"The draft is purely speculation. It is based on potential," says Hoge. Anytime you can get a guy like Keyshawn Johnson that is proven, I'd take him."

In a recent chat with ESPN.com users, Hoge broke down the draft possibilities for several teams, offered his thoughts on possibly becoming a coach, and revealed how teams should approach the draft.

In case you missed Hoge's April 6 chat, the following is an edited transcript.

Domenic: If Pittsburgh drafts a QB, such as Chad Pennington (which I hope they do), what are their options with Kordell Stewart (trade, move him to WR) and do you have an inside knowledge about Pittsburgh trading their 8th pick for additional choices? Also, do you see Pittsburgh releasing Joel Steed and possibly Travis Davis for cap purposes?

Merril Hoge: Joel Steed I believe they will release because of the salary cap and the way his contract is structured as long as its not that big of a hit. Knowing the Steelers past, they may opt to hang on to him because they can't take that type of hit. As far as the draft goes, they have three major needs in the first round. A wide receiver, an offensive lineman, or a quarterback. If Pennington is there, I believe they will take him. That will put Kordell back to his old position of "slash".

Daniel Snyder: Hi Merril, Would you trade the Skins second or third pick to the Jets for Keyshawn and their pick at No. 16 or 18?

Merril Hoge: Yes. The draft is purely speculation. It is based on potential. Anytime you can get a guy like Keyshawn that is proven, I'd take him. I would do it because they still maintain two first round picks and they get a player with proven status that is among the best at his position in the league.

HOGE'S FILE

A former NFL fullback, Hoge is now an analyst for Edge NFL Matchup, which airs on ESPN and ESPN2, and for The NFL on ESPN Radio, which airs 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sundays throughout the season. He also provides reports for Sunday NFL Countdown and serves as on-site reporter for that two-hour pregame show. Hoge joined ESPN in 1996, working as game analyst and sideline reporter for ESPN2's college football coverage. An eight-year NFL veteran, Hoge spent 1987-93 with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was the team's starting fullback for five of those seasons. He set the team record for most receptions by a running back, totaling 50 in '88. He concluded his career in 1995 with the Chicago Bears.

Merril Hoge: The Eagles used the last five games last year to evaluate their team. That was smart. I think they will focus on the defensive side of the ball. They need help, all-around help, on the defense. Unless one of the top three wideouts are available. They need to go with defense. If they take a WR, he will need to have elite speed, because they lack speed at the position now.

Mark H.: What running back do you think the Giants should take with the No. 11 pick of the draft?

Merril Hoge: I believe Ron Dayne is not going to be the first RB taken. But its clear that the Giants need a guy that is durable and that can play 16 games. With the talent that they have there, guys like Tiki Barber, who can do a lot of the catching that is required from the RB position, Ron Dayne could be a pick. But I think a better fit would be a guy like Jamaal Lewis or Shaun Alexander. Jamal Lewis fits more into the Giants offense.

Taylor: Which position should the 49ers draft for and who should they get to fill this position? I know they have several gaps, but which is the most important? Will Garrison Hearst be back for this season?

Merril Hoge: All positions. When you look at this draft, there is not a lot of depth at RB, so I think Garrison will be back. The real negative with Garrison was a serious injury. It will take him almost a year to recover. But, I think that if a QB is available, they will go for one. The guy they want is Chad Pennington. If he's there, they will take them. That will be the cornerstone of the offense.

JJ: NFL 2Night -- best show on television. What do you see my beloved Panthers doing next season? What do they need from the draft?

Merril Hoge: The Panthers need linebacker's, another cornerback, and a defensive lineman. They struggled at stopping the run, and they need a good defensive line.

Matt: What do you think of the Vikings recent moves? Is Dante Culpepper that good? Why aren't they improving the defense?

Merril Hoge: They made a smart move taking Bubby Brister over Rick Mirer. He will be the eventual starter, because Daunte Culpepper is not close to being ready this year or next. I agree that it was their defense that needed to be addressed. A cover cornerback, and another pass-rusher is what they need. They have failed to address either, and they look like a team that could finish last in the NFC Central.

Dan: Who should Cleveland take in the draft?

Merril Hoge: I think they should go with a defensive lineman, that is where the game is won. Courtney Brown is the best pick here. He is a quality player and most importantly a quality person. He would enhance the defense. This is where the games are won.

Jeff Poling: What do you see the Ravens doing? Is Corey Dillion a likely fit?

Merril Hoge: We are referring back to proven players, and if they can get him, then that is a plus. Last year, they lacked consistency in the running game. Corey Dillon is consistent and he will help Tony Banks or whoever the quarterback will be.

Shawn: What do you think the Bears will do during the draft and how good will they be defensivly?

Merril Hoge: I was very impressed with the Bears, specifically with the offense. Their offense overshadowed the defense, but the defense still played well. I think they will go for somebody in the secondary, or the linebackers. If they can get an impact player in that area, I am picking them to win that division.

Rounder: What is your opinion on the Bucs? How do you think Shaun King will fare next season? Do you think he will go into the sophomore slump most players go into?

Merril Hoge: No, I don't. A little bit of experience will help him. The thing we have to remember is that Shaun King will be getting a new offensive coordinator in Less Steckel and he will have a new system to learn. I do expect him to struggle. He's still going to do some rookie things. But I do like the way he makes plays on the field. He has the instincts it takes to make plays.

Packer Backer: Who do you think the NFC will send to the big show, and do you think the Packers have made enough moves to make them a contender?

Merril Hoge: I think the Packers will always be a contender, with Brett Favre and Dorsey Levens. Again, they have a new coaching staff and defensively there is new learning. I don't think they are the favorite in that division. The Bucs are a better team and the Bears will give them all they can handle.

Doogehowzr: Should teams draft for need or for the best player on the board?

Merril Hoge: I've always believed that you draft for what your team needs. You have to look at your salary structure. For example, if you are loaded with linebackers, and LaVar Arrington is there, it's tough to move him into the position. It's tough to move someone to make room for him. So you can't really draft him. You have to have a budget by position, that's why some teams would want Arrington, but they don't fit the budget and the need of the team.

Bengal fan: If you were still playing, would you want to play for the Bengals?

Merril Hoge: Yes, I would play for them. It's an honor to play in the NFL. The guys that play for them are "professional" players. If it was the only team that deemed me suitable for them, I would play.

GoLions: How far are the Lions from actually competing? Since there defensive backs were "poor" last year, I would think they would need a DB in the draft. But with the poor field that is available, what is their next option?

Merril Hoge: I would agree with that. The front seven was OK. A big cover corner would do them well and a safety. The wide receiver's in that division are big, strong and fast.

Doug K: With your strong work ethic, technique, and desire as a player in the NFL, would you personally ever consider a coaching position with an NFL team? I realize you love your current job, but would you relish in teaching and growing young footbll players? What do you think?

Merril Hoge: It was the other profession that I considered when I got done playing. Chuck Noll was a tremendous influence on me as a player and coach, but to be outstanding as a coach, you have to have a passion. I have a passion for what I do now, but my passion for coaching is growing. We'll both have to wait and see.