The New York Giants' 17-14 conquest of the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII discouraged the notion that the AFC is superior to the NFC, but those in sympathy with the NFC cannot welcome the order of this year's draft. AFC teams hold seven of the first nine selections. A look at the needs of NFC teams. (The teams are listed in the order in which they are to act in the first round.)
ST. LOUIS (NO. 2)
A team that concluded a 3-13 season as No. 24 in total offense and No. 21 in total defense clearly has sweeping needs. If Miami, choosing No. 1, does not reach for him, the Rams could opt for Michigan offensive tackle Jake Long. Orlando Pace is 32 and he has played just nine games in the past two years. The other Long, Chris, a defensive end, would be welcomed. Trading down is a possibility here.
ATLANTA (NO. 3)
In the NFL, teams have nothing when they do not have a quarterback. At the position, with Michael Vick incarcerated, the Falcons offer a Joey Harrington-Byron Leftwich-Chris Redman troika. That's nothing. Atlanta has to hope that Boston College quarterback Matt Ryan is still around on choice No. 3. One thing the Falcons do have: 11 selections. They need 'em.
NEW ORLEANS (NO. 10)
Deuce McAllister has suffered severe knee injuries in two of his past three seasons and Reggie Bush has not done it as an every-down running back. A runner with some dash would be useful. Even more, the Saints could use a defensive tackle who is strong and can move, somebody such as Sedrick Ellis of USC. The secondary also is flawed; it was hit last season for 15 plays of 40 yards or more.
CAROLINA (NO. 13)
Should they have an opportunity to move up to No. 7, say, where New England is positioned, the Panthers have been dropping hints that they would be interested. There is one proviso: Ryan would have to be available. Staying put, the franchise that engages the Chargers in Week 1 can be expected to address its lack of an assertive pass rush.
CHICAGO (NO. 14)
For the Bears to bring in another quarterback would not be shocking. After dealing Brian Griese to Tampa Bay, the team lists Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton at the position, which some would regard as alarming. Cedric Benson having flopped, a running back who can deliver some yards is necessary. Fortunately for the Bears, there is one in the neighborhood – Rashard Mendenhall of Illinois.
DETROIT (NO. 15)
Mike Martz having moved on to San Francisco, the Lions are preparing to get fundamental. Their defensive front must be reinforced, and not by just one guy, by at least a couple. A club planning to dote on the run also has a void there. Kevin Jones might miss the season's start and T.J. Duckett signed with Seattle. The Lions would be wise to enlist Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart.
ARIZONA (NO. 16)
If Chicago does not pick Mendenhall, the Cardinals almost certainly will. Edgerrin James is not what Ken Whisenhunt has in mind for his offense. The defense would be improved by a cornerback, Antrel Rolle having been switched to free safety. Some suspect Arizona is desirous of bringing in another quarterback to school behind Matt Leinart. Kurt Warner soon will be 37.
MINNESOTA (NO. 17)
The team that scored the coup of the 2007 draft when it landed Adrian Peterson would be pulling off another master stroke if it is able to pry Jared Allen from the Kansas City Chiefs. What a triumph that would be – to gain the man whose 15-½ sacks led the NFL a year ago. And a defensive end is just what this team wants. Its need at the position became more pressing when it was disclosed that Kenechi Udeze is battling leukemia. To get Allen, however, the Vikes would have to sacrifice a good deal of their draft.
PHILADELPHIA (NO. 19)
T.O. created a high standard in this town. Receivers who can do what Terrell Owens can don't come along frequently, but Philadelphians have been disappointed that the Eagles have not come up with one. Maybe this time. The draft offers some wideouts with good notices, with Devin Thomas of Michigan State and Limas Sweed of Texas being most attractive. If the Eagles have to move to add a receiver, they will. Traditionally, they have been one of the draft's most adventurous teams.
TAMPA BAY (NO. 20)
Another team that is shopping for a receiver. Tampa needs to get younger at the position. At quarterback, Jeff Garcia's career is in its final phase, Garcia having had his 38th birthday. Jon Gruden might be tempted to take Louisville's Brian Brohm should Brohm still be on the board. Gruden collects quarterbacks the way some people collect stamps; the last time anybody counted, he had five on his roster.
WASHINGTON (NO. 21)
After investing heavily in free agency and not getting much out of it, the Redskins are taking a different tack. They are looking to the draft. For the first time since 2002, they have first-, second-and third-round selections, plus a batch of others. Both their lines are aging, they lack size on the outside and the death of safety Sean Taylor removed perhaps their best player. One report has them interested in Chad Johnson, Cincinnati's discontented receiver.
DALLAS (NOS. 22, 28)
At first, Jerry Jones expressed a desire to acquire Arkansas running back Darren McFadden. A bit later, Jones said he no longer coveted McFadden. What to believe? When a team is positioned as the Cowboys are in the first round, just about anything is possible. Should they choose to exercise their choices rather than packaging them, the 'Boys have to have a place for a cornerback. They're thin there.
SEATTLE (NO. 25)
Shaun Alexander has gone in two seasons from one of the NFL's most decorated running backs to one whose career would seem in its final phase. He missed nine games because of injury in 2007 and the Seahawks finished No. 20 with the rush. Replacing him is a priority. So is improving at tight end, as well as locating an eventual replacement for stellar offensive tackle Walter Jones, who will be 34 when the season starts.
SAN FRANCISCO (NO. 29)
Footballs fly in a Mike Martz offense. They are not going to be flying far, however, unless the Niners can locate a speed receiver to fit into their new offensive coordinator's schemes. Isaac Bruce, who served Martz in St. Louis, has been brought in, but younger legs are required. The player most often associated with what San Francisco plans is DeSean Jackson of Cal. Jackson's 4.38 speed is what Martz has in mind.
GREEN BAY (NO. 30)
The draft is deep at cornerback. How fortunate for the Packers. One of their corners, Charles Woodson, is 31. The other, Al Harris, is 33. The club's offensive line isn't so young, either, although tackles Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher have some time left. Unless one counts Brett Favre, whose retirement might not be set in cement, the Pack does not offer a quarterback to support Aaron Rodgers. A late-round choice could supply one.
NEW YORK GIANTS (NO. 31)
NFL teams are terrible copycats. After a Super Bowl, teams tend to become the champion's clones, matching their tactics to the winner's and snatching away the victor's players. The Giants have lost safety Gibril Wilson and linebacker Kawika Mitchell in free agency. Look for the New Yorkers to act to reinforce these positions.
