THE Definitive NFL Mock Draft: Tab's 6.0

To date, I have done five rough mock drafts that have followed the progression of the NFL's offseason, from the end of the regular season through the combine and now after a furious beginning to free agency.

There are indeed some players that have not yet been signed, and the Pro Days at various colleges could still weigh heavily on the draft, but after the flurry of trades and boatloads of money thrown at players (mostly in Washington), the clouds are starting to part and more clarity is beginning to form around the 2009 draft.

So now I take a look at where the NFL Draft will go on the first day of March, taking into account the free agent signings of each team as well as players that have been released and/or traded to date.

1. Detroit Lions

2008 Vitals: Ranked dead last in defense, allowing over 400 yards per game and over 32 points per contest. The offense brought, on average, half of the points allowed to the table (16.8 ppg), good for 27th in the NFL. They averaged half as many rushing yards on offense (83 p/gm) as they allowed (173 p/gm).

Before the 2008 season the traded the anchor of their defensive line, Shaun Rogers, to Cleveland. In the middle of the season they dealt receiver Roy Williams to Dallas for the 20th overall selection in the 2009 draft.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: CB Anthony Henry, RB Maurice Morris, CB Eric King, WR Bryant Johnson

Losses: QB Jon Kitna, DT Shaun Cody, WR Mike Furrey, RB Rudi Johnson, DE Corey Smith, SS Dwight Smith, TE Dan Campbell

They have changed their entire coaching staff.

Strengths: RB Kevin Smith & WR Calvin Johnson.

Weaknesses: Everything else. They lost all 16 games last year.

Questions

Is Daunte Culpepper the man under center for more than 2009? If so, how will they Lions keep him off his back? Will the new secondary of Henry and King make a difference for a team that gave up 250 yards/game last year? How will they pressure the quarterback? Is there anyone to play next to Ernie Simms at linebacker?

Projected Pick: Aaron Curry, LB

Why: The Lions have Culpepper signed through 2009 and invested a draft pick in Drew Stanton last year. Many people, including myself, do not think Matthew Stafford is the best overall player in this draft; some believe it's Curry, some Eugene Monroe, others Michael Crabtree.

If the Lions aren't sold on Stafford, they shouldn't take him with the top overall pick.

The Lions, also, have some weapons on offense that, with some consistency at quarterback, could score some points. But when the defense is as bad as it was in 2008, even the most conservative offensive coordinator becomes a one-dimensional pass-happy play caller when chasing 14 points after five minutes.

The Lions have the opportunity to put a premier talent opposite Sims at linebacker. With the additions of two new corners in the secondary, the Lions have already shown a commitment to stopping their opposition more in 2009 than they did last year. Curry is the right pick for Detroit.

2. St. Louis Rams

2008 Vitals: What was once the greatest show on turf spent more time watching the track meet than participating in 2008. They were 31st in defense, allowing 29 points per game last year, while scoring 14.5 per game (tied for 30th).

Mark Bulger was both hurt and benched last year, and they made a coaching change in the middle of the season.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: C Jason Brown

Losses: DT La'Roi Glover, QB Trent Green, WR Drew Bennett, OT Richie Incognito, G Mark Setterstrom, CB Ricky Manning JR

Strengths: They still have Torry Holt at receiver, but don't know what to expect around him. Stephen Jackson didn't play anywhere close to a full season last year, but has been as good as any running back when on the field healthy. Their defense is led by two good DEs, last year's first round pick Chris Long and Leonard Little.

Weaknesses: Defense. And health. And age. And coaching.

Questions

Will Orlando Pace be healthy? Will Stephen Jackson commit? Will Torry Holt be a Ram in August? Will they stop anyone? Can they score?

Projected Pick: Eugene Monroe, OT

Why: When they were the greatest show on turf, they were able to impose their will on opponents offensively. Last year, even though they had talent at skill positions, they barely topped two touchdowns per game.

By bringing in the best offensive lineman in this year's free agent class in Brown, they've put an anchor in the middle of their offensive line. But they still need to keep Bulger off his back and create holes for Jackson.

Monroe is one of a small group of solid offensive tackles in this year's draft. The Rams, in my opinion, will look to their past and see what drafting Pace meant to their offense and look to Monroe as a second coming. They'll be able to address other needs, specifically at linebacker or another quarterback, with their second-round pick.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

2008 Vitals: Struggled as much keeping veterans happy as they did with injuries last year. TE Tony Gonzalez asked out last year and hasn't completely backed off that stance yet this winter. RB Larry Johnson, now getting paid, was an enormous disappointment.

They did have a couple intriguing pieces show some hope for the future on offense. QB Tyler Thigpen and WR Dwayne Bowe developed some nice chemistry towards the end of last year.

They ranked 28th in defense, allowing 27.5 points per game last year, while their offense only mustered 18.2 points per game, good for 26th overall.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: QB Matt Cassell, LB MIke Vrabel

Losses: DE Jason Babin, C Rudy Niswanger, Second round pick in 2009 draft

Strengths: The Chiefs, if they can stay healthy, now have a foundation of Cassell, Johnson and Bowe on offense. They still like last year's top pick, Glen Dorsey, at DT and Derrick Johnson at LB on defense, and the addition of Vrabel will bring something to the worst pass rush in history of the league.

Weaknesses: They need to keep their skill position players healthy on offense and allow fewer than 158 yards per game on the ground. They had the worst pass rush ever (10 sacks in 16 games in 2008).

Projected Pick: Jason Smith, OT

Why: You don't trade away the third pick in the second round for a quarterback and not protect him. If they want to get value from Cassell, and keep him standing long enough to make Gonzalez and Johnson happy, they'll get someone to anchor their weak offensive line.

Brandon Albert is a natural guard playing tackle out of necessity. By bringing in Smith, they'll be able to move Albert to either right tackle or back to guard and solidify their line.

However, I wouldn't be shocked to see the Chiefs trade down from this pick.

4. Seattle Seahawks

2008 Vitals: They weren't the worst last year, but they were bad enough to have the fourth pick. They scored 18.4 points per game while yielding 24.5. Matt Hasselbeck struggled through injury issues, and they had question marks at the receiver position because of health concerns.

They invested a lot of money in Julius Jones to bring a spark to their running game, but it didn't pay the dividends they would have hoped.

On defense, they still have a solid secondary and Lofa Tatupu at linebacker, but struggled with their pass rush. While they had 35 sacks as a team, they didn't have a single player over 5.5.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: DT Colin Cole

Losses: DT Rocky Bernard, RB Maurice Morris, T Porkchop Womack, WR Koren Robinson, WR Bobby Engram

Strengths: Their veteran leadership is solid, and their core defense is solid. They forced 32 takeaways last year and are losing only Bernard from their regulars.

Weaknesses: Health. They're getting older every year at every skill position on offense, and with Womack leaving a year after Steve Hutchinson left for Minnesota, what used to be the best offensive line in the NFL is now full of holes.

They also averaged only 160 yards per game passing last year, a number that was impacted by both Hasselback's health and a thin receiving group.

This will also be Year One of the Post-Holmgren Era in Seattle, as their head coach has moved on to greener pastures.

Projected Pick: Micheal Oher, OT

Why: They'll be tempted to take Crabtree here, but they're currently in the mix for T.J. Houshmanzadeh. Because of their issues with health concerns across the board on offense, I think they'll pass on the receiver who will have surgery on his foot this coming week.

Oher, on the other hand, would give them a big, young replacement for Womack. If they can keep Hasselbeck standing, and give Jones a few holes to run through, their offense might help their defense stay off the field.

I know that three of the top four picks being offensive tackles will bring some questions and undoubted commentary, but I think, based on the needs of the top four teams, a tackle is the best bet in this draft for the group of teams at the top.

Because of their age concerns and multiple areas of need, Seattle might be the best bet of the top five to trade down.

5. Cleveland Browns

2008 Vitals: After a promising finish to the 2007 season, the Browns disappointed as much as any team in the NFL last year. A talented offense led by Derek Anderson, Braylon Edwards, Kellen Winslow, Jr. and Jamal Lewis fell off to tying the Rams for 30th at 14.5 points per game.

In Eric Steinbach and Joe Thomas, they have a solid foundation on their offensive line.

They brought in Shaun Rogers from Detroit to solidify their run defense, and they saw some moderate improvements by finishing in the middle of the pack (t-16th) in defense, allowing 21.9 points per game.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: nothing... yet

Losses: LB Andra Davis, TE Winslow, S Sean Jones, LB Willie McGinest

Strengths: Everything for Cleveland is an IF. IF they get solid quarterback play, IF Edwards comes back to where he was in 2007, IF they replace Davis at LB, IF they get some consistency from their coaches, they could be in contention for their division. New Coach Eric Mangini might bring the consistency they've lacked.

Weaknesses: Focus. They still have a lot of talent, but the mental mistakes were what hurt them in 2008. Jamal Lewis isn't getting younger, and they're likely going to have a quarterback competition between Anderson and Brady Quinn, but they have pieces with which they can win.

Projected Pick: Brian Orakpo, DE

Why: Maybe the biggest problem with the Browns defense last year was pressure on the quarterback; they had just 17 sacks as a team last year. In their 3-4 scheme, Orakpo might be the best fit as both a ridiculous athlete and a fast enough end to make noise in the backfield and in passing lanes.

Their two top sack men last year were former Lions DT Shaun Rogers and OLD Kamerion Wimbley. If they and add Orakpo to this mix, they could have a solid enough foundation to make a difference on defense.

With the picks they'll have coming in from Tampa in exchange for Winslow, they might be a candidate to slide into the back half of the round for additional help in the secondary or depth at running back.

6. Cincinnati Bengals

2008 Vitals: Their running game was a train wreck until Cedric Benson (yes, Cedric Benson) came to the rescue. As has been their pattern, the mouths of their players did more running than their legs last year, and they continued to disappoint.

While their problem in the past was their defense stopping people, their offense was the main culprit in 2008. The Bengals averaged an NFL-worst 12.8 points per game; their defense actually climbed to being ranked 19th at 22.8 per game.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: nothing

Losses: Potentially WR T.J. Houshmanzadeh, CB Jamar Fletcher, OT Stacy Andrews, and RB Cedric Benson

Stengths: Similar to Cleveland, Cincy's issues come down to health. If they can keep Carson Palmer healthy, they have an elite quarterback. Their defense has two young corners and a couple good linebackers as well.

Weaknesses: Their best receiver is leaving as a free agent, they have no running game, and their quarterback's been beat up. And their best returning receiver, Chad Johnson... well, his agent is offering his services to other teams.

So while their defense is improving, their offense was the problem last year and, with their losses in personnel, could continue to be.

Projected Pick: Michael Crabtree, WR

Why: Because of their weaknesses. Houshmanzadeh's leaving, Johnson's apparently for sale, and they have no running backs. Crabtree is the most talented receiver, maybe even player, in this draft. Getting him at six would be a steal for the Bengals.

7. Oakland Raiders

2008 Vitals: They're really, really young on offense but have enough talent to make an opposing player blush. While they scored only 16.4 points per game last year, they have invested almost all of their first round picks on their offense over the last five years.

Their defense only allowed 24.3 point per game last year. I say only because they weren't always handed the easiest field position because of their young offense.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: nothing

Losses:S Gibril Wilson, DT William Joseph, WR Ashley Lelie, DE Kalimba Edwards, WR Ronald Curry, TE Ben Troupe

Stengths: Their athletic ability and speed on offense puts their ceiling as high as any in the NFL, with JaMarcus Russell at quarterback and Darren McFadden at running back. They were able to keep Nnamdi Asomugha out of free agency as well, which is a huge win in their secondary.

Weaknesses: Russell and McFadden are still learning on the job, and they're (yet again) starting another season with a new head coach. At least this time their coach got half a season worth of experience before finding himself in the lion's den.

Projected Pick: Jeremy Maclin, WR

Why:They need a strong safety, but might move Michael Huff to replace Wilson. They need help at offensive tackle, but the best in this draft are coming off the board. They could use a linebacker, but seven is a little high for one of the true OLBs in this class.

The Raiders threw for only 148 yards per game last year. They're going into an offseason without Curry and Lelie. They need to give Russell a weapon outside, and Maclin's the best receiver in this draft not named Crabtree.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars

2008 Vitals: They committed to David Garrard and a proven two-running back system and it failed in 2008. They had issues protecting Garrard and his biggest positive statistic coming into 2008, turnovers, became a problem.

Though their offense averaged over 310 yards per game, they only put up 18.9 points per game.

Meanwhile, their once stalwart defense saw a few defections and a major attitude issue from defensive captain Mike Peterson drop them to being ranked 21st in the NFL, allowing 22.9 points per game. They were perhaps the biggest victim in the NFL of losing close games, as their scoring differential of only four points per game illustrates.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: S Sean Considine

Losses: RB Fred Taylor, CB Drayton Florence, LB Mike Peterson, WR Reggie Williams

Strengths: We used to be able to say their running game, but they're putting the full control of the ground in the hands of Maurice Jones-Drew for the first time. Their defense used to be a headliner as well, but Marcus Stroud, Florence and Peterson are now gone.

Weaknesses: Leadership continues to walk out the door in Jacksonville. They still have a solid nucleus, so controlling the turnovers might help swing their scoring differential the other way.

Projected Pick: Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S

Why: They need to replace Peterson, so a linebacker will be tempting here. They also might look at BJ Raji at DT to play next to John Henderson. But they allowed 224 passing yards per game last year, and the release for Florence opens a hole that Jenkins might be asked to fill.

9. Green Bay Packers

2008 Vitals: The beginning of the Aaron Rodgers Era got off to a nice start but fell off a little as the season went on. Preseason injuries to RB Ryan Grant kept him from getting back to where he left off at the end of 2007; coincidentally, he held out until he got a nice raise before getting injured.

They still ended the season ranked fifth in the NFL by scoring 26.2 points per game.

Their defense let their offense down, though. They gave up 23.8 points per game while yielding over 130 yards per game on the ground. They took the ball away effectively, but gave up too many points to say out of the top 10 in the draft.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: none

Losses: OT Mark Tauscher, S Atari Bigby, and DT Colin Cole.

Stengths: They take the ball away as well as any team in the NFL, and Aaron Kampman had a nice season with 9.5 sacks. They still have a good group of receivers and Grant could bounce back to be a good running back again.

Weaknesses: Turnovers were their issue on offense. Their biggest question mark going into 2009 is a proposed transition to a 3-4 defense for the first time.

Projected Pick: Brian Cushing, LB

Why: They're moving to a 3-4 and need to bulk up outside. Cushing moving into a linebacking group with AJ Hawk and Nick Barnett should provide the athleticism to make the move effectively.

However, with Tauscher leaving town and Andre Smith available, I wouldn't be surprised if the Packers took a tackle to protect Rodgers for the next decade like Tauscher did for the last guy to play quarterback in Green Bay.

Proud of me? I just went an entire breakdown of the Packers without saying the words Brett or Favre once!

10. San Francisco 49ers

2008 Vitals: They made the move to Mike Singletary at head coach last year and saw mixed results. They might have the best linebacker nobody's heard of in Patrick Willis, but haven't found their quarterback or receiver group since the Garcia-Owens days.

Their offense was able to put up 21.2 points per game last year, but their defense allowed 23.8. One would have to figure that Singletary, a Hall of Fame linebacker, will get to work on the defense.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: WR Brandon Jones

Losses: LB Tully Banta-Cain, WR Bryant Johnson

Strengths: Their linebackers, including Willis and Takeo Spikes, are good at getting to the ball. And their running game, featuring Frank Gore, should be solid as well.

Weaknesses: Their offensive line leaves a lot to be desired, as does their revolving door at quarterback. They have no receivers that many people can name (Isaac Bruce was a factor 10 years ago, not in 2008), and their biggest threat in the passing game, TE Vernon Davis, spent a half in street clothes after an issue with Singletary.

Projected Pick: BJ Raji, DT

Why: You better believe that Singletary is going to get his defense right. With a solid core of linebackers, Raji falling to the 'Niners at 10 and playing the middle of their 3-4 defense might be as solid a pick as they could hope for.

11. Buffalo Bills

2008 Vitals: They scored exactly 21 points per game. They allowed 21.4 points per game. Sound like a recipe for a .500 football team?

The Bills were statistically, in every way, an average football team last year. They allowed 326 total yards per game, while accumulating 305. They ran the ball effectively, but couldn't stop it.

Their secondary was about as good at stopping the pass as their WBs were at throwing it. 

Key Roster Moves

Additions: QB Ryan Fitzpatrick, C Geoff Hangartner

Losses: QB JP Losman, G Derrick Dockery, TE Robert Royal, CB Jabari Greer

Strengths: They run the ball well, have a good group of receivers and have finally committed to a young quarterback in Trent Edwards. Their defense features a solid group of linebackers and an effective defensive line.

Weaknesses: The Bills had 24 sacks last year, but not one of their players had more than four. That led to a taxed secondary and points on the board. They also have some questions regarding RB Marshawn Lynch because of some legal issues.

Projected Pick: Everette Brown, DE

Why: Opposite Aaron Schobel, Brown could be a fixture in Buffalo. Their primary issue is getting to the quarterback, and Brown is arguably the best DE for a 4-3 in this draft.

12. Denver Broncos

2008 Vitals: Injuries plagued their secondary, as Champ Bailey missed significant time. It also destroyed their annually good running attack; the Broncos didn't have a single back run for more than 345 yards.

And so what happens when a team disappoints? In the NFL, their coach gets fired. But not Mike Shanahan...He's untouchable. Or at least he was. Arguably the biggest change to hit Denver since John Elway retired happened this winter when the team parted ways with their long time coach.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: S Brian Dawkins, LB Andre Davis, WR Jabar Gaffney, RB Correll Buckhalter, RB JJ Arrington, S Renaldo Hill

Losses: Shanahan, CB Dre Bly, LB Nate Webster, LB Jamie Winborn, RB Michael Pittman, S Marlon McCree, DE John Engelberger

Strengths: Their injuries may have uncovered one of the gems of last year's draft, Peyton Hillis. But he, like everyone else, got hurt. They also have upgraded their defense as much as anyone, adding Dawkins, Davis and Hill.

Weaknesses: Health and, now, coaching. They gave up 28 points per game last year, largely through the air. They've taken steps to fix that, but still need help on defense as much as getting playmakers around Jay Cutler.

They also need to stop letting trade rumors regarding Cutler find their way to newspapers.

Projected Pick: Vontae Davis, CB

Why: They have two young tackles on offense, a young group of receivers, a dozen running backs, and Cutler as the franchise quarterback.

They needed help in their secondary, and bought two new safeties. They needed a new middle linebacker, and brought in Davis. The only player they haven't replaced is Bly. Vontae Davis is a solid corner who could step in opposite Champ Bailey.

13. Washington Redskins

2008 Vitals: They showed some good things in 2008, but happen to be in a tough division with the Giants, Cowboys and Eagles. Their defense was good; they ranked sixth in the NFL allowing 18.5 points per game last year.

Where they left something to be desired was on offense. Clinton Portis continues to be an elite running back, but the offense around him struggled. They only scored 16.6 points per game last year, despite averaging 131 yards per game rushing.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: DT Albert Haynesworth, G Derrick Dockery

Losses: G Pete Kendall, CB Shawn Springs, DE Philip Daniels

Stengths:Um...they just spent god's ransom on Haynesworth, they retained DeAngelo Hall, and brought back Dockery. So a good defense that gave up only 18.5 points per game added the top free agent to their line.

Weaknesses: Dan Snyder's greed? They need to put enough points on the board to make their defense worth the money Snyder's paying for them.

Projected Pick: Andre Smith, OT

Why: With Kendall leaving and Jon Jansen getting older, this would be a sweet pick for Washington. Their defense is pretty well set, and adding a young tackle to their line makes sense.

14. New Orleans Saints

2008 Vitals: They can score, no doubt. Drew Brees was as good as any quarterback in the NFL last year. But injuries to their running game slowed the train down, and now they're going to be without Deuce McAllister.

They scored 29 points per game last year, tops in the NFL. Problem was, they allowed 24.6 per game.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: none

Losses: RB McAllister, RB Aaron Stecker, WR Lance Moore, WR Devery Henderson, CB Aaron Glenn, K Martin Gramatica

Strengths: Brees. He's a gunner who keeps them in games, despite their defenses inability to stop the run. They had injury issues in their running game, and Reggie Bush hasn't yet backed up his pre-draft hype, but the collection of weapons is as good as it gets.

Weaknesses: Defense. They kept Jonathan Vilma, but I'm not sure how much they should have kept other than him.

Projected Pick: Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB

Why: They need to beef up their defense. If Davis and Jenkins are gone, there isn't a corner or safety that isn't too much of a reach at 14. Bringing in a big body on the defensive line is likely their best bet, and Maybin's probably the best DE on the board.

15. Houston Texans

2008 Vitals: Andre Johnson stepped up to become one of the elite receivers in the NFL last year. They lacked a running game until Steve Slaton appeared as a nice compliment for Johnson. They ended up up averaging 23 points per game last year, good for 17th in the NFL.

Mario Williams had another solid season leading the defense with Amobi Okoye and DeMeco Ryans. They still, however, ranked 27th in defense last year, allowing 24.6 points per game.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: DE Antonio Smith, QB Dan Orlovsky

Losses: QB Sage Rosenfels, DT Jeff Zgonina, S Will Demps, TE Owen Daniels, CB Dunta Robinson, RB Ahman Green

Strengths:Their offense is explosive and has solid playmakers around Matt Schaub.

Weaknesses: Their defense, despite the talent and the stats put up by the headliners, can't keep people out of the end zone.

Projected Pick: Brandon Pettigrew, TE

Why: They're letting Daniels leave and need another weapon to keep opposing secondaries from focusing on Johnson too much. Pettigrew is the top tight end in the draft, and is a nice fit on the Texans roster.

16. San Diego Chargers

2008 Vitals: Philip Rivers took himself into the top tier of quarterbacks in 2008. And LaDanian Tomlinson became fragile.

The Chargers, playing without Shawne Merriman for most of the season and LT for some of it, struggled despite their abilities. They ended the season ranked 15th in defense, allowing 21.7 points per game. They ended the year with the second-ranked offense, putting up 27.4 points per game.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: none

Losses: DE Igor Olshansky, C Jeremy Newberry

Strengths: Even with Tomlinson's health issues, Darren Sproles gives the Chargers a solid running game. Rivers spreads the wealth as well as any quarterback in the game. Their defense makes plays and is full of athletes as well.

Weaknesses: They lack "clutch." How else do you outscore your opponents by an average of almost an entire touchdown per week in one of the worst divisions in NFL history and not make the playoffs?

Projected Pick: Rey Maualuga, LB

Why: They run a 3-4 and have solid playmakers on their defensive line and outside. A stud in the middle might make all the difference, and why not take a kid from just up the road at USC?

18. Chicago Bears

2008 Vitals: They found a winner in the second round last year with running back Matt Forte. The rest of their offense...wow. They tried to convert Devin Hester to wide receiver and it cost them in the return game, while the rest of the team's receivers had issues simply catching the ball.

The defense was solid as usual, but the close games killed them.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: T Frank Omiyale

Losses: S Mike Brown, QB Rex Grossman, T John Tait, T Fred Miller

Strengths: Their linebackers will be good still, despite the notion that Brian Urlacher isn't what he used to be. Lance Briggs is as good as it gets outside. They still have playmakers in the secondary as well. Forte should come back for another good year with a more mature Kyle Orton and Devin Hester.

Weaknesses: Coaching cost them probably two games last year, which was the difference between picking 18th and playing in January. They also had perhaps the worst overall group of receivers in the NFL last year.

Projected Pick: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR

Why: They need to replace Mike Brown at safety, but the Bears are rumored to be chasing Darren Sharper in free agency. So why Heyward-Bey?

Their receivers suck. Period. They need help, and Heyward-Bey blew away the combine and has size to go with his 4.30 speed. Imagine putting his speed opposite Hester...

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2008 Vitals: They saw the return of the Cadillac, a good season from Jeff Garcia and their usually good defense. The Bucs ended the season ranked 10th in defense and 19th in offense. But it wasn't enough.

Jon Gruden got fired and their roster has seen an exodus that borders on Old Testament quality.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: TE Kellen Winslow, Jr

Losses: LB Derrick Brooks, LB Cato June, QB Jeff Garcia, S Will Allen, DE Kevin Carter, WR Joey Galloway, RB Warrick Dunn, S Jermaine Phillips, WR Antonio Bryant, Gruden, Def. Coordinator Monty Kiffin

Strengths: Are there any left?

Weaknesses: Leadership, starting quarterback, receivers, linebackers, defensive line, secondary...

Projected Pick: Matthew Stafford, QB

Why: First off, I put the following disclaimer on this pick: If Stafford falls past four, there will be a line around the block to get the fifth pick from Cleveland.

But I have justified every pick to this point and haven't seen a spot for Stafford to land yet. If he falls this far, the Bucs replace Jeff Garcia with a big, strong-armed kid they can build the franchise around.

Wouldn't it be ironic if, once Gruden's gone, they finally get their franchise quarterback?

20. Detroit Lions

for breakdown, see Pick No. 1

Projected Pick: Eben Britton, OT

Why: Their offensive line needs help, and, if they take Curry first, they'll want to take a tackle here to cover Culpepper's tail.

21. Philadelphia Eagles

2008 Vitals: They put on one heck of a run in the second half of the season, and now they're trying to get Donovan McNabb another chance at a ring.

They had the fourth-ranked defense and sixth-ranked offense in the NFL last year.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: T Stacy Andrews

Losses: S Brian Dawkins, RB Correll Buckhalter, T Tra Thomas, T Jon Runyan, S Sean Consadine

Stengths: They'll still have a good offense next year, with all the pieces coming back from last year. They'll also have a good defense, but the loss of Dawkins will be hard to both stomach and replace.

Weaknesses: Now, it's leadership on defense. Dawkins was it's heart and soul, and he's now in Denver.

Projected Pick: William Moore, S

Why: They need to replace Dawkins, and Moore's the best true safety in the draft. It might be aiming high to take him here, but this way they guarantee themselves of having a good, young safety on the roster.

22. Minnesota Vikings

2008 Vitals: Adrian Peterson's a grown up man. And their defense is as good as there is in the NFL.

Too bad they didn't have a quarterback.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: QB Sage Rosenfels

Losses: QB Gus Frerotte, S Darren Sharper, LB Napolean Harris, DT Jimmy Kennedy, DE Kenechi Udezi

Strengths: Their defense is ridiculous. And did I mention AP?

Weaknesses: They are now telling us that Rosenfels is better than Frerotte...ok...

Projected Pick: Mark Sanchez, QB

Why: They're still telling us that Rosenfels is going to be their starting quarterback. Let's just be totally, blunt honest here: nobody in Minnesota wants a rookie to be their starting quarterback.

But if it's Sanchez or someone on their current roster, I think the jersey won't even make it to the shelves. He wouldn't have to step in on Day One, but by the fourth or fifth week he might be their savior with a big arm and a cool head.

23. New England Patriots

2008 Vitals: Tom Brady hurt his knee in the first game of the season, and Matt Cassel became worthy of the third pick of the second round of this draft in his absence.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: RB Fred Taylor, LB Tully Banta-Cain

Losses: QB Matt Cassel, LB Mike Vrabel, WR Jabar Gaffney, CB Deltha O'Neal, S Rodney Harrison

Strengths: Brady got married. They still have Wes Welker and Randy Moss outside, and now they have Taylor to split carries with Laurence Maroney. Their offense is stupid-good.

Weaknesses: They don't have a lot of depth at quarterback now, and they'll be looking for a leader on defense to replace Vrabel's pass rush and Harrison's fines.

Projected Pick:Michael Johnson, DE/OLB

Why: He steps in to replace Vrabel as a pass-rushing stand-up DE.

24. Atlanta Falcons

2008 Vitals: Matt Ryan wasn't well received on draft day a year ago, with many pundits saying the Falcons took him too high. Well he took a team falling apart at the seams and got it into the playoffs in his rookie season. Thanks to Michael Turner, their offense was solid.

Their defense was good, but aging. They ended the season with the 11th ranked defense in the NFL.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: none

Losses: LB Keith Brooking, LB Michael Boley, CB Dominique Foxworth, S Lawyer Milloy, DT Grady Jackson

Strengths: Their offense is young and good. They have weapons all over the board. Veteran DE John Abraham continues to provide a solid pass rush.

Weaknesses: Their defense is losing a lot of leadership and experience around Abraham.

Projected Pick: Peria Jerry, DT

Why: Jerry's good enough to show up as high as the 12-14 range in some mock drafts, but with many teams going to a 3-4 this winter he might have just picked the wrong year to be a stud defensive tackle. With Grady Jackson leaving as a free agent, Jerry would be a nice replacement next to Abraham.

25. Miami Dolphins

2008 Vitals: They took a tackle with the first overall pick last year, and then stole Chad Pennington from the Jets. It's a real testament to their team that they're picking this low in the first round after what they looked like in 2007.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: S Gibril Wilson, G Joe Berger

Losses: S Renaldo Hill

Strengths: Their defense is good and young, their offense improving with leadership.

Weaknesses: Their best receiver is Ted Ginn, Jr.

Projected Pick: Larry English, DE/OLB

Why: He disappointed some at the combine, but could work into the same role Joey Porter was so good in last year. James Laurinaitis is also a strong candidate to head south to Miami.

26. Baltimore Ravens

2008 Vitals: They allowed only 15 points per game, so it wasn't that hard for a rookie quarterback to get them into the playoffs. But Joe Flacco had style and took his shots on an average offense, and still got the job done.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: CB Dominique Foxworth

Losses: C Jason Brown, LB Bart Scott, CB Chris McAllister, S Dawan Landry, CB Corey Ivy, S Jim Leonard, maybe LB Ray Lewis

Strengths: TBD. If they keep Lewis and get Suggs signed long term, it's still their defense.

Weaknesses: If Lewis goes elsewhere, coupling that with Scott going to the Jets and Brown leaving a hole in the middle of their offensive line, they've got weaknesses all over the board.

Projected Pick: James Laurinaitis, LB

Why: Scott left, Suggs is franchised, and with the future of Lewis in question they need bodies at linebacker. They might also take a long look at Clay Matthews from USC here.

27. Indianapolis Colts

2008 Vitals: Still one of the best offenses in the NFL, their defense had some issues in 2008. There were, for the first time, major issues off the field for the Colts as Peyton Manning had his knee worked on and Marvin Harrison had legal issues to deal with.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: none

Losses: WR Marvin Harrison, RB Dominic Rhodes, P Hunter Smith

Strengths: The offense shouldn't miss Harrison too much. They still have Manning, Reggie Wayne and Joseph Addai.

Weaknesses: They've struggled with health issues on defense since they won the Super Bowl. Bob Sanders plays so hard he gets hurt by himself.

Projected Pick: Clay Matthews, LB

Why: Matthews is better than any of the three players the Colts have on their depth chart right now at linebacker. If they can put another athlete on the field around Dwight Freeney, teams won't be able to focus on him as much.

28. Philadelphia Eagles

for breakdown, see Pick No. 21

Projected Pick: Tyson Jackson, DE

Why: I think they'll address the receiver position in free agency, probably with Marvin Harrison. In Jackson they get a big body who can stop the run well and rush the passer as well.

I wouldn't be shocked, however, to see the Eagles take a running back to replace Buckhalter. I don't think Knowshon Moreno fits their system, though, so I think they go with Jackson here.

29. New York Giants

2008 Vitals: They started the year as kings and played the role well.

And then Plaxico happened.

Their offense is still good...but Eli Manning definitely missed Burress in the passing game. They have their running game taken care of, but the cloud of Burress' future still hangs out there.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: DE Chris Canty, LB Michael Boley, DT Rocky Bernard

Losses: CB Sam Madison, RB Rueben Droughns, WR Amani Toomer, RB Derrick Ward

Strengths: They still have a bruising running game and a good defense.

Weaknesses: Their linebackers are aging and the questions about the future of Burress will be a topic of conversation until something is done about it.

Projected Pick: Knowshon Moreno, RB

Why: Ahmad Bradshaw is a question mark and Derrick Ward is probably leaving as a free agent. Moreno, the best back in this draft, might be the perfect change-of-pace from Brandon Jacobs runaway train.

They could use a receiver, but could probably get one either in free agency or in a later round. And there isn't a linebacker or defensive end that jumps off the charts at anyone like Moreno does.

30. Tennessee Titans

2008 Vitals:Their season went from a train wreck to the feel-good story of the NFL year (outside Arizona). Kerry Collins saved the team from drowning in Vince Young's downward spiral, and their two-headed running attack was great.

Their defense won them games, though. They allowed 14.6 points per game, good for second in the NFL last year behind only Pittsburgh.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: none

Losses: DT Albert Haynesworth, QB Chris Simms

Strengths: Their defense was their rock last year, and still should be even without Haynesworth. He'll be a lot to replace, but their scheme played a major role in his success.

Weaknesses: Wide receiver isn't a position that's making any heads turn in Tennessee.

Projected Pick: Percy Harvin, WR

Why:There isn't a DT that's going to replace Haynesworth, but they need a big play receiver to open up the outside for their running game. Harvin's got game-changing speed and ability and could make an impact in their return game as well.

31. Arizona Cardinals

2008 Vitals: They went to the Super Bowl. The Arizona Cardinals, with their 28th-ranked defense, went to the Super Bowl.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: none

Losses: WR Anquan Boldin (?), DE Antonio Smith, RB JJ Arrington , DE Bertrand Berry, TE Leonard Pope, maybe QB Kurt Warner

Strengths: If everyone leaves that can, Larry Fitzgerald is pretty much it. But if they can bring back Warner to throw the ball to Fitzgerald and Steve Breaston, their offense will be ok.

Weaknesses: They had issues stopping the offenses of their opposition last year.

Projected Pick: DJ Moore, CB

Why: They need a running back with Arrington leaving for Denver and Edgerrin James likely leaving as well, but this year's class of running backs really isn't anything special. A sign-and-trade with Boldin might get them into the early part of the second round to get their hands on LeSean McCoy or Beanie Wells.

Their defense was mediocre all season and what, in the end, lost them the Super Bowl. Moore's the second best corner in this draft, so I think they'll take the best defensive player available here.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers

2008 Vitals: They've got rings coming.

Key Roster Moves

Additions: none

Losses: WR Nate Washington, QB Byron Leftwich, CB Bryant McFadden

Strengths: The best defense in football, a quarterback with two rings before his 27th birthday, the best blocking receiver in football in Hines Ward, a good, deep running game.

Weaknesses: Depth at quarterback, not enough pain killers in the visitor's locker room.

Projected Pick: Alex Mack, C

Why: He's the best offensive lineman on the board still and gives the Steelers another piece to build around on their line.