive line this past season at Florida and had little help at the receiver position besides Taylor Jacobs.
30. Philadelphia Eagles -- E.J. Henderson, LB, Maryland
Henderson would be an immediate factor, especially upgrading the run defense. The Eagles lost Jeremiah Trotter to free agency prior to the 2002 season, and Henderson would be an ideal middle linebacker.
31. Oakland Raiders -- *Wayne Hunter, OT, Hawaii
Had Hunter returned to Hawaii for his senior year, he could have been a top-10 pick in the 2004 draft. Gifted athletically at 6-5½ and 303 pounds, Hunter did 37 bench-press reps (at 225 pounds) and ran a 5.15 in the 40 while posting a 31-inch vertical leap. He excelled in Hawaii's run-and-shoot offense.
32. Oakland Raiders (from Tampa Bay) -- Kyle Boller, QB, Cal
The Raiders have backup QB Marques Tuiasosopo, but is he the heir apparent to veteran Rich Gannon? Tuiasosopo was drafted by the departed Jon Gruden, and some thought he was a reach in the second round anyway. Boller had an excellent senior year and a good combine, though I debated whether to go with Louisville QB Dave Ragone here. Ragone also had a strong combine and Senior Bowl week. But I'll go with Boller in a close call. Stay tuned.
With Troy Aikman/Drew Bledsoe-like potential, Palmer has continued to solidify the top spot. With Jon Kitna as the incumbent, the Bengals have no recourse -- they really need a quarterback. Unless they get bowled over by an unbelievable deal, they need top to take Palmer with the top pick.
2. Detroit Lions -- *Charles Rogers, WR, Michigan State
The Lions need a big-time go-to target for franchise quarterback Joey Harrington, and Rogers fits the bill. At the combine he measured at 6-foot-2½, not the 6-4 I expected. But he's still a remarkable talent with Randy Moss-like potential.
3. Houston Texans -- Jordan Gross, OT, Utah
The Texans desperately need a left tackle to protect the blind side of franchise quarterback David Carr. Carr was sacked an NFL-record 76 times this past season. If the Texans trade down, they could lose Gross, though they might be able to get Iowa OL Eric Steinbach, who could project to left tackle. But if they really want Gross, they should take him at No. 3.
4. Chicago Bears -- *Terrell Suggs, DE, Arizona State
The Bears likely will look to acquire a veteran quarterback via free agency, so I expect their major draft needs to be a pass-rushing defensive end and a defensive tackle to free up MLB Brian Urlacher more. Centers and offensive guards were getting out to Urlacher too often in 2002. Suggs, who set the NCAA single-season sack record (24), could fill the pass-rushing need, but Penn State DT Jimmy Kennedy is another possibility for the Bears.
5. Dallas Cowboys -- Terence Newman, CB, Kansas State
New Cowboys coach Bill Parcells loves cornerbacks and understands the need for shut-down corners in an era of four wide-receiver sets. Newman, who had a great combine workout, is a classic cover corner and excels in the return game, too.
6. Arizona Cardinals -- Jimmy Kennedy, DT, Penn State
If the Bears pick Kennedy, the Cardinals could take DE Terrell Suggs here. But Arizona needs a defensive tackle to go alongside DT Wendell Bryant, their first-round pick last year. At 6-4¼ and 335 pounds, Kennedy is a huge presence.
7. Minnesota Vikings -- Marcus Trufant, CB, Washington State
He had a great combine after an outstanding week at the Senior Bowl -- both of which followed a heck of a college career. Trufant is arguably right there with Terence Newman as the top cornerback in this draft. The Vikings might also look at a defensive tackle, such as Dewayne Robertson or Johnathan Sullivan.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars -- *Andre Johnson, WR, Miami-Fla.
Since WR Keenan McCardell moved on, the Jaguars really haven't had a big-time receiver. Johnson is a speed-burner with size (6-2, 230), and he played in a pro-style offense with the Hurricanes. He would be a value pick at No. 8.
9. Carolina Panthers -- Byron Leftwich, QB, Marshall
If Chicago passes on Leftwich, as I now expect, the Panthers should snap him up. They need a big-time young QB, because who knows how much incumbent veteran Rodney Peete has left in the tank. Leftwich and Carson Palmer are clearly the best pure passers in the draft -- and the best in years.
10. Baltimore Ravens -- Eric Steinbach, OL, Iowa
Steinbach offers ability and versatility. He can play guard or tackle and would immediately be a starter for the Ravens at right tackle. The Ravens need help there and at both guard spots. Steinbach played for former Ravens assistant Kirk Ferentz, Iowa's current head coach.
11. Seattle Seahawks -- *Dewayne Robertson, DT, Kentucky
A tough 315-pounder with excellent pass-rush ability, Robertson was a three-year starter at Kentucky. Seattle had all kinds of problems at defensive tackle this past season, so Robertson would be an immediate hole-filler. He's quick and puts pressure on the quarterback.
12. St. Louis Rams -- Taylor Jacobs, WR, Florida
The Rams need a wide receiver because they never really filled the void left by the departed Az-Zahir Hakim. Jacobs is clearly the third-best wideout in this draft, and he was among the best players at the Senior Bowl practices. A polished receiver, he would be a major contributor as a rookie.
13. Washington Redskins -- *Johnathan Sullivan, DT, Georgia
The 'Skins desperately need a defensive tackle. They might try to sign a free-agent DT, but the 300-pound Sullivan would fill the need nicely. He had 15½ tackles for loss in 2002 and posted a solid combine workout.
14. New England Patriots (from Buffalo) -- Kevin Williams, DT, Oklahoma State
A 300-pounder who runs a 4.8 in the 40, Williams had an excellent combine and a great Senior Bowl week. The Patriots need a DT to complement DT Richard Seymour. The Pats acquired this pick in the Drew Bledsoe deal.
15. San Diego Chargers -- William Joseph, DT, Miami-Fla.
San Diego needs a DT to stuff the run and provide a pass-rush threat from the inside. In 2002, Joseph didn't play up to the level of his junior year, or he probably would have been a top-five pick. He could be a good value pick here.
16. Kansas City Chiefs -- Chris Kelsay, DE, Nebraska
When Chiefs coach Dick Vermeil was with the Rams, he had Nebraska DE Grant Wistrom. Kelsay has a similar non-stop motor. He had a strong combine, running a 4.73 in the 40 at 6-4¼ and 273 pounds. He also did 23 bench-press repetitions (at 225 pounds) and posted a 36½-inch vertical leap.
17. New Orleans Saints -- Dennis Weathersby, CB, Oregon State
Weathersby has moved ahead of Oklahoma CB Andre Woolfolk on my draft board (I had the Saints picking Woolfolk in my initial first-round projection). He had an inconsistent senior year after a standout junior campaign. But he has good size (6-1, 205) and great speed (4.3 range in the 40) plus a 37-inch vertical leap.
18. New Orleans Saints (from Miami) -- *Jason Witten, TE, Tennessee
Witten has good size (6-5½, 264) and will be an ideal target in the intermediate passing game for QB Aaron Brooks. A strong athlete, he sometimes lined up at wide receiver for the Vols. Witten also has great strength, and he's an excellent blocker. The Saints acquired this pick in the Ricky Williams deal.
19. New England Patriots -- Boss Bailey, OLB, Georgia
The Patriots need more big plays on defense -- they need a difference-maker at linebacker. Bailey is an unbelievable natural athlete, with a 42-inch vertical leap at 6-3 and 233 pounds. With safety-type speed and athleticism, he would upgrade New England's linebacker corps.
20. Denver Broncos -- Jerome McDougle, DE, Miami-Fla.
A gifted athlete, McDougle is one of the best rushing ends available in this draft. He had an excellent Senior Bowl week and a great combine workout. For his size (6-2, 264), he ran an exceptional 40-yard dash (4.65), displaying great closing speed off the edge. He posted a 34-inch vertical leap. Offensive tackle is also a need area for Denver.
21. Cleveland Browns -- *Kwame Harris, OT, Stanford
Had Harris stayed in school, he might have been a top-five pick in the 2004 draft, so he's a value pick here. He didn't play up to the level of his talent this past year, but he has great size (6-7, 310) and runs the 40 in the 5.2 range. If he can sustain a high intensity level, he could become a Pro Bowl tackle.
22. New York Jets -- Ty Warren, DT, Texas A&M
Warren is one of the many defensive tackles I expect to go in the first round of this draft. At 6-4½ and 307 pounds, he has outstanding weight-room strength and explosive up-field speed. He would be a great addition to the Jets' DT rotation.
23. Atlanta Falcons -- *Kelley Washington, WR, Tennessee
The Falcons need to upgrade their wide-receiver corps to complement QB Michael Vick. Washington didn't run at the combine and had injury problems in 2002. But if he checks out medically and runs well in his individual workouts, he would be a great pick here. He has good size (6-2½, 225) and displayed exceptional ability on the collegiate level.
24. Indianapolis Colts -- *Rien Long, DT, Washington State
Long was a little stiff in the combine drills, but you can't question his on-field performance in the Pac-10 this past season. He had 13 sacks on his way to the Outland Trophy. Colts coach Tony Dungy wants to continue to bolster his defense.
25. New York Giants -- Kenny Peterson, DT, Ohio State
This is an area of concern for the Giants, who struggled on the D-line late in the season after Keith Hamilton was injured. Peterson had an outstanding season and an excellent week at the Senior Bowl. He's versatile enough to play guard or tackle.
26. San Francisco 49ers -- *Dewayne White, DE, Louisville
In 2001, he was one of the the nation's best defensive players, but his performance suffered in '02 because of an ankle injury. When he was at full strength, he was a force off the edge. The Niners need a pass-rush threat opposite DE Andre Carter.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Mike Doss, S, Ohio State
Pittsburgh's secondary was torched in '02 by opposing quarterbacks. Doss is a team leader who's always in the right place at the right time. He's a tough, productive and instinctive performer.
28. Tennessee Titans -- George Foster, OT, Georgia
Foster probably would have been a top-15 pick if he hadn't missed some time early this past season after sustaining a wrist injury in an August car accident. A tough, fiery competitor, Foster could push for a starting job at guard or tackle early in his NFL career.
29. Green Bay Packers -- *Rex Grossman, QB, Florida
Grossman would be a great value pick here, making him the heir apparent to Brett Favre. He has a great arm plus confidence and other intangibles. He played behind a sub-par offensive line this past season at Florida and had little help at the receiver position besides Taylor Jacobs.
30. Philadelphia Eagles -- E.J. Henderson, LB, Maryland
Henderson would be an immediate factor, especially upgrading the run defense. The Eagles lost Jeremiah Trotter to free agency prior to the 2002 season, and Henderson would be an ideal middle linebacker.
31. Oakland Raiders -- *Wayne Hunter, OT, Hawaii
Had Hunter returned to Hawaii for his senior year, he could have been a top-10 pick in the 2004 draft. Gifted athletically at 6-5½ and 303 pounds, Hunter did 37 bench-press reps (at 225 pounds) and ran a 5.15 in the 40 while posting a 31-inch vertical leap. He excelled in Hawaii's run-and-shoot offense.
32. Oakland Raiders (from Tampa Bay) -- Kyle Boller, QB, Cal
The Raiders have backup QB Marques Tuiasosopo, but is he the heir apparent to veteran Rich Gannon? Tuiasosopo was drafted by the departed Jon Gruden, and some thought he was a reach in the second round anyway. Boller had an excellent senior year and a good combine, though I debated whether to go with Louisville QB Dave Ragone here. Ragone also had a strong combine and Senior Bowl week. But I'll go with Boller in a close call. Stay tuned.
