NFC East

Sporting News, The, April 21, 1997 by Lee Shappell, Mickey Spagnola, Neil Best, Mark Eckel, David Elfin

ARIZONA CARDINALS

1997 picks First round: 9th; second round: 42nd; third round: 71st; fourth round: 106th; fifth round: 139th; sixth round: 175th; seventh round: 212th. Total: seven picks.

For more on the CARDINALS check out www.sportingnews.com/ nfl/teams/cardinals

Needs

Finding a right corner to play opposite Aeneas Williams is key. And how much better would that guy be if he had more help from the safeties and worked behind a stronger pass rush? The club had only 28 sacks last year, 12 1/2 of those by Simeon Rice. With Seth Joyner aging, outside linebacker is another possibility. The team also needs a big back who can convert on third-and-short and a speed receiver.

Outlook

The Cardinals may be interested in moving up, possibly to Baltimore's No. 4 pick. Texas CB Bryant Westbrook was brought in for a visit, but he certainly won't be on the board at No. 9, the club's scheduled pick unless there is a trade. If they're still at No. 9, the Cardinals would be wise to snag OLB linebacker James Farrior of Virginia, who is perfect for coach Vince Tobin's zone-blitz schemes with his ability to rush the passer and drop into coverage. He's also strong enough to stop the run. The team also would like to add a quarterback, but there isn't one good enough to take in the top half of the first round. But if the team likes Virginia Tech's Jim Druckenmiller, it could trade down or hope he slips into the second round. Also, local favorite Jake Plummer of Arizona State should be available in the second round. Colorado WR Rae Carruth, Houston RB Antowain Smith, Iowa CB Tom Knight and Clemson DE Trevor Pryce also would address needs, but Farrior is better at his position than they are at theirs.

--Lee Shappell

DALLAS COWBOYS

1997 picks First round: 25th; second round: 54th; third round: 83rd, 94th; fourth round: 127th, 129th; fifth round: 155th, sixth round: 187th; seventh round: 224th. Total: nine picks

For more on the COWBOYS check out www.sportingnews.com/ nfl/teams/cowboys

Needs

One need was eliminated last week with the signing of free safety Brock Marion. But there are several holes, especially at tight end with Jay Novacek's impending retirement; at defensive tackle with suspended Leon Lett to miss at least 13 games; at outside linebacker with Darrin Smith shopping his talents; and at receiver with Michael Irvin the only receiver under contract with more than one NFL catch.

Outlook

If tight end is the route, the team has checked out Cal's Tony Gonzalez and LSU's David LaFleur. Gonzalez is likely to be gone by the 25th pick, but LaFleur may still be available. If it is wide receiver, and the team doesn't feel good about the possibility of re-signing Alvin Harper should Tampa Bay release him, then keep an eye on Florida's Ike Hilliard or Reidel Anthony, though neither has the size the team wants. More difficult will be to locate a defensive tackle or linebacker at the 25th pick worthy of making first-round money. Remember, the team does have nine picks--three nontradable compensatory picks--and could use its third or fourth to move up some in the first round. Or, as it has done in the past, the team could trade out of the first round if a sure-fire starter is not available. The team can't afford under the salary cap to pay first-round money to groom a player. Don't be surprised at the selection of K Brett Conway of Penn State in the later rounds, a move that would prevent the paying of bonus money to lure a free agent.

--Mickey Spagnola

NEW YORK GIANTS

1997 picks First round: 7th; second round: 36th; third round: 68th, 95th; fourth round: 103rd; fifth round: 136th; sixth round: 171st; seventh round: 208th. Total: eight picks.

For more on the GIANTS check out www.sportingnews.com/ nfl/teams/giants

Needs

The team's most glaring need is for big playmakers, particularly at receiver, and/or a pass-catching back, along with a dominant left tackle. Quarterback Dave Brown needs all the help he can get. A defense that overachieved last season could use standout pass rushers on the line or at linebacker and more depth at safety and linebacker. It also would be wise to draft a punter.

Outlook

The team believes there is a big dropoff in talent after OT Orlando Pace and fears getting a player at No. 7 who won't be worth his signing bonus. If Florida State OT Walter Jones is available, he might be too intriguing to pass up. First-year coach Jim Fassel also wants playmakers at the skill positions, so WRs Yatil Green and Rae Carruth are possibilities. If the team opts for defense, LBs James Farrior and Dwayne Rudd are the top candidates, although both are somewhat undersized. The club must be ready for anything in the first round, a point driven home last year when its four favorite players unexpectedly were chosen, and the team reluctantly settled for defensive end Cedric Jones with the fifth overall pick. Jones had an awful rookie season. In later rounds, the priorities include a backup fullback (third-year man Charles Way is the only one on the roster), one or two safeties for depth and perhaps a tight end who would be a better fit in a fast-paced, short-range passing attack than lumbering blocking specialist Howard Cross.