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Wednesday, April 16, 1997

Cornerback Oilers' top need in NFL draft

By MICHAEL A. LUTZ AP Sports Writer

HOUSTON (AP) - The Houston Oilers' needed help at cornerback before Cris Dishman left. Now the position in on the critical list.

The Oilers have the No. 13 pick in the first round of the NFL draft on Saturday and a cornerback is at the top of general manager Floyd Reese's wish list, followed by a wide receiver, a quality pass rusher and linebackers.

"We knew Cris was getting up in age, so the thought of looking at corners was something that's been on our minds for a while," Reese said. "There seems to be a good crop this year, which helps."

Dishman, a starter the past six seasons, signed a free-agent contract with the Washington Redskins, further depleting a position that needs to be well-stocked for the AFC Central.

"Because of the division we play in, we've got to have more cornerbacks," coach Jeff Fisher said. "Darryl (Lewis) and Steve (Jackson) are proven, but we don't have experience behind them. We're going to see some four- and five-receiver formations in our division."

The Oilers also would like a wide receiver to help Steve McNair, who is taking over as starting quarterback. The team also needs to bolster its offensive production.

The Oilers hoped for more than they got last year from wide receiver Chris Sander, who led the Oilers in touchdown catches in 1995 and had 12 of the 18 longest catches. His numbers dropped under a heavy barrage of double-teaming in '96. He had four TD catches last season.

Willie Davis and Derek Russell also return at wide receiver, along with H-back Frank Wycheck, who led the team with 53 catches.

"Since we don't have an early pick, we can't go into this draft saying we're looking for any one player or any one position," Fisher said. "With our first pick we're looking at four positions and there's always a chance we could trade up or down."

A defensive end with good rush skills also is on the Oilers' agenda. But that's true for nearly every team, nearly every year.

Reese is going into his third draft as Oilers general manager and has done well so far. Defensive end Henry Ford, the Oilers' first pick in 1995, has played solidly after a slow start.

Reese proved adept at draft maneuvering a year ago by getting Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George after a series of trades up and down in the first round. The Oilers started the day with the No. 9 pick in 1996, but traded down to No. 17 with the Oakland Raiders and acquired additional picks in the second and fourth rounds.

Then, Reese sent defensive tackle Glenn Montgomery to Seattle and moved back into the No. 14 slot to select George, who became the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.

"Last year, we weren't expecting to trade up or down," Reese said. "We hoped for the opportunity, but we weren't anticipating it. ... This year there's more activity. We might have a better chance to maneuver." Send a Letter to the Editor about This Story | Start or Join A Discussion about This Story
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