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John E. Hoover of the Tulsa World checks in with the Rams' Sam Bradford after the University of Oklahoma honored its former quarterback with a statue commemorating his status as a Heisman Trophy winner. Bradford: "I never thought I'd be standing here giving a speech in front of a statue of myself. Pretty cool, though." Hoover: "At the end of the festivities, Bradford pulled a golden rope that dropped a crimson veil from his 10-foot statue. His right leg is planted, his right arm is cocked and his hair is short. Bradford teammate Gerald McCoy, who used to kid Bradford about all the attention he got by calling him 'King Sam', said Bradford's statue was the only one of the five in Heisman Park 'with a crown on it. ... I'm just gonna get me a Gerald McCoy bobblehead doll and glue it onto the bottom. ... Nah, man. Sam definitely deserves it.'"

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch looks at free-agent possibilities for the Rams this offseason. Thomas: "At running back, a crater-size hole remains on the depth chart behind Steven Jackson. There are some interesting names on this list, including Joseph Addai of Indianapolis, Ahmad Bradshaw of the New York Giants and DeAngelo Williams of Carolina. But none of those three would be unrestricted if six-year free agency is in place. However, Cedric Benson of Cincinnati, Ronnie Brown of Miami, Darren Sproles of San Diego and Cadillac Williams of Tampa will be unrestricted whether the required experience level for free agency is four years or six." Adding Sproles in particular would liven up the Rams' offense considerably by diversifying the backfield.

Tony Softli of 101ESPN St. Louis sizes up potential free-agent guards and projects how they might fit with the Rams. He thinks the Cardinals' Deuce Lutui would fit nicely at right guard. Softli: "Interior blocker that lost mindset in 2010, but has the athletic ability and nasty attitude to compete like a Pro Bowler when focused and is what the Rams need leading the way for Steven Jackson."

D'Marco Farr of 101ESPN St. Louis says the Rams need improvement from second-year players to realize their potential in 2011.

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune checks in with Seahawks defensive tackle Brandon Mebane, who says he felt as though the team did not have him in its plans. The sides spoke only generally about a new contract before the lockout. Mebane: "When you go over that stuff, I guess it’s time to pack up and put the house up for sale. I feel like I wasn’t in their plans. And I feel like I have that right to think that because I got a third-round tender. If they really wanted me, they had plenty of time to do what they had to do. Me personally, from my experience, I don’t think I was in their plans. I would love to come back here, but I don’t know what their plans are. But it’s all good. I’m blessed. I thank God that I haven’t had any surgeries. I’ve had some nagging things here and there. But God put me in a good position." General manager John Schneider used the term "steady pro" to describe Mebane at the scouting combine, an indication the team wasn't planning to break the bank for him. But when Seattle did not address the position in the draft, Schneider indicated that re-signing Mebane could become a higher priority. Mebane also says his job got tougher once the team lost Rocky Bernard.

Brock Huard of 710ESPN Seattle doesn't see Kyle Orton as a good fit for the Seahawks. Huard: "Darrell Bevell's system that he is going to implement is going to be the quick passing game. It's a system that's built, to some extent, on having a mobile, at least athletic quarterback and that is what Kyle Orton is not. Think Ryan Mallett, not quite as big an arm, more accurate. I just think from a fit standpoint from what they want to do schematically, Kyle Orton is not the guy."

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com makes available an audio link to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell's conference call with Seattle season-ticket holders.

Also from Farnsworth: He catches up with former Seahawks punter Rick Tuten, who relays a funny story about his first game with the team. Tuten had played with Buffalo previously. Tuten: "When I was in Buffalo [he punted for the Bills in 1990], we got our parking tag and you just parked wherever in the players’ lot. Well, I come out after my first game as a Seahawk -– feeling pretty good about what I’d just done -– and my car was gone because I didn’t park in the right place. It had been towed. So I had to take a taxi to the impound lot to bail my car out. And a rental car, at that."

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times offers a few highlights from Goodell's call with Seattle fans.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says 49ers rookie quarterback Colin Kaepernick underwent "minor" leg surgery after the draft, when Kaepernick finally had time to address an undisclosed injury that bothered him late last season. Barrows: "Agent Scott Smith said NFL teams were aware of Kaepernick's condition prior to the draft. He said Kaepernick could have waited to have the procedure but, given the current labor impasse, decided to get it taken care of now."

Also from Barrows: thoughts on rookie Chris Culliver's conversion from receiver to safety to cornerback.

Doug Farrar of Yahoo! offers thoughts on what first-round choice Aldon Smith might add to the 49ers.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says the 49ers do not see running back Kendall Hunter as only a change-of-pace back. General manager Trent Baalke: "This is a guy we feel can run the power game, can run between the tackles, can get out on the edges, can pass protect, can come out of the backfield and catch the football, can return kicks (and) can play on coverage teams, if we ask him to."

Also from Maiocco: The 49ers expect the offensive tackles they drafted to play guard and/or center in the NFL.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says former Cardinals linebacker Seth Joyner is establishing a football camp for kids in Arizona. Joyner: "Ultimately, my goal is to create an Arizona combine that really does something with the young football players in Arizona. We want to teach everything from learning how to tackle properly to avoiding concussions, to just the basic fundamentals."

Also from Somers: general thoughts on the Cardinals, including one about Orton. Somers: "I think the Cardinals have some interest in Broncos quarterback Kyle Orton, who might be available via trade. Any team trading for Orton, however, has to examine what happened to him and the Broncos offense in the latter part of the season. If the Cardinals think that Orton was a victim of circumstances (coaching change, coach firing, etc.), they will go after him. I still think their first call is to the Eagles, however."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says the team has never adequately replaced former tight end Freddie Mitchell. Rookie third-round choice Rob Housler is the latest prospect. Urban: "Housler will get a chance to show what he has, and there is a chance the Cards also look in free agency. Jim Dray should be back, and Stephen Spach could be too; Ben Patrick may be more iffy depending on who else is signed. The Cards will have at least four tight ends in training camp."

Also from Urban: The Cardinals' strength-and-conditioning coaches could use some company in the weight room.

Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams are outscoring opponents 34-3 in first quarters this season after getting outscored 87-16 in first quarters last season. Sam Bradford's addition accounts for some of the difference, obviously. The Rams are also playing better defense. Their schedule is also more favorable. Last season, the Rams' home schedule featured games against Aaron Rodgers, Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Kurt Warner and Matt Schaub. Those quarterbacks were going to score points against just about anyone. Thomas: "The 34 points scored in the first quarter is sixth best in the NFL this season. The Rams' three points allowed is second best in the league, trailing only the New York Jets, who have yet to allow a first-quarter point. And the Rams' point differential of plus-31 in the opening quarter is third best in the league, exceeded only by New Orleans (plus-40) and Green Bay (plus-34)."

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says the Rams are getting better overall production from receiver Brandon Gibson.

Also from Coats: Danario Alexander's knee felt OK after practice.

Bernie Miklasz of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch looks at some of Bradford's more impressive stats, but also notes that opponents have sacked the rookie five times in the red zone.

Kathleen Nelson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Bradford's former Oklahoma teammate, Gerald McCoy, will be gunning for the quarterback when the Rams visit Tampa Bay. Bradford and McCoy remain friends. They spoke by phone this week. McCoy: "I'm going to kill him. If I can get to him, I'm going to kill him. We are definitely cool off the field. But on the field, I do not know him. He is No. 8 for the Rams, and that's all I know." The Bucs have only four sacks all season, three fewer than the Rams had against San Diego in Week 6.

Steve Korte of the Belleville News-Democrat says Chris Long is the Rams' first defensive lineman since Bryce Fisher in 2004 to be named the NFC's defensive player of the week.

Nick Wagoner of stlouisrams.com says Long and James Hall have formed effective bookends for St. Louis.

Brian Stull of 101ESPN St. Louis quotes Hall on Long: "I'm happy for him because he's been working so hard this year and you can see him progressing week in and week out. And he's been so close to the quarterback--so to see him go out there and have two sacks, I was excited."

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com expects 49ers center Eric Heitmann to miss at least four weeks with a neck injury. Maiocco: "If Heitmann's condition does not improve, the 49ers have the option of placing him on injured reserve to open a roster spot. Veteran Tony Wragge is the backup behind starting center David Baas. Prior to this season, Heitmann had missed just two games, due to a broken leg in 2006, since the 2004 season. Baas was an excused absence from today's practice because of a personal matter. The 49ers said Baas is expected back at practice Thursday, and it should not have an impact on his availability for Sunday's game."

Also from Maiocco: Patrick Willis plans to play the way he has always played, without adjusting for harsher discipline from the NFL for illegal hits.

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee checks in with 49ers defenders. They're not excited about the new emphasis on stopping illegal hits. Willis: "I don't know, it's just crazy that somebody could cut your legs out like that in the open field and intentionally blow your knee out and you're done for the season (and) a concussion is what, two weeks, maybe three, yet they don't get fined for that or get in trouble for that."

Also from Barrows: 49ers president Jed York cannot guarantee a completion date for the team's proposed new stadium. Barrows: "Financing the stadium depends on a loan from the league and that the loan is contingent on a new collective bargaining agreement."

Eric Branch of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat says Willis realizes he hasn't made as many big plays this season. Willis: "The first five weeks, I kind of let it get to me. Last week, I said, 'I'm just going to play.' The rest of the season, whatever happens -- big play or no play -- I just want to win and do everything I can to help my teammates win. You turn on the film, you see me going all out. To me, as long as I can put my head down at nighttime and know that I gave 100 percent, I'll be all right with that -- big play or no big play."

Also from Branch: Count Ted Ginn Jr. among those against increased fines for illegal hits.

More from Branch: Willis' thoughts on the increased fines. Willis: "It’s crazy. I mean, $75,000 for going out and hitting the guy? I thought that’s what you’re supposed to do, I thought as a defensive guy you’re supposed to hit and as an offensive guy you’re supposed to avoid and if your quarterback leads you right where the defender is, then you should take that up with the quarterback. If it’s ugly, just straight hands down leading with your head, that’s one thing. Or head butting or anything like that, but when you’re going for the tackle and, I don’t know, y’all saw it, so you make your own decision, but I’m just going to play football."

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com passes along high praise for Larry Fitzgerald from Seahawks coach Pete Carroll. Carroll: "He has incredible catching ability. I don’t know if anybody can catch the ball better than him -- if anybody ever has. He has an incredible catching range. It doesn’t matter whether he almost sees the ball. The ball comes out of nowhere and he snatches it and he’s going. ... He’ll factor in and just break your heart. You can cover him and he still makes the play. You can double him and they’ll still go to him and he still makes the play. So we’ll show him due respect."

Also from Farnsworth: Lawyer Milloy takes pride in his NFL legacy.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times checks in with Seahawks running backs Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett, who met as incoming freshmen at Cal six years ago. O'Neil: "Lynch is from the Bay Area with dreadlocks that drape down almost to his shoulders and a running style that he refers to as Beast Mode. Forsett is from Florida by way of Texas, his hair cropped close. He's so religious that he operates closer to priest mode, posting a nightly scripture verse via his Twitter account. Lynch has a Technicolor personality. Forsett is so quiet there are times you don't know he's in the room. Yet they share a friendship that is strengthened by those differences."

Also from O'Neil: Cornerback Josh Pinkard is practicing for the first time this season.

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says the Seahawks expect to see an aggressive Cardinals team visiting Seattle in Week 7.

Also from Williams: Even some offensive players don't like the NFL's harsher punishment for helmet-to-helmet hits. Tackle Sean Locklear: "It sucks. I mean, honestly, it’s almost a lose-lose situation for guys -– like, what do you do? I don’t think somebody’s out there intentionally trying to hit somebody in the head to try and hurt them. It’s part of football. It happens. But if you start fining guys that significant amount for the first time, that’s a lot of change (money). And that’s a big amount for a hit."

Dave Boling of the Tacoma News Tribune says Milloy can barely walk for two days after games, but the 36-year-old safety doesn't let his teammates see him that way. Boling: "He will turn 37 on Nov. 14, the day the Seahawks play at Arizona. For a kid who grew up in tough circumstances in Tacoma, Milloy has fashioned an amazing career and built a strong personal reputation."

John Boyle of the Everett Herald links to the South Park episode featuring (briefly) a cartoon character resembling Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says the Cardinals had their full squad practicing coming out of the bye week. It's looking like inside linebacker Gerald Hayes will not play extensively, however. Somers: "Hayes is expected to make a gradual transition into the lineup. If he plays in Seattle on Sunday, it will be on a limited basis. Eventually, he could move back into his old job, starting strong inside linebacker. That would allow the Cardinals to move Paris Lenon to the weak position, and rookie Daryl Washington would become a reserve and situational player."

Also from Somers: Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt says quarterbacks have it easier than tight ends when playing in noisy stadiums. Spoken like a former tight end.

More from Somers: Cardinals linebacker Joey Porter isn't happy about the NFL's new emphasis on punishment. Porter: "You are going to see a lot more points, a lot more guys scared to pull the trigger to make the big play. A lot of guys will start losing their jobs because now you're not making the tackles you're supposed to make. It's just going to get crazy, man. I expect something different happening this Sunday."

Darren Urban of azcardinals.com says Fitzgerald loves playing at Qwest Field more than just about anywhere. Fitzgerald: "You definitely have that you-against-the-world feeling when you go on the field. You see the ‘No. 1’ (jersey-wearing) guy and the crazy guy above the tunnel calling your name. It’s a great atmosphere. It’s the 11 men in the huddle and no one else in the building is supporting you. I love that feeling."

Also from Urban: Hayes doesn't know how much he'll contribute to the Cardinals' defense Sunday. Hayes: "I know what I do and what I do well. I have to leave a lot of stuff up to the coaches. I’m going to continue to work on the things I need to work on so when I do get in there, I will know what I am doing and play at a high level."

Steve Wyche of NFL.com quotes Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo as being "very, very hopeful" about re-signing safety Oshiomogho Atogwe. It's pretty clear Atogwe has few options beyond the Rams. Spagnuolo's comments suggest something should get done to keep Atogwe in St. Louis. Wyche: "Atogwe isn't seeking an outrageous salary or guaranteed bonuses, according to a league source, but his desired take still could be too high for teams –- including the Rams -- that are reluctant to pay amid labor uncertainty and a troublesome economic climate."

Bill Coats of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch says Rams minority owner Stan Kroenke has indicated his son, former Missouri basketball player Josh Kroenke, could take over ownership of the Denver Nuggets as the elder Kroenke complies with NFL cross-ownership rules.

Also from Coats: Receivers Dominique Curry and Brandon McRae are trying to earn roster spots at receiver as undrafted free agents.

More from Coats: The toe injury Jason Smith suffered in practice was apparently minor.

Howard Balzer of the St. Louis Globe-Democrat says Kroenke's comments suggest the Rams' minority owner expects the NFL to approve his plans to transfer ownership of his Denver teams to family members.

Brad Biggs of National Football Post says defensive tackle Chris Hovan has agreed to terms with the Rams. Hovan has started 149 games over the last 10 seasons, including all 16 for Tampa Bay last season. This looks like a good depth signing by the Rams. They've now added Hovan and Fred Robbins after deciding to draft Sam Bradford instead of Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy atop the first round.

The Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters shows the 49ers' stadium measure gaining approval with 59.61 percent support. The registrar shows 11,231 votes in favor and 7,609 opposed with all 58 precincts reporting. The results are probably even better than the 49ers expected, although support seemed strong throughout.

Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com says the 49ers appear confident about getting a stadium built in Santa Clara even though approval of Measure J assures nothing. Maiocco: "The term sheet that voters approved is non-binding. If Santa Clara and the 49ers do not reach agreement on key terms, negotiations can be terminated without penalty to either side. But the overwhelming support of the stadium by the voters of Santa Clara might signal a strong commitment from the city's side."

Also from Maiocco: Brandon Jones is frustrated by a lack of opportunities during offseason practices. Jones: "But if I show I can make plays, they can't hold me out for too long."

Matt Barrows of the Sacramento Bee says Alex Smith's rapport with Vernon Davis was on display at 49ers practice Tuesday.

Phil Barber of the Santa Rosa Press-Democrat offers notes from 49ers practice, including one about newly signed offensive lineman Matt Kopa.

Also from Barber: Travis LaBoy got more reps in practice Tuesday.

John Wildermuth of the San Francisco Chronicle offers a report on the 49ers' stadium situation. Wildermuth: "San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom has argued that Santa Clara's stadium election does not guarantee that the 49ers will leave the city, which will move ahead with plans for a new stadium site as part of the Hunters Point Shipyard redevelopment project. The numbers don't work for a Santa Clara stadium, Newsom said, and when the 49ers realize that, San Francisco's plan will look better and better."

David White of the San Francisco Chronicle says Michael Crabtree is benefiting from a full offseason in the 49ers' program.

Kent Somers of the Arizona Republic says Cardinals guard Deuce Lutui plans to sign the one-year offer Arizona made to him as a restricted free agent. Lutui has no realistic alternatives. Somers: "Lutui is not alone in his disappointment. As of this week, 35 restricted free agents remained unsigned. Lutui is gambling that he will be able to regain his starting spot. The Cardinals acquired two veteran guards this off-season, Alan Faneca and Rex Hadnot. Faneca and Reggie Wells have been starting at the guard positions this spring. Coach Ken Whisenhunt declined comment Tuesday on Lutui's situation." Lutui has only hurt his standing by staying away this offseason.

Also from Somers: The Cardinals are experimenting with combinations in their secondary. Michael Adams, Greg Toler and Trumaine McBride have worked at right cornerback with the starters. Toler was the player Whisenhunt singled out previously as a leading candidate to start.

More from Somers: a pick-by-pick look at the Cardinals' draft choices. On linebacker Daryl Washington: "As billed, he's an excellent athlete who can really run. His challenge is learning the defense and dealing with the complexity of NFL offense. An early guess: Washington plays in pass situations to start the season. If he develops, he'll become the regular starter. That's the way the Cardinals have handled other rookies, including cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and running back Beanie Wells."

Clare Farnsworth of seahawks.com says the Seahawks are looking for ways for rookie Dexter Davis to contribute beyond his initial role as a backup "Leo" linebacker. Defensive coordinator Gus Bradley: "He has shown some flashes, and we know he can rush. So if he can play that (strong-side) linebacker spot for us – he’s athletic enough – that would give him another role in addition to being a nickel rusher."

Also from Farnsworth: Seahawks coach Pete Carroll has no immediate plans to declare a starting running back.

Agent Marc Lillibridge says the Seahawks have signed defensive end Will Tukuafu.

Danny O'Neil of the Seattle Times says running back Leon Washington has switched jersey numbers to 33, an indication former fullback Justin Griffith will not return.

TMZ.com offers audio from the 911 call related to Golden Tate's implication in a doughnut-shop incident. The woman making the call identifies herself as one of the night bakers. She was not amused by Tate's antics.

Eric D. Williams of the Tacoma News Tribune says Carroll sounded amused by the doughnut caper. Carroll: "I’m not disappointed in the guy being at a doughnut shop when they’ve got maple bars like Top Pot has. However, under the circumstances I think they were closed, or something like that, or they were trying to close or whatever. So that’s definitely wrong, and we’ve talked about it and addressed it. And he’s most remorseful and all of that. But I do understand the allure of the maple bars."

Also from Williams: Quinton Ganther appeals to the Seahawks as a fullback with some running ability. Ganther played for Seahawks assistant Sherman Smith with the Redskins. Ganther: "I’m one of those guys that will do things that the other guys don’t want to do. You tell me to run down on kickoffs and hit the wedge, and I’ll do it. You tell me to get in there at fullback, that’s what I’ll do because I’m a team player, not a me player."

John Boyle of the Everett Herald quotes Carroll as saying linebacker Leroy Hill has fallen behind by missing offseason practices (at the Seahawks' request). Carroll: "Practice is hugely important. There’s a new system, there’s a whole new approach to doing things. This certainly hinders his opportunity without question. The other guys have rocketed ahead with their chances and taken advantage of that, and that’s just part of the competition. You do what you can with your opportunities. So he’s going to have to battle back if we can get him back out here. We’ll see when the time comes."

One of my best friends from high school is a longtime Rams fan. I'm convinced his sense of humor has carried him through the lean years.

He sent along a link to this song parody from joesportsfan.com (also hosted by KFNS radio in St. Louis).

My favorite lyric: "Six years of 'memories' that make you want to hurl. Do we believe in 'Spags' and QB coach Dick Curl?"

There's also a nice reference to Richie Incognito later in the video.

Rams general manager Billy Devaney had this to say from the NFL scouting combine:

"If it gets down to that we think that the defensive tackles (Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy), these two kids are far and away the best players and they are the highest-rated players in the draft, you can't force and say, 'Hey, we have to get a quarterback' and drop way down on your value."

Expectations for the draft change dramatically if the Rams do not select quarterback Sam Bradford first overall. The teams picking second through fourth have clearly identified starting quarterbacks. The Seahawks pick sixth and they have not made long-term commitments at the position. The Browns pick seventh and they would presumably love a shot at Bradford.

This draft should already be interesting. But if Devaney and the Rams pull a surprise, "wild" could be the word for the jockeying likely to happen next.

Each Wednesday leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today’s topic: Dream Scenario/Plan B.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals would love to fortify their defensive front seven in this draft, starting front and center. Tennessee nose tackle Dan Williams might fall to them at No. 26 in their dream scenario. And if that dream scenario were too far-fetched, Williams might fall far enough for Arizona to use one of its two third-round choices to move up several spots in the round to take him.

This assumes Williams indeed ranks as the most attractive option at nose tackle in this draft. Conventional wisdom has Williams going to Miami at No. 12, and with so many teams running 3-4 defenses, the Dolphins wouldn't be the only ones seeking help at the position. The 49ers could have interest as well because their nose tackle, Aubrayo Franklin, will probably play under a one-year contract this season.

Plan B could include staying at No. 26 and "settling" for one of the top inside linebackers in the draft. Missouri's Sean Weatherspoon comes to mind. Drafting the top-ranked tight end might even make sense for the Cardinals, depending on which defensive players remained available.

St. Louis Rams

The Rams have more holes than picks to patch them. The pipe-dream scenario for the Rams would include another team offering the world for the top overall choice. That almost certainly isn't going to happen, but a more realistic scenario could involve the Rams trading out of the 33rd overall pick at the top of the second round.

The overnight gap between first and second rounds could help St. Louis arrange a trade.

Their dream scenario might include moving back in the second round, adding one or more choices and still coming away with an impact player on offense, perhaps at wide receiver or tight end or both. The Rams desperately need offensive firepower and that type of move could help them get it.

If the Rams decide against drafting Oklahoma quarterback Sam Bradford first overall, Plan B could include bolstering the defense at No. 1, then trying to find a quarterback either at No. 33 or by trading into the late first round. Trading up wouldn't make much sense for the Rams because they need as many picks as they can get. But if they weren't sold on Bradford, they could always try to get Colt McCoy later.

Seattle Seahawks

One dream scenario for Seattle would be to emerge with one of the two highest-rated offensive tackles in the draft. Most of the teams drafting among the top five would focus on defense under this scenario, leaving Trent Williams, Russell Okung or Bryan Bulaga available at No. 6.

There's still some question as to how much the Seahawks will value a tackle in the draft. It's a legitimate question given line coach Alex Gibbs' philosophy of shaping lower draft choices into productive players for his system. If the Seahawks aren't set on taking a tackle that early, another dream scenario might include defensive tackle Gerald McCoy slipping to them at No. 6. Under this scenario, the Lions would take Ndamukong Suh at No. 2, with the Bucs, Redskins and Chiefs drafting offensive tackles.

Under Plan B, the Seahawks might not feel great about the tackles available to them, and McCoy would be long gone. Seattle would then take a hard look at highest-ranked player at another position. Safety Eric Berry, defensive end Derrick Morgan or running back C.J. Spiller could fit the profile.

San Francisco 49ers

A potential dream scenario for San Francisco would see them sitting at No. 13 with legitimate options at tackle and quarterback.

Notre Dame's Jimmy Clausen would be available after slipping out of the top 10. Even if the 49ers' rumored interest in Clausen weren't true, Clausen's availability in that spot might enhance the value of the 13th overall choice. Perhaps another team would value a shot at Clausen enough to trade up. The 49ers could then either draft Clausen and declare him their future starter or trade out of the spot, giving them a later first-round choice, plus a new second-rounder. The team would still have a shot at an offensive tackle at No. 17.

Plan B doesn't look bad, either. The 49ers would stay at No. 13 and see which player falls to them. They could consider an offensive tackle or a highly rated cornerback or even Spiller if he were to fall their way. With another choice at No. 17, the 49ers should not feel as much pressure to address a primary need with both choices.

I've been toying with various first-round mock draft scenarios and have pretty much promised a few people I'd join the fun at some point.

My first-round mock is tentatively scheduled to run during the second round.

There's a good chance I'll move up the date.

ESPN.com offers a slick resource for stacking players.

Getting most of the picks right early in a mock draft can be pretty easy. The projections can border on impossible once one surprise compounds another surprise. That's when projections that could have made sense no longer appear sensible.

I'll generally speak on background with a few personnel people I know, just to get their feel. The problem is that each personnel person has his own opinions about how a draft should go, and those opinions do not mirror the most likely scenarios.

One general manager I know likes Gerald McCoy over Ndamukong Suh. That's great, but I still think the Lions will take Suh second overall. Some have suggested McCoy might fit the Lions' scheme better than Suh because his upfield style more closely resembles Albert Haynesworth's style, and Haynesworth was a mainstay in Tennessee when Lions coach Jim Schwartz was there. That's great, but another executive very familiar with Schwartz said he thought Suh would actually fit the Lions' defense better.

No one knows for sure, and one wrong projection leads to others. That is why some personnel people I know attempt only to guess which 32 players will go in the first round, with less regard for whether those players wind up with specific teams.

I recently participated in a mock draft with the other seven ESPN.com divisional bloggers (to be posted early next week). It was fun, but having so many people participating only introduced more possibilities for going in random directions. Still, having eight participants was much more controlled than what will happen during the draft. Thirty NFL teams hold first-round choices. There will be trades.

Matching 10 or 12 players to teams in the first round could be a challenge.

My initial guess at the top six:

1. St. Louis -- Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma. The Rams have set up this pick to such a degree that heading in another direction would serve as another letdown for their fans. I don't think that's something the Rams want to indulge.

2. Detroit -- Suh, Nebraska. Let's not out-think ourselves here. Suh was the best player in the draft, right? He goes next.

3. Tampa Bay -- McCoy, Oklahoma. Versatility a plus. Mocks implode if the Bucs go in another direction. McCoy would fit in Seattle if he slipped.

4. Washington -- Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma St. Trent Williams is supposedly the top tackle on the Redskins' list, and I could still be swayed.

5. Kansas City -- Eric Berry, S, Tennessee. Scott Pioli's teams love defense early in the draft. A player in the front seven would best fit the profile, but Berry supposedly has the potential for greatness. Take him.

6. Seattle -- Williams, T, Oklahoma. The Seahawks are lining up at minicamps with Ray Willis at left tackle. That must change soon, and Walter Jones is not the answer. Whether it's Williams or Okung or any other tackle prospects, the need is striking.

The Browns pick seventh and there's a temptation for the uninitiated to think Mike Holmgren was blowing smoke when he said he wished he liked Jimmy Clausen a little more. Blowing smoke isn't really Holmgren's style. He says what he thinks or he doesn't say as much. What Holmgren said about Tim Tebow -- how tough it is to change a quarterback's mechanics -- was 100 percent consistent with how he thinks.

S.L. from Tulsa writes: Your blog item on Pro Bowl players versus draft position was quite interesting. Because the Pro Bowl selects all 22 positions, I would expect certain positions (kicker, center, guard, safety) to have far fewer very high picks than, say, quarterback, defensive end or cornerback. If you filter for position and apply this standard, it might show that the top choices at each position produce even more Pro Bowlers. I would like to see this extra detail to prove or disprove the apparent value of early picks. It could give you a followup column.

Mike Sando: Good idea. I did have a positional filter at my disposal. The filter lumped all defensive backs together, and some positional designations changed or could use updating (Leonard Davis was listed at tackle coming out of college, for instance, but he has gone to Pro Bowls as a guard).

I toyed with a couple ways to answer your question. In the end, I created categories for players with no Pro Bowls, one to two Pro Bowls and three-plus Pro Bowls. I then set up a table showing average draft positions for these players, sorted from earliest to latest. The chart shows defensive ends were drafted about 120th on average, with punters and kickers drafted in the 160s on average. This information covered the 2000 through 2009 draft classes.

Check out the row for players listed as offensive tackles. They were drafted 126th overall on average from 2000 to 2009, but the averages changed dramatically based on Pro Bowl appearances (134th for tackle with no Pro Bowls, about 39th for tackles with one or two Pro Bowls and about third overall for tackles with three-plus Pro Bowls). The latter group featured Davis, Joe Thomas and Chris Samuels.

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Nick from Tampa writes: Mike, with the state of QBs in this year's draft and the need by the Rams to hit the nail on the head with this pick, how does this senario fare for you:

• Pick up Jason Campbell from Washington with possibly a third- or fourth-round pick;
• Use your first-rounder on Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy to help give immediate improvement to the defensive line.

I see the QB pool in this year's draft to be extrememly slim, with the top three prospects coming off injuries. Instead of taking a big-money and possibly not fully healed guy in this draft and thowing him head first to be eaten alive, pick up Campbell, who still has gas in the tank, draft your QB in the second round, or wait until the pool inproves. Additionally, there is a large chance that you can get Colt McCoy or another project QB at the No. 33 spot, making the No. 1 pick a greater chance of success.

Mike Sando: It depends wholly on what you think of Sam Bradford relative to Jason Campbell. The Rams want a face-of-the-franchise guy, someone to lead the team and rouse the fan base. I don't think Campbell would be that guy. The book on Campbell says he's not much of a leader. That was the read on him coming out of Auburn in 2005. For the Rams, drafting a quarterback first overall would provide some needed sizzle. Now, does that mean Bradford will be any good? Not necessarily.

Your idea has some appeal. Trent Dilfer, speaking on 101ESPN St. Louis, suggested the Rams go that route. It makes sense if the Rams aren't sold on Bradford. But if they think Bradford is the franchise quarterback they want to build around, picking him is pretty easy to do.

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Doug from Washington, D.C., writes: Hey Mike, big fan of the blog and the Seahawks. I was just wondering why no one is talking about the Seahawks being interested in Jared Gaither? I understand that he's likely to fetch a high second-rounder, but couldn't the Hawks package their late second-rounder and a fourth- or fifth-round pick to grab a young left tackle with lots of upside?

Mike Sando: Thanks, Doug. Gaither is 6-foot-9 and 340 pounds. The Seahawks won't want someone that massive for their zone blocking scheme. Also, a young left tackle on the rise should be worth more than the price you outlined. Something isn't right with the Gaither picture. Any young starting tackle available for that price must have some drawbacks.

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Kenny from Spokane writes: It doesn't seem like Pete Carroll is making any major moves yet. In fact, it seems like he's getting rid of more players than he's adding. A lot of his deals so far haven't made any sense. One of the theories I have is that Carroll really wants Washington quarterback Jake Locker as the future of the Seahawks franchise, even if it means throwing away a season. Do you think this is on the back of Carroll's mind?

Mike Sando: No. New coaches identify players they do not want before they can add players they do want. Free agency doesn't provide many good opportunities for upgrades. The Seahawks will probably go young and build through the draft. This is a long-term rebuild.

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Lon from Okanogan, Wash., writes: Why does it seem like most people don't trust Pete Carroll and (general manager) John Schneider? Why are they so impatient about letting them have a chance to get something done? It seems to me that they deserve a chance to at least put a team on the field before people look to have them canned.

Mike Sando: Some people want immediate results. They want to feel as though the team is making progress every day of the offseason. It's not realistic. Of course, you can't single out only the fans. The Seahawks themselves fired Jim Mora after only one season.

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Travis from Socorro, N.M. writes: I can't help but think that the dethroning of Ndamukong Suh at No. 1 is, in some part, due to the 24/7 sports news cycle. Having the No. 1 pick pegged so early just doesn't build a story. I'm vaguely reminded of the Mario Williams/Reggie Bush 'controversy' -- which surprisingly went the 'safe' route, which would be a case where management diverged from the media as opposed to this draft, where there seems to be convergence between management and media. Thoughts?

Mike Sando: The Rams have hardly discouraged the Bradford talk. They've made roster moves suggesting they'll add a franchise quarterback. If they wanted to discourage the Bradford talk, they could have floated concerns about Bradford's health.

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Kevin from Sylmar, Calif., writes: Hey, Mike, I've seen you say that it is a good possibility that all the top-tier tackle prospects could be gone by the 13th pick. If you're right and C.J Spiller is gone as well, and let's say that the 49ers pick up someone like Joe Haden with the 13th pick and Sergio Kindle with the 17th pick, do you think that they go with a tackle in the second round? Or do you think that's too early for the second-tier of tackles and they should go with someone like Jahvid Best from Cal, who would be a change-of-pace that they could really use?

Mike Sando: I have wondered what would happen if the top four tackles were gone by No. 13. It does seem like a possibility. You're probably right in thinking there might not be a tackle worth the risk in the second round. A general manager I trust told me he thinks Rodger Saffold will also be part of the first-round group. At running back, Best could go in the first round if a team feels OK about his medical. They'll have a value judgment to make at tackle in the first round, I think. Someone will be there for them, but will the value line up?

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Spenser from Danville, Calif., writes: Hey Sando, with the release of Flozell Adams from the Dallas Cowboys, and the growing concern that there won't be a top-tier tackle available at pick No. 13 of the draft, why haven't the 49ers considered signing Flozell Adams? This team seems primed for a playoff run this year, and I think they could benefit from having a proven starter, like Adams. What do you think?

Mike Sando: That could be a move best left for after the draft. If the 49ers draft a tackle at No. 13 or even No. 17, Adams might not be worth what he would otherwise command.

The latest NFC West chat offered an opportunity to revisit Trent Dilfer's comments regarding the top quarterbacks in the 2010 NFL draft. Transcript here. Highlights below:

Joe (Charlotte): Dilfer says "(Colt) McCoy's competitiveness, leadership and athletic ability to extend plays will set him apart over time, Dilfer predicted". Does that mean Dilfer has hung around with (Jimmy) Clausen and (Sam) Bradford and knows how competitive each is or what leadership skills they have? Dilfer may be right in the end, but he seems to be making stuff up to fit his conclusions. Thoughts?

Mike Sando: I've known Trent Dilfer for nearly a decade and have picked his brain on these things over the years. One thing about him: He does his homework. He has studied the players. Like anyone, he has to try to set aside whatever personal feelings he might have. In this case, the rest of us can judge to what degree Dilfer's relationship with Colt McCoy -- they share an agent and have worked out together -- might be influencing his analysis. I don't think those things would dramatically affect what Dilfer saw in evaluating the players. He watched every snap multiple times. He knows the position well. The part you singled out -- the competitiveness, leadership and athletic ability -- might indeed be stronger in Dilfer's mind based on his relationship with McCoy. But there were enough other things to support his basic conclusion.

Taylor (Salt Lake City): Big Seahawks fan here, Mike. Love the blog and appreciate the updates. Question: What is the best case scenario for the Seahawks in round one? Gerald McCoy and C.J. Spiller? Russell Okung and Derrick Morgan? What combination would have the Seattle front office doing cartwheels? Thanks!

Mike Sando: I think the best-case scenario -- among at least somewhat realistic scenarios -- would be for Seattle to get the first or second offensive tackle at No. 6, then come back and get the best 4-3 pass-rushing defensive end, which could be Derrick Morgan if you believe the scouting reports.

mike (az): Bill Davis' comments a few days ago really frustrated me. I don't care about smokescreens or the fact that maybe he gave valuable insight into a very secretive process, but what I do care about is the Cards essentially once again admitted to drafting on need and not BPA. Sometimes this has worked out well for them (Beanie Wells, DRC recently) and sometimes it has failed (Levi Brown over Adrian Peterson, etc., Antrel Rolle to an extent). The best player they have ever drafted, Larry Fitzgerald, was the BPA and a position in which they really didn't need to upgrade. Ideally, BPA will meet need (and if it's close enough you go with need) but to reach for an ILB in the first few rounds when there really isn't a tremendous amount of talent there to me is ridiculous.

Mike Sando: You've got a good feel for how teams should prioritize things. It's easier to be a little more need-conscious later in the first round because you figure the talent gaps get smaller as the elite prospects come off the board. I thought the values matched with needs when Arizona selected Beanie Wells and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. The Cardinals do not deserve criticism for those picks. The 2007 year stands out as the year when Arizona's focus on needs backfired. The Cardinals took Levi Brown over Adrian Peterson because they needed a tackle and had recently invested heavily in Edgerrin James. They traded up in the second round to take Alan Branch because they needed a nose tackle. Those examples deserve some scrutiny. I think the Cardinals have done a better job recently. Also, it's unfair to criticize them for a move they have not yet made. If they reach for an inside linebacker, then we can revisit this subject.

Greg (SF): Hey Mike! Does it make any sense for the 49ers to stand pat with 13 and 17? They're so close together that it seems like it would be more valuable to trade back and get an extra pick. So, we still have two first rounders but we also get a pick later in the draft. And in addition, if Spiller and Mathews are still around, there have to be some teams that will be eager to trade up.

Mike Sando: On the other hand, teams drafting among the top 20 overall choices have selected 29 players with at least three Pro Bowls on their NFL resumes. Teams drafting after the 20th overall choice have found 19 such players. The 49ers might have a better chance getting an elite player staying where they're already picking.

There were a couple other questions/responses I might break out separately. Thanks for keeping the chat rolling. Good stuff today.

Sam Bradford showed up at the NFL combine a new man -- bigger, stronger, healthier.

The Oklahoma quarterback looked like the type of player an NFL team drafts first overall. He carried himself that way, too. His surgically repaired throwing shoulder has more than held up during subsequent workouts, including his pro day Monday. The already accurate Bradford seems to be throwing with even more authority than he showed previously.

"It's funny, what happens in a month," Steve Muench of Scouts Inc. said Tuesday. "I am very fascinated by the whole Bradford thing. He might be a very good pick at No. 1. I still think Ndamukong Suh is the safer choice."

Suh and fellow defensive tackle Gerald McCoy were the headliners in mid-February when Muench and NFL Draft Scout's Rob Rang gathered here to discuss the Rams' options with the first overall choice. As I wrote then, there wasn't much doubt about it:

Neither Rang nor Muench -- nor anyone else I've consulted -- has strongly projected anything other than Suh or McCoy for the Rams at No. 1. Both give Suh the slightest edge.

But when Rang released his latest mock draft Monday, Bradford was the top choice and increasingly the favorite. Muench, who previously said he would have "a very difficult time" taking Bradford first overall based on questions about his shoulder and Oklahoma's offensive scheme, now says he is "absolutely more comfortable" with Bradford at this stage.

The challenge now becomes separating perception from reality. How much has really changed?

"I have championed Suh for so long and it almost breaks my heart to go with someone other than him," Rang said Monday. "What has changed is my understanding of just how willing teams are to risk going for a non-sure thing at quarterback over a sure thing at another position. The reality is, unless the Rams want to win 4-5 games next year and the year after that, then sooner or later you have to get a quarterback."

(Read full post)

» NFC History: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

» Draft Watch: Biggest needs (2/17) | Busts/gems (2/24) | Schemes, themes (3/3) | Recent history (3/10) | Needs revisited (3/17) | Under-the-radar needs (3/26) | History in that spot (3/31) | Draft approach (4/7) | Decision-makers (4/14) | Dream scenario/Plan B (4/21)

Each week leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today’s topic: History in that spot.

St. Louis Rams

The Rams' decision at No. 1 will likely come down to quarterback Sam Bradford or defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy.

NFL teams have taken three quarterbacks first overall in the past five years. Alex Smith (49ers, 2005) has been mostly disappointing, although he has shown signs of progress lately. JaMarcus Russell (Raiders, 2007) is looking like a flat-out bust. Matthew Stafford (Lions, 2009) hasn't played long enough for anyone to know.

The Rams won't find much comfort in analyzing defensive tackles taken first overall lately. NFL teams haven't drafted one first overall since the Bengals selected "Big Daddy" Dan Wilkinson in 1994.

Nine of the last 15 top picks were quarterbacks. Four were linemen. One was a running back. One was a receiver.

Seattle Seahawks

The sixth overall choice is high enough for Seattle to select the top-rated player at one of the less important positions. That's what the Redskins did when they drafted safety LaRon Landry sixth in 2007 and what the 49ers did when they chose tight end Vernon Davis sixth a year earlier.

The alternative could be selecting the second-rated player at one of the marquee positions. Andre Smith (Bengals, 2009) was the second offensive tackle selected in his class. Vernon Gholston (Jets, 2008) was the second defensive end in his class, though he became a 3-4 outside linebacker in the NFL.

It's also possible the Seahawks could find the first offensive tackle or defensive end available at No. 6. The probably won't look for a cornerback that early. Adam "Pacman" Jones (Titans, 2005) was the last corner taken sixth overall.

The Seahawks also hold the 14th overall choice. Three of the last five players taken in that spot were defensive backs, including the Jets' sensational Darrelle Revis. The Bears found the third-rated tackle at No. 14 when they drafted Chris Williams in 2008, but Seattle probably will not have that option in this draft. Too many teams ahead of the Seahawks could be targeting tackles. It's one reason Seattle could take one sixth.

San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers could use an offensive tackle. The 13th overall choice hasn't been particularly lucky at the position. The Saints' Jammal Brown, chosen 13th in 2005, is the only offensive lineman selected in the spot since the Houston Oilers drafted Brad Hopkins in 1993.

Relatively few offensive linemen have gone between the 11th and 16th picks during that time.

The last four picks at No. 13: defensive end Brian Orakpo (Redskins, 2009), running back Jonathan Stewart (Panthers, 2008), defensive lineman Adam Carriker (Rams, 2007), defensive end Kamerion Wimbley (Browns, 2006). Orakpo and Wimbley are 3-4 outside linebackers. The 49ers could use another one of those.

San Francisco also holds the 17th overall choice. Guard Steve Hutchinson (Seahawks, 2001) was the last true star taken in that slot. More recently, defensive ends Jarvis Moss (Broncos, 2007) and David Pollack (Bengals, 2005) haven't panned out. Moss reportedly contemplated retirement amid struggles adapting to a 3-4 scheme last season. A neck injury forced Pollack into retirement before he had a chance to develop.

Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals could use another linebacker and they could do much worse than finding a player as good as Clay Matthews, who went to Green Bay at No. 26 last year.

The 26th spot, which also produced potential Hall of Famers Alan Faneca and Ray Lewis years ago, hasn't been as kind to other teams recently.

Tackle Duane Brown (Texans, 2008), defensive end Anthony Spencer (Cowboys, 2007), defensive tackle John McCargo (Bills, 2006), center Chris Spencer (Seahawks, 2005) were 26th overall picks.

The Cardinals can't do much worse than the 49ers have fared at No. 26. San Francisco drafted tackle Kwame Harris (2006) and quarterback Jim Druckenmiller (1997) in that spot.

Sam Bradford, Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy would fit the college conference profile for first-round choices taken by Billy Devaney's teams over the last two decades.

All three are from the Big 12 and all three could be candidates for the St. Louis Rams to draft first overall.

Devaney, the Rams' general manager, has been with teams that drafted 11 players in the first round. The chart breaks down those picks by conference and decade.

Five of the 11 were from the Pac-10, with two apiece from the SEC, ACC and Big 12 (using current conference affiliations).

Devaney's teams have not drafted a Big Ten player in the first round since he entered the NFL with San Diego in 1990. The rest of the league has drafted 119 from the ACC, 110 from the SEC, 100 from the Big Ten, 79 from the Pac-10 and 66 from the Big 12. Again, those numbers reflect current conference affiliations.

I'll break down Devaney's teams' first-round choices by conference:

• Pac-10: Kwame Harris (49ers), Andre Carter (49ers), Ryan Leaf (Chargers), Darrien Gordon (Chargers), Junior Seau (Chargers)
• Big 12: Jason Smith (Rams), Stanley Richard (Chargers)
• SEC: Jamaal Anderson (Falcons), Chris Mims (Chargers)
• ACC: Chris Long (Rams), Mike Rumph (49ers)

After the first round, Devaney's teams have favored the SEC (22), ACC (20), Big Ten (16) and Big 12 (15).

Hugh from Monterey, Calif., writes: Mike, you've been great about sharing stats and files. Last week, Kevin Seifert provided the average salaries of the top five players at most positions (the median would actually be a better stat for a small sample). Do you know what the rough average salary is by position?

Because the value chart gives owners a sense about fairness of trades, and agents use it to tie to salaries, it raises the issue for my prospective draft of what would be deemed a good value pick over a need pick?

For example, I see Ndamukong Suh, Gerald McCoy and C.J. Spiller falling because of need, and Sam Bradford rising, making the first pair enticing value picks. So, if a team has value options on their turn, but they have to pay for that value, which directions might they choose based on position value?

Sorry if that took so long to ask. As always, love the blog and thanks for the stats (stats make for informed judgments).

Mike Sando: Interesting question. I have published franchise and transition values and will make them available in a chart below. I think those can be helpful in determining a position-by-position pecking order even extending beyond the very highest salaries. Those should tell us pretty reliably which positions NFL teams value the most.

Teams pay a premium for players chosen among the top five and probably even top 10 choices. We then should ask how the prices paid near the top of the draft affect salaries relative to the highest-paid veteran players at the positions in question. That would shed light on which positions could be more cost-effective from a drafting standpoint.

This is where a quarterback can become a value choice early. The money the Lions are paying Matthew Stafford is more than they would have to pay a player drafted at another position, but it's less than what the very best veteran quarterbacks earn. The money teams would pay for defensive tackles drafted that early would be greater relative to what the top veteran defensive tackles earn, simply because veteran defensive tackle isn't valued nearly as high as quarterback.

Suh or McCoy will command disproportionately high salaries for defensive tackles precisely because they'll be drafted so early, even if that price is cheaper than what a quarterback would cost in total dollars. In other words, the premium paid atop the draft could disproportionately distort values for players at positions teams do not value as much otherwise.

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Kevin from San Diego writes: Listening to Jim Mora on 710ESPN with Kevin Calabro, do you think he regrets choosing the Seahawks over the Huskies when he had the chance? He says he's trying to prepare for either NFL or college. Your thoughts?

Mike Sando: Mora made the right decision at the time. This was probably his only chance to become Seahawks coach, whereas the University of Washington job could become available to him at some point in the future, based on his profile in the community here and his history with the university.

And yet there's no question in my mind that Mora must feel horrible about what might have been a missed opportunity. He gets dumped by the Seahawks after one season, then has to watch Steve Sarkisian enjoy success at his alma mater. That cannot be fun, although the millions he's receiving from the Seahawks would have to help.

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Will from Cincinnati writes: My question is concerning next year's draft affecting this one. If Ndamukong Suh is regarded as the best defensive tackle in the last 30 years and Jake Locker was supposedly rated higher than Jimmy Clausen and Sam Bradford, then why don't the Rams take Suh and try to grab Locker next year?

The Lions drafted Stafford before addressing other needs and he's simply gotten injured and hasn't performed much. I know Peyton Manning had a rough first year, but what are your thoughts on the Rams building a team so that when Locker comes in, he has a good supporting cast to help him transition? Thanks. I greatly appreciate your time.

Mike Sando: You're welcome. If the Rams are picking first in 2011 without a franchise quarterback onboard, they'll probably have new football leadership. We already know they'll have a new owner, most likely. I don't think the current football leadership can afford to take such a chance. Also, there's no guarantee Locker would be available in a year, or that he'll even be healthy.

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Kevin from San Francisco writes: Mike, love the blog. I saw an interesting tidbit about outgoing officiating director Mike Pereira in this week's MMQB:

"He believes he could train the team year-round in penalty prevention, working with the coaching staff on what makes officials reach for the flag on touchy calls like pass-interference, and then be in the coaches booth on Sunday upstairs telling the head coach when to throw the challenge flag."

Given the Cardinals' somewhat rocky history with penalties despite Ken Whisenhunt's effort to cut them down, what would you think about the Cardinals being the team to try this? They already have a low number of assistants and should have room to grow. They also are relatively close to Central California, which is where Pereira wants to be near.

I think the Cardinals may be in a good position to take a chance, especially one with such little downside. And yes, I'm sending this hoping to start the rumors, because I'd love for it to happen.

Mike Sando: There's no penalty for passing along the idea, Kevin. I've given penalties some thought and think it comes down to a combination of factors.

Some players simply commit more penalties than other players. Sometimes a head coach comes in and penalties drop consistently for years to come. That was the case during Mike Holmgren's tenure in Seattle.

Could someone with Pereira's credentials help a team? Probably. Teams already bring in officials to work practices and meet with players during training camp. Perhaps re-emphasis during the season would help.

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Jon from Winnipeg writes: Hey Mike, longtime Rams fan. Enjoy reading your work. If the Rams do draft Sam Bradford, who is going to be the quarterback to mentor him in the beginning of his NFL career? A.J. Feeley? Marc Bulger?

This looks like yet another situation where a quality QB coming out of college will not amount to anything because a proper plan is not in place to guide and help him become successful. Do the Rams have a plan?

Mike Sando: Yes, the Rams have a plan. That plan is for Feeley to mentor Bradford if the team does indeed select Bradford. It's a huge upset if Bulger sticks around for another year under any circumstance. His salary is $8.5 million and the organization does not see him as a leader to build around. The Rams' moves in recent weeks suggest the team is preparing to draft Bradford.

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Ross from Moses Lake, Wash., writes: Hey Mike, love the mailbags and keep up the good work. Everyone says we got Charlie Whitehurst because he's young and hasn't thrown in a single regular-season NFL game and that way we can mold him and he can take over for Matt Hasselbeck.

Whatever happened to Mike Teel? He played a coupla preseason games last year and looked real good. He's the same size and build as Whitehurst but three years younger. He hasn't played any regular-season games, so we could shape him to take over for Hasselbeck. Plus, it wouldn't have cost us any picks.

Just wondering what your take is on Teel and why Seattle doesn't think he would be the No. 2 quarterback.

Mike Sando: Whitehurst's pedigree has benefited from extended time under Norv Turner. Whitehurst was valued as a third-round choice out of college, considerably higher than where Teel was valued. Those could be a couple things working in Whitehurst's favor, but when you look at Whitehurst's credentials, it's tough to make a strong case for him. This is a situation where the Seahawks are saying, "Trust me," and there isn't any way to know for sure whether Whitehurst will pan out.

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Rudy from Chandler, Ariz., writes: Hey Sando, the Cardinals have signed both Joey Porter and Derek Anderson, and both were once prime-time players. With Porter getting old and and Derek coming off two mediocre seasons, I'm not thinking the bleeding is stopped. What else can the Cardinals do to stop the bleeding of this horrific offseason?

Mike Sando: There's nothing they can do to bring back Kurt Warner. There's no savior out there in free agency. The Cardinals need to have another strong draft and continue to develop their younger players. There are no shortcuts.

The bleeding has stopped, though. Their priority free agents are either restricted, re-signed or already gone. They'll need to address the situation at kicker, which could entail bringing back Neil Rackers. But the significant moves appear done.

» NFC Needs Revisited: East | West | North | South » AFC: East | West | North | South

» Draft Watch: Biggest needs (2/17) | Busts/gems (2/24) | Schemes, themes (3/3) | Recent history (3/10) | Needs revisited (3/17) | Under-the-radar needs (3/26) | History in that spot (3/31) | Draft approach (4/7) | Decision-makers (4/14) | Dream scenario/Plan B (4/21)

Each Wednesday leading up to the NFL draft (April 22-24), the ESPN.com blog network will take a division-by-division look at key aspects of the draft. Today’s topic: Biggest needs revisited.

Arizona Cardinals

Losing Karlos Dansby in free agency and not signing Larry Foote left the Cardinals with a need at inside linebacker even though Paris Lenon's addition helped some.

Safety could have been another concern, but the Cardinals acted quickly to replace Antrel Rolle with Kerry Rhodes. The Cardinals also protected themselves on the offensive line by adding guard Rex Hadnot and re-signing tackle Jeremy Bridges. Those moves bought some flexibility in the draft.

The Cardinals aren't picking early enough to seriously consider landing a franchise quarterback, although that could be a position of need even after the team signs a veteran to push Matt Leinart. Leinart's contract balloons in value in 2011.

Arizona still could stand to bolster its defensive line in the draft, particularly at nose tackle.

San Francisco 49ers

The opening weeks of free agency have only confirmed the 49ers' needs on the offensive line. It's important for the team to find a starting right tackle. A starter or at least quality depth at guard would also help.

Offensive tackle was a draft need even before Tony Pashos signed with Cleveland and Barry Sims scheduled a visit with the Redskins. Sims has had value as a swing tackle. Pashos provided more depth even though he was one-dimensional as a right tackle only

Cornerback remains an obvious position for the 49ers to target in the draft. They've relied on older veterans at the position in recent seasons. Nate Clements' long-term future with the team is in some question. The 49ers haven't addressed the position in free agency. The draft awaits.

Finally, the 49ers have been visiting with free-agent linebacker Akin Ayodele. Signing Ayodele would give the team welcome veteran depth at inside linebacker behind Patrick Willis and Takeo Spikes. That type of signing would address a potential draft need.

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks' needs have become more obvious since the free-agent signing period opened. Deon Grant's release left Jordan Babineaux and Jamar Adams as the only safeties under contract. That's a position the Seahawks need to address, probably in the draft.

Existing needs included offensive tackle, guard, quarterback, defensive end and cornerback.

Seattle could sensibly address the need at guard by signing a veteran free agent such as Ben Hamilton, who has experience in line coach Alex Gibbs' system. The Seahawks' interest in Chargers backup quarterback Charlie Whitehurst could lead to a trade that would address another need.

The team is different but not necessarily better at defensive end after sending Darryl Tapp to the Eagles for Chris Clemons and a 2010 fourth-round choice. Defensive end remains a need as Seattle tries to improve its pass rush.

St. Louis Rams

The Rams' draft scenarios came into clearer focus when the team signed A.J. Feeley as its No. 2 quarterback before adding defensive tackle Fred Robbins.

The moves set up the Rams to select a quarterback first overall if Sam Bradford appeals to them. Feeley could mentor Bradford while Robbins provided needed muscle on defense (the Rams would be bypassing defensive tackles Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy under this scenario).

The Rams haven't upgraded their front-line talent in free agency. Their core draft needs remain. Losing pass-rushers Leonard Little and/or James Hall in free agency would accentuate the immediate need for help in that area. The Saints might have interest in one or both.

Placing the lowest tender on restricted free agent Oshiomogho Atogwe showed the Rams could be willing to part with him. Losing him would create another need along with linebacker. The Rams have shown interest in veteran linebacker Na'il Diggs, but they need more young talent at the position and the draft could help.

Tom from Orange County, Calif., writes: Mike, longtime Rams fan. Thanks for the coverage. Trade question for you: What do you think about Adam Carriker and the 33rd pick to Kansas City for Glenn Dorsey? Both players have not lived up to expectations and are playing out of position. Each could use a change of scenery.

Dorsey gives the Rams the potential game-changing tackle that they need, and justifies the Sam Bradford pick at No. 1. Carriker gives Kansas City the end the Chiefs need in the 3-4, and what is turning out to be a very valuable 33rd pick. Thanks for taking the question.

Mike Sando: Good thinking, Tom. I don't know if the Rams would value Dorsey high enough to make that move, but if they thought he could basically be close to Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy, why not? The quick reaction would be to dismiss any such comparisons, claiming Suh and McCoy are much better prospects. But a lot of prospects look better before they line up against NFL players week after week. Dorsey was considered a top-five talent when he entered the draft.

Here is what Scouts Inc. said about Dorsey when he was coming out of college:

"A squatty defensive tackle prospect with a thick build and very good quickness. Anticipates the snap well, explodes out of his stance and generally will win one-on-one battles with his initial burst. He plays with a non-stop motor. Stays active, using swim and rip moves to get off of blocks when necessary. Displays good upper-body power and the ability to knock linemen back on their heels with initial pop. Does a fine job of locating the ball once he's in the backfield and flashes good change-of-direction skills for his position. A powerful tackler when he can line up a hit. Also does a better job of taking on blocks in the run game than he gets credit for. He can be washed out by some bigger OL, but generally does a good job of staying low and holding his ground when asked to."

Durability concerns were singled out as the primary weakness. Dorsey has played in 31 of 32 games with the Chiefrs, starting 30 of them. The Scouts Inc. report said Dorsey would fit best in a one-gap scheme that would allow him to get upfield and disrupt offenses. The Rams are running that type of scheme. The Chiefs are not. You're right in suggesting that Carriker could fit better at end in a 3-4 scheme. Durability is a big concern with him, but that 33rd overall choice would have to tempt the Chiefs.

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Michael From Lynchburg, Va., writes: Why or what is Seattle waiting on? They need running backs, defensive backs, offensive linemen, a wide receiver, but no movement. Is the draft going to be their best bet?

I have been a fan since 1983, and since then I have seen draft pick after draft pick be a bust. Thomas Jones would have been good for us. Chester Taylor could have helped and Brandon Marshall would definitely be an upgrade from Deion Branch and Nate Burleson. I think Darren Sharper or Antrel Rolle would have been good for us, or Anquan Boldin at wide receiver. I would just be happy with some kind of movement.

Mike Sando: It's human nature for fans to crave action once the signing period begins, but a lot of money has been spent foolishly in free agency over the years. The Redskins will be paying a $21 million bonus to Albert Hayensworth shortly and he might not even fit the scheme they are implementing.

It's also human nature for general manager and coach to undervalue the players they inherit. The Seahawks' previous leadership might have been more aggressive in keeping Burleson. I also think former general manager Tim Ruskell would have been more aggressive in free agency. That doesn't mean being aggressive in free agency would have necessarily served the team well, however.

This was a very weak free-agent class packed with aging, declining veterans. As I tweeted Saturday, there were 156 unrestricted free agents left and 139 would be 30 or older come September.

Seattle did finally add a tight end in Chris Baker (not a UFA, but rather a player whose contract was terminated). I thought the Seahawks might have been a little more aggressive in this signing period, given their needs and coach Pete Carroll's desire to improve quickly. But I also realize Carroll and general manager John Schneider want to go young. That's tough to do through free agency when so many of the younger players failed to hit the market as UFAs thanks to the current labor situation.

The team will probably sign an offensive lineman or two. Ben Hamilton could make sense. He lost his job in Denver largely because the Broncos were changing to a scheme that did not fit him. The Seahawks are adopting the scheme Hamilton ran for years.

The Marshall situation could take time to play out. There's no sense in the Seahawks bidding against themselves. They can afford to wait on that one, probably.

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Edward from Tempe writes: Sando, you mentioned in your NFC West Draft Watch that selecting Alan Branch in 2007 was a mistake; he was the first selection in the second round that year. He missed a few games his first year but then played the remainder. He might not be what the Cardinals had hoped, but do you see him more now as a situational position player? I mean, he has shown some signs of life this past year, so maybe not all is lost.

Mike Sando: Drafting Branch didn't give the Cardinals a reliable nose tackle. The pick was a "mistake" from that standpoint. He did show some promise playing defensive end. All is not lost. And when you look at the players drafted immediately after Branch that year -- Paul Posluszny, Arron Sears, Kevin Kolb, Eric Weddle, Zach Miller, Justin Blalock, John Beck, Chris Houston, Tony Ugoh, Drew Stanton -- it's not like all were home runs.

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Scott from Maryland writes: Do you think the Niners could trade away their 17th pick this year and first-rounder next year to the Browns for their first-rounder? If the Rams take Sam Bradford, there could be a good chance that Eric Berry falls to the Browns' pick. However, the Browns have so many holes and Mike Holmgren is familiar with the Niners. I think it could benefit both teams.

Mike Sando: Would that be the best use of draft capital for the 49ers, though? They would have no first-rounder in 2011, just to move up 10 spots? I wouldn't give away that future pick.

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Joe stationed in Germany writes: Sando, love the blog. One of the best sources of info on the net. Please keep up the great work. With the Colts releasing Ryan Lilja, can the 49ers maybe use him? I know we really need an offensive tackle, but seems they are in need of depth and talent on the offensive line over all. I Think Lilja has proved the injury is better after a full season of starting and he has experience. My only concern is that the Colts were not a running team, but he has got to be a good pass protector. That and I was hoping for something better than David Carr for us in the free agency. Just some thoughts. What do you think?

Mike Sando: Thanks for the support, Joe, and your service. Lilja doesn't fit the 49ers' profile for offensive linemen because he's a smaller guy, listed at about 290 pounds. I just don't see him fitting what they want. At quarterback, the 49ers decided to trade what they knew -- Shaun Hill -- for a bit of a wild card in Carr. I understand their desire to shake up the position. They had tried Hill and decided he wouldn't be the starter. Could they have done better than Carr? I'm with you a little bit. Not expecting very good things from him.

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Cal from Daly City, Calif., writes: What are the NFL rules on signing multiple restricted free agents? if a team wanted to, could they sign two RFAs, both with a first-round tender attached? If so, how do they work out the draft picks involved?

Mike Sando: A team could sign more than one RFA only if it had its own first-round choice and a better first-round choice available as compensation.

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Blazzinhawk from Spokane, Wash., writes: Why not trade Deion Branch and the 14th to denver for Brandon Marshall and a third-rounder? Sounds good to me.

Mike Sando: My initial thoughts also focused on a way for Seattle to recoup a third-round choice, given that the team does not own one. Your proposal would allow the Broncos to get back their own first-rounder as well. Your proposal assumes the Broncos would do such a deal. I think Seattle might be waiting to see if the price is lower.

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Eri from Los Angeles writes: What would you say percentage-wise is the Rams' chances of landing Michael Vick? And why do I hear Donovan McNabb as an option for the Rams as well?

Mike Sando: Looks like the Vick-to-St. Louis chatter has gone away. I wonder if the pending ownership change has diminished the team's interest. On McNabb, I still do not believe Andy Reid wants to trade him.

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Jerry from Mishawaka, Ind., writes: Mike, I've read that Denver is not negotiating with any team to trade Brandon Marshall. If that's the case, then Seattle should find a team from the 12 to 23 range to trade the sixth overall pick to for that team's first-round pick and a second- or third-round pick, depending on the value of that team's first-round pick.

Then sign Marshall to an offer sheet. Denver gets the pick it wants for him, Seattle comes out on top with Marshall and the Seahawks don't have to pay the cash for a sixth overall player, plus Seattle still has three picks in the first three rounds , and the team that got that sixth pick could get a player to replace what they lost.

Green Bay comes to mind in this scenario becaause most GMs like to work out trades with their former teams. Also, Green Bay could use the sixth overall pick to draft a defensive end to replace Kampan. What are your thoughts?

Mike Sando: The effort is appreciated, but there would be a few problems with such a scenario. One, rules require teams to possess their own pick or a better pick in the relevant round before signing a restricted free agent. Two, most teams would rather pick 12th through 23rd instead of sixth. Third, Green Bay in particular wouldn't want to move up that high, in my view. Their general manager, Ted Thompson, seems to prefer moving back to add picks (the Packers have drafted a league-high 51 players since Thompson took over in 2005).

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Michael from Midland, Texas writes: Hey Sando, As an avid 49ers fan in the heart of Cowboys country, I just want to thank you for your solid coverage of the 9ers. I just wanted to bounce some ideas off of you in terms of draft/free agent acquisitions.

By my way of thinking, the 49ers have three key needs to make them a playoff contender: right Tackle, inside linebacker to pair with Patrick Willis and a cornerback to start opposite Shawntae Spencer. I know a lot of talking is being made of finding a dynamic return man, but I consider that more of a luxury than an absolute need.

Anyway, enough preamble. My actual question is, what do you think are the chances of the 49ers emerging from the first two rounds of the draft with some combo of Trent Williams/Bruce Campbell/Mike Iupati, Eric Berry/Taylor Mays and Devin McCourty/Kareem Jackson?

Also, do you know if the 49ers are taking any looks at Larry Foote or Pisa Tinoisamoa? Seems like either of those guys would be a good fit at will linebacker for the 49ers and we could probably get them relatively cheap.

Mike Sando: Thanks for the support. Good questions, too. Would Foote be better than Takeo Spikes at this point? That could be a consideration. Tinoisamoa seems too small to fit in a 3-4 defense. He goes about 230 pounds.

I could see Williams and possibly even Iupati. Berry would seemingly be gone by the time the 49ers selected. Mays could be there, but I'm not sure where teams are going to value him. He seems like a higher-risk player, but the measurables could appeal from a pure personnel standpoint.

The corners you mentioned sound promising. Jackson would be the bigger of the two, and that could be important to the 49ers. San Francisco is past due to draft a cornerback somewhere relatively early. General manager Scot McCloughan's teams haven't drafted a cornerback in the first two rounds since 2003 (Marcus Trufant, when McCloughan was with Seattle).

Don't forget about quarterback as a potential need, too. Alex Smith and David Carr aren't exactly perennial Pro Bowl players.

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Mike from Seattle writes: Hey Mike, just wanted to say keep up the good work and I really appreciate on how quickly you update your stuff. Well, I have a quick question that you can clear up for me. I thought Mike Holmgren was hired to be the president of football operations, and he retained the current coaching staff. I was just curious why he made a trade for Seneca Wallace, unless he wants him at Wildcat. I was just wondering why there are articles that was written that Holmgren wanted Seneca because he knows the offense.

Mike Sando: I keep forgetting that Holmgren isn't coaching the team and I have a feeling I'm not the only one. Holmgren is a coach at heart. I even asked him at the combine how in the world he would be able to watch another coach run practice. He joked about having hired two security guards to restrain him in case his instincts take over and he feels the urge to run out there and blow a whistle.

Holmgren does want the Browns to run his offense. His offensive coordinator in Seattle, Gil Haskell, is already onboard in Cleveland. One of his other trusted offensive coaches, Keith Gilbertson, is also there. None of us should be surprised if Holmgren is coaching the team in another year or two.

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Ryan from Puyallup, Wash., writes: Hey Sando, here's a kicker question for ya. Are the Cardinals planning on moving on from Neil Rackers? he's a free agent and I figured the cardinals would have resigned him. Minus the playoffs, where I belive his groin injury was still affecting him, he is a really good, reliable kicker. You think that they are just planning on drafting a kicker in the late rounds?

Mike Sando: The Cardinals would probably go in another direction if Rackers demanded a lucrative deal. Coach Ken Whisenhunt was clearly not happy with Rackers' injury situation in the playoffs, indicating he thought Rackers was healthier than Rackers wound up being. Re-signing Rackers does not appear to be a priority, although I think he could come back for the right price.