FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL DRAFT COVERAGE

St. Louis Rams (1st pick)

Nine picks plus one compensatory pick: 1.1; 2.1; 3.1; 4.1; 5.1, 5.24 (f/PHI); 6.1; 7.1, 7.19 (f/ATL), 7.47 (comp)

The obvious need in St. Louis is for a franchise quarterback; whether they believe Sam Bradford is that guy remains to be seen. The signing of Fred Robbins helps fill a need that might otherwise have necessitated using that first-round pick on Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy, but look for the defensive front seven to be addressed as well. Steven Jackson is still solid, but he could use a better backup, and while Donnie Avery and Laurent Robinson have potential the Rams could use more playmakers in the passing game.

Possible options: QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma; DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma; DT Jared Odrick, Penn State; RB Joe McKnight, USC; WR Mardy Gilyard, Cincinnati

Seattle Seahawks (6th pick)

Eight picks plus one compensatory pick: 1.6, 1.14 (f/DEN); 2.28 (f/SD); 4.6, 4.23 (f/PHI); 5.8; 6.7; 7.6, 7.38

New coaches love to bring in their own quarterback, but there’s still a little tread left on Matt Hasselbeck’s tires and Pete Carroll has plenty of other needs to address as he moves up the coast. Perhaps the biggest need is a widebody or three to protect the quarterback, though in a deep o-line class Carroll could look at playmakers at wideout (after losing Nate Burleson via free agency) and running back with two of their three early-round picks. There are also needs on the defensive side, specifically a pass rusher and some help in the deep secondary.

Possible options: OT Charles Brown, USC; OT Rodger Saffold, Indiana; DE Brandon Graham, Michigan; DE Everson Griffen, USC; Damien Williams, USC; S Kam Chancellor, Virginia Tech

San Francisco 49ers (13th pick)

Eight picks plus one compensatory pick: 1.13, 1.17 (f/CAR); 2.17; 3.15; 4.15; 5.14; 6.13, 6.37 (comp); 7.17

The Niners now have two first-overall selections at quarterback; expect them to spend one or possibly both of their current first-round picks on offensive linemen to help keep them upright. There’s talk of taking a back to complement and eventually succeed Frank Gore, but the aforementioned o-line needs and areas to address along the back half of their defense (specifically at corner, safety, and outside linebacker) will likely take precedence.

Possible options: OT Bryan Bulaga, Iowa; OG Mike Iupati, Idaho; CB Perrish Cox, Oklahoma State; S Chad Jones, LSU; OLB/DE Jason Worilds, Virginia Tech

Arizona Cardinals (26th pick)

Seven picks: 1.26; 2.26; 3.24 (f/BAL), 3.25; 4.25 (f/BAL); 6.26; 7.26

It’s been a particularly rough offseason for the Cardinals; in Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin, Karlos Dansby, and Antrell Rolle they’ve lost four key cogs from their two-year playoff run.  The trade for Kerry Rhodes addresses Rolle’s departure, while Warner’s retirement (and a subsequent shift in offensive philosophy) and existing depth at the position lessen the blow from the trade of Boldin. A linebacker sits firmly atop the Cardinals’ draft-day priority list, with the remaining focus likely to fall on upgrading the offensive and defensive lines.

Possible options: OLB/DE Ricky Sapp, Clemson; OLB/DE Jerry Hughes, TCU; DT Lamarr Houston, Texas; DT Arthur Jones, Syracuse; OT Jason Fox, Miami (FL); OT Selvish Capers, West Virginia

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