Date: 30 Jul 2000 Subject: Team Payments due.Just a friendly reminder that your team fees are due by this Tuesday, August 1. (first payment due, if making payments) Here is the link : http://www.dreamsports.com/payment-2.htm (this message is going out to everyone, so if your team(s) are paid up, please disregard) ------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 27 Jul 2000 Subject: Notes ... Some important notes to all Team Owners : * * New link now on your league web pages, "E-mail archives". You can see it by starting here:(always start at this link or the Owners page) http://www.dreamsports.com/fb-frame.htm * * The deadline for week #1 free agent requests is Aug 30. The players you pick up ARE available as starters or backups for week #1. - The selection order for Free Agents during the season goes in reverse order of the current year-to-date points scored by each team. - For new leagues, the free agent order for week #1 will be Team # 4-6-9-12-5-1-3-8-10-11-7-2. - For existing leagues, the free agent order for week #1 is the reverse order of last year's final results. * * Help now available for "Waivers" : You can see it by starting here:(always start at this link or the Owners page) http://www.dreamsports.com/fb-frame.htm Click on your league name. Click on the "Step-by-step instructions" link. Go down to "Waivers" Click on the "Waivers help" link. * * When e-mailing us with a question or concern, please include your team and league name. We get many e-mails that say for example: "Why didn't I get Aikman" ??? (no other info) "Is it my turn to pick ?" (no other info) -------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 19 Jul 2000 Subject: E-mail address info To all Owners : * * Please remember * * - If you CHANGE your e-mail address on your league web page, please let us know. We keep a separate file when we need to e-mail all owners at once for information, latest Fantasy Football news, etc. This file contains the e-mail address you used when you signed up. As long as you continue to check that one, even if you changed the league web pages to another e-mail address, there should be no problem. Until we get a message back saying your old e-mail is "bad", or "undeliverable", we will assume you are getting our messages. ----------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Waivers Date : 18 Jul 00 * You won't be able to pick up any Waivers (free agents) until week #1 of the season. (deadline for week #1 free agent requests is Aug 30. The players you pick up ARE available as starters or backups for week #1) * Until the season starts, to drop a player, just tell us the league, team and player(s). ** Change * * * Note: Two items that might stop a trade from going through: - If you or the other Owner try to submit a trade involving players that are on one of your starting line ups. - If the trade you are proposing gives the other team too many players. (over 19) In this case, propose the trade by e-mail to each other, then both owners forward the e-mail to us when trade agreed on by both teams. ------------------------------------------------------------ Subject: Draft Date : 17 Jul 00 For new leagues, the draft will last for 19 rounds, and will be in a "serpentine" style, with the 1st round order of : Team # 2-7-11-10-8-3-1-5-12-9-6-4. Teams are randomly assigned their team # by our computers. 1st pick - Northern Division team (Team 2) 2nd pick - Central Division team (Team 7) 3rd pick - Southern Division team (Team 11) 4th pick - Southern Division team (Team 10) 5th pick - Central Division team (Team 8) 6th pick - Northern Division team (Team 3) 7th pick - Northern Division team (Team 1) 8th pick - Central Division team (Team 5) 9th pick - Southern Division team (Team 12) 10th pick - Southern Division team (Team 9) 11th pick - Central Division team (Team 6) 12th pick - Northern Division team (Team 4) --------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: Timer Date : 16 Jul 00 Now that you are into the 2nd round, we have turned draft timer on to 36 hours. You now have a maximum of 36 hours to make a pick. (but please keep up the good pace). * * Please note - If you are "skipped", you lose that spot. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Subject: E-mail changes Date : 16 Jul 00 To all Owners : * * Please remember * * - If you CHANGE your e-mail address on your league web page, please let us know. We keep a separate file when we need to e-mail all owners at once for information, latest Fantasy Football news, etc. This file contains the e-mail address you used when you signed up. As long as you continue to check the email you signed up with, even if you changed the league web pages to another e-mail address, there should be no problem. Until we get a message back saying your old e-mail is "bad", or "undeliverable", we will assume you are getting our messages. ---------------------------------------------------------------- Date : 16 Jul 00 Subject: Free agent draft notes Hello all, The next (and last) 2 pre-season Free Agent rounds officially starts tomorrow, July 17. New Features: * Draft Report page updated instantly after each pick is made. * Rosters are updated instantly after each pick is made. * Each pick made is automatically e-mailed to each team owner in that league. * The pick notification e-mail also states which team is "on-the-clock". * The Pre-Draft option works to automatically make your selection when it is your turn. * Below is some information and links to help you out. Remember to always start here: http://www.dreamsports.com/fb-owners.htm or here: http://www.dreamsports.com/fb-frame.htm * This is an IMPORTANT link here, please be sure to see it, maybe even print it out : Rules, Step-by-step help for the draft : http://www.dreamsports.com/pre-season-draft-help.htm * Your roster limit is 19 players, it is up to you how many players you want at each position. (however we do recommend the following : QB-4, RB-5, WR/TE-6, K-2, DT-2) Good luck to all of you, and don't hesitate to ask anything ! NOTE : We will NOT be using the "clock timer" during the 1st round, so that everyone can get used to the system, and the pre-draft function. --------------------------------------------------------------- Date : 13 Jul 00 Subject: More "General help" 1- Always be sure to start at one of these two links. This way you will stay "inside" the Dream Sports frame, while you go through all of your league web pages. (this is especially helpfull if you have more than one team) http://www.dreamsports.com/fb-owners.htm or http://www.dreamsports.com/fb-frame.htm - - - - - - - 2 - Remember, from your Rulebook : (it's up to YOU how many players you want at each position) * Your Roster will contain 19 spots. We recommend a minimum of QB's-4, RB's-5, WR's-6, K-2, DT-2. Your Starters are : QB's=1, RB's=2, WR's/ TE's=3, K=1, DT=1. - - - - - - - 3 - You have 2 choices / types of e-mail that will be sent to you from the league webpages (draft updates, transactions, etc) HTML or Plain Text. To change your preference : Go to "Franchise Setup" To set up your Franchise : (change Team name, change your e-mail address, change your password, change your e-mail option to html or plain text, etc.) Click on the starting point : http://www.dreamsports.com/fb-frame.htm Click on your league. Click on the "Franchise setup" link. On the next page, click on "Franchise setup" and "your team name". Click on the "go" button. (enter password first, unless you told your browser to remember it) ----------------------------------------------------------------- Date : 13 Jul 00 Subject: Drafting help * * Please DO NOT use the "LIVE DRAFT" mode button when drafting. This is only an option for leagues conducting their draft all at one time. If you use this mode, the other Owners are NOT notified of your selection, nor who is on-the-clock. For "example", when you click "Draft" and "your team name", you will see this : Don Shula League Draft You may switch to "Live Draft" Mode. * * (DO NOT use this button) * * Warning: Email regarding picks made is not sent to other franchise owners in "Live Draft" mode. Current Roster: Manning, Peyton QB IND Round: 1 Pick: 11 Waiting For: Texas Blowflies On Deck: N.M. Mule Skinners Please Pre-Draft for future rounds to help speed up the draft Wombats Pre-Draft Picks * * * USE THIS to make your selection, or pre-picks : * * * Please Select Several Players And Teams Below Hint: Press and Hold the Control Key on your keyboard to select multiple items from this list. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Date : 9 Jul 00 Subject: Help info TRADING PLAYERS - Help information *This is also available at all times on your league web page here: http://www.dreamsports.com/fb-frame.htm Note : Two items that might stop a trade from going through: - If you or the other Owner submitted a trade involving players that are on one of your starting line ups. - Sometimes, clicking on the "Accept" or "Reject" button in the e-mail message. (you can act on the trade from your league web page, more info below on this) TRADES *** To make a Trade offer to another Owner : * Click on the "Trades" link on your normal league starting point : http://www.dreamsports.com/fb-frame.htm * On the next page, click on "Trades" and "BOTH team names" (yours and the team you want to trade with). * Click on the "go" button. (enter password first, unless you told your browser to remember it). * Click on the players from your team that you are offering. (make sure that you are NOT trading players in your current starting lineup). * Click on the players from the team that you want to trade with. * Then click on the "Propose Trade" button. *** To Accept or Reject an offer made to you from another Owner : * Click on the "Trades" link on your normal league starting point : http://www.dreamsports.com/fb-frame.htm * On the next page, click on "Trades" and "YOUR team" only. * Click on the "go" button. (enter password first, unless you told your browser to remember it). (make sure that you are NOT trading players in your current starting lineup). * Click on the little box above the trade you want to act on. * Click on the "Accept" or "Reject" button. ------------------------------------------------------------------- Date : 6 Jul 00 Subject: Trade help A quick notes on "Trade proposals" : When someone sends you a trade proposal, you will have the option to click on an "Accept" or "Reject" button. But ALSO on the web page is a little box for you to check first. This is there, because you may have 2 or more proposals to you, and by clicking the little box, you are selecting which one to Accept or Reject. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date : 4 Jul 00 Subject: Question response (free agents) Hope you are all enjoying your holiday... We've had a few Owners ask this question, so I wanted to send out this info today : "How can we rank or see the free agents by position, instead of the big long list ?" * * This is already an option in place, it's just not completed. (still loading the 1999 stats) By clicking on the "Free Agent rankings" or Top Performers" link, you will be able to list the free agents by position, by NFL team, by Fantasy team, etc. Here is a sample link: * * Also, always be sure to start here when checking your league web pages : http://www.dreamsports.com/fb-frame.htm -------------------------------------------------------------------- Date : 2 Jul 00 Subject: Draft help Just a quick note on pre-season free agent drafting: * We'll be holding 2 more rounds in about two weeks. We will be sending more info soon. You can get a preview of the form by clicking the "Pre-Draft" and / or the "Pre-Draft report" links. Much improved process, and the results are immediately updated on your roster and on the Pre-draft report, along with an instant e-mail to all league team owners. (We had an overwhelming response of "yes" to go 2 more rounds) -------------------------------------------------------------------- Date : 1 Jul 00 Subject: Links We have added a new link to your "League Web pages" links. You can now get "Step-by-step" help on all of the new and old links. From your normal League web pages access here : http://www.dreamsports.com/fb-frame.htm * Click on your league name * Then click on the "Click here for Step-by-step instructions" link. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Date : 26 Jun 00 Subject: BIG NEWS ! * * Very Important News * * * We have made some BIG improvements to our league web service, and added some great new features: * Ability to submit your line up ANY day of the week (before the NFL games begin), and you can change it as many times as you like! (It's updated instantly each time) * Separate Free Agent request form now. * Scoring, Standings updated Sunday and Monday night !!! * Custom reports. Rank the Free agents instantly by position, by points scored, by NFL team, etc !! * Custom reports. Rank the Players instantly by position, by points scored, etc !! * Make Trades ANY day of the week. (pending) * Add a Team logo to your Roster !! * Each week, the NFL's injury status will appear right next to your players name, on your roster ! * Unbalanced roster ok. (more WR's, less RB's, your choice) * Rookie and Pre-Season drafts are now automatically updated the second you make a pick. Rosters and Free Agents are also updated up to the second. Teams "on the clock" are notified instantly. (the pre-pick function is also improved, and works automatically) * When submitting your lineup, you only need to "click" on your players, no more typing in player names ! (you will only see YOUR players now when submitting your lineup) Test it out now ! * Starting line ups are posted immediately, for all owners to see. * Propose trades automatically now ! Just click the players you want to trade, click the players on the team you want. The other owner gets an automatic e-mail. * Change your e-mail address, team name, password, etc., at anytime. Changes are now instant ! * League schedule now listed by team name. Click here on your normal link, check out the new features now : http://www.dreamsports.com/fb-frame.htm Draft players = An automated draft page, procedure. Submit Lineup = Just click on your players ! Waivers = Submit Free Agent requests. Trades = Submit Trade proposals. Franchise Setup = Change your e-mail, password, team name, etc. Password Reminder = Get your password instantly sent to you. Message Board = Same nice Message Boards. Starters = See everyone's starters. Standings = Current standings (now updated Sunday and Monday night!) Franchise Info = See the info of all your fellow team owners. Transactions = See the current transactions, updated in real time ! Head-to-Head = See the head to head results. Rosters = See all the rosters, updated in real time. Scoring Rules = Scoring chart. League Rules = League rules / setup. Players Rankings = Custom reports ! Free Agent rankings = More custom reports ! Draft Report = An automated draft page, procedure. Weekly results = See the results from any week. Rulebook = League rules. Points / Starters = More Custom reports. NFL Injury report = Updated daily !! Weekly Newsletter = Same, updated twice a week. Member Services = Same, some new changes. Owners Page = Same, some new changes. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Date : 16 May 00 Subject: Sad News We received some bad news today, as we were just told that Richard Juline has passed away. We are all very sad here at Dream Sports. Although I never met Dick, I feel like I know him well after many phone and e-mail conversations. Dick has been a regular customer of ours for almost 10 years. He has won several Fantasy Baseball and Football championships, and has been selected as "Manager of the year" at least twice. He recently lost his wife of over 50 years (I believe that is the correct number), I can't help thinking this helped to hasten his demise. He will be missed as a friend as well as a fellow competitor, as I competed against him the past few years in the Commish league. Godspeed to you Richard. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Date : 15 May 00 Subject: Message Boards Subject: FB Team Date: Mon, 15 May 2000 18:14:36 -0700 Well, you guys and gals asked for it, so here it is .... ;-) Each league now has their OWN Message Board. You can now list those "players on the block" that you want to trade, propose other deals, offer your "views" on your league, or just shoot the breeze in general .... The link is on your league web pages, accessible here on the Owners Page: http://www.dreamsports.com/fb-owners.htm (click on the League Webpages button) --------------------------------------------------------------------- Date : 1 May 00 Subject: Rookie class notes ... Subject: FB Team Date: Mon, 1 May 2000 19:45:53 -0700 Thoughts on the Rookie class of 2000 : Not only does the NFL draft provide the fantasy world with an influx of new blood, but the selections also impact numerous veterans throughout the league. What follows is a team-by-team look at how the draft will affect the fantasy fortunes of those veteran players. The list does not include every team, as some teams did not draft players who will significantly impact their offenses this year. Arizona: The addition of RB Thomas Jones should help QB Jake Plummer immensely. With a legitimate ground game, Plummer will feel a lot less pressure. Barring a holdout or injury, Jones' arrival renders holdover RB Michael Pittman virtually irrelevant in fantasy terms. Baltimore: Whoever wins the QB derby: Tony Banks is the early-line favorite, though we believe Trent Dilfer is a worthwhile long shot: suddenly will be surrounded by top-flight skill-position talent. Rookie Travis Taylor instantly becomes the Ravens' No. 1 receiver, reducing the value of Jermaine Lewis, Patrick Johnson and Qadry Ismail (assuming he re-signs). Jamal Lewis will carry the load at running back, so don't expect much from Priest Holmes. Cincinnati: QB Akili Smith's stock improved when the Bengals took WR Peter Warrick with their first-round pick. The arrival of Warrick and Florida State teammate Ron Dugans means perpetually unhappy WR Carl Pickens may finally get his wish in the form of a ticket out of town. Fourth-round RB Curtis Keaton could have the edge over Michael Basnight and Ki-Jana Carter if Corey Dillon holds out. Cleveland: While he isn't a legit go-to guy, Dennis Northcutt improves Tim Couch's WR arsenal, which was mainly a one-man show last season. Errict Rhett enters training camp as the No. 1 running back, but he will be challenged by third-round steal Travis Prentice, who could take over the job sometime in 2000. The starting running back on the Browns is a serviceable bench option in fantasy ball. Detroit: RB James Stewart was a big winner on Draft Day. Not only did the Lions add a huge run-blocking offensive lineman in Stockar McDougle, but they didn't take a running back with either of their first two picks, as had been widely speculated. If he stays healthy, Stewart looks like a lock for double-digit touchdowns. Green Bay: QB Brett Favre needed weapons, and the Packers got him a tank in mammoth TE Bubba Franks, who should become an instant starter and provide Favre with the seam-busting threat he missed last year. The Packers also added another Favre protector in second-round OL Chad Clifton. A healthy Favre is a productive Favre. Jacksonville: First-round WR R. Jay Soward won't take playing time away from starters Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell. But Soward does provide an additional weapon for QB Mark Brunell, who has yet to have the breakout season many believe he is capable of having. Kansas City: What the Chiefs didn't do in the draft actually will have a greater impact on their fantasy players than what they did do. The addition of WR Sylvester Morris shouldn't greatly affect the production of Derrick Alexander or Tony Gonzalez. But by not selecting a running back with their first-round pick, the Chiefs reaffirmed their faith in their incumbent backs, led by second-year man Mike Cloud and FB Tony Richardson. Miami: Dave Wannstedt got some help for RB J.J. Johnson in the form of enormous ORT Todd Wade and pure blocking FB Deon Dyer. Dyer's presence will free up Rob Konrad for more touches. He could become a goal-line running threat. Minnesota: Those who assumed Robert Smith would score more touchdowns without Leroy Hoard around better think again. Third-round RB Doug Chapman just might take Hoard's place as the short-yardage runner. New England: J.R. Redmond will pose a serious challenge to veterans Raymont Harris and Kevin Faulk. Redmond could relegate Faulk to a third-down role, while Harris could land on the unemployment line. N.Y. Giants: RB Ron Dayne should make QB Kerry Collins' life a lot easier by providing the Giants with a legitimate ground game. With Dayne on board, Joe Montgomery and Tiki Barber are at best end-of-the bench fantasy options. N.Y. Jets: TE Anthony Becht is expected to start over incumbent Fred Baxter, who becomes undraftable. By not taking a wideout in the first round, the Jets handed the No. 1 WR role to Wayne Chrebet, provided they don't sign a veteran between now and training camp. Chrebet should get more catches, but he will also receive more double-team attention. New Orleans: The Saints want their offense to resemble Denver's, and FB Terrelle Smith could be the Howard Griffith to Ricky Williams' Terrell Davis. Ricky wanted better blocking, and now he has it. Oakland: Unless Sebastian Janikowski gets deported, PKs Michael Husted and Joe Nedney won't be back. WR Jerry Porter could nudge out speedster James Jett, who has never been considered a good fit in the West Coast offense. Philadelphia: WR Todd Pinkston gives young QB Donovan McNabb another receiving option, but the Eagles still lack a go-to guy at wide receiver or tight end. Pittsburgh: The addition of WR Plaxico Burress should aid Kordell Stewart's cause, if he keeps his job in training camp. Because of his height, Burress is a better scoring-league prospect than Troy Edwards. Burress' arrival probably pushes Hines Ward to the bench. San Francisco: Don't be surprised if third-round QB Giovanni Carmazzi gets some playing time this season in place of Jeff Garcia, who is not considered San Francisco's quarterback of the future. That's not good news for 49ers WRs Terrell Owens, J.J. Stokes and Jerry Rice. Seattle: If he doesn't replace him outright, Shaun Alexander will at least spell Ricky Watters a lot more than the veteran back is used to. A RB rotation would have a greater effect on Watters in yardage leagues than in scoring leagues. St. Louis: Before the drafting of speedy RB Trung Canidate, an injury to Marshall Faulk might have had a devastating effect on all of the Rams' skill-position players. Now there shouldn't be as significant a drop-off if Faulk misses a few games. Washington: If OT Chris Samuels lives up to his billing, QB Brad Johnson has a much better chance of playing 16 games. And Jeff George is less likely to see significant minutes. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Date : 20 Apr 00 Subject: Rookie list * * Rookie List * * Below is a list of the NFL Rookies. They are listed in the order they were taken in the NFL draft, by position. (same list as on the Rookie Draft form) * You can print this out, and cross them off as they are picked up in your league(s) to help you track the available players. QB's ---------------- Chad Pennington Giovanni Carmazzi Chris Redman Tee Martin Marc Bulger Spergon Wynn Tom Brady Todd Husak Ja Juan Seider Tim Rattay Jarious Jackson Joe Hamilton RB's ---------------- Jamal Lewis Thomas Jones Ron Dayne Shuan Alexander Trung Canidate Travis Prentice J.R. Redmond Reuben Droughns Doug Chapman Terrelle Smith Curtis Keaton Aaron Shea Frank Moreau Deon Dyer Paul Smith Mike Wiley Dante Hall Sammy Morris Chad Morton Frank Murphy Thomas Hamner Mike Anderson Mike Green Patrick Pass Shyrone Smith Rondell Mealey WR's ---------------- Peter Warrick Plaxico Burress Bubba Franks * Sylvester Morris Anthony Becht * R. Jay Soward Dennis Northcutt Todd Pinkston Jerry Porter Ron Dugans Eron Kinney * Dez White Chris Cole Ron Dixon Laveranues Coles Jajuan Dawson Darrell Jackson Gari Scott Danny Farmer Trevor Gaylor Anthony Lucas Avion Black Dave Stachelski * Windrell Hayes Joey Jamison Muneer Moore James Whalen * Austin Wheatley * Jay Tant * Troy Walters Mareno Philyaw James Williams Sherrod Gideon Jason Gavadza * Desmond Kitchings Brad St. Louis * Brian Jennings * Charles Lee (* = NFL Tight End) K's ---------------- Sebastian Janikowski Neil Rackers Paul Edinger -------------------------------------------------------------------- Date : 14 Apr 00 Subject: NFL Draft notes * * More notes on this weekend's draft ...... NFL DRAFT 2000: Team-By-Team NFL Draft Capsules (AP) - A team-by-team look at this weekend's draft, in order of pick: 1. CLEVELAND (2-14) ------------------- LAST YEAR: Returned to NFL as expansion team. Wins came at New Orleans and Pittsburgh. Improved late, but offense and defense ranked at bottom of NFL. NEEDS: Everything. Orlando Brown's eye injury makes OT important. Also needs offense to complement QB Tim Couch, and pass rusher. DRAFT DECADE: Decision to take Couch over RB Ricky Williams with 1999 No. 1 was correct, as was taking WR Kevin Johnson in second round. Biggest mistake was not taking RB until seventh round. ADDITIONS: DE Orpheus Roye, OT Roman Oben, OL Everett Lindsay, FS Percy Ellsworth, RB Errict Rhett, DE Keith McKenzie, LB Marty Moore, KR/WR David Patten. SUBTRACTIONS: OT Scott Rehberg, S Marquez Pope, CB Ryan McNeil, OT Lomas Brown, DT John Jurkovic. GOALS FOR 2000: No playoffs, but six wins would be nice. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDER: Penn Staters DE Courtney Brown or LB LaVar Arrington over WR Peter Warrick, Florida State. 2, 3. WASHINGTON (10-6) ----------------------- LAST YEAR: Made playoffs for first time in seven years despite 30th-ranked defense. RB Stephen Davis, solid line and QB Brad Johnson stood out. NEEDS: LT, where Andy Heck is 33; CB, where Darrell Green is 40; impact LB. DRAFT DECADE: Former GM Charley Casserly and coach Norv Turner produced first-round flops (Heath Shuler, Bobby Wilson, Desmond Howard, Andre Johnson) and good low-round finds (Brian Mitchell, Tre Johnson, Cory Raymer, Davis, Stephen Alexander, Jon Jansen). Casserly, fired by new owner Dan Snyder, left legacy in excellent draft position, getting first-rounders for rights to Ricky Williams and Sean Gilbert, which Skins used to move up this year. ADDITIONS: QB Jeff George, DE Bruce Smith and S Mark Carrier, perhaps CB Deion Sanders this summer. SUBTRACTIONS: S Leomont Evans and S Matt Stevens. GOALS FOR 2000: Super Bowl or bust for Snyder. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDERS: They want Arrington at all costs, with fallback to Brown and OT Chris Samuels, Alabama. 4. CINCINNATI (4-12) -------------------- LAST YEAR: Finished as NFL's worst team of the 1990s. Decided to bring back coach Bruce Coslet for final year of contract. NEEDS: A master plan by the front office. Team emphasizes defense one year, offense the next. Short term needs at CB, DE, LT, S, WR, plus RB to complement disgruntled Corey Dillon. DRAFT DECADE: Had first overall pick twice and took Dan Wilkinson and Ki-Jana Carter. Wilkinson is ordinary, Carter always hurt. LBs Takeo Spikes and Brian Simmons have met expectations. ADDITIONS: QB Scott Mitchell, S Darryl Williams, OL Scott Rehberg, DT Tom Barndt, DE Vaughn Booker. SUBTRACTIONS: QB Jeff Blake, DL Kimo Von Oehlffen. Dillon, restricted free agent, wants out. GOALS FOR 2000: Move into Paul Brown Stadium on time, get Akili Smith established at QB after injury-shortened rookie season. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUND PICK: Warrick is likely, allowing release of disgruntled WR Carl Pickens. 5, 10. BALTIMORE (8-8) ---------------------- LAST YEAR: Reached .500 with NFL's second-ranked defense. First-year coach Brian Billick used three QBs before settling on Tony Banks, who directed Ravens to four straight wins before loss to New England in finale. NEEDS: RB to complement Priest Holmes, who can't take pounding of a 16-game season. WR, OL and LB, particularly if MLB Ray Lewis, charged with murder in Atlanta, is not available. DT Larry Webster may also be gone for the season after testing positive for cocaine. Got No. 10 pick from Denver for No. 15 and No. 45 picks. DRAFT DECADE: Personnel director Ozzie Newsome got Pro Bowl OT Jonathan Ogden and Lewis in first round in 1996; LBs Peter Boulware and Jamie Sharper in 1997; starting CB Duane Starks in 1998; and rapidly developing CB Chris McAlister last year. ADDITIONS: TE Shannon Sharpe, QB Trent Dilfer, LB Dennis Stallings, OL Robert Bailey, OL Damon Denson. SUBTRACTIONS: RB Errict Rhett, CB DeRon Jenkins, QB Scott Mitchell, G Everett Lindsay. GOALS FOR 2000: Make playoffs for first time in Baltimore. Owner Art Modell will hand over the team to Stephen Bisciotti in 2004, and desperately craves his first Super Bowl before then. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUND PICK: If Warrick falls, he's the one. If not, Virginia RB Thomas Jones or RB Jamal Lewis, Tennessee, then a receiver with other first-round pick -- Florida's Travis Taylor or Jackson State's Sylvester Morris. 6. PHILADELPHIA (5-11) ---------------------- LAST YEAR: Won two more games than in 1998 under rookie coach Andy Reid. NEEDS: A lot. WR, DL, TE at the top. DRAFT DECADE: Eagles spent '90s taking OLs who failed. Last two No. 1s, QB Donovan McNabb and OT Tra Thomas, appear to be keepers. ADDITIONS: Free-agent OT Jon Runyan and Thomas are good bookends; FB Stanley Pritchett; LB Carlos Emmons. SUBTRACTIONS: LB William Thomas, released after 11 seasons. GOALS FOR 2000: Hope for .500. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDER: WR Plaxico Burress, Michigan State, or DT Corey Simon, Florida State. 7. ARIZONA (6-10) ----------------- LAST YEAR: Followed 1998 playoff berth, first in 16 years, by falling right back. QB Jake Plummer, plagued by injuries, bad decisions and young OL, had miserable season. NEEDS: RB, OLB, TE, G, DL. DRAFT DECADE: Better recently. WR Rob Moore via a trade of first-round pick, and WR Frank Sanders in 1995; DE Simeon Rice in 1996; Plummer and DE Mark Smith (in the seventh round) in 1997; and DE Andre Wadsworth in 1998. WR David Boston and OT L.J. Shelton, first-rounders last year, became contributors. ADDITIONS: K Cary Blanchard, C Mike Gruttadauria. SUBTRACTIONS: RB Adrian Murrell, K Chris Jacke, C Aaron Graham. GOALS FOR 2000: Playoffs, comeback for Plummer. Coach Vince Tobin in the final year of contract. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDERS: Jones, Lewis, LB Brian Urlacher, New Mexico. 8. PITTSBURGH (6-10) -------------------- LAST YEAR: Lost seven of final eight and finished with worst record in 11 years. QB Kordell Stewart threw only five TD passes before being benched with five games left. RB Jerome Bettis couldn't find running room and pass rush was non-existent. Coach Bill Cowher survived, but director of football operations Tom Donahoe didn't. NEEDS: QB, WR and pass-rushing OLB, DBs. DRAFT DECADE: Steelers built teams that advanced to three AFC championship games in four years via smart drafts (Levon Kirkland, Chad Brown, Leon Searcy) and shrewd trades (Bettis). Last three No. 1 picks are starters: WR Troy Edwards, G Alan Faneca, CB Chad Scott, but lower rounds have produced little. Botched No. 1 pick of OT Jamain Stephens in 1996. ADDITIONS: QB Kent Graham, RG Rich Tylski, DL Chris Sullivan, NG Kimo von Oelhoffen, OT Larry Tharpe. SUBTRACTIONS: OLB Carlos Emmons, OL Jim Sweeney, RG Brendan Stai, QB Mike Tomczak, QB Pete Gonzalez, DE Nolan Harrison, DE Orpheus Roye. GOALS FOR 2000: Playoffs, but no more unless Stewart enjoys dramatic comeback. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDER: Burress or QB Chad Pennington, Marshall. 9. CHICAGO (6-10) ----------------- LAST YEAR: Finished below .500 for sixth time in eight years but made progress. Despite quarterback merry-go-round and weak defense, improved their 1997 and 1998 records by two games under Dick Jauron. Discovered a huge playmaker in WR Marcus Robinson. NEEDS: DE and DB; another RB to help injury-plagued Curtis Enis. DRAFT DECADE: If offer is right, Mark Hatley is willing to deal. He turned six picks into 13 last year, and still managed to get QB Cade McNown. Earlier moves? Remember getting Rick Mirer for No. 11 overall pick? ADDITIONS: DE Phillip Daniels, CB Thomas Smith, S Shawn Wooden, WR Eddie Kennison. SUBTRACTIONS: P Todd Sauerbrun, WR Curtis Conway, QB Shane Matthews, possibly WR Bobby Engram, LB Rico McDonald, G Todd Perry. GOALS FOR 2000: Playoffs. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDER: Urlacher, who can play TE, S, or LB. 11. NEW YORK GIANTS (7-9) ------------------------- LAST YEAR: Looked good early, but lost six of last eight, including final three, leaving coach Jim Fassel in playoff-or-else mode for this year. NEEDS: RB, LB, CB. Rookie RB Joe Montgomery led team with 348 yards. DRAFT DECADE: Most first-rounders were busts or disappointments. Did well in other rounds with DE Michael Strahan, LB Jessie Armstead, FB Charles Way, WR Amani Toomer. ADDITIONS: LB Micheal Barrow is major upgrade and OLs Lomas Brown, Glenn Parker and Dusty Ziegler add experience; CB Dave Thomas; backup QB Jason Garrett. SUBTRACTIONS: LT Roman Oben, S Percy Ellsworth, DL Bernard Holsey, LB Scott Galyon, C Brian Williams, backup QB Kent Graham, DT Robert Harris, OT Scott Gragg, CB Phillippi Sparks. GOALS FOR 2000: Playoffs, or Fassel is probably gone. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDER: Heavy duty RB -- Shaun Alexander, Alabama or Ron Dayne, Wisconsin. 12, 24. SAN FRANCISCO (4-12) ---------------------------- LAST YEAR: Steve Young played only three games after a concussion and 49ers won just two of the next 13. Had trouble stopping anybody and failed to win 10 games in non-strike season for first time since 1980. NEEDS: Everything. Must find QB even if Young returns. OL, DE, CB. DRAFT DECADE: Team can't continue to miss with top draft picks, a distressing pattern through the '90s. Todd Kelly, R.W. McQuarters, Jim Druckenmiller, Dana Hall, J.J. Stokes are busts or failed to live up to expectations. ADDITIONS: None. Salary cap problems. SUBTRACTIONS: S Tim McDonald, LB Lee Woodall, CB Darnell Walker, DE Charles Haley, DE Marvin Washington, RB Tommy Vardell, QB Steve Stenstrom. GOALS FOR 2000: Super Bowl or bust is now six wins or bust. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDER: Traded down for extra pick. Pennington; LB Julian Peterson, Michigan State; Urlacher. 13, 16, 18, 27. NEW YORK JETS (8-8) ----------------------------------- LAST YEAR: Season pretty much ended when Vinny Testaverde tore Achilles' tendon in opener. Team built for Super Bowl sputtered until it won last four games. NEEDS: Pass-rushing DL. Also TE, deep WR threat and S. DRAFT DECADE: Very mixed bag. Top choices have included Blair Thomas and Kyle Brady, but also Keyshawn Johnson and Aaron Glenn. Best pick was LB Mo Lewis in third round in 1991. ADDITIONS: DL Shane Burton; rebuilt coaching staff, with Al Groh in charge. SUBTRACTIONS: Bill Parcells, now chief of football operations, but probably not beyond July; WR Keyshawn Johnson, S Steve Atwater, TE Eric Green, LB Chad Cascadden and OT Jumbo Elliott. GOALS FOR 2000: Expect to compete for AFC East crown. If coaching transition goes smoothly and draft picks pan out, they could contend. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDERS: Knowing Parcells, defense will come first, perhaps Ellis or DE Darren Howard, Kansas State. Franks, Taylor or Dez White, WR, Georgia Tech. 14. GREEN BAY (8-8) ------------------- LAST YEAR: Missed playoffs for the first time in seven seasons and first-year coach Ray Rhodes was fired. Claiming discipline and focus were problems, GM Ron Wolf hired Mike Sherman. NEEDS: Defensive and offensive lines. DRAFT DECADE: Hidden gems in the third round (WRs Robert Brooks and Antonio Freeman, LB Brian Williams, OT Earl Dotson and CB Mike McKenzie). Used early picks to fill critical needs. ADDITIONS: LB Anthony Harris, TE Kaseem Sinceno, DE David Bowens, DE John Thierry, DE Rod Manuel, DT James Grier, OL Doug Karczewski, LB Kevin Johnson. SUBTRACTIONS: TE Jeff Thomason, DE Keith McKenzie, DE Vaughn Booker. GOALS FOR 2000: Return to playoffs only acceptable destination. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDER: DE Shaun Ellis, Tennessee; Peterson; Boston College DT Chris Hovan and Wisconsin G Chris McIntosh. 15. DENVER (6-10) ----------------- LAST YEAR: After two straight Super Bowl wins, slid back without John Elway (retired) and injured Terrell Davis, Shannon Sharpe and John Mobley. Lost first four games behind young QB Brian Griese and never recovered. NEEDS: Speed at WR; CB if Dale Carter gets suspended for a year; OL, DL. Traded No. 10 pick to Baltimore for No. 15 and No. 45 picks. DRAFT DECADE: Two NFL titles speak for themselves. Best (and luckiest) pick was Davis, sixth-rounder in 1995. ADDITIONS: QB Gus Frerotte, DE Kavika Pittman, DE Lester Archambeau, DT Nathan Davis, SS Billy Jenkins, CBs Jeremy Lincoln, Darryl Pounds and Jimmy Spencer. Don't discount coach Mike Shanahan's desire to lure QB Steve Young. SUBTRACTIONS: Sharpe, DE Alfred Williams, DE Neil Smith, QBs Chris Miller and Bubby Brister, RB Derek Loville, CB Tory James, DB Darrius Johnson, DT Cyron Brown, DE David Bowens. Carter's future pending outcome of appeal of substance-abuse suspension. GOALS FOR 2000: Playoffs. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDER: Taylor; Burress; LB-DE John Abraham, South Carolina. 17. OAKLAND (8-8) ----------------- LAST YEAR: Second consecutive 8-8 season under coach Jon Gruden, sixth straight season the Raiders missed the playoffs. Fired defensive coordinator Willie Shaw in January and replaced him with Chuck Bresnahan. NEEDS: LB, and WR to complement Tim Brown. DRAFT DECADE: Owner Al Davis loves to package picks to move up in the draft. Had busts like QB Todd Marinovich and budding stars like DT Darrell Russell. ADDITIONS: DBs Je'Rod Cherry and Tory James. SUBTRACTIONS: DT Russell Maryland, SS Anthony Newman, LB Richard Harvey -- all starters last season -- and TE Derrick Walker. GOALS FOR 2000: Breaking playoff drought. A schedule that includes just two 1999 playoff teams should help. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDER: Ellis; Rob Morris, LB, Brigham Young; John Engleberger, DE, Virginia Tech; Peterson. 19, 22. SEATTLE (9-7) --------------------- LAST YEAR: Under new coach-GM Mike Holmgren, Seahawks made playoffs for first time since 1988 and had first winning season since 1990. Lost to Miami in wild-card game, giving them a 1-6 finish after an 8-2 start. NEEDS: In second draft, Holmgren needs run stopper at MLB and another WR after the trade of Joey Galloway to Dallas. DRAFT DECADE: Holmgren's first draft in Seattle got Lamar King, who will start at DE this season. Charlie Rogers led the NFL and set a team record with a 14.5-yard punt return average. ADDITIONS: SS Reggie Tongue, C Robbie Tobeck. SUBTRACTIONS: Galloway, DE Phillip Daniels, OT Grant Williams, SS Darryl Williams, C Kevin Glover, G Brian Habib, OLB Darrin Smith. GOALS FOR 2000: Despite loss of eight key players and a tougher schedule, Seahawks are still hoping to make the playoffs. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDER: Rob Morris, White, Sylvester Morris, WR, Jackson State. 20. DETROIT (8-8) ----------------- LAST YEAR: Made playoffs at .500, but lost at Washington. NEEDS: RB, OL, DB. DRAFT DECADE: Discounting QB Andre Ware in 1990, Lions have done well with first-round picks. WR Herman Moore, DE Robert Porcher, WR Johnnie Morton, DT Luther Elliss, LB Reggie Brown. LB Chris Claiborne was rookie starter last season. ADDITIONS: RB James Stewart, CB Kurt Schulz, QBs Mike Tomczak and Steve Stenstrom. SUBTRACTIONS: QB Gus Frerotte and CB Mark Carrier. GOALS FOR 2000: Win NFC Central and at least one playoff game. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDERS: RB J.R. Redmond, Arizona State; OL Stockar McDougle, Oklahoma; OL Todd Wade, Mississippi; Engelberger. 21. KANSAS CITY (9-7) --------------------- LAST YEAR: Just missed playoffs in Gunther Cunningham's first season as head coach. In horrible offseason, LB Derrick Thomas died after car accident and KR Tamarick Vanover pleaded guilty to car theft. NEEDS: CB, where starters James Hasty and Cris Dishman are almost 35; pass-rushing LB to replace Thomas; big RB. DRAFT DECADE: GM Carl Peterson hates to trade No. 1s, and did it only to get Joe Montana. In 11 drafts, Peterson has had most luck with defense and offensive linemen. TE Tony Gonzalez is the only skill position player developed. ADDITIONS: OLB Lew Bush; P Todd Sauerbrun; DE Duane Clemons. SUBTRACTIONS: OT Glenn Parker, S Reggie Tongue, DE Tom Barndt, WR Joe Horn and Thomas. GOALS FOR 2000: The playoffs. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDER: They'd love Dayne. 23. CAROLINA (8-8) ------------------ LAST YEAR: Rebounded from 4-12 in George Seifert's first season, making a late playoff push. Offense is strength. NEEDS: Ranked 26th on defense last year. DT Sean Gilbert played better up front, but not worth two No. 1 picks. DRAFT DECADE: Two of four previous No. 1 picks are no longer with the team (QB Kerry Collins and WR Rae Carruth, who is facing murder charges). Tshimanga Biakabutuka ('96) and Jason Peter ('98) have been troubled by injuries. ADDITIONS: LB Lee Woodall, DE Chuck Smith, DL Jay Williams, CB Jimmy Hitchcock. SUBTRACTIONS: LB Kevin Greene, Carruth, LB Mike Barrow, OL Anthony Redmon. GOALS FOR 2000: Find a pass rush and defense to get team's offense on the field more. Keep aging QB Steve Beuerlein healthy. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUND PICK: Engelberger or Abraham; Deon Grant, S, Tennessee. 25. MINNESOTA (10-6) -------------------- LAST YEAR: Coach Dennis Green gained full authority and first year was calamitous. Bypassed Jevon Kearse for QB Daunte Culpepper, then took DE Dimitrius Underwood in first round, refused to renegotiate G Randall McDaniel's contract. Favorites to represent NFC in Super Bowl, started 2-4 and QB Jeff George replaced Randall Cunningham. Made playoffs, but lost to St. Louis after beating Dallas. NEEDS: DE, DB. DRAFT DECADE: Until last year, excelled at finding gems in middle rounds. Green is intent on starting Culpepper as soon as possible to show pick wasn't as bad as it looks. ADDITIONS: QB Bubby Brister. SUBTRACTIONS: George, C Jeff Christy, McDaniel, WR Jake Reed, TE Andrew Glover, CB Jimmy Hitchcock. Half the coaching staff, including coordinators Foge Fazio and Ray Sherman, left in a shakeup by Green. GOALS FOR 2000: Green insists Vikings remain a Super Bowl contender, but defense needs overhaul and whoever is QB won't have the protection Christy and McDaniel provided. If Culpepper starts, 8-8 might be good. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDER: Rashard Anderson, CB, Jackson State; Ahmed Plummer, CB, Ohio State. 26. BUFFALO (11-5) ------------------ LAST YEAR: Immaculate Deception (Music City Miracle to those outside of Buffalo). A successful season, and QB controversy involving Doug Flutie and Rob Johnson, overshadowed by Titans' remarkable kickoff return in playoffs. NEEDS: DB, because Thomas Smith and Kurt Schulz left. DRAFT DECADE: Headed by GM John Butler, Bills have reputation for making smart picks from poor draft position. Selected 23rd overall or worse seven times in the 1990s, still had 18 starters from draft last season. ADDITIONS: No newcomers, but re-signed G Ruben Brown and TE Jay Riemersma, and extended OT John Fina's contract. SUBTRACTIONS: G Dusty Zeigler, DE Sean Moran, LB Dan Brandenburg, Smith and Schulz. Waived WR Andre Reed, DE Bruce Smith and RB Thurman Thomas, aging stars. GOALS FOR 2000: Tough schedule, but could contend in AFC East. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDER: Plummer, Anderson or Dwayne Goodrich, CB, Tennessee. 28. INDIANAPOLIS (13-3) ----------------------- LAST YEAR: Enjoyed most successful year since 1968 NFL championship in Baltimore. QB Peyton Manning, WR Marvin Harrison and rookie RB Edgerrin James were Pro Bowl starters. NEEDS: Depth on defense, especially LB, where health of Cornelius Bennett is uncertain and Michael Barber was released. Deep threat at WR to complement Harrison. DRAFT DECADE: Excellent last two years with Bill Polian as president. Top four picks in 1998 became starters, and Polian's decision to take James ahead of Ricky Williams paid off. LB Mike Peterson, second-round pick, also became a starter. Top picks have become starters as rookies the past six years, including Marshall Faulk, Tarik Glenn, Harrison and Ellis Johnson. Injuries and personal problems in early part of decade with likes of Jeff George, Steve Emtman, Quentin Coryatt, Trev Alberts. ADDITIONS: Used available money to re-sign TE Ken Dilger, Harrison and OT Adam Meadows to long-term contracts; QB Pete Gonzalez, DL Bernard Holsey. SUBTRACTIONS: Barber; DL Tony McCoy expected to be released after June 1. GOALS FOR 2000: Advancing in playoffs, where coach Jim Mora is 0-5 in 13 years as NFL head coach. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDER: Sylvester Morris; Hovan and Engleberger. 29. JACKSONVILLE (14-2) ----------------------- LAST YEAR: Won AFC Central and home-field advantage through the playoffs. Lost to Tennessee, only team to beat them all season, in AFC title game. NEEDS: Third receiver - Jaguars got little from backup WRs Reggie Barlow and Alvis Whitted. OL, with Tony Boselli recovering from knee injury, Ben Coleman leaving and Rich Tylski already gone. This is an area where they must get better. DRAFT DECADE: Tom Coughlin, coach and GM, has drafted excellently -- almost all his picks since franchise's first year in 1995 have made it. ADDITIONS: LB Hardy Nickerson. SUBTRACTIONS: Tylski, LB Bryce Paup, RB James Stewart, QB Jay Fiedler. GOALS FOR 2000: Nothing less than Super Bowl. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDER: OLs Cosey Coleman, Tennessee, or Travis Claridge, Southern Cal; White, Jerry Porter, WR, West Virginia 30. TENNESSEE (13-3) -------------------- LAST YEAR: Storybook season for NFL nomads. Finally settled into a new home, played before sold-out crowds and reached first Super Bowl in 40-year franchise history. NEEDS: Few holes. Need depth at CB, LB and DT, where Josh Evans will miss the season with a one-year drug suspension. DRAFT DECADE: Six first-round picks started in the Super Bowl, but the Titans have never drafted this late. Best was last year, when DE Jevon Kearse fell to them at No. 16. With nine picks, a trade up for an LB or CB is possible. ADDITIONS: LB Randall Godfrey and RT Fred Miller. SUBTRACTIONS: OT Jon Runyan and TE Jackie Harris. GOALS FOR 2000: Only a return trip to the Super Bowl and 1 more yard will do. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDER: CB Deltha O'Neal, California. 31. ST. LOUIS (13-3) -------------------- LAST YEAR: Went from 4-12 to Super Bowl champs, largely because QB Kurt Warner, a career third-stringer, emerged as NFL MVP. NEEDS: OL. DRAFT DECADE: First year since Rams moved from Los Angeles in 1995 that they don't enter draft with sixth overall pick, although traded up for No. 1 in '97 to get OT Orlando Pace. Other hits: DE Kevin Carter ('95), DE Grant Wistrom ('98) and WR Torry Holt ('99). Miss in 1996 with RB Lawrence Phillips. ADDITIONS: Coach Mike Martz, former offensive coordinator, replaces retired Dick Vermeil. SUBTRACTIONS: Vermeil and much of his staff, C Mike Gruttadauria, OT Fred Miller, S Billy Jenkins, LB Charlie Clemons, DE Jay Williams, QB Paul Justin. GOALS FOR 2000: Repeat surprise showing with tougher, first-place schedule. Until last year, Rams hadn't had winning record in decade. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDER: Hard to tell this late. 33. NEW ORLEANS (3-13) ---------------------- LAST YEAR: Record was second worst in mostly dismal 33-year history. Third straight losing season under Mike Ditka, seventh straight non-winning year. Owner Tom Benson cleaned house, firing Ditka and GM Bill Kuharich. NEEDS: Using four QBS -- Billy Joe Hobert, Billy Joe Tolliver, Danny Wuerffel and Jake Delhomme -- New Orleans scored 260 points, just over 16 a game. Defense allowed 434, second most in team history. Don't have picks to fix, thanks to Ditka's trade for the rights to RB Ricky Williams. WR, OT, FB, SB, S at top of list. DRAFT DECADE: Ditka drafts were unusual even before the only one-player draft in NFL history. Ditka, who loved tough, hard-nosed overachievers, drafted RB Troy Davis and Wuerffel, college heroes with questionable pro potential. Of his 14 picks in three years, only three started regularly last season. ADDITIONS: QB Jeff Blake, LB Charlie Clemons, DT Norman Hand, WRs Jake Reed and Joe Horn, TE Andrew Glover. SUBTRACTIONS: CB Ashley Ambrose, DB Je'Rod Cherry, C Kendall Gammon, WR Eddie Kennison, DE Brady Smith, RB Lamar Smith. GOALS FOR 2000: Demonstrate enough to get fans to buy tickets. Owner Tom Benson has new marketing department and moved training camp back to Louisiana to attract fans. New Orleans has not had a home-game sellout since 1998 vs. Cowboys, when most of the fans came from Dallas. POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: Too late to predict. 37. ATLANTA (5-11) ------------------ LAST YEAR: Fell apart after winning first NFC championship in 1998. RB Jamal Anderson went down with knee injury in Week 2. QB Chris Chandler had little help on offense and got hurt, as usual. Defense struggled to cope with loss of LB Cornelius Bennett. NEEDS: Depth on offensive and defensive lines; backup QB, as always. DRAFT DECADE: Before coach Dan Reeves, the Falcons were plagued by poor decisions, picking flops like Bruce Pickens and Lincoln Kennedy in the first round. Reeves wasted first-rounder on CB Michael Booker in 1997. LB Keith Brooking, No. 1 pick in 1998, has shown promise, but Reeves made horrible blunder by dealing away this year's top pick to draft TE Reggie Kelly in second round a year ago. Kelly caught eight passes for 146 yards and Baltimore has Atlanta's first pick, No. 5 overall. ADDITIONS: CB Ashley Ambrose, WR Shawn Jefferson, DE Brady Smith and OL Anthony Redmon. SUBTRACTIONS: DEs Chuck Smith and Lester Archambeau leave holes on each side of the line. C Robbie Tobeck, S Eugene Robinson. GOALS FOR 2000: In weak NFC West, there's hope for a quick turnaround. POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: Ask the Ravens, who have the pick that should have belonged to the Falcons. 43. SAN DIEGO (8-8) ------------------- LAST YEAR: Remained in playoff hunt until mid-December under new coach Mike Riley. Bounced back from six-game losing streak to win four of their last five. QB Ryan Leaf, second overall pick in 1998, didn't play a down due to a shoulder injury and was suspended for four weeks for cursing out GM Bobby Beathard. NEEDS: DT. Also could take OL, WR, LB, S and DE. DRAFT DECADE: Beathard made it interesting by taking LB Junior Seau in the first round in 1990 and then reverting to habit of dumping future first-round picks for second-round picks. Beathard got RB Natrone Means that way in 1993 -- but often he ended up with marginal players or busts like WR Bryan Still. Leaf, second overall pick in 1998, has been nothing but trouble. ADDITIONS: WR Curtis Conway, CB DeRon Jenkins, OL Joe Patton, RB Robert Chancey, DE Darren Mickell. SUBTRACTIONS: Means, LB Lew Bush, DT Norman Hand, QB Erik Kramer. GOALS FOR 2000: To make playoffs for the first time since 1995. The players love Riley and play hard for him. POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: Chargers spent this year's No. 1 back in 1998, sending it to Tampa Bay to take WR Mikhael Ricks in the second round. 46. NEW ENGLAND (8-8) --------------------- LAST YEAR: Six losses in last eight games cost coach Pete Carroll his job. QB Drew Bledsoe struggled with a weak offensive line and poor running game. NEEDS: Almost everything. OTs Bruce Armstrong and Zefross Moss were released, as was TE Ben Coates; CB; LB because of new coach Bill Belichick's switch to a 3-4 defense; RB. DRAFT DECADE: The Patriots did well under Bill Parcells from 1993-96, choosing Bledsoe, Chris Slade, Troy Brown, Willie McGinest, Ty Law, Ted Johnson, Terry Glenn, Lawyer Milloy and Tedy Bruschi. Good 1998 pick, RB Robert Edwards, is trying to come back from serious leg injury. ADDITIONS: RB Raymont Harris, TE Eric Bjornson, OT Grant Williams, WR/KR Aaron Bailey. SUBTRACTIONS: Coates, Armstrong, RB Terry Allen, WR Shawn Jefferson, DE Chris Sullivan, LB Marty Moore. GOALS FOR 2000: The playoffs. POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: Too late -- first-rounder went to Jets as compensation for signing Belichick. 49. DALLAS (8-8) ---------------- LAST YEAR: After 3-0 start, never won consecutive games, costing coach Chan Gailey his job. Offensive ineptitude, especially once Michael Irvin got hurt. NEEDS: Replacing Irvin at WR and maybe CB Deion Sanders, who'll probably be cut. Team addressed issue by trading for Joey Galloway and signing Ryan McNeil. Also need depth in secondary, WR and OL. DRAFT DECADE: Jerry Jones loves to trade down, and already has by giving up first-round picks this year and next for Galloway. ADDITIONS: Galloway, McNeil, TE Jackie Harris, DE Dimitrius Underwood, QB Paul Justin. SUBTRACTIONS: LB Randall Godfrey, DE Kavika Pittman, OL Everett McIver, QB Jason Garrett, TE Eric Bjornson, RB Robert Chancey. FB Daryl Johnston, Irvin will probably retire. Maybe Sanders. GOALS FOR 2000: As long as Troy Aikman and Emmitt Smith are around, Jones believes Cowboys can win Super Bowl. Wishful thinking. POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: Too late to predict. 53. MIAMI (9-7) --------------- LAST YEAR: Faded after a 7-1 start, barely made the playoffs and then lost in the second round to Jacksonville, 62-7, worst defeat in franchise history. Coach Jimmy Johnson quit the next day, and Dan Marino retired with most of the NFL's important passing records. NEEDS: OL, OLB, TE and, of course, QB, where for now, Damon Huard and Jay Fiedler will compete. DRAFT DECADE: Johnson liked to swap picks and loved sleepers, such as Pro Bowl middle linebacker Zach Thomas in the fifth round in 1996. Dave Wannstedt has only five choices. ADDITIONS: RBs Thurman Thomas and Lamar Smith, G Heath Irwin, Fiedler, P Matt Turk and LB Scott Galyon. SUBTRACTIONS: Marino; S Shawn Wooden departed via free agency. GOALS FOR NEXT YEAR: Year of transition at coach and quarterback. Playoffs seem a reach. POSSIBLE FIRST PICK: Too late to predict. 57. TAMPA BAY (11-5) -------------------- LAST YEAR: Most successful season in franchise history ended with 11-6 loss in NFC Championship game that reflected what was right and wrong with the team. Defense carried it, but a rookie QB and anemic offense couldn't deliver a Super Bowl berth. NEEDS: OL, backup QB. LT Paul Gruber is considering retirement, which would create a need despite addition of free agents G Randall McDaniel and C Jeff Christy. Lacked big-play threat at WR until picking up Keyshawn Johnson for the 13th and 27th picks in the first round. DRAFT DECADE: GM Rich McKay has succeeded by drafting fast, highly productive college players instead of gambling on underachievers. ADDITIONS: McDaniel, Christy, Johnson.O SUBTRACTIONS: QB Trent Dilfer, LB Hardy Nickerson, C Tony Mayberry, LG Jorge Diaz. GOALS FOR 2000: Anything short of the Super Bowl, which will be played in Tampa, would be a disappointment. POSSIBLE FIRST-ROUNDERS: Coach Tony Dungy wouldn't have minded packaging the two picks to move up for Warrick or Burress, but can't with the addition of Johnson. Now maybe another defender or Bubba Franks, TE, Miami. Return to Top | News and Notes Index NFL Draft No. 1 Selections (1990-99) - The first choice in the annual selection of college players by professional football with player, team, position and college: 1990-Jeff George, Indianapolis, QB, Illinois. 1991-Russell Maryland, Dallas, DL, Miami. 1992-Steve Emtman, Indianapolis, DE, Washington. 1993-Drew Bledsoe, New England, QB, Washington State. 1994-Dan Wilkinson, Cincinnati, DE, Ohio State. 1995-Ki-Jana Carter, Cincinnati, RB, Penn State. 1996-Keyshawn Johnson, New York Jets, WR, Southern California. 1997-Orlando Pace, St. Louis Rams, T, Ohio State. 1998-Peyton Manning, Indianapolis, QB, Tennessee. 1999-Tim Couch, Cleveland, QB, Kentucky. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Date : 14 Apr 00 Subject: More NFL Draft notes Subject: FB Team Date: Fri, 14 Apr 2000 19:04:24 -0700 Here are some notes you may be interested in reading on this weekend's NFL Rookie draft. (we will be starting ours next week, more info to come by Monday by e-mail) NFL DRAFT 2000: Draft Thumbnails of Top Players (Offense) (AP) - The top players in this weekend's NFL draft, with players grouped by projected NFL positions. All are seniors unless noted: QUARTERBACKS ------------ POSITION OUTLOOK: A drastic drop-off from last year's stellar class, when five went in the first round. Chad Pennington might be the only first-rounder here, although someone might still like the strong-armed Chris Redman. The later rounds could produce a raw gem. CHAD PENNINGTON, Marshall, 6-3, 224 - Accurate passer led his team to 13-0 record last season and finished fifth in Heisman Trophy balloting. Ranks high on handful of NCAA career lists, including yards passing (13,143) and TD passes (115). Senior Bowl MVP. Strengths: Very bright. Good pocket presence. A winner -- won Division I-A record 45 games as starting QB. Good fit for West Coast offense. Accurate with a nice touch. Good size, smooth ball-handler. Throws on rhythm. Threw 24 TD passes to Randy Moss in '97. Weaknesses: Played mostly against subpar competition in college. Forces ball into coverage sometimes. Solid but not great arm strength. Can move, but not a superior athlete. Needs work on the deep ball. Did not throw at the Combine. Prediction: To the 49ers with the 12th pick, and he could go even higher. CHRIS REDMAN, Louisville, 6-2, 222 - Unitas Award winner as nation's top senior QB in '99 owns NCAA record with 1,031 career completions. Stock has dropped because of limited athletic ability. Strengths: Strong, tough and competitive. Nice, polished delivery with quick release. Old-fashioned, pro-style dropback passer. Poised in face of pass rush. Strong and accurate arm. Good ball-handler. Throws a tight spiral. Son of a football coach. Natural leader. Lots of experience. Weaknesses: Ran a very slow 40-yard dash (5.35 seconds) in workout. Not mobile enough for today's game -- just a pocket passer. Questions about his health. QB-friendly system last two years at Louisville helped inflate his numbers. Too many passes tipped at line of scrimmage. Prediction: If he gets past Denver at No. 15, he'll probably slide into the second round, maybe further. OTHERS TO WATCH: - Tom Brady, Michigan, 6-3, 217, underrated passer from good QB school is composed and accurate. Lacks mobility and arm strength on long ball. - Marc Bulger, West Virginia, 6-2, 206, looked great in college until injury-riddled senior season. Could be a steal, could be finished. - Giovanni Carmazzi, Hofstra, 6-2, 219, athletic scrambler is Rhodes Scholar and best Division I-AA QB prospect since Steve McNair. - Joe Hamilton, Georgia Tech, 5-10, 189, undersized Heisman runner-up is Doug Flutie-type without the strong arm. - Tee Martin, Tennessee, 6-1, 221, raw talent was 22-3 as college starter, including national title. Physically gifted with big upside, but not accurate enough yet. RUNNING BACKS ------------- POSITION OUTLOOK: This group is solid at the top and deep in the middle rounds. There might not be a sure-fire superstar, but there is enough talent to choose from. A number of lower-rated players project well as third-down backs. THOMAS JONES, Virginia, 5-9, 205 - Productive first-team All-American ranks first in ACC history with six career 200-yard rushing games and fourth with 3,998 yards on the ground. Scored 32 TDs over last two years. Strengths: Explodes through holes with a burst. Good vision and speed. Superior balance. Patient runner. Cuts well and keeps shoulders square. Built like an NFL back. Durable. Fine receiver. Ran for 164 yards and TD against Florida State in '99. Improved throughout career. A complete player. Weaknesses: Not a big, powerful back. Did not run at Combine because of minor groin injury. Could protect ball better and improve blocking technique. Prediction: Could go fifth to Baltimore, probably won't get past Arizona at No. 7. JAMAL LEWIS, Tennessee, 5-11, 228, junior - Rushed for 1,364 yards as true freshman in '97, but injuries hampered him the rest of career. Flying up charts after recent workout. Rare talent if healthy. Strengths: Timed at 4.3 in 40-yard dash recently, phenomenal for a man his size. Strong upper body. Physical runner with good leg drive. Delivers the blow and finishes runs. Played for excellent college program. Had 13 career 100-yard rushing games despite limited action. Has all the tools. Weaknesses: Never really looked like the same player after '98 knee injury. Must prove he's fully recovered. Had shoulder injury in '99, so durability is a real concern. Sometimes dances at the line of scrimmage. Trouble with fumbles. Prediction: Stock rising, too much talent to pass up. First RB-needy team that believes he's healthy will make Lewis a very high pick. Baltimore at No. 5 or No. 10, Arizona (7) or Giants (11). SHAUN ALEXANDER, Alabama, 5-11, 218 - Second-team All-American is physically impressive, with small TB speed and big RB power. Holds three SEC and 15 school records, including career yards rushing (3,565). Strengths: One of the most valuable players in college football last season. Strong leg drive and shiftiness. Good vision and patience. Great balance. Cuts back with a burst. Extremely impressive receiver. Very productive. Built well. Best runner ever at prestigious program. Finds the end zone -- 50 career TDs. Big games vs. Florida and Michigan in '99. Weaknesses: Questions about his durability. Carried the ball a lot and took plenty of hits in college. Missed some time with injuries. Lacks breakaway speed. Runs tall at times. Not a great inside runner. Prediction: Might go as high as No. 7 to Arizona, although Giants (11) seem a good fit. If he falls, it'll be a mistake. RON DAYNE, Wisconsin, 5-9, 258 - Heisman Trophy winner set NCAA Division I-A career rushing record (6,397 yards). Had 12 200-yard rushing games. Often compared to Steelers RB Jerome Bettis. Strengths: Incredible feet for a man his size. Can slide and shift like a little TB. Huge, punishing power back who runs over tacklers and wears down defenses. Wide and thick. Changes gears. Remarkable straight-ahead speed for big man. Good vision. Uses blockers well. Scored 71 career TDs. Averaged 150.1 ypg rushing vs. Big Ten foes in career. Weaknesses: Suspect receiver (one catch in '99) and blocker. Had some injuries in college, including knee and ankles. Ran behind enormous offensive line that often overwhelmed opponents. Logged lots of carries, took plenty of hits. Not especially quick. Needs momentum to get rolling. Best in I-formation. Must control weight. Prediction: Many figure him going 11th to Giants. He could drop, but not past Kansas City, which would love him at No. 21. TRAVIS PRENTICE, Miami-Ohio, 6-1, 226 - Prolific, small school wonder set NCAA career records for TDs (78) and points (468). Ran for 5,596 yards, fourth in Division I-A history. Strengths: Third-team All-American had three 1,500-yard rushing seasons and 862 consecutive carries without losing a fumble. Had 28 100-yard rushing games. Timed at 4.37 in 40-yard dash. Good size, balance and strength. Nice outside runner. Hard worker. Durable. Weaknesses: Faced inferior competition in college, especially compared to other top RBs. Agility a question mark. One-dimensional, little experience as blocker or receiver. Not very elusive. Prediction: Would be first-round reach, but if top four RBs are gone, maybe Lions (20) or Chiefs (21) take a shot. Otherwise, second or third round. J.R. REDMOND, Arizona State, 5-11, 202 - Multi-talented speedster played five positions in college, eight in high school. Had 5,522 career all-purpose yards. Named second-team All-American in '98. Strengths: Versatile and gifted athlete with return skills. Has even played some DB. Good receiver with nice hands. Could become a dangerous third-down back. Shifty. Excellent cutback ability. Home run threat. Weaknesses: Not an every-down back. Not especially strong or tough inside. Runs narrow. Not a physical runner, doesn't break enough tackles. Too slender. Some minor injuries. Inconsistent at times. Some questionable judgment off the field. Prediction: Benefits from so many teams seeking RBs and top prospects going high. Lions might bite at No. 20, but that's a stretch. Could sneak into late first round, but really a second-or-third-round guy. OTHERS TO WATCH: - Trung Canidate, Arizona, 5-11, 192, two-time third-team All-American is a burner with serious breakaway speed. Limited otherwise. - Chrys Chukwuma, Arkansas, 6-0, 219, underrated sleeper also ran track and is physical with speed. Played well in Senior Bowl. Needs work. - Reuben Droughns, Oregon, 5-11, 210, returned from '98 broken ankle last year. Quickness could make him a nice third-down back. Big potential. - Deon Dyer, North Carolina, 5-10, 262, bruising fullback compared to Bills Pro-Bowler Sam Gash. Ideal isolation blocker could go in second round. - Curtis Keaton, James Madison, 5-10, 209, West Virginia transfer had monster Combine, including 41-inch vertical leap. Sleeper with big upside. - Sammy Morris, Texas Tech, 6-0, 228, played fullback in college, but missed two seasons with academic problems. Impressive receiver. - Aaron Shea, Michigan, 6-3, 256, heady fullback has good size and pass-catching skills. Former TE impressed at Senior Bowl. - Shyrone Stith, Virginia Tech, 5-7, 203, junior, compact, hard-nosed runner probably should have stayed in school. - Michael Wiley, Ohio State, 6-0, 196, smooth athlete cuts well but lacks power. Could become effective third-down back with improved receiving skills. Can return kicks. WIDE RECEIVERS -------------- POSITION OUTLOOK: The deepest class in the draft and one of the best groups in recent memory. At least five are likely to go in the first round, maybe more. There are game-breakers as well as possession types available. PETER WARRICK, Florida State, 5-10, 196 - Best player in college football last season has seen stock slide a bit because of height, slow 40-yard dash times and off-field concerns. Strengths: With ball in his hands, the most elusive player to come out of college since Barry Sanders. Can change directions on a dime without sacrificing speed. Slippery. Great hips. In and out of cuts extremely well. Tremendous body control. Makes acrobatic catches. Snatches away jump balls. Playmaker with good hands. Strong upper body. Dangerous return man. Dominated in Sugar Bowl to win national title. Rare talent. Weaknesses: Cost himself Heisman last season when suspended two games for involvement in department store scam. Also arrested in July '98, charges dropped. Not as tall as NFL teams like at WR these days. Sometimes drops passes. Prediction: Not a guy you want to pass up. Fourth to Cincinnati, or whatever team it might trade the pick to. PLAXICO BURRESS, Michigan State, 6-5, 229, junior - Huge target in Randy Moss mold has remarkable combination of size, strength and speed. Nightmare matchup caught 66 passes for 1,142 yards and 12 TDs in '99. Strengths: Prototype NFL receiver. Excellent body control. Big leaper grabs almost every jump ball. Extra dangerous in Red Zone. Smooth glider makes things look easy and effortless. Monster games vs. Michigan and Florida last year. Averaged 17.3 ypr in '99. Rare physical gifts. Weaknesses: Questionable attitude. Needs work on sloppy route running. Poor practice habits and concentration lapses. Did not catch a pass vs. Penn State in '99. Prediction: Eighth to the Steelers. TRAVIS TAYLOR, Florida, 6-0, 198, junior - Complete, natural receiver was hampered by ankle injury in '99 after impressive sophomore season (18.3 ypr, 9 TDs). Played big in big games: MVP of two bowl games. Strengths: Polished, skilled receiver. Varies speed while running crisp routes. Soft hands. Deceptive burst. Sharp moves off line. Gets separation. Tremendous concentration. Makes yards after catch. Ready to contribute right away. Played in sophisticated college passing system. Weaknesses: Durability a concern. School has produced host of fine WRs recently, but no superstars yet. Not a true deep threat. Prediction: Baltimore (10), Jets (13) or Denver (15). SYLVESTER MORRIS, Jackson State, 6-3, 206 - Little-known playmaker from same small school as Jacksonville Jaguars star Jimmy Smith (36th pick in '92). Impressed at Senior Bowl. Strengths: Long arms and legs. Physical receiver with soft hands. Good size and speed (clocked as fast as 4.34 in 40-yard dash). Dangerous in open field. Good over the middle and on sideline. Averaged 20.3 ypr in '99. All the tools. Weaknesses: Played against low level of competition and did not have great Combine. Patterns need work. Tends to round off routes, must cut sharper. Raw, needs polish. Will take time to develop. Could be a project. Prediction: Middle to late first round. Maybe Denver (15), Oakland (17), Jets (16, 18, 27) or Seattle (19 or 22). DEZ WHITE, Georgia Tech, 6-0, 219, junior - Big-play receiver teamed with Joe Hamilton for bevy of big plays in college. Averaged 20.4 yards per catch for his career. Impressive physical specimen. Strengths: Strong and physical with good speed. Big, long arms. Can get downfield and catch long pass. Adjusts to ball well. Can make difficult catch. Has a real burst. Catches ball in stride. Gets off line well. Tough to cover man-to-man. Reliable. Hard worker. Dangerous kick returner. Weaknesses: Needs work on technique. Catches ball with his body too much. Not great hands. Must improve patterns and cuts. Prediction: Lots of possibilities; could go to Jets to replace Keyshawn Johnson. Shouldn't slip out of first round. JERRY PORTER, West Virginia, 6-2, 215 - Intriguing prospect was a stellar safety before switching to WR in middle of last season. Incredible athleticism and physical gifts. Strengths: Showcased 44 1/2-inch vertical leap at personal workout. Terrific at East-West Shrine game and Senior Bowl. Big, fast and strong with good hands. Very long arms. Great body control. Natural athlete. Huge upside. Weaknesses: Limited productivity and experience. Caught only 25 passes in career, 12 last season. Inconsistent. Probably a long way away and might never develop as a WR. Did not run at Combine. Some question his toughness. Prediction: Somebody might take a chance on him in first round because of eye-popping, raw athletic ability. LAVERANUES COLES, Florida State, 5-11, 190 - Big-time speedster with checkered past. Kicked off team in '99 because of involvement in same department store scam as Warrick. Has best 40-yard dash time FSU coaches ever recorded. Strengths: Former TB recently timed at 4.29 in 40. Home run threat and dangerous kick returner. Explosive. Great acceleration. Adjusts cleanly to ball. Good on sideline and after catch. Will stretch defense. Weaknesses: Not that productive even before he was kicked off team. Obvious attitude and character questions. Only a speed receiver. Doesn't play as fast as his track times. Runs poor routes. Takes plays off. Prediction: Big upside, big risk. Sounds like Oakland (17). Probably a second-rounder, but he could climb or drop on draft day. OTHERS TO WATCH: - Kwame Cavil, Texas, 6-1, 208, junior, smooth possession receiver caught 100 passes in '99. A big, tough target only lacking speed. - Ron Dugans, Florida State, 6-1, 203, reliable wideout from top-notch program is strong and athletic. Stock could rise on draft day. - Dennis Northcutt, Arizona, 5-10, 169, first-team All-American has also played CB. All-around playmaker with speed, but undersized. - Todd Pinkston, Southern Mississippi, 6-2, 164, lanky producer averaged 20.4 ypr with 11 TDs in '99. Very skinny though. - R. Jay Soward, Southern California, 5-11, 177, inconsistent big-play threat helped offset disappointing senior season with strong Combine. Could go pretty high. TIGHT ENDS ---------- POSITION OUTLOOK: Average. Bubba Franks gives the group a potential star, but there isn't much depth. Anthony Becht is clearly the next best. Many of the NFL's top TEs were unheralded college players found in lower rounds. DANIEL "BUBBA" FRANKS, Miami, 6-5, 263, junior - Big, athletic talent caught 45 passes for 565 yards and 5 TDs last year. Projects well at pro level. Might be the only TE picked in first round. Strengths: Powerful second-team All-American has good speed and remarkable hands for a man his size. Big, soft hands that just swallow the ball. Can make acrobatic catches. Can block, catch passes and get downfield. A complete TE. Extremely agile. A rare weapon built for the NFL. Weaknesses: Had a poor private workout in early March. Appeared a bit out of shape. Must work on blocking technique and getting yards after catch. Prediction: To the Jets at No. 13 or No. 16. OTHERS TO WATCH: - Anthony Becht, West Virginia, 6-5, 262, big target is a nice receiver and improving blocker. Could sneak into late first round. - Casey Crawford, Virginia, 6-5, 254, athletic and polished pass-catcher picked in 16th round of '95 baseball draft by Braves. Runs well after catch, but slowed by injuries much of career. Must prove durability. NEW YORK (AP) - A look at the possible first-round selections in Saturday's NFL Draft, as chosen by AP Football writer Dave Goldberg: 1. CLEVELAND: LAVAR ARRINGTON, LB, Penn State. 2. WASHINGTON: Owner Dan 'the Fan' Snyder takes COURTNEY BROWN, DE, Penn State, giving Norv Turner, who had hoped for Arrington, an excuse for not going 19-0 next season. 3. WASHINGTON: The Redskins have two 1,000-yard receivers, but Warrick, despite his troubles, could be something special. Not for the Skins, who take CHRIS SAMUELS, OT, Alabama. 4. CINCINNATI: Warrick can only hope that the worst franchise of the '90s hears rumors that he's dropping (the Bengals do little of their own research) and bypass him. But the Bengals want to dump Carl Pickens, so it's PETER WARRICK, WR, Florida State. 5. BALTIMORE: The Ravens got this pick courtesy of Atlanta -- Dan Reeves traded it to move up in the second round last year. If Warrick's not around, JAMAL LEWIS, RB, Tennessee. 6. PHILADELPHIA: Andy Reid and Tom Modrak are quietly rebuilding the Eagles. COREY SIMON, DT, Florida State, is a premium-type player, an inside lineman who can move the pile. 7. ARIZONA: The Cardinals change running backs more often than they change location. THOMAS JONES, RB, Virginia. 8. PITTSBURGH: It's not Chad Pennington. It's PLAXICO BURRESS, WR, Michigan State. 9. CHICAGO: It's all in the name. BRIAN URLACHER of New Mexico, 260 pounds of LB-SS-TE, sounds like a Monster of the Midway. 10. BALTIMORE: The Ravens traded up for a premium wide receiver, TRAVIS TAYLOR of Florida. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Date : 20 Feb 00 Subject: NFL Schedule Subject: Fw: NFL Schedule Date: Sun, 20 Feb 2000 12:40:26 -0800 February 24-28 -- Scouting Combine, Indianapolis, Indiana. March 26-30 -- NFL Annual Meeting, Palm Beach, Florida. April 10 -- Signing period ends for restricted free agents. April 14 -- Deadline for old club to exercise right of first refusal to restricted free agents. April 15-16 -- NFL Draft, New York City. May 23-24 -- NFL Spring Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland. June 1 -- Deadline for old clubs to send tender to unsigned unrestricted free agents to receive exclusive negotiating rights for rest of season if player is not signed by another club by July 15. June 1 -- Deadline for old clubs to send tender to unsigned restricted free agents or to extend qualifying offer to retain exclusive negotiating rights. June 15 -- Deadline for old clubs to withdraw original qualifying offer to unsigned restricted free agents and still retain exclusive negotiating rights by substituting tender of 110 percent of previous year's salary. July 15 -- Signing period ends at 4:00 PM ET for unrestricted free agents who received June 1 tender. July 31 -- Pro Football Hall of Fame Game - New England Patriots vs. San Francisco 49ers. September 3-4 -- Kickoff 2000 Weekend. December 25 -- Regular season ends. December 30-31 -- Wild Card Weekend 2001 January 6-7 -- Divisional Playoffs. January 14 -- Conference Championships. January 28 -- Super Bowl XXXV, Tampa, Florida. February 4 -- AFC-NFC Pro Bowl, Honolulu, Hawaii. --------------------------------------------------------------------- Date : 7 Jan 00 Subject: Manager of the Year Subject: FB Team Date: Fri, 7 Jan 2000 17:53:42 -0800 Dream Sports Fantasy Football * * * * Manager of the Year awards * * * * * Single Team Owner - Mark Willis Mark's team, Ty's Td's, finished the regular season 10-4, won their division, were the top seeded team and won the Mad Bombers league Championship. Honorable mention goes to : * Bill Butch, 10-4, Gridiron league Champion * Mike Ansley, 10-4, Johnny Unitas league Champion * Mario Lopez, 9-5, George Blanda league Champion * Shirley Onuschak, 9-5, Terry Bradshaw league Champion - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - * Multiple Team Owner - Coulter Gaddy Coulter's teams took 2 Championships : Bungalo Bills / California lg Helter Skelter / Joe Montana league Honorable mention goes to : * Frank Corapi, 2 League Championships * Mark Horan, 1 League Championship, (7 teams in the playoffs) You can see the link here : http://www.dreamsports.com/fb-manager-year.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------- Date : 29 Dec 99 Subject: Season ending notes Subject: FB Team Date: Wed, 29 Dec 1999 20:08:08 -0800 Thank you for playing with Dream Sports. I hope your season was enjoyable. We have included some "Season ending" notes below: * Be sure to fill out your "Prize" form here: http://www.dreamsports.com/fb-prizes.htm * Be sure to fill out your "Player Protection" form here: http://www.dreamsports.com/fb-protect.htm * We will be holding the "Rookies only" draft soon after the NFL conducts their draft. We will also have 2-3 rounds of Free Agent drafting before the 2000 season starts.