Chicago Bears, C: Hmmmm. Runner and receiver were the needs, but they took linebacker John Thierry and said: Hey, you'll like defensive end. And then they bid goodbye to Richard Dent, who joined Steve McMichael in exile. No. 2 pick, guard-tackle Marcus Spears, is a project.
Dallas Cowboys, C: Get off Jerry Jones' case about one thing: Arizona State end Shante Carver is a find--especially if he is locked in the weight room for the next two months. But the Cowboys didn't need to trade up to get him. Second-rounder Larry Allen, a guard from Sonoma State, needs to lose a few pounds and strengthen his shoulder but was worth taking at 46.
Green Bay Packers, C: The debate: Was a blue-chip offensive lineman, Aaron Taylor, worth taking at No. 16 for a team with a decent line? Or should the Pack have taken one of the wide receivers at 16 or their original spot -- No. 20? Conclusion pending, but we're inclined to say Charles Johnson would have been a great complement to Shannon Sharpe.
New Orleans Saints, C: They had to get quality defensive-line help, but some rears are on the line about whether Joe Johnson fits that definition. Would rate lower except running back Mario Bates, the No. 2, might be a steal and quarterback Doug Nussmeier is an intriguing No. 4 choice.
Los Angeles Rams, C: They got all fouled up with the Alvin Harper trade talks, and an intraoffice debate over whether to stay at No. 5 and take Trent Dilfer. Ended up dropping twice, landing at No. 15 and taking a fine tackle, Wayne Gandy. Bottom line: Chuck Knox is sticking with his basics and staking his job on it. Under the circumstances, not a bad pick. If No. 2, receiver Isaac Bruce, is a find, the Rams can claim redemption.
Indianapolis Colts, D: Imagine what could have been--the game-breaking running back, Marshall Faulk, and Trent Dilfer, the QB so desperately needed after the trading of Jeff George. Instead, they settled on Trev Alberts after moving up to the fifth spot. The Colts already have a good linebacking corps, and Alberts isn't such a compelling prospect that the Colts could afford to turn their backs on Dilfer.
Atlanta Falcons, Incomplete: The No. 1 went for Jeff George and a No. 2 was used as the first part of a two-year payment for Chris Doleman. They need linebacker help, and fourth-rounder Mitch Davis was the only one picked.
Denver Broncos, Truant: They used a No. 2 on linebacker Allen Aldridge, a No. 4 on cornerback Randy Fuller, and they had three No. 7s. On draft days, they pay the price for their hyperactivity on the free-agency front.
