Team-by-Team Capsules for Today’s NFL Draft

Team-by-team capsules for Sunday’s NFL draft, in order of selection:

1. Cincinnati (3-13)

1993 DRAFT: For once, they got three promising players -- DE John Copeland, No. 1; TE Tony McGee, No. 2; and LB Steve Tovar, No. 3. Their eighth rounder, Doug Pelfrey, became their kicker.

NEEDS: Offensive line, receivers, defensive backs. The signings of G Eric Moore and G Darrick Brilz and enigmatic DB Louis Oliver aren’t necessarily the answer.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: Not good. Mike Brown isn’t inclined to spend money, which means he’ll lag behind with free agents. David Klingler may be the quarterback of the future, but with no protection and few receivers, he has little opportunity to prove it.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: DT Dan Wilkinson, Ohio State, who provides local appeal and a push up front, perhaps QB Heath Shuler, Tennessee, if they decide Klingler is expendable.

2./7. Indianapolis (4-12)

1993 DRAFT: Pretty good, with three instant starters -- WR Sean Dawkins, RB Roosevelt Potts, and DB Ray Buchanan. Potts led the team in rushing and Buchanan led in interceptions.

NEEDS: Defensive line, particularly if Steve Emtman’s knees are still problems. Re-signing DE Jon Hand helped, but LB Duane Bickett was released to get under the salary cap.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: The Colts have cap trouble, but hiring Bill Tobin as the personnel man is a step in the right direction. So, probably, is disposing of QB Jeff George. Jim Harbaugh can hold the fort at quarterback until a younger replacement is developed.

LIKELY FIRST PICKS: Probably Shuler with the second overall pick -- he’s ahead of Trent Dilfer -- or they could go for RB Marshall Faulk, San Diego State. Would take Wilkinson if he’s there. The second choice will have to go for defense, perhaps CB Antonio Langham, Alabama; DE Sam Adams, Texas A&M; DT Bryant Young, Notre Dame; LB John Thierry, Alcorn State; or LB Trev Alberts, Nebraska.

3. Washington (4-12)

1993 DRAFT: CB Tom Carter, No. 1, and RB Reggie Brooks, No. 2, were both outstanding as rookies, a lot better than the ’92 pick, WR Desmond Howard, who has yet to show his potential. No. 6 FB Frank Wycheck was a pleasant surprise, but might not fit in new coach Norv Turner’s offense.

NEEDS: Offensive line, a long-term quarterback, younger legs at every position

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: The years of winning with old guys and short-term fill-ins have ended with the arrival of Turner, who wants a youth movement. Turner already has cut some tired defensive players to make room for LB Ken Harvey and QB Mark Rypien went to make room for one of the young quarterbacks.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: QB Trent Dilfer, Fresno State, unless Shuler is overlooked by the Colts or Bengals.

4. New England (5-11)

1993 DRAFT: The first two picks did well: QB Drew Bledsoe is a future star and LB Chris Slade was a good pass rusher. They are the first two building blocks for Bill Parcells, if he can keep them.

NEEDS: Wide receivers, defensive line. Linebackers to go with Slade and Vincent Brown.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: A lot will have to do with how much leeway new owner Robert Kraft gives Parcells. Four straight wins to end the season were nice, but may be illusory, and Parcells may have overpaid for free-agents Bob Kratch and Myron Guyton in his effort to wound his old employers in New York.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: Faulk may be the next RB Emmitt Smith and would allow the Pats to dump Leonard Russell and his salary. Newly signed Blair Thomas is a backup. Alberts or Thierry are possible if they trade down.

5. Rams (5-11)

1993 DRAFT: Jerome Bettis, the No. 1 pick, turned out to be just what Chuck Knox wanted, finishing second in the league with 1,429 rushing yards and making the Pro Bowl. TE Troy Drayton, the second pick, looked like a promising pass receiver.

NEEDS: Quarterback, offensive line, wide receivers, defensive backs.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: They have to hope that free-agent QB Chris Miller stays healthy for the first time in his career.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: CB Aaron Glenn, Texas A&M;, or Langham. OL Aaron Taylor, Notre Dame, or WR Johnnie Morton, Southern Cal, are possibilities in a downward deal. Also OT Bernard Williams, Georgia.

6. Tampa Bay (5-11)

1993 DRAFT: Decent, for once. DE Eric Curry was a productive first pick until getting hurt, and WR Horace Copeland, the fourth choice, was a legitimate deep threat, averaging 21.1 yards a catch. No. 6 DE Chidi Ahanotu was a starter, and the second pick, LB Demetrious DuBose, could be productive.

NEEDS: Offensive line, safety, running back and defensive line.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: About the best hope the Bucs have is the law of averages. Any team that’s lost in double digits for 11 straight seasons has to get better sometime. Maybe a 12th straight season of that is the answer; it could bring in Jimmy Johnson as coach.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: Faulk if he’s there (unlikely). Glenn, Taylor, Langham, Williams or Alberts.

8. Seattle (6-10)

1993 DRAFT: Taking QB Rick Mirer with the No. 1 pick was a no-brainer. The next no-brainer is getting Mirer signed to long-term deal. CB Carlton Gray, the No. 2, also showed promise.

NEEDS: Deep speed at wide receiver; defensive lineman to end double-teaming of Cortez Kennedy; upgrade on offensive line.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: If Mirer is signed, he and Kennedy provide offensive-defensive hubs that could turn Seahawks into playoff team. Signing of CB Nate Odomes helps, although free-agent trade involving T Howard Ballard and T Andy Heck may have been a wash at best.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: Adams; Taylor; Williams; Young, Thierry or Alberts, if he’s there.

9. Cleveland (7-9)

1993 DRAFT: C Steve Everitt, the first-round pick, became a starter immediately--a rarity--and could be a future All-Pro. DE Dan Footman, the No. 2, may develop but was a disappointment.

NEEDS: More offense. QB Vinny Testaverde remains a long-term question mark and there’s no deep speed on the outside except RB Eric Metcalf. Cornerback, linebacker.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: Uncertain. Bill Belichick has taken over everything and built a defense, but he hasn’t really gotten past mediocrity despite a long-term committment from sometimes trigger-happy owner Art Modell.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: DE-LB Willie McGinest, Southern Cal; WR Charles Johnson, Colorado; Alberts, Thierry, Morton, Langham or Glenn, if he’s there.

10. Arizona (7-9)

1993 DRAFT: RB Garrison Hearst, the top pick, injured a knee, but his replacement, fourth-rounder RB Ron Moore rushed for 1,018 yards. T Ernest Dye, the other first-round pick, had troubles but could develop.

NEEDS: Offensive line and secondary.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: Bill Bidwill seems inclined to let coach Buddy Ryan run the show, which means a winner, particularly since he’s reincarnating the Eagles in Phoenix. But how long before Ryan alienates Bidwill, as he’s done with every other owner he’s worked for?

LIKELY FIRST PICK: McGinest or Adamas because Ryan never has enough pass rushers; Williams, Langham, Glenn, Thierry, Alberts or Young.

11. Chicago (7-9)

1993 DRAFT: WR Curtis Conway, the top pick, developed slowly, although he still can become a legitimate deep threat.

NEEDS: The Bears have been active on the free-agent market, but still need help on offensive and defensive lines and perhaps at running back, where RB Tim Worley and RB Lewis Tillman may not be full-timers.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: Dave Wannstedt impressed a lot of people in his debut as the coach. That bodes well, but just as important is whether QB Erik Kramer develops.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: Taylor, McGinest, Adams, Williams, Johnson or Young.

4. New Orleans (8-8)

1993 DRAFT: Probably the NFL’s best -- OT William Roaf, already one of the best linemen in the league; TE Irv Brown, FB Lorenzo Neal and fourth-round RB Derek Brown. Neal was hurt after averaging more than 8 yards a carry in his first two games.

NEEDS: Quarterback; replacements for aging trio of LB Sam Mills, LB Rickey Jackson and LB Vaughn Johnson, who have been mainstays for nearly a decade; and help on defensive line.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: Jim Mora has more control and signing of WR Michael Haynes indicates a move away from the prevent offense Mora likes. But the aging defense needs shoring up. Organization is solid, but New Orleans fans are getting restless after mild success.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: Adams, Thierry, McGinest, LB Jamir Miller, UCLA, G Wayne Gandy, Auburn, Young, Johnson or Morton.

13. New York Jets (8-8)

1993 DRAFT: LB Marvin Jones was just coming into his own when he dislocated his hip. RB Adrian Murrell, a fifth-rounder, looked like a prospect in limited appearances.

NEEDS: Wide receivers, pass rushing linebacker or defensive end, young safeties and offensive line

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: Jets seem to be spinning around the .500 mark and below, changing coaches every few years and stigmatized as “second team” in New York behind the Giants.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: Morton, Johnson, Williams, Gandy, Miller or WR Derrick Alexander, Michigan.

14. Philadelphia (8-8)

1993 DRAFT: Had two No. 1 picks, and G Lester Holmes became a starter in the second half of the season, but DT Leonard Renfro had little immediate impact in defensive line. WR Victor Bailey, second-rounder, emerged as promising receiver and free agent RB Vaughn Hebron was pleasant surprise.

NEEDS: Defensive line, safeties, offensive line. Linebackers with departure of Seth Joyner.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: New owner Jeffrey Lurie may manage to check the mass defections by players unhappy with Norman Braman. Coach Rich Kotite did a remarkable job getting injury-riddled team to .500 last year, but that can’t last long.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: Gandy, Williams, Taylor, Morton, McGinest or Miller.

15./23. San Francisco (10-6)

1993 DRAFT: Two No. 1 picks: DT Dana Stubblefield, who was defensive rookie of the year and LB Todd Kelly, a disappointment. Best of the rest may have been seventh-rounder DE Troy Wilson.

NEEDS: Defensive linemen and linebackers -- of six defensive players taken 1-2 since 1990, only Stubblefield has produced; young offensive linemen for not-too-deep and aging unit.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: A 10-6 record and a loss in the NFC title game was viewed as disappointing. The defense needs rebuilding and the salary cap is hurting the 49ers, for years the NFL’s highest-spending team. Still, a team with 11 straight seasons of double-digit wins isn’t exactly hurting.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: LB Ken Norton cuts down need for linebacker. Gandy a possibility or could parlay two No. 1s to move up for a lineman. Adams fits mold of picks like DL Dennis Brown and DL Ted Washington. McGinest, T Todd Steussie, California; DT Brentson Buckner, Clemson; DB Thomas Randolph, Kansas State; DL Romeo Bandison, Oregon.

16. Miami (9-7)

1993 DRAFT: First pick KR-WR O.J. McDuffie was excellent return man and good receiver. RB Terry Kirby was a third-round steal.

NEEDS: Defensive backs, particularly if CB Troy Vincent doesn’t make it back from knee injury; linebackers.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: Wayne Huizenga, who just bought the team, left a bit of uncertainty about Don Shula’s future. With Jimmy Johnson available and the Dolphins his dream job, the uncertainty increases. But the future is safe in the hands of either one.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: LB Aubrey Beavers, Oklahoma, CB DeWayne Washington, North Carolina State, Gandy or Williams.

17. Pittsburgh (9-7)

1993 DRAFT: CB Deon Figures contributed as a nickel back and LB Chad Brown, the second pick, started.

NEEDS: Replacement for FB Merril Hoge, departed free agent; a speedy wide receiver.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: Bill Cowher has gotten the Steelers to the playoffs his first two years. Now the question is whether he becomes a Marty Schottenheimer-Jim Mora type who gets them there but rarely beyond.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: Johnson, Morton, WR David Palmer, Alabama, FB William Floyd, Florida State.

18./19. Minnesota (9-7).

1993 DRAFT: RB Robert Smith, the first pick, was a breakaway threat when healthy, which wasn’t often. Fifth-rounder T Everett Lindsay became an instant starter and improved as the season wore on.

NEEDS: Younger blood at wide receiver, running back depth, quarterback, and offensive and defensive linemen.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: Green, like Cowher, has had the team in the playoffs two straight seasons. He’s also taking more control in the front office. So far so good, but it’s time to move up a notch and two No. 1s can help.

LIKELY FIRST PICKS: Floyd, Palmer, Morton, Steussie, OT Tre Johnson, Temple, DT Tim Bowens, Mississippi. Trade up.

20. Green Bay (9-7)

1993 DRAFT: LB Wayne Simmons, the first first-rounder, was hurt but became a starter late. S George Teague, taken with the last pick, became a starter at midseason and was a plus. QB Mark Brunell, a fifth rounder, is a prospect but may leave as a free agent if he’s any good rather than stay behind QB Brett Favre.

NEEDS: Running back; wide receiver to take pressure off WR Sterling Sharpe; replacements for departed LB Tony Bennett and retired LB Brian Noble.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: Ron Wolf and Mike Holmgren have done a good rebuilding job and Holmgren of all the successful coaches from the class of ‘92, Holmgren looks like the one who could take his team beyond the opening couple of playoff rounds.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: RB Greg Hill, Texas A&M;, RB Mario Bates, Arizona State, Palmer, Morton or Alexander.

21. Detroit (10-6).

1993 DRAFT: CB Ryan McNeil, the first pick in the second round became a starter late in the season. The first pick went for LB Pat Swilling, who didn’t make the impact he made in New Orleans, but still helped.

NEEDS: Cornerback; more speed at wide receiver; pass-rusher, as always.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: Despite two division titles in three years and the signing of QB Scott Mitchell, there’s a question mark here. Wayne Fontes’ tenure as head coach remains shaky and absentee owner William Clay Ford sometimes steps in via general manager Chuck Schmidt to move pawns around. That’s not usually a long-term formula for success.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: Washington, Randolph, Alexander, Beavers or DE William Gaines, Florida.

22. Raiders (10-6)

1993 DRAFT: DB Patrick Bates, the top pick, was only a nickel back. But eighth-round RB Greg Robinson was an instant starter and free-agent WR James Jett was an instant deep threat.

NEEDS: Linebacker, running back depth, replacement DT Howie Long.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: Al Davis’ style worked last year, thanks to the addition of Jett and free-agent QB Jeff Hostetler and the emergence of WR Tim Brown. A team with real strengths, like the pass rush and deep passing but also real weaknesses like running back and linebacker.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: Hill, Bates, Floyd, Beavers, Bowens, Steussie, Tre Johnson; G Isaac Davis, Arkansas.

23. New York Giants (11-5)

1993 DRAFT: Top pick DE Mike Strahan, in the second round, was hurt in training camp, but remains a potential pass-rushing threat. LB Marcus Buckley (No. 3) and LB Jessie Armstead (No. 8) contributed, and the rookie free agent crop was good.

NEEDS: Pass rushers, defensive back and, as always, speed receivers.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: Organization remains one of the NFL’s most solid and Dan Reeves’ coaching got them back to playoffs. Had best free-agent class in league and skill in front office will probably keep them playoff team in era when personnel judgements are key.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: Beavers, Alexander, Randolph, Gaines, DE Henry Ford, Arkansas.

25. Kansas City (11-5)

1993 DRAFT: No pick until third round, but used it for G Will Shields, who became an instant starter and could be future Pro Bowler. LB Jaime Fields, No. 4, was also a contributor and will start this year.

NEEDS: Consistency at wide receiver, defensive backs and offensive linemen.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: He’s not the most popular guy among his peers, but GM Carl Peterson has done wonders in building team. Marty Schottenheimer has been to three AFC title games and in playoffs eight of his nine seasons, but is he a guy who can’t get over the hump?

LIKELY FIRST PICK: Washington, Randolph, Alexander, Scott, Steussie, Tre Johnson; S Jeff Burris, Notre Dame.

26. Houston (12-4)

1993 DRAFT: Brad Hopkins, the No. 1, became a starter at left tackle, the toughest place to play on the offensive line. No. 2, LB Micheal Barrow, contributed.

NEEDS: Young blood for the offensive line, receiving depth.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: Finishing the year with 11 straight wins wasn’t good enough for the Oilers, whose annual playoff swoon came in their first game -- and at home. This is a team weak at owner with a lot of aging talent that’s coming off a soap opera season. Losing Buddy Ryan won’t help -- despite his battle with offensive coordinator Kevin Gilbride, he made the defense a force.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: Steussie, Tre Johnson, Scott, Buckner, or Davis.

27. Buffalo (12-4)

1993 DRAFT: CB Thomas Smith, the third defensive back taken No. 1 in four years, began playing at end of season and will replace departed free agent CB Nate Odomes. No. 4 WR Russell Copeland looked like promising receiver.

NEEDS: Offensive linemen -- T Howard Ballard was second straight key starter to defect. Depth at wide receiver.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: Excellent personnel evaluation system picks up low-round gems every year. But salary cap has cost free agents and they’ll have to stop getting to Super Bowls some year.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: Steussie, Tre Johnson, Davis, OT Marcus Spears, NW Louisiana, or Ford.

28. Dallas (12-4)

1993 DRAFT: No No. 1, but WR-KR Kevin Williams, the first No. 2, was a return man dangerous to both the Cowboys and opponents, and could be a third wide receiver. The other No. 2, OLB Darrin Smith, was outstanding.

NEEDS: More defensive line depth. developmental offensive linemen, solid backup for RB Emmitt Smith.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: Not as good as they seemed with Jimmy Johnson. Jerry Jones’ ego is turning the Cowboys into a team weak at the crucial owner position, and the coaching staff, other than Barry Switzer, is likely to surface with Johnson a year from now.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: Buckner, Davis, Steussie, Tre Johnson, Spears, Bates, Ford, or DE Joe Johnson, Louisville.

36. Atlanta (7-9)

1993 DRAFT: OT Lincoln Kennedy, the No. 1, had weight problems, but started late in the year. The rest of the picks were more suspect than prospect.

NEEDS: Defensive size; depth at wide receiver because of run-and-shoot-offense.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: Picking June Jones as coach means more of the run-and-shoot, which few NFL people think is a championship offense. Falcons have some talent and a fairly solid offense if QB Jeff George comes through, but you still have to stop the other guys to win.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: Hard to project. Perhaps a big offensive lineman like Buckner or Bandison. No. 1 went in the trade for George.

42. San Diego (8-8)

1993 DRAFT: First two picks, CB Darrien Gordon and RB Natrone Means were both excellent, although Chargers gave up this year’s No. 1 to get Means on second round.

NEEDS: Wide receiver speed now that WR Anthony Miller has gone to Denver; depth for defensive line.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: Iffy. Owner Alex Spanos is not one to give free rein to a GM and Bobby Beathard may not last too much longer. Too bad. Despite backslide last year, the Chargers seemed to be making progress.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: Too late to predict.

50. Denver (9-7).

1993 DRAFT: Dan Williams the top pick, played reasonably well but injured his knee at the end of the season; K Jason Elam, No. 4, may last two decades; RB Glyn Milburn, No. 2, was the kind of third down receiver-running back every team needs.

NEEDS: Cornerbacks: Raiders exploited an obvious weakness in three wins; offensive line help despite signings and trades from last year; wide receiver, although Miller is a valuable addition.

LONG-TERM PROSPECTS: A well-run team that will remain a contender until QB John Elway loses it.

LIKELY FIRST PICK: Too late to predict.