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Sporting News, The, March 11, 2005

Regardless of whether Tedy Bruschi is able to play after suffering a mild stroke, the Patriots need to get younger at inside linebacker. Florida's Channing Crowder (6-2 1/2, 241) and Georgia's Odell Thurman (6-1,239) have the size and athletic ability to play in the Pats' system, but both come with character issues the team typically shies from.

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One player to watch later on Day 1 is Notre Dame's Mike Goolsby. Though he's not a burner, Goolsby has the size (6-3, 249) and instincts the Patriots require. Linebacker also remains a high priority for the Rams. A speed and pursuit player such as Tennessee's Kevin Burnett could be a consideration in the first round. He could compete against Robert Thomas on the weak side. Speedy Robert McCune of Louisville could be a run-stopping option at middle linebacker in Round 3 or 4.... An option for the Seahawks at the 23rd overall pick is Virginia Tech CB Eric Green, a cover corner with good quickness and feet. LSU DE Marcus Spears is another possibility; he has the size (6-4, 295) and bulk the team lacks at end.... Troy State's Demarcus Ware is an intriguing outside linebacker prospect for the Broncos, who are moving to a 3-4 scheme. They want speed on the edges but also someone powerful enough to shed blockers against the run. Ware would fit the bill. Another intriguing prospect is Florida State DT Travis Johnson. Though Johnson (6-4, 290) isn't a prototypical nose tackle, he could play inside or out in a 3-4.... The Buccaneers are looking for an all-purpose tight end who can play a big role. One player they are targeting is Virginia TE Heath Miller, who has excellent size (6-5, 254) and has displayed big-play capability. Meanwhile, the Bills need insurance at tight end. Miami's Kevin Everett is a possibility late in the second round, and Colorado State's Joel Dreessen could be a good second-day choice.... Expect the Eagles to draft a quarterback with either their final pick on Day 1 or first pick on Day 2. Purdue's Kyle Ort0n or Connecticut's Dan Orlovsky could be a good fit in the team's West Coast offense. Oregon State's Derek Anderson (6-6, 239) is an intriguing prospect.... Though running back isn't a high need for the Jaguars, they have taken a serious interest in former Ohio State RB Maurice Clarett.... The defensive line might be a first-round focus for the Steelers. They need someone with size and quickness to play end in their 3-4 scheme. USC's Shaun Cody, who can play the run and rush the passer, could be a good fit.

2005 Ad

Sporting News, The, March 11, 2005

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