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Slim pickings Depth lacking at most positions other than WR, DT
Updated: Tuesday April 03, 2001 5:38 PM
This month's draft is loaded with wide receiver and defensive tackle talent. Half the first round picks could come at those two positions. But other positions are so glaringly shallow, teams will be forced to reach earlier than the player grades warrant. At quarterback, Michael Vick will go first, whether the Chargers select him or another team trades into that spot. When Vick's name leaves the board, Drew Brees becomes an extremely interesting choice. One college personnel director described Brees to me as the draft's "wild card." Some team will grab him earlier than his grade calls for because of the perceived lack of depth at quarterback. If a team desperately needs a linebacker, there isn't much choice beyond the University of Miami's Dan Morgan. There should be other linebackers taken later in the first round, but Morgan is the only one with a true first-round grade. The Saints' Chris Naeole is the only guard to get drafted in the Top 10 in the past decade, but Michigan's Steve Hutchinson could be the next. He's been described as another Steve Wisniewski and I'd be shocked if he isn't gone by the 15th pick. Several teams need a tight end to come in and start right away, so Arizona State's Todd Heap will go quickly. Some think he has a chance to do Tony Gonzalez -type things in the NFL, so Heap will go higher than most figure because he appears special compared to the rest of an ordinary group. Finally, centers are rarely first-round selections and this year is no different. But as teams consider which prospects can start next season, Nebraska's Dominic Raiola should find out where he'll be playing before the 32nd pick. Ironically, depth at certain positions will cause some top players to slip while less marquee prospects at thinner positions will go earlier. Those picks are more of a gamble, but that's what happens when there isn't enough supply for specific demands at the NFL level. Pat Kirwan, who spent 12 years as a pro football coach, scout and personnel administrator, is an NFL analyst for CNN/Sports Illustrated and a regular contributor to CNNSI.com. Chat with Pat at 1 p.m. EDT Wednesdays.
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