WAR ROOM STRATEGIC PLANS OF THE NFC WEST TEAMS
By: Dave-Te' Thomas

ATLANTA FALCONS

This is Dan Reeves' last hurrah in Atlanta, folks, as patience has worn thin after several lackluster seasons. With the fifth overall pick, the Falcons could start accept invitations to a trade (Green Bay, St. Louis) or decide that their pressing need at left defensive end can't be answered later (would sign Chidi Ahanotu, if Tampa Bay cuts him) by taking Missouri's JUSTIN SMITH, if he slips to #5. Many teams are shying away from Smith, thinking that he's just a Mike Mamula clone and most folks in the organization would prefer to get a big-play receiver like Michigan's DAVID TERRELL to stretch the defenses and bring the long ball attack back to the offensive game. Right offensive tackle and left guard are other pressing areas that should draw early round consideration. Many draft publications have the Falcons opting for Texas offensive tackle LEONARD DAVIS in the first round, but with the recent re-singing of Bob Whitfield and Davis' insistence that he will only play left tackle (team was thinking of moving him to left guard or right tackle), taking Davis would seem illogical (so obviously, non-logic could dictate the Atlanta draft!).

With a pick in every round and an additional choice in the fourth, look for multiple picks to be used on the offensive line and to bolster the receiving unit. A few outside line-backers could also be added to the fray. Look for a young quarterback to come on board, with Georgia's QUINCY CARTER appearing a fit in the third round. Depth at defensive tackle and middle linebacker will gain attention, but not until the draft's later stages.

IF I WAS THEIR GM... I'd jump at the chance to put receiver DAVID TERRELL into a Falcons' uniform at #5. If he's gone, it is time to trade down, as the next dozen or so players all have equal value, so picking up an extra third while staying in the first part of the first round (Green Bay) makes sense. In the second round, the guard tandem of Washington's CHAD WARD and MIKE GANDY could interest me, but I'd rather use that pick on an aggressive center like Nebraska's DOMINIC RAIOLA. In the third, I have to consider QB QUINCY CARTER, but if a versatile linebacker like Florida State's TOMMY POLLEY is still there, I'd gamble that Carter is still around when I pick in the fourth (#99).

CAROLINA PANTHERS

The Panthers eliminated one draft need by signing several veterans to play on their revamped offensive line, but still would like to get a youngster to plug in at left guard later in the draft. With their offensive vacancies filled, the team will turn their attention to the defensive line, but first, they intend to address their halfback picture. Many in the organization feel that Tim Biakabutuka will never be a featured back. This leaves the team's first round attention being drawn to Texas Christian's LaDAINIAN TOMLINSOn and Mississippi's DEUCE McALLISTER. Tomlinson is likely to be gone (Cleveland?), leaving McAllister, a complimentary back, but certainly not one that has proven he can carry the brunt of the rushing load. Rumors persist that if both McAllister and Tomlinson are gone, that the team will trade their #11 pick for Denver's Mike Anderson. As Nash Bridges would say, "no way bubba!" There is no better way to put coach George Siefert on the unemployment line than if they trade a #11 pick for a sixth rounder that is only a product of Denver's system (see Olandis Gary). One wild thought running through the Panters' heads is possibly taking Purdue QB DREW BREES here.

Logic says, if the big two are gone, the team waits until #44, where Nebraska's DAN ALEXANDER, Pittsburgh's KEVAN BARLOW and Maryland's LaMONT JORDAN could still be around, or opt for either Alexander's running mate CORREL BUCKHALTER or Auburn's RUDI JOHSON in the third. Outside linebacker is a prime need area, with Syracuse's MORLON GREENWOOD, Florida State's TOMMY POLLEY and North Carolina's SEDRICK HODGE possibilities in the second, but don't rule out a first rounder being used on Miami's DAN MORGAN.

Later in the draft, additional help at fullback, cornerback and possibly quarterback will gain some attention. Look for an edge rusher or two to get serious mid-round looks, like Iowa State's REGGIE HAYWARD or Florida State end/linebacker DAVID WARREN fitting those needs nicely. Carolina has all of their picks and an additional one in the seventh.

IF I WAS THEIR GM... At #12, I have to take linebacker DAN MORGAN, but if they decide to go with a ground attack, I'd prefer speedster MICHAEL BENNETT (Wisconsin) over McAllister or Tomlinson because he seems a better fit working in tandem with Biakabutuka. If a stud defensive lineman like Georgia's RICHARD SEYMOUR is there, I would take him to plug my right tackle hole. In the second round, if I could not get Morgan earlier, I have to take SEDRICK HODGE or MORLON GREENWOOD and then follow in the third with Tennessee's ERIC WESTMORELAND, so I have someone to cover tight ends and running backs in passing situations.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Now that they have a potentially heated battle brewing in training camp between passers Aaron Brooks and Jeff blake, whoever wins wants a big-play receiver so they can start stretching the defenses a bit. At #23, UCLA's FREDDIE MITCHELL is an ideal choice, as is Miami's REGGIE WAYNE, but if the football gods smile and SANTANA MOSS slips this far, even Ray Charles can see that he's their man. The team will also look for linebacking help in the early rounds, after recently waiving Mark Fields. Syracuse's MORLON GREENWOOD or SEDRICK HODGE would be a nice fit on the outside in the second round, but coach Jim Haslett has been coveting Vanderbilt's JAMIE WINBORN as a potential star at middle linebacker. Losing Alex Molden leaves a hole at cornerback, unless you are fooled by the Saints brass into believing oft-injured Steve Israel and Fred Weary are Pro Bowl material. Ohio State's NATE CLEMENTS and Mississippi State's FRED SMOOT could get the nod at #23, or the team could pop on Florida State's TAY CODY or Western Illinois' WILLIAM PETERSON at the end of the first day.

The second day of the draft will bring added depth at receiver, running back (especially fullback with Terrelle Smith's back condition worsening), free safety and defensive tackle. A placekicker is a prime need, but no one in this draft is worth even a late round pick.

IF I WAS THEIR GM... Hope that Santana Moss, Freddie Mitchell or Reggie Wayne is still there at #23 or go the cornerback route with the usual suspect prospects, Clements, Smoot or Wisconsin's JAMAR FLETCHER. Then, in the second round, I take a linebacker like Winborn for the middle and follow up with either Memphis' IDREES BASHIR or Washington's HAKIM AKBAR to play free safety, if either is still around in the third.

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

The loss of running back Charlie Garner (raiders) leaves the team's draft board being totally scrambled. Do they go for a stud defensive tackle like Georgia's RICHARD SEYMOUR or Florida's GERARD WARREN to team inside with Bryant Young, or do they opt for Mississippi's DEUCE McALLISTER to fill the Garner vacancy? Look for the 49ers to trade down, as GM Bill Walsh is in desperate need to add more picks (missing a fifth, but has an extra seventh) and does not want to pay big bucks for someone at #9. Even with Garner gone, the team is intent on rebuilding the defense first, so a defensive tackle looks like the answer if a trade does not materialize.

A quality left offensive tackle is another concern, but the team may have to wait until later in the draft, as they go for running back help in round two, with Tennessee's TRAVIS HENRY and Nebraska's DAN ALEXANDER possible targets. The third round could find a blocker like Georgia Tech's CHRIS BROWN or a scappy type like Temple's MATHIAS NKWENTI filling that need.

Look for the second day to bring a blocking tight end, an interior offensive lineman (left guard), a middle linebacker (western Illinois' EDGERTON HARTWELL) and secondary help (both corners and free safety). Punters NICK HARRIS (California) or JASON BAKER (Iowa) could be one of the team's later picks.

IF I WAS THEIR GM...I take a right defensive end like Florida State's JAMAL REYNOLDS, giving former first rounder, Reggie McGrew a chance to redeem himself this year. In the second round, either Henry or Alexander are perfect fits, but if Syracuse linebacker MORLON GREENWOOD slides, I look at the next tier of running backs (Nebraska's CORRELL BUCKHALTER, Auburn's RUDI JOHNSON) in the third round, unless an offensive tackle like Chris Brown or Washington'' CHAD WARD is still there when the #71 pick comes around.

ST. LOUIS RAMS

The Rams are not done dealing and will probably sign and then ship out tight end Roland Williams with a high draft pick (#29) to Arizona for the rights to cornerback Aeneas Williams. Look for the Rams to then trade Trent Green to Kansas City for the #12 pick. The signing of Mark Fields (New Orleans) takes away the immediate need for an outside linebacker, but the team will still add depth there before the draft's first day is concluded. Florida State's TOMMY POLLEY and Syracuse's MORLON GREENWOOD are drawing their most attention. If the Aeneas Williams and Trent Green trades happen, the team will use most of their early round picks on defensive players, with the line (especially tackle) and free safety becoming their next priority.

The second day will see the team look for interior offensive linemen, as depth is hurting with the switch of Cameron Spikes to the defensive line. Another edge rusher is critical, but if they get Kansas City's pick, Miami's DAMIONE LEWIS will be their prime DL target.

IF I WAS THEIR GM... I'd dump vastly overrated Trent Green on KC in a flash, use #12 on Damione Lewis or fellow Miami headhunter DAN MORGAN, then go for a free safety in the mold of Florida State's DERRICK GIBSON at #20 (yeah, it's an early pick, but hard hitting is what the Rams need in the defensive backfield) or another defensive tackle like Maryland's KRIS JENKINS. I'd then look at Greenwood if he is still there at #42 (second) or snatch a killer center like DOMINIC RAIOLA there, moving Andy McCollom to guard or the bench, where he can back up all three interior line spots. If I did not take Gibson in the first, I would have to give serious consideration to Memphis' IDREES BASHIR there. In the third round, I have to bring in an edge rusher like Texas Christian's AARON SCHOBEL or a physical linebacker like Southern California's MARKUS STEELE.

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