NFC focus: draft buzz

Conventional wisdom says the Panthers will use the No. 14 overall pick on an offensive tackle, with Florida State's Alex Barton and Oklahoma's Jammal Brown being the top candidates. But the team might find better value choosing a running back, defensive tackle, wide receiver or cornerback in the first round.... If the Buccaneers fail to add a free-agent running back, they'll strongly consider Auburn RB Carnell Williams with the No. 5 overall pick. The Bucs' staff coached Williams on the Senior Bowl South squad and believes he is a more complete back than many scouts realize. Williams also would be a nice option for the Cardinals, who pick eighth and need a running back. Texas' Cedric Benson will be an attractive target if he's available.... Because new Packers defensive coordinator Jim Bates relies so heavily on a four-man rush, the team must add another pass-rushing end. Bates has had the most success with speed rushers at both end spots, and the team should be able to address that need early in the draft, although getting Wisconsin's Erasmus James, Georgia's David Pollack or Oklahoma's Dan Cody probably would require trading up in the first round.... If former Southern California WR Mike Williams is available when the Redskins pick ninth, he'll be hard to resist. Williams (6-4, 230) has the size, speed and ability the team needs in a No. 2 receiver, and he eventually could push for the No. 1 job. A less obvious area of need is the offensive line, a unit the team likely will address with its middle- and late-round picks.... Look for the Eagles to target a wide receiver, a defensive end and perhaps a defensive tackle with their first three picks. This would be a good time to get a future replacement for WR Terrell Owens, and the team could move up in the first round in hopes of landing Williams or Michigan's Braylon Edwards. Both have the size the team likes. On defense, Pollack, LSU DE Marcus Spears and Mississippi State DT Ronald Fields are attractive.... Vikings coaches focused on defense while scouting the Senior Bowl and were pleased with what they saw among the defensive backs but were disappointed with a thin linebackers crop. It's possible Minnesota could seek free-agent linebackers and look to select a defensive back, possibly a safety, early in the draft.... The Seahawks would like to continue strengthening their defense; Pollack, Texas OLB Derrick Johnson or LSU CB Corey Webster would be a great pickup. But Seattle might alter its course if offseason transactions necessitate finding replacements for RB Shaun Alexander or WR Koren Robinson.... Johnson also could be attractive to the Cowboys, particularly if they switch to a 3-4 defense. But if he doesn't fall to the team at No. 11, Dallas might turn its attention to Maryland's Shawne Merriman, who is the type of pass rusher the Cowboys want at outside linebacker.

COPYRIGHT 2005 Sporting News Publishing Co.
COPYRIGHT 2008 Gale, Cengage Learning