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AFC Draft guide
What to watch for -- and hope for -- when your team picks
Posted: Friday April 25, 2003 12:15 PM
SI.com has been polling users to determine fans' views for which positions their favorite team should address in the 2003 NFL Draft. And safe to say, some of the opinions vary from what team sources and draftniks have expressed. Click here for the NFC guide
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| AFC North |
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Baltimore Ravens
Total Draft Picks: 11
Selections:
10, 41, 77, 109, 134, 146, 173, 182, 223, 250, 258
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What they're saying: The Ravens are looking for a quarterback to compete with Chris Redman, who is recovering from offseason back surgery. Other options include the defensive line and defensive backfield.
What the fans want: QB -- Kyle Boller is the most likely pick for the Ravens, but not at No. 10. Baltimore has been up front with the fact it would rather trade down and still take the strong-armed Cal QB.
What our experts think they need:
DL -- a bookend to go with Weaver is required.
QB -- Redman is recovering from back surgery and never established himself.
WR -- a "go-to" guy to help the running game.
OL -- after Ogden, it gets bleak.
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Cincinnati Bengals
Total Draft Picks:
9
Selections:
1, 33, 65, 98, 118, 136, 174, 215, 259
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What they're saying:
It's all smiles and pats on the back in the Queen City. The Bengals have QB Carson Palmer under contract and are ready to rebuild around their third first-round quarterback pick since 1992.
What the fans want:
QB -- Obviously the crowds at Paul Brown Stadium have had enough of Jon Kitna, Akili Smith, et al. Cincy's offense was No. 18 last year, while the defense was ranked 17th.
What our experts think they need:
CB -- a sore spot in the defense for close to a decade.
G -- the tackles are solid, but help is needed on the interior.
FB -- wanted: a bruiser who can open holes for Dillon.
QB -- get a passer to develop behind Kitna.
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Cleveland Browns
Total Draft Picks:
7
Selections:
21, 52, 84, 115, 142, 152, 195
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What they're saying:
Protecting the QB has become a priority for the Browns, but No. 1a has to be finding a new set of linebackers -- Jamir Miller, Dewayne Rudd and Earl Holmes aren't with the team.
What the fans want:
O-line -- Understandable considering the top two LBs will most likely be off the board by the time Cleveland picks at No. 21. Or maybe the fans remember that Craig Powell pick in '95.
What our experts think they need:
LB -- their entire linebacker corps was released.
T -- protection for Couch has been a priority for three seasons.
DE -- Brown is wearing out his welcome.
CB -- their top corner was a salary-cap casualty.
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Pittsburgh Steelers
Total Draft Picks:
7
Selections:
27, 59, 92, 125, 163, 200, 242
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What they're saying:
The Steelers' defensive backfield is horrible and needs to be replenished. However, there's been talk in the past few weeks that a running back may be the best option at No. 27.
What the fans want:
DB -- It won't matter if Pittsburgh gets on The Bus or takes Fu or Amos to the ballpark; if the Steelers cannot stop the opposition, another "L" will go up on the tote board.
What our experts think they need:
CB -- depth and talent are a priority as their present group ages.
S -- a pass-covering centerfielder after losing out on free agent Dexter Jackson.
T -- Fordham is not the answer at right tackle.
QB -- the position must eventually be addressed in the draft.
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| AFC South |
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Houston Texans
Total Draft Picks: 13
Selections:
3, 36, 67, 83, 88, 101, 117, 138, 192, 214, 217, 233, 262
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What they're saying:
An offensive lineman was the early favorite, as was a running back -- until Willie McGahee was injured. Now, wide receiver is considered the safe pick.
What the fans want:
OL -- Seeing David Carr take a beating each game has to be a concern; he is, after all, the franchise. At No. 3, Houston will have many options, but can afford to take the skill player.
What our experts think they need:
RB -- signing Stacey Mack is a positive, but not the long-term answer.
WR -- reliable pass catcher who occasionally breaks the game open will only hasten Carr's development.
T -- Bosselli's body is always breaking down, and losing Young to free agency hurt.
TE -- one who can help the running game as a blocker and the passing game as a receiver.
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Indianapolis Colts
Total Draft Picks:
7
Selections:
24, 58, 90, 122, 162, 198, 208
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What they're saying:
Defense should be the priority -- interior, linebackers, defensive backs, take your pick. The Colts were eighth overall last season, but who remembers that after their embarrassing playoff loss?
What the fans want:
D-line -- Dwight Freeney lived up to expectations, but he'll need a lot more help considering the team's best LB, Mike Peterson, jumped to rival Jacksonville.
What our experts think they need:
CB -- desperately needed for Dungy's defense to work.
DT -- a big thumper in the middle to relieve the pressure on rookie sensation Freeney.
G -- the offense has needed a road-grading run blocker on the inside for four years.
TE -- a replacement for Ken Dilger has yet to be found.
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Jacksonville Jaguars
Total Draft Picks:
7
Selections:
8, 39, 72, 104, 132, 143, 179
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What they're saying:
No one is writing Mark Brunell's farewell speech -- yet. And while the company line is that David Garrard is the QB of the future, no one is discounting the Jags taking a QB.
What the fans want:
WR -- Jimmy Smith is a man on an island. And raise your hand if you think Donald Hayes is the solution for a No. 2 who can take the pressure off Smith. ... OK, Jermaine Lewis?
What our experts think they need:
CB -- would help complete the defense after several key free-agent signings.
QB -- Brunell's days could be numbered due to his escalating salary-cap number.
WR -- Smith is on the decline and there is not much else on the roster after him.
G -- they are set at tackle and look inwards.
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Tennessee Titans
Total Draft Picks:
7
Selections:
27, 59, 92, 125, 163, 200, 242
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What they're saying:
The Titans have been frank that getting Steve McNair back to the Super Bowl is a goal. (Shouldn't that be the case for each of the 32 teams, getting to the big game?)
What the fans want:
WR -- Considering the position's depth in the draft, there will be a go-to receiver for Tennessee at No. 28 -- and he'll be better now than Kevin Dyson, who was jettisoned in the offseason.
What our experts think they need:
CB -- Mitchell was lost to free agency while Dyson has been inconsistent.
WR -- losing Dyson was a major blow.
DT -- Thorton signed with the Bengals and teams can now double Kearse and Carter.
T -- Hopkins has been a stalwart, but cannot go on forever.
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| AFC East |
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Buffalo Bills
Total Draft Picks: 7
Selections:
23, 48, 79, 111, 151, 187, 228
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What they're saying:
The Bills were so confident that second-year WR Josh Reed is ready that they traded Peerless Price to get back into the first round. After signing Takeo Spikes, the defensive line became the first-round priority.
What the fans want:
D-line -- After 2000 first-rounder Erik Flowers' flop, the defensive front is a glaring weakness. A Chris Kelsay type -- working as a DE/LB -- would provide versatility in pass rushing.
What our experts think they need:
DE -- a pass rusher is desperately needed.
WR -- a little thin after trading Peerless Price.
DT -- the talent on the inside runs hot and cold.
TE -- depth is needed.
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Miami Dolphins
Total Draft Picks:
10
Selections:
49, 78, 87, 156, 169, 209, 213, 226, 247, 248
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What they're saying:
Offensive line will be the Dolphins' top priority when they pick in the second round. As it stands, Miami is 49th, but it's no secret the Dolphins would like to trade up.
What the fans want:
QB, WR -- Jay Fiedler stepped into big shoes and hasn't been Dan Marino. Who could be? Another receiver opposite Chris Chambers is another need if Fiedler is to progress.
What our experts think they need:
LT -- a consistent blind-side protector is a priority.
LB -- youth and depth is needed as Seau and Thomas get on in years.
WR -- Chambers is good but the talent quickly thins out afterwards.
QB -- how far can Jay Fiedler take this team?
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New England Patriots
Total Draft Picks:
12
Selections:
14, 19, 50, 75, 120, 128, 154, 157, 193, 225, 234, 239
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What they're saying:
The Patriots' first pick -- No. 14 -- will be used to rebuild the defensive line by getting a tackle in order to move Richard Seymour to the end and utilize his pass-rush skills.
What the fans want:
RB -- New England fans found out what Buffalo's already knew: Antowain Smith's flashes of brilliance are balanced by some pretty pathetic efforts. At Nos. 14 and 19, the Pats should be able to address both.
What our experts think they need:
DL -- the entire defensive line, except Seymour, needs to be overhauled.
LB -- the 3-4 alignment returns and run stuffers in the middle are needed.
WR -- a big-bodied pass catcher to go over the middle is a must.
LT -- the situation off the blind side is shaky for the immobile Brady.
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New York Jets
Total Draft Picks:
8
Selections:
4, 53, 85, 116, 140, 153, 189, 237
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What they're saying:
Losing Laveranues Coles wasn't the worst thing that could have happened. In fact, picking up the Redskins' No. 1 -- 13th overall -- is a blessing. Curtis Conway will fill Coles' role.
What the fans want:
D-back -- Defense carried the day among the fans' votes, and the Jets have done their part, trading the Nos. 13 and 22 to Chicago for the No. 4 in an attempt to land DT Dewayne Robertson.
What our experts think they need:
DT -- teams ran roughshod over the Jets early in 2002.
LB -- the linebacker core is aging and slowing.
WR -- losing Coles hurts; have not had a big-bodied WR since Keyshawn.
TE -- they have gotten minimal production from Becht.
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| AFC West |
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Denver Broncos
Total Draft Picks: 7
Selections:
20, 51, 82, 114, 158, 194, 235
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What they're saying:
The Broncos released Chester McGlockton, Keith Washington, Kavika Pittman and Montae Reagor, among others, from the league's sixth-ranked defense and added DT Daryl Gardener.
What the fans want:
QB -- Nothing personal against Jake Plummer, but this is Brian Griese backlash. We think. Obviously, Denver needs to focus its attention on the defensive line with the No. 20 pick.
What our experts think they need:
DE -- Denver was one of the worst pass-rushing teams in the league last year.
CB -- talent and consistency are a must until the young players (O'Neal, Middleton) show their mettle.
T -- a young tackle for the future is a serious consideration.
QB -- needed for the future if Jake Plummer does not pan out.
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Kansas City Chiefs
Total Draft Picks:
6
Selections:
16, 47, 113, 150, 230, 252
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What they're saying:
The Chiefs learned that a lot of offense doesn't do a lot if there's not a lot of defense to lend a hand. K.C.'s offense was ranked No. 4, but the defense was an NFL-worst 32.
What the fans want:
Defense -- Line, 'backers and backfield could all use an improvement with only 18 interceptions and 34 sacks. Adding vets Shawn Barber, Dexter McCleon and Vonnie Holliday helps.
What our experts think they need:
DE -- Vonnie Holiday was a terrific signing, but a pass rusher is needed.
CB -- they've used a lot of draft picks at this position but are still void of talent.
MLB -- signing Shawn Barber solidifies the outside slot, but a young buck is needed on the inside.
WR -- a deep threat is needed to make the offense go.
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Oakland Raiders
Total Draft Picks:
8
Selections:
31, 32, 63, 96, 129, 167, 204, 246
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What they're saying:
Getting some youth injected into several key positions of aging lineup will be a big step toward keeping the Raiders as contenders. The interior lines are major concerns.
What the fans want:
DL -- After losing Regan Upshaw and Sam Adams, the Raiders have plugged in Dana Stubblefield -- another with high mileage. Barring a trade up, there may not be the value at Nos. 31, 32 to go for defense.
What our experts think they need:
WR -- Rice and Brown cannot go on forever.
DE -- an every-down run defender and pass rusher to add depth.
S -- a pass defending centerfielder to replace Rod Woodson.
LT -- Simeon Rice badly exposed Simms in the Super Bowl.
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San Diego Chargers
Total Draft Picks:
7
Selections:
15, 46, 80, 112, 149, 188, 229
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What they're saying:
A solid foundation is in place, and now it's up to A.J. Smith to follow through on John Butler's plan for returning the Bolts into a force to be reckoned with.
What the fans want:
WR -- The top receiver last year, Curtis Conway, had only 57 catches. Tim Dwight had 50. Enter David Boston, who now allows San Diego to concentrate on its 30th-ranked defense.
What our experts think they need:
DT -- the defense went south when Williams went down.
T -- they get a lot from a little but need to upgrade the talent out of respect for Tomlinson and Brees.
WR -- a big, No. 1 receiver is a must.
LB -- they must now replace the irreplaceable Seau.
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