No free agency makes draft different (AP)

NEW YORK (AP)—Strange. Unique. Weird.

Quarterback Sam Bradford of the Oklahoma Sooners holds up a St. Louis Rams jersey as he stands with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after Bradford was picked numer 1 overall by the Rams during the 2010 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2009 in New York City.
(Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

Those words are being used by folks who will be affected by this week’s NFL draft, the most unusual selection process since free agency began 18 years ago. From players to scouts to general managers to coaches, no one’s quite sure how this year’s draft will play out.

Unable to plug holes with free agents because of the lockout that now is in its seventh week, NFL teams could look to pick rookies who seem more prepared to have an early impact. In past drafts, the philosophy generally has been to grab the highest-rated player, even if he doesn’t figure to contribute early on.

Because many team needs have not been addressed by signing veterans, some clubs could reach in the draft to fill those holes.