2008 Roster Analysis

Dallas Cowboys' roster shaping up well

Phillips likes youthful core, but club has key decisions to make

IRVING – Even as his team struggled down the stretch, Cowboys coach Wade Phillips maintained a positive outlook.

As the Cowboys begin this week to look at 2008 and beyond, Phillips' notion was not so far off.

With one of the youngest teams in the NFL, the Cowboys appear to be in position to claim NFC East titles – and playoff victories, by extension – with a core of players in or near their primes. They include quarterback Tony Romo, tight end Jason Witten, linebacker DeMarcus Ware and cornerback Terence Newman.

"When you win 13 games," Phillips said, "I think the arrow is pointing up."

But that doesn't meant the Cowboys enter 2008 without personnel questions.


QUARTERBACKS
Tony Romo, Brad Johnson, Richard Bartel (practice squad)

The Cowboys handed Romo a $67 million contract extension in October to be their quarterback of the present and the future. His 36 touchdown passes and 4,211 yards were team records, and he is going to his second straight Pro Bowl. Johnson turns 40 in September and, with two years left on his contract, he said he wants to continue to play. Bartel spent the year on the practice squad and has a strong arm. The Cowboys could look into drafting a quarterback in the middle rounds to develop into a backup.

RUNNING BACKS
Julius Jones, Marion Barber, Tyson Thompson, Oliver Hoyte, Deon Anderson (injured), Alonzo Coleman (practice squad)

Jones is an unrestricted free agent and will not be back in 2008 after Barber's Pro Bowl season. That creates a hole for the Cowboys, who do not want to be dependent on one runner. Thompson's development seemed to hit a wall in '07. At fullback, Hoyte was banged up most of the year, but Anderson was a bright spot before having season-ending shoulder surgery. With a number of running backs available in the draft, the Cowboys could be in position to take one in the early rounds.

WIDE RECEIVERS
Terrell Owens, Terry Glenn, Patrick Crayton, Sam Hurd, Miles Austin, Isaiah Stanback, Mike Jefferson (practice squad)

Owens had one of the best seasons in franchise history with 81 catches for 1,355 yards and 15 touchdowns. He will be in the final year of his contract, and the Cowboys could look to sign him to an extension, although he'll turn 35 in December. Glenn missed all but one game because of a knee injury, and his future is uncertain. Crayton re-signed during the season and produced career highs in catches (50), yards (697) and TDs (seven). Hurd and Austin are developing players, but the front office is high on Stanback, a fourth-round pick in '07 who played little as a rookie. There is a need for speed, so of the two first-round picks could be used on a receiver.

TIGHT ENDS
Jason Witten, Anthony Fasano, Tony Curtis, Rodney Hannah (practice squad)

Witten was named All-Pro for the first time after leading the team with 96 catches for 1,145 yards and seven touchdowns. He and Tony Romo share a chemistry not seen in Dallas since Troy Aikman had Jay Novacek. Fasano had 14 catches for 143 yards but was not a primary target. After spending three years on the practice squad, the light came on for Curtis, who can be a decent blocker.


OFFENSIVE LINE
Flozell Adams, Kyle Kosier, Andre Gurode, Leonard Davis, Marc Colombo, Pat McQuistan, Cory Procter, Doug Free, James Marten, Joe Berger

Do the Cowboys re-sign Adams, who is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent? He has performed well but will be entering his 11th season. The price has to be right. Adams, Gurode and Davis will play in next month's Pro Bowl, and Colombo and Kosier are solid starters. Should Adams leave, McQuistan and Free would be the top in-house candidates. Free has excellent athleticism but needs an off-season to add strength. The Cowboys are in a good position with their line, but looking for more depth in the draft should always be a priority.

DEFENSIVE LINE
Chris Canty, Jay Ratliff, Marcus Spears, Jason Hatcher, Tank Johnson, Stephen Bowen, Jason Ferguson (injured), Remi Ayodele (practice squad), Marcus Smith (practice squad)

Ratliff's ability to fill in for Ferguson, who missed nearly the entire season with a torn biceps, played a huge part in the Cowboys' success, and he was rewarded with a contract extension. The club would like to re-sign Canty, who is a restricted free agent and is coming off his best year. Spears had his moments, but they were too infrequent. The same can be said for Hatcher, who has pass rush skills. Johnson is signed through 2008 and played better as he got used to the scheme. Ratliff could move to end in '08 if Ferguson is brought back.

LINEBACKERS
Greg Ellis, Bradie James, Akin Ayodele, DeMarcus Ware, Kevin Burnett, Anthony Spencer, Bobby Carpenter, Justin Rogers, Tyson Smith (practice squad)

Ware, among the top five defensive players in the NFL, led the Cowboys with 14 sacks. Ellis had 12 ½ sacks and was named the league Comeback Player of the Year, but he's worried about his future – again. Phillips said Ellis would remain a starter in '08. Spencer showed an ability to get to the passer, and his role could increase once the scheme becomes second nature. James led the team in tackles and impressed Phillips with his coverage skills. Ayodele started every game, but his time decreased as the season went on. Burnett handled the nickel and dime package roles but wants to play more, as would Carpenter, who saw little action on defense.

SECONDARY
Anthony Henry, Terence Newman, Ken Hamlin, Roy Williams, Jacques Reeves, Nate Jones, Keith Davis, Pat Watkins, Courtney Brown, Alan Ball, Evan Oglesby, Tyler Everett (practice squad), Quincy Butler (injured)

Newman, Hamlin and Williams were named to the Pro Bowl, but this group may see a lot of change – especially if the Cowboys have to replace coach Todd Bowles, who could be a defensive coordinator candidate in Miami. Newman and Henry battled injuries much of the season but give the Cowboys a top duo. Hamlin was the quarterback the unit had needed since Darren Woodson's retirement, but he will be a free agent. The Cowboys want to keep him. Williams did not have a tackle for a loss for the first time in his career, and teams went after him in coverage. Reeves (who struggled down the stretch), Jones and Davis are free agents, too. Keeping Davis would help the special teams, but he might want to see if he can be a full-time player.

SPECIALISTS
Mat McBriar, Nick Folk, L.P. Ladouceur

Folk was the consistent kicker the Cowboys have spent years trying to find. He made 26 of 31 field goal tries and will make his first Pro Bowl appearance in February. An added year of conditioning work would help his kickoffs. McBriar had another top-form season. Ladouceur goes unnoticed but shouldn't. He is scheduled to be a restricted free agent, but the Cowboys do not want to risk losing him.



- Another couple of signings with the intent of unloading them for prospects when this thing hits the shitter in June.



Texas Rangers close in on Jennings, sign Byrd

12:29 AM CST on Thursday, January 17, 2008
By EVAN GRANT / The Dallas Morning News
egrant@dallasnews.com

The process of finishing out the Rangers' roster continues.

The club re-signed arbitration-eligible outfielder Marlon Byrd on Wednesday and could add free-agent pitcher Jason Jennings to the team today. Byrd will receive $1.8 million.

Jennings, a Mesquite Poteet product, had been in serious conversations with the Rangers about a one-year deal. He met with team officials last week and underwent a physical Monday.

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels would not confirm a Jennings signing but did say, "hopefully we'll have an announcement [today]."

The 29-year-old right-hander was 2-9 with a 6.45 ERA for Houston in an injury-shortened 2007 season. He did not pitch over the final six weeks of the season because of a torn elbow tendon. He is expected to be ready for opening day.

He would join Kevin Millwood and Vicente Padilla as locks for the rotation. The Rangers would also like for Brandon McCarthy and Kason Gabbard to join them, but they could also be pushed by right-handers Luis Mendoza and Armando Galarraga and left-hander A.J. Murray.

Byrd, 30, set career highs in batting average (.307), home runs (10), RBIs (70) and OPS (.814) last season despite being in the minors until May 26. Byrd is expected to hold down a corner outfield spot this season. Which corner will depend on the health of recently-signed outfielder Milton Bradley.

The signing of Byrd leaves only one arbitration-eligible player not currently under contract: catcher Gerald Laird. If the Rangers and Laird don't reach an agreement by Friday, the team will exchange salary figures with agent Scott Boras.

A hearing would be scheduled for sometime in February, but the sides could agree on a deal anytime before a hearing. The Rangers have not gone to a hearing since 2000.



- Red Rocket staying.



Sources: Garrett turning down head coaching jobs to stay with Cowboys

Dallas head coach Wade Phillips has been informed that Jason Garrett will turn down head coaching opportunities with the Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens and remain as the offensive coordinator for the Cowboys, sources told ESPN's Ed Werder.

Garrett has informed the Ravens and Falcons of his decision to stay in Dallas. The Ravens are now turning their attention to Eagles secondary coach John Harbaugh, who is expected to get his second interview Thursday.

Sources told ESPN.com that Garrett, who spent several hours meeting with Atlanta officials earlier in the day, huddled with Dallas owner Jerry Jones on Wednesday night. Garrett met with the Ravens on Monday night and part of the day Tuesday before flying to Atlanta for a follow-up session.

The Cowboys could offer Garrett a substantial raise and the tacit promise that he will eventually succeed Phillips within the next couple years.

In 2004, Jones convinced both his coordinators at the time, Sean Payton on offense and Mike Zimmer on defense, to bypass head coaching opportunities and stay with the Cowboys. Payton had been offered the Oakland Raiders' head coaching position and Zimmer the job at the University of Nebraska.

It is believed the Ravens formally offered Garrett their head coach job, at a salary of less than $3 million annually. Sources told ESPN.com's Matt Mosley that the Falcons' job is Garrett's if he wants it. The Falcons have also been seriously considering former Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, who met with club executives on Monday for a second time, and who is held in high regard.

Both the Falcons and Ravens lost a candidate on Wednesday when Indianapolis assistant head coach Jim Caldwell withdrew his name from consideration for the vacancies. The move, first reported by ESPN's Chris Mortensen, fueled immediate speculation that Caldwell removed himself because he is about to be named the successor to Tony Dungy.

But Dungy told Mortensen that he has not yet made a decision on his future and likely will not before the weekend. League sources said Caldwell's action was motivated more by the reality that he was probably not viewed as more than the No. 3 candidate by both Atlanta and Baltimore officials.

One reason for a second interview between Garrett and Atlanta executives is that the Falcons did not have a general manager when they huddled with him for the first time on Jan. 4. On Saturday, however, Atlanta hired Patriots college scouting director Thomas Dimitroff as its new general manager, and he will have considerable input into the selection of the head coach. The Falcons' vacancy was created when Bobby Petrino resigned with three games remaining in his first season as an NFL head coach, to fill the vacancy at the University of Arkansas.

Atlanta has interviewed five other candidates for the position. If the team is still without a new coach by the weekend, and New York loses at Green Bay in Sunday's NFC Championship Game, the Falcons probably will seek permission to interview Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. The Falcons made such a request earlier, but the Giants rebuffed it because of the team's status in the playoffs.

Even as he faced the specter of losing Garrett as his coordinator, Jones was attempting on Wednesday to retain several assistant coaches whose contracts are about to expire, and who are rumored to be candidates for staff positions in Miami, where Cowboys assistant head coach Tony Sparano on Wednesday was hired as the Dolphins' new coach.

Jones has offered contract extensions to secondary coach Todd Bowles, linebackers coach Paul Pasqualoni, and defensive line coach Kacy Rodgers.



- Since there's nothing else to look forward to, I present the first Mock Draft.



1. Miami Dolphins
Record: 1-15
Biggest needs: MLB, OT, G, DT, CB, QB
Projected pick: Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU
Dorsey's dominant performance against Ohio State in the BCS title game was a not-so-subtle reminder of his rare abilities. The 6-foot-1, 310-pounder was back to his disruptive ways thanks to a nearly five-week layoff that allowed him to rest a nagging knee injury originally suffered on a cheap shot in the Auburn game. That said, Bill Parcells, the Dolphins new VP of football operations, will make decisions on coaches, schemes and veteran personnel between now and the draft that could steer the team in a different direction. Dorsey is strong enough to adjust to a 3-4 defensive scheme, but it wouldn't play to his strengths as a penetrating interior force. It wouldn't be cost effective for Miami to spend No. 1 money on an interior lineman in that defensive scheme, either, so OT Jake Long and DE Chris Long are also options. Stay tuned.

2. St. Louis Rams
Record: 3-13
Biggest needs: CB, DE, G, OT, OLB
Projected pick: Chris Long, DE, Virginia
The season-ending injury to perennial Pro Bowl OT Orlando Pace and the Rams' overall poor play along the offensive line this season make OT Jake Long a possibility with this pick. But assuming Pace returns to form in 2008, the Rams have a much bigger need along the interior of their offensive line, which can be addressed in free agency or in later rounds. Don't be surprised if St. Louis goes with the other Long here; Chris is not a prototypical edge rusher but is still a dominant playmaker with rare versatility and a motor that never quits. The Rams could solidify their defensive line for years to come by following 2007 first-round DT Adam Carriker with Long this season.

3. Atlanta Falcons**
Record: 4-12
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: QB, OT, DT, RB, S
Projected pick: Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College
This match is a no-brainer as far as I'm concerned. Ryan is the clear-cut No. 1 quarterback prospect in the 2008 class. In addition to solidifying the future of the all-important position for the Falcons, Ryan has the intangibles and character to help the franchise rebuild its tarnished image.

4. Oakland Raiders**
Record: 4-12
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, DT, WR, DE, RB
Projected pick: Darren McFadden*, RB, Arkansas
Running back isn't quite a pressing need, but McFadden is a rare talent and an unbelievable value if he slips to the Raiders here. If the team isn't high on McFadden, though, Oakland could use this pick to fill a hole along the offensive or defensive lines. It should also be noted that the Raiders are financially strapped and will not want to dish out top-five money one year after selecting QB JaMarcus Russell with the top overall pick. So, if McFadden is still on the board, don't count out the possibility of a blockbuster trade by owner Al Davis. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, an Arkansas alum, would certainly listen to offers.

5. Kansas City Chiefs**
Record: 4-12
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: OT, DE, C, WR, CB
Projected pick: Jake Long, OT, Michigan
Quarterback is still a question mark, but the Chiefs' No. 1 priority this offseason should be solidifying their offensive front. Long is unquestionably the most dominant offensive lineman in the 2008 class and could help Kansas City achieve that goal in a hurry. He has the versatility to play either right or left tackle, and his combination of size, technique, athletic ability and a mean streak would improve the Chiefs' line almost immediately.

6. New York Jets
Record: 4-12
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: WR, NT, ILB, G, OLB
Projected pick: Vernon Gholston*, DE, Ohio State
This seems a bit high right now for Gholston, who flashes top-10 talent in many games (see: three sacks against Michigan) but disappears in too many others. Don't be surprised, however, if he works his way into the top-10 mix by the time April rolls around. Gholston is the best edge-rushing prospect in the class and we all know the premium NFL teams place on those players. He would be an excellent addition at rush linebacker for a Jets defense that is in need of some perimeter heat out of its 3-4 front.

7. New England Patriots (from 5-11 San Francisco)
Record: 16-0
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: ILB, CB, OLB, OL depth
Projected pick: Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida
The Patriots would like to inject some youth at inside linebacker, but there isn't a player at that position worth selecting this high now that James Laurinaitis (Ohio State) and Rey Maualuga (USC) are both returning to school next fall. The next priority is to find a replacement for CB Asante Samuel, a free agent who can't be franchised for a second consecutive year, and Jenkins is currently the top-rated cornerback in a weak 2008 crop. His combination of size, speed and athleticism is outstanding and his recognition skills improved each season. Jenkins also brings versatility to the table; he can play some safety and also chip in on returns.

8. Baltimore Ravens
Record: 5-11
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: CB, QB, OLB, DE, OT
Projected pick: Brian Brohm, QB, Louisville
Baltimore hopes this pick puts an end to its seemingly endless search for a franchise quarterback. There's no such thing as a "can't-miss" prospect in the NFL draft, especially at quarterback, and although Brohm is hardly an exception to the rule, he does possess the size, accuracy, pocket presence, intelligence and work ethic to thrive at the next level.

9. Cincinnati Bengals
Record: 7-9
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: DT, LB, OT, DE, TE
Projected pick: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC
The Bengals have a big need for help along the interior of the defense and Ellis is a quick, tough and relentless defensive tackle. He has the potential to disrupt plays in the backfield with his explosive first step and can occupy blockers, which would make the Bengals' entire front seven better.

10. New Orleans Saints
Record: 7-9
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: CB, DT, MLB, TE, OLB
Projected pick: Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina
This is admittedly a bit of a reach, but unfortunately for the Saints this appears to be the area where the elite talent pool runs dry. Laurinaitis and CB Malcolm Jenkins returning to Ohio State could end up affecting the Saints more than any other team in the draft. Cornerback and defensive tackle are New Orleans' biggest need areas and Balmer is the best available prospect at either position. Although Balmer flashes top-10 potential at times, he also could turn out to be another bust in the mold of Jonathan Sullivan, who New Orleans selected sixth overall in 2003 but traded away in 2006 after he failed to live up to his potential.

11. Buffalo Bills
Record: 7-9
Biggest needs: TE, CB, WR, LB, DT
Projected pick: DeSean Jackson*, WR, California
Jackson could join forces with former Cal teammate and current Bills RB Marshawn Lynch to give Buffalo one of the most exciting young offensive skill groups in the NFL. Jackson still has room to improve as a route-runner and he must get stronger in order to endure a 16-game NFL schedule. Much like Ted Ginn Jr. (No. 9 overall to Miami last season), however, Jackson's home run ability after the catch, on vertical routes and returning punts will be too tempting for a team with a top-15 draft pick to pass on.

12. Denver Broncos
Record: 7-9
Biggest needs: OT, DT, S, MLB, G
Projected pick: Ryan Clady*, OT, Boise State
Clady is still improving his strength but he possesses impressive feet to go along with his enormous wingspan and huge frame. He would be an ideal fit in Denver's zone-blocking scheme.

13. Carolina Panthers
Record: 7-9
Biggest needs: QB, WR, DE, OLB, OT
Projected pick: Calais Campbell*, DE, Miami
It would be tough to pass on a potential future franchise quarterback in Andre' Woodson, but I get the sense that coach John Fox is more worried about the immediate future. Instead of drafting a young signal-caller who will need time to develop, look for the Panthers to bring in veteran competition for Matt Moore, who showed some signs of potential late in the season. Drafting an end like Campbell, who could make an immediate contribution, seems more prudent for Fox; Mike Rucker is expected to retire and Julius Peppers disappeared in 2007.

14. Chicago Bears
Record: 7-9
Biggest needs: QB, OT, DT, G, RB
Projected pick: Andre' Woodson, QB, Kentucky
Teams will be concerned about Woodson's occasional lapses in decision-making and lack of mobility, but he possesses the size, arm strength and accuracy as a passer to develop into a good starter in the NFL. The Bears will likely consider themselves fortunate if Woodson falls to them at pick No. 14 overall, given the quarterback issues that have plagued the team in recent seasons.

15. Detroit Lions
Record: 7-9
Biggest needs: OT, G, CB, S, DE
Projected pick: Aqib Talib*, CB, Kansas
The Lions will be selecting outside of the top 10 for the first time since 2001 and the trick is to find quality players this far down the line. The Lions' secondary is undermanned and would welcome the services of Talib; he is a versatile, fluid athlete with excellent size and ball skills. His elite athleticism was on display when returned an interception 100 yards for a touchdown this season, and Talib also saw some snaps on offense.

16. Arizona Cardinals
Record: 8-8
Biggest needs: OLB, CB, TE, RB, DE
Projected pick: Jonathan Stewart*, RB, Oregon
The Cardinals have more pressing needs on the other side of the ball -- like defensive tackle and cornerback -- but there isn't a player available at either position who is as valuable as Stewart. He has the speed to provide a big-play element that is missing in the Cardinals' rushing attack while splitting carries with Edgerrin James early in his career. Stewart also could offer a boost as a kickoff returner.

17. Minnesota Vikings
Record: 8-8
Biggest needs: DE, WR, S, QB, TE
Projected pick: Derrick Harvey*, DE, Florida
Believe it or not, Minnesota is still in the market for a pass-rushing defensive end despite investing recent back-to-back first-round picks in Kenechi Udeze (2004) and Erasmus James (2005). Harvey isn't quite as explosive as former teammate Jarvis Moss (first round to Denver last season), but he is more naturally athletic and if groomed properly should become a more complete player in the NFL.

18. Houston Texans
Record: 8-8
Biggest needs: CB, G, WR, S, OT
Projected pick: Kenny Phillips*, S, Miami
The Texans boast arguably the best young defensive line in the NFL thanks to former first-round picks DE Mario Williams (2006) and DT Amobi Okoye (2007), and now they need a ball hawk in the secondary who can capitalize when that line forces bad throws from opposing quarterbacks. Phillips could be the right man for the job. He needs good coaching to improve his consistency, but there isn't a defensive back in this year's class who can stack up with Phillips' overall blend of natural physical tools.

19. Philadelphia Eagles
Record: 9-7
Biggest needs: OT, S, WR, LB, TE
Projected pick: Malcolm Kelly*, WR, Oklahoma
Current Eagles OTs Jon Runyan and William Thomas aren't getting any younger, so Jeffrey Otah (Pittsburgh) and Michael Oher (Mississippi) are possibilities here. However, the Eagles are still in search of a big-play threat at wide receiver and Kelly could finally be the answer. Unlike most big receivers, he's a smooth route-runner who knows how to separate from man-to-man coverage. Kelly also might have the strongest hands of any receiver in this year's class.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record: 9-7
Biggest needs: OT, WR OLB, CB, QB
Projected pick: Sam Baker, OT, USC
Cornerback is also an area of need but Baker would be a steal this late in the first round. He suffered through an injury-plagued senior season and he still needs to get stronger, but no tackle in the 2008 is better equipped athletically to step in immediately and improve the pass-blocking situation for coach Jon Gruden's West Coast offense.

21. Washington Redskins
Record: 9-7
Biggest needs: WR, DE, S, OT, CB
Projected pick: Limas Sweed, WR, Texas
The Redskins' top priority this offseason is to add a playmaking receiver to the roster. There projects to be a run of wide receivers in the bottom half of the first round before the shallow talent pool dries up and if the Redskins don't get involved here they're likely to get shut out of the wide receiver market. Sweed could become one of the steals of this year's draft; he possesses top-10 talent but will no doubt be undervalued due to a wrist injury that cut short his senior season but should have no long-term affects on his pass-catching ability.

22. Dallas Cowboys (from 10-6 Cleveland)
Record: 13-3
Biggest needs: CB, WR, OT, ILB, RB
Projected pick: Mario Manningham*, WR, Michigan
Manningham is an underrated talent who could be special at the next level if he keeps his head on straight. With his good deep speed it wouldn't take Manningham long to take over Terry Glenn's role in the Dallas offense as the vertical threat opposite Terrell Owens. However, Manningham needs to get stronger in order to deal with physical press coverage.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: 10-6
Biggest needs: OT. C, DE, G, RB
Projected pick: Jeffrey Otah, OT, Pittsburgh
The Steelers could use two of their first three picks on offensive linemen. They have bigger holes to fill inside at center and guard, but with his combination of size and skills Otah is far and away the best lineman available in this scenario. G Roy Schuening (Oregon State) and C John Sullivan (Notre Dame) could also become Steelers in later rounds.

24. Tennessee Titans
Record: 10-6
Biggest needs: WR, CB, TE, WR, OL
Projected pick: Early Doucet, WR, LSU
Considering the Pacman Jones fallout, it wouldn't be surprising to see Tennessee pass on the more naturally gifted James Hardy, who has off-field baggage. The Titans need to draft a legitimate weapon for QB Vince Young to target in the passing game, and although Doucet battled injury during his senior season, has the quickness and playmaking ability to help Young.

25. Seattle Seahawks
Record: 10-6
Biggest needs: OT, DT, RB, TE, G
Projected pick: Rashard Mendenhall*, RB, Illinois
It is unlikely that current Seahawks RB Shaun Alexander will ever return to his 2005 MVP form, and Maurice Morris has proven to be most effective in a complementary role. This year's crop of running backs is unusually deep, but Seattle might not want to wait; Mendenhall is an underrated receiver, has limited wear on his tires and is coming off a very impressive showing against the speedy USC defense in the Rose Bowl.

26. New York Giants***
Record: 10-6
Biggest needs: OLB, CB, S, OT, DT
Projected pick: Keith Rivers, OLB, USC
The Giants are in need of a legitimate upgrade at linebacker and Rivers is instinctive and athletic enough to contribute immediately on the weak side. Arkansas RB Felix Jones is another possibility here; his world-class speed makes him an ideal complement to current Giants power back Brandon Jacobs. Jones also can add value as a big-play threat as a receiver and in the return game, so keep an eye on this selection.

27. Jacksonville Jaguars
Record: 11-5
Biggest needs: WR, DE, SS, CB
Projected pick: Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn
The Jaguars should use this pick on the best available pass-rusher. Although Groves struggled through an injury-riddled senior season, there isn't an edge rusher in the 2008 class with better top-end speed. His stock is likely to soar following what should be impressive showings at the combine and individual workouts.

28. San Diego Chargers***
Record: 11-5
Biggest needs: G, OT, NT, FB, RB
Projected pick: Dan Connor, MLB, Penn State
Connor is a versatile prospect who spent most of his collegiate career at outside linebacker before moving inside as a senior. Similar to former teammate Paul Posluszny (second round to Buffalo last season), Connor is a bit overrated at this early point in the draft process. Regardless, he's athletic and tough enough to warrant late-first round consideration from a team like the Chargers, who are in need of an upgrade at inside linebacker.

29. Dallas Cowboys
Record: 13-3
Biggest needs: CB, WR, OT, ILB, RB
Projected pick: Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy
After nabbing a vertical threat at wide receiver five picks earlier in the person of Manningham, Dallas can take a chance on a potential shutdown cornerback in McKelvin. He has excellent speed and can also be a contributor in the return game, and McKelvin held his own against big-time competition this season.

30. San Francisco 49ers (from 13-3 Indianapolis)
Record: 5-11
Biggest needs: WR, OT, OLB, DE, QB
Projected pick: James Hardy*, WR, Indiana
The 49ers need a playmaker at wide receiver to take the attention away from TE Vernon Davis and some pressure off QB Alex Smith. And although Hardy comes with some baggage and he needs some polishing, no receiver in this class possesses a more imposing combination of size and natural athleticism.

31. Green Bay Packers***
Record: 13-3
Biggest needs: OT, S, CB, TE, P
Projected pick: Fred Davis, TE, USC
Former first-round pick Bubba Franks never developed into a difference-maker in the passing game and his career is on the steady decline. Davis emerged as the Trojans' go-to-receiver with 62 receptions as a senior, finally getting a chance to showcase his outstanding athletic ability. Packers QB Brett Favre would certainly welcome the addition of a tight end like Davis, who can stretch the seam and generate yards after the catch.

32. New England Patriots***
Record: 16-0
Scouts Inc.'s three biggest needs: ILB, CB, OLB, OL depth
Projected pick: Pick forfeited.
The Patriots forfeit this pick as part of the penalty handed down for illegally taping Jets coaches from the sideline in Week 1.



- This guy likes to party.



- Sickening, pathetic, but yet hilarious.