TOP OF THE CROP
E Leodis McKelvin, CB, 5-feet-11, 190 pounds, Troy
The most electrifying returner among the prospects who can also start his first year.
Kenny Phillips, SS, 6-0, 208, Miami
The talk at the scouting combine was he had fallen to the second round. He may be back to the middle of the first.
Aqib Talib, CB, 6-0, 200, Kansas
A big corner with quickness and agility, but may be more of a zone cover guy than man-to-man.
Domonique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, 6-2, 184, Tennessee St.
Another good-sized athletic corner who won the Ohio Valley Conference long jump title.
Tyrell Johnson, SS, 6-0, 207, Arkansas State
In recent months, his stock has soared from a third-round pick to possibly being taken late in the first.
SLEEPER
Husain Abdullah, FS, 6-0, 204, Washington State
Younger brother of the Broncos’ Hamza Abdullah hopes to go higher than big brother’s seventh-round pick in 2005.
OVERRATED
Tom Zbikowski, FS, 5-11, 210, Notre Dame
It’s hardly fair to say an overachiever is overrated, but no college defensive back received more pub than this professional boxer.
BRONCOS’ NEEDS
They’re fine for this year, with Hamza Abdullah expected to play every down and veterans John Lynch, Marquand Manuel and Marlon McCree expected to fight for the other safety spot in camp. Next year depends on how well Abdullah progresses and whether he leaves for free agency. The Broncos love Phillips. If they trade down and Phillips is there later in the first round, the Broncos may take him.
TEAMS WITH NEEDS
Redskins
They hit it big with LaRon Landry last year, but the question is whether they believe Northern Colorado’s Reed Doughty can replace the late Sean Taylor on a full-time basis.
Texans
They may come away with a free safety and a bump-and-run corner.
Bills
Ashton Youboty has not matured, leaving the Bills in need of a corner.
Chiefs
Ty Law is old and gone, and Patrick Surtain soon turns 32.
Patriots
They lost Asante Samuel and Randall Gay to free agency.
Area prospects
D Terrence Wheatley, CB, 5-10, 187, CU, fifth rd.
Julius Stinson, CB, 5-9, 187, Wyo., seventh rd.
Joey Rucks, FS, 5-10, 192, CSU, free agent
Bobby Giannini, FS, 6-2, 208, Air Force, FA
Lionel Harris, SS, 6-0, 197, CU, FA
