Question: Which team's draft intrigued you the most?

Keith Schleiden, editor-in-chief
PICK: New England Patriots: The front office took the unusual approach of signing a slew of low- to mid-tier free agents prior to the 2001 season and parlayed that into an unexpected Super Bowl championship. This offseason, they have taken the opposite approach, adding impact players like Rosevelt Colvin and Rodney Harrison in free agency. But even more interesting is the way they have positioned themselves for the future. In addition to acquiring 10 rookies in this draft -- including first-round NTTy Warren, who will step in and start right away -- the Patriots maneuvered to secure an extra first-rounder next year. In the 2004 draft, the Patriots have a pair of first-round picks, and eight in the first four rounds. Next year's draft class is considered to be much richer in talent than this one, so New England could be in the driver's seat next April.

Mike Holbrook, Managing editor
PICK: Baltimore Ravens: I was impressed that the Ravens were able to switch gears so rapidly in the first round after failing to trade up to No. 7 to get QB Byron Leftwich. Instead, Ozzie Newsome, Phil Savage, Brian Billick & Co. stayed patient and watched pass-rusher extraordinaire Terrell Suggs fall to them at No. 10 after Jacksonville snatched up Leftwich. Then, although it cost them a 2004 first-round pick, the Ravens used New England's pick at No. 19 to grab the quarterback rated No. 2 on their draft board, Cal's Kyle Boller, whom Billick loves. If healthy, RB Musa Smith can be a workhorse. I also liked the selections of DE Jarret Johnson, a high-motor guy and Ovie Mughelli, one of the best fullbacks in the draft. They addressed the trenches with DT Aubrayo Franklin and OT Tony Pashos and got a couple of highly productive collegiate DBs in Gerome Sapp and Antwoine Sanders.

Nolan Nawrocki, Associate editor
PICK: Buffalo Bills: No front office is stacked with better talent evaluators who understand the draft than Buffalo, and their selection of RB Willis McGahee will prove to be a microcosm of their genius. To some, it may seem like a radical pick, but the Bills got incredible value in McGahee -- a superdiligent, ferocious competitor. The Bills won't jeopardize his career by bringing him back early, and McGahee should be back to full health by next season to take the league by storm. A speed rusher was a priority, but with the run on defensive linemen early in the first round, they were aware many of the teams picking before them in the second round likely wouldn't be looking for another D-lineman in the second, allowing first-round talent Chris Kelsay to fall into their laps. OG Ben Sobieski and LB Mario Haggan were steals and every pick has a strong chance of making the roster.

Jeff Reynolds, Associate editor
PICK: Oakland Raiders: With kudos to runner-up New England, which had a fine draft and set itself up with eight picks -- including two in Rounds 1 and 2 -- in the first four rounds of the talent-rich '04 draft, Al Davis, Bruce Allen and Mike Lombardi stole the show when it comes to intrigue. Essentially need-free, the Raiders added superb athletes from the get-go. CB Nnamdi Asomugha and DE Tyler Brayton can help right away. TE/H-back Teyo Johnson will work in this offense because he won't have the pressure of being featured, and how can Rich Gannon miss a 6-foot-7 target with sponge-soft hands? RB Justin Fargas adds a new dimension. He can return kicks with his 4.3 speed and play sparingly, which may be necessary to keep him fresh and healthy. DE Shurron Pierson of South Florida is going to be an impact player who brings explosive speed off the edge. Bottom line, this veteran-laden team has a future and it's looking brighter.

Ken Bikoff, associate editor
PICK: Cincinnati Bengals: The Bengals got something right for once. Picking Carson Palmer to fill their need at quarterback was the easy part of the draft. That was a no-brainer. But it was the work the Bengals did in the next couple of rounds that will make the difference going forward. OG Eric Steinbach could have gone in the first round and was a steal with the first pick of the second. Selecting WR Kelly Washington in the third round gives the Bengals a trio of young, talented receivers. Cincy's fourth-round picks, DB Dennis Weathersby and FB Jeremi Johnson, both have a lot of potential as well. Weathersby could have been a first-rounder if not for getting shot in the back in the days leading up to the draft, but he is expected to make a full recovery. Johnson is a bruising blocker who will make Corey Dillon's life much easier. It looks like the Bengals may have started to put their dark days behind them.

Eric Edholm, Associate editor
PICK: New York Giants: These picks are intriguing because most are unknowns; unless Troy State, Morgan State and Tuskegee are colleges on your regular watch. DE Osi Umenyiora was not a reach; he would have been gone within the next 10-15 picks. And the comparison to Michael Strahan (don't laugh) is undeniable: small-school guy, raw with limitless talent. No one knew anything about Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila when he came out. The Giants love the two-TE set, and Vishante Shiancoe and Jeremy Shockey could make a great pair. CB Roderick Babers has a shot to beat out Ralph Brown for the third spot. WR Willie Ponder could be a steal with his size and athleticism; so could OG Dave Diehl and special-teams ace David Tyree. And, hey, can this William Joseph kid play at all?

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