NFC Central - NFL Draft Preview

CHICAGO BEARS

1997 picks Second round: 40th; third round: 69th; fourth round: 105th, 108th; fifth round: 141st; sixth round: 173rd, 196th, 200th, 201st; seventh round: 210th, 233rd. Total: 11 picks.

For more on the BEARS check out www.sportingnews.com/ nfl/teams/bears

Needs

A tight end who can play every down is the top priority. Safety is next and may be addressed with a No. 3 pick. The team plans to add a guard who can can develop behind Todd Burger and Todd Perry and eventually start. Linebacker is thin after the front three, and the team also could use a nickel running back and depth at defensive tackle. The need for a receiver was reduced by the signing of Ricky Proehl.

Outlook

Other than tight end, the team doesn't expect to land immediate starters. The goal is to get talent into the pipeline as some young players--guard Chris Villarrial, defensive tackle Paul Grasmanis, wide receiver Bobby Engram and safety Anthony Marshall--move into starting roles. If, as expected, TEs David LaFleur (LSU) and Tony Gonzalez (Cal) are gone before the Bears' first turn, USC TE John Allred should hear his phone ring. But expect the team to try to package some of its picks and move up late in the first round if LaFleur is still there; the club has Seattle's fourth-round pick from the Rick Mirer trade, plus four compensatory picks late. Last year, the Bears packaged third- and sixth-rounders to move up and take CB Walt Harris. The team also may move down a couple of slots if it is convinced Allred will last. Tight end and safety are distinctly higher priorities than linebacker, guard, defensive tackle, running back and receiver, so the later picks are more apt to be dealt if there's a chance to move up, particularly for a tight end who drops.

--John Mullin

DETROIT LIONS

1997 picks First round: 5th; second round: 35th; third round: 65th; fourth round: 101st, 130th; fifth round: 135th, 161st; sixth round: 168th; seventh round: 206th, 232nd, 239th. Total: 11 picks.

For more on the LIONS check out www.sportingnews.com/ nfl/teams/lions

Needs

Start in the defensive backfield and move forward. It's imperative the club lands a first-round cornerback to give the secondary strength and speed, but the team also needs help at linebacker, inside and outside (the club envisions Antonio London as more of a role player and has unproven Stephen Boyd in the middle), and on the line. Offensively, a backup tight end and a fullback would be wonderful late finds.

Outlook

The team likes Ohio State's Shawn Springs and Texas' Bryant Westbrook--two very impressive cornerbacks. But the Seahawks appear ready to take Springs at No. 3, and several teams are trying to deal ahead of the Lions to grab Westbrook. The Lions have targeted six defensive players (and Orlando Pace) in the first round, but the overwhelming need is cornerback. The club could swing a deal for the Raiders' No. 2 pick (if Oakland can't get Pace) and take Springs, or swap with the Ravens at No. 4 to secure Westbrook. If they fail to get either one, here's who they like, in descending order: Pace, USC DT Darrell Russell, Florida State DE Peter Boulware, Alabama LB Dwayne Rudd and Virginia LB James Farrior. Remember, the team is still trying to deal defensive tackle Henry Thomas. If the Lions get Boulware, they'd probably put Robert Porcher inside and play Boulware outside. At linebacker, the club has the option of moving last year's first-round pick, Reggie Brown, to the strong side and playing one of the rookies on the weak side.

--Tom Kowalski

GREEN BAY PACKERS

1997 picks First round: 30th; second round: 60th; third round: 90th; fourth round: 126th; fifth round: 160th; sixth round: 193rd; seventh round: 231st, 240th. Total: eight picks.

For more on the PACKERS check out www.sportingnews.com/ nfl/teams/packers

Needs

The Packers have lost tight end Keith Jackson, returner Desmond Howard and receiver Andre Rison and will try to fill those losses. They must improve the depth of the offensive line. On defense, they must add one linebacker, with the expected departure of starter Wayne Simmons. Defensive end and safety must be addressed for the future, because Reggie White and Eugene Robinson can't play forever.

Outlook

The number of quality cornerbacks on the board make it likely that the Packers will take one with their first pick. The idea will be to draft a defensive back who possibly can play safety or a true corner who would allow them to move starter Craig Newsome to free safety when Robinson retires. Some possibilities are Maryland's Chad Scott, Nebraska's Michael Booker and Louisville's Sam Madison. The Packers would love either of the two Virginia linebackers, James Farrior or Jamie Sharper, but they'll be gone by the time they pick. Another possibility is a defensive end such as Miami's Kenard Lang or Clemson's Trevor Pryce to help replace the loss of Sean Jones. Ultimately, general manager Ron Wolf will try to build up extra picks, particularly in the second and third rounds, where he has made some brilliant decisions. A tight end to replace Jackson or a speed back could come out of that spot in the draft. It's unlikely the Packers will take a kicker even though Chris Jacke is not re-signed. If they replace him, it likely will be with a free agent.

--Tom Silvestein

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

1997 picks First round: 20th; second round: 49th; third round: 78th; fourth round: 113th; fifth round: 151st; sixth round: 183rd; seventh round: 220th, 235th. Total: eight picks.

For more on the VIKINGS check out www.sportingnews.com/ nfl/teams/vikings

Needs

If Robert Smith remains unsigned, the team is serious about selecting a running back with its first-round pick. If Smith re-signs before the draft, the top need shifts to right guard. The other area that could receive first-round attention is cornerback. The team is desperate for secondary depth to push starter Corey Fuller or man the nickel role. Other needs: nose tackle and depth at linebacker and safety.

Outlook

The Vikings sound serious about their consideration of a first-round running back. Coach Dennis Green is known to be enamored with Washington's Corey Dillon and is also high on Northwestern's Darnell Autry. If they fail to pull the trigger on a running back, look for them to hope one of the top guards is still on the board, namely Colorado's Chris Naeole, who would help the team get bigger and more physical at right guard. Washington G Bob Sapp's stock has dropped lately, but he could be a second-round option. If the Vikings opt for defense with their top pick for the fourth straight year, Nebraska CB Michael Booker could be the man. Booker has the matchup size and speed the NFL loves and would be all but guaranteed of playing at least the nickel role this season. Having failed to land a veteran nose tackle thus far, the Vikings may again turn to the draft. But it's a down year at that position and they have taken Jason Fisk (seventh round in '95) and James Manley (second round in '96) the past two seasons.

--Don Banks

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

1997 picks First round: 8th, 16th; second round: 37th; third round: 66th; fourth round: 104th, 128th; fifth round: 137th; sixth round: 169th, 197th; seventh round; 209th. Total: 10 picks.

For more on the BUCCANEERS check out www.sportingnews.com/ nfl/teams.buccaneers

Needs

Wide receiver, offensive line, running back and cornerback. The team should be able to add starters in three of the four areas. A deep threat is needed for OB Trent Dilfer; the offensive fin' has only two sure starters in left tackle Paul Gruber and center Tony Mayberry; the running game needs a speed boost (with or without Errict Rhett); and Martin Mayhew should be replaced by a younger, quicker corner.

Outlook

Sitting in the No. 8 spot, the team is more likely to trade down, rather than trade up to try to grab a corner such as Bryant Westbrook or OT Walter Jones. The general feeling is that moving up would cost too much. If the Bucs stay at No. 8, Colorado WR Rae Carruth could be the pick. He's quick, he runs well after the catch and he would complement Horace Copeland. Miami's Yatil Green also has been mentioned, some see him as another Michael Irvin. At No. 16, the offensive line could be addressed. California OT Tarik Glenn and Colorado G Chris Naeole are possibilities. The team should be able to add a back in the second round. One possibility is Virginia's Tiki Barber (4.48 in the 40). Look for the team to sign a free-agent corner, possibly San Diego's Darrien Gordon, rather than drafting one early. The team should add more depth on the offensive line and at linebacker in the later rounds. One possible move on draft day could be to trade Rhett, especially if the team lands a running back in the first or second round.

--Nick Pugliese

COPYRIGHT 1997 Sporting News Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group