|
The 2006 Draft had plenty of surprises. The Houston Texans opted
not to upgrade their offense with All-World playmaker Reggie Bush,
instead selecting DE 'Super' Mario Williams with the first pick
overall. While Williams will be a star in the NFL, Bush had more
potential to be a difference-maker for the Texans. Bush dropped
to New Orleans with the second overall pick, giving the Saints a
crowded backfield that already includes Deuce McAllister and Michael
Bennett. At #3, Tennessee opted for the QB with better marketability,
selecting Vince Young over Matt Leinart. Which of these two will
have a better pro career? Only time will tell. Leinart, who would've
been drafted #1 overall by the 49ers had he declared following his
2004 season at USC, fell all the way to Arizona at #10 during the
2005 Draft, much to the joy of Denny Green and the Arizona Cardinals.
There were more surprises, reaches and steals throughout the 2005
NFL Draft. The biggest winners were Arizona, Pittsburgh and New
England. The biggest losers were the Washington Redskins and Indianapolis
Colts. Without further ado, here's the report card. Be sure to check
out the team-by-team breakdown.
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ADVERTISEMENT - CONTINUE STORY BELOW
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|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
10
|
Matt
Leinart |
QB
|
USC |
|
2
|
41
|
Taitusi
Lutui |
OG
|
USC |
|
3
|
72
|
Leonard
Pope |
TE
|
Georgia |
|
4
|
107
|
Gabe
Watson |
DT
|
Michigan |
|
5
|
142
|
Brandon
Johnson |
LB
|
Louisville |
|
6
|
177
|
Jonathan
Lewis |
DT
|
Virginia
Tech |
|
7
|
218
|
Todd Watkins |
WR
|
BYU |
| |
|
Draft Grade: A+
|
| Another exceptional Draft for Denny Green and
the Arizona Cardinals, who made noise before the draft even
started by signing All-Pro RB Edgerrin James. His addition,
along with rising stars at WR Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin,
gives Arizona a very healthy outlook for the future. And making
that outlook even brighter was the pleasant surprise of seeing
QB Matt Leinart there for the taking at pick #10 during
the 2006 Draft. Leinart, who would've gone #1 overall had he
declared for the 2005 Draft, brings his Heisman Trophy and impressive
resume to the land of the rising sun, where the Cardinals are
beginning to emerge as a serious player out West. Leinart's
USC teammate, Taitusi Lutui, was an excellent pick-up
in round two, and TE Leonard Pope, who had legitimate
first round talent based on his enormous size and receiving
skills, was an absolute steal in round three. With Boldin and
Fitzgerald blazing the sidelines, Pope will be a great target
over the middle and in the redzone for Leinart. Oversized run-stuffer
Gabe Watson (DT) was another steal at #107 overall. He
will fit in nicely alongside Darnell Dockett, but Watson will
have to shed a few pounds first, but that shouldn't be a problem
since he'll be training in the Arizona heat. |
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|
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
21
|
Laurence
Maroney |
RB
|
Minnesota |
|
2
|
36
|
Chad
Jackson |
WR
|
Florida |
|
3
|
86
|
David
Thomas |
TE
|
Texas |
|
4
|
106
|
Garrett
Mills |
TE
|
Tulsa |
|
4
|
118
|
Stephen
Gostkowski |
K
|
Memphis |
|
5
|
136
|
Ryan
O'Callaghan |
OL
|
California |
|
6
|
191
|
Jeremy Mincey |
DE
|
Florida |
|
6
|
205
|
Dan Stevenson |
OG
|
Notre Dame |
|
6
|
206
|
Le Kevin
Smith |
DT
|
Nebraska |
|
7
|
229
|
Willie Andrews |
S
|
Baylor |
| |
|
Draft Grade: A
|
| Finally New England addresses skill positions
early in the draft. Not that they were doing anything wrong
- hec, three championships in five years proves the strategy
worked! - but the Pats finally committed to drafting playmakers
for the offense early. And they landed two great ones in RB
Laurence Maroney and WR Chad Jackson. Maroney
was a star at Minnesota and has a similar game, skill-set and
size to that of future Hall-of-Famer Curtis Martin, while Jackson
has the size and skill-set to become the next Chad Johnson (minus
the mouth). Tom Brady had to be a happy man on Draft Day 2006.
With two exceptional Tight Ends already on the roster (Graham
and Watson, both first round picks), the decision to draft two
more (David Thomas and Garrett Mills) is a bit
mystifying, though each are special talents and each are better
receivers than blockers. K Stephen Gostkowski was an
odd pick in round four, but someone has to replace Adam Vinatieri.
Funny, if you've ever seen Gostkowski, he actually looks strikingly
similar to a younger Adam Vinatieri. Coincidence? Massive OT
Ryan O'Callaghan was an excellent steal in round five.
O'Callaghan's massive frame will be moved to OG, where he's
expected to be a road-grater along with Logan Mankins, New England's
first round selection in '05. |
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|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
25
|
Santonio
Holmes |
WR
|
Ohio
State |
|
3
|
83
|
Anthony
Smith |
S
|
Syracuse |
|
3
|
95
|
Willie
Reid |
WR
|
Florida
State |
|
4
|
131
|
Willie
Colon |
OT
|
Hofstra |
|
4
|
133
|
Orien
Harris |
DT
|
Miami |
|
5
|
164
|
Omar
Jacobs |
QB
|
Bowling
Green |
|
5
|
167
|
Charles
Davis |
TE
|
Purdue |
|
6
|
201
|
Marvin Philip |
C
|
California |
|
7
|
240
|
Cedric Humes |
RB
|
Virginia
Tech |
| |
|
Draft Grade: A
|
| The defending Super Bowl champs drafted well from
start to finish, one of the few teams that made the most of
day two. Pittsburgh wisely traded up in round one to land a
solid WR in Santonio Holmes, who has the talent to star
in the #2 role opposite Hines Ward. Considering the losses of
Plaxico Burress and Antwan Randle El in consecutive years, the
addition of a talent like Holmes was critical. When Chris Hope
was lost in free agency, the need for a ball-hawking Free Safety
became paramount. Anthony Smith excels in coverage, evident
by his 14 career INTs during his three seasons as a starter
at Syracuse. WR and Return Specialist Willie Reid, in
typical Florida State fashion, own phenomenal speed and should
provide much needed depth at the WR position. On day two, Pittsburgh
nabbed exceptional talent in steals like DT Orien Harris
(drafted 133rd overall), QB Omar Jacobs (164th overall),
and TE Charles Davis (167th overall). Davis has a solid
build and should compliment starter Health Miller very well.
Jacobs has good arm strength and will make a solid #2 behind
Roethlisberger. Harris, once considered a potential first-rounder,
has the athleticism and quickness off the snap to play DE in
Pittsburgh's 3-4 D. And remember, Miami defenders rarely disappoint
in the NFL. |
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|
|
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
9
|
Ernie
Sims |
LB
|
Florida
State |
|
2
|
40
|
Daniel
Bullocks |
S
|
Nebraska |
|
3
|
74
|
Brian
Calhoun |
RB
|
Wisconsin |
|
5
|
141
|
Jonathan
Scott |
OT
|
Texas |
|
6
|
179
|
Dee McCann |
CB
|
West Virginia |
|
7
|
217
|
Fred Matua |
OG
|
USC |
|
7
|
247
|
Anthony Cannon |
LB
|
Tulane |
| |
|
Draft Grade: A
|
| Now that Mariucci is no longer running the Draft
in Motown, the Lions can finally focus on drafting for a position
other than Wide Receiver. Defense was the key early as the Lions
nabbed two budding stars that should be able to step in and
contribute right away. LB Ernie Sims is an athletic LB
with good power and exceptional range. Safety Daniel Bullocks
is a skilled defender who can line up next to Kennoy Kennedy
and bring some authority to the Detroit secondary. RB Brian
Calhoun is undersized but blazing fast. He'll be a nice
change-of-pace Back behind starter Kevin Jones. Detroit landed
two steals on the second day, acquiring OT Jonathan Scott
(a four-year starter and All-Big 12 performer most recently
responsible for protecting the blindside of Texas teammate Vince
Young) and OG Fred Matua (a workhorse responsible for
protecting Matt Leinart and opening up the running lanes for
talent like Reggie Bush during his college days at USC). In
addition to their talent, Scott and Matua bring winning ways
to Detroit, and the Lions are hoping it's contagious. |
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|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
13
|
Kamerion
Wimbley |
LB
|
Florida
State |
|
2
|
34
|
D'Qwell
Jackson |
LB
|
Maryland |
|
3
|
78
|
Travis
Wilson |
WR
|
Oklahoma |
|
4
|
110
|
Leon
Williams |
LB
|
Miami |
|
4
|
112
|
Isaac
Sowells |
OG
|
Indiana |
|
5
|
145
|
Jerome
Harrison |
RB
|
Washington
St |
|
5
|
152
|
DeMario
Minter |
CB
|
Georgia |
|
6
|
180
|
Lawrence
Vickers |
RB
|
Colorado |
|
6
|
181
|
Babatunde
Oshinowo |
DT
|
Stanford |
|
7
|
222
|
Justin Hamilton |
S
|
Virginia
Tech |
| |
|
Draft Grade: A-
|
| In the 3-4 defense like the one employed by Cleveland,
play-making LBs are of paramount importance. Unfortunately for
Romeo Crennel, he didn't have play-making LBs on his squad in
2005. He brought in former Patriot mate Willie McGinest to mentor
the corps, then spent three of his first four draft selections
on LBs with great athleticism, starting with Kamerion Wimbley,
a DE during his days at Florida State who is projected to OLB
in the NFL and likely to put up numbers comparable to Shawne
Merriman of San Diego and DeMarcus Ware of Dallas, who also
made similar positional transitions. D'Qwell Jackson
is a tackling machine with good instincts, evident by his ACC-leading
numbers in 2005. Leon Williams is the weakest of the
trio, but also the fastest. Better WR value could've been had
with the #78 pick, but Cleveland is hoping Travis Wilson
can provide adequate depth for a thin WR corps. And speaking
of depth, RB Jerome Harrison should be able to provide
it. Despite his lack of size and strength, Harrison set numerous
records during his collegiate career, including the school record
for most yards in a single and the PAC-10 record for most consecutive
100+ yard games. CB DeMario Minter was a steal in round
five, a good athlete with decent size and exceptional speed.
|
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|
|
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
20
|
Tamba
Hali |
DE
|
Penn
State |
|
2
|
54
|
Bernard
Pollard |
S
|
Purdue |
|
3
|
85
|
Brodie
Croyle |
QB
|
Alabama |
|
5
|
154
|
Marcus
Maxey |
CB
|
Miami
|
|
6
|
186
|
Tre' Stallings |
OL
|
Mississippi |
|
6
|
190
|
Jeff Webb |
WR
|
San Diego
St |
|
7
|
228
|
Jarrad Page |
S
|
UCLA |
| |
|
Draft Grade: B+
|
| The Chiefs did an excellent job sticking to their
guns (or, more appropriately, their arrows), identifying their
needs and addressing them without hesitation. A more ferocious
pass-rush was needed, and Tamba Hali, the All-American
who led the Big Ten in sacks in 2005, was obtained in round
one. Hybrid SS/OLB Bernard Pollard was an excellent round
two choice. A punishing hitter with good closing speed, Pollard
could play OLB or stay at Safety and eventually take over for
the aging Sammy Knight. With QB Trent Green another year older,
acquiring a backup and potential replacement was critical, which
is why the choice to nab Brodie Croyle in round three
was an easy one. Croyle is a little on the delicate side, lacking
ideal size/bulk, but his stature, skill-set and arm strength
has drawn comparisons to Rams QB Marc Bulger, who himself was
a later round pick. Offensive Lineman Tre' Stallings,
someone we pinned the "sleeper" label on, was an excellent
value pick in round six. He spent most of his college career
protecting the blindside of former Ole' Miss teammate QB Eli
Manning. WR Jeff Webb was another solid value pick in
round six, and the Chiefs desperately need to improve their
WR corps. |
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|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
32
|
Mathias
Kiwanuka |
DE
|
Boston
College |
|
2
|
44
|
Sinorice
Moss |
WR
|
Miami |
|
3
|
96
|
Gerris
Wilkinson |
LB
|
Georgia
Tech |
|
4
|
124
|
Barry
Cofield |
DT
|
Northwestern |
|
4
|
129
|
Guy Whimper |
OT
|
East
Carolina |
|
5
|
158
|
Charlie
Peprah |
S
|
Alabama |
|
7
|
232
|
Gerrick McPhearson |
CB
|
Maryland |
| |
|
Draft Grade: B+
|
| As if the Giants needed another pass-rushing specialist.
Strahan and Umenyiora have quickly become one of the best duos
in the league. Justin Tuck, a steal in the '05 Draft, backs
them up. Despite all this talent, the G-Men opted for another
pass-rushing specialist, primarily based on the fact that DE
Mathias Kiwanuka was the best talent available at #32.
Kiwanuka needs to bulk up, but once he does, he'll be a spectacular
replacement for veteran Strahan. WR Sinorice Moss, like
his brother, has been labeled "too small for the NFL."
Don't believe every label you read. Moss is a dynamic playmaker.
Toomer has lost a step and other than Burress, the WR corps
is thin. Moss will be a perfect fit in this offense. LB Gerris
Wilkinson is a tackling machine capable of handling the
inside or outside. He'll have LaVar Arrington mentoring him
now. Depth concerns at DT and DB were addressed wisely with
the acquisition of Barry Cofield and Charlie Peprah,
a pair of smart, versatile performers. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
28
|
Marcedes
Lewis |
TE
|
UCLA |
|
2
|
60
|
Maurice
Drew |
RB
|
UCLA |
|
3
|
80
|
Clint
Ingram |
LB
|
Oklahoma |
|
5
|
160
|
Brent
Hawkins |
DE
|
Illinois
State |
|
7
|
213
|
James Wyche |
DE
|
Syracuse |
|
7
|
236
|
Dee Webb |
CB
|
Florida |
| |
|
Draft Grade: B
|
| The UCLA program found its groove in 2005, so
Jacksonville decided to bring in the program's top two playmakers,
All-Americans Marcedes Lewis and Maurice Drew.
Lewis should win the starting job at TE for the Jags from day
one. Kyle Brady has lost a step and this offense needs another
athletic receiver. Drew is the ultimate undersized scatback.
Though he barely stands 5'8", Drew is compact and explosive
will phenomenal breakaway speed. He could platoon with Fred
Taylor and/or Greg Jones in the backfield, but he'll be a Return
Specialist first. Clint Ingram is an athletic, battle-tested
Linebacker who will give Jacksonville reliable depth. CB Dee
Webb has some character flaws, but he was a steal in round
seven. The former Florida star has tremendous athleticism. |
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|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
11
|
Jay Cutler |
QB
|
Vanderbilt |
|
2
|
61
|
Tony Scheffler |
TE
|
W. Michigan |
|
4
|
119
|
Brandon Marshall |
WR
|
UCF |
|
4
|
126
|
Elvis Dumervil |
DE
|
Louisville |
|
4
|
130
|
Domenik Hixon |
WR
|
Akron |
|
5
|
161
|
Chris Kuper |
OL
|
North Dakota |
|
6
|
198
|
Greg Eslinger |
C
|
Minnesota |
| |
|
Draft Grade: B
|
| Denver knew the QB situation needed to be addressed.
Even though Plummer put together the best season of his career
in 2005, the Broncos had to think about the backup situation
and the future. Meet QB Jay Cutler, both the back up
and the future for Denver. Possessing all the tools of an NFL
Quarterback, Cutler's only downfall was his lack of wins at
Vanderbilt. That should change in Denver. The Broncos then traded
a second round pick to obtain disgruntled WR Javon Walker, who
was on the verge of stardom prior to the ACL injury which cost
him most of the '05 season. Denver has plans to make Walker
the heir apparent to the aging Rod Smith at the #1 WR position.
The Broncos drafted well on day two, starting with the acquisition
of DE Elvis Dumervil. Despite his diminutive frame, Dumervil
led the nation in sacks (20) in 2005. At the very least, he'll
be a phenomenal third-down pass-rushing specialist for Denver.
And the Broncos landed excellent value with OG Chris Kuper
and C Greg Eslinger in rounds five and six respectively.
Both have the ideal skill-set to thrive in Denver. |
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|
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
16
|
Jason
Allen |
DB
|
Tennessee |
|
3
|
82
|
Derek
Hagan |
WR
|
Arizona
State |
|
4
|
114
|
Joe Toledo |
OT
|
Washington |
|
7
|
212
|
Fred Evans |
DT
|
Texas State |
|
7
|
226
|
Rodrique
Wright |
DT
|
Texas |
|
7
|
233
|
Devin Aromashodu |
WR
|
Auburn |
| |
|
Draft Grade: B
|
| Miami's secondary has suffered major losses over
the past two seasons, so no surprise that Nick Saban would address
that need early. What was surprising, however, is that Jason
Allen was the defender of choice. Allen has All-Pro talent,
but he's coming off a serious hip injury which cost him most
of his Senior campaign in '05. Still, Allen has tremendous potential
and experience at both Cornerback and Safety. Miami made up
for not having a second round pick by drafting a steal in round
three, WR Derek Hagan. The record-holder of numerous
receiving marks at Arizona State, Hagan has the size, speed
and talent to contend for the #2 job alongside Chris Chambers.
The Dolphins landed seventh round steals in the DT duo of Rodrique
Wright (a productive four-year starter at Texas) and Fred
Evans (a small schooler with bigtime talent). |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
15
|
Tye
Hill |
CB
|
Clemson |
|
2
|
46
|
Joe
Klopfenstein |
TE
|
Colorado |
|
3
|
68
|
Claude
Wroten |
DT
|
LSU |
|
3
|
77
|
Jon
Alston |
LB
|
Stanford |
|
3
|
93
|
Dominique
Byrd |
TE
|
USC |
|
5
|
144
|
Marques
Hagans |
QB
|
Virginia |
|
7
|
221
|
Tim McGarigle |
LB
|
Northwestern |
|
7
|
242
|
Mark Setterstrom |
OG
|
Minnesota |
|
7
|
243
|
Tony Palmer |
OG
|
Missouri |
| |
|
Draft Grade: B
|
| Improving the defense is clearly a top priority
in St. Louis. After adding talented veterans like La'Roi Glover
and Will Witherspoon to the roster during Free Agency, the Rams
drafted wisely by acquiring athletic Corner Tye Hill
in round one and Jon Alston in round three. DT Claude
Wroten is a beast capable of dominating in the trenches.
Prior to a drug arrest and positive drug testing leading up
to the Draft, Wroten was widely considered a first round talent.
If he can keep himself out of trouble, Wroten could contribute
significantly for this defense. We knew the Rams needed a TE
and even projected them to draft one early, upgrading for the
overweight Brandon Manumaleuna (who was swiftly dealt to San
Diego during the Draft), but drafting two TEs on day one? Interesting
strategy. Both Joe Klopfenstein and Dominique Byrd
should be good fits for the offense. OG Mark Setterstrom
was a good value pick in round seven. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
1
|
Mario Williams |
DE
|
NC State |
|
2
|
33
|
DeMeco Ryans |
LB
|
Alabama |
|
3
|
65
|
Charles Spencer |
OL
|
Pittsburgh |
|
3
|
66
|
Eric Winston |
OT
|
Miami |
|
4
|
98
|
Owen Daniels |
TE
|
Wisconsin |
|
6
|
170
|
Wali Lundy |
RB
|
Virginia |
|
7
|
251
|
David Anderson |
WR
|
Colorado State |
| |
|
Draft Grade: B
|
| Houston's offense needs a playmaker, yet they
passed on Reggie Bush. The O line needs a reliable bookend,
yet they passed on D'Brickashaw Ferguson. Odd strategy, but
few will complain with their selection of DE Mario Williams,
a beast with the athleticism and quickness of a LB, the height
of a DE, and the size of a smallish DT. No question, Williams
will be a difference-maker for the Texan D. But does the offense
have what it needs to survive? They could still use that feature
back, but they're hoping the O line was improved with the addition
of Charles Spencer and Eric Winston, picks #65
and #66 respectively. LB DeMeco Ryans fell out of the
first round and into the waiting arms of Houston, who wisely
nabbed him with the first selection of round two. Ryans is athletic,
mature and brimming with potential. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
RD
|
PICK
|
NAME
|
POS
|
SCHOOL
|
|
1
|
5
|
A.J.
Hawk |
LB
|
Ohio
State |
|
2
|
47
|
Daryn
Colledge |
OT
|
Boise
State |
|
2
|
52
|
Greg
Jennings |
WR
|
W.
Michigan |
|
3
|
67
|
Abdul
Hodge |
LB
|
Iowa |
|
3
|
75
|
Jason
Spitz |
OG
|
Louisville |
|
4
|
104
|
Cory
Rodgers |
WR
|
TCU |
|
4
|
115
|
Will
Blackmon |
WR
|
Boston
College |
|
5
|
148
|
Ingle
Martin |
QB
|
Furman |
|
5
|
165
|
| |
