Mock Draft No. 4

With the NFL's free-agent signing period two weeks old, the draft needs of many teams have already been altered by the veteran marketplace. In our fourth attempt at mocking out the first round, we factor in those recent acquisitions and continue to keep track of the ever-present buzz factor that is always a significant part of the predraft scouting process.

Among those creating the biggest positive vibes these days with strong pro day workouts are Ohio State defensive end/linebacker Vernon Gholston, Kansas cornerback Aqib Talib, Boise State offensive tackle Ryan Clady and Delaware quarterback Joe Flacco. On the flip side, the first-round fortunes of players such as Oregon running back Jonathan Stewart, Clemson defensive end Phillip Merling and Miami defensive end Calais Campbell show some classic mid-March volatility. (Send comments to siwriters@simail.com)