NFList

Titans, Rams have had most success drafting in first round

By Joel Buchsbaum, Contributing editor
As published in print Nov. 26, 2001

The Titans’ key people making decisions: the late superscout Glenn Cumbee and general managers Mike Holovak and Floyd Reese.

The Titans’ top picks: 1992 — traded; 1993 — Pro Bowl OLT Brad Hopkins; 1994 — journeyman DL Henry Ford; 1995 — Super Bowl QB Steve McNair; 1996 — All-Pro RB Eddie George; 1997 — quality DE Kenny Holmes; 1998 — starting WR Kevin Dyson; 1999 — All-Pro DE Jevon Kearse; 2000 — fourth LB and future starter Keith Bulluck; 2001 — traded.

The Rams’ key people making decisions: former scouting director John Becker, current GM Charley Armey, head coaches Chuck Knox, Dick Vermeil and Mike Martz.

The Rams’ top picks: 1992 — Sean Gilbert, who was a Pro Bowl-caliber player in his second year and has been a starter his entire career; 1993 — All-Pro and possible Hall of Fame RB Jerome Bettis; 1994 — Wayne Gandy, a red-chip offensive tackle who has started for almost a decade for the Rams and Steelers; 1995 — Kevin Carter, who at one time was one of the best defensive ends, if not the best, in football but has not been the same player the past two years; 1996 — Lawrence Phillips and Eddie Kennison. Our experts did not want either one, and they were right as it turns out, although the speedy but immature Kennison has had his moments; 1997 — Orlando Pace, an All-Pro offensive tackle and the cornerstone of the line; 1998 — DE Grant Wistrom, an overachiever with a nonstop motor who is an outstanding player and perhaps the best on the defense; 1999 — WR Torry Holt, a true gamebreaker and dynamic impact player; 2000 — Trung Canidate, the fastest running back in football and the top backup for Marshall Faulk; 2001 — DT Damione Lewis, SS Adam Archuleta and DT Ryan Pickett. Lewis was a part-time starter and had his moments before a foot injury in Week 10. Archuleta is learning how to play strong safety on the job after playing linebacker in college and is an All-Rookie candidate. Pickens is viewed as a developmental type of player and future starter.

The Browns’ top picks from 1992 to ’95: FB Tommy Vardell, C Steve Everitt, CB Antonio Langham, WR Derrick Alexander, OLB Craig Powell.

The Ravens’ top picks from 1996 to 2001: OT Jonathan Ogden, LB Ray Lewis, OLB Peter Boulware, CB Duane Starks, CB Chris McAlister, RB Jamal Lewis, WR Travis Taylor and TE Todd Heap.

The Colts’ top picks from 1992 to 2001: DT Steve Emtman, LB Quentin Coryatt, WR Sean Dawkins, RB Marshall Faulk, LB Trev Alberts, DL Ellis Johnson, WR Marvin Harrison, OT Tarik Glenn, QB Peyton Manning, RB Edgerrin James, LB Rob Morris and WR Reggie Wayne.

The Buccaneers’ top picks from 1992 to 2001: DE Eric Curry, QB Trent Dilfer, DT Warren Sapp, LB Derrick Brooks, DE Regan Upshaw, DT Marcus Jones, RB Warrick Dunn, WR Reidel Anthony, DT Anthony McFarland and OT Kenyatta Walker.

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