2004 NFL DRAFT ANALYSIS

Fitzgerald is a natural fit for the Cardinals, who needed another top-notch receiver now that they’ve moved Anquan Boldin to flanker. Boldin, who set an NFL rookie record last season with 101 catches, figures to draw fewer double teams in his new role -- particularly with the addition of Fitzgerald, maybe the best hands to come out of the draft since Randy Moss. Although the Cardinals could have used another cornerback to try to stop pass-happy conference opponents, they did land a rangy linebacker in Dansby and a good defensive tackle in Dockett, whose stock dropped mostly because he has a reputation for being hard to get along with.

*--* ARIZONA 1 (3) LARRY FITZGERALD WR Pittsburgh 2 (33) KARLOS DANSBY LB Auburn 3 (64) DARNELL DOCKETT DT Florida State 4 (100) ALEX STEPANOVICH C Ohio State 5 (135) ANTONIO SMITH DE Oklahoma State 6 (167) NICK LECKEY G Kansas State 7 (202) JOHN NAVARRE QB Michigan

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*--* ATLANTA 1 (8) DeANGELO HALL DB Virginia Tech 1 (29) MICHAEL JENKINS WR Ohio State 3 (90) MATT SCHAUB QB Virginia 4 (101) DEMORRIO WILLIAMS LB Nebraska 5 (142) CHAD LAVALAIS DT LSU 6 (186) ETRIC PRUITT DB S. Mississippi 7 (219) QUINCY WILSON RB West Virginia

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Most people around the league are keeping a keen eye on how new General Manager Rich McKay and first-year Coach Jim Mora are planning to build the Falcons. It starts with defense, Mora’s specialty, and the Falcons were last in the league in that department in 2003. Hall is an outstanding cornerback who’s also a return man and can even line up at receiver. When the Falcons release Tyrone Williams after June 1, a mere formality, they will have let go of the third cornerback who started for them last season. The Falcons also used a fairly high pick on Jenkins, despite already adding Dez White to Michael Vick’s arsenal.

*--* BALTIMORE 2 (51) DWAN EDWARDS DT Oregon State 3 (82) DEVARD DARLING WR Washington State 5 (153) RODERICK GREEN LB C. Missouri State 6 (187) JOSH HARRIS QB Bowling Green 6 (199) CLARENCE MOORE WR Northern Arizona 7 (244) DEREK ABNEY WR Kentucky 7 (246) BRIAN RIMPF OT East Carolina

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Funny twist: To get quarterback Kyle Boller in the first round last year, the Ravens traded away this year’s first-round pick. Now, in a year when a record seven receivers were taken in the first round, Baltimore was not in position to get a standout pass-catcher for Boller by way of the draft. The addition of Darling should help. He’s a good route-runner with decent speed who can make acrobatic catches but is said to have problems shaking defenders. On Sunday, the Ravens traded their fourth-round pick to Jacksonville in exchange for established receiver Kevin Johnson. The Ravens’ first pick Edwards blossomed as a senior but needs to work on his strength. He should be a good project for Ray Lewis.

*--* BUFFALO 1 (13) LEE EVANS WR Wisconsin 1 (22) J.P. LOSMAN QB Tulane 3 (74) TIM ANDERSON DT Ohio State 4 (109) TIM EUHUS TE Oregon State 7 (207) DYLAN McFARLAND OT Montana 7 (214) JONATHAN SMITH WR Washington State

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From the franchise that rolled the dice in the first round on injured Miami running back Willis McGahee last year comes two more first-round reaches on offense: Evans and Losman. The Bills need all the help they can get on offense; six times last season they failed to score an offensive touchdown in a game. The addition of Losman signals that the end of the Drew Bledsoe era could be drawing near. Bledsoe is coming off a bad season, and he’s due a $7-million bonus in November. Buffalo really needed a defensive end, but getting a defensive tackle could salve the sting of losing Oliver Gibson.

*--* CAROLINA 1 (28) CHRIS GAMBLE DB Ohio State 2 (62) KEARY COLBERT WR USC 3 (94) TRAVELLE WHARTON OT South Carolina 5 (163) DREW CARTER WR Ohio State 6 (196) SEAN TUFTS LB Colorado 7 (232) MICHAEL GAINES TE Central Florida

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Because they’re bumping against the salary cap -- the Panthers didn’t have the luxury of trading up in this draft. They did get a good receiver in Colbert, one who was overshadowed by USC teammate Mike Williams and runs very precise routes. Steve Smith runs beautiful patterns and can help further develop Colbert’s game, as can aging teammates Ricky Proehl and Muhsin Muhammad. The loss of Todd Steussie increased the need for a tackle; Wharton is a good pass-blocker who might move to guard.

*--* CHICAGO 1 (14) TOMMIE HARRIS DT Oklahoma 2 (47) TERRY JOHNSON DT Washington 3 (78) BERNARD BERRIAN WR Fresno State 4 (110) NATHAN VASHER DB Texas 4 (112) LEON JOE LB Maryland 5 (147) CLAUDE HARRIOTT DE Pittsburgh 5 (148) CRAIG KRENZEL QB Ohio State 7 (215) ALFONSO MARSHALL DB Miami

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The Bears’ No. 1 priority was to get a top-notch defensive tackle, a penetrator who could disrupt an offense and stuff the run. They got Harris, their top-rated player at the position. They didn’t think he’d be around for them at No. 14; Jerry Angelo turned down three offers to trade the pick. Harris is smallish for his position but strong enough to toss blockers to the turf. He did a little dance when he was picked, and it was obvious he’s happy about being a modern-day Midway monster. The Bears got another defensive tackle in Johnson and a speedy receiver in Berrian.

*--* CINCINNATI 1 (26) CHRIS PERRY RB Michigan 2 (49) KEIWAN RATLIFF DB Florida 2 (56) MADIEU WILLIAMS DB Maryland 3 (80) CALEB MILLER LB Arkansas 3 (96) LANDON JOHNSON LB Purdue 4 (114) MATTHIAS ALLEN DT Michigan State 4 (117) ROBERT GEATHERS DE Georgia 4 (123) STACY ANDREWS OT Mississippi 5 (149) MAURICE MANN WR Nevada 6 (183) GREG BROOKS DB S. Mississippi 7 (218) CASEY BRAMLET QB Wyoming

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The Bengals are going to look a lot different without Corey Dillon, traded to New England, even though Dillon wasn’t a huge factor last season. Perry is a good inside runner who might lack the speed to get around the corner; he should complement Rudi Johnson well. Even though the Bengals got Deltha O’Neal in a trade with Denver, they need depth at cornerback and they got that through the draft. Whether they got a starting linebacker is another question.

*--* CLEVELAND 1 (6) KELLEN WINSLOW TE Miami 2 (59) SEAN JONES DB Georgia 4 (106) LUKE McCOWN QB Louisiana Tech 5 (161) AMON GORDON DT Stanford 6 (176) KIRK CHAMBERS OT Stanford 7 (208) ADIMCHINOBE ECHEMANDU RB California

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The Browns wanted Robert Gallery -- didn’t everyone? -- but they’re very happy to get Winslow, whom Butch Davis helped recruit to Miami. Winslow is a nice gift for Jeff Garcia. The Browns haven’t had a reliable left tackle since the franchise was re-formed in 1999, so losing the chance to get Gallery smarts. Defensive back is an area of need, so Jones is a logical selection. He was the second-best safety in the draft, is an outstanding run-stopper and is improving in his coverage skills.

*--* DALLAS 2 (43) JULIUS JONES RB Notre Dame 2 (52) JACOB ROGERS OT USC 3 (83) STEPHEN PETERMAN G LSU 4 (121) BRUCE THORNTON DB Georgia 5 (144) SEAN RYAN TE Boston College 7 (205) NATHAN JONES DB Rutgers 7 (216) PATRICK CRAYTON WR NW Oklahoma 7 (223) JACQUES REEVES DB Purdue

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Even though they traded their top pick, the Cowboys were still able to address their need for help on the offensive line and at running back. Jones rushed for 1,268 yards and 10 touchdowns as a senior, and he gives Bill Parcells a back who can help control the clock and take some pressure off quarterback Quincy Carter. Rogers should step in immediately as the starter at right tackle. Peterman gives Dallas some leverage when dealing with disgruntled left guard Larry Allen, who has been on the trading block. Trading out of the first round was smart of the Cowboys. They got the 2005 first-round selection from Buffalo, giving the Cowboys two first-round picks next season.

*--* DENVER 1 (17) D.J. WILLIAMS LB Miami 2 (41) TATUM BELL RB Oklahoma State 2 (54) DARIUS WATTS WR Marshall 3 (85) JEREMY LESUEUR DB Michigan 5 (152) JEFF SHOATE DB San Diego State 6 (171) TRIANDOS LUKE WR Alabama 6 (190) JOSH SEWELL C Nebraska 7 (225) MATT MAUCK QB LSU 7 (247) BRANDON MIREE RB Pittsburgh 7 (250) BRADLEE VAN PELT QB Colorado State

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The Broncos’ inability to re-sign Ian Gold, and the questionable health of John Mobley, who has yet to be cleared by doctors after a spinal-cord injury, makes linebacker a position of serious need. So it was only slightly surprising Denver passed on Oregon State running back Steven Jackson to grab Williams, a guy John Madden once said could have made the jump from high school to the pros. Bell was the fastest and strongest back at the combine. Watts is a bit of a reach for the second round, but evidently fits in the Broncos post-Ed McCaffrey plans.

*--* DETROIT 1 (7) ROY WILLIAMS WR Texas 1 (30) KEVIN JONES RB Virginia Tech 2 (37) TEDDY LEHMAN LB Oklahoma 3 (73) KEITH SMITH DB McNeese State 5 (140) ALEX LEWIS LB Wisconsin 6 (172) KELLY BUTLER OT Purdue

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The Lions got Charles Rogers with the second pick a year ago, and gave Joey Harrington a bookend burner Saturday by landing Williams in the first round. Williams set school records with 241 receptions for 3,866 yards and 36 touchdowns. He had 17 100-yard receiving games. The Lions had the league’s least-productive ground game last season, averaging fewer than 84 yards per game. That’s where Jones comes in. He didn’t blow away scouts with his workout, but he has a knack for turning little plays into big ones with his open-field running. Jones is the first running back taken by Detroit in the opening round since Barry Sanders in 1989.

*--* GREEN BAY 1 (25) AHMAD CARROLL DB Arkansas 3 (70) JOEY THOMAS DB Montana State 3 (72) DONNELL WASHINGTON DT Clemson 3 (87) BJ SANDER P Ohio State 6 (179) COREY WILLIAMS DT Arkansas State 7 (251) SCOTT WELLS C Tennessee

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The Packers are hurting in the secondary, and that was the case even before Mike McKenzie asked to be traded. So, they used their first two picks on cornerbacks. Carroll is a shorter player but has blistering speed, and Thomas showed a lot of promise in college but it remains to be seen if he can make the tremendous leap from a small school to the NFL. The Packers also needed an edge-rushing defensive end who could give Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila a spell. “KGB” might be the hardest-working man in football -- he was on the field for 87% of the defensive snaps last season, too much for his lighter build.

*--* HOUSTON 1 (10) DUNTA ROBINSON DB South Carolina 2 (27) JASON BABIN LB W. Michigan 4 (122) GLENN EARL DB Notre Dame 6 (170) VONTEZ DUFF DB Notre Dame 6 (175) JAMMAL LORD DB Nebraska 6 (200) CHARLIE ANDERSON LB Mississippi 7 (210) RAHEEM ORR LB Rutgers 7 (211) SLOAN THOMAS WR Texas 7 (248) B.J. SYMONS QB Texas Tech

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The Texans gave up an awful lot to division-rival Tennessee just to move up and get Babin, a third-rounder on some people’s boards. General Manager Charley Casserly is a man with a plan, though, and he obviously sees something special in Babin. The Texans didn’t have much luck upgrading their linebackers through free agency, and Babin could leave every other team saying, “How’d we miss this guy?”

*--* INDIANAPOLIS 2 (44) BOB SANDERS DB Iowa 3 (68) BEN HARTSOCK TE Ohio State 3 (69) GILBERT GARDNER LB Purdue 4 (107) KENDYLL POPE LB Florida State 4 (125) JASON DAVID DB Washington State 5 (141) JAKE SCOTT OT Idaho 6 (173) VON HUTCHINS DB Mississippi 6 (193) JIM SORGI QB Wisconsin 7 (229) DAVE KIMBALL PK Penn State

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The Colts needed someone who can at least compete for a starting job. Evidently, the club is waiting until after June 1 to see who gets cut loose, because it didn’t take a corner early. Instead, they took a safety in Sanders, who is tough and fast but short (5-8). The Colts used a high pick on Dallas Clark last year, and they weren’t hurting for a tight end, so they must think a lot of Hartsock.

*--* JACKSONVILLE 1 (9) REGGIE WILLIAMS WR Washington 2 (39) DARYL SMITH LB Georgia Tech 2 (55) GREG JONES RB Florida State 3 (86) JORGE CORDOVA LB Nevada 4 (118) ANTHONY MADDOX DT Delta State 4 (120) ERNEST WILFORD WR Virginia Tech 5 (137) JOSH SCOBEE PK Louisiana Tech 5 (150) CHRIS THOMPSON DB Nicholls State 5 (159) SEAN BUBIN OT Illinois 7 (249) BOBBY MCCRAY DE Florida

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Williams gives Byron Leftwich a playmaking target to get the passing game going. A lot of people expected Jacksonville to use its first pick on USC’s Kenechi Udeze, but the Jaguars got nervous about Udeze’s lingering shoulder troubles. They’re hoping to get a starter at linebacker out of Smith and Cordova.

*--* KANSAS CITY 2 (36) JUNIOR SIAVII DT Oregon 2 (61) KRIS WILSON TE Pittsburgh 3 (93) KEYARON FOX LB Georgia Tech 4 (105) SAMIE PARKER WR Oregon 4 (126) JARED ALLEN DE Idaho State 6 (195) JERIS McINTYRE WR Auburn 7 (231) KEVIN SAMPSON DT Syracuse

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The Chiefs tipped their hand before the draft when folks learned that seven of the 19 college players invited to workout at Arrowhead Stadium were defensive tackles. So it was no surprise Kansas City snapped up Siavii one pick after the Chargers took Olshansky, his Oregon teammate. Apparently, the Chiefs viewed Wilson as the best player remaining on their board, because they weren’t in dire need of a tight end. They do need run-stuffers for their defense, though, and Fox fits that mold.

*--* MIAMI 1 (19) VERNON CAREY OT Miami 4 (102) WILL POOLE DB USC 5 (160) TONY BUA LB Arkansas 6 (174) REX HADNOT G Houston 7 (221) TONY PAPE OT Michigan 7 (222) DERRICK POPE LB Alabama

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Few teams would have benefited more by getting a good receiver than the Dolphins, who are sorely lacking depth at the position. Yes, Miami acquired David Boston this off-season and still has Chris Chambers, but the Dolphins also lost James McKnight and so they don’t have much margin for error. They needed a tackle and they got one from their back yard in Carey.

*--* MINNESOTA 1 (20) KENECHI UDEZE DE USC 2 (48) DONTARRIOUS THOMAS LB Auburn 3 (88) DARRION SCOTT DE Ohio State 4 (115) NAT DORSEY OT Georgia Tech 4 (119) MEWELDE MOORE RB Tulane 5 (155) ROD DAVIS LB S. Mississippi 6 (184) DEANDRE EILAND DB South Carolina 7 (220) JEFF DUGAN TE Maryland

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The Vikings are coming off a solid 2003 draft in which all seven picks made the team and all contributed. Udeze figures to be an outstanding choice and a true playmaker who fills an area of dire need. The Vikings wanted a defensive end even before left-end starter Kenny Mixon faced a multiple-game suspension as a result of a DWI arrest. Linebacker, too, is an area of need -- as it always seems to be with the Vikings -- and Thomas is a proven run-stuffer who could improve his pass-rushing skills.

*--* NEW ENGLAND 1 (21) VINCE WILFORK DT Miami 1 (32) BEN WATSON TE Georgia 2 (63) MARQUISE HILL DE LSU 3 (95) GUSS SCOTT DB Florida 4 (113) DEXTER REID DB North Carolina 4 (128) CEDRIC COBBS RB Arkansas 5 (164) P.K. SAM WR Florida State 7 (233) CHRISTIAN MORTON DB Illinois

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The rich get richer. The Patriots feel as if they got a steal in landing Wilfork a lot lower than many people expected he would go. New England needs help at nose tackle after losing Ted Washington, and Keith Traylor has never played the position, so to get a wide-body such as Wilfork is critical. Watson has the feel of a luxury pick. Scott provides some much needed depth at safety. Defensive backfield could be an Achilles’ heel for the Patriots this season.

*--* NEW ORLEANS 1 (18) WILL SMITH DE Ohio State 2 (50) DEVERY HENDERSON WR LSU 2 (60) COURTNEY WATSON LB Notre Dame 5 (139) RODNEY LEISLE DT UCLA 5 (156) MIKE KARNEY RB Arizona State 7 (240) COLBY BOCKWOLDT LB Brigham Young

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The Saints didn’t want to miss out on a strong receiver class, even though they have more pressing needs on defense. In Henderson, they found a good one who will only add to a corps that includes Joe Horn and Donte’ Stallworth. First pick Smith is a bit faster than USC’s Udeze but not as physical. The Saints haven’t had an outstanding linebacker since Coach Jim Haslett took over in 2000, but Watson could be the first.

*--* NEW YORK GIANTS 1 (4) PHILIP RIVERS* QB NC State 2 (34) CHRIS SNEE G Boston College 4 (97) REGGIE TORBOR LB Auburn 5 (136) GIBRIL WILSON DB Tennessee 6 (168) JAMAAR TAYLOR WR Texas A&M; 7 (203) DREW STROJNY OT Duke 7 (253) ISAAC HILTON DE Hampton *traded to San Diego

*--*

The Giants got the franchise quarterback General Manager Ernie Accorsi has always craved. And, boy, did they pay for him. If Manning pans out, of course, the Giants will never regret giving up their first- and fifth-round selections next season. But if Manning is a bust -- or even only decent -- that’s a high price to pay. Taking Manning allows the Giants to release Kerry Collins, which they probably will do, and gives a team coming off a 4-12 record a fresh start against an improved NFC East. The daughter of Giant Coach Tom Coughlin and the team’s second selection, Chris Snee, have a son together. Coughlin called his daughter’s relationship with Snee and the drafting of the guard “separate issues.”

*--* NEW YORK JETS 1 (12) JONATHAN VILMA LB Miami 3 (76) DERRICK STRAIT DB Oklahoma 4 (108) JERRICHO COTCHERY WR NC State 4 (132) ADRIAN JONES OT Kansas 5 (143) ERIK COLEMAN DB Washington State 6 (178) MARKO CAVKA OT Sacramento State 7 (213) DARRELL MCCLOVER LB Miami 7 (234) TREVOR JOHNSON DE Nebraska 7 (235) DERRICK WARD RB Ottawa 7 (236) RASHAD WASHINGTON DB Kansas State

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The Jets haven’t made a habit of building through the draft under Coach Herman Edwards. That trend looks as if it will continue. Vilma should be a help, though, for a defense that gave up 143.4 yards rushing a game last season, 28th in the league. Strait adds depth right away and, who knows, could move into the starting lineup at cornerback considering Donnie Abraham and Ray Mickens are getting pretty old.

*--* OAKLAND 1 (2) ROBERT GALLERY OT Iowa 2 (45) JAKE GROVE C Virginia Tech 3 (67) STUART SCHWEIGERT DB Purdue 4 (99) CARLOS FRANCIS WR Texas Tech 5 (134) JOHNNIE MORANT WR Syracuse 6 (166) SHAWN JOHNSON DE Delaware 6 (182) CODY SPENCER LB North Texas 7 (245) COURTNEY ANDERSON TE San Jose State 7 (255) ANDRE SOMMERSELL LB Colorado State

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A lot of scouts look at Gallery as a “sure-thing” pick, or at least the closest thing to it in this draft class. He’s a converted tight end with nimble feet, great speed and spectacular size. The Raiders need help at both tackle spots, with right tackle Lincoln Kennedy retiring and left tackle Barry Sims -- who will almost certainly be replaced by Gallery -- coming off two shaky seasons. Picking Grove reinforces the notion Oakland can’t rely on Barret Robbins. Al Davis likes to build his franchise around offensive linemen and defensive backs, so it’s only natural the Raiders would reach for a DB on the first day even though they already have spent a lot on free-agent corners Ray Buchanan, Ike Charlton and Denard Walker.

*--* PHILADELPHIA 1 (16) SHAWN ANDREWS OT Arkansas 3 (89) MATT WARE DB UCLA 4 (129) J.R. REED DB South Florida 4 (131) TREY DARILEK OT Texas-El Paso 5 (162) THOMAS TAPEH RB Minnesota 6 (185) ANDY HALL QB Delaware 6 (192) DEXTER WINN DB Colorado State 7 (227) ADRIEN CLARKE G Ohio State 7 (242) BRUCE PERRY RB Maryland 7 (243) DOMINIC FURIO C UNLV

*--*

The Eagles took a calculated risk in drafting Andrews, who has battled weight problems and at times has tipped the scales at more than 400 pounds. Strengthening the interior of the offensive line has been a top priority for the Eagles after they gave up 43 sacks in the regular season, tied for the fourth most in the league, and gave up 13 more in two playoff games. Ware is three inches taller than the Eagles’ two projected cornerback starters, Sheldon Brown and Lito Sheppard. On Sunday, the Eagles dealt outspoken guard John Welbourn to Kansas City for a pair of selections.

*--* PITTSBURGH 1 (11) BEN ROETHLISBERGER QB Miami (Ohio) 2 (38) RICARDO COLCLOUGH DB Tusculum 3 (75) MAX STARKS T Florida 5 (145) NATHANIEL ADIBI LB Virginia Tech 6 (177) BO LACEY OT Arkansas 6 (194) MATT KRANCHICK TE Penn State 6 (197) DREW CAYLOR C Stanford 7 (212) ERIC TAYLOR DT Memphis

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The Steelers sent signals early that they preferred Philip Rivers, but insiders say they actually wanted Roethlisberger, whom they consider a better prospect. Roethlisberger is huge, has a powerful arm and should be able to overcome the fact he didn’t come from a huge school. Pittsburgh hasn’t had a shutdown corner since the mid-1990s, when Willie Williams and Rod Woodson roamed the backfield. Did they get one in Colclough? It’s a longshot. He has OK speed and can double as a punt returner. Starks could fill a need at right tackle.

*--* ST. LOUIS 1 (24) STEVEN JACKSON RB Oregon State 3 (91) TONY HARGROVE DE Georgia Tech 4 (130) BRANDON CHILLAR LB UCLA 5 (158) JASON SHIVERS DB Arizona State 6 (201) JEFF SMOKER QB Michigan State 7 (237) ERIC JENSEN TE Iowa 7 (238) LARRY TURNER C E. Kentucky

*--*

Yes, the Rams return 21 of 22 starters from a team that finished 12-4 last season. But St. Louis is loaded with older players, especially on the interior of the offensive line, and at safety and running back. It’s surprising the Rams were able to get Jackson as low as they did, and he should benefit greatly from playing behind Marshall Faulk. The Rams lost Grant Wistrom, a fixture on their defensive line. Hargrove can compete for a starting job and possibly fill that void.

*--* SAN DIEGO 1 (1) ELI MANNING* QB Mississippi 2 (35) IGOR OLSHANSKY DT Oregon 3 (65) NATE KAEDING PK Iowa 3 (66) NICK HARDWICK C Purdue 4 (98) SHAUN PHILLIPS LB Purdue 5 (133) DAVE BALL DE UCLA 5 (154) MICHAEL TURNER RB Northern Illinois 6 (169) RYAN KRAUSE TE Neb.-Omaha 7 (204) RYON BINGHAM DT Nebraska 7 (209) SHANE OLIVEA OT Ohio State 7 (254) CARLOS JOSEPH OT Miami *traded to N.Y. Giants

*--*

The Chargers not only escaped the Eli Manning debacle intact, but in better shape than they could have hoped. The got a king’s ransom for trading the Mississippi quarterback to the Giants, and maybe even a quarterback they wanted more in Rivers. Defensive tackle Olshansky was a first-rounder on a lot of people’s draft boards. The addition of Hardwick helps upgrade one of the weakest offensive lines in the league, and, although it’s unusual for a kicker to go on the first day, the Chargers had enough picks to splurge a little.

*--* SAN FRANCISCO 1 (31) RASHAUN WOODS WR Oklahoma State 2 (46) JUSTIN SMILEY G Alabama 2 (58) SHAWNTAE SPENCER DB Pittsburgh 3 (77) DERRICK HAMILTON WR Clemson 4 (104) ISAAC SOPOAGA DT Hawaii 4 (127) RICHARD SEIGLER LB Oregon State 6 (188) ANDY LEE P Pittsburgh 6 (198) KEITH LEWIS DB Oregon 7 (217) CODY PICKETT QB Washington 7 (226) CHRISTIAN FERRARA DT Syracuse

*--*

The 49ers are starting fresh with quarterback Tim Rattay and want to give him some capable receivers now that last season’s starters, Terrell Owens and Tai Streets, are on other teams. Woods was the best possession receiver in the draft, and, although he doesn’t have blistering speed, he’s a good jump-ball receiver a la J.J. Stokes. Hamilton is a big receiver who should be good in the slot and can also return punts. In Smiley, the 49ers landed the best run-blocking guard in the draft, and Spencer is a developing talent at cornerback who got a lot better by practicing against Larry Fitzgerald at Pitt.

*--* SEATTLE 1 (23) MARCUS TUBBS DT Texas 2 (53) MICHAEL BOULWARE LB Florida State 3 (84) SEAN LOCKLEAR G NC State 4 (116) NIKO KOUTOUVIDES DB Purdue 5 (157) D.J. HACKETT WR Colorado 6 (189) CRAIG TERRILL DT Purdue 7 (224) DONNIE JONES P LSU

*--*

Tubbs, a cousin of former 49er Pro Bowl linebacker Winfred Tubbs, is amazingly quick for such a big man. Boulware was slightly undersized as a linebacker in college and is switching to safety, where he figures to compete for the job on the strong side opposite last year’s second-round pick, Ken Hamlin. Locklear is a converted defensive tackle still raw on the offensive line.

*--* TAMPA BAY 1 (15) MICHAEL CLAYTON WR LSU 3 (79) MARQUIS COOPER LB Washington 4 (111) WILL ALLEN DB Ohio State 5 (146) JEB TERRY G North Carolina 6 (181) NATE LAWRIE TE Yale 7 (206) MARK JONES WR Tennessee 7 (228) CASEY CRAMER RB Dartmouth 7 (252) LENNY WILLIAMS DB Southern U

*--*

No team had an exodus of star players that was quite so dramatic as Tampa Bay’s. The Buccaneers will take the field next season without Keyshawn Johnson, Warren Sapp, John Lynch, Thomas Jones and others. The team still has linebackers Derrick Brooks and Shelton Quarles, though, and they should be good tutors for Cooper, a lesser known player who caught the eye of Coach Jon Gruden and new General Manager Bruce Allen.

*--* TENNESSEE 2 (40) BEN TROUPE TE Florida 2 (42) TRAVIS LABOY DE Hawaii 2 (57) ANTWAN ODOM DE Alabama 3 (71) RANDY STARKS DT Maryland 3 (92) RICH GARDNER DB Penn State 4 (103) BO SCHOBEL DE TCU 4 (124) MICHAEL WADDELL DB North Carolina 5 (138) JACOB BELL OT Miami (Ohio) 5 (165) ROBERT REYNOLDS LB Ohio State 6 (191) TROY FLEMING RB Tennessee 7 (230) JARED CLAUSS DT Iowa 7 (239) EUGENE AMANNO C SE Missouri 7 (241) SEAN McHUGH RB Penn State

*--*

The Titans took only defensive players in the first three rounds and are hoping to get a starter (or two) at defensive end out of their first two selections. They’d better, because they lost Jevon Kearse and Robaire Smith, and Kevin Carter is more effective at tackle than end. It’s slightly surprising that Tennessee didn’t pick one of the elite running backs, considering Eddie George’s best days are disappearing.

*--* WASHINGTON 1 (5) SEAN TAYLOR S Miami 3 (81) CHRIS COOLEY TE Utah State 5 (151) MARK WILSON OT California 6 (180) JIM MOLINARO OT Notre Dame

*--*

The Redskins consider Taylor a safety who plays with the athleticism and speed of a corner. Cooley isn’t as polished as Kellen Winslow, but led the nation last season in receptions by a tight end and could be a good H-back for Joe Gibbs’ system. Wilson should be able to be a backup at one or more positions next season. Molinaro is an interesting pick. He was a defensive tackle at Notre Dame who only switched to offense late in his junior season.