NFL

TRANSFORMERS
Teams with new schemes are adjusting their draft day formulas.
By Todd McShay and Jason Langedorf, Scouts Inc.

Rams
SYSTEM INFORMATION
Forget Al Saunders' jumbo playbook and his issues with Joe Gibbs in DC. He's perfect as the Rams' new O-coordinator. His downfield, Air Coryell scheme matches up with Marc Bulger's big arm. Plus, Saunders will use more two-tight end sets, which means protecting Bulger is now a priority. It's about time.


DRAFT DAY TRANSFORMATION
A lot of draftniks see Michigan OT Jake Long going to the Rams, who have the No. 2 overall pick. But where does that leave Orlando Pace? The Rams should select a DE—like Virginia's Chris Long—and then focus on WRs with separation skills. Lavelle Hawkins (Cal) and Earl Bennett (Vanderbilt) would work.

Jets
SYSTEM INFORMATION
New York hired Bill Callahan as assistant head coach to work with youngsters Nick Mangold and D'Brickashaw Ferguson, who led the league's 29th-ranked rushing O. But the Jets expect more from the ex-Raiders and Nebraska coach: They want
his West Coast background to influence their entire scheme.

DRAFT DAY TRANSFORMATION
The Jets bolstered their O-line
in free agency with Alan Faneca and Damien Woody. But Thomas Jones may not be the guy who benefits from the new up-front talent. If Darren McFadden slips to No. 6, the Jets should pounce. In Round 2, a complement to WR Laveranues Coles, like LSU's Early Doucet, is a must.

Dolphins
SYSTEM INFORMATION
New coach Tony Sparano says he'll install whatever defense fits his players. But his boss, the 3-4-loving Bill Parcells, sees things differently. Parcells
cut Zach Thomas, the Fins' prototypical 4-3 MLB. And Tuna traded for one of his former Boys, Jason Ferguson, who is the perfect 3-4 nose tackle.

DRAFT DAY TRANSFORMATION
Assuming Parcells can't find a trade partner for the first pick, the choice will come down to Boston College QB Matt Ryan, OT Jake Long or DE Chris Long. In a 3-4 system, Chris, who played a hybrid DE/LB at UVa, would be a good complement to Parcells' new fave, Dolphins ILB Channing Crowder.

Lions
SYSTEM INFORMATION
Detroit traded in sleek for smashmouth when Mike Martz got the boot. His replacement, Jim Colletto, will strive for ball control and big plays from WRs such as Calvin Johnson. Also, expect to see more of FB Jon Bradley, a 310-pound converted DT, and less of Jon Kitna peeling himself off the turf.

DRAFT DAY TRANSFORMATION
A run on OTs should begin when the Lions pick at No. 15, and Pitt's Jeff Otah is the best fit in Motown. He's the type of massive, road-grading LT who can make this unit more physical. Adding a versatile FB such as WVU's Owen Schmitt later in the draft would make Matt Millen look like he's paying attention.

49ers
SYSTEM INFORMATION
Martz has been reunited with former Rams receiver Isaac Bruce, who was signed as a free agent. But Bruce is the only piece that fits Martz's timing-based scheme. A plodding front five, increased downfield routes and QB Alex Smith's suspect arm don't add up. So where do they start?


DRAFT DAY TRANSFORMATION
They shouldn't spend another high pick on a QB. Instead, with the No. 29 selection, the Niners should focus on their supporting cast. Two receivers who fit Martz's scheme are Michigan's Mario Manningham and Cal's Hawkins. They should also target agile OT Sam Baker (USC) in the second round.

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