By Tony Moss, NFL Editor (Sports Network) – As usual, the Patriots have stockpiled selections, with four picks in the Top 53 thanks to 2009 move-down deals that landed them second-rounders from the Jaguars (No. 44 overall) and the Titans (No. 77 overall). The Pats’ lack of sentimentality toward their own free agents also helped them acquire four compensatory picks, all after the sixth round. Clearly, this needs to be a defense-heavy Draft for a team that was a major disappointment in that area last season. A 3-4 pass rusher like Sergio Kindle (Texas) or Brandon Graham (Michigan) would be enticing at No. 22, and a promising defensive end or cornerback candidate would be prudent early targets too. On the offensive end, Wes Welker’s injuries and Randy Moss’ attitude make wide receiver a sudden need area, and would it kill Bill Belichick to find a running back with 20-plus carry per game potential?2009 Record: 10-6First Three Picks: No. 22, No. 44, No. 47Number of Selections: 12 (1, 2,

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By Tony Moss, NFL Editor (Sports Network) – The Donovan McNabb situation will continue to merit watching for the Raiders, but it probably won’t color the team’s early-round Draft approach if they fail to land him. Oakland isn’t going to target a first-round QB with JaMarcus Russell still on the roster and owed money, and the re-signed Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye are better options than a mid- round project would be. Where the Raiders need the most help is along the offensive line, and tackles Bryan Bulaga (Iowa), Trent Williams (Oklahoma) and Anthony Davis (Rutgers) will command some attention from the Silver and Black if available at No. 8. A team that is perpetually poor against the run could also use some help at both defensive tackle and middle linebacker, and will need whoever they select in those areas to make an immediate impact. With Darrius Heyward-Bey looking like a bigger bust than even Russell, a good pass- catcher should also be in order.

2009 Record: 5-11

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By Tony Moss, NFL Editor (Sports Network) – The Ravens lost their third- and fourth-round picks to the Cardinals in the Anquan Boldin deal, meaning unless there’s additional movement, Baltimore will go the equivalent of more than three rounds (from the second to the fifth) without being on the clock. The Ravens also relinquished their seventh-rounder in a 2008 deal that brought Marques Douglas (now with the Jets) in from the Bucs, meaning they won’t select among the final 61 picks either. With most of their biggest needs filled during the free agency period, the top target should be a cornerback, with the likes of Devin McCourty (Rutgers) and Patrick Robinson (Florida State) among the possible candidates at No. 25. A hole at tight end could be filled with Baltimore’s second-round pick, though if the team sees a potential long-term replacement for the declining Ed Reed or Ray Lewis, it could pull the trigger on that position early.

2009 Record: 9-7First Three Picks: No. 25, N

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By Tony Moss, NFL Editor (Sports Network) – The ongoing saga with Ben Roethlisberger will loom large for the Steelers on Draft day. Would Pittsburgh dare select a quarterback early? What would such a selection say about the Steelers’ long-term plans concerning Roethlisberger, and what would it say about their expectations for the adjudication of the most recent sexual assault complaint against him? Then again, can the Black and Gold really afford not to take a QB? They won’t take one with their first- or probably second-round pick, where the team has bigger needs on the offensive line and at cornerback, but the 82nd pick just might be a signal-caller, presumably one with some character. An outside linebacker is another potential early target. Later in the Draft, the Steelers’ three compensatory picks after the fifth round will help them fill out the bottom of the roster, ideally.

2009 Record: 9-7First Three Picks: No. 18, No. 52, No. 82Number of Selections: 10 (1, 2, 3, 4,

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By Tony Moss, NFL Editor (Sports Network) – The Texans are largely viewed as a team on the cusp of big things, but a couple of wise picks early on could be necessary to cement that status. Given the revolving door the team has endured at running back, it will be very difficult to pass up that position if Clemson’s C.J. Spiller (unlikely to be available) or Fresno State’s Ryan Mathews (more likely) is on the board at No. 20. Failing that, cornerback Dunta Robinson’s free agent defection to the Falcons makes that area a particular need, and the free safety position might be worth addressing as well. Defensive tackle will likely be a mid-round target, and with Dan Orlovsky again penciled in as the backup to Matt Schaub at QB, a realistic developmental prospect might be a worthwhile selection at that position.

2009 Record: 9-7First Three Picks: No. 20, No. 51, No. 81Number of Selections: 8 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 6, 7)FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2009 – Brian Cushing (OLB, USC); 2008 – Duane

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By Tony Moss, NFL Editor (Sports Network) – The Titans have only one of the first 76 picks after trading their 2010 second-rounder to New England for the right to select tight end Jared Cook last year, so the pressure is on to select a difference-maker with its lone chance to do so. Clearly, job number one will be locating a pass rusher, and a player like Jason Pierre-Paul (South Florida) or Derrick Morgan (Georgia Tech) could be a possibility at No. 16. If not, the Titans might seek to trade down in order to get better value and an extra pick. There are other needs on defense, and don’t be surprised to see Tennessee target a linebacker and/or defensive back with one or both of its two third-round picks. The Titans look to be in relatively good shape on offense, with interior line ranking as something of a need, but not necessarily a pressing one. A developmental prospect at center or guard is a strong possibility.

2009 Record: 8-8First Three Picks: No. 16, No. 77, No. 97N

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Elam signed a one-day contract with Denver on in order to officially retire as a member of the team with which he spent 15 seasons.

“There are so many memories and that’s what I hoped for today that this wouldn’t be just a celebration of a career, but it would be a celebration of relationships and friendships,” Elam said.

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A Bakersfield television station first reported and the Arizona Republic confirmed that the office determined there was not a “reasonable likelihood” that the Cardinals linebacker would be found guilty of the charges posed.

Porter was arrested last weekend on suspicion of a DUI, resisting arrest and assault on a police officer.

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Rucker had been tendered for a one-year deal for a restricted free agent, but the two sides agreed to the extra season.

Last season with the Bengals, his third in the pros, he had 22 tackles, one sack and an interception over 12 games.

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The team also announced Wednesday that cornerback Ashton Youboty signed his one-year tender.

Originally a second-round pick by New England in the 2006 draft, Jackson has caught 14 passes for 171 yards and three touchdowns in 18 career games with the Patriots and Broncos.

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