1. Cincinnati Bengals - Carson Palmer, QB USC
I really didn't think the Bengals would ante up the coin it takes to land a quarterback with the No. 1 pick, but it looks like they're going to pull the trigger. Not everyone is sold on Palmer, but I think the Bengals are doing the right thing. Palmer is the prototypical NFL QB, and has the ability to be very successful. This move should send a message to Bengals fans that the Brown family is (finally) committed to turning this franchise around.
2. Detroit Lions - Charles Rogers, WR Michigan State
The Lions may have gone with Willis McGahee here before his knee injury, but now that he is most likely out of the first-round picture, I believe they will take Rogers and then look at a back like Onterrio Smith or Lee Suggs early in the second. I doubt Matt Millen will pass on Rogers because of his positive test (dilution) at the Scouting Combine.
3. Houston Texans - Andre Johnson, WR Miami
David Carr can't continue to get hit like he did last year, and I think the Texans will need to pick up a good tackle or running back on the first day, but unless they trade down, they won't get either in the first round. Look for the Texans to take the best player available if they don't trade down. A lot of experts are comparing Johnson to San Francisco's Terrell Owens. He has a great combination of size, speed and strength, and should be a play-maker in the NFL.
4. New York Jets (from Chicago) - Dewayne Robertson, DT Kentucky
The Jets gave up two first rounders to get here, and I believe they are targeting Robertson. has great size, strength, and shows adequate quickness. He displays great footwork and balance, and consistently gets a good jump on the snap. Will be tough to stop one-on-one in the NFL.
5. Dallas Cowboys - Terence Newman, CB Kansas State
The Cowboys would love to add a shut-down corner to an already solid defense, and Newman is by far the best in the draft. He should be an immediate starter. Bill Parcells might be tempted to select Leftwich, but I think they will give current starter Chad Hutchinson one more season to develop before making a decision as to whether he can play in the NFL or not.
6. Arizona Cardinals - Terrell Suggs, DE Arizona State
The Cardinals are hoping to pick up a pass rusher in the draft, and there's no more logical choice than Arizona State's Terrell Suggs. He may have had poor pre-draft workouts, but I still think he will have the most impact of any rookie defender this season. His 40 times were less than impressive, but his first three steps off the line are phenomenal.
7. Minnesota Vikings - Jimmy Kennedy, DT Penn State
The Vikings need a lot of help on defense, and cornerback Marcus Trufant is a big possibility, but with the signing of Denard Walker via free agency, I think they'll take the best available defensive lineman and grab a corner later on the first day. Kennedy and Chris Hovan would be a disruptive force on the inside.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars - Marcus Trufant, CB Washington State
The Jaguars have a lot of holes to fill, so I think they will take the best player available. Trufant, along with Fernando Bryant would give the team a nice set of young cornerbacks.
