NFL draft 2000
NFL team needs: NFC West
As published in print March 23, 2000
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Atlanta Falcons|Carolina Panthers|New Orleans Saints
St. Louis Rams|San Francisco 49ers
Atlanta Falcons |
| Needs on offense: With Jamal Anderson and Gary
Downs coming off serious knee injuries and Byron Hanspard still not 100 percent recovered
from a ’98 knee injury, depth at running back is the No. 1 priority. But the Falcons
also wouldn’t mind landing a big, powerful offensive lineman, and they really like
the talent available this year at the OT position. They’re also very high on the 2000
WR crop and could go that route at some point in the third through fifth rounds. |
| Needs on defense: In order, they could use
another defensive end to help fill out their rotation, another outside linebacker and a
cornerback to back up and learn from starters Ashley Ambrose and Ray Buchanan, who is
entering a contract year. |
| On Draft Day … Atlanta would absolutely
jump at the chance to get into the first round in the hopes of landing a quality running
back with speed. One rumor has them trying to package their top pick (the fifth pick in
the second round) and TE O.J. Santiago for a low first-rounder. They apparently think the
world of Miami (Ohio) RB Travis Prentice, who figures to be available to them with the
37th pick overall. |
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Carolina Panthers |
| Needs on offense: Carolina could use help at
every position on the offensive line with the possible exception of center. Their biggest
needs up front appear to be at right guard, where they must replace ’99 starter
Anthony Redmon, and left tackle, where Clarence Jones isn’t getting any younger. The
Panthers will also take a flier on a running back at some point, especially one who can
return punts. |
| Needs on defense: Even though the Panthers
agreed to terms with free agent Lee Woodall and were still hot on the trail of either
Steve Atwater or Tim McDonald at presstime, safety and outside linebacker are still
considered their top defensive priorities. The Panthers would have a hard time, though,
passing up a quality pass rusher if one were available, and they also might consider an
interior lineman in the later rounds, since Sean Gilbert is the only defensive tackle on
the roster with any experience. |
| On Draft Day … George Seifert has never
been known as a big-time D-Day mover and shaker. If anything, he could trade down for a
player who might have caught his eye when he coached at the Senior Bowl. Keep an eye on
Southern Mississippi DE-OLB Adalius Thomas, a workout warrior who spoke to Panthers
coaches at the Combine for about two hours. |
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New Orleans Saints |
| Needs on offense: The Saints feel they’ve
satisfied most of their major offensive needs via free agency. Still, with only one tackle
on the roster behind William Roaf and Kyle Turley at presstime, they could certainly use
some depth at that position. They also could go searching for a fullback on the second day
of the draft. |
| Needs on defense: With Ashley Ambrose splitting
the scene for Atlanta, the Saints are in dire need of a quality cornerback. They also
would love to land a decent SS type who would enable Sammy Knight to move back to free
safety. In addition, they could use some more depth at end and tackle and will probably
draft a linebacker in the late rounds. |
| On Draft Day … The Saints would absolutely
love to move up into the first round, but they simply don’t have enough ammo, which
means they’re likely to stand pat with the 33rd overall pick. GM Randy Mueller is
said to be feverishly working the phones in the hope of somehow gaining a few more draft
picks, but he’s hesitant to give up any players. Future picks, though, could be
another story altogether. |
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St. Louis Rams |
| Needs on offense: The Rams’ major need is
at right tackle, where the very inexperienced Ryan Tucker replaces Fred Miller and backup
Todd Frohbieter is an intriguing project but hasn’t played a lick. They’d love
to find a classic FB type and are expected to look for a third-down specialist later in
the draft. |
| Needs on defense: A tie between defensive
tackle and cornerback. The Rams would like to find somebody who could fit into the DT
rotation behind D’Marco Farr and Ray Agnew and eventually fill the aging Agnew’s
shoes. At the corners, Todd Lyght and Dexter McCleon are free agents. |
| On Draft Day … We’re told the Rams
will not move down under any circumstances and are hoping beyond hope one of the tackles
they really like (Todd Wade, Adrian Klemm or Stockar McDougle) is there for the taking
with the 31st pick. |
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San Francisco 49ers |
| Needs on offense: The Niners are looking hard
for a quarterback, but not with the intention of making him an instant starter. They also
could use a quality tackle as well as a backup to TE Greg Clark. |
| Needs on defense: Where do we begin? They
probably need to find at least two cornerbacks, a linebacker (preferably of the inside
variety) and a defensive end (assuming Gabe Wilkins is cut) who can all start right away. |
| On Draft Day … GM Bill Walsh, hoping to
regain his old drafting magic, already has 10 picks to play with and is looking to obtain
at least one more. He says it’s unlikely he’ll part with either of his
first-round picks (Nos. 12 and 24). But he will definitely consider moving down a few
notches in Round Two to obtain an extra third-round pick. The Niners definitely like QB
Chad Pennington, but don’t be stunned if they opt for up-and-coming Giovanni Carmazzi
in Round Two. |
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For complete NFL draft coverage, get the print edition of Pro Football Weekly's 2000
Draft Preview book. It's available at bookstores and newsstands across the country or
you can call 1-800-FOOTBALL (1-800-366-8225) to order a copy. |
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