Pick	Team	Player	School
1.	Cincinnati	Carson Palmer - QB	USC
The Bengals have had some tough luck with drafting QB's with their first pick in recent years. Both David Klingler and Akili Smith were flops, but that isn't going to stop them from trying again. Even with incumbent Jon Kitna coming off a solid season, the Bengals don't believe he's the long term solution. Palmer finally broke through his senior season after teasing scouts with his marvelous physical gifts for 3 years. He's got the size (6-5, 230), agility, and arm strength that teams want. There is a still a strong possibility that the Bengals could trade down a couple of picks, perhaps to Houston, and still get Palmer.
2.	Detroit	Charles Rogers* - WR	Michigan State
The Lions finally rid themselves of Marty Mornhinweg's buffoonery (when is it Matt Millen's turn), and took a positive step in hiring Steve Mariucci. Unfortunately, the Eagles brought Mornhinweg on board. Why? Anyway, the Lions seemed to have found their QB of the future in Joey Harrington, and just need to get some talent around him. Wide receivers Bill Schroeder and Az Hakim are 2nd and 3rd-receivers at best, and with little running game the Lions need a playmaker out there. Rogers is a big receiver (6-2 1/2, 205) with 4.4 speed. He can make all the catches and get down the field as well as he can go over the middle. Rogers won't cure all the Lions' offensive woes, but he's a good first step. Houston may try to leap frog Detroit to get to the first spot in the draft to grab Rogers.
3.	Houston	Andre Johnson - WR	Miami(FL)
Houston needs to give franchise QB weapons to work with in 2003 or he may get killed. It wasn't all Carr's pass protection that got him sacked an NFL-record amount of times in 2002. It was also the fact that team's didn't have to worry about Texan receivers beating their corners one-on-one, allowing them to tee off on the young Carr. Johnson could help change that. At 6-2, 230 Johnson is a physical marvel. He runs a legit sub-4.45 and can out jump just about any cornerback. He's still a little raw when it comes to the finer points of receiving, but that can be coached. Recievers with his stature and speed are very rare. In another scenarios, the Texans may try to trade up with Cincinnati and grab Charles Rogers, or trade down with Minnesota or Arizona to take Jordan Gross.
4.	NY Jets3	DeWayne Robertson* - DT	Kentucky
The Jets trade up with Chicago in order to get their hands on an elite defensive lineman. Herman Edwards is looking for another Warren Sapp to build his defense around. Robertson has really opened some eyes this off-season, and has shown he has the size (6-1 1/2, 320) and agility to be a disruptive force in the NFL. He's not the run stuffer Jimmy Kennedy is but he's a much better penetrator, providing the Jets with the interior push they lacked last season. He'll also take some heat off of end John Abraham.
5.	Dallas	Terence Newman - CB	Kansas State
The Cowboys have the makings of a fine secondary. Last season's draft netted Dallas two potential stars in free safety Roy Williams and 3rd-round steal, cornerback Derek Ross. With Darren Woodson still around at strong safety, the Cowboys are one player away from being a potentially awesome unit. Newman is one of two true shutdown corners available. He doesn't have great size (5-10 1/2, 185) but is well put together fairly well. Newman, a star sprinter for the Wildcats, has explosive speed and incredible athletic ability. He can turn and run with receivers without losing a step. A past shoulder injury is a bit worrisome, but it didn't look like it affected him much in 2002.
6.	Arizona	Terrell Suggs* - DE	Arizona State
The Cardinals defense got an A+ for effort last season, but they just don't have the horses to compete. No position gave more effort than Arizona's defensive ends. Starters Kyle Vanden Bosch and Fred Wakefield come hard every play, but they rarely come close to the QB. Suggs had an incredible 23 sacks in 2002. He has a classic pass rusher's build at 6-3 1/2, 260. Despite some not very impressive 40 times during workouts, Suggs has not disappointed scouts in his pass rushing drills this off-season. By drafting Suggs the Cards hope to rekindle a defense that has had a pass rushing presence since Simeon Rice was tormenting Tra Thomas three seasons ago.
7.	Minnesota	Marcus Trufant - CB	Washington State
The Vikes' secondary got torched again in 2002, partly due to poor play and a lack of a pass rush. During the off-season, the Vikes have taken steps to remedy that by signing corners Denard Walker and Ken Irvin. Walker is a good second corner, but Irvin is a just a nickel back. What Minnesota needs is a real stopper in the secondary. Enter Trufant, a four-year starter at Washington State and the only other shutdown corner in the draft. He combines good size (5-11 1/4, 195), dancer's feet, and tremendous speed to handle the most talented receivers. The Vikes may opt for a tackle like Jimmy Kennedy here, but Trufant gives them the best shot at greatness.
8.	Jacksonville	Byron Leftwich - QB	Marshall
This is a tough call for the Jags. Mark Brunell's skills are definitely on a slippery slope, but he's still a fairly productive QB. Back up David Garrard has some skills but is still not thought of as a franchise player. Leftwich has all the skills you want out of your field general except good escapability. Leftwich has a strong presence in the pocket at 6-5 1/2, 240, and his unrivaled leadership skills gives him an even stronger presence in the huddle. There are concerns about Leftwich's injury history, but doctors seem to think he's healed properly. This pick isn't filling an immediate need for Jacksonville, but it's setting them up nicely for years to come.
9.	Carolina	Jordan Gross - OT	Utah
The Panthers played with a lot of fire under new coach John Fox last season. Their defense surprised many and kept them in most games while their offense struggled to score points. The Panthers will start newly signed QB Jake Delhomme in 2003, and they need to keep him healthy with little help on the bench. Carolina's line is steady but could definitely use an upgrade of youth and athleticism. Right tackle Melvin Tuten did an admirable job last year but is better suited on the bench. Gross is an undersized tackle at 6-4 1/2, 300, in the mold of Rams bad boy Kyle Turley. Gross gets by more on his sound technique and fluid movement than sheer strength. He can play both left and right tackle. The Panthers may be tempted to draft a QB at this point, but they will decide to give the untested Delhomme a chance to shine.
10.	Baltimore	Jimmy Kennedy - DT	Penn State
The Ravens really overachieved last season and cam close to making the playoffs despite a turbulent off-season that saw the cap and injuries strip the team of much of its veteran depth. These losses lead to the switch from the 4-3 to the 3-4 defense, and the need for a legit nose tackle. Ex-Eagles Kelly Gregg battled like a warrior in 2002 but is vastly undersized. Kennedy is far from undersized. At 6-4, 330 Kennedy is a load and experienced in taking on double teams. Kennedy's ability to hold his ground will allow Baltimore's two best defenders, middle linebackers Ray Lewis and Ed Hartwell, to make the plays the defense needs them to make. Brian Billick is an outspoken supporter of Kyle Boller but GM Ozzie Newsome doesn't feel he's worth the 10th pick in the draft. Don't be surprised to see them trade down to select Billick's boy.
11.	Seattle	William Joseph - DT	Miami(FL)
The Seahawks began to turn things around at the end of last season with the emergence of QB Matt Hasselbeck. If it wasn't for a porous defense Seattle may have been able to make a run for the playoffs. The defensive line was ineffective against the run and non-existent rushing the passer. Tackles John Randle and Chad Eaton have seen better days. The Hawks have high hopes for Rocky Bernard but he's no sure thing. Joseph is, like most Miami tackles, compared to Warren Sapp. They both have similar bodies, and both can get up the field in a hurry. Joseph (6-5, 310) isn't a brute inside. He's likes to use his quick feet and excellent balance to avoid blocks and make plays. If the Seahawks feel they need more outside pass rush, Joseph's teammate Jerome McDougle is there for the taking.
12.	St. Louis	Boss Bailey - OLB	Georgia
The Rams' surprised many last year by drafting Robert Thomas in the first round. Thomas, an undersized MLB in college, struggled to play outside in the pros. He may move inside again to replace the disappointing Jamie Duncan. Bailey is perhaps the best athlete in the draft. The younger brother of the Redskins Champ Bailey is a tall, lean player (6-3 1/4, 235) with speed to make plays sideline to sideline. Bailey needs to shore up his tackling skills, but that can be taught. Teaming Bailey with the equally athletic Tommy Polley will give the Rams unmatched speed at outside linebacker.
13.	Chicago^	Kevin Williams - DT	Oklahoma State
The Bears' defensive line was rife with underachievement and injury in 2002. Big tackle Ted Washington went down and left a gaping hole in the middle of the line, leading to more bodies getting a hold of star linebacker Brian Urlacher. Add that to Bryan Robinson and Philip Daniels ineffectiveness and you've got a need for d-line help. Williams is good-sized player (6-4 3/4, 304) with outstanding quickness. He penetrates well, relying more on good technique and his nimble feet than sheer strength and bulk. Put him alongside a healthy Ted Washington and the Bears defense improves instantly.
14.	New England^^	Jerome McDougle - DE	Miami(FL)
The Pats were a big disappointment in 2002, failing to make the playoffs after their Super Bowl victory the year before. The defense was unable to make the big plays it made the season before, showing their age at several positions. The most glaring need on defense was the lack of a real pass rush. Willie McGinest is fading fast and is only good for a couple of plays a game. Linebacker Roosevelt Colvin was signed to get pressure but he’s not enough. McDougle is a high energy end similar to a young Hugh Douglas. At 6-2, 265 McDougle isn’t a prototype pass rusher but is lightning fast off the snap and relentless in pursuit. The Pats could also for a tackle like Jonathan Sullivan of Georgia, especially if they go to the 3-4 where Sullivan can play nose and Richard Seymour can be moved outside.
15.	San Diego	Jonathan Sullivan* - DT	Georgia
The Chargers are a team on the rise and are a couple players away from being a force in the AFC. The defensive line has talent at the ends in Marcellus Wiley and Raylee Johnson, and a solid tackle in Jamal Williams. The other starter, Jason Fisk, and the reserves are only ordinary. Sullivan is a big (6-3 ¼, 315), quick tackle who can command a lot of attention and allow the pass rushers to do their thing. He’ll need to show he can bring it on every play.
16.	Kansas City	Chris Kelsay - DE	Nebraska
The Chiefs have made a concerted effort over the off-season to improve an awful defense. They signed free agents Vonnie Holliday, Shawn Barber, and Dexter McCleon. Dick Vermeil still has a ways to go. The defensive line is still thin, and short on pass rush talent. Eric Hicks is a capable end but isn’t special in any facet of the game. Holliday, when healthy, is capable of big games, but is also capable of disappearing for stretches. Kelsay has a non-stop motor, and at 6-4 ¼, 273 has the size to be an every down end. He’s not the same kind of pass rusher Suggs and McDougle are. He relies more on his strength than they do. Vermeil hopes Kelsay is in the same mold as the last Nebraska lineman he coached, Grant Wistrom.
17.	New Orleans	Troy Polamalu - SS	USC
By the end of the 2002 season the Saints were fed up with the lack of athleticism in their secondary. Strong safety Sammy Knight, who made plays when he got near the ball but had very limited range, was not re-signed. The athletic Tebucky Jones was acquired in a trade with New England, and will take over at free safety. Polamalu is a stocky (5-10 ¼, 205) and muscular strong safety who can dominate against the run. He can’t run with the faster receivers but can certainly cover tight ends and is not lost in space. Receivers coming across the middle will pay dearly when crossing Polamalu’s path. He plays with a reckless abandon that Jim Haslett will love.
18.	New Orleans^^^	Kwame Harris* - OT	Stanford
The Saints are definitely not ones to shy away from taking a player at a position that’s not a glaring need. Taking Deuce McAllister in 2001 is a prime example of that. The Saints have Wayne Gandy and Victor Riley at tackle. Gandy is a solid pro at left tackle and still has some good years left in him. Riley is a serviceable starter on the right side but he’s not a long-term solution. Harris is a huge tackle (6-7, 315) with the ability to play on both the left and right sides. He has long arms to keep defenders at bay and moves his feet very well for a man of his size, very similar to a young Willie Roaf. Harris may not start immediately but should be an anchor on that line for years to come.
19.	New England	Willis McGahee* - RB	Miami(FL)
Even though McGahee ripped his knee apart in the Fiesta Bowl last season he’s still the best running back in the draft. McGahee was lucky the injury wasn’t more serious, and doctors expect a full recovery. He’s already working out for teams and even expects to play in 2003. Whether that’s the smartest thing to do remains to be seen, but even if he has to sit out this year the Pats can wait for this franchise back. Antowain Smith and Kevin Faulk can get the Pats through another season till McGahee is 100%. When he’s ready, McGahee brings speed, power, and a knack for the passing game this offense needs desperately. It’s a risk, but one the Pats feel the reward is too much to pass on.
20.	Denver	Michael Haynes - DE	Penn State
The Kavika Pittman fiasco is finally over in Denver. The former-Cowboy never lived up to his hype, providing little or no pash rush for a team desperate for it. Trevor Pryce is a fantastic every down end, and provides what little pass rush the Broncos can muster. Reggie Hayward and Bert Berry have show flashes but haven’t stepped up their games. Haynes became a force at Penn State during his senior year. Some of that had to do with Jimmy Kennedy’s presence, but Haynes has some skills of his own. He’s a big end (6-3 ½, 280) with the ability to get to the QB. He isn’t a speed guy, relying more on technique and good balance to beat blockers. Haynes is strong enough to play the run and can get to the outside well. He could surprise a lot of people.
21.	Cleveland	Eric Steinbach - OG/OT	Iowa
The Browns surprised the NFL last year by making the playoffs and taking the Steelers down to the wire in the Wildcard Game. They did that despite flip-flopping QBs throughout the season. Both Tim Couch and Kelly Holcomb were injured during parts of the season. The offensive line has been shaky at best and it looks even worse going into 2003. Guards Barry Stokes and Shaun O’Hara are back ups at best, and second-year man Melvin Fowler steps in at center. Left tackle Ross Verba is a guard playing tackle. Steinbach is the best interior lineman in this year’s draft. Not a big (6-6 ¼, 300) guard Steinbach can play tackle as well. Nimble on his feet and cat-quick, Steinbach has a nasty streak coaches love. May end allow Verba to move inside in time.
22.	Chicago	Kyle Boller - QB	California
With the extra pick the Bears have, they can address their need for a quarterback of the future. Kordell Stewart is simply a housesitter while the Bears find a young starter to lead Chicago into the late 00's. Boller wowed scouts this offseason with his arm and athletic ability. He only had one solid season in college which is worrisome, but a lot of that had to do with playing at California. Boller will have time to develop while the Stewart handles the offense for a year or two.
23.	Buffalo1	Dallas Clark* - TE	Iowa
The Bills released longtime TE Jay Riemersma and signed Mark Campbell to replace him. Riemersma was a steady pass-catcher while Campbell is strictly a blocker. The Bills need to replace Riemersma in the offense. Clark is an athletic player with great speed for a TE. Clark (6-3 ½, 255) isn’t as powerful as some other TE’s in the draft but can get down the field the best. He won’t offer much in terms of interior blocking but that’s not why they’re drafting him. The Bills would probably prefer to select a pass rusher at this point but Kelsay and Haynes are already off the board. Clark goes a little early but he is a good fit in Buffalo.
24.	Indianapolis	Mike Doss - SS	Ohio State
The Colts defense made some good strides last season after Tony Dungy implemented his Cover-2 scheme. In 2003 the Colts should be playing a lot more of the zone coverage that helped Tampa Bay win the Super Bowl. A key to the defense, which has the two safeties playing deep thirds, is finding an athletic strong safety that is just as comfortable playing the run as he is playing in coverage. As it stands now the Colts have Rich Coady and Cory Bird. Neither is very good in coverage. Doss is a four-year starter at Ohio State, and while he’s on the small side (5-10 ¼, 207) he hits like a freight train. His play against the run is further along than his coverage skills but he’s athletic enough to cover tight ends and play Dungy’s Cover-2. Doss isn’t the most talented guy on the board but he’s a winner.
25.	New York Giants	Ty Warren - DT	Texas A&M
When Keith Hamilton went down last season the Giants defense suffered. Hamilton’s ability to tie up blockers was dearly missed. Warren is a wide body (6-4, 310) and can really clog things up in the middle. While Warren’s forte is stuffing the run he also has the ability to get a nice push up the field. He played end in Texas A&M’s 3-4 defense. Warren does get a little sloppy in his technique. He’ll get coached well in New York. With Hamilton expected back healthy and ends Michael Strahan and Kenny Holmes still in town, the Giants have the makings of a huge, dominant line.
26.	San Francisco	Wayne Hunter* - OT	Hawaii
Jeff Garcia will is 33 now and has been taking some big shots over the years. He’s still super productive and new head coach Dennis Erickson wants to keep it that way. Left tackle Derrick Deese is also going to be 33 when the 2003 season begins. He is a good tackle but showing signs of wearing down. Hunter is a bundle of potential wrapped in a 6-5 ¾, 305-pound body. The Niners usually prefer leaner o-lineman. Hunter played left tackle in Hawaii’s pass-happy offense, using his long arms and quick feet to get position on oncoming pass rushers. Like most Hawaii linemen, Hunter is raw when it comes to run blocking. He won’t start right away but Hunter will be the Niners’ left tackle of the future.
27.	Pittsburgh	Larry Johnson - RB	Penn State
The Bus has seen better days, Amos Zereoue is a third down back, and Chris Fuamatu-Ma'afala is too injury prone. It's time to move on in Pittsburgh. Despite the new found air attack the Steelers discovered last season, Tommy Maddox's magic may be short lived. The Steelers' bread and butter is on the ground. Johnson is a big back (6-0 3/4, 230) with good, not great speed. He's is compared favorably to Eddie George because of his size and running straight-up running style. Has good hands but not really a big receiving threat. He just knows how to get yards. Plug him in and just keep giving him the ball.
28.	Tennessee	Jeff Faine* - C	Notre Dame
The Titans cut their 2002 starter at center, Gennaro DiNapoli, and signed veteran Tom Ackerman. Ackerman is a dependable veteran but nothing more than a stop-gap. Faine is the best center coming out this year. He’s got a solid build (6-2 ¾, 305) with a strong lower body that allows him to hold his ground well and drive block well. Faine is a field general who knows what’s going on at all times. He’ll always go for that extra kill shot on a defender. Faine isn’t the most glamorous pick for Tennesse but he’s a good value this late in the 1st-round.
29.	Green Bay	E.J. Henderson - MLB	Maryland
With Nate Wayne and Hardy Nickerson out of the picture in Green Bay the linebacking corps is dangerously thin. Free agent Hannibal Navies was signed to play in the middle, but he’s hardly an answer. Back up Torrance Marshall was looked upon as the future but he’s just not smart enough to play there. Henderson is a dynamic MLB with the size (6-0 ¾, 245) and demeanor to play inside. Once he gets a head of steam going he’s hard to stop. Sometimes gets overexcited and over pursues plays. Henderson is not a Ray Lewis or Brian Urlacher-type. He doesn’t have the speed. He’s a between the tackle guy who has just enough speed to cut things off around the corner. He has a history of nagging injuries.
30.	Philadelphia	Jason Witten* - TE	Tennessee
The biggest perceived need for the Eagles is at defensive end. With Hugh Douglas gone and question marks surrounding Derrick Burgess the Birds need to add depth to their defensive line. But with the three best ends already gone the Eagles need to focus their attention on another need – tight end. Chad Lewis, who will be 32 in October, is still a fairly productive player, but numerous drops and an inability to make yards after the catch are wearing thin. Witten is not the most dynamic pass catcher in the draft but he’s probably the most complete. He’s solidly built (6-5 ¾, 265) and is a very good in-line blocker. While not as fast as Dallas Clark, Witten can get downfield well and make all the catches. He’s athletic enough to line up outside. Not as elusive as Jeremy Shockey but has the power to break tackles. If the Birds decide they must take a lineman with this pick Ohio State’s Kenny Peterson is a versatile performer.
31.	Oakland	Rex Grossman* - QB	Florida
At 37 years old, Rich Gannon is playing on borrowed time. The Raiders already have Marques Tuiasasopo as a back up, but that’s about all he is. I doubt Al Davis would really feel comfortable going with him as Oakland’s QB of the future. Grossman has his detractors who say he’s too short to play (6-1, 217), but he has an explosive arm and good leadership skills. He could improve his decision making skills. Grossman made a lot of mistakes last season, probably due to him trying to carry a rather ordinary Florida squad. He won’t have to start immediately, and there are probably few players better to learn from than Gannon.
32.	Oakland2	Andre Woolfolk - CB	Oklahoma
The Raiders have never shied away from taking great athletes and teaching them nuances of the game. Nickel corner Tory James was allowed to sign with Cincinnati and Terrence Shaw inherits the role. Depth is needed. Woolfolk is a raw player who began his college career at wide receiver. He’s gotten by almost entirely on his athletic skill while he learned his new position. Woolfolk is a big corner (6-1 ½, 195) who could one day replace the eternally-youthful Rod Woodson at free safety one day.

* When next to player's name Denotes underclassmen
^ Pick acquired from New York Jets for Pick 4 through Washington in Laveranues Coles signing
^^ Pick acquired from Buffalo in Drew Bledsoe deal
^^^ Pick acquired from Miami in Ricky Williams deal
¹ Pick acquired from Atlanta in Peerless Price deal
² Pick acquired from Tampa in Jon Gruden deal
³ Pick acquired from Chicago for Picks 13 and 22