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Dr. Z Charts the '87 Draft
Paul Zimmerman
April 27, 1987
The speed at running back and wide receiver is breathtaking. And for only the second time in 12 years, a quarterback will be the first player taken (Tampa Bay, in fact, already has Vinny Testaverde's signature on a contract). But for all that, the scouts still say the greatest quality in the 1987 NFL draft next Tuesday lies in defense. "I've projected 12 defensive players picked out of the first 17," says coach Sam Wyche of No. 17 Cincinnati, which will go for, well, defense. Because the No. 1 choice is settled, trade talk has centered on the Colts' No. 2 slot, where most everybody covets the shot at Alabama linebacker Cornelius Bennett, the star of this defensive show.
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April 27, 1987

Dr. Z Charts The '87 Draft

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9. PHILADELPHIA, Shawn Knight, DT, Brigham Young
Eagles gave up 104 sacks in '86, but Buddy Ryan's still the coach, and he still likes defense.

10. PITTSBURGH, D.J. Dozier, RB, Penn State
Most-recent clocking was a dazzling 4.45 for the 40, and Steelers need the speed.

11. NEW ORLEANS, Harris Barton, G, North Carolina
Saints might switch gears here and opt instead for a wide receiver who can return kicks.

12. DALLAS, John Clay, T, Missouri
A 320-pounder who fits the cowboys' new "big-butt" approach and fills a big hole in Big D.

13. ATLANTA, Chris Miller, QB, Oregon
Never saw much of the spotlight, but some scouts like him better than Testaverde .

14. MIAMI, Danny Noonan, NG, Nebraska
Boosted his draft status with a 4.71 clocking at the combine workouts.

15. L.A. RAIDERS, Mike Junkin, LB, Duke
Al Davis and Co. figure to trade for a quarterback rather than draft one.

16. MINNESOTA, Roger Vick, FB, Texas A & M
Vikes need a big back. This one runs with power and catches the ball as well.

17. CINCINNATI, Jason Buck, DE, Brigham Young
Bengals will go for need and take the best pure pass-rusher available; Buck fills the bill.

18. SEATTLE, Tony Woods, LB, Pittsburgh
A Lawrence Taylor-type stand-up rusher. Seahawks need the sacks.

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