With the teams in their respective corners, let's find out how the judges scored Round 1?

Knock Down
The only knock down of the first round occurred when the Washington Redskins signed a slew of players including G Dave Fiore (49'ers), G Rodney Thomas (Jets), OL Lennie Friedman (Broncos), DE Regan Upshaw (Raiders), DT Brandon Noble (Cowboys), QB Rob Johnson (Bucs), K John Hall (Jets), and traded for RB Trung Canidate (Rams).

A definite weak spot in recent years, the signing of Fiore and Thomas immediately makes the Skins offensive line, one of the best in the NFC. The newly signed guard tandem will join existing linemen - T Chris Samuels, T Jon Jansen, C Larry Moore and G Brenden Stai. By adding Friedman and resigning G Tre' Johnson, the Skins add needed depth to the line, making it a formidable force in 2003.

The new offensive line will help clear the way for Ex-Rams RB Trung Canidate. The team traded a back-up lineman and a mid round draft pick to the Rams for Canidate, who should be a perfect fit with the Skins. Canidate was a former first round pick, who now has a chance to be the featured back in Coach Spurrier's new offense. Look for K John Hall to be an immediate starter, while QB Rob Johnson will serve as a backup to QB Patrick Ramsey.

In addition to the offensive acquisitions, the Skins also signed DE Regan Upshaw (Raiders) and DT Brandon Noble (Cowboys). Both players will be immediate starters, even if DE Bruce Smith decides to stay with the team.

Standing 10 Count
Many a defensive back, have experienced a standing 10 count after being pummeled by FB Lorenzo Neal. The San Diego Chargers may have scored that type of blow, with the signing of Lo Neal. The Bolts now have a punishing blocker to lead the way for Ladanian Tomlinson. The highly coveted Neal, will be a perfect fit for the "Shottenhemier" brand of football. Go ahead… add a few hundred yards and a couple of scores to LT's numbers for 2003.

You Punch Like a Girl
Hello Dallas… "She" has just entered the stadium! That's right, it's WR Terry Glenn in a Dallas Cowboys uniform. It seems that Coach Parcells traded with the Packers, for Glenn to become a boy… err, Cowboy. As part of the trade, Dallas will send a future draft pick to the Pack in 2004. Although the relationship might have started off shaky when Parcells and Glenn were with the Patriots, the new coach of the Cowboys seems excited to have Glenn on the team. What impact Glenn will have is debatable. He had the perfect opportunity in Green Bay, but blew it badly. Maybe Parcells can motivate the talented receiver (again).

Grazing Blow
While it may have appeared that the New Orleans Saints scored with a left hook, it was merely a grazing blow. The team signed OT Wayne Gandy (Steelers), CB Ashley Ambrose (Falcons) and LB Orlando Ruff (Chargers). However, the Saints will likely trade OT Kyle Turley and lose LB Charlie Clemons via free agency. The signing of Gandy and Ruff only serves to fill the holes that will be left. CB Ashley Ambrose should help a very weak Saints secondary, but it's only a start. The team will also need to target another corner and a safety.

Weak Jabs
Teams scoring minimal points with quick jabs include…

· Buffalo Bills - Signed LB Jeff Posey and traded for TE Mark Campbell.
· Indianapolis Colts - Signed DT Montae Reagor.
· St. Louis Rams - Signed C Dave Wohlabaugh
· Houston Texans - Signed OT Zach Weigert
· Green Bay Packers - Traded for CB Al Harris
· Detroit Lions - Signed CB Dre' Bly
· Chicago Bears - TE Desmond Clark
· Kansas City Chiefs - LB Shawn Barber
· New York Giants - RB Brian Mitchell

The Top Contenders
With fourteen rounds remaining in this fight, here are the top contenders left in the mix…

QB Jake Plummer - Could land in Denver if Griese departs.
QB Kordell Stewart - Interest coming from Cards and Bears.
QB Jeff Blake - Ravens want to retain Blake.
QB Jim Miller - Nothing but a back-up role in his future.

RB Emmitt Smith - Says he's still a 1300 yard per year rusher.
RB Stephen Davis - Could end up in Houston, Carolina or Tampa Bay.
RB Stacey Mack - Can he be a featured back?
RB James Allen - Will be relegated to a back-up role.
RB Olandis Gary - Could fill a spot for the Pats or Carolina.

WR David Boston - Could end up in a Chargers, Falcons or Chiefs uniform.
WR Curtis Conway - Not much interest yet, but teams have needs.
WR Peerless Price - Franchise tag could be too "pricey".
WR Kevin Dyson - Miami, Green Bay and the Chiefs could be calling.
WR Raghib Ismail - Could be the speed they need in Washington.

:: comments to kirk bouyelas