Dr. Z's Draft Preview

The Indianapolis colts have the first two picks in the upcoming NFL draft—the first time a team has had that luxury in 34 years—and they say they're not going to trade either of them. "You win with defense," says Colt general manager Jim Irsay, "and that's what we're taking with our first two picks." Washington defensive tackle Steve Emtman is a lock for the top spot. According to Irsay, Texas A&M linebacker Quentin Coryatt shades Pitt defensive lineman Sean Gilbert for the second.

But a number of draft watchers swear the Colts, looking for marquee value, will use the second pick to take Heisman winner Desmond Howard, the Michigan wideout. Others think Indianapolis will trade the choice, an option the Los Angeles Rams, who have the third choice, and the Cincinnati Bengals, with the fourth, are seriously considering.

1 COLTS, Steve Emtman, DT-NG, WASHINGTON
A can't-miss pick. Weighs 290 pounds, runs the 40 in the 4.8-4.9 range and is relentless.

2 COLTS from Bucs, Quentin Coryatt, LB, TEXAS A & M
Figures to be an inside LB in the 3-4 and an outside rusher in the nickel. Run a 4.64 40 at 245 pounds.

3 RAMS (or another team that trades up), Troy Vincent, CB, WISCONSIN Logical choice for a team that must face 49ers Jerry Rice and John Taylor twice a year.

4 COWBOYS (trade with Bengals), Terrell Buckley, CB, FLORIDA STATE
Dallas coach Jimmy Johnson, always a serious draft-day mover, trades tip from No. 13 for defensive help.

5 PACKERS, Desmond Howard, WR, MICHIGAN
An excellent complement to Sterling Sharpe. Pack's offense is more in need of firepower than is its defense.

6 REDSKINS from Chargers, Sean Gilbert, DE-DT, PITTSBURGH
The stock of Gilbert, a 315-pounder who runs in the 4.9's for the 40, has soared in the last few weeks.

7 DOLPHINS from Cardinals, Robert Porcher, DE, SOUTH CAROLINA STATE
Active pass rusher coming off fine senior year. Don Shula says both his first-round picks will go for defense.

8 PATRIOTS, Leon Searcy, T, MIAMI
Everyone else predicts QB David Klingler here, but Pats G.M. Sam Jankovich is loyal to his old school.

9 BROWNS, David Klingler, QB, HOUSTON
Great talent, but must learn pro offense. TE Derek Brown figured here, but Cleveland can't pass up this QB.

10 SEAHAWKS, Bob Whitfield, T, STANFORD
"Another Luis Sharpe," say the scouts. RB a need, but Seattle hopes to get one later.

11 STEELERS, Vaughn Dunbar, RB, INDIANA
The nation's premier runner will add zip to a stodgy attack. Falcons might trade up to get him.

12 DOLPHINS, Kevin Smith, CB, TEXAS A & M
Good fundamentals and cover ability. Scouts agree he's the third-best DB on the hoard.

13 BENGALS (trade with Cowboys, from Vikings), Chester McGlockton, DT-DE, CLEMSON
At 340 pounds, he's a big gamble. Another Perry-but which one, the Refrigerator or Michael Dean?

14 GIANTS, Derek Brown, TE, NOTRE DAME
Offense misses the Mark Bavaro dimension. Terrific recent workouts for this 6'5½", 250-pounder.

15 JETS, Ray Roberts, T, VIRGINIA
New York is loaded with guards, but needs a pure tackle. At 6'5½", 312 pounds, Roberts fits the bill.

16 RAIDERS, Alonzo Spellman, BE, OHIO STATE
Tremendous physical ability. Stock rose when he was the star of the combine workouts.

17 FALCONS from Packers from Eagles, Tony Smith, RB, SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
Atlanta threw well in '91 but couldn't run. Wants to add speed for the new Georgia Dome's artificial turf.

18 49ERS, Dale Carter, CB, TENNESSEE
Converted safety, but has the speed (4.49 for the 40). Also talented kick and punt returner.

19 FALCONS, Marco Coleman, LB-DE, GEORGIA TECH
A 248-pound 'tweener, he's needed to bolster a pass rush that had only 29 sacks last year.

20 CHIEFS, Eugene Chung, G-T, VIRGINIA TECH
Great athlete with black belt in judo. Gives Kansas City a two-way shot on offensive line.

21 SAINTS, Greg Skrepenak, T, MICHIGAN
Secondary is understaffed, but sturdy tackles are at a premium in the NFL.

22 BEARS, Tommy Vardell, FB, STANFORD
Not a crying need for Chicago, but Touchdown Tommy's a terrific effort guy. Made for the Bears.

23 CHARGERS from Oilers, Ashley Ambrose, CB, MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE
Nifty cover guy. San Diego gave up too many passing yards in '91, and Gill Byrd is getting old.

24 COWBOYS, Robert Jones, LB, EAST CAROLINA
With Jack Del Rio gone via Plan B, Dallas needs a firm run stopper in the middle.

25 BRONCOS, Tommy Maddox, QB, UCLA
Left Bruins after sophomore season, but Denver has luxury of letting him apprentice behind John Elway.

26 LIONS, Rod Smith, CB, NOTRE DAME
Still learning the position, but when you're picking this far down, you take chances.

27 BILLS, John Fina, T, ARIZONA
A personal favorite of line coach Tom Bresnahan. Tennessee WR Carl Pickens a possibility here.

28 REDSKINS, Dana Hall, S, WASHINGTON
Big and fast, but if the Skins go for a DB with pick No. 6, they'll take a defensive lineman here.

PHOTO

AL TIELEMANS

Projected as the No. 5 pick, Howard is tempting to the Colts at No. 2.