Author Archives: Associated Press

Considering Jay Cutler
took more hits than a tackling dummy at times last season, it’s no secret that
the Bears could use some help on the offensive line.

After all that waiting on Brett Favre, the Minnesota Vikings are accustomed to quarterback uncertainty. One year later, the Vikings are again in an awkward spot.

Ted Thompson built a
Super Bowl winner his way, piling up draft picks while rarely dipping into free
agency. Now comes the annoying part.

Here’s evidence that the NFL draft works, eventually. The St. Louis Rams are not, repeat not, on the clock.

Trent Baalke guided the San Francisco 49ers through the draft for the first time a year ago, adding a few key pieces to a team favored to win the NFC West and reach the playoffs after a long absence. His top two picks became immediate starters on a
revamped offensive line, and several others also made impacts as rookies.

The Arizona Cardinals’ smooth-operating offense has been ugly since Kurt Warner’s
retirement, and they’re in need of a quarterback.

Atlanta Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff is looking at more than just defensive ends as he considers his options for the first round of the NFL draft Thursday night.

Sean Payton’s NFL success began with his ability to conceive of creative offensive schemes that pick defenses apart. The New Orleans Saints’ head coach is less known for building defenses through the draft, though that could change over time.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need a pass rusher. Statistics suggest it, NFL draft analysts believe it, and even Bucs general manager Mark Dominik concedes it.

General manager Marty Hurney must be perfect with perhaps the important selection in Carolina Panthers history: the No. 1 overall pick in Thursday’s NFL draft.