AFC East

Sporting News, The, April 21, 1997 by Vic Carucci, Mike Chappell, Jason Cole, Kevin Mannix, Rich Cimini

BUFFALO BILLS

1997 picks First round: 23rd; second round: 52nd; fourth round: 120th fifth round: 153rd; sixth round: 185th; seventh round: 226th. Total: six picks.

For more on the BILLS check out www.sportingnews.com/ nfl/teams/bills

Needs

Tired of being trampled by bruising running backs such as Jerome Bettis and Natrone Means--new offensive coordinator Dan Henning plans to fight back with a power, ball-control attack--the team would like to use its first pick on a large, explosive back. Kent Hull's retirement leaves a gaping hole at center. Considering the lack of depth behind Bruce Smith and Phil Hansen, defensive end is another need.

Outlook

The club would love to get Antowain Smith of the University of Houston. He is 6-2 and 225 pounds and possesses an eye-popping combination of power and speed. His stock has been soaring since he ran the 40-yard dash in 4.48 seconds at the NFL Scouting Combine. "We'd like to have Antowain Smith," director of player personnel Dwight Adams says. "We need a big cut-and-slasher, and that's what he is." Byron Hanspard of Texas Tech has blazing speed despite his 198-pound frame. Sedrick Shaw of Iowa and Jay Graham of Tennessee also fall into the large-but-explosive category. The lone center the club likes is Rod Payne of Michigan. However, if it doesn't snatch him with the No. 1 pick it is unlikely to have a crack at him in the second round Adams points out, "It's going to drop off quicker at running back than it drops off at offensive line." Other possibilities include Jerry Wunsch of Wisconsin' Ross Verba of lowa, Damon Denson of Michigan and Bob Sapp of Washington.

--Vic Carucci

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

1997 picks First round: 19th; second round: 48th; third round: 77th; fourth round: 117th; fifth round: 150th; sixth round: 182nd; seventh round: 219th. Total: seven picks.

For more on the COLTS check out www.sportingnews.com/ nfl/teams/colts

Needs

The first priority is obtaining an offensive tackle, preferably one who can challenge Troy Auzenne and Kipp Vickers for serious playing time. The second priority is cornerback. Even if recently signed Carlton Gray and second-year man Dedric Mathis surface as starters, quality depth is lacking. Eugene Daniel is a free agent but probably will return. Beyond that, there isn't much there.

Outlook

Since relocating to Indianapolis in '84, the team has drafted only two offensive linemen in the first two rounds. That will change. It must change. G.M. Bill Tobin is a firm believer in drafting the best player available and not based on need. But it appears this draft will allow those concepts to merge. Look for the team to choose Wisconsin's Jerry Wunsch or Cal's Tarik Glenn in the first round. Tobin never tips his hand. so it's difficult to say which one. If the team gets its potential starting tackle in Round 1, the No. 2 pick likely will be used on a defensive back. Ideally, he would be a corner, but the team wouldn't mind adding a young safety since strong safety David Tate, 32, had offseason surgery to address a neck injury. A probable third-round focus is linebacker. The team's starting group is solid, but the depth is questionable, particularly if Trev Alberts retires as expected. An early area of need was the defensive line, but the signing of end Al Fontenot eased that concern. The team still may pursue a lineman in the middle rounds.

-Mike Chappell

MIAMI DOLPHINS

1997 picks First round: 15th; second round: 44th; third round: 73rd, 92nd, 93rd, 96th; fourth round: 112th, 123rd; fifth round: 149th; sixth round: 177th. Total: 10 picks.

For more on the DOLPHINS check out www.sportingnews.com/ nfl/teams/dolphins

Needs

After spending most of the offseason upgrading the secondary through free agency, the Dolphins need to get a big-play defensive end, a starting linebacker, a deep threat at wide receiver and a right tackle on offense. The most glaring need would seem to be linebacker, where only two starters from last season (Zach Thomas and Anthony Harris) are under contract. Look for the defense to be built first.

Outlook

The team has looked at such wide receivers as Miami's Yatil Green, Florida's Reidel Anthony, Kansas State's Kevin Lockett, James Madison's Macey Brooks and Central State's Alonzo Johnson. The Dolphins could trade up to the No. 4 spot in the draft, where they would hope to get Florida State DE Peter Boulware. He's the type of disruptive, impact player the team needs on defense. As for linebacker, the Dolphins likely will take someone in the second or third round. The staff likes Virginia OLB James Farrior, who is probably the best coverage player in the draft at his position. That's a key because the team doesn't blitz linebackers very much. As for the offensive line, Johnson believes that adequate, offensive linemen can be found in the second and third rounds. With four picks in the third round, expect the Dolphins to look for the likes of Arizona State's Juan Roque there. The Dolphins are also interested in cornerbacks and interviewed Kansas State's Chris Canty. Nothing is out of the realm of possibility with this team.