JIMMY JOHNSON’S FUTURE IS NOW WITH THE DOLPHINS, BUT HE NEEDS MORE HELP

There has been speculation for some time in the NFL that Miami Coach Jimmy Johnson is tiring, with an eye on retiring in the next year or two. Thursday he provided another telling clue.

Johnson traded the Dolphins’ No. 1 pick in the 2000 NFL draft to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a second-round choice (43rd overall) in Saturday’s draft, giving him ammunition to go after Oakland free-agent defensive lineman Chester McGlockton.

However, like much of what has happened since he took command of the Dolphins, Johnson is learning that he is not always in control of his own destiny. Efforts to sign free-agent defensive lineman John Randle (Minnesota) and trade for defensive lineman Sean Gilbert (Washington) failed.

Johnson thought he had McGlockton locked up, but McGlockton had until midnight to entertain contract offers from teams throughout the league, and the Kansas City Chiefs were known to be making a late run.

If McGlockton agreed to a deal before midnight, the Raiders will receive a second-round pick in Saturday’s draft from whoever signs him; after midnight and the Raiders must wait until next year, but then receive first- and third-round picks.

Johnson, who has struggled to build a winner because of serious salary cap considerations in Miami and who has been saddled with a quarterback he does not want in Dan Marino, could be off sailing on his boat when it comes to the 2000 draft if there is no progress. The Dolphins lost their final three games last season by a combined score of 72-15, scoring one touchdown in their final 39 possessions, making it imperative that Miami find playmakers in this draft.

“This trade gives us great value because the additional pick allows us to add a good player to our team right away instead of two years from now,” Johnson said.

And so the future is now in Miami with Johnson the acknowledged master on draft day, wheeling and dealing to acquire extra choices and remake his roster, as he had done previously in Dallas. His current roster includes 17 players from the last two drafts, and now there’s talk he might make the ultimate move for immediate success and select blackballed Marshall wide receiver Randy Moss, today’s updated version of Michael Irvin, who starred for Johnson in Dallas.

The Panthers, meanwhile, can wait until after the draft to sign Gilbert to an offer sheet and use Miami’s No. 1 pick in 2000 and their own No. 1 in 1999 to complete a trade with Washington. Carolina could have surrendered their first- and third-round picks in this draft for Gilbert, whom they have already offered to pay $40 million over six years, but like Johnson, the Panthers are interested in immediate improvement.

“If we come out of this with two first-round picks for Sean Gilbert, we would be very happy,” Washington General Manager Charley Casserly said.

The Chargers already have dealt away Nos. 1 and 2 picks in this draft, a No. 1 in next year’s, running back Eric Metcalf and linebacker Patrick Sapp to Arizona to move forward one spot for the chance to select either Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning or Washington State quarterback Ryan Leaf.

New Orleans had offered all eight of its draft selections in this draft to Arizona, but the Cardinals were more interested in ripping off the Chargers. Thursday the Saints called the Chargers to see if they could make an offer to acquire San Diego’s second slot in the draft.

“There’s nothing anyone could offer for us to give up the opportunity to get one of these quarterbacks,” Charger General Manager Bobby Beathard said. “These kind of guys just don’t come along.”

Teams continue to call Arizona and Oakland, selecting third and fourth, in pursuit of the opportunity to make a trade and select Florida State defensive end Andre Wadsworth and Michigan cornerback Charles Woodson, but San Diego’s high-priced deal with Arizona has set a standard that probably will result in Arizona and Oakland staying where they are.

If there is a trade, it probably will begin with the fifth position, with undermanned Chicago trying to acquire additional draft picks by moving back in the first round, allowing teams such as St. Louis, Jacksonville and New England to move forward and take Penn State running back Curtis Enis.

The draft begins, however, with Indianapolis on the clock.

INDIANAPOLIS

Bill Polian, who built the Carolina Panthers into an NFC championship contender in their second year of operation, starts over with the Colts as general manager with the obvious intention of never making it to the Super Bowl. No other way to explain the hiring of Coach Jim Mora, a prehistoric Marty Schottenheimer who can win regular-season games in bunches but then goes clueless come the postseason.

Roster update: Three years ago Jim Harbaugh came within a dropped pass of taking the Colts to the Super Bowl, then Indianapolis fell apart after the team forced Coach Ted Marchibroda to leave. Harbaugh now rejoins Marchibroda in Baltimore, and backup Paul Justin, who failed his prime-time auditions, has been dealt to Cincinnati. The Colts didn’t lose any free agents of note because they don’t have many players of note, but did add a premier cornerback in Buffalo’s Jeff Burris.

Draft needs: Someone to sell season tickets considering Kelly Holcomb is the only quarterback on the roster.

SAN DIEGO

General Manager Bobby Beathard has hired three head coaches in his career: Joe Gibbs, Bobby Ross and Kevin Gilbride. Two out of three ain’t bad. Gilbride has been a disaster, abusing his players in practice and on the sideline with degrading comments and lacking the finesse to deal with media and fan demands. Beathard has now hired quarterback coach June Jones to keep Gilbride away from the team’s new rookie quarterback, and Joe Bugel to protect him.

Roster update: Quarterback Stan Humphries retired, publicly because of suffering too many concussions, privately because he refused to play for Gilbride. Beathard believes quarterback Craig Whelihan is better than most people think, but now we know he was joking after surrendering half his roster to Arizona to move up one spot to get a quarterback. Aging Pittsburgh tackle John Jackson, center Roman Fortin, who lost his job in Atlanta, and Green Bay guard Aaron Taylor, who has a history of knee problems, have been added to “bolster” the offensive line. Chargers also brought back running back Natrone Means two years after cutting him, claiming he was a bad character.

Draft needs: Kelly Holcomb would be an upgrade here with Whelihan and Todd Philcox as the team’s top throwers.

ARIZONA

The Cardinals have had an outstanding off-season, which means they might win seven or even eight games. Hey, they’re still the Cardinals, although Jake Plummer looks like a keeper at quarterback, and after a trade with the Jets, Adrian Murrell provides quality at running back. The Cardinals took advantage of the desperate Chargers, and were tempted to auction off the third position in the draft, but will probably sit still and walk off with Florida State defensive lineman Andre Wadsworth, the consensus best player available in this draft.

Roster update: Arizona re-signed defensive lineman Eric Swann, who along with second-year standout Simeon Rice and Wadsworth, will give it one of the most dominating defensive lines in the league. Loss of linebacker Eric Hill (St. Louis), defensive end Michael Bankston (Cincinnati) and linebacker Mike Caldwell (Philadelphia) does not appear to be significant.

Draft needs: A right offensive tackle to protect Plummer, or a backup quarterback to replace Plummer after he’s smacked around.

OAKLAND

The Raiders had no chance of signing a third consecutive Super Bowl MVP, because running back Terrell Davis remains under contract to Denver, so instead they will go after a Heisman Trophy winner in Michigan cornerback Charles Woodson. Both Larry Brown and Desmond Howard were busts as former Super Bowl MVPs, but Woodson looks as if he has the skills to match the team’s other former Heisman Trophy winner, wide receiver Tim Brown.

Roster update: The Raiders took a low profile during free agency after hiring offensive-minded Jon Gruden to replace Bugel as coach. Traded linebacker Rob Frederickson to Detroit, and isn’t he lucky. Chester McGlockton appears headed to Miami, and good riddance.

Draft needs: A cornerback to make up for the botched move to sign Larry Brown and a left offensive tackle to relieve Pat Harlow and save Jeff George for another day.

CHICAGO

Dave Wannstedt begins his farewell tour around the NFL with either Erik Kramer or Rick Mirer at quarterback against the toughest schedule in the league. Defensive lineman Alonzo Spellman has flipped out but he’s still not as wacky as linebacker Bryan Cox, who will be working elsewhere next season.

Roster update: For some people, money means everything or else former Green Bay running back Edgar Bennett has some explaining to do. Why would anyone want to sign with the Bears, who already have Raymont Harris, Rashaan Salaam and Darnell Autry at running back. Starting guard Todd Burger took off for the Jets; Philadelphia’s Mike Zandofsky has been hired to replace him.

Draft needs: The return of Dick Butkus and Gale Sayers. So many holes here, the NFL should consider providing additional mercy draft picks.

ST. LOUIS

What do you think of that Lawrence Phillips’ pick now? The Rams were a bust under Coach Dick Vermeil last year, and word is circulating around the league among veteran free agents to avoid St. Louis because Vermeil keeps the players on the field too long during practice.

Roster update: Quarterback Tony Banks has failed to progress, which explains the trade with Green Bay for quarterback Steve Bono. Defensive end Leslie O’Neal has been released, and former Giant defensive tackle Ray Agnew has been signed to start inside along with DeMarco Farr.

Draft needs: A defensive end to make up for the release of Leslie O’Neal, and a running back who will stay out of jail.

NEW ORLEANS

Coach Mike Ditka demonstrated last year that he has no ability to judge talent, and now he’s taking even a more active role in the draft. Look for the Saints to draft anyone who can growl or act tough. The Saints will go into the season with Billy Joe Hobert as their starting quarterback, and probably cut Heath Shuler, the team’s starting quarterback last year, after June 1 to help their salary cap and protect all women and children in the Superdome in danger of being plunked by one of Shuler’s errant throws.

Roster update: Running back Mario Bates, Ditka’s punching bag a year ago, left for Arizona as soon as the season was over. Seattle’s Lamar Smith will compete with Troy Davis at running back. Tight end Irv Smith won the lottery and left for San Francisco, while cornerback Eric Allen balked at being traded to the Raiders before finally agreeing to stop whining.

Draft needs: An offensive tackle willing to run block effectively, because every time this team has to pass it’s admitting surrender.

DALLAS

This is how far the Cowboys have fallen. Chan Gailey replaces Barry Switzer as coach and Charlie Chan would have been an upgrade. Ever since Jimmy Johnson’s departure, team owner Jerry Jones has been making the calls, and it’s been a disaster. Go ahead, name the Cowboys’ first-round pick in 1996, who by now should be almost a household name. Kavika Pittman. They say he’s a defensive end.

Roster update: Signing of Seattle running back Chris Warren has made the notoriously insecure Emmitt Smith very edgy. Cowboys released tackle Mark Tuinei and signed Miami guard Everett McIver, who should join the starting lineup. Starting free safety Brock Marion left to rejoin Johnson in Miami. Defensive lineman Shante Carver has said he will take the year off to deal with family concerns. Former Carolina wide receiver Ernie Mills replaces an ineffective Anthony Miller, although team officials expect Billy Davis to start opposite Michael Irvin.

Draft needs: The defensive line is a shambles, and the offensive line, which was once the league’s finest, has begun to crumble.

JACKSONVILLE

Good thing the Jaguars started quarterback Rob Johnson once last year; it was enough to convince Buffalo to surrender the ninth pick in the first round for the Jaguar backup. Jacksonville also will have the 25th pick, and undoubtedly will use one of the choices to find a starting running back to replace Means.

Roster update: Jacksonville improved its chances of corralling Pittsburgh quarterback Kordell Stewart and winning the AFC Central title with the free agent acquisition of linebacker/defensive end Bryce Paup from Buffalo.

Draft needs: Run-stuffing defensive tackles to stop Pittsburgh’s Jerome Bettis.

BALTIMORE

The Ravens will be working hard to trade this selection and retreat in round one, something they have already excelled in during the regular season. Baltimore begins play in a new stadium this year, but offers little promise of making much improvement, replacing Vinny Testaverde, who will probably be cut after June 1, by Harbaugh.

Roster update: Bam Morris is out of jail, but on his way elsewhere, while Errict Rhett escaped from Tampa Bay’s doghouse to get his chance in Baltimore. Loss of starting wide receiver Derrick Alexander to Kansas City, however, is huge. Starting cornerback Antonio Langham signed with San Francisco to replace a gimpy Rod Woodson, who left to sign with the Ravens.

Draft needs: A wide receiver, but more importantly a cornerback to replace Woodson once it becomes obvious he has lost it.

PHILADELPHIA

The Bobby Hoying quarterback era is under way, but how long will Coach Ray Rhodes last? He is universally regarded as a good coach in the NFL, but many observers believe he’s headed for burnout. Some of his stress will be relieved because of the departure of Ricky Watters, but only if Charlie Garner and fullback Kevin Turner show the ability to make up for his loss.

Roster update: Watters left for Seattle along with starting linebacker Darrin Smith. Washington guard Keith Sims has been signed to fill the vacancy left by Joe Panos, who joined Buffalo. Rodney Peete will support Hoying, while Ty Detmer has signed with San Francisco. Trade for Jets’ defensive end Hugh Douglas a huge boost for a defensive line needing more push on the quarterback.

Draft needs: An offensive tackle, which ought to scare the stuffings out of the Eagles, considering their past poor performance in selecting offensive tackles.

ATLANTA

How good is Dan Reeves as a head coach? He is picking 12th with a team that has no talent, while the Cowboys are picking eighth with the likes of Troy Aikman, Smith, Irvin and Deion Sanders. Reeves is so good he lost the chance to go after Manning or Leaf and goes to war again with Chris Chandler, which is like waving the white flag before the first pass has been fired.

Roster update: The Falcons lured safety Eugene Robinson away from Green Bay, but opted not to match Tampa Bay’s offer sheet for starting wide receiver Bert Emanuel, leaving Chandler with only Terrance Mathis as a pass catching threat. Mark Rypien left St. Louis to back up Chandler, which means he will be playing a lot, while defensive end Dan Owens opted to leave for Detroit.

Draft needs: A quarterback, wide receiver, defensive tackle, shoot, everything across the board.

CINCINNATI

The Bengals will also have the 17th pick, Washington’s choice, to complete the earlier trade of defensive lineman Dan Wilkinson. Cincinnati will be spending the rest of the off-season trying to convince quarterback Jeff Blake that he was their guy the whole time even though they were trying to persuade Boomer Esiason to pass on ABC’s offer to broadcast Monday night games.

Roster update: Justin’s acquisition at quarterback shouldn’t scare Blake. Bankston leaves Arizona to start at left defensive end, and cornerback Thomas Randolph left the Giants to add depth in the secondary. Starting linebacker Gerald Dixon signed with San Diego, but defensive lineman Ray Seals has left Carolina to play for the Bengals.

Draft needs: A confidence coach for Blake, an offensive tackle to keep him standing and now a defensive lineman to replace an injured John Copeland.

CAROLINA

Carolina picked up Miami’s No. 1 pick in 2000, and now has option of surrendering this year’s No. 1 or future No. 1 selections to complete the trade with Washington for Sean Gilbert. The Panthers are in a fix. They couldn’t find anyone to take quarterback Kerry Collins, and are stuck with him.

Roster update: Gilbert sat out last year in a contract squabble with Washington, but the Panthers are convinced he’s still a dominating player. Addition of fullback William Floyd hurts San Francisco and spruces up Panther running attack. Panthers also hit it big signing Green Bay cornerback Doug Evans, Arizona safety Brent Alexander and San Francisco linebacker Kevin Greene.

Draft needs: Defensive front seven in need of youth injection.

SEATTLE

Biggest surprise of the off-season is the return of Coach Dennis Erickson, who is still living on borrowed time. Seahawks will try to get another year out of Warren Moon behind a beefed-up offensive line.

Roster update: Addition of Watters gives him a fighting chance to make a positive impression with new owner Paul Allen. Seahawks also picked up Detroit center Kevin Glover and Denver guard Brian Habib along with Smith from Philadelphia to bolster the defense. Linebacker Winston Moss retired.

Draft needs: What does Mike Holmgren need to build this team into a winner? After all, he probably will be working here next season as coach and general manager.

TENNESSEE

Turmoil continues to haunt Coach Jeff Fisher, who will now move his team to Nashville and play at Vanderbilt this season. Quarterback Steve McNair continues to improve, and pickup of Pittsburgh wide receiver Yancey Thigpen gives the Oilers one more quality receiver than they had all last season.

Roster update: Packer General Manager Ron Wolf said of all the free agent losses his team suffered the most severe was punter Craig Hentrich, who joined the Oilers. Tight end Jackie Harris left Tampa Bay and Trent Dilfer for Tennessee and McNair.

Draft needs: Serious talent shortage at the cornerback position, and if McNair is going to have a fighting chance he needs another pass catcher.

NEW ENGLAND

The Patriots, picking in the Jets’ place, also select No. 22. They will have the opportunity to become the Cowboys of the early ‘90s for the next few years thanks to former coach Bill Parcells. The Jets had to surrender a number of high picks to hire Parcells and then Parcells signed New England running back Curtis Martin, handing more picks to the Patriots. This year New England will have six of the top 82 selections.

Roster update: Loss of Martin leaves New England gasping for a running back. Fullback Keith Byars joined Martin with the Jets and fullback Sam Gash went to Buffalo, while Chicago fullback Tony Carter joined New England.

Draft needs: Another opportunity to make a deal with Parcells, and a running back.

MIAMI

Jimmy Johnson has 17 players on his roster from the last two drafts, but based on his team’s results, that might not be all that good. Johnson said he expected to have his team playing in the Super Bowl in three years when he was hired and this is Year Three.

Roster update: Tennessee guard Kevin Donnalley becomes an immediate starter for a coach determined to run the ball this season more than ever. Phillips reportedly has been minding his manners, which will make the competition for Johnson’s favor with Karim Abdul-Jabbar interesting. Marion moves in as a starter at free safety. Deal with Carolina for an extra No. 2 draft pick allows the Dolphins to go after McGlockton, although a court battle might keep McGlockton tied up for awhile.

Draft needs: A strong safety, defensive end and a game-breaking wide receiver if Yatil Green struggles to return from last season’s knee injury.

DETROIT

The Lions have been busy pumping up their defense, realizing a talent transplant for quarterback Scott Mitchell is probably out of the question.

Roster update: Tampa Bay center Jim Pyne has been hired to replace Glover, while defense improves with addition of Denver linebacker Allen Aldridge, Owens from Atlanta and Fredrickson from Oakland.

Draft needs: An offensive tackle to protect Mitchell, although some may wonder why.

MINNESOTA

Coach Dennis Green survived the turmoil even though his staunchest supporter, Roger Headrick is out as team owner, replaced by novelist Tom Clancy. Re-signing running back Robert Smith keeps the Vikings competitive in what looks like the best division in football.

Roster update: Kicker Gary Anderson left San Francisco for the indoors, but loss of cornerback Dewayne Washington to Pittsburgh heightens the need for quality cornerbacks. Efforts to trade for Eric Allen and sign Doug Evans failed.

Draft needs: Cornerbacks and more cornerbacks.

TAMPA BAY

The early lines in Las Vegas list the Buccaneers as the NFC’s third-best team behind Green Bay and San Francisco. And that’s with Trent Dilfer at quarterback. Dilfer made strides last year, chiefly because Coach Tony Dungy did not put him in the position of having to win games, leaving that to his defense.

Roster update: A quiet off-season until the bold move to sign Emanual to an expensive offer sheet. Tampa Bay traded for Jet fullback Lorenzo Neal, which seems a waste considering the play of Mike Alstott.

Draft needs: Dungy rebuilt the Buccaneers with defense, and will be looking for more, especially a cornerback.

NEW YORK GIANTS

Ernie Accorsi has replaced George Young as general manager, but the Giants’ philosophy of going slow in free agency remains intact. The Giants have dumped quarterback Dave Brown and staked their future on Danny Kanell, and so long as they have no interest in scoring, so be it.

Roster update: Arizona quarterback Kent Graham has returned to the Giants as Kanell’s backup, which shouldn’t scare the opposition, and running back Leshon Johnson left Arizona to join a cast of a thousand ineffective running backs in New York. Loss of Agnew to St. Louis and Randolph to Cincinnati present depth problems on defense.

Draft needs: Firepower to surround Kanell.

PITTSBURGH

Coach Bill Cowher is at war with the front office, and although under contract for two more years, Pittsburgh could be in for some instability. Quarterback Kordell Stewart has lost the calming guidance of Chan Gailey, who will be coach in Dallas.

Roster update: As usual the Steelers get zapped in free agency, losing Thigpen to Tennessee, Jackson to San Diego and guard Tom Myslinski to Indianapolis, along with cornerback Randy Fuller to Atlanta. Pickup of Washington at corner helps, and Jet guard Roger Duffy adds depth along the offensive line.

Draft needs: An intimidator to replace a worn-out Greg Lloyd at outside linebacker.

KANSAS CITY

Does it really matter? The Chiefs will win 10 to 12 games, get to the playoffs and lose. Running back Marcus Allen has retired, and the Chiefs once again will try to win without an every-down back. Additional experience for quarterback Elvis Grbac bodes well for the Chiefs, but loss of offensive coordinator Paul Hackett to USC should hurt.

Roster update: Running back Greg Hill probably will sign elsewhere, but addition of Alexander at wide receiver from Baltimore makes Andre Rison on opposite side that much more dangerous. Chiefs signed Minnesota linebacker Ron George, cornerback Anthony Prior and pass rushing specialist Leslie O’Neal, but with release of Joe Phillips, they have hole at defensive tackle.

Draft needs: A running back, unless Schottenheimer insists on going nowhere in the playoffs.

SAN FRANCISCO

The best organization in football is self-destructing. Carmen Policy & Co. remain in control, but for how long? The 49ers remain fortunate that no one else in the NFC West is in position to make a run at them.

Roster update: Some big holes must be filled after losing Floyd, Anderson, tight end Brent Jones to retirement, running back Terry Kirby, cornerback Tyrone Drakeford to New Orleans, linebacker Kevin Mitchell to New Orleans, Greene to Carolina, linebacker Gary Plummer to retirement, defensive tackle Dana Stubblefield to Washington, Woodson and defensive Marvin Washington to Denver. Gabe Wilkins left Green Bay to start at defensive end for the 49ers, while Langham replaces Woodson and Tubbs goes from New Orleans to start for Plummer inside. Smith replaces Jones at tight end, and Detmer will back up Steve Young, an indication that Jim Druckenmiller might be slower than expected to develop.

Draft needs: An offensive tackle to keep Steve Young from developing a season-ending headache.

GREEN BAY

The Packers, like the Cowboys in recent years, are beginning to pay the high price of success. Green Bay is not only losing depth via free agency, but has also had their starting lineup raided. Now there’s talk that Reggie White might retire.

Roster update: Evans, a starting corner, left for Carolina; Robinson, a starting safety, left for Atlanta; Wilkins, a starting defensive end, left for the 49ers; Taylor, a starting guard, left for San Diego; Hentrich, the team’s punter, has gone to Tennessee; and Bennett, a starting running back before getting hurt, will play for Chicago. Sean Landetta of Tampa Bay replaces Hentrich. Trade of Bono to St. Louis leaves Doug Pederson as Brett Favre’s backup.

Draft needs: A defensive lineman who won’t mind listening to Reggie White’s dribble.

DENVER

Without quarterback John Elway, the strategy would be simple: Cancel the season. The Broncos are looking frayed around the edges with several key defections and the annual “I’m going to retire” pronouncements by tackle Gary Zimmerman.

Roster update: Quarterback Jeff Lewis tore up his knee playing basketball, but is expected to be ready for the regular season, although Doug Nussmeier was signed out of New Orleans as insurance. Habib’s decision to go to Seattle leaves a void along the offensive line. Aldridge’s departure to Detroit also leaves a gaping hole at middle linebacker.

Draft needs: Elway is the whole show, so an offensive guard is a necessity.

NEW YORK JETS

Do not have a first-round pick, and so far still have Neil O’Donnell and Glenn Foley at quarterback, which doesn’t seem like much of a reason to play on.

Roster update: Jets signed Seattle center Kevin Mawae after losing Duffy to Pittsburgh. Atlanta defensive end Anthony Pleasant signed with Parcells, while Douglas, the team’s top sacker, was traded to Philadelphia.

Draft needs: A leash on Parcells’ ego and an edict he can no longer deal with the Patriots.

WASHINGTON

Time for Coach Norv Turner to push the Redskins into the playoffs, although still saddled with a mediocre quarterback in Gus Frerotte.

Roster update: So much for the opposition running freely on the Redskins. Washington went for the kill with the addition of Wilkinson and Stubblefield, and gets more draft help with the trade of Gilbert.

Draft needs: Now that they can stop the run, who rushes the quarterback from the outside?

BUFFALO

Remember when everyone feared that the Bills would lose yet another Super Bowl? No such worries now. The Bills’ future went dim when Todd Collins failed to effectively replace Jim Kelly, forcing the trade for Johnson from Jacksonville.

Roster update: The Bills signed Doug Flutie, presumably for comic relief. They also added Arizona wide receiver Kevin Williams, apparently thinking that Johnson will be able to get him the ball. They lost Burris to Indianapolis, Paup to Jacksonville, do not have a No. 1 pick, but should be in position next year to have one of the top choices in the draft after posting a long list of defeats.

Draft needs: A large supply of whining towels for Bruce Smith--it’s going to be a long season.

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One Man’s Opinion

Times football writer T.J. Simers breaks down the first round of the NFL draft:

1. Indianapolis: Tennessee QB Peyton Manning: What does God have against the Mannings? Archie is lost in New Orleans and now Peyton is banished to oblivion.

2. San Diego: Washington State QB Ryan Leaf: A year ago Chargers thought Jim Everett was the answer.

3. Arizona: Florida State DE Andre Wadsworth: It’s not often that a team can get the best player in the draft with the third pick.

4. Oakland: Michigan CB Charles Woodson: Some question his attitude, which is to say he’s alreadybeen acting like a Raider.

5. St. Louis: Penn State RB Curtis Enis: Chicago owns pick, but Rams, Jaguars or Patriots will move up to land back they need.

6. Chicago: Georgia Tech LB Keith Brooking: Can’t wait to hear Bryan Cox’s sound bite on what he thinks of this pick.

7. New Orleans: San Diego State OT Kyle Turley: It was tough to find someone who didn’t laugh when told what quarterbacks he would have to protect.

8. Dallas: Nebraska DE Grant Wistrom: The Randy Moss free fall has officially begun, with the Cowboys making the responsible pick rather than the: one that would bring them TDs and arrest warrants.

9. Jacksonville: North Carolina DT Vonnie Holliday: Jaguars want Enis, will hope running back Fred Taylor is still around when they pick again.

10. Baltimore: Vanderbilt CB Corey Chavous: Ravens try to work trade to move back and take Chavous later, talking to Detroit, which wants a linebacker.

11. Philadelphia: Florida State OT Tra Thomas: They would rather have Holliday and if the Ravens take Thomas, what then? Utah wide receiver Kevin Dyson?

12. Atlanta: Auburn LB Takeo Spikes: Rated as high as fifth or sixth by some teams, the Falcons finally catch a break. Now if only he could play: quarterback.

13. Cincinnati: North Carolina DE Greg Ellis: Recent devastating Achilles’ injury to John Copeland forces Bengals to reach for immediate help.

14. Carolina: Nebraska DT Jason Peter: Washington still might end up with this pick, but the Panthers are desperate for beef up the middle.

15. Seattle: Clemson LB Anthony Simmons: Seahawks would settle for a map to the Fountain of Youth to keep Warren Moon kicking.

16. Tennessee: Tennessee CB Terry Fair: Fills two needs--A pick for the hometown fans and bolstersteam’s most glaring weakness.

17. Cincinnati: Michigan State OT Flozell Adams: If Jacksonville wants Taylor, it better trade with the Bengals, because the Patriots are ready to pounce.

18. New England: Florida RB Fred Taylor: Curtis who? Bill Parcells can have Curtis Martin, this guy may be an even bigger home run threat.

19. Miami: Marshall WR Randy Moss: Hey, Jimmy Johnson made it clear when he traded away team’s No. 1 in 2000 that he won’t be around by: then, so why not?

20. Detroit: North Carolina LB Brian Simmons: Do Lions need to move up in the draft to get him? If not, they might have to sit still and take UCLA safety: Shaun Williams.

21. Minnesota: Miami CB Duane Starks: Best corner who could already be taken by Ravens or Oilers,leaving Vikings with Oklahoma State cornerback: R.W. McQuarters.

22. New England: Utah WR Kevin Dyson: Unlike Terry Glenn, this guy stays healthy.

23. Tampa Bay: USC CB Brian Kelly: Recent signing of WR Bert Emanuel reduces need for pass catcher.

24. N.Y. Giants: Florida WR Jacquez Green: The Giants haven’t had an All Pro wide receiver since 1968, so it’s try, try again.

25. Jacksonville: Georgia RB Robert Edwards: Illinois running back Robert Holcombe is also a possibility, but the Jaguars will take a running back with one of: their first-round picks.

26. Pittsburgh: UCLA S Shaun Williams: Looking for more physical play on defense.

27. Kansas City: Illinois RB Robert Holcombe: Marcus Allen’s retirement has convinced the Chiefs they must find a back, and it will be either Holcombe or a: trade to move up for Taylor or Edwards.

28. San Francisco: Florida OT Mo Collins: Everyone has the 49ers pegged to take Auburn’s Victor Riley; they’re wrong.

29. Green Bay: Syracuse DE Tebucky Jones: Packers need a defensive lineman in the worst way,but General Manager Ron Wolf will not force the issue.

30. Denver: Louisiana State OG Alan Faneca: Anything to please John Elway and help influence his decision to keep playing.