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ÂÂÂÂ*ÂÂÂÂ*Monday, April 21ÂÂÂÂ*ÂÂÂÂ*ÂÂÂÂ*ÂÂÂÂ*Updated 11:17 AM EST
If Cincinnati passes, Jacksonville might move up

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Carson Palmer
USC QB Bengals
Jaguars
Bears Apr. 21 - Based on activities over the weekend, there is no doubt Palmer is Cincinnati's first choice. The Bengals negotiated extensively with the USC QB, didn't return a counter offer to quarterback Byron Leftwich and kept only limited contact with cornerback Terence Newman.

The problem is, they didn't get a deal done with Palmer, and they might not be able to get one. Cincinnati is using David Carr's contract of last season as a starting point, but Palmer isn't accepting changes to Carr's terms that will make it harder for Palmer to hit the huge escalators and will make him wait longer for a huge option bonus. Odds still are good the sides will get a deal done before the draft, but if they don't make more progress in the next few days, the Bengals could turn to Newman or Leftwich.

If that happens, don't be surprised if Jacksonville moves up to No. 3 to grab Palmer. There has been no trade conversations between the Jags and Texans, but it doesn't take long to make a phone call. Palmer is more attractive to the Jags than is Leftwich, and Jacksonville knows it will have to get ahead of Chicago to get him.
-- John Clayton

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Kyle Boller
California QB Ravens
Steelers
Rams Apr. 21 - Boller has to hope the Ravens take him at No. 10, or he could have a long freefall. The teams selecting between No. 11 and No. 26 have reasonably good quarterback situations and are looking for defensive linemen, offensive linemen or cornerbacks. Boller made an incredible rise from the second round into the first, and has earned some top 10 ratings, but most teams have made their quarterback moves.

If the Ravens don't take him, he could end up with the Steelers at 27. Rams coach Mike Martz said he'd consider taking Boller at No. 12, but Martz likely has too many needs for next season's team to take a quarterback for the future in the first round.
-- John Clayton

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Ty Warren
Texas A&M DT Patriots Apr. 21 - It's not out of the question for him to go as high as No. 14 to New England, but he has to hope that the Patriots don't trade up into the top 10. With 13 draft choices, there is a good chance New Englad will try to move up, and that could kill Warren's chances of going in the first 15 picks. Warren fits the Patriots need for a nose tackle who can play the two-gap technique, but he is probably the team's third option behind Dwayne Robertson and Jonathan Sullivan.
-- John Clayton April 17 -- He isn't necessarily the first choice of the Patriots, who want a tackle with their No. 14 pick, but all the prospects they have rated ahead of him at the position could be off the board. The Pats have spent plenty of time looking at Warren, and perhaps have him rated higher than most teams, but they like his toughness, the interior presence he can provide, and the fact he would allow tackle Richard Seymour to play end in a 3-4 front.
-- Len Pasquarelli

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Terrell Suggs
Arizona St.
DE Bears
Cardinals Apr. 18 - Suggs didn't help himself Friday and might have jeopardized his chance of going No. 6 to Arizona. He posted times of 4.87, 4.9 and 4.93 in the 40 on artificial turf, despite weighing only 258 pounds. The Cardinals went into the workout still thinking about taking him, but now that's uncertain. The Chiefs, who have the 16th pick, were in full attendance, as were the Houston Texans. For the Texans, he'd be a linebacker, but they would trade down to get him rather than spend a No. 3 pick on him. The Chiefs might have to trade up, but Suggs could slip past No. 6 after his second slow showing.
-- John Clayton

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Boss Bailey
Georgia LB Rams
Jets Apr. 18 - When Titans linebacker Peter Sirmon re-signed with Tennessee, the Rams locked in more than ever on trying to get Bailey with the 12th pick. Had St. Louis acquired Sirmon, it would have had the luxury of trading down and being in a better position to take a wide receiver or tight end to replace Ernie Conwell. Bailey would end up playing weakside linebacker for the Rams, where his speed would be a great asset and would allow Robert Thomas to move inside. It's a good fit.
-- John Clayton

April 16 -- By far the leading player at the position, and both the Rams and Jets, with huge linebacker needs, are hot for him. Rams would probably only pass on him if CB Marcus Trufant somehow fell to their spot, which isn't likely. The Jets desperately need to pump some new blood into an aging linebacker corps.
-- Len Pasquarelli

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Marcus Trufant
Wash. State CB Vikings
Jaguars
Panthers Apr. 18 - There were some questions whether Trufant, the second best cornerback in the draft, would go in the top 10, but now we're hearing he could go as early as No 7. The Vikings aren't completely sold on taking defensive tackle Jimmy Kennedy that high, making Trufant a solid consideration for them with the seventh pick. Trufant also is a consideration for the Jaguars at No. 8, and he's nearly a lock for the Panthers at No. 9. However, he still has to watch how the quarterbacks go, because if all three top quarterbacks go early, he still could find himself on the far side of No. 10.
-- John Clayton

PICK OPTIONS THE SKINNY

No. 1 Draft Pick
Cincinnati Bengals DE Suggs?
Trade? Apr. 18 - The Cardinals still view the sackmaster as a viable choice at No. 6, because despite his slow 40 times, they can't ignore the fact he had 24 sacks in 2002 and 44 in his three-year college career. Arizona had a combined 65 sacks the past three seasons.
-- Len Pasquarelli

However, the Arizona Republic reported earlier this week that the Cardinals might be thinking of trading down. They reportedly want to come out of the draft with a couple of pass rushers and a couple of receivers, and trading down to stockpile second- or third-round picks might be their best option.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jerome McDougle
Miami DE Chiefs Apr. 18 - Even with the free-agent signing of former Green Bay defensive end Vonnie Holliday, the Chiefs still really need an "edge" pass rusher to complete what could be a pretty good front four, particularly if 2002 first-round defensive tackle Ryan Sims is healthy. McDougle lacks size but has quickness and explosiveness and could develop into a double-digit sack guy.
-- Len Pasquarelli

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Vincent Manuwai
Hawaii OG Titans
Raiders Apr. 18 - Manuwai is rated the No. 2 guard in the talent pool, behind Eric Steinbach of Iowa, and teams like his in-line toughness and the fact he has played in a program that throws the ball so much and emphasizes protection skills. Tennessee has two solid guards, but with their team virtually intact from 2002, is trying to add depth. The Raiders have not re-signed starting guard Mo Collins, who remains an unrestricted free agent, and see Manuwai as perhaps delivering immediate dividends.
-- Len Pasquarelli

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Tyrone Calico
Mid.Tenn.St. WR Titans Apr. 18 - Titans officials have spent a lot of time with the speedster in recent weeks. At 6-foot-3 and 223 pounds, Calico is a huge wideout with blazing speed (4.34 in the 40) and, while still a bit raw, could represent the rangy deep threat the Titans have been trying for years to add to their offense. Tennessee could possibly move back from its current No. 28 slot, perhaps even out of the first round entirely, to take Calico and also pick up an additional choice or two in the trade-down.
-- Len Pasquarelli

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jonathon Sullivan
Georgia DT Jets
Patriots
Saints
Chargers Apr. 18 - Sullivan might end up being the fourth defensive tackle taken in the first round, but he's in an interesting position. Teams might trade into the top 12 to position themselves better to get him. He's a perfect fit for the Jets with the 13th pick, as he matches what defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell wants in a DT. But the Patriots, Saints and Chargers all want DTs, too, and all have the ability to jump ahead into the fifth, sixth or seventh spots.

New England would be the more likely team to move ahead of the Jets and get Sullivan or Kevin Williams of Oklahoma. After Sullivan, there is a little bit of a gap on most draft boards in this rich defensive tackle draft. The Patriots have 13 draft choices and don't want to bring 13 rookies to camp. Look for them to make a first-round move and make sure they don't lose a chance to get Sullivan or Williams.
-- John Clayton

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Willis McGahee
Miami RB Eagles Apr. 17 - The Eagles already have depth at tailback, with Duce Staley and Correll Buckhalter, but the former has a contract that expires after the 2004 season and the latter is coming off knee surgery. Philadelphia is suddenly looking seriously at McGahee, whom they could afford to redshirt in 2003 while he finishes rehabilitating from his knee injury. With the 30th overall selection, McGahee could be a steal, and team president Joe Banner is always planning ahead.
-- Len Pasquarelli

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Rex Grossman
Florida QB 49ers
Steelers
Packers Apr. 17 - Despite being in the league just four years, San Francisco starter Jeff Garcia is already 33 years old, having spent time in the CFL before signing with the 49ers in 1999. It's time to start looking for the quarterback of the future or a viable No. 2 guy in the event of a Garcia injury. The 49ers, who pick 26th, have spent a lot of time with Grossman recently. Steelers offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey really likes Grossman's competitiveness, and the Steelers, holding the 27th pick, haven't taken a quarterback in the first round since 1980.
-- Len Pasquarelli

The Packers are known to like Grossman, having compared him to a young Brett Favre, and if he gets past San Francisco and Pittsburgh, Green Bay could take him at No. 29.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Byron Leftwich
Marshall QB Ravens
Jaguars
Bears
Bengals Apr. 17 - It appears the Bengals rate Carson Palmer slightly above Leftwich, but not by much. Negotiations opened Wednesday, and Leftwich could make the Bengals an offer to sign that doesn't necessarily undercut the deal done last year by David Carr. Would Cincinnati accept? It'd give the Bengals a top-notch quarterback at a decent price without a drawn-out negotiation.

Leftwich needs to find out where he stands. If he doesn't get the No. 1 slot, he could fall all the way to No. 8 (Jacksonville) or No. 10 (Baltimore). With the exception of escapability, Leftwitch might have the edge on Palmer in a lot of qualities.
-- John Clayton

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Jimmy Kennedy
Penn St. DT ?? Apr. 17 - Kennedy's status is amazing. He rates out higher on most boards than Kevin Williams and Jonathan Sullivan, but teams are having a hard time warming up to him. He doesn't show the same determination and every-play effort as those rated below him. It's almost as though Kennedy is a player who is a top-seven talent that every team hopes is gone when they pick.

Despite the slight knocks against Kennedy, he is the type of mass and talent that Bill Parcells would love to have on his defensive line. Unfortunately for Kennedy, the Cowboys probably will choose Terence Newman, the cornerback, if he is there at the fifth pick. The Vikings aren't sure he is the right choice for them at No. 7, either, even though his ratings are good enough to merit the selection.
-- John Clayton

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Kevin Williams
Okla. State DE/DT Seahawks
Rams
Jets
Chargers Apr. 17 - In a draft flush with defensive tackles, few have risen faster than Williams, who has been outstanding in his workouts. He now appears poised to go off the board in the Nos. 11-15 range, and some teams actually will consider moving up to snag him.
-- Len Pasquarelli

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Kwame Harris
Stanford OT Giants Apr. 17 - As outlandish as it might sound, Harris could fall toward the bottom of the first round, even though he is clearly the second-best tackle in this draft. Why? Too many teams are looking at defensive linemen. If the draft goes as expected and 10 to 12 defensive linemen and three to four quarterbacks go in the first round, where does that leave Harris? Clearly, four defensive tackles will go in the first 13 picks. That pushes Harris into an area of the draft in which most teams have good tackles or are looking for defensive needs.

The Giants would be the upset winners of the draft if Harris could fall to the 25th pick. If he slips past 20, though, the Giants might be willing to trade up a few spots not to lose him. He could immediately fill their need for a right tackle.
-- John Clayton

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Jeff Faine
Notre Dame C Saints
Browns Apr. 17 - Two teams with needs at the hub spot are both seriously considering using a first-round choice to fill the hole. Cleveland cut starter Dave Wohlabaugh, and Jerry Fontenot of the Saints remains an unrestricted free agent. Faine is the consensus No. 1 center prospect.
-- Len Pasquarelli

PICK OPTIONS THE SKINNY

No. 1 Draft Pick
Cincinnati Bengals CB Newman
QB Palmer Apr. 16 - The Bengals reportedly have opened negotiations with cornerback Terence Newman of Kansas State in advance of possibly choosing him with the No. 1 overall pick April 26, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer. Newman and quarterback Carson Palmer of USC are said to be the favorites for the Bengals' top pick, but the paper reports there is no word whether the team will also open negotiations with Palmer. Quarterback Byron Leftwich is the team's third choice. Coach Marvin Lewis has made it clear he wants to have the decision made and the contract signed before the draft.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Seneca Wallace
Iowa State QB Steelers
Bears Apr. 16 - Hurt himself by refusing to work out at other positions, like wide receiver, during the combine. But the Steelers have had great success with turning quarterbacks into all-purpose players, like Kordell Stewart and more recently Hines Ward and Antwaan Randle El, and they are intrigued by Wallace. Pittsburgh is a team that likes to think outside the box and could use a middle-round choice on Wallace.
-- Len Pasquarelli

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY

Kelley Washington
Tennessee WR Patriots
Jets
Titans
49ers Apr. 16 - At least three franchises, citing medical concerns and perceived attitude problems, have either removed Washington completely from their draft boards or dropped him significantly. In terms of raw athletic skills, Washington rates among the top players at the position. But he had spinal fusion surgery last November and also has started only seven games in two college seasons.
-- Len Pasquarelli

PICK OPTIONS THE SKINNY

No. 2 Pick
Detroit Lions WR Rogers Apr. 16 - Lions GM Matt Millen isn't bothered by the questionable result of Charles Rogers' combine drug test and says the Lions still are intent on drafting the Michigan State wide receiver. Last week Millen said he was getting nervous, afraid the Texans might trade up to nab Rogers, but now it appears the Lions will get their man.

PICK OPTIONS THE SKINNY

No. 3 Draft Pick
Houston Texans WR Johnson
CB Newman
OT Gross Apr. 16 - Miami receiver Andre Johnson appears to be the favorite to go No. 3 to Houston, but there continues to be speculation the Texans might trade the pick to move down. However, Houston already owns 13 picks in this year's draft, so stockpiling extra picks doesn't seem necessary.

Other names mentioned in connection with the Texans' pick include Kansas State CB Terence Newman, Utah OT Jordan Gross and Arizona State DE Terrell Suggs. But the Texans were less than impressed with Suggs' workout last month and appear to be looking elsewhere. A recent rumor that Houston would try to leapfrog Detroit in a trade with Cincinnati to get Michigan State WR Charles Rogers appears to have fizzled.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Bryant Johnson
Penn State WR Ravens Apr. 16 - If the Ravens retain their 10th overall choice, Johnson probably falls off their radar screen. But GM Ozzie Newsome has talked about trading back and, if that occurs, Johnson could become a factor, reports ESPN.com's Len Pasquarelli.

Johnson, an all-Big Ten pick, worked out for scouts on Monday and was very impressive, running a reported 4.37 40-yard dash. There are some scouts who feel he could be the third receiver taken, after Charles Rogers and Andre Johnson but before Kelley Washington and Taylor Jacobs.

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
L.J. Smith
Rutgers TE Eagles
Raiders Apr. 16 - One of the draft's fastest risers in the past few weeks has surpassed, on the boards of a few teams, Tennessee's Jason Witten and Dallas Clark of Iowa as the top tight end prospect. He is certainly the most accomplished receiver in the tight end class. Witten, by the way, is sliding in the eyes of some scouts and could fall into the second round.
-- Len Pasquarelli

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Wayne Hunter
Hawaii OT Browns
Titans
49ers Apr. 16 - Has overshadowed his Hawaii teammate, guard Vincent Manuwai, and some teams have moved him ahead of Stanford's Kwamie Harris as the No. 2 tackle prospect, behind only Jordan Gross of Utah. He has played in a big-time passing game and knows how to protect.
-- Len Pasquarelli

WHO INTERESTED THE SKINNY
Sammy Davis
Texas A&M CB Steelers
Bills
Titans
Packers Apr. 16 - Seems to have moved pretty solidly into the No. 3 cornerback spot behind Terence Newman of Kansas State and Marcus Trufant of Washington State. Recent workouts have been very good. He has decent size and loves to play bump-and-run.
-- Len Pasquarelli

Sorry Pak can't post a link to this, it is from there insider section.