With the 2006 NFL Draft coming up at the end of next month (April 29 and 30), fans are asking, what they should expect and if there will be any big surprises this year. To answer these questions, let's take a look at the players, teams, and negotiations that are highlighting this year's event.

Reggie Bush is looking like the first-round favorite. Bush, who played running back for USC, is a great all-around athlete. He's versatile too; equally skilled in running, receiving, and returning. Vince Young garnered national attention when his Wonderlic test score was originally reported as a 6; it turned out to be an unexceptional 16, so look for this talented quarterback from Texas to be tapped in the top five. Another quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart from Southern Cal, gave up being last year's #1 draft choice to finish school. This savvy player will be snapped up early in the proceedings. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, an offensive tackle from Virginia, should go quickly as well due to the fact he's little, but nimble, and extremely fast.

At 2-14, the Houston Texas will make this season's first pick. Look for them to beef up their struggling offensive line. The New Orleans Saints, in the numb

er two spot, is looking for a strong young quarterback to take over. Third pick goes to the Tennessee Titans, who are looking to rebuild after last year's salary cap reorganization. Fifth-seated New York Jets could use a strong offensive tackle, but will likely choose a more dependable QB in the first round.

The biggest League news so far this year is that the owners and the Players Association still have had trouble reaching a labor contract agreement. The free-agency deadline has already been pushed back by three days to give all parties time to cool off. Fans are watching this dispute closely, hoping that the NFL doesn't go the way of Major League Baseball.

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