Q: Will the Broncos draft another running back this year? They always seem to grab someone who can make an impact.
— David, Houston

A: I would think there is a good chance the Broncos will draft a back this year, though it will be interesting to see how their draft philosophy evolves with the changes in their front office.  The Broncos are due for a back. They have not drafted a runner who has had an impact since taking Tatum Bell in 2004. The only back they chose in the last three drafts was Maurice Clarett, and they did not choose a running back in either of the last two drafts.

Q: Could you see the Rams making the playoffs?
— Darrell B., Carbondale, Ill.

A: Yes I could. Of course I could see almost any team making the playoffs this time of year. But you can build a case that the Rams are a lot better team than they showed last year because no team was hurt by injuries more than they were. If they avoid catastrophic injuries this year, health alone could mean the difference in maybe five games.

Then if they can improve through player development (Adam Carriker, Brian Leonard and Tye Hill) and roster additions (the third pick in the draft, Josh Brown, Trent Green), the Rams can really make some hay. And don't forget they play in the friendliest of divisions, the NFC West.

Q: Dan what do you think the Packers will do with the back-up quarterback situation. [Aaron] Rogers has a history of injury and there is really no proven player behind him.
— Tony Cece, Cranston, R.I.

A: The Packers have been looking at available free agents and are continuing to do so. They were in talks with Gus Frerotte before Frerotte signed with the Vikings, and with Quinn Gray before he signed with the Texans. Their objective is to acquire a veteran whom they can count on. My best guess is they will trade for a veteran in the days surrounding the draft. And if they don't, some old player is saying he would be willing to come back in the event of an injury. The Packers could do a lot worse than Brett Favre.

Q: If you were put in a position in which you had to pick the best secondary in the league, the two best corners, and the best free and strong safety, who would you take and why?
— Matt, Columbia, Md.

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A: I would start with Champ Bailey, who I believe is the best corner in the NFL. There isn't anything he doesn't do pretty well, though he does sometimes guess wrong and ends up getting beat deep.

The second cornerback spot is much more difficult to fill. I think you can make a good case for 10 or more players. Some who are in the picture: Nnamdi Asamougha, Ronde Barber, Antonio Cromartie, Rashean Mathis, Dunta Robinson, Asante Samuel, Charles Tillman, Marcus Trufant, Antoine Winfield and Charles Woodson.  Each of these players is pretty good. None of them is great. If I had to choose one, I'd pick Asamougha because he probably has the most talent of these players.

Strong safety is easy: Bob Sanders, if he's healthy. The best free safety is Ed Reed.

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