|
The 2005 NFL Draft certainly won't go down in the record books
as the best in the history of player selection. By all accounts,
this was a weak crop of prospects, lacking superstar talent, and
thin at virtually every position. Year-by-year, the Draft is also
getting longer and longer, as the first round of the 2005 Draft
alone, ran for over five hours on Saturday.
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|
It may take a year or two in order to accurately assess how each
team faired during the 2005 NFL Draft, but here's a preliminary
grading of each team's 2005 Draft efforts.
|
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A+
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
8
|
Antrel Rolle |
CB
|
Miami |
|
2
|
44
|
J.J. Arrington |
RB
|
California |
|
3
|
75
|
Eric Green |
CB
|
Virginia Tech |
|
3
|
95
|
Darryl Blackstock |
LB
|
Virginia |
|
4
|
111
|
Elton Brown |
OG
|
Virginia |
|
5
|
168
|
Lance Mitchell |
LB
|
Oklahoma |
|
7
|
226
|
LeRon McCoy |
WR
|
Indiana (Pa) |
| |
|
|
|
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| Arizona's draft was intriguing
for two reasons. Firstly, our projection matched exactly
who they acquired (in rounds one and two). Secondly, those
two prospects are phenomenal athletes with the potential to
contribute immediately as rookies. CB Antrel Rolle has
ideal size and speed and will likely land the starting job in
2005, becoming Arizona's best defensive back. Expect an All-Pro
caliber career from Rolle. Acquiring RB J.J. Arrington
in the second addresses the team's need for an improved run
game, which lost Emmitt Smith to retirement during the offseason.
Arrington rushed for over 2,000 yards in his only college season
as a starter (2004) and should provide the Cards with a nice
1-2 punch (teamed with Marcel Shipp). In round three, Arizona
made the most of their picks, acquiring another quick and athletic
Corner (Eric Green) and a star rush-OLB in Darryl
Blackstock. Most analysts, including us, had Blackstock
as a potential first, definite second rounder, so landing him
in the third stanza wasn't only a steal, but could also drastically
improve Arizona's D in terms of overall effectiveness and specifically
the pass-rush. Arizona landed another steal early on
day two, acquiring OG Elton Brown in round four. Brown,
who didn't allow a single sack as Senior in 2004, was also considered
a round two prospect, and even though he lacks speed/quickness,
he should be a rock in the middle. Even the drafting of LB
Lance Mitchell in round five was a steal! Mitchell ran slow
and had some strength issues in post-season workouts, but he's
a different player at gametime. |
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| |
|
A
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
30
|
Heath Miller
|
TE
|
Virginia
|
|
2
|
62
|
Bryant McFadden
|
CB
|
Florida State
|
|
3
|
93
|
Trai Essex
|
OT
|
Northwestern
|
|
4
|
131
|
Fred Gibson
|
WR
|
Georgia
|
|
5
|
166
|
Rian Wallace
|
LB
|
Temple
|
|
6
|
204
|
Chris Kemoeatu
|
OL
|
Utah
|
|
7
|
228
|
Shaun Noa
|
DE
|
Brigham Young
|
|
7
|
244
|
Noah Herron
|
RB
|
Northwestern
|
| |
|
|
|
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| No team drafted
better based on need than the Steelers. Pittsburgh hasn't had
a productive TE in a long time and the loss of Burress means
this club needed a top redzone threat. Fortunately for them,
Heath Miller was available #30 (when he easily could
have gone in the top 20). Miller will be a key ingredient for
the success of this offense, and again, he'll be the jumpball
redzone target for the passing game. He's also a capable blocker.
An all-around good athlete who fits this team perfectly. CB
Bryant McFadden gives Pittsburgh's suspect secondary
another playmaker, and O lineman Trai Essex provides
nice versatility (OG or OT). WR Fred Gibson is almost
a Burress clone. Good hands, good size, thin frame and surprising
quickness. While he may never land a starting role, he'll be
a frequently used target. Considering Pittsburgh's 3-4 defensive
scheme, which can never have enough athletic LBs, Rian Wallace
was the perfect pick in round five. Overall, this was a smart,
concise draft for Cowher & Company as they look to repeat
as AFC North champs. |
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| |
|
A
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
17
|
David Pollack
|
DL
|
Georgia
|
|
2
|
48
|
Odell Thurman
|
LB
|
Georgia
|
|
3
|
83
|
Chris Henry
|
WR
|
West Virginia
|
|
4
|
119
|
Eric Ghiaciuc
|
C
|
Central Michigan
|
|
5
|
153
|
Adam Kieft
|
OL
|
Central Michigan
|
|
6
|
190
|
Tab Perry
|
WR
|
UCLA
|
|
7
|
233
|
Jonathan Fanene
|
DE
|
Utah
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Marvin Lewis got exactly what
he wanted and needed…tenacious defenders. If Cincy wants
to compete with Pittsburgh and Baltimore (two defensive powerhouses)
in the AFC North, then a skilled edge-rusher like David Pollack
and nasty tackling machine like Odell Thurman at the
MLB post should put some fear in opposing offenses. In our view,
Thurman was the second best LB and top MLB of this Draft, so
acquiring him in the second frame was sheer brilliance on the
Bengals part. The University of Georgia always produces quality
defensive talent and Pollack and Thurman will be no exception
to that rule. Expect high impact from these performers early
and often. WR Chris Henry was acquired in the third stanza.
He's a tall, gifted receiver who shows flashes of Randy Moss
but comes with even more baggage. Henry is a headcase, but talented
nonetheless. If he can clean up his act, he could be a major
weapon for Palmer and the Bengal offense. Chad Johnson won't
be the best role model / mentor though. |
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| |
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A-
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
19
|
Alex Barron
|
OT
|
Florida State
|
|
2
|
50
|
Ronald Bartell
|
CB
|
Howard
|
|
3
|
66
|
O.J. Atogwe
|
FS
|
Stanford
|
|
3
|
81
|
Richie Incognito
|
C
|
Nebraska
|
|
4
|
117
|
Jerome Carter
|
S
|
Florida State
|
|
4
|
134
|
Claude Terrell
|
OG
|
New Mexico
|
|
5
|
144
|
Jerome Collins
|
TE
|
Notre Dame
|
|
6
|
192
|
Dante Ridgeway
|
WR
|
Ball State
|
|
6
|
210
|
Reggie Hodges
|
P
|
Ball State
|
|
7
|
250
|
Ryan Fitzpatrick
|
QB
|
Harvard
|
|
7
|
251
|
Madison Hedgecock
|
FB
|
North Carolina
|
| |
|
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|
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| If nothing else, Martz at least
understands his gameplan… Score early and Score often.
In order to score, your QB needs protection. Enter Alex Barron,
who will start on the Right Side as Pace is returning on the
Left, and a pair of new interior linemen in Richie Incognito
and Claude Terrell. Also as part of the gameplan, when
you score, other teams will need to keep up with you, so opponents
will be passing frequently. To combat that, you need a skilled
edge-rusher (which they have in Leonard Little) and active playmakers
in the secondary. The Rams hope they found those ingredients
with CB Ronald Bartell and Safeties O.J. Atogwe
and Jerome Carter. Each is blessed with speed and power.
For good measure, throw in another WR weapon as part of your
offensive juggernaut (Dante Ridgeway) and you've stuck
wisely to your gameplan. Our only suggestion for the Rams would
have been to acquire another edge-rusher. Maybe next year. |
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ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE STORY BELOW
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| |
|
B+
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
2
|
Ronnie Brown
|
RB
|
Auburn
|
|
2
|
46
|
Matt Roth
|
DE
|
Iowa
|
|
3
|
70
|
Channing Crowder
|
LB
|
Florida
|
|
4
|
104
|
Travis Daniels
|
S
|
Louisiana State
|
|
5
|
162
|
Anthony Alabi
|
OT
|
Texas-Christian
|
|
7
|
216
|
Kevin Vickerson
|
DT
|
Michigan State
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Welcome to the NFL, Nick Saban,
and congratulations on a very good Draft for your first ever
as Head Coach. RB Ronnie Brown was the "sexiest"
pick of this class, a player who split starting time throughout
his college career but wowed everyone at the Combine with his
size, hands and speed. Barring any setback, he's already slated
to take over the starting job as a rookie for Miami. DE wasn't
as great a need as the O line, so surprisingly the 'Phins acquired
Matt Roth in round two. Roth a nasty edge-rusher who
brings youth to a corps that includes veterans Jason Taylor
and Vonnie Holliday. LB Channing Crowder was a third
round steal. He has the athleticism and tenacity to play inside
or out for the Dolphins, who are aging at the LB position. Travis
Daniels knows Saban well from LSU, so no surprise with the
fourth round pick. Saban is confident that Daniels can play
CB or FS for the Dolphins. OT Anthony Alabi is athletic
and should land a top backup role along Miami's line, which
has had all kinds of problems the past two seasons. |
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| |
|
B+
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
12
|
Shawne Merriman |
LB
|
Maryland |
|
1
|
28
|
Luis Castillo |
DT
|
Northwestern |
|
2
|
61
|
Vincent Jackson |
WR
|
Northern Colorado |
|
4
|
130
|
Darren Sproles |
RB
|
Kansas State |
|
5
|
164
|
Wesley Britt |
OT
|
Alabama |
|
6
|
177
|
Wes Sims |
OL
|
Oklahoma |
|
7
|
242
|
Scott Mruczkowski |
C
|
Bowling Green |
| |
|
|
|
|
| San Diego quietly put together
a very good Draft. We really like Shawne Merriman as
a DE or OLB. He has phenomenal quickness and tackling skills.
Expect him to land one of the starting OLB positions as a rookie.
DT Luis Castillo could play inside or outside on 3-4
front, but we weren't nearly as high on him as other publications.
Castillo had an injury-plagued, semi-productive college career
but dazzled scouts during post-season performances. We're always
a little apprehensive about the performance of players when
they're not in pads or real game situations. WR Vincent Jackson
is a big target, a hybrid WR/TE who could see plenty of time
as a backup or compliment to McCardell. We are very big on Darren
Sproles, the undersized but powerful little scatback who
we called a poor man's Barry Sanders. The kid can move and create
with his elusiveness. He'll be a great (and productive) backup
behind L.T. OT Wesley Britt had a solid college career
and was a steal for the Chargers in round five. |
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| |
|
B+
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
22
|
Mark Clayton
|
WR
|
Oklahoma
|
|
2
|
53
|
Dan Cody
|
DE
|
Oklahoma
|
|
2
|
64
|
Adam Terry
|
OT
|
Syracuse
|
|
4
|
124
|
Jason Brown
|
C
|
North Carolina
|
|
5
|
158
|
Justin Green
|
FB
|
Montana
|
|
6
|
213
|
Derek Anderson
|
QB
|
Oregon State
|
|
7
|
234
|
Mike Smith
|
LB
|
Texas Tech
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| The Ravens drafted just as we
predicted. With their first round selection, they acquired a
skilled, highly under-rated WR in Mark Clayton, who will
serve as the team's number two target opposite veteran free
agent acquisition Derrick Mason. Neither Mason nor Clayton provide
much size, but both can be deep threats in the passing attack,
which needs to get better. In the second frame, Baltimore went
with the best talent available along the D line, that being
DE/OLB prospect Dan Cody, who, like so many other Ravens
defenders, will be able to do several things well, play aggressively,
and chase down opposing QBs. Trading up in round two was a wise
move as it allowed the Ravens to acquire solid OT prospect Adam
Terry, who could become the team's second best bookend opposite
Jonathon Ogden. Day two didn't provide much for the Ravens. |
|
| |
|
B
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
11
|
DeMarcus Ware
|
LB
|
Troy State
|
|
1
|
20
|
Marcus Spears
|
DL
|
Louisiana State
|
|
2
|
42
|
Kevin Burnett
|
LB
|
Tennessee
|
|
4
|
109
|
Marion Barber
|
RB
|
Minnesota
|
|
4
|
132
|
Chris Canty
|
DL
|
Virginia
|
|
6
|
208
|
Justin Beriault
|
FS
|
Ball State
|
|
6
|
209
|
Rob Petitti
|
OT
|
Pittsburgh
|
|
7
|
224
|
Jay Ratliff
|
DL
|
Auburn
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| As expected, defense was addressed
early and often for the Cowboys. Interestingly, Dallas passed
on more highly-rated talent to acquire DE/OLB prospect Demarcus
Ware, a skilled edge-rusher who could fill the End position
or play the rush-OLB position should the Cowboys opt to move
to the 3-4 defensive scheme. After drafting athletic DE/DT
Marcus Spears with their second first round selection, it
appears as though the 3-4 scheme is definitely in the cards,
with Spears as a DE and Ware as an OLB. For good measure, another
fast and athletic OLB was obtained in round two, in the form
of Kevin Burnett. RB Marion Barber was a great pickup
in round four. He's a skilled rusher who ran for over 1,000
yards as a Junior and Senior despite sharing time in the backfield.
DE/DT Chris Canty is big and athletic. Were it not for
a leg injury which cut his 2004 season short, Canty had first
round potential. He and Spears could be a lethal duo on the
Dallas' front line of defense. Overall, Dallas did what it needed
to do…draft defense and plenty of it.
|
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| |
|
B
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
7
|
Troy Williamson
|
WR
|
South Carolina
|
|
1
|
18
|
Erasmus James
|
DE
|
Wisconsin
|
|
2
|
49
|
Marcus Johnson
|
OT
|
Mississippi
|
|
3
|
80
|
Dustin Fox
|
CB
|
Ohio State
|
|
4
|
112
|
Ciatrick Fason
|
RB
|
Florida
|
|
6
|
191
|
C.J. Mosley
|
DL
|
Missouri
|
|
7
|
219
|
Adrian Ward
|
CB
|
Texas-El Paso
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| Moss is
irreplaceable. WR Troy Williamson has speed but we
expect Mike Williams (drafted by Detroit three selections later)
to have the more prolific NFL career. That said, Minnesota could
have and should have done more at #7. Williamson needs developmental
time. DE Erasmus James will pair with last year's first
round pick, DE Kenechi Udeze, to give the Viking D a solid pair
of young edge-rushers, which will come in handy considering
Minnesota's propensity to score and opposing offenses need to
catch-up by passing. The Viking landed a steal in round four
with RB Ciatrick Fason, but how he'll fit in a backfield
that includes Michael Bennett, Onterrio Smith, Mewelde Moore
and Mo Williams remains to be seen. DT C.J. Mosley was
another late steal. He has a lot of upside and should provide
quality depth behind the Williams & Williams duo. |
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| |
|
B
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
2
|
43
|
Corey Webster
|
DB
|
LSU
|
|
3
|
74
|
Justin Tuck
|
DE
|
Notre Dame
|
|
4
|
110
|
Brandon Jacobs
|
RB
|
Southern Illinois
|
|
6
|
186
|
Eric Moore
|
DL
|
Florida State
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| For not having a first round pick
and only four to work with overall, the G-Men cashed in bigtime.
CB Corey Webster has been one of the SEC's best at his
position the past three seasons. He has size, instincts and
athleticism, yet saw his stock dip a bit because of a so-so
post-season performance. He has a bright NFL future and should
be an ideal fit in NY's secondary. DE Justin Tuck, taken
in the third frame, was the ultimate sleeper of this Draft.
Tuck needs to add bulk to his 6-5 frame, and when he does, watch
out. He does an excellent job chasing down opposing QBs and
has the quickness needed to be a disruptive force. We fully
expect to see him shine in a starting role, either opposite
Strahan or as his replacement when the 34-year-old veteran calls
it quits. Giant fans who don't want to remember Ron Dayne now
have his replacement, a big, powerful, thunderous RB to compliment
Tiki in the backfield. RB Brandon Jacobs is a tough runner
and another new face to expect good things from. Overall,
the G-Men did big things with few picks. |
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| |
|
B
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
3
|
Braylon Edwards |
WR
|
Michigan |
|
2
|
34
|
Brodney Pool |
DB
|
Oklahoma |
|
3
|
67
|
Charlie Frye |
QB
|
Akron |
|
4
|
103
|
Antonio Perkins |
CB
|
Oklahoma |
|
5
|
139
|
David McMillan |
DE
|
Kansas |
|
6
|
176
|
Nick Speegle |
LB
|
New Mexico |
|
6
|
203
|
Andrew Hoffman |
DT
|
Virginia |
|
7
|
217
|
Jon Dunn |
OL
|
Virginia Tech |
| |
|
|
|
|
| It's been a while since the Browns
have had a legitimate number one WR…a true superstar talent.
They hope they finally found one in All-American Braylon
Edwards, who should have no trouble winning the number one
position. He, with Andre Davis as the team's number two receiver,
and TE Kellen Winslow, should give new QB Trent Dilfer plenty
to work with in the passing game. S Brodney Pool was
a smart pick in round two and should star with second year Safety
Sean Jones (who missed his rookie season with a knee injury)
in Cleveland's defensive backfield. QB Charlie Frye was
a steal in the third frame at #67 and should be able to take
over the offense after Trent Dilfer departs. Dilfer was signed
a short-term solution, not a long-term answer, so Frye better
learn quickly. CB Antonio Perkins is a quality Nickel
DB and was also one of the nation's premiere college return
specialists. He'll provide a spark for Cleveland in several
ways. Overall, Cleveland drafted some very nice talent, but
they simply had too many holes that couldn't be filled by one
draft alone. There remain several question marks in the front
seven of this defense, so Romeo Crennel will need another year
before he's able to lift this club from the cellar. |
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| |
|
B
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
10
|
Mike Williams
|
WR
|
USC
|
|
2
|
37
|
Shaun Cody
|
DL
|
USC
|
|
3
|
72
|
Stanley Wilson
|
CB
|
Stanford
|
|
5
|
145
|
Dan Orlovsky
|
QB
|
Connecticut
|
|
6
|
184
|
Bill Swancutt
|
DL
|
Oregon State
|
|
6
|
206
|
Jonathan Goddard
|
DE
|
Marshall
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| For the third year in a row, Detroit
spends a high first round pick on a WR. If Joey Harrington can't
succeed now, he may never do so. With the 10th overall selection
(when they needed an OT and/or DE), the Lions threw everyone
off by acquiring Mike Williams, USC's former All-American
who did not play in 2004. Williams will get back up to speed
playing behind former Detroit first rounders Charles Rogers
and Roy Williams. But what does the future hold for a club
with so much talent at WR? Time will tell. USC DT Shaun
Cody was a good value pick in round two. He has the size
and skill-set to play inside or outside along Detroit's D front.
CB Stanley Wilson is a good athlete with good experience
and should be able to land the role of Nickel Corner in Detroit.
The Lions finally went after an edge-rusher in round 6 (Bill
Swancutt), but expect this to be a top need again during
next year's player selection. Detroit is an edge-rusher away
from competing for the NFC North crown…now it's just
a matter of convincing Mooch NOT to draft another WR. |
|
| |
|
B-
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
23
|
Fabian Washington
|
CB
|
Nebraska
|
|
2
|
38
|
Stanford Routt
|
DB
|
Houston
|
|
3
|
69
|
Andrew Walter
|
QB
|
Arizona State
|
|
3
|
78
|
Kirk Morrison
|
LB
|
San Diego State
|
|
6
|
175
|
Anttaj Hawthorne
|
DT
|
Wisconsin
|
|
6
|
212
|
Ryan Riddle
|
DE
|
California
|
|
6
|
214
|
Pete McMahon
|
OT
|
Iowa
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| The Raiders had a very busy offseason,
dealing for Moss and Jordan and losing key starters like Napoleon
Harris, Philip Buchanon and Doug Jolley. On Draft day, they
did an excellent job addressing the most critical needs. Buchanon
was a productive CB, but they replaced him with two speedsters
in Fabian Washington and Stanford Routt (who was
actually a better track performer than football player during
his college days). Washington is expected to compete for the
starting job. QB Andrew Walter was a GREAT pick round
three. One of the most prolific college passers the past four
years, and widely considered a round one prospect before the
2004 season, Walters saw his stock fall because of a nagging
shoulder injury. He'll overcome that injury and return to form
after spending a season as Collins' backup. Walters has size,
arm strength and accuracy. He'll be a very good NFL QB. MLB
Kirk Morrison was another great pick in round three. He's
a tackling machine who should be able to replace the production
of Harris. DT Anttaj Hawthorne was considered a late
first or early second round pick before a Combine urine sample
revealed his use of marijuana, a minor infraction in the minds
of RaiderNation, who have seen there fair share of law-breakers.
Hawthorne, when clean and sober, has tremendous upside and the
ability to replace veterans Washington and/or Sapp should either
retire or be cut. |
|
| |
|
B-
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
4
|
Cedric Benson
|
RB
|
Texas
|
|
2
|
39
|
Mark Bradley
|
WR
|
Oklahoma
|
|
4
|
106
|
Kyle Orton
|
QB
|
Purdue
|
|
5
|
140
|
Airese Currie
|
WR
|
Clemson
|
|
6
|
181
|
Chris Harris
|
S
|
Louisiana-Monroe
|
|
7
|
220
|
Rodriques Wilson
|
LB
|
South Carolina
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| The Bears finished dead last in
almost every statistical offensive category in 2004. Even though
they're a defensive team with a defensive-minded coach, they
knew they had to go for offense. RB Cedric Benson will
be an outstanding rusher in this league, and his skill-set,
size and power running will be ideal for the black and blue
Bears offense. After signing veteran WR Mushin Muhammad during
the offseason, Chicago knew there was more work to do at the
WR position, so they nabbed tall and athletic Mark Bradley
in the second frame. QB Kyle Orton, drafted early on
day two, was a great addition. Orton has a live arm and tremendous
upside, provided he can shake off some inconsistency. He'll
be a good number two behind Grossman. The only glaring whole
on defense was at the OLB position, where the Bears were looking
for an ideal wingman to Urlacher in the middle. The need was
not addressed. Safety Chris Harris (a true sleeper on
our board), could surprise a lot of people. Overall, this Draft
will be defined by Benson, but don't be surprised if Orton comes
in with a chip on his shoulder and does some good things down
road. |
|
| |
|
B-
|
|
| |
