For the next several weeks leading up to the NFL draft on April 26 and 27, I'll take a look each day at a different position for each of the three local NFL teams. I'll look at current starters and backups, potential free agent pickups and draft picks.

Today: Bills offensive line

Overview: This unit came together last year with the continued emergence of left tackle Jason Peters, who played at a Pro Bowl level, and the pricey offseason acquisitions of guard Derrick Dockery and right tackle Langston Walker. Quarterback Trent Edwards was sacked only 12 times in 269 pass attempts, and the line cleared the way for the Bills to rush for 112.5 yards per game.

Possible moves: The Bills did their spending on the line last season.

Free agent potential: None.

Draft potential: Near zero.

Tomorrow: Steelers offensive line.

-- John Dudley

For the next several weeks leading up to the NFL draft on April 26 and 27, I'll take a look each day at a different position for each of the three local NFL teams. I'll look at current starters and backups, potential free agent pickups and draft picks.

Today: Steelers offensive line

Overview: Even with All-Pro guard Alan Faneca in place, the offensive line was viewed as a liability last season. Faneca's offseason departure to accept a huge deal with the Jets further weakened the line. The Steelers what for them constituted a bold move by signing ex-Panthers center Jeff Hartwig to a two-year, $4 million contract. Hartwig's acquisition could allow Sean Mahan to compete with veteran Chris Kemoeatu at Faneca's old spot. It would be surprising if the Steelers don't further address the line in the draft, perhaps with one of their first two picks.

Possible moves: Another interior lineman to add depth behind Hartwig, Mahan, Kemoeatu and left guard Kendall Simmons seems like a priority, and the Steelers could also look for a tackle to compete with incumbents Marvel Smith and Willie Colon.

Free agent potential: Not at this point.

Draft potential: Strong likelihood, especially an interior lineman on the first day.

Tomorrow: Browns defensive line.

-- John Dudley

For the next several weeks leading up to the NFL draft on April 26 and 27, I'll take a look each day at a different position for each of the three local NFL teams. I'll look at current starters and backups, potential free agent pickups and draft picks.

Today: Browns defensive line

Overview: This unit gained a whole new look through a pair of trades that brought in end Corey Williams and nose tackle Shaun Rodgers in a 10-day span. The Browns will be younger and more athletic up front this season, as Williams and Rodgers team with incumbent right end Robaire Smith to provide what should be better balance against the pass and run.

Possible moves: Possibly another pass rusher in the draft, although the Browns won't be as pressed to move in this direction after signing Williams, who had seven sacks last year.

Free agent potential: Already done.

Draft potential: If not early, the Browns will almost certianly add depth up front on the second day. A lot could depend on whether the team stays put with its picks or tries to make a move to recoup the pick lost in acquiring Brady Quinn.

Tomorrow: Bills defensive line.

-- John Dudley

For the next several weeks leading up to the NFL draft on April 26 and 27, I'll take a look each day at a different position for each of the three local NFL teams. I'll look at current starters and backups, potential free agent pickups and draft picks.

Today: Bills defensive line

Overview: The Bills made one of the offseason's biggest moves by trading third- and fifth-round picks to the Jaguars for defensive tackle Marcus Stroud. When healthy, Stroud is one of the game's most imposing interior defensive linemen, but he landed on injured reserve last season after undergoing microfracture surgery. The Bills believe Stroud is healthy and can join returnees Kyle Williams and John McCargo to form a strong rotation at defensive tackle. Incumbent ends Chris Kelsay and Aaron Schobel are more blue-collar than flashy, and that is one position the Bills could address in the draft.

Possible moves: An end is likely in the draft, although probably not on the first day.

Free agent potential: Done.

Draft potential: The last time the Bills spent a first-round pick on a defensive end was Erik Flowers in 2000, and that won't change this season. In fact, it would be surprising if the club spends a first-day pick on a defensive lineman. A more likely move is to take an end on the second day who could develop behind Kelsay and Schobel.

Monday: Steelers defensive line.

-- John Dudley

For the next several weeks leading up to the NFL draft on April 26 and 27, I'll take a look each day at a different position for each of the three local NFL teams. I'll look at current starters and backups, potential free agent pickups and draft picks.

Today: Steelers defensive line

Overview: As usual, the Steelers will count on outside linebackers James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley to provide the pass rush, leaving ends Aaron Smith and Brett Keisel and nose tackle Casey Hampton to stuff the run. Smith was sorely missed last year when he went out with a torn biceps and his healthy return will be a huge boost. With Chris Hoke, Travis Kirschke and Nick Eason, the Steelers have outstanding depth in their line rotation, but they could still end up adding a player to compete for a backup end spot in the draft.

Possible moves: Potentially a big, strong end who can play run support, since Smith turns 32 this month and Kirschke will be 30 in September.

Free agent potential: None.

Draft potential: Possibly, on the second day.

Tuesday: Bills linebackers.

-- John Dudley

For the next several weeks leading up to the NFL draft on April 26 and 27, I'll take a look each day at a different position for each of the three local NFL teams. I'll look at current starters and backups, potential free agent pickups and draft picks.

Today: Bills linebackers

Overview: With the offseason signing of former Giants starter Kawika Mitchell and second-year veteran Paul Posluszny's return from a nearly season-long injury, the Bills have effectively re-made their linebacking corps. Mitchell, who had 76 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks last season, will man the weakside spot with Posluszny in the middle and holdover Angelo Crowell on the strong side. John DiGiorgio, who filled in for Posluszny, and Keith Ellison provide depth.

Possible moves: With only Ellison and DiGiorgio as backups, the Bills will almost certainly target linebacking depth on the second day.

Free agent potential: Beyond Mitchell, the team is set on front-end talent.

Draft potential: Likely on the second day. Possibilities include Virginia Tech's Vince Hall, Marshall's Josh Johnson and West Virginia's Marc Magro.

Tuesday: Browns linebackers.

-- John Dudley

Leading up to the NFL draft on April 26 and 27, I'll take a look each day at a different position for each of the three local NFL teams. I'll look at current starters and backups, potential free agent pickups and draft picks.

Today: Browns linebackers

Overview: Kamerion Wimbley's sack total dropped to five from 11 in his second season, but he remains the best athlete among the Browns' linebackers and should benefit by the upgrades along the defensive line. Veteran Willie McGinest is the other outside backer, with Andra Davis and D'Qwell Jackson, who had 101 tackles last year, inside. Antwan Peek, Leon Williams, Kris Griffin, Shantee Orr and David McMillan are the backups. McGinest, who missed the first three games and finished with only 30 tackles and thee sacks. The Browns are hoping he has another strong season left at age 36.

Possible moves: The Browns had more pressing needs in free agency, and with no pick until the fourth round of the draft, are unlikely to look at linebackers until the late rounds, if at all.

Free agent potential: Almost none, unless a veteran emerges between now and camp.

Draft potential: Possible late on the second day. But the Browns have more pressing needs at cornerback.

Thursday: Steelers linebackers.

-- John Dudley

Leading up to the NFL draft on April 26 and 27, I'll take a look each day at a different position for each of the three local NFL teams. I'll look at current starters and backups, potential free agent pickups and draft picks.

Today: Steelers linebackers

Overview: By the end of his rookie season, second-round pick LaMarr Woodley emerged as a potential star and will take over as the starter at left outside linebacker for Clark Haggans. Woodley had two sacks in the playoff loss to Jacksonville and the Steelers will be expecting him to become more of a pass rush force this season. James Harrison stepped in at rush linebacker and was even more productive than Joey Porter, becoming a Pro Bowl selection and the team's MVP. Veterans James Farrior and Larry Foote remain the starters inside, and the Steelers will be watching last year's first-round pick out of Florida State, Lawrence Timmons, for signs that Timmons is ready to push Foote and Farrior for playing time.

Possible moves: Acquiring another young inside linebacker to be groomed behind Farrior (33) and Foote (28 in June).

Free agent potential: Unlikely.

Draft potential: After selecting Timmons and Woodley with their first two picks in 2007, the Steelers will probably concentrate on their lines in the first few rounds. An inside linebacker early on the second day, though, is a strong possibility.

Friday: Bills defensive backs.

-- John Dudley

Leading up to the NFL draft on April 26 and 27, I'll take a look each day at a different position for each of the three local NFL teams. I'll look at current starters and backups, potential free agent pickups and draft picks.

Today: Bills defensive backs

Overview: Given all the injuries they suffered on defense, it's tough to say how much the Bills missed the absence of Pro Bowl cornerback Nate Clements, who left via free agency. Terrence McGee (four interceptions, 21 passes defended) enjoyed a solid season, and fifth-year veteran Jabari Greer (two interceptions, 14 passes defended) had some bright moments after taking over as the starter opposite McGee. Second-year strong safety Donte Whitner (89 tackles) played well, especially given the season-ending injury to free safety Ko Simpson in the opener. Simpson returns this year, which should stabilize the secondary.

Possible moves: Depth at cornerback is a priority, since the Bills appear underwhelmed by Ashton Youboty's development. Simpson's return and the emergence of George Wilson in his absence last season means the team appears set at safety.

Free agent potential: The Bills didn't address the secondary in free agency.

Draft potential: Since they appear almost certain to draft a wide receiver with their first pick, a cornerback in the second round is a strong possibility.

Monday: Browns defensive backs.

-- John Dudley

If you can't stand the thought of not being in New York City the moment the Bills spend their first-round pick on a big, new target for quarterback Trent Edwards, the team is offering two lucky fans tickets to the draft, along with airfare on JetBlue. Register here.

-- John Dudley

Leading up to the NFL draft on April 26 and 27, I'll take a look each day at a different position for each of the three local NFL teams. I'll look at current starters and backups, potential free agent pickups and draft picks.

Today: Browns defensive backs

Overview: With Gary Baxter still attempting to come back from double knee surgery and Leigh Bodden gone in a trade, the cornerback spots will be filled for now by Brandon McDonald and Eric Wright. McDonald finished with 24 tackles and two interceptions as a rookie in 2007, while Wright, another rookie, posted a solid season with 74 tackles, one sack, one interception and 11 passes defended. Daven Holly and Kenny Wright provide depth, at least until Baxter's availability becomes clearer. The team appears more set at safety where Brodney Pool and Sean Jones were both solid last year. Jones had five interceptions last year, second on the team to Bodden's six, and Jones added two. Both were fairly reliable in deep coverage.

Possible moves: Adding a cornerback seems likely.

Free agent potential: The Browns didn't address the secondary during the early free agency period, and there's not much left on the market in terms of unrestricted free agent cornerbacks.

Draft potential: A cornerback on the second day is a strong possibility, especially if the Browns decide Baxter isn't close to returning.

Tomorrow: Steelers defensive backs.

-- John Dudley

Leading up to the NFL draft on April 26 and 27, I'll take a look each day at a different position for each of the three local NFL teams. I'll look at current starters and backups, potential free agent pickups and draft picks.

Today: Steelers defensive backs

Overview: The top three cornerbacks -- Deshea Townsend, Ike Taylor and Bryant McFadden -- played well last season. At 32, Townsend hasn't lost much in coverage and remains a solid tackler with 52 stops last year and two interceptions. Taylor finished with 80 tackles and three interceptions, including one he returned for a touchdown. McFadden continued his development as the nickel corner and had 23 tackles and a touchdown on an interception return. Anthony Madison and William Gay supply depth. Strong safety Troy Polamalu is one of the elite defensive players in the league and was sorely missed in each of the five games he sat out with injuries. Ryan Clark missed the last 10 games, and the Steelers missed his grit and heavy hits. Those injuries, though, allowed backups Tyrone Carter and Anthony Smith to gain experience. The depth is good throughout the secondary.

Possible moves: Possibly a corner to add depth and develop behind the top three as insurance for Townsend.

Free agent potential: The Steelers did not address the secondary in free agency.

Draft potential: Possibly a corner on the second day.

Tomorrow: Bills special teams.

-- John Dudley

Leading up to the NFL draft on April 26 and 27, I'll take a look each day at a different position for each of the three local NFL teams. I'll look at current starters and backups, potential free agent pickups and draft picks.

Today: Bills special teams

Overview: Kicker Rian Lindell still has one of the strongest legs in the game, nailing 24-of-27 field goals last season, including 2-of-3 from beyond 49 yards. Punter Brian Moorman is among the league's elite. Terrence McGee has five career kick return scores, including a 103-yarder last year, and Roscoe Parrish helped the Bills lead the league in punt return average (15.4), returning one 74 yards for a score. The Bills' kick coverage team ranked fifth in in yards allowed, and the punt coverage unit led the league, allowing only 5.3 yards per return.

Possible moves: None likely, since the Bills are generally regarded as having among the NFL's best overall special teams.

Free agent potential: No significant moves.

Draft potential: Not likely.

Tomorrow: Browns special teams.

-- John Dudley

Leading up to the NFL draft on April 26 and 27, I'll take a look each day at a different position for each of the three local NFL teams. I'll look at current starters and backups, potential free agent pickups and draft picks.

Today: Browns special teams

Overview: Phil Dawson remains one of the league's reliable and accurate kickers, converting 26-of-30 field-goal attempts in 2007, including a 51-yarder. Josh Cribbs returned two kickoffs and a punt for touchdowns last season and helped the Browns lead the NFL in kickoff return average. Coverage-wise, the Browns allowed one punt return touchdown in 2007and, statistically, had the league's eighth-best kick return unit.

Possible moves: None likely, and Cribbs will probably continue to focus primarily on the return game with the addition of wide receiver Donte' Stallworth.

Free agent potential: No significant moves.

Draft potential: Not likely.

Tomorrow: Steelers special teams.

-- John Dudley

Leading up to the NFL draft on April 26 and 27, I'll take a look each day at a different position for each of the three local NFL teams. I'll look at current starters and backups, potential free agent pickups and draft picks. This is the final entry in that series.

Today: Steelers special teams

Overview: One of the great ironies of coach Mike Tomlin's first season was the inordinate amount of time Tomlin devoted to special teams during training camp and the generally miserable results those units produced during the season. Aside from a single, relatively meaningless kickoff return touchdown by Allen Rossum, for whom the Steelers gave up a second-round draft choice. The misery was evenly distributed. The Steelers ranked 20th in kickoff returns and 30th in punt returns, and allowed a pair of return touchdowns. The team released Rossum special teams captain Clint Kriewaldt in February and acquired return specialist Mewelde Moore, a sign that Tomlin intends a special teams makeover in camp.

Possible moves: The Steelers will almost certainly grade their draft picks with an eye toward their ability to contribute on special teams. Tomlin also could ask more starters to contribute on coverage units.

Free agent potential: Added Moore.

Draft potential: Nearly every second day pick will likely be assessed for special teams potential.

Starting Monday, I'll take a daily look at the Bills', Browns' and Steelers best and worst draft picks of all time.

-- John Dudley

You've got to feel for the Bills, whose top two draft picks ever are a guy who stood trial for his wife's murder and the only quarterback to lose four Super Bowls in a row. And that's without even mentioning their draft busts, a draft dodger and a chronic underachiever.

Best draft picks

1. RB O.J. Simpson, USC (1st overall in 1969): With the Bills, Simpson did all of his slashing on the field. The former Heisman Trophy winner won four rushing titles and became the first back to surpass 2,000 yards.
Telling statistic: Rushed for more than 100 yards 41 times in 112 games with the Bills.
Next player taken: Notre Dame tackle George Kunz, by Atlanta.

2. QB Jim Kelly, Miami (14th overall in 1983): Kelly was the third quarterback taken in what’s generally considered the best quarterback draft ever, selected after No. 1 overall John Elway and No. 7 overall Todd Blackledge. Kelly led the Bills to four Super Bowl appearances and broke nearly every significant franchise passing record. His 35,467 passing yards ranked 10th all-time at the time of retirement.
Telling statistic: Passed for more than 300 yards 26 times in 160 games.
Next player taken: Illinois QB Tony Eason, by New England.

3. RB Thurman Thomas, Oklahoma State (40th overall, 1988): One of the great draft-day bargains in NFL history, Thomas went to the Bills midway through the second round and became a mainstay of the franchise’s four consecutive Super Bowl appearances. He broke Simpson’s franchise rushing mark and joined Kelly in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Telling statistic: Became the first player to lead the league in yards from scrimmage from 1989-92.
Running backs taken before Thomas: UCLA’s Gaston Green (14th overall by Los Angeles Rams); Northwest Louisiana’s John Stephens (17th overall by New England); Michigan State’s Lorenzo White (22nd overall by Houston); Stanford’s Brad Muster (23rd overall by Chicago); Pittsburgh’s Craig Heyward (24th overall by New Orleans); UNLV’s Ickey Woods (31st overall by Cincinnati); Texas Christian’s Tony Jeffery (38th overall by St. Louis).
Next player taken: UCLA LB Ken Norton, by Dallas.

4. DE Bruce Smith, Virginia Tech (1st overall in 1985): After leading the Bills with 6 ½ sacks as a rookie, Smith recorded at least 10 sacks 12 of the next 13 seasons, with the exception being 1991, when he sat out most of the year with a knee injury. Smith retired as the NFL’s all-time leader with 200 sacks and becomes eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2009.
Telling statistic: Led the Bills in sacks 13 times from 1985-1999.
Next player taken: Pittsburgh G Bill Fralic, by Atlanta.

5. G Joe DeLamielleure, Michigan State (26th overall in 1973): DeLamielleure was the second player the Bills selected in the first round of the 1973 draft, after Michigan tackle Paul Seymour, who went seventh overall. He played 102 games with the Bills, was traded to Cleveland, where he played five seasons before returning to Buffalo for 10 games in 1985. One of two Bills linemen in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, DeLamielleure was inducted in 2003, anchored the line that helped Simpson become one of the league’s best runners.
Telling statistic: Played in 185 consecutive games.
Next player taken: Rice TE Gary Butler, by Kansas City.

Worst draft picks

1. LB Tom Cousineau, Ohio State (1st overall, 1979): Cousineau snubbed the Bills to sign a richer contract with the CFL. Forunately for the Bills, the rest of the draft was superb, producing starters Jerry Butler, Jim Haslett and Fred Smerlas.
Next player taken: Colorado State DE Mike Bell, by Kansas City.

2. T Mike Williams, Texas (4th overall, 2002): The 370-pound Williams was a massive disappointment almost from the start. He spent three forgettable seasons with the Bills, who released him after unsuccessfully trying to move him inside to guard.
Next player taken: Texas CB Quentin Jammer, by San Diego.

3. DE Erik Flowers, Arizona State (26th overall, 2000: Drafted as the eventual replacement for future Hall of Famer Bruce Smith, Flowers recorded four sacks in 31 games and was benched in 2001 and released during training camp the following season.
Next player taken: West Virginia TE Anthony Becht, by N.Y. Jets.

4. TE Tony Hunter, Notre Dame (12th overall, 1983): What made Hunter’s selection so bad is that it came two picks ahead of the Bills’ selection of future Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly. Sure, Buffalo still wound up getting Kelly, but they could have had several future stars instead of Hunter, who caught only 69 career passes for the Bills. Among them: CB Darrell Green, C Dave Rimington and DE Jim Jeffcoat.
Next player taken: Florida RB James Jones, by Detroit.

5. DE Walt Patulski, Notre Dame (1st overall, 1972): Patulski never came close to delivering on the promise of his first overall selection, playing four unspectacular seasons in Buffalo before the Bills traded him to St. Louis in 1976. A knee injury ended his career in 1977.
Next player taken: California DE Sherman White, by Cincinnati.

Tomorrow: All-time best, worst Browns draft picks.
Wednesday: All-time best, worst Steelers draft picks.
Thursday: Bills 2008 draft projection.
Friday: Browns 2008 draft projection.
Saturday: Steelers 2008 draft projection.

-- John Dudley

Edited April 24 at 2:16 p.m. to correct Thurman Thomas' school (Oklahoma State, not Oklahoma). -- JD

Best draft picks

1. RB Jim Brown, Syracuse (6th overall in 1957): Brown was the league's best running back during the late 1950s and early 1960, rushing for at least 1,257 yards in seven of his nine NFL seasons. The 1971 Hall of Fame inductee never had fewer than seven touchdowns in a season.
Telling statistic: Never averaged fewer than 4.3 yards per carry in his nine seasons.
Next player taken: Michigan State DB Clarence Peaks, by Philadelphia.

2. RB Leroy Kelly, Morgan State (110th overall, 1964): One of the great draft bargains of all time, the Browns stole Kelly in the eighth round and he went on to post 1,000-yard seasons in his first three years in the league. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
Telling statistic: Scored 42 touchdowns in his first three NFL seasons.
Next player taken: Wisconsin C Ken Bowman, by Green Bay.

3. Ozzie Newsome, Alabama (23rd overall, 1978): The Browns got Newsome with their second pick in the first round of the 1978 draft after selecting LB Clay Matthews 12th overall in one of their best drafts. Newsome became one of the league's best tight ends, leading the Browns in receiving five straight seasons from 1981-85. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.
Telling statistic: His 14 receptions against the Jets in 1984 remains a single-game franchise record.
Next player taken: Long Beach State LB Dan Bunz, by San Francisco.

4. WR Paul Warfield, Ohio State (11th overall in 1964): The 1964 draft produced a pair of future Hall of Famers, Kelly and Warfield, who teamed with Gary Collins to give the Browns one of the league's best passing games. Warfield's 5,210 receiving yards rank fourth on the Browns' all-time list.
Telling statistic: Averaged 19.2 yards on 271 career receptions with the Browns.
Next player taken: Oklahoma RB Joe Don Looney, by N.Y. Giants.

5. RB/WR Bobby Mitchell, Illinois (84th overall in 1958): The Browns uncovered a seventh-round gem in Mitchell, who teamed with Brown for four seasons to form a powerful backfield. Mitchell rushed for 2,297 yards and 16 touchdowns from 1958-61, then was traded to the Redskins, who converted him to flanker.
Telling statistic: Mitchell's 26.4-yard average on kickoff returns ranks fourth all-time among players with at least four return touchdowns.
Next player taken: Virginia T Hal Outten, by Detroit.

Worst draft picks

1. LB MIke Junkin, Duke (5th overall in 1987): Even worse than Tim Couch and Courtney Brown, Junkin became a Brown with a pick acquired in the trade that sent linebacker Chip Banks to San Diego. he played two seasons in Cleveland and one in Kansas City, and is generally regarded as one of the worst first-round draft picks in league history.
Next player taken: Colorado State QB Kelly Stouffer, by St. Louis.

2. QB Tim Couch, Kentucky (1st overall in 1999): Unlike Junkin, who never registered a career sack or interception, the Browns actually got some production out of Couch. But he was doomed almost from the start behind a bad offensive line and with bad backs and little receiving depth, and late in his Browns career the fans turned on him.
Next player taken: Syracuse QB Donovan McNabb, by Philadelphia.

3. DE Courtney Brown, Penn State (1st overall in 2000): The Browns were believed to be deciding between Brown and college teammate LaVar Arrington, who has been far more productive, although still sidetracked by injuries. Brown never had a chance to establish himself as a force in Cleveland because of constant injuries.
Next player taken: Penn State LB LaVar Arrington, by Washington.

4. RB Tommy Vardell, Stanford (9th overall in 1992): One of former coach Bill Belichick's ill-fated picks, Vardell earned the nickname "Touchdown" in college but was miscast in Belichick's offense and eventually phased out after rushing for 1,013 yards and three touchdowns during his first two seasons.
Next player taken: Houston QB David Klingler, by Cincinnati.

5. LB Clifford Charlton, Florida (21st overall in 1987): Incredibly, the Browns blew first-round picks in back-to-back years on Junkin and Charlton, who never amounted to more than a special teams starter and a role player on defense.
Next player taken: Michigan State RB Lorenzo White, by Houston.

Tomorrow: All-time best, worst Steelers draft picks.
Thursday: Bills 2008 draft projection.
Friday: Browns 2008 draft projection.
Saturday: Steelers 2008 draft projection.

-- John Dudley

The Steelers draft like Tom Hanks makes movies. When they're good ("Cast Away," "Forrest Gump"), they're brilliant. When they're bad ("Joe Versus the Volcano," "The Bonfire of the Vanities"), you're advised to avert your eyes.

So for every Joe Greene or Mike Webster -- a pair of Hall of Famers who shaped the Steelers' emergence as an NFL dynasty -- they throw in stinkers like Huey Richardson and Tim Worley.

Hey, as they say in NASCAR, that's draftin'.

Best draft picks:

1. DT Joe Greene, North Texas State (4th overall in 1969): Greene was certainly no reach, but the Steelers had plenty of needs in the 1969 draft and could have gone in nearly any direction. The selection of Greene set the stage for a decade of dominance by the Steel Curtain defense and put the team in position to take Terry Bradshaw No. 1 overall the following year.
Telling statistic: Holds the franchise single-game record with five sacks against Houston in 1972.
Next player taken: Cincinnati QB Greg Cook, by Cincinnati.

2. LB Andy Russell, Missouri (220th overall in 1963): Talk about a steal. Russell went in the 16th round and went on to become a seven-time Pro Bowl selection. Unfortunately the Steelers were so bad for most of his career that the genius of this pick often goes unnoticed.
Telling statistic: Intercepted 18 passes and recovered 10 fumbles in 168 games.
Next player taken: Miami (Ohio) DB Lowell Caylor, by Chicago.

3. C Mike Webster, Wisconsin (125th overall in 1974): Webster became the dominant center of his era and the anchor of the Steelers' Super Bowl offensive lines. He came at the relatively dirt cheap cost of a fifth-round pick and did nothing but repay the Steelers in spades over a brilliant 15-year career in Pittsburgh.
Telling statistic: Played in seven Pro Bowls and missed only six games in 15 seasons.
Next player taken: Louisville DT Richard Bishop, by Cincinnati.

4. WR John Stallworth, Alabama A&M (82nd overall in 1974): Another middle-round gem from the 1974 draft, Stallworth joined Webster in the Pro Football Hall of Fame despite his modest draft position. He retired as the franchise leader in receptions, receiving yards, receiving touchdowns and 100-yard receiving games.
Telling statistic: His 24.4-yard receiving average set a Super Bowl record.
Next player taken: Michigan WR Clint Haselrig, by San Francisco.

5. CB Mel Blount, Southern (53rd overall in 1970): Generally regarded as one of the smartest, toughest defensive backs in league history, Blount was a Hall of Fame selection and is credited with helping change NFL pass defense rules because of his physical style.
Telling statistic: His 57 interceptions remain a franchise record.
Next player taken: UCLA WR George Farmer, by Chicago.

Worst draft picks:

1. LB Huey Richardson, Florida (15th overall in 1991): Appeared in five games in his only season with the Steelers, who released him. Enough said.
Next player taken: San Diego State QB Dan McGwire, by Seattle.

2. G John Reinstra, Temple (9th overall, 1986): The Steelers wasted their highest draft pick of the post-Super Bowl run on Reinstra, who never developed into a dependable lineman.
Next player taken: Ohio State RB Keith Byars, by Philadelphia.

3. T Jamaine Stephens, North Carolina A&T (29th overall in 1996): Billed as a replacement for departed All-Pro Leon Searcy, Stephens never got in shape and never made an impact, aside from his memorable collapse during training camp in 1999, after which the Steelers gave up and cut him.
Next player taken: Penn State T Andre Johnson, by Washington.

4. RB Tim Worley, Georgia (7th overall in 1989): Not only did Worley never become a reliable ball carrier, he developed the reputation as a fumbler, then had his career derailed by a drug problem.
Next player taken: Pitt DE Burt Grossman, by San Diego.

5. WR Troy Edwards, Louisiana Tech (13th overall in 1999): Bill Cowher didn't blow a lot of first-rounds, but he blew this one on a player whose best season came as a rookie, when he 61 pases for 714 yards and five touchdowns. He was quickly surpassed by Hines Ward and Plaxico Burress the next two seasons and was gone by 2001.
Next player taken: Brigham Young T John Tait, by Kansas City.

-- John Dudley

How badly do the Bills need a big, fast wide receiver? Put it this way, if they don't get one this weekend Dick Jauron could be reduced to walking through crowds of tourists at Niagara Falls carrying a sign that reads, "Can you catch? Yeah, you."

The Bills also could use a cornerback and a defensive end. So this is how their draft could look this weekend:

First round (11th overall): WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State. Thomas should still be on the board when the Bills pick, and it could come down to him or Texas' Limas Sweed, a similarly fast, big-bodied target.

Second round (41st overall): DE Calais Campbell, Miami; TE Fred Davis, Southern California; DE Quentin Groves, Auburn.

Third round (72nd overall): Tracy Porter, CB, Indiana; Tyvon Branch, CB, Connecticut; Terrence Wheatley, CB, Colorado.

Fourth round (114th overall, 132nd overall): Andre Caldwell, WR, Florida; Shawn Crable, DE/LB, Michigan; Tom Zbikowski, S, Notre Dame.

Fifth round (147th overall): Craig Stevens, TE, California; Steve Slaton, RB, West Virginia; Justin King, CB, Penn State.

Sixth round (179th overall): Justin McKinney, CB, Kansas State; Curtis Gatewood, DE, Vanderbilt; George Chukwu, DT, Rice.

Seventh round (219th overall, 224th overall; 251st overall): SirDarean Adams, LB, Michigan State; Larry Grant, LB, Ohio State; Chris Clark, T, Southern Mississippi.

-- John Dudley

Friday: Browns draft projection.
Saturday: Steelers draft projection; Complete mock first round.

With no picks until round four, the Browns will hold their annual cookout and croquet match at general manager Phil Savage's house on Saturday. (DA's on the grill, with Brady Quinn making sure his apron stays tied.) Seriously, though, the Browns sacrificed the early part of this year's draft to make moves they believe will put them in the playoffs this season. So this weekend is all about finding quality depth, something Savage and coach Romeo Crennel haven't done all that well in the later rounds.

With needs mainly in the secondary (to replace Leigh Bodden) and for depth at linebacker and along the defensive line. Here is how they could pick:

Fourth round (122nd overall): DE/LB Chris Ellis, Virginia Tech; LB Stanford Keglar, Purdue; CB Charles Godfrey, Iowa.

Fifth round (155th overall): DE Wallace Gilberry, Alabama; DE Craig Mester, Miami (Ohio); CB Justin Tryon, Arizona State.

Sixth round (190th overall): LB Scott Derry, Texas; LB Erin Henderson, Maryland; TE Derek Fine, Kansas.

Seventh round (231st overall): FB Jed Collins, Washington State; CB Stanley Franks, Idaho; CB Andre Jones, Nebraska.

-- John Dudley

You know it's going to sting a little when Steelers fans tune in to ESPN for Saturday's first round coverage and see a couple of Jets fans sitting among the crowd at Radio City Music Hall wearing Faneca jerseys. Kevin Colbert and Mike Tomlin won't need that sight to remind them that their greatest need is to find a starting interior lineman in the first two rounds of this weekend's draft. Unfortunately for the Steelers, it's not a great year for top-end interior linemen, but that might not matter if the best guard on most team's boards, Virginia's Branden Albert, drops to the Steelers at No. 23. The Steelers also need to look for defensive line depth (specifically Aaron Smith insurance), secondary help and a wide receiver to replace Cedrick Wilson, who was released.

Here's how their draft could go:

First round (23rd overall): G Branden Albert, Virginia.

Second round (53rd overall): DE Lawrence Jackson, Southern Cal; DT Trevor Laws, Notre Dame; T Duane Brown, Virginia Tech.

Third round (88th overall): CB Terrell Thomas, Southern Cal; G Jeremy Zuttah, Rutgers; WR Early Doucet, LSU.

Fourth round (123rd overall): S Josh Barrett, Arizona; RB Steve Slaton, West Virginia; S Thomas DeCoud, California.

Fifth round (156th overall): WR Jabari Arthur, Akron; WR Travis Brown, New Mexico; G Marshal Ausberry, Liberty.

Sixth round (188th overall): RB Micah Andrews, Wake Forest; WR Cam Colvin, Oregon; DE Cliff Avril, Purdue.

Seventh round (choice to Atlanta): No pick.

-- John Dudley

Feel free to mock right along with me. Post your own first-round mock draft in the comments section.

1. Miami: Agreed to terms with Michigan T Jake Long this week.

2. St. Louis: DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU -- Scott Linehan fills his leaky defense's greatest need.

3. Atlanta: DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio State -- They might be tempted to take Boston College QB Matt Ryan, but this is the smarter pick.

4. Oakland: DE Chris Long, Virginia -- Howie's son carries on his family's Raider tradition.

5. Kansas City: QB Matt Ryan, Boston College -- Because Brodie Croyle just wasn't that impressive last season.

6. N.Y. Jets: DT Sedrick Ellis, USC -- After last year's collapse, Eric Mangini begins the Jets' makeover up front.

7. New England: CB Leodis McElvin, Troy -- Their top priority is replacing Asante Samuel.

8. Baltimore: QB Brian Brohm, Louisville -- This would be a gutsy pick for GM Ozzie Newsome, but it could pay off.

9. Cincinnati: LB Keith Rivers, Southern Cal -- If they trade Chad Johnson they could take a receiver here, but the Bengals really need help on defense.

10. New Orleans: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State -- This pick will help the Saints win some of the shootouts they've been losing.

11. Buffalo: WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State -- The Bills have pressing needs on defense, but Thomas is the big target they need to take the double teams away from Lee Evans.

12. Denver: T Ryan Clady, Boise State -- Jay Cutler appears set at QB. Now the Broncos need to get to work protecting him.

13. Carolina: T Jeff Otah, Pitt -- Another possibility is Arkansas RB Darren McFadden, but the Panthers won't be responsible for stalling McFadden's first-round slide.

14. Chicago: RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas -- If he's healthy, McFadden shouldn't have much trouble beating out Cedric Benson.

15. Detroit: DE Derrick Harvey, Florida -- What, no wide receiver?

16. Arizona: RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon -- Because Edgerrin James might be down to his last good year or two, and the Cardinals are fairly solid across the board.

17. Kansas City: WR Limas Sweed, Texas -- Two first-round picks could transform the Chiefs' offense, and give Herm Edwards some job security.

18. Houston: T Chris Williams, Vanderbilt -- Protecting QB Matt Schaub is the top priority, especially with starting LT Ephraim Salaam entering his 11th season.

19. Philadelphia: DE Calais Campbell -- Once again, Andy Reid will pass on a wide receiver -- even though he loves to pass.

20. Tampa Bay: CB Mike Jenkins, Florida -- They lost CB Brian Kelly to free agency and need to fill that hole.

21. Washington: DE Philip Merling, Clemson -- The Redskins say they're determined to build through the draft, and getting Merling is a good start.

22. Dallas: RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois -- The explosive Mendenhall will be too good to pass up as a replacement for Julius Jones, and with another pick at No. 28, the Cowboys can wait to take a receiver.

23. Pittsburgh: G Branden Albert, Virginia -- They could be tempted by a defensive lineman, but replacing Alan Faneca is their chief priority.

24. Tennessee: WR DeSean Jackson, California -- The Titans add some speed to go along with big-bodied receivers Justin Gage and Justin McCareins.

25. Seattle: TE Fred Davis, Southern Cal -- A converted receiver, Smith would give the Seahawks one of the league's most athletic tight ends.

26. Jacksonville: DT Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina -- The Jags lost Marcus Stroud and Bobby McCray, so defensive tackle is the obvious choice.

27. San Diego: T Gosder Cherilus, Boston College -- This better work out, since the Chargers have no picks in the second, third or fourth rounds.

28. Dallas: WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma -- Tony Romo will thank Jerry Jones for this one.

29. San Francisco: LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee -- Last year's backsliding leaves plenty of question marks, but Mayo will be an outstanding addition alongside Patrick Wills.

30. Green Bay: CB Aqib Talib, Kansas -- Al Harris was shaky in the NFC championship game, so it's time to look for his eventual replacement.

31. N.Y. Giants: S Kenny Phillips, Miami: The Giants sure have a lot of needs for a defending Super Bowl champ, and Phillips fills the hole created when S Gibril Wilson bolted via free agency.

-- John Dudley

OK, the trades basically ripped my mock draft to shreds. Not that it was a glittering example of prognostication to begin with. Overall I had three correct picks out of 31 -- four if you include Jake Long, which was everybody's Mulligan. Additionally, I had players at the right position going to teams six times.

Best predicted pick: Miami S Kenny Phillips to the Giants at No. 31 overall, since so much can happen to change a draft over 30 picks.

Worst predicted pick: Michigan State WR Devin Thomas to the Bills at No. 11 overall. It would have been a reach, and the Bills went with Troy CB Leodis McKelvin instead. They still managed to get one of their top-rated wide receivers, Indiana's James Hardy, in Round 2.

Here is how I fared overall. My projection is listed first, followed by the actual pick. Enjoy.

1. Miami: T Jake Long, Michigan.

A gimme.

2. St. Louis: DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU

Actual pick: DE Chris Long, Virginia

3. Atlanta: DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio State

Actual pick: QB Matt Ryan, Boston College

4. Oakland: DE Chris Long, Virginia

Actual pick: RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas

5. Kansas City: QB Matt Ryan, Boston College

Actual pick: DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU

6. N.Y. Jets: DT Sedrick Ellis, USC

Actual pick: DE Vernon Gholston, Ohio State

7. New England: CB Leodis McElvin, Troy

Actual pick: Patriots traded down, and New Orleans moved up to take DE Sedrick Ellis, USC

8. Baltimore: QB Brian Brohm, Louisville

Actual pick: Ravens traded down, and Jaguars selected DE Derrick Harvey, Florida

9. Cincinnati: LB Keith Rivers, Southern Cal

Actual pick: Rivers

10. New Orleans: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State

Actual pick: After trading down, Patriots took LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee

11. Buffalo: WR Devin Thomas, Michigan State

Actual pick: CB Leodis McKelvin, Troy

12. Denver: T Ryan Clady, Boise State

Actual pick: Clady

13. Carolina: T Jeff Otah, Pitt

Actual pick: RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon

14. Chicago: RB Darren McFadden, Arkansas

Actual pick: OT Chris Williams, Vanderbilt

15. Detroit: DE Derrick Harvey, Florida

Actual pick: Kansas City traded up to take G Branden Albert, Virginia

16. Arizona: RB Jonathan Stewart, Oregon

Actual pick: CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Tennessee State

17. Kansas City: WR Limas Sweed, Texas

Actual pick: Detroit traded down to selected OT Gosder Cherilus, Boston College

18. Houston: T Chris Williams, Vanderbilt

Actual pick: The Texans traded out of this spot, and Baltimore selected QB Jeff Flacco, Delaware

19. Philadelphia: DE Calais Campbell

Actual pick: Phlly traded down, and Carolina picked OT Jeff Otah, Pitt (do I get partial credit for having Otah going to Carolina with the earlier pick?)

20. Tampa Bay: CB Mike Jenkins, Florida

Actual pick: CB Aqib Talib, Kansas

21. Washington: DE Philip Merling, Clemson

Actual pick: The Redskins traded down, and Atlanta selected OT Sam Baker, USC

22. Dallas: RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois

Actual pick: RB Felix Jones, Arkansas

23. Pittsburgh: G Branden Albert, Virginia

Actual pick: RB Rashard Mendenhall, Illinois

24. Tennessee: WR DeSean Jackson, California

Actual pick: RB Chris Johnson, East Carolina

25. Seattle: TE Fred Davis, Southern Cal

Actual pick: The Seahawks traded down and Dallas took CB MIke Jenkins, South Florida

26. Jacksonville: DT Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina

Actual pick: After trading down, the Texans selected OT Duane Brown, Virginia Tech

27. San Diego: T Gosder Cherilus, Boston College

Actual pick: CB Antoine Cason, Arizona

28. Dallas: WR Malcolm Kelly, Oklahoma

Actual pick: After trading down, Seattle took DE Lawrence Jackson, USC

29. San Francisco: LB Jerod Mayo, Tennessee

Actual pick: DT Kentwan Balmer, North Carolina

30. Green Bay: CB Aqib Talib, Kansas

Actual pick: The Jets traded into this spot to take TE Dustin Keller, Purdue

31. N.Y. Giants: S Kenny Phillips, Miami

Actual pick: Phillips

Correct picks: 4

Correct position: 6

Coming up, I'll look at what we learned about the Bills, Browns and Steelers from the way they drafted.

-- John Dudley

Here's what we learned from the way the Bills, Browns and Steelers drafted this weekend:

1. The Steelers believe their offensive line is a lot deeper than most people think it is. Despite the losses in back-to-back seasons of center Jeff Hartings and guard Alan Faneca, the Steelers have made no significant move to replace either player. And in the first round, rather than trading into the top 15 to take a lineman, the Steelers stood pat and took a running back. They are so line along the offensive line that one or two injuries could cripple their offense.

2. The Browns aren't convinced Steve Heiden can come back all the way from back surgery. That's why they took Missouri tight end Melvin Rucker with their second pick in the fourth round. Rucker is insurance against Heiden's not making it back or Kellen Winslow succumbing to another injury.

3. When it comes to defense, the Bills are willing to sacrifice comfort for speed. Their selection of Troy CB Leodis McKelvin at No. 10 overall brings them a player lacking in cover skills and size but with outstanding speed. After watching Randy Moss and Wes Welker streak through the secondary last year, the Bills are willing to give up some bump-and-run skills for a player who can stay with Moss and Welker downfield.

4. Ben Roethlisberger has Mike Tomlin's ear. Which is why the Steelers selected Texas WR Limas Sweed in the second round, even though Sweed comes with some downside and the baggage of a lingering wrist injury. Last winter Big Ben ruffled feathers by lobbying for a big receiver. The Steelers got him one at their earliest opportunity.

5. The Browns are willing to be wrong on UNLV LB Beau Bell. They traded up to get him with their first pick in the draft, a fourth-rounder, and they seem ready to let him step in for Andra Davis if Davis can't bounce back from a mediocre 2007 season.

6. The Bills have become a very smart, calculating team. The second-round selection of Indiana WR James Hardy was brilliant: Hardy might be the best receiver in the draft. Pair that with McKelvin and third-rounder Chris Ellis, a speed rusher who should make Aaron Schobel more effective, and the Bills appear to have gotten it right with all three picks after orchestrating an excellent draft last season.

-- John Dudley