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Brandeis University's Community Newspaper — Waltham, Mass.

Slavin’s NFL Forecast

Published: February 10, 2006
Section: Sports


The NFL season ended on Sunday night when the Pittsburgh Steelers won their first Super Bowl in 26 years. Future hall-of-famer Jerome Bettis retired after the victory, which was his first Super Bowl win after 13 years in the NFL.

Now it is time for the yearly changes. Ten teams have already fired and hired new coaches.Now players will begin to change hands, especially on April 29th, the start of the 2006 NFL Draft.

During the first round of the draft, the Houston Texans will pick first, and the Steelers last. Barring a trade, the New England Patriots will get the 21st pick this year. There is a lof of talent in the draft, especially USC standout running back Reggie Bush and quarterbacks Vince Young and Jay Cutler, of Texas and Vanderbilt respectively.

Bush, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner, will most likely go to the Houston Texans, who despite already having a decent half back in Dominick Davis, need any help possible. Bush could also be used as a trading chip for the Texans. Next, the New Orleans Saints will most likely take USC quarterback Matt Leinart. Leinart would not only help on the field, replacing Aaron Brooks who is long over the hill, but also off, as his affinity for the media could help the struggling franchise attract some attention.
Besides the draft, many veteran players are on the free market. Antwaan Randle El and difficult but talented Terrell Owens are both available this season. Owens will leave the Eagles after several disputes with quarterback Donovan McNabb and the rest of the Philadelphia franchise. The Redskins have expressed an interest in Randle El, but it is hard to predict where either receiver will be playing come Labor Day.