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4. New York Jets (4-12)

Top Need: QB or DL
The pick: Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State

The Jets are trying to land a veteran QB via free-agency, but haven’t had any luck so far. The idea of them trading spots with the Saints to get Leinart with the 2nd pick is an option, but I just don’t see the Jets having enough to trade positions with New Orleans. Mario Willams will be the best choice here since they just lost Abraham to the Falcons. He is arguably the best defensive player in this year’s draft.

5. Green Bay Packers (4-12)

Top Need: LB
The pick: A.J. Hawk, OLB, Ohio State

Hawk will step right in as the starting OLB for the Packers and will help with the leadership that they have lacked for the last few seasons on the defensive side of the ball. The Packers released FA and former Ohio State Buckeye Na'il Diggs, and Hawk should step right into his spot at the OLB position.

6. San Francisco 49ers (4-12)

Top Need: LB or CB
The pick: Michael Huff, CB, Texas

The 49ers would love to see Hawk fall to the 6th spot with the loss of both Andre Carter and Julian Peterson. If Hawk is drafted before this pick there is not a LB that is worth the selection at this spot and the 49ers will look to take Huff. Vernon Davis is also an option at this spot, but I do not see the 49ers passing up on drafting a defensive player in the 1st round.

7. Oakland Raiders (4-12)

Top Need: Whatever Al Davis wants
The pick: Vince Young, QB, Texas

Although the Raiders have signed FA Aaron Brooks, there is no chance that Al Davis passes up on a gifted athlete such as Young. Young’s draft stock has plummeted recently with his workouts, and test scores, but this doesn’t take away from the fact that he is probably the best athlete behind Reggie Bush in the draft.

8. Buffalo Bills (5-11)

Top Need: DT
The pick: Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon

The bills signed FA Larry Triplett to upgrade their defensive line, but the front office is looking to plug a big body right next to him. Ngata is the perfect fit here for the Bills and in time this inside tandom could be one of the most dangerous in the NFL.

9. Detroit Lions (5-11)

Top Need: Anything on the Defensive side
The pick: Donte Whitner, S, Ohio St

Head coach Rod Marinelli is a defensive-minded coach, and Lions fans do not have to worry about hearing another offensive player selected with their first round pick. Whitner is the best safety in the draft class, and probably the 2nd most talented defensive back Huff.

10. Arizona Cardinals (5-11)

Top Need: TE
The pick: Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland

The idea around the league is that the Cardinals will take Jay Cutler the QB out of Vanderbilt with this pick, but I don’t see it happening for a couple reasons. My biggest reason is that I believe Davis will slip this far into the draft. He is a freak when it comes to physical ability and if he is still available Dennis Green may have the pick up at the podium before they even can say “The Cardinals are now on the clock”. The other reason I don’t see them taking Cutler here is the extension of Kurt Warner’s contract. Edgerrin James was signed as a FA out of Indy, and the idea of having Davis on the offensive side with Warner, Boldin, Fitzgerald, could make the Cardinals one of the best offenses in the league. If Davis is gone look for the Cardinals to take either Whitner or Huff, whoever is available at the 10 spot.

11. St. Louis Rams (6-10)

Top Need: LB
The pick: Chad Greenway, OLB, Iowa

With only 165 total tackles coming back at all 3 LB positions (91 coming from Pisa Tinoisamoa) the Rams are in dyer need for an athletic linebacker. Greenway can blitz the qb, drop into coverage, along with pursue the run. He would be a perfect fit for the Rams, especially with the fast turf that their stadium has with his speed. Greenway has climbed the draft board quicker than I can remember anyone else has in the last 2 weeks of prior to draft day. He was projected to be a late first round selection, but with his recent workouts has climbed his way into the top 12 picks.

12. Cleveland Browns (6-10)

Top Need: Defense
The pick: Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State

Although the Browns play a 3-4 defense, this is a case of selecting the best possible player on the ball. The browns have helped their offense out in the past few drafts and this year they look to draft on the defensive side. Bunkley is rising on almost every NFL draft board. If Sims is still available here, look for the Browns to make a move on him. I could be completely wrong here though and the browns could shock everyone and select a WR such as Chad Jackson out of the University of Florida.

13. Baltimore Ravens (6-10)

Top Need: QB
The pick: Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt

The Ravens love Cutler here but rumors are going around the league that the Ravens are looking to help the QB spot out with their later selections in the draft. This is a huge mistake in my eyes with Cutler still on the board. Rumor has it that Steve Mcnair is going to sign with the team before this Saturdays draft, but without knowing if he will be signed or not I’m sticking them with Cutler. This will obviously change if Mcnair is signed, where you should look for the ravens to draft Winston Justice or maybe even one of the top running backs that are on the board.

14. Philadelphia Eagles (6-10)

Top Need: RB, OL, WR
The pick: Winston Justice, OT, USC

It appeared that the Eagles would go the route of taking White out of USC, but his recent work-out has left some critics scratching their head. He did not do any of the sprinting or agility drills b/c of a “hamstring” injury that he said he was nursing. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that it might have been the fact that he showed up at a whopping 244 pounds. I could have ran a better 40 time than Lendale if I showed up at the work-out. Justice will give them a solid OL to protect Mcnabb.

15. Denver Broncos via ATL (8-8)

Top Need: WR
The pick: Chad Jackson, WR, Florida

Somehow the Broncos managed to snake their way into the John Abraham deal between the Jets and Falcons, and did so with this selection in mind. Chad Jackson has been climbing every NFL teams draft board that is in dyer need of a WR. Smith is not going to play forever, and Lelie has shown signs of being a super-star, so picking Jackson will be a great fit for Denver.

16. Miami Dolphins (9-7)

Top Need: WR
The pick: Santonio Holmes WR, Ohio State

With the signing of Daunte Culpepper, the Dolphins need a number two reaciever behind Chris Chambers. Holmes would fit right into this spot, and has the ability to be the athletic deep threat that the Dolphins have lacked in recent years. If Jackson is still on the board at this pick (not likely) look for Miami to take him.

17. Minnesota Vikings (9-7)

Top Need: Secondary help
The pick: Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State

Sims is a quick linebacker that can cover the pass, support the run, and is fast off the corner on the blitz. The fast field in Minnesota will make Sims look like an even better LB than he is. Don’t be surprised if with this pick they go after some secondary personell to help out starters Fred Smoot and Antoine Winfield. This would give them ore depth at this position since they lost Brian Williams via FA.

18. Dallas Cowboys (9-7)

Top Need: FS
The pick: Jason Allen, S/CB, Tennessee

With the signing of Owens, the Cowboys are no longer going to look to draft a WR with this pick. Scouts are saying that Allen can either play safety or corner in the NFL. He has flown under the radar of most but Bill Parcells and crew will scoop up this guy quicker than TO can start trouble in the organization. Steal of the draft right here, you heard it here first.

19. San Diego Chargers (9-7)

Top Need: CB or WR
The pick: Tye Hill, CB, Clemson

The Chargers would like to draft a WR, but with Holmes and Jackson off the board they will settle for a corner. In the past few years the Chargers have drafted players to add to their secondary but they still remain issue for the front office. Hill has the size and speed to play corner in the NFL. Look for Hill to be placed in nickel and dime packages, before he is eased into the 2nd starting corner slot for the Chargers.

20. Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)

Top Need: CB
The pick: Jonathan Joseph, CB, South Carolina

The Chiefs are in the same position as the Chargers with this pick. They look to help out their secondary with the idea of eventually this pick moving over to the spot opposite of Patrick Surtain. Look for Hill and Joseph to maybe switch teams here depending on how they do in their last few work-outs.

21. New England Patriots (10-6)

Top Need: RB
The pick: DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis

This pick is simply made because he is hands down the best athlete still on the board. If it wasn’t for team needs he would have been selected easily in the top 10 of this years draft. Williams was one of the best running backs in NCAA history, and the Patriots are thin at this position. Corey Dillon is about as old as his gloves with the fingers cut out of them, and Kevin Faulk is the only contributor at the running back spot behind him. This is a draft choice that will help the Pat’s out down the road.

22. Denver Broncos via Redskins (10-6)

Top Need: DE
The pick: Kamerion Wimbley, DE, Florida State

I would not be surprised if I did not see Wimbley still available at this spot, but if he is, watch out for the Broncos to select him. He has been impressive at each work-out that he has done at the combines, although he is a bit small for DE in the NFL at just 248 pounds. The league will beef him up, and look for him to contribute immediately as a pass-rusher on the D line for Denver. He has signs of being the type of player that Dwight Freeney is for Indianapolis.

23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5)

Top Need: Secondary
The pick: Antonio Cromartie, CB, Florida State

This pick could change before the draft since the Buc’s are still pursing FA cornerback Woodson. If they do sign him to a contract I still see Tampa Bay taking a defensive back with this pick just because of his recent injury problems. They’ll turn to a local player here in Cromartie who played up the road in Tallahassee for coach Bobby Bowden.

24. Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)

Top Need: DT
The pick: Jimmy Williams, CB, Virginia Tech

The reasoning for this pick is strictly behind the fact that Williams is the best athlete on the board now. The Bengals do however, need to add size and strength to the D line. They got pushed around way too much throughout the season up front and Watson will step in to help this situation out. If they do not select Williams, look for them to take DT Gabe Watson or DE Tamba Hali out of Penn state. These are the best 2 interior defensive lineman still on the board.

25. New York Giants (11-5)

Top Need: Super Bowl Ring
The pick: Kelly Jennings, CB, Miami

Dear New York Giants,
Thank you for signing FA OLB LaVar Arrington. Him and his black visor has just brought the organization back to the Super Bowl in Miami this year.
Thank you, A season ticket holder and long time G-Men Fan
In all seriousness, the Giants landed a monster in Arrington. People are questioning his $49 million dollar contract and his health but I don’t see a problem with it. The giants now have a solid LB corps with Antonio Pierce in the middle, with Brandon Short and Lavar on the outside. You can even look deeper into this situation, which I’m going to since I bleed Giant blue. All three linebackers have played successfully with each other at one time in their careers. Short and Arrington dominated the linebacking positions while at PSU, and Pierce and Arrington were teammates while with the Redskins. This points towards a cohesive unit that will be one of the best in the league this year. I’ll tell you who the Giants will pick which will be Kelly Jennings. Jennings is a fast corner out of Miami, and will add help to the secondary which New York has revamped in this years off-season. The Giants should take Sinorice Moss, WR out of Miami, to add more depth to the receiving core and much needed speed to the position. The giants will likely go after another LB with the 56th selection in the 2nd round.

26. Chicago Bears (11-5)

Top Need: TE
The pick: Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia

Simply put, Desmond Clark isn’t getting it done for the Bears. He has caught 48 balls in the last 2 seasons and the TE spot hasn’t been a bright spot for the organization. Pope is an athlete that has size and skill to be a successful TE in the NFL. Throw in there the idea that behind Davis (who will long be gone) he is the only TE worthy of such a high draft pick.

27. Carolina Panthers (11-5)

Top Need: RB
The pick: Lendale White, RB, USC

Are we surprised to see White fall this far? His recent work-out left scouts shaking their head about the status of the USC running back. He refused to go through running and agility drills b/c of a “hamstring” injury. I’m going to say there was no hamstring injury and it was the fact that White showed up at the combine almost 20 pounds over-weight at 244 pounds. White’s misfortune will be the Panthers gain, and he will step in to be the goal-line and short yardage back that he was accustomed to at USC behind Reggie Bush.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)

Top Need: OLB
The pick: Manny Lawson, DE/OLB, NC State

Although the Jaguars have taken the best possible player, no matter what their needs are in recent drafts, they need a OLB. Lawson will be drafted in this spot, as he is one of the fastest and most athletic players you will find at this position. He can either play the DE position or up in the two-point stance at outside linebacker.

29. New York Jets via Denver via Atlanta

Top Need: OLB or OL
The pick: Bobby Carpenter, OLB, Ohio State

The Jets are switching over to a new 3-4 defense this year and Carpenter can step right in to help out the transition. He was overshadowed his whole Buckeye career by AJ Hawk, but this does not take away from the fact that he is a great athlete with ideal size and good speed. He was used out of a three- point stance to rush the passer at certain times while at Ohio State, which makes him an ideal NFL OLB prospect. Another consideration here could be Nick Mangold, the center out of Ohio State. He could be used to replace the loss of FA Kevin Mawae.

30. Indianapolis Colts (14-2)

Top Need: RB
The pick: Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota

The loss of Edge to the Cardinals makes this pick a no-brainer. Maroney should fall this far down into the draft for the same reasons that Williams fell. He is an unbelievable back, and would have been selected earlier if teams needed to fill the RB slot as badly as the Colts do. They need to hope that Maroney or White is still available at this position, or they will look to trade up to select both, or even Williams.

31. Seattle Seahawks (13-3)

Top Need: CB
The pick: Richard Marshall, CB, Fresno State

The Seahawks will look to deepen their secondary with this pick. Marshall was very impressive in recent combine workouts and scouts like his nose for the ball. His closing speed to break up, and intercept passes is another plus that he possesses. The Seahawks could also look to go after a DE depth on their roster.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)

Top five needs: WR or FS
The pick: Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami

The Steelers are looking for a few areas that they lost through retirement and FA. Sinorice Moss has the speed and also brings the ability to return kicks for the defending super bowl champions. He could fit right in at the spot that is void from the Randle El loss. If the Steelers do not go this direction look for them to go after Daniel Bullocks, the FS out of the University of Nebraska. He was all over the field in the Senior Bowl, and Bill Cowher is rumored to be all about Bullocks playing style. He would fit right into the toughness that Bill Cowher’s teams have portrayed throughout the years.

You can reach Rocky Parrish @ raparrish@featurepresentationonline.com.