*** Line of Scrimmage: Saints hold the first-round keys ***

By Tony Moss, NFL Editor

Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - How ironic that the NFL franchise which saw its 2005 fate fall out of its own control when Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans now holds the fate of the rest of the league in its collective hands.

The 3-13 abomination that was the Saints' season ultimately spelled the exodus of head coach Jim Haslett and quarterback Aaron Brooks, among others, from the land of the Mardi Gras, but also brought with it a major silver lining in the form of the No. 2 selection in the upcoming draft.

When the team pulled off an upset of sorts by luring former Pro Bowler Drew Brees to New Orleans last month, it not only received an upgrade at quarterback, but also major power at the bargaining table in dealing with those teams that might covet the No. 2 pick that the Saints organization no longer desperately requires.

In other words, if you want Matt Leinart, you'd better get on the horn to the Saints.

If you're the Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans, or to a lesser extent the Arizona Cardinals or New York Jets, and you're targeting your quarterback of the future, you'd better be prepared to send some major beads and wampum to New Orleans in exchange for the right to select that player.

Should the Saints not find a willing trade partner and decide to keep the pick, odds are that the franchise will select either N.C. State end Mario Williams or Virginia tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson, meaning Leinart will in all likelihood fall to the Titans at No. 3. If they lose Ferguson to the Saints, the Jets might have little choice but to draft a quarterback, which logic suggests would be Vanderbilt's Jay Cutler. A team like the Arizona Cardinals, picking 10th, would then probably be inclined to draft Vince Young under this scenario.

But if the Saints are able to trade the pick to a team like the Vikings, you can print out every mock draft currently floating around the information superhighway and set it on fire. Should New Orleans trade down, the dominos are certain to fall in a much different manner, which is why all eyes between now and April 29th will be cast directly on Sean Payton's club.

Below we take a brief look at the draft day needs and probable strategies of each of the NFL's 32 teams:

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills (5-11 in 2005)

First Pick: No. 8 - Number of Selections: 9 (1, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7)

The first draft of the Dick Jauron era in Buffalo is likely to center on help for both line units. On offense, the team cut underachieving tackle Mike Williams on Feb. 24, their attempt to sign Cardinals guard Reggie Wells was rebuffed when Arizona matched Buffalo's offer, and center Reggie Fowler (Vikings), brought into replace free agent Trey Teague, was the only o-line addition via free agency. On the d-line, former starters Sam Adams (Bengals) and Justin Bannan (Ravens) have both relocated, and though former Colt Larry Triplett was signed, a Buffalo team that struggled to stop the run in 2005 could use some additional depth there. Nearly as pressing are the situations at wide receiver and linebacker. With Eric Moulds out at wideout, the Bills need someone to start opposite Lee Evans. The LB corps fell apart when Takeo Spikes was injured last season, and if Jauron and GM Marv Levy have a chance to take Ohio State's A.J. Hawk at No. 8, they could pounce on it.

Miami Dolphins (9-7)

First Pick: No. 16 - Number of Selections: 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 7, 7)

Nick Saban has made no secret of the fact that he would like to revamp the secondary, cutting cornerbacks Sam Madison and Reggie Howard along with safety Tebucky Jones, and signing second-tier free agent corners Will Allen (Giants), Renaldo Hill (Raiders), and Andre' Goodman (Lions). More reinforcements for that unit are likely to be a priority for the Fins on the first day. Elsewhere, Saban's crew is probably an o-lineman or two from being a serious contender in 2006, and defensively, the Dolphins are aging in the front seven. The two-back system worked well for Miami last year, and with Ricky Williams' availability a huge issue, don't be shocked to see the Dolphins take a running back on the first day.

New England Patriots (10-6)

First Pick: No. 21 - Number of Selections: 11 (1, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7)

The Patriots did virtually nothing in free agency, with wideout Reche Caldwell (Chargers) and cornerback Eric Warfield (Chiefs) the only significant additions to the roster, meaning the first day of the draft will be important for Bill Belichick and company. The usual bugaboo of secondary depth is but one of the Pats' issues, as New England could also use an edge pass rusher or two after Willie McGinest was cut, need wideout help with David Givens (Titans) and Andre' Davis (Bills) both departed, must find a replacement for Adam Vinatieri at kicker, and also require a reliable option behind injury- plagued Corey Dillon at the running back slot. In addition, as well as the team stopped the run when Tedy Bruchsi returned last season, how long can New England expect Bruschi to hold up? Linebacker help would seem to be the chief priority.

New York Jets (4-12)

First Pick: No. 4 - Number of Selections: 10 (1, 1, 2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5, 6, 7)

The Jets may get a crack at Jay Cutler and/or Vince Young, but with so many needs elsewhere on the roster and Patrick Ramsey now in the mix at QB, could forego the sexy first-round pick. The o-line was horrendous last season, and if Virginia tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson is available at No. 4, there is a strong chance the Jets will pounce. The team also possesses the No. 15 pick following the John Abraham trade, and new head coach Eric Mangini, who is moving the Jets from a 4-3 to a 3-4 scheme, could go defense with that selection. The need for an edge pass rusher is obvious with Abraham gone, and with Ty Law also testing the free agent market, more secondary help is necessary as well. Curtis Martin's shelf life appears to be running out also, and with both he and backup Derrick Blaylock injured last season, and fullback Jerald Sowell cut, Mangini has to find some backfield reinforcements.

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens (6-10)

First Pick: No. 13 - Number of Selections: 10 (1, 2, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 6, 7)

Many of the Ravens' 2005 woes could be laid at the feet of the offensive line, and since Brian Billick's crew made no improvements to that area via free agency, the No. 13 pick is very likely to be a tackle to replace Orlando Brown on the right side. On defense, the Ravens received very little production from its defensive ends last season, and need another pass rusher to complement recently acquired Trevor Pryce (Broncos) and holdover Terrell Suggs. Safeties Will Demps and Chad Williams along with cornerback Deion Sanders are all gone from last year's secondary, and that department will be another of the early- round priorities for the franchise. With Ray Lewis' status in limbo, Baltimore might also target a linebacker prospect or two. Baltimore needs competition for quarterback Kyle Boller, but is likely to focus on a veteran like Kerry Collins or Steve McNair rather than looking to the draft.

Cincinnati Bengals (11-5)

First Pick: No. 24 - Number of Selections: 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

The Bengals had some problems at the safety slot last year, as projected starter Madieu Williams was hurt for most of the season and second-tier talents Kevin Kaesviharn and Ifeanyi Ohalete were forced to play a lot of key minutes. Williams will be back in '06, but Marvin Lewis will seek depth there anyway. Cincinnati chose David Pollack to aide the pass rush in last year's draft, but the Bengals still need some fire coming off the edge, and may look for a true 4-3 defensive end to complement the tweener-sized linebacker Pollack. Carson Palmer's injury status and Jon Kitna's signing with the Lions mean the Bengals need a QB that is more than a project, and will be able to push Doug Johnson for the No. 2 job. Wideout would not seem to be a priority for this team, but third receiver Chris Henry is facing gun charges in Florida and Kevin Walter defected to the Texans, meaning there is something of a need there.

Cleveland Browns (6-10)

First Pick: No. 12 - Number of Selections: 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7)

The Browns made a great deal of noise in free agency, signing big names like Willie McGinest, Ted Washington, LeCharles Bentley, and Joe Jurevicius, but that doesn't make the draft any less important for Romeo Crennel's team. Cleveland was the worst pass-rushing team in the league last year, and needs another outside linebacker to come in and push for a starting job right away. Run-stopping will be easier with Washington up front, but another lineman or inside linebacker would help immensely. The Browns are hoping against hope that Braylon Edwards and Kellen Winslow will come back at 100 percent to assist Charlie Frye and the aerial game, but adding another wideout or tight end early doesn't seem out of the question. A reliable running back to spell the recently re-signed Reuben Droughns will probably be a second-day priority.

Pittsburgh Steelers (11-5)

First Pick: No. 32 - Number of Selections: 10 (1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7)

The Steelers' overall team weakness in 2005 was their secondary, and with Chris Hope and Mike Logan both cut, safety help appears to be the number one priority for the defending Super Bowl champs. Elsewhere on defense, a replacement for the departed Kimo von Olehoffen (Jets) could be targeted on the first day. On offense, finding an all-purpose type of receiver like Antwaan Randle El (Redskins) will be easier said than done, but the Steelers have to take a crack at finding one. Also, Jerome Bettis' retirement brings with it a need for a bruising-style back to get the tough yards and complement Willie Parker.

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans (2-14)

First Pick: No. 1 - Number of Selections: 9 (1, 2, 3, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7)

Barring some unforeseen mishap between now and draft Saturday, the Texans will select Reggie Bush with the top overall pick. But the rest of the first day is also of utmost importance for Houston, as weaknesses on the offensive line and defensive front seven must be addressed. The Texans signed just one free agent o-lineman, center Mike Flanagan (Packers), to assist that dreadful unit. Linebacker Sam Cowart (Vikings) and end Anthony Weaver (Ravens) were the only defensive starters the team signed, and both have been bothered by injuries in recent years. In addition to acquiring Bush and an o-lineman, Houston has to come out of the first day with a player ready to make a starting bid on defense.

Indianapolis Colts (14-2)

First Pick: No. 30 - Number of Selections: 6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 6)

The Colts lost Edgerrin James (Cardinals) to free agency, but unless they can get a first-rate back like Lendale White (USC) or DeAngelo Williams (Memphis) in the first round, they'll probably stick with Dominic Rhodes at the position and try to find better value at running back in the later rounds. Indianapolis has some concerns on defense that need to be addressed, since tackles Larry Tripplett (Bills) and Josh Williams (cut) have departed and a good run- stopping linebacker, David Thornton (Titans), is gone too. Depth within the front seven could be a bigger priority for the team than running back, and secondary and offensive line depth are likely to be the focus on the second day.

Jacksonville Jaguars (12-4)

First Pick: No. 28 - Number of Selections: 6 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

With Fred Taylor's injury problems and age making him unreliable, and with the Jaguars failing to acquire a running back free via agency, Jacksonville will take a long, hard, look at drafting a running back first. Lendale White (USC), DeAngelo Williams (Memphis), and Laurence Moroney (Minnesota) are all intriguing possibilities. The departure of outside linebacker Akin Ayodele (Cowboys) gives Jacksonville another pressing need on the strong side. The Jags added some o-line depth by signing free agents Mike Williams (Bills) and Stockar McDougle (Dolphins), but neither is a surefire starter at this stage and Jacksonville will likely bring in some young players to push them.

Tennessee Titans (4-12)

First Pick: No. 3 - Number of Selections: 10 (1, 2, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7, 7, 7, 7)

With Steve McNair on his way out the door, the Titans are almost certain to pick a quarterback with the No. 3 selection. If the Saints keep the No. 2 pick, Tennessee will probably get to choose among Matt Leinart (USC), Jay Cutler (Vanderbilt), and Vince Young (Texas), with Young the long shot to go to the Titans. Choosing Leinart would mean a reunion between the quarterback and his former USC coordinator, Norm Chow, and selecting Cutler would mean taking a player who played his college ball in Nashville and with whom the franchise has a great deal of familiarity. Jeff Fisher's club has just one more pick on the first day, and offensive line and/or secondary help will probably be the chief priority there.

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos (13-3)

First Pick: No. 15 - Number of Selections: 9 (1, 1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 6)

The Broncos' pass rush was non-existent last year, and though they won't get N.C. State stud defensive end Mario Williams with the 15th or 22nd pick, there are some options there, like Tamba Hali (Penn State) or Mathias Kiwanuka (Boston College), that the team will probably take a look at. Even after flirting with Terrell Owens, Eric Moulds, and Javon Walker during the free agency period, the Broncos were still left empty-handed at the position and could target a receiver with one of its two first-round choices. Also a priority is tight end, as Jeb Putzier was cut on March 1st and Stephen Alexander is near the end of the line. Tatum Bell and Ron Dayne look established at 1-2 in the Denver backfield, but the Broncos will likely add depth in the form of a running back somewhere in the middle rounds.

Kansas City Chiefs (10-6)

First Pick: No. 20 - Number of Selections: 7 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 6, 7)

The Chiefs cut former starting cornerbacks Dexter McCleon and Eric Warfield on March 2nd, and though quality free agents like Charles Woodson and Ty Law are still on the market, Kansas City's salary cap situation probably precludes it from making that type of signing. That means the Chiefs are likely to be after a cornerback or two on the first day. Elsewhere on defense, Herm Edwards and company need to find an edge pass rusher to complement Jared Allen. Offensively, concerns abound. Trent Green will be 36 this season, the Chiefs still lack a bona fide No. 1 receiver to serve as a target for him, and with Priest Holmes unlikely to return, a backup is needed for Larry Johnson. The draft won't be a one-stop for all three positions, especially if the team is also looking to replace All-Pro guard Will Shields, who is likely to retire.

Oakland Raiders (4-12)

First Pick: No. 7 - Number of Selections: 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 7)

That the Raiders would select a quarterback with the No. 7 choice defies logic, but that doesn't mean Al Davis won't do it. Oakland signed Aaron Brooks to replace Kerry Collins behind center, and it is believed that 2005 third- round draft pick Andrew Walter represents the team's future at the position. What's more, the Raiders have many additional concerns, particularly on defense. The secondary was probably the worst in the NFL last year, and top cornerback Charles Woodson is a free agent and unlikely to return. The Silver and Black also had basically zero pass rush, and the play of the linebackers was mediocre at best. Oakland would be wise to use all seven of its picks on defensive players, and ultimately, the majority of its selections are likely to be on that side of the ball.

San Diego Chargers (9-7)

First Pick: No. 19 - Number of Selections: 9 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7)

The Chargers made the controversial decision to let Drew Brees walk, and now one of the team's major objectives will be to surround Philip Rivers with a supporting cast that will allow him to succeed. That means at least one wide receiver selected on the first day, and perhaps a touch more help on the offensive line as well. Elsewhere, the Chargers have to address their oft- maligned secondary, which can't trot out cornerbacks Quentin Jammer, Drayton Florence, and Sammy Davis and expect to keep their head above the waves for very long.

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys (9-7)

First Pick: No. 18 - Number of Selections: 6 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7)

The Cowboys had significant trouble on both lines last season. The offensive trench group was young and porous, and the defensive unit, with a number of players left over from the team's 4-3 scheme, didn't quite fit with Bill Parcells' system. Parcells and Jerry Jones will likely look to upgrade both of these areas via the draft, with o-line help presumably the more important of the two areas. The Cowboys could also be in the market for a cornerback on the first day to help push the inconsistent Terence Newman, and following Dat Nguyen's retirement, a big, sure-tackling linebacker could be on the club's wish list as well.

New York Giants (11-5)

First Pick: No. 25 - Number of Selections: 6 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7)

The Giants' biggest problem in 2005 was the secondary, and the free agency period saw former G-Men like safeties Brent Alexander and Shaun Williams along with cornerback Will Allen walk, while new reinforcements like cornerbacks Sam Madison and R.W. McQuarters along with safeties Will Demps and Quentin Harris were brought in. That means New York can turn its attention to its other holes, most notably wide receiver, linebacker, and defensive tackle. With Amani Toomer in decline, Tom Coughlin needs a strong No. 2 wideout to start opposite Plaxico Burress. The linebacking unit was in disarray by the end of last season due to injury, and the club needs some new blood there. And the interior defensive line was dealt a blow when Kendrick Clancy defected to the Cardinals, so the Giants could also be looking for a defensive tackle on the first day.

Philadelphia Eagles (6-10)

First Pick: No. 14 - Number of Selections: 10 (1, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4, 5, 5, 6, 7)

Terrell Owens' departure and the Eagles' failure to sign either Eric Moulds or Javon Walker means Philadelphia's most glaring need is, once again, at wide receiver. The last wideout Philly took at No. 1 was the underachieving Freddie Mitchell, so Andy Reid is going to have to be very careful before going down that road again. It is hardly inconceivable that the Birds would forego a receiver in the first round and upgrade somewhere else, such as on the offensive or defensive line. The team struck out in its quest to land Saints center LeCharles Bentley, meaning offensive trench help is necessary. The interior d-line struggled at times last season, but after selecting tackle Mike Patterson in 2005, the team is unlikely to spend another first-round pick at the same position. Elsewhere, Philadelphia could use a big, punishing running back to complement the shifty Brian Westbrook.

Washington Redskins (10-6)

First Pick: No. 53 - Number of Selections: 7 (2, 3, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7)

The Redskins have no first-round pick after trading up for the right to draft quarterback Jason Campbell last season, but they still have some holes to be filled via the draft. The biggest needs are on defense, where the club lacked a consistent pass rusher coming off the edge and also suffered from an acute lack of playmaking in the secondary. LaVar Arrington's departure means the team will probably keep an eye out for a potential weak side linebacker as well. Most of the club's offensive needs, particularly at wide receiver, were filled via free agency (Antwaan Randle El, Brandon Lloyd), but a lineman or a backup running back could be on the team's wish list. Also, Washington had one of the league's least consistent kicking games last season, and might be looking for a punter and/or kicker via the draft.

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears (11-5)

First Pick: No. 26 - Number of Selections: 6 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

The Bears' top draft priority will be finding a pass-catcher, whether a tight end, No. 2 receiver, or both to complement Muhsin Muhammad and assist Rex Grossman. Tight end is believed to be the greater priority. The team's offensive line overachieved last season, but just one year removed from allowing 66 sacks, some first-day insurance might be sought for that group. The young defense played at an elite level for most of last season, but Jerry Azumah's retirement and Charles Tillman's sometimes shaky play could lead Lovie Smith and GM Jerry Angelo to seek a cornerback that can compete for playing time. Defensive tackle Tank Johnson will miss most or all of training camp with a torn quadriceps, meaning the Bears will probably seek to add depth there as well.

Detroit Lions (5-11)

First Pick: No. 9 - Number of Selections: 7 (1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 7)

We'll go out on a limb and predict that, after selecting Charles Rogers, Roy Williams, and Mike Williams in the past three drafts, the Lions will not choose a wideout in the first round this year. What Detroit needs desperately is help on the offensive line, or newly-ordained starter Jon Kitna is going to spend most of his first year in the Motor City running for his life. There are major defensive needs as well, including another pass-rusher, a linebacker or two, a cornerback, and a safety. With the ninth pick, Detroit might have a shot at either Vince Young or Jay Cutler, but after signing Kitna, Josh McCown, and Shaun King in the offseason, it appears that they will address their other numerous needs first.

Green Bay Packers (4-12)

First Pick: No. 5 - Number of Selections: 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 5, 7)

It is appearing more and more likely that Brett Favre will return to Green Bay in 2006, but what his projected supporting cast looks like could impact the decision greatly. Wideout Javon Walker, injured for most of 2005, is seeking a way out of Packer-land, and center Mike Flanagan's departure to the Texans deals another blow to an offensive line that had its struggles in 2005. There isn't a slam-dunk wideout for the team to take at No. 5, and the only Top 10 o-lineman, D'Brickashaw Fergsuon (Virginia), will almost certainly be gone by the time Green Bay selects. That means the Pack could go after tight end Vernon Davis (Maryland), or could switch its focus to the other side of the ball. The most glaring need on defense is in the secondary, where new head coach Mike McCarthy must find a cornerback to start opposite Al Harris and could use some safety help as well. Texas defensive back Michael Huff, who can play either corner or safety, has been mentioned in local media reports as an almost ideal fit for the team.

Minnesota Vikings (9-7)

First Pick: No. 17 - Number of Selections: 6 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6)

The trade of Daunte Culpepper to Miami gives the Vikings a shaky situation at quarterback, with 38-year-old Brad Johnson, career backup Shaun Hill, and Lions and Eagles washout Mike McMahon the only signal-callers on the roster at present. Minnesota may trade for a quarterback like Atlanta's Matt Schaub prior to the draft, and would seem to be a candidate to trade up with New Orleans for the No. 2 pick, but failing that, there probably won't be a franchise-type QB available at No. 17. New head coach Brad Childress has other problems to address, most notably on the offensive line, at linebacker, and in the secondary. The o-line struggled to protect Culpepper and Johnson for most of the season, the linebacking crew lost Sam Cowart to free agency, and cornerback Brian Williams and safety Corey Chavous went down the same road. After Nate Burleson defected to Seattle, another strong receiver could be on Minnesota's wish list.

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons (8-8)

First Pick: No. 47 - Number of Selections: 6 (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

The Falcons filled their most glaring offseason need when they traded for John Abraham a few weeks back, and in turn lost their first-round pick to the Broncos. With their two remaining first-day picks, Jim Mora and GM Rich McKay are likely to target defensive backs and offensive linemen. Apart from DeAngelo Hall, the secondary was a weak spot for Atlanta in 2005, and the o- line has been consistently shaky in protecting Michael Vick. There is a possibility that the Falcons will trade backup quarterback Matt Schaub and in turn add another first-day selection, but completing a trade for Schaub would give Atlanta a need for a new backup signal-caller.

Carolina Panthers (11-5)

First Pick: No. 27 - Number of Selections: 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7)

The Panthers are set to make changes at linebacker, after two 2005 starters, Will Witherspoon (Rams) and Brandon Short (cut), both departed. The team could move '05 first-round draft choice Thomas Davis to one of the openings, but that would open a hole at safety, since Marlon McCree defected to the Chargers and Davis was expected to fill that gap. Elsewhere on defense, John Fox could look for help on the interior line after veteran Brentson Buckner was cut. Offensive vacancies will likely be addressed on the second day, with offensive line and running back depth foremost on the agenda.

New Orleans Saints (3-13)

First Pick: No. 2 - Number of Selections: 8 (1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7)

Every team in the NFL is on pins and needles about what the Saints will do with the No. 2 pick. The signing of Drew Brees likely means Sean Payton's club will not select a quarterback, and as there are several teams that covet Matt Leinart, Jay Cutler, and Vince Young, New Orleans could probably get better value by trading the pick. If it decides to keep the selection, N.C. State defensive end Mario Williams and Virginia tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson would be the most likely candidates to become Saints. The franchise does need offensive line depth and could use some pass rushing help following the departure of Darren Howard. But what the Saints need most is some linebackers, as that position was a revolving door in 2005 due to injuries and inconsistency. Another defensive back for a secondary that didn't make a ton of plays would be another welcome addition.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (11-5)

First Pick: No. 23 - Number of Selections: 10 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7)

The cap-strapped Bucs were relatively quiet in free agency, though they did make headlines by re-signing starting quarterback Chris Simms. That move prompted former starter Brian Griese to sign with the Bears, and the team now has to decide whether it is comfortable with the highly unpolished Luke McCown as the No. 2 QB. It seems likely that a quarterback will be in this year's draft plans, though probably not before the fourth round. Tampa Bay is still using some spare parts on the o-line, and could be after a tackle with the first pick. Prodigal son and former Super Bowl MVP Dexter Jackson's second defection from Tampa Bay means the Bucs are again in the market for a safety, and another pass rusher to complement Simeon Rice would also be nice. No Buccaneers wideout other than Joey Galloway was consistent last season, and the team is likely to target a potential playmaker at that position as well.

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals (5-11)

First Pick: No. 10 - Number of Selections: 7 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)

The Cardinals made a splash by signing Edgerrin James on March 12th, but with no other headlines made during the free agency period, Dennis Green and company have a great deal of work to do via the draft. The most glaring need for a team that ranked dead last in the league in rushing is offensive line help, but Arizona could forego a lineman with the 10th overall pick if Vince Young is still available. The aging and oft-injured Kurt Warner is the only suitable starting QB on the roster, and the franchise must think about the future at the position. Defensively, the team needs another pass rusher to complement Bertrand Berry as well as linebacker help and a reliable cornerback or two.

St. Louis Rams (6-10)

First Pick: No. 11 - Number of Selections: 9 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7, 7)

The first draft of the Scott Linehan era will likely focus on the defensive side of the ball, where the Rams were generally atrocious during the Mike Martz era. Though safety Corey Chavous (Vikings) and cornerback Fakhir Brown (Saints) were signed to assist the secondary, Linehan needs to add some young reinforcements to further prop up that department. The defensive line could use another pass rusher to complement Leonard Little, and another linebacker who could tackle would be a welcome addition as well. On offense, the team's weak spot was the offensive line, and with tackles Orlando Pace and Alex Barron penciled in at their positions next season, a guard is likely to be on Linehan's wish list.

San Francisco 49ers (4-12)

First Pick: No. 6 - Number of Selections: 10 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7, 7)

Outside linebackers Andre Carter (Redskins) and Julian Peterson (Seahawks) both defected via free agency, meaning the Niners' need for an edge pass rusher is its most pressing heading into the draft. If N.C. State's Mario Williams is available, it is hard to believed Mike Nolan won't take him. Elsewhere on defense, the 49ers need lots of help for a secondary that went through most of 2005 using spare parts. Offensively, the signings of Antonio Bryant (Browns) and Bryan Gilmore (Dolphins) improve the receiving corps, but the team is done counting on the oft-injured Eric Johnson and needs a reliable tight end. San Francisco signed Cowboys castoff Larry Allen to help improve a thin o-line, but additional depth there is needed desperately.

Seattle Seahawks (13-3)

First Pick: No. 31 - Number of Selections: 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 7)

The Seahawks unexpectedly lost All-Pro guard Steve Hutchinson to the Vikings, but seem content to let Pork Chop Womack and/or newly-signed ex-Patriot Tom Ashworth battle it out to fill his spot. The defending NFC Champs' biggest Achilles heel in 2005 was the secondary, and after parting ways with safety Marquand Manuel and cornerback Andre Dyson, Seattle figures to try and add some depth and possibly a potential starter there on the draft's first day. The rest of the defense looks solid, meaning offensive line and wide receiver depth will probably be among the top priorities for Mike Holmgren and company in the middle rounds.

Comments? Criticism? Applause? Contact Tony Moss at tmoss@sportsnetwork.com.