NFL Draft Preview Capsules

AFC East

* Areas of need: ILB, WR, CB, OLB, G.

*--* NEW ENGLAND (14-2)

*--*

* Hello: Tim Dwight, WR/KR (SD); David Terrell, WR (CHI), Duane Starks, CB (AZ).

* Goodbye: Joe Andruzzi, G (CLE); Troy Brown, WR/DB; Wilbert Brown, OG; Zeron Flemister, TE; Ty Law, CB; Earthwind Moreland, CB; David Patten, WR (WAS); Roman Phifer, LB; Buck Rasmussen, DL.

* Strategy: The Patriots are unpredictable when it comes to drafting players, and not just because they have the 32nd selection in the first round. They love versatility -- a cornerback who can also play safety, a defensive lineman who can catch passes, a linebacker who doubles as a fullback -- a hallmark of a Bill Belichick-coached team. With Tedi Bruschi’s status uncertain and Phifer gone, their most pressing need is at linebacker. But don’t bet that they’ll pick one in the first round.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: LB Channing Crowder (Florida), Kevin Burnett (Tennessee), Darryl Blackstock (Virginia); WR Roddy White (Oklahoma); S Brodney Pool (Oklahoma).

*--* N.Y. JETS (10-6)

*--*

* Areas of need: CB, TE, T, DT, FS.

* Hello: Doug Jolley, TE (OAK); Derrick Blaylock, RB (KC); Jay Fiedler, QB (MIA); Barry Gardner, LB (CLE); Lance Legree, DE (NYG).

* Goodbye: Anthony Becht, TE (TB); Sam Cowart, LB (MIN); Jason Ferguson, DT (DAL); Toby Gowin, P (ATL); LaMont Jordan, RB (OAK); Kareem McKenzie, OT (NYG); Santana Moss, WR (WAS).

* Strategy: The Jets don’t have a first-round pick, having traded it to Oakland, so they will probably focus on defense. They need a cover corner, and there are plenty of them in this draft. They addressed their need for a tight end by getting Jolley from the Raiders.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: CB Carlos Rogers (Auburn), Fabian Washington (Nebraska); TE Heath Miller (Virginia), Alex Smith (Stanford).

*--* BUFFALO(9-7)

*--*

* Areas of need: TE, C, T, DT, RB.

* Hello: Bennie Anderson, G (BAL), Mike Gandy, G (CHI), Kelly Holcomb, QB (CLE).

* Goodbye: Drew Bledsoe, QB (DAL); Pat Williams, DT (MIN); Jonas Jennings, LT (SF); Pierson Prioleau, S (WAS).

* Strategy: With many teams trying to trade down, the Bills should have ample opportunities to move up. They don’t pick until 55th overall, and they’ll be hard pressed to get a top-flight player at that spot. That said, there probably won’t be a run on tight ends or centers. They’re hoping to get at least one starting offensive lineman.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: C Chris Spencer (Mississippi), Jason Brown (North Carolina), David Baas (Michigan); DT Mike Patterson (USC).

*--* MIAMI (4-12)

*--*

* Areas of need: RB, WR, OLB, CB, DT.

* Hello: Kevin Carter, DE (TEN); Damion Cook, G (CLE); Mario Edwards, CB (TB); Heath Evans, FB (SEA); Gus Frerotte, QB (MIN); Vonnie Holliday, DE (KC); Tebucky Jones, S (NO); Stockar McDougle, T (DET); Donnie Spagan, LB (DEN); Tavares Tillman, S (CAR).

* Goodbye: Patrick Surtain, CB (KC); David Boston, WR; Jay Fiedler, QB (NYJ); Arturo Freeman, S; Morlon Greenwood, LB (HOU); Sammy Knight, S (KC); Rob Konrad, FB; James Newson, WR; Bryan Robinson, DT (CIN); Jay Williams, DE (STL); Shawn Wooden, S.

* Strategy: The Dolphins are flirting with the idea of trading their No. 2 pick, possibly to Tampa Bay, which would like to move up from No. 5 and grab a quarterback. If they swap spots with the Buccaneers, the Dolphins can still get an outstanding running back.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: RB Carnell Williams (Auburn), Ronnie Brown (Auburn), Cedric Benson (Texas); WR Braylon Edwards (Michigan), Mike Williams (USC).

*

AFC North

*--* PITTSBURGH (15-1)

*--*

* Areas of need: CB, G, OLB, DT, TE.

* Hello: Marco Battaglia, TE (CAR); Cedrick Wilson, WR (SF).

* Goodbye: Kendrell Bell, LB (KC); Plaxico Burress, WR (NYG); Kendrick Clancy, DT (NYG); Jay Riemersma, TE; Oliver Ross, T (ARI); Chad Scott, CB; Keydrick Vincent, G (BAL).

* Strategy: With the 30th pick, the Steelers have time to sit tight and see who falls to them. They probably won’t move up in the first round and they don’t have a lot of pressing needs. In recent weeks, they’ve been bringing in rookie offensive line prospects and that’s the way they might go. They also need a cover corner, someone who can eventually step in for 35-year-old Willie Williams.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: T/G Marcus Johnson (Mississippi), Jammal Brown (Oklahoma), Elton Brown (Virginia); OLB Darryl Blackstock (Virginia).

*--* BALTIMORE (9-7)

*--*

* Areas of need: OLB, OT, WR, CB, FS, DT.

* Hello: Derrick Mason, WR (TEN); Tommy Polley, LB (STL); Samari Rolle, CB (TEN); Keydrick Vincent, G (PIT).

* Goodbye: Bennie Anderson, G (BUF); Gary Baxter, CB (CLE); Marques Douglas, DE (SF); Corey Fuller, CB; Ed Hartwell, LB (ATL); Kevin Johnson, WR (DET); Harold Morrow, FB; Casey Rabach, C (WAS); Travis Taylor, WR (MIN); Jamel White, RB (DET).

* Strategy: Why go with rookies when you can sign experienced talent? The Ravens needed a receiver and signed Mason; needed a replacement for Baxter and signed Rolle; needed a right guard to replace Anderson and signed Vincent. That means they could reach for the best available athlete in the draft.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: WR Mike Williams (USC), Roddy White (Alabama Birmingham); CB Adam “Pac Man” Jones (West Virginia); T/G Jammal Brown (Oklahoma).

*--* CINCINNATI (8-8)

*--*

* Areas of need: DT, DE, SS, LB, TE.

* Hello: Bryan Robinson, DT (MIA).

* Goodbye: Frank Chamberlin, LB (HOU); Kyle Richardson, P (CLE); Dennis Weathersby, CB; Tony Williams, DT (JAC).

* Strategy: Coach Marvin Lewis is determined to improve a Bengal defense that ranked 26th against the run last season, and that means fortifying the front line. Robinson should start alongside John Thornton, and Langston Moore is improving as a run-stopper, but the defense still lacks a dominant tackle. The Bengals also need someone to help pressure the quarterback, and they’d love a safety to replace Rogers Beckett, who was released after starting the last two seasons.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: DT Mike Patterson (USC), Travis Johnson (Florida State); S Thomas Davis (Georgia), Ernest Shazor (Michigan).

*--* CLEVELAND (4-12)

*--*

* Areas of need: OLB, ILB, QB, DE, SS, FS, WR, OT.

* Hello: Joe Andruzzi, G (NE); Gary Baxter, CB (BAL); Cosey Coleman, G (TB); Jason Fisk, DT (SD); Kyle Richardson, P (CIN); Brian Russell, S (MIN); Matt Stewart, LB (ATL).

* Goodbye: Courtney Brown, DE (DEN); Damion Cook, G (MIA); Jeff Garcia, QB (DET); Barry Gardner, LB (NYJ); Kelvin Garmon, G; Joaquin Gonzalez, T (IND); Robert Griffith, S (ARI); Kelly Holcomb, QB (BUF); Anthony Henry, CB (DAL); Earl Little, S; Lewis Sanders, CB (HOU).

* Strategy: Coach Romeo Crennel wants to build a solid foundation of defense, and he has plenty of work to do. The Browns need players who can pressure the passer. As for their own passer? They feel as if Trent Dilfer will hold down that job until coaches can develop a long-term solution.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: WR Braylon Edwards (Michigan); QB Alex Smith (Utah), Aaron Rodgers (Cal),

*

NFC East

*--* PHILADELPHIA (13-3)

*--*

* Areas of need: G, RB, TE, DT, ILB.

* Hello: Mike McMahon, WB (DET); James Whalen, TE (CIN).

* Goodbye: Derrick Burgess, DE (OAK); Jermane Mayberry, G (NO); Ike Reese, LB (ATL); Nate Wayne, LB.

* Strategy: Although the Eagles have the second-to-last pick in the first round, it’s logical to think they will try to move up and grab a premier player. They have traded up in the first round of the last two drafts and have 13 picks in this one. Philadelphia has built its teams around its offensive and defensive lines, and that looks to be the way the Eagles might go in this draft. The Eagles might also make a move for one of the better defensive ends in the draft.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: T Khalif Barnes (Washington), Jammal Brown (Oklahoma); DE/LB David Pollack (Georgia), Shawne Merriman (Maryland), Erasmus James (Wisconsin), Matt Roth (Iowa).

*--* N.Y. GIANTS (6-10)

*--*

* Areas of need: CB, FS, DT, RB, T.

* Hello: Plaxico Burress, WR (PIT); Keydrick Clancy, DT (PIT); Jay Feely, K (ATL); Kareem McKenzie, T (NYJ); Jim Miller, QB (NE); Antonio Pierce, LB (WAS).

* Goodbye: Lorenzo Bromell, DE; Martin Chase, DT; Terry Cousin, CB (JAC); Ron Dayne, RB (DEN); Norman Hand, DT; Ike Hilliard, WR; Lance Legree, DT (NYJ); Barry Stokes, OL; Omar Stoutmire, S; Kurt Warner, QB (AZ).

* Strategy: Because of last year’s Eli Manning trade, the Giants get their first pick in the second round at No. 43. They could get a second-tier cornerback there, maybe someone such as Stanford’s Stanley Wilson. Picking up Burress, McKenzie and Pierce in free agency should help, although they still need depth at running back. They’d like a bruiser to complement Tiki Barber, and maybe they can draft one.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: CB Stanley Wilson (Stanford); FS O.J Atogwe (Stanford), Vincent Fuller (Virginia Tech).

*--* DALLAS (6-10)

*--*

* Areas of need: DE, T, FS, FB, OLB, WR, ILB.

* Hello: Drew Bledsoe, QB (BUF); Jason Ferguson, DT (NYJ); Anthony Henry, CB (CLE); Marco Rivera, G (GB).

* Goodbye: Dexter Coakley, LB (STL); Gennaro DiNapoli, C; Marcellus Wiley, DE (JAC).

* Strategy: If the Cowboys intend to switch to a 3-4 defense, they’re going to need a pass-rushing defensive end and more linebackers. They also need a replacement for Darren Woodson at safety. Lynn Scott, who started 10 games alongside Roy Williams, paled in comparison to Woodson. Dallas could also use a good blocking back, especially if Richie Anderson’s neck injury is as bad as it appears.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: DE/LB Derrick Johnson (Texas), Shawne Merriman (Maryland); DE Demarcus Ware (Troy), Erasmus James (Wisconsin); S Thomas Davis (Georgia).

*--* WASHINGTON (6-10)

*--*

* Areas of need: CB, DE, WR, G, FS.

* Hello: Brian Allen, LB (CAR); Santana Moss (NYJ); David Patten, WR (NE); Pierson Priorleau, S (BUF); Casey Rabach, C (BAL).

* Goodbye: Laveranues Coles (NYJ); Ola Kimrin, K (TEN); Antonio Pierce, LB (NYG); Fred Smoot, CB (MIN).

* Strategy: Thanks to a trade with Denver, Washington has two first-round picks -- Nos. 9 and 25 -- then only three more picks the rest of the draft, all in the final four rounds. The Redskins are in dire need of help at cornerback and don’t want to be pushed into starting Walt Harris, who is coming off serious knee surgery. If they can get him, they’d like to grab Adam “Pac Man” Jones.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: CB Adam “Pac Man” Jones (West Virginia); WR Mike Williams (USC), Mark Clayton (Oklahoma), Troy Williamson (South Carolina).

*

NFC North

*--* GREEN BAY (10-6)

*--*

* Areas of need: QB, FS, DT, G, SS, CB.

* Hello: Todd Franz, DB (WAS); Matt O’Dwyer, G (TB); Ray Thompson, LB (AZ).

* Goodbye: Michael Hawthorne, DB (STL); Bhawoh Jue, SS (SD); Marco Rivera, G (DAL); Darren Sharper, S (MIN); Mike Wahle, G (CAR).

* Strategy: The Packers, who have won three consecutive NFC North titles, have lost three key players in guards Rivera and Wahle, and safety Sharper. They’re unlikely to fill all those needs in the draft, but they can try. This also could be the year the Packers use an early pick to groom a successor to Brett Favre, possibly Akron’s Charlie Frye, who has the size and toughness NFL scouts like.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: QB Charlie Frye (Akron), Jason Campbell (Auburn); G Marcus Johnson (Mississippi), David Baas (Michigan).

*--* MINNESOTA (8-8)

*--*

* Areas of need: FS, WR, K, OLB, CB.

* Hello: Brad Johnson, QB (TB); Darren Sharper, S (GB); Fred Smoot, CB (WAS); Travis Taylor, WR (BAL); Pat Wiggins, DT (BUF).

* Goodbye: Chris Claiborne, LB (STL); Gus Frerotte, QB (MIA); Chris Hovan, DT (TB); Randy Moss (OAK); Brian Russell, S (CLE).

* Strategy: The Moss era is over in Minnesota, and the Vikings have some holes to fill. Good thing they have two picks in the first round, Nos. 7 and 18. The Vikings are in good position to land former USC receiver Mike Williams. They’ve filled a lot of needs through free agency, although they could still use a good outside linebacker. And don’t be surprised if they reach for a running back with their first pick, especially if one of the top three is on the board.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: WR Mike Williams (USC), Troy Williamson (South Carolina), Mark Clayton (Oklahoma); OLB/DE Shawne Merriman (Maryland); LB Derrick Johnson (Texas).

*--* DETROIT (6-10)

*--*

* Areas of need: WR, T, DE, TE, OLB.

* Hello: Rick DeMulling, G (IND); Jeff Garcia, QB (CLE); Kenoy Kennedy, S (DEN); Marcus Pollard, TE (IND); Jamel White, RB (BAL); Kevin Johnson, WR (BAL).

* Goodbye: Stephen Alexander, TE (DEN); Roderick Babers, CB (TB); Stockar McDougle, OT (MIA); Mike McMahon, QB (PHI).

* Strategy: It’s hard to believe the Lions would use their first pick on a wide receiver for a third consecutive year, but it could happen, especially with Charles Rogers coming off an injury. More likely, though, Matt Millen will reach for a defensive player, specifically a speed rusher who could come off the edge and get in the faces of opposing quarterbacks.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: DE/OLB Derrick Johnson (Texas), Marcus Spears (LSU); T Alex Barron (Florida State); WR Mike Williams (USC), Troy Williamson (South Carolina).

*--* CHICAGO (5-11)

*--*

* Areas of need: WR, RB, QB, OLB, TE.

* Hello: Eddie Berlin, WR (TEN); Roberto Garza, G (ATL); Fred Miller, T (TEN); Muhsin Muhammad, WR (CAR).

* Goodbye: Jonathan Quinn, QB; David Terrell, WR (NE).

* Strategy: The Bears need lots of help on offense, but they would like to trade down out of the No. 4 spot, if possible. That’s an awfully expensive place to pick in such a so-so draft. If they can’t, they might want to take running back Cedric Benson, who could challenge Thomas Jones for the starting job. One of the premier receivers is also an option.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: WR Braylon Edwards (Michigan), Mike Williams (USC), Troy Williamson (South Carolina); RB Cedric Benson (Texas), Ronnie Brown (Auburn); Carnell Williams (Auburn).

*

AFC West

*--* SAN DIEGO(12-4)

*--*

* Areas of need: WR, FS, DE, DT, CB.

* Hello: Bhawoh Jue, S (GB).

* Goodbye: Tim Dwight, WR/KR (NE); Doug Flutie, QB; Jason Fisk, DT (CLE).

* Strategy: Thanks to their trade of Eli Manning last year, the Chargers have two first-round picks -- Nos. 12 and 28. They’re in good position to improve their receiving corps and maybe pick up a pass-rushing defensive end. In recent years, the Chargers have used their top picks to improve their secondary. That’s not as much a priority this year.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: WR Mike Williams (USC), Troy Williamson (South Carolina); DE Shawn Merriman (Maryland), Marcus Spears (LSU), James Erasmus (Wisconsin).

*--* DENVER(10-6)

*--*

* Areas of need: CB, G, T, WR, FS.

* Hello: Stephen Alexander, TE (DET); Keith Burns, LB (TB); Ron Dayne, RB (NYG); Ian Gold, LB (TB).

* Goodbye: Reggie Hayward, DE (JAC); Kelly Herndon, CB (SEA); Kenoy Kennedy, SS (DET); Dan Neil, OG; Donnie Spragan, LB (MIA).

* Strategy: The Broncos need a cornerback and would have been able to get one in the first round had they not traded the pick to Washington. They still want to grab a big receiver, a red-zone target they could shape into a new-era Ed McCaffrey. They need some help protecting Jake Plummer too, and could use some depth in the offensive front. Mike Shanahan has selected at least one offensive lineman in nine of his 10 drafts.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: WR Matt Jones (Arkansas), Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado); CB Justin Miller (Clemson), Marlin Jackson (Michigan).

*--* KANSAS CITY (7-9)

*--*

* Areas of need: CB, ILB, OLB, DE, S, RB, WR.

* Hello: Patrick Surtain, CB (MIA); Kendrell Bell, LB (PIT); Sammy Knight, S (MIA); Darrell Hill, WR (TEN), Carlos Hill, DE (TEN); Robert Holcombe, RB (TEN).

* Goodbye: Derrick Blaylock, RB (NYJ); Vonnie Holliday, DE (MIA); Monty Beisel, LB (NE).

* Strategy: The Chiefs need to improve their defense in the worst way and took a step in that direction by trading for Surtain, a three-time Pro Bowl selection whose 25 interceptions the last three seasons lead all NFL cornerbacks. Their linebacker corps is dangerously thin, even with the addition of Bell, who struggled with frequent injuries in Pittsburgh. Linebackers Scott Fujita, Mike Maslowski and Shawn Barber are all rehabbing leg injuries.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: CB Carlos Rogers (Auburn), Fabian Washington (Nebraska); DE Marcus Spears (LSU); LB Derrick Johnson (Texas); DE Erasmus James (Wisconsin); S Brodney Pool (Oklahoma), Thomas Davis (Georgia).

*--* OAKLAND (5-11)

*--*

* Areas of need: OLB, DE, QB, ILB, CB.

* Hello: Derrick Burgess, DE (PHL); Renaldo Hill, CB (AZ); LaMont Jordan, RB (NYJ); Randy Moss, WR (MIN).

* Goodbye: Frank Middleton, S; John Parrella, DL; Tyrone Wheatley, RB; Roland Williams, TE (STL), Phillip Buchanon (HOU), CB; Doug Jolley, TE (NYJ).

* Strategy: The Raiders moved their way into the first round this week after acquiring the No. 26 pick from the New York Jets for Jolley. Oakland also acquired a second-round selection and two third-rounders from the Houston Texans after trading Buchanon but traded away the second-round pick (No. 47 overall) to the Jets. They need help on defense, particularly someone who can pressure the quarterback, and are in a good spot to address that.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: LB Kevin Burnett (Tennessee), Cornelius Wortham (Alabama); DE Erasmus James (Wisconsin), Justin Tuck (Notre Dame), Matt Roth (Iowa); CB Fabian Washington (Nebraska), Stanley Wilson (Stanford).

*

AFC South

*--* INDIANAPOLIS (12-4)

*--*

* Areas of need: ILB, CB, DT, RB, G.

* Hello: Joaquin Gonzalez, T (CLE).

* Goodbye: Idrees Bashir, S (CAR); Rick DeMulling, G (DET); Marcus Pollard, TE (DET).

* Strategy: What do you get an offense that has everything? A defense. Watch for Tony Dungy and Bill Polian to try to pump more life into a defense that is showing signs of a turnaround. The Colts might reach for a cornerback in the first round, or look for help at linebacker or on the defensive line. They should be able to get a running back sometime on the first day.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: DT Luis Castillo (Northwestern), Mike Patterson (USC), Shaun Cody (USC), Travis Johnson (Florida State); LB Channing Crowder (Florida), Odell Thurman (Georgia), Kevin Bennett (Tennessee); CB Cory Webster (LSU), Brandon Browner (Oregon State).

*--* JACKSONVILLE (9-7)

*--*

* Areas of need: CB, DE, LT, WR, LB.

* Hello: Martin Chase, DT (NYG); Deke Cooper, S (JAC); Terry Cousin, CB (NYG); Reggie Hayward, DE (DEN); Marcellus Wiley, DE (DAL); Tony Williams, DT (CIN).

* Goodbye: Lionel Branes, DE; Juran Bolden, CB (TB); FB Marc Edwards; Tommy Hendricks, LB; Dewayne Washington, CB.

* Strategy: The Jaguars desperately need a cornerback after cutting starter Washington and backup Bolden. They could also use a defensive end despite signing Hayward. They would love to get a left tackle, seeing as starter Mike Pearson is coming off serious knee surgery, but it’s unlikely they can get an impact tackle in this rookie class.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: DL Shaun Cody; CB Carlos Rogers (Auburn), Fabian Washington (Nebraska); WR Mark Clayton (Oklahoma).

*--* HOUSTON (7-9)

*--*

* Areas of need: T, G, CB, WR, OLB.

* Hello: Philip Buchanon, CB (OAK); Frank Chamberlin, LB (CIN); Morlon Greenwood, LB (MIA); Lewis Sanders, CB (CLE).

* Goodbye: Marlon McCree, S (CAR); Jamie Sharper, LB (SEA).

* Strategy: The Texans need help for David Carr -- good blockers and another sure-handed wide receiver. Most pressing is a need for a left tackle, and they should be able to get one of the better prospects at that spot with the No. 13 pick. But they could also search for someone to step up their pass rush, which has never been all that good.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: OT Alex Barron (Florida State); OLB/DE Marcus Spears (LSU), Shawne Merriman (Maryland), David Pollack (Georgia); WR Mike Williams (USC), Troy Williamson (South Carolina).

*--* TENNESSEE (5-11)

*--*

* Areas of need: WR, CB, RT, KR/PR.

* Hello: Ola Kimrin, K (WAS).

* Goodbye: Eddie Berlin, WR (CHI); Kevin Carter, DE (MIA); Carlos Hall, DE (KC); Robert Holcombe, FB; Matt Martin, OT (TB); Derrick Mason, WR (BAL); Shad Meier, TE (NO); Fred Miller, OT (CHI); Joe Nedney, K; Samari Rolle, CB (BAL); Antowain Smith, RB (NO).

* Strategy: After going through a major salary-cap purge, the Titans are in quick-rebuilding mode. Their only remaining receivers are Drew Bennett and Tyrone Calico, who’s coming off knee surgery. They also need a cornerback to start opposite injury-prone Andre Woolfork. Gone is Samari Rolle, and Andre Dyson is unlikely to return. There are a lot of good corners in this draft, so that might be a logical direction for Tennessee to go in the first round.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: WR Mike Williams (USC); CB Antrel Rolle (Miami), Adam “Pac Man” Jones (West Virginia), Carlos Rogers (Auburn).

*

NFC West

*--* SEATTLE(9-7)

*--*

* Areas of need: ILB, OLB, DT, DE, WR.

* Hello: Kevin Bentley, LB (CLE); Chartric Darby, DT (TB); Bryce Fisher, DE (STL); Kelly Herndon, CB (DEN); Joe Jurevicius, WR (TB); Omare Lowe, DB (NE); Joe Tafoya, DE (ATL).

* Goodbye: Heath Evans, FB (MIA); Ken Lucas, CB (CAR); Brandon Mitchell, DT (ATL); Chike Okeafor, DE (AZ); Jerry Rice, WR; Damien Robinson, S; Anthony Simmons, LB, Chad Brown, LB.

* Strategy: The Seahawks are looking to upgrade their defense, logical considering how it broke down last season. They love USC defensive tackle Mike Patterson and probably would select him if he lasts until the 23rd pick. If not, they should be able to get a quality player at that spot to make an immediate impact. The priority is to upgrade their front seven, then maybe get a wide receiver who doesn’t fall victim to the Seattle dropsies.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: DT Mike Patterson (USC); DE Erasmus James (Wisconsin); OLB Darryl Blackstock (Virginia), Kevin Burnett (Tennessee).

*--* ST. LOUIS (8-8)

*--*

* Areas of need: FS, DE, T, SS, TE.

* Hello: Chris Claiborne, LB (MIN); Dexter Coakley, LB (DAL); Michael Hawthorne, DB (GB); Michael Stone, DB (AZ); Jay Williams, DE (MIA); Roland Williams, TE (OAK).

* Goodbye: Rich Coady, DB (ATL); Bryce Fisher, DE (SEA); Matt Lehr, G (ATL); Tommy Polley, LB (BAL); Chris Terry, RT.

* Strategy: The Rams are looking for a right tackle and have a chance to get one, considering they have four of the first 81 choices in the draft. It’s not likely Florida State’s Alex Barron will be around when they make their first selection, at No. 19, but they can still get a quality lineman at that spot. They also need help at safety and have yet to address that need through free agency. They should be able to find one, even if it means drafting a linebacker or corner and transforming him.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: T Jammal Brown (Oklahoma), Khalif Barnes (Washington).

*--* ARIZONA (6-10)

*--*

* Areas of need: RB, CB, T, G, DT.

* Hello: Robert Griffith, S (CLE); Orlando Huff, LB (SEA); Rhett Nelson, DB (MIN); Chike Okeafor, DE (SEA); Oliver Ross, T (PIT); Kurt Warner, QB (NYG).

* Goodbye: Renaldo Hill, CB (OAK); Shaun King, QB; Michael Stone, DB (STL); Ray Thompson, LB (GB); Karl Williams, WR; LeVar Woods, LB.

* Strategy: The Cardinals went four for four last year, getting starters out of each of their four picks. They might take a cornerback in the first round, seeing as both of their starters from last season are gone. They also might select one of the running backs, particularly if Ronnie Brown or Carnell “Cadillac” Williams is around when they pick at No. 8.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: RB Ronnie Brown (Auburn), Carnell Williams (Auburn), Cedric Benson (Texas); CB Antrel Rolle (Miami), Adam “Pac Man” Jones (West Virginia), Carlos Rogers (Auburn).

*--* SAN FRANCISCO (2-14)

*--*

* Areas of need: QB, CB, WR, FS, RB.

* Hello: Marques Douglas, DE (BAL); Jonas Jennings, T (BUF); Joe Nedney, K (TEN).

* Goodbye: Ronnie Heard, S (ATL); Todd Peterson, K (ATL); Brandon Whiting, DE; Cedrick Wilson, WR (PIT).

* Strategy: Rebuilding for the 49ers starts at quarterback, and it looks as if they will reach for Cal’s Aaron Rodgers. The team has already begun negotiations with Rodgers and Utah’s Alex Smith, both possible No. 1 picks. Of course, if the team can trade out of the top spot, it will -- No. 1 money is awfully steep for either player. The 49ers also will be looking for defensive help, players who will fit into Mike Nolan’s 3-4 system.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: QB Aaron Rodgers (Cal), Alex Smith (Utah); WR Braylon Edwards (Michigan).

*

NFC South

*--* ATLANTA (11-5)

*--*

* Areas of need: OLB, DT, DE, T, CB.

* Hello: Rich Coady, DB (STL); Toby Gowin, P (NYJ); Ed Hartwell, LB (BAL); Ronnie Heard, S (SF); Matt Lehr, G (STL); Brandon Mitchell, DT (SEA); Todd Peterson, K (SF); Ike Reese, LB (PHI).

* Goodbye: Chris Draft, LB (CAR); Jay Feely, K (NYG); Cory Hall, S; Travis Hall, DT; Ed Jasper, DT; Chris Mohr, P; Matt Stewart, LB (CLE).

* Strategy: With the loss of defensive tackles Hall and Jasper, the Falcons could use help up front. They have the 27th pick and are hoping to land someone who can contribute right away. Because they play inside on turf, they’re especially intrigued by speed. One who might fit is USC’s Shaun Cody, who can play tackle or end.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: DL Shaun Cody (USC), Mike Patterson (USC); OLB Cornelius Wortham (Alabama), Rian Wallace (Temple).

*--* NEW ORLEANS (8-8)

*--*

* Areas of need: OLB, SS, OT, CB, DT, OL depth, RB.

* Hello: Levar Fisher, LB (AZ); Jermane Mayberry, G (PHI); Shad Meier, TE (TEN); Antowain Smith, RB (TEN); Dwight Smith, S (TB).

* Goodbye: Tebucky Jones, S (MIA).

* Strategy: The Saints see a lot of talent at the top of this draft and the potential to improve their defense with some key selections. They might opt to trade up, even though many teams are trying to trade down. They’re flirting with the idea of trading defensive end Darren Howard for a pick or picks. They don’t want to get burned the way they did the last two drafts when they were edged out for the players they wanted: Dewayne Robertson in 2003, and Jonathan Vilma and D.J. Williams last year.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: OLB Darryl Blackstock (Virginia); DeMarcus Ware (Troy), Kevin Burnett (Tennessee); SS Ernest Shazor (Michigan); CB Carlos Rogers (Auburn).

*--* CAROLINA (7-9)

*--*

* Areas of need: WR, DT, G, RB, OLB.

* Hello: Idrees Bashir, S (IND); Ken Lucas, CB (SEA); Marlon McCree, S (HOU); Jamal Robertson, RB (CAR); Mike Wahle, OL (GB); Chris Draft, LB (ATL).

* Goodbye: Brian Allen, LB (WAS); Doug Brzezinski, OG; Artrell Hawkins, CB; Muhsin Muhammad, WR (CHI); Rodney Peete, QB; Travares Tillman, S (MIA).

* Strategy: Losing Muhammad was big for the Panthers, who have a gaping hole at receiver. They have other pressing needs too -- notably defensive tackle and outside linebacker -- but there’s a good chance they’ll look to fill those later in the draft. They like receiver Troy Williamson’s speed, and, seeing as he played his college ball just down the road, they know what he can do.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: WR Troy Williamson (South Carolina), Mike Williams (USC); RB Cedric Benson (Texas); DE/OLB Derrick Johnson (Texas).

*--* TAMPA BAY (5-11)

*--*

* Areas of need: WR, QB, RB, G, LB, CB, FS.

* Hello: Roderick Babers, CB (DET), Anthony Becht, TE (NYJ); Juran Bolden, CB (JAC); Matt Bryant, K (IND-MIA); Jason Buhl, LB (CLE); Jeff Hatch, T (none); Chris Hovan, DT (MIN); Matt Martin, T (TEN); Akili Smith, QB (none).

* Goodbye: Keith Burns, LB (DEN); Cosey Coleman, G (CLE); Chartric Darby, DT (SEA); Mario Edwards, CB (MIA); Brad Johnson, QB (MIN); Joe Jurevicius, WR (SEA); Matt O’Dwyer, G (GB); Dwight Smith, S (NO).

* Strategy: Don’t be surprised if the Buccaneers try to trade up from the fifth spot to grab one of the two top quarterbacks, even though it’s not the position they need most. They have a particular fondness for Utah’s Alex Smith and think he’s the best fit for Jon Gruden’s system. They also like USC’s Mike Williams; Gruden raved about him at the receiver’s private workout.

* Prospects they’re eyeing: RB Carnell Williams (Auburn); QB Alex Smith (Utah), Aaron Rodgers (Cal); WR Braylon Edwards (Michigan), Mike Williams (USC).