Jared Allen (recently traded from the Kansas Chiefs to the Minnesota Vikings) is a good defensive end, but we will never confuse him for a good businessman.

Here is what Jared Allen thinks are good ideas:

1. Wearing #69 (for the exact inuendo reasons your dirty mind is drawn to)

2. Racking up two DUIs (which resulted in a suspension for two games last season)

3. Building an expensive sports bar and grill in Kansas City during his contract year (2007) Follow the train of thought: I have two DUIs, so let's go open a BAR!! [as the Guiness brothers say: Brilliant!]

4. 15.5 sacks, 64 tackles in 14 games (what, he couldn't manage 5 more tackles?)

5. After his typical contract year performance (most players have their best year in the last year of thier contract - hmm), he cops an attitude demanding a ridiculously large guaranteed contract (basically because he really wanted out of Kansas City)

6. He shows up at an awards banquet for 10 mins only to pick up his award dressed in boots, jeans and a tuxedo t-shirt.

7. Makes it OBVIOUS he wants out of Kansas City up until his trade is finalized

I keep hearing the old Seasame Street song "One of These Things is Not Like the Other" in my head. Other than the solid stats, his actions have not been all that bright.

Jared Allen is NOT Junior Seau. Anyone who thinks you can compare the two either a desperate Vikings fan or an uneducated football novice.

Seau opened up a great restaurant in San Diego which still thrives today. Why? Because Seau was a pillar in the San Diego community for many years. Allen has been in Kansas City for 4 years - and not a stellar citizen during most of that time.

Seau left San Diego after more than a dozen years of faithful service and was simply a cap move. He wanted to continue to try to get a Super Bowl ring (which is the only thing he has not accomplished in his career) and the people of San Diego still love him.

Allen's departure is only considered a loss to the Kansas CIty are simply because of his on-field talent. Otherwise, it is not a big loss. And having two first round picks Saturday makes the wound a lot easier to take.

Unless Allen decides to have all of his waitresses skimp down to nothing but a string bikini, his bar venture will soon circle the drain, as will his Vikings who desperately needed that first-round pick (and the two third rounders they gave up) to rebuild their franchise. And Allen's career won't be far behind.

Now his agent is a genius! But that's a different piece altogether.

The Combine, as usual, didn't feature all of the big names in  the draft, but it did clarify many areas. Some propsects were exposed as frauds, others proved that their stock was higher than originally anticapatd, while other big names fell into the middle of the pack due to poor performance or injuries, and other lesser-knowns jumped to the top of the heap.

The Combine is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you're gonna get. So let's take a bite out of the first round.

1. DOLPHINS: Chris Long, DE/Virginia: The Dolphins will trade this pick. They have too many holes to fill to keep this pick when there are no OBVIOUS first picks. They will trade down and take a QB later in the first round. But IF they happen to keep this pick, expect them to go with Long to help shore up their weak and aging defense. And even if the pick is traded, several teams may use it to take Long, who proved to be a beast at the Combine.

2. RAMS: Serick Ellis, DT/USC: They were terrible agains the run the last few seasons and need help bad and Dorsey is the man who can help them out. Ellis moves up to No. 2 thanks to Dorsey's injury questions, USC's reputation, and a good Combine.

3. FALCONS: Matt Ryan, QB/Boston College: They need a QB in the worst way. They may opt for Brohm but Ryan is currently the top QB on the board.

4. RAIDERS: Glenn Dorsey, DT/LSU: Warren Sapp is gone and their D-line was not all that great to begin with. Rusell and the corps of running backs will develop nicely but they need serious defensive help.

5. CHIEFS: Jake Long, OT/Michigan: Anyone who watched even a highlight of the Chiefs season know they need offensive line help because last year their O-line was just that - OFFENSIVE. Right now, the Chiefs are praying Jake falls to No. 5.

6. JETS: Darren McFadden, RB/Arkansas: New York fans won't boo this pick. Thomas Jones is good but McFadden is better. Plus having Jones gives them a chance to work him into the role.

7. PATRIOTS: (from San Francisco) Vernon Gholston, DE/Ohio St: This is a steal. Not because Gholston is a good DE, but because after SPY-GATE they still get to keep a top 10 pick. But Gholston is something they need bad - a pass rusher.

8. RAVENS: Brian Brohm, QB/Louisville: One of the more obvious choices. If Atlanta takes Brohm, then expect Baltimore to take Ryan here. Either way, their taking a top-notch QB.

9. BENGALS: Dan Connor, LB/Penn St: The Bengals are an offensive machine, but their defense needs an overhaul. Connor is just the first step is shoring up that attrocious defense. Rivers and Connor may flip-flop.

10. SAINTS: Aqib Talib, CB/Kansas: Kalib is a great corner and the Saints got burned at corner (someone please extinguish Jason David, he got burned again) with regularity.

11. BILLS: Malcolm Kelly, WR/Oklahoma: They need a young playmaker to help take the pressure off of #### and Edwards. And Edwards would love a big, fast receiver who can catch the ball.

12. BRONCOS: Keith Rivers, LB/USC: After making a bust move trading up to get Jarvis Moss last year, the Broncos need to rebound and make a smart choice to help build up their defense. They have the corners but no young help in the middle. If the Bengals take Rivers, Denver will take Connor here.

13. PANTHERS: Chad Henne, QB/Michigan: Thanks to a strong showing at the combine, Henne will ride the lineage of Brady and Griese and other great Michigan QBs to a top 15 selection. The Panthers need to start grooming Delhomme's replacement and Henne can be that guy.

14. BEARS: Ryan Clady, OT/BSU: A skilled O-lineman who can help out the Bears playing with Olin Kreutz once the Bears pick a REAL QB. Note: Bears will pick up a QB in Round 2 or 3.

15. LIONS: Leodis McKelvin, CB/Troy: No WR drafted here. This year, Matt Millen actually addresses a need with his first pick and starts working on their weak corners.

16. CARDINALS: Reshard Mendenhall, RB/Illinois: This veteran RB carousel the Cardinals have been trying for the last decade has not worked. They need a running/receiving threat to put more people in the box and free up the big receivers. His strong Combine only solidifies this pick.

17. VIKINGS: Calais Campbell, DE/Miami: A bubbly pick for the Vikings, who really should be taking a QB here. But Campbell will begin the process of rebuilding an ineffective D-line. Note: Vikings will also take a QB later on day one. Note: After dropping Holcomb, the Vikings will draft a QB on day one.

18. TEXANS: Jamaal Charles, RB/Texas: Not used to picking this low, the Texans play it safe and stick to a player from Texas. An excellent move. Charles can really run and catches the ball out of the backfield - the young version of Ahman Green.

19. EAGLES: DeSean Jackson, WR/Cal: After asinine moves of getting rid of Terrel Owens and Donte Stallworth, the Eagles need a serious threat at wide receiver to help keep Brian Westbrook healthy. McNabb will get him the ball - he just has to catch it.

20. BUCCANEERS: Colt Brennan, QB/Hawaii: They need a new QB. Garcia is great, but aging and may even leave town. Either way, Simms and the other experiments have failed. Brennan is the breathe of fresh air they need to spark that offense.

21. REDSKINS: Sam Baker, OT/USC: While they are deciding what to do with Todd Collins, Jason Campbell, and Mark Brunell, they can shore up the O-line to help protect whoever it is that takes the snaps.

22. COWBOYS: (from Cleveland Browns) Kenny Phillips, S/Miami: He's versatile and can play nickel, CB, and safety as well as special teams for Dallas.  They also need a WR, but can address with pick at 28.

23. STEELERS: Jeff Oath, OT/Pitt: Steelers stay local after losing Faneca on the O-line. Big Ben needs all the protection he can.

24. TITANS: Limas Sweed, WR/Texas: Assuming Sweed makes it this far down the board, it is an obvious choice. Sweed's size and speed, plus, oh yeah, he played with Vince Young in Texas.

25. SEAHAWKS: Jonathan Stewart, RB/Oregon: The Seahawks stay with the familiarity trend and draft a local area guy (Oregon is close enough) to begin the transition out of the Shaun (of the Dead) Alexander era.

26. JAGUARS: Early Doucet, WR/LSU: Following the success of Dwayne Bowe and other first round LSU Tigers, the Jaguars look for Doucet to help them at WR Early and often. Even though the Jags acquired Williamson, he is not their WR of the future, but Doucet can be.

27. CHARGERS: Chris Williams, OT/Vanderbilt: The Chargers make a move to shore up the offensive line to help keep RIvers and Tomlinson healthier. Look for this to be a key spot for a trade as well with a team looking to move back into the first round from early in the second.

28. DALLAS: Mario Manningham, WR/Michigan: With the first of their two picks in the first round, they pick a big, solid WR target to play opposite TO. Glenn is on a serious downslope and Crayton has proven he is a great 3rd receiver but nothing more.Not a bad choice for second first round pick.

29. 49ERS: (from Indianapolis) James Hardy, WR/Indiana: He's big and fast and the Niners need a playmaker to help Alex Smith. Plus, he could help free up Frank Gore and Vernon Davis. If Sweed is available here, they will take him over Hardy.  Note: If the Teir 1 receivers are gone and Chris Williams is still on the board, the Niners will take Williamson to shore up the OL and take a WR early in the second round.

30. PACKERS: Tracy Porter, CB/Indiana: Hoosiers go back-to-back here as the Pack select a versatile and extremely talented young DB. He can play just about anywhere and dominate.

31. PATRIOTS: Forfeited. That's what happens when you cheat. Shame. Shame.

32. GIANTS: Ali Highsmith, LB/LSU: Another LSU Tiger goes in the first round. The Giants D-Line and DBs are pretty good, but they need help in the middle. Highsmith is made to be a Giant unless they pick a speed RB here.

SPECIAL NOTE: QB Joe Flacco will be drafted in the first round. Some team will trade and shift to draft him in the first round, but there currently is no place to put him here until all the trades are done

As the "off-season" rolls on, I will periodically revisit the upcoming April NFL Draft with projections. As always, things change. Teams will lose and sign free agents. Trades will be made and needs will change. But for my first venture into the 2008 draft ... let's get to it:

1. DOLPHINS: Chris Long, DE/Virginia: The Dolphins will trade this pick. They have too many holes to fill to keep this pick when there are no OBVIOUS first picks. They will trade down and take a QB later in the first round. But IF they happen to keep this pick, expect them to go with Long to help shore up their weak and aging defense.

2. RAMS: Glenn Dorsey, DT/LSU: They were terrible agains the run the last few seasons and need help bad and Dorsey is the man who can help them out.

3. FALCONS: Brian Brohm, QB/Louisville: They need a QB in the worst way. They may opt for Ryan but Brohm has a more proven track record.

4. RAIDERS: Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC: Warren Sapp is gone and their D-line was not all that great to begin with. Rusell and the corps of running backs will develop nicely but they need serious defensive help.

5. CHIEFS: Jake Long, OT/Michigan: Anyone who watched even a highlight of the Chiefs season know they need offensive line help because last year their O-line was just that - OFFENSIVE.

6. JETS: Darren McFadden, RB/Arkansas: New York fans won't boo this pick. Thomas Jones is good but McFadden is better. Plus having Jones gives them a chance to  work him into the role.

7. PATRIOTS: Vernon Gholston, DE/Ohio St: This is a steal. Not because Gholston is a good DE, but because after SPY-GATE they still get to keep a top 10 pick. But Gholston is something they need bad - a pass rusher.

8. RAVENS: Matt Ryan, QB/Boston College: One of the more obvious choices. If Atlanta takes Ryan, then expect Baltimore to take Brohm here. Either way, their taking a top-notch QB.

9. BENGALS: Dan Connor, LB/Penn St: The Bengals are an offensive machine, but their defense needs an overhaul. Connor is just the first step is shoring up that attrocious defense.

10. SAINTS: Aqib Talib, CB/Kansas: Kalib is a great corner and the Saints got burned at corner (someone please extinguish Jason David, he got burned again) with regularity.

11. BILLS: Malcolm Kelly, WR/Oklahoma: They need a young playmaker to help take the pressure off of #### and Edwards. And Edwards would love a big, fast receiver who can catch the ball.

12. BRONCOS: Keith Rivers, LB/USC: After making a bust move trading up to get Jarvis Moss last year, the Broncos need to rebound and make a smart choice to help build up their defense. They have the corners but no young help in the middle.

13. PANTHERS: Chad Henne, QB/Michigan: Barring a meltdown at the combine, Henne will ride the lineage of Brady and Griese and other great Michigan QBs to a top 15 selection. The Panthers need to start grooming Delhomme's replacement and Henne can be that guy.

14. BEARS: Ryan Clady, OT/BSU: A skilled O-lineman who can help out the Bears playing with Olin Kreutz once the Bears pick a REAL QB. Note: Bears will pick up a QB in Round 2 or 3.

15. LIONS: Leodis McKelvin, CB/Troy: No WR drafted here. This year, Matt Millen actually addresses a need with his first pick and starts working on their weak corners.

16. CARDINALS: Reshard Mendenhall, RB/Illinois: This veteran RB carousel the Cardinals have been trying for the last decade has not worked. They need a running/receiving threat to put more people in the box and free up the big receivers.

17. VIKINGS: Calais Campbell, DE/Miami: A bubbly pick for the Vikings, who really should be taking a QB here. But Campbell will begin the process of rebuilding an ineffective D-line. Note: Vikings will also take a QB later on day one.

18. TEXANS: Jamaal Charles, RB/Texas: Not used to picking this low, the Texans play it safe and stick to a player from Texas. An excellent move. Charles can really run and catches the ball out of the backfield - the young version of Ahman Green.

19. EAGLES: DeSean Jackson, WR/Cal: After asinine moves of getting rid of Terrel Owens and Donte Stallworth, the Eagles need a serious threat at wide receiver to help keep Brian Westbrook healthy. McNabb will get him the ball - he just has to catch it.

20. BUCCANEERS: Colt Brennan, QB/Hawaii: They need a new QB. Garcia is great, but aging and may even leave town. Either way, Simms and the other experiments have failed. Brennan is the breathe of fresh air they need to spark that offense.

21. REDSKINS: Sam Baker, OT/USC: While they are deciding what to do with Todd Collins, Jason Campbell, and Mark Brunell, they can shore up the O-line to help protect whoever it is that takes the snaps.

22. COWBOYS: Mario Manningham, WR/Michigan: With the first of their two picks in the first round, they pick a big, solid WR target to play opposite TO. Glenn is on a serious downslope and Crayton has proven he is a great 3rd receiver but nothing more.

23. STEELERS: Jeff Oath, OT/Pitt: Steelers stay local after losing Faneca on the O-line. Big Ben needs all the protection he can.

24. TITANS: Limas Sweed, WR/Texas: Assuming Sweed makes it this far down the board, it is an obvious choice. Sweed's size and speed, plus, oh yeah, he played with Vince Young in Texas.

25. SEAHAWKS: Jonathan Stewart, RB/Oregon: The Seahawks stay with the familiarity trend and draft a local area guy (Oregon is close enough) to begin the transition out of the Shaun (of the Dead) Alexander era.

26. JAGUARS: Early Doucet, WR/LSU: Following the success of Dwayne Bowe and other first round LSU Tigers, the Jaguars look for Doucet to help them at WR Early and often.

27. CHARGERS: Chris Williams, OT/Vanderbilt: The Chargers make a move to shore up the offensive line to help keep RIvers and Tomlinson healthier. Look for this to be a key spot for a trade as well with a team looking to move back into the first round from early in the second.

28. DALLAS: Kenny Phillips, S/Miami: He's versatile and can play nickel, CB, and safety as well as special teams for Dallas. Not a bad choice for second first round pick.

29. 49ERS: (from Indianapolis) James Hardy, WR/Indiana: He's big and fast and the Niners need a playmaker to help Alex Smith. Plus, he could help free up Frank Gore and Vernon Davis. If Sweed is available here, they will take him over Hardy.

30. PACKERS: Tracy Porter, CB/Indiana: Hoosiers go back-to-back here as the Pack select a versatile and extremely talented young DB. He can play just about anywhere and dominate.

31. PATRIOTS: Forfeited. That's what happens when you cheat. Shame. Shame.

32. GIANTS: Ali Highsmith, LB/LSU: Another LSU Tiger goes in the first round. The Giants D-Line and DBs are pretty good, but they need help in the middle. Highsmith is made to be a Giant unless they pick a speed RB here.

SPECIAL NOTE: QB Joe Flacco will be drafted in the first round. Some team will trade and shift to draft him in the first round, but there currently is no place to put him here until all the trades are done