The mad scramble: in the quest to catch up with the Patriots, teams will be doing everything they can to draft playmakers such as Michigan wideout Braylon Edwards

WITH A DYNASTY IN THEIR midst, the NFL's 31 other teams certainly have something to aim for. But knocking the New England Patriots off their pedestal won't be any easier next winter than it has been, which makes finding the right players in the draft even more critical.

In fact, several top contenders might look more to filling holes in this draft than they normally would. The "best athlete" theory still works, but in 2005, strengthening weak spots is essential for such clubs as the Indianapolis Colts, San Diego Chargers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets in the AFC and Carolina Panthers, Atlanta Falcons, and Seattle Seahawks in the NFC.

Here's a look at the needs of each team (listed in alphabetical order, along with its position for its first pick) heading into the draft, which takes place April 23 and 24 in New York:

ARIZONA CARDINALS (No. 8)

Will the Cardinals get lucky and have a top running back fall to them? Regardless, they will gel someone who should help immediately. A linebacker (Texas' Derrick Johnson or Maryland's Shawne Merriman, who can play end as well) would bolster the roster. Or coach Dennis Green could opt for a quarterback if Utah's Alex Smith or Cal's Aaron Rodgers isn't gone.

ATLANTA FALCONS (No. 27)

Coach Jim Mora probably will go for defense, even though offensive linemen Adam Terry of Syracuse, Ben Wilkerson of LSU, and Jammal Brown of Oklahoma all would be good choices. If the Falcons stick with defense, they might look at a tackle to spell Rod Coleman, or one of the many cornerbacks who populate this crop.

BALTIMORE RAVENS (No. 22)

When will Brian Billick finally get a prime receiver? Sure, he wants the power offense, but quarterback Kyle Boller needs more options other than tight end Todd Heap. Baltimore surely will look at Troy Williamson of South Carolina, Craphonso Thorpe of Florida State, or Roddy White of UAB.

BUFFALO BILLS (No. 55)

Picking so late, who knows? But the Bills have to find someone who will fit on the offensive line or possibly a tight end. While Virginia's Heath Miller won't slip this far, Stanford's Alex Smith or Miami's Kevin Everett might be around. Should Buffalo look for defensive depth, it would be on the line.

CAROLINA PANTHERS (No. 14)

Coming off so many injuries, the Panthers are in a tough situation. Will their key players return to health, particularly at running back and receiver, or do they need to pick players for those spots? A wideout is a possibility, as is an offensive lineman. So is a defensive back, such as Adam Jones of West Virginia or Carlos Rogers of Auburn.

CHICAGO BEARS (No. 4)

There are some good youngsters on this roster, but coach Lovie Smith must find an impact player for the offense. Choosing so high, he could look at Texas running back Cedric Benson or a wideout. But Texas linebacker Johnson would provide a nice boost here, too. So would one of the top defensive linemen.

CINCINNATI BENGALS (No. 17)

Picking in the same spot as last year, Cincinnati might need another receiver and might also have interest in Virginia tight end Miller. The Bengals could address almost every position on defense, although linebacker is not a priority. If one of the top safeties slips this far, coach Marvin Lewis could be enticed.

CLEVELAND BROWNS (No. 3)

New coach Romeo Crennel must be more successful than Butch Davis was in the draft. He should get off to a good start by grabbing a premier defensive lineman (Erasmus James, Antajj Hawthorne, or Marcus Spears) or perhaps cornerback Antrel Rolle. This team also has offensive needs that will be addressed later.

DALLAS COWBOYS (Nos. 11 and 20)

The Cowboys say they will use both choices and not trade up. If so, a receiver will be one of the picks; they'd love to get Southern Cal's Mike Williams or Oklahoma's Mark Clayton if Michigan's Braylon Edwards is gone. Dallas also will look for a big linebacker--coach Bill Parcells loves those--and another cornerback.

DENVER BRONCOS (No. 25)

Denver could think about a quarterback to develop, such as Charlie Frye of Akron or Jason Campbell of Auburn. The Broncos also could use another receiver, but not desperately and probably not on the opening round. If they go defense, a lineman is likely; Florida State's Travis Johnson could be helpful.

DETROIT LIONS (No. 10)

Are the Lions tired of trying to make Joey Harrington into a topnotch QB? If so, they could go for Utah's Smith or Cal's Rodgers. But this team also should address some problems on the defensive line, with one of the top ends or Maryland's versatile Merriman being worth a look.

GREEN BAY PACKERS (No. 24)

A defense that is fundamentally weak and lacks playmakers needs to be addressed. The Packers could focus anywhere, from the line (Southern Cal tackle Mike Patterson, end Justin Tuck of Notre Dame) to linebacker (Florida's Channing Crowder or Nebraska's Barrett Ruud) to the secondary (Clemson's Justin Miller).

HOUSTON TEXANS (No. 13)

Houston could go in many directions, with Virginia tight end Miller being a strong possibility. He'd be a nice addition for quarterback David Carr. The Texans also might address either line; Florida State offensive tackle Alex Barron or Virginia guard Elton Brown would be high on the list.