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2005 NFL draft, projected first two rounds
1. San Francisco 49ers (2-14)
Aaron Rodgers* | QB | California
The 49ers have essentially narrowed the list of potential candidates down to three -- Cal QB Aaron Rodgers, Utah QB Alex Smith and Michigan WR Braylon Edwards. They would like to have a deal done prior to their 15 minutes on the clock, so the leverage game with the respective agents should start shortly, if it hasn't already. In our opinion, WR Braylon Edwards is the top-overall rated player in the 2005 draft, but the Niners need a quarterback much more than they need a receiver. Personnel officials across the country seem to be split between Rodgers and Smith as this year's top-rated quarterback, but we think Rodgers gets the slight edge because of his greater arm strength and experience in a pro-style system. Smith's rare intangibles are making this an extraordinarily difficult decision for John York (Owner), Scott McCloughan (VP of Player Personnel), Parag Marate (Director of Football Operations) and Mike Nolan (Head Coach). However, when push comes to shove we think the team will pull the trigger on Rodgers.
2. Miami Dolphins (4-12)
Ronnie Brown | RB | Auburn
The Dolphins' best bet would be trading down in order to acquire extra picks, but that scenario is unlikely. New head coach Nick Saban and his staff have addressed needs along the offensive line and throughout the defense via free agency. They also have decided that QB A.J. Feeley is their starter for at least one year, in which he will be evaluated within the new scheme. That leaves running back as the top need and Brown as the most deserving candidate. Benson might be the more powerful runner and Williams might be the most elusive, but Brown is the best overall running back in this year's draft. Brown is big, strong and fast enough to carry a heavy load in the NFL and he also possesses considerably better skills in the passing game than those of Benson and Williams.
3. Cleveland Browns (4-12)
Alex Smith* | QB | Utah
The word we are hearing out of Cleveland is that the Browns value Smith more than Rodgers. We also hear that Edwards is very much in the mix. Like the two teams ahead of them, the Browns would ideally trade down, acquire extra picks and get a better value on one of three first round offensive tackle prospects in this draft class -- Alex Barron, Jammal Brown and Khalif Barnes. Assuming, however, they get stuck at No. 3, new G.M. Phil Savage has to decide whether or not he wants to draft his quarterback of the future or go in a different direction. If Smith falls to them at No. 3, we think he'll be the choice. Smith is one of the most intelligent and consistent quarterbacks to come out of the collegiate ranks in years and he solidified a top spot in this year's draft with a recent awe-inspiring workout on campus. He will need time to develop physically and that may be the exact reason for acquiring veteran QB Trent Dilfer. If however, the 49ers wind up going with Smith over Rodgers, Cleveland would either go with Edwards or trade the pick to another team interested in him, such as the Buccaneers, Vikings, Cowboys or Chargers.
4. Chicago Bears (5-11)
Braylon Edwards | WR | Michigan
There have been rumors of the Bears wanting to trade out of this pick but we think they'll stay put and draft the offensive prospect with the biggest potential to make an immediate impact. That's why, even after signing Muhsin Muhammad to a long-term deal, nobody should be shocked if the team use this pick on a wide receiver. The Bears have enough young talent on defense, but they desperately need more playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. The team might draft one of the top three running backs, but Edwards is the best available prospect at a position with similar need. Edwards has an outstanding combination of size and speed, and he's a flat-out playmaker when the ball is up for grabs. Adding Muhammad and Edwards in one offseason could be just what QB Rex Grossman and RB Thomas Jones need.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)
Carnell Williams | RB | Auburn
The Buccaneers could go in several different directions with this pick, including RB, OT, OG, QB, WR, DT or DB. Looking at the probabilities regarding how the top of the draft board will unfold, RB is likely to be the position that the Bucs will get their best value with the fifth overall pick. While Benson is a better fit for an offense looking for a load-carrying power runner, Williams is a better fit for Jon Gruden's version of the West Coast offense. Williams still needs to improve as a blocker, but he's the shiftiest and most elusive of the top three backs (Brown and Benson) and has the hands to become a legitimate weapon as a receiver out of the backfield. It also won't hurt Williams' chances that Gruden fell in love with him while coaching him at the Senior Bowl.
6. Tennessee Titans (5-11)
Mike Williams* | WR | USC
The latest word out of Tennessee is that the Titans are working on a deal that would return DC Andre Dyson to the team. If that's the case, with Andre Woolfolk already in-house, the Titans' interests at No. 6 would shift. The team is looking long and hard at the top two quarterbacks -- Smith and Rodgers -- should one of them slip out of the top five. The Titans could also get a lot of trade offers while they're on the clock, but if they stay at No. 6 the best available athlete at a position of need in this scenario is Williams. Tyrone Calico and Drew Bennett are the only two legitimate wide receivers on the team's roster and Williams would immediately become its best player at the position. He doesn't have elite speed but he's faster than Keyshawn Johnson and he projects as much more of a vertical weapon than Johnson has been in the NFL.
7. Minnesota Vikings (from Raiders) (8-8)
Shawn Merriman* | OLB/DE | Maryland
The Vikings have few needs to address and can really focus in on the ones they do have with two first round picks thanks to the Randy Moss (Raiders) deal. Adding a blue chip wide receiver is still a need but if Edwards and Williams are already off the board by the time they pick, the Vikings can get a better value in the form of a pass rusher. Merriman has the speed, athleticism and instincts to immediately upgrade the Vikings defense as an edge rusher opposite Kenechi Udeze, and he has the frame to eventually develop into a fulltime starter.
8. Arizona Cardinals (6-10)
Antrel Rolle | DC | Miami-Fla.
We're under the strong impression that the Cardinals will get a pre-draft deal done with the Bills that will land them RB Travis Henry in exchange for OT L.J. Shelton and possibly a second-round swap. If that's the case, drafting a cornerback with their top pick becomes a necessity. From what we hear, the team likes Rolle over Adam Jones (West Virginia), primarily because of the size issue. Rolle also has the instincts, toughness and athletic ability to quickly become a solid starter in the NFL. His biggest obstacle in solidifying a potential spot in the top-10 was proving that he was fast enough to turn and run with NFL receivers. His recent 4.49 in the 40-yard dash should ease those worries.
9. Washington Commanders (6-10)
Adam Jones | DC | West Virginia
The good news for Commanders fans is that their team did a good job of upgrading its offensive personnel with the additions of OC Casey Rabach and WRs Santana Moss and David Patten. The bad news, however, is that the Commanders got significantly worse on defense thanks to the free agent departures of MLB Antonio Pierce (Giants) and DC Fred Smoot (Vikings). On top of needing starters at both of those positions, the Commanders also could use an impact pass rusher at defensive end. Without a second round pick, addressing all of those needs won't be an easy task. The team could consider Merriman if he's still on the board, but Jones is the best match in terms of value and need. Jones has the speed, toughness and confidence to develop into a shutdown cover corner in the NFL and he's also an explosive return man.
10. Detroit Lions (6-10)
Alex Barron | OT | Florida State
The Lions could use a playmaker at defensive end, but finding a replacement for the departed Stockar McDougle at right tackle is more glaring. Barron needs to become more physical, but he has the size, strength and feet to develop into a starting right or left tackle in the NFL.
11. Dallas Cowboys (6-10)
Derrick Johnson | OLB | Texas
The Cowboys have been busy in free agency, addressing needs at defensive tackle (Jason Ferguson), quarterback (Drew Bledsoe) and cornerback (Anthony Henry). However, they are still in pursuit of upgrades at wide receiver, offensive tackle (ROT) and OLB/DE. Linebackers have a tendency to slip on draft day, but Johnson is too athletic to slip very far. He still needs to become more physical and learn to take on blocks, but Johnson has Derrick Brooks-like potential and would give Bill Parcells a lot of versatility as the Cowboys make the conversion to more 3-4 looks on defense.
12. San Diego Chargers (12-4)
Troy Williamson* | WR | South Carolina
The Chargers would consider drafting a pass rusher or Barron if he fell to them at No. 12. However, upgrading their wide receiver situation is just as pressing and Williamson gives them the best value with the first of two first-round picks. Williamson is a player on the rise after running in the 4.3's at the combine. He has the size, long arms, hands and explosive speed to quickly develop into a deep threat in the NFL.
13. Houston Texans (7-9)
David Pollack | DE | Georgia
If Barron is already taken, the Texans' focus will likely shift to the OLB position in their 3-4 defensive scheme. The team used a first-round pick on Jason Babin in 2004 and, while he did make strides late last season, the team still needs a legitimate pass rusher and playmaker opposite him. Pollack might lack ideal size and top-end speed, but he has the quickness, power and playmaking instincts to immediately contribute in the NFL. Furthermore, his best fit might be as a 3-4 rush linebacker.
14. Carolina Panthers (7-9)
Cedric Benson | RB | Texas
This pick may come as a surprise but don't rule out the possibility. For starters, the Panthers running back situation has deteriorated in a hurry. DeShaun Foster should return from a shoulder injury but hasn't been able to stay healthy as a pro, and Stephen Davis is 31 and coming off knee surgery. The team doesn't have many glaring needs and it won't want to reach for a right tackle with this pick. As far as Benson's freefall is concerned, Benson could be the odd-man-out of the "Big Three" running back equation if the Cardinals fill their void in a trade for Henry, because Benson has the least amount of versatility and the most amount of baggage. Benson doesn't have great speed or elusiveness, but he's a north-south runner with great vision, size and power. He isn't a great fit for many NFL teams but he'd be perfect in Carolina as a younger up-and-coming Davis-type runner.
15. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)
Marcus Spears | DE | LSU
If the deal for DC Patrick Surtain (Dolphins) goes through as expected, addressing the defensive end position must become the Chiefs' first-round focus. The Chiefs have a decent starting combo at DE in Jared Allen and Eric Hicks, but they really are missing depth and size at the position. Spears would be a good fit, as he is a "tweener" DE/DT who could really make an impact as an interior pass rusher and play in a rotation that would give Allen and Hicks a breather while beefing up the line on first and second downs. Spears is currently rehabilitating an ACL injury he suffered while training for the combine, but he is expected to make a full recovery by early April. If he can run well (in the 4.8 range), Spears should land in the 10-20 range of the first round.
16. New Orleans Saints (8-8)
Carlos Rogers | DC | Auburn
The Saints failed to land the prospects they wanted in the first round of the last two drafts ( DT Dewayne Robertson in 2003 and LBs Jonathan Vilma and D.J. Williams in 2004) so a more aggressive approach might be in order this year. The problem the team faces is that there won't be good values at its two biggest positions of need -- ROT and LB. One option could be to move up in order to secure a prospect such as Texas OLB Derrick Johnson or FSU OT Alex Barron. If not, the best move will be to upgrade the cornerback position with some much-needed youth. Rogers has good size and speed. Most importantly, he is a physical cover corner with the athletic ability and confidence to play both man-to-man and zone coverage in the NFL.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
Travis Johnson | DT | Florida State
The Bengals lessened the need at defensive tackle need with the addition of Bryan Robinson, but if Johnson is still available he should be the team's pick. After struggling through some off-the-field issues that affected his play early in his career at FSU, Johnson had a breakout season as a fulltime starter in 2004. In our opinion, he's the best defensive tackle in this year's draft class and has a chance to make a huge impact early in his NFL career as a one-gap penetrating DT with enough bulk and strength to hold the point of attack.
18. Minnesota Vikings (8-8)
Mark Clayton | WR | Oklahoma
In all reality, the Vikings have great depth at wide receiver but they lack a premier No. 1 now that Moss is gone. The team did sign Travis Taylor in free agency but they plan on using him in the slot. Nate Burleson is entrenched as a starter but Marcus Robinson is aging and inconsistent. If the team doesn't get one of the two elite receiver prospects -- Edwards and Williams -- with it first pick, Clayton would be a good value at No. 18. He lacks elite size but has everything else scouts look for in a first round wide receiver prospect, including quickness, speed and reliable hands.
19. St. Louis Rams (8-8)
Jammal Brown | OT | Oklahoma
The Rams could use an upgrade at defensive end, but finding a replacement for ROT Kyle Turley is a significantly bigger issue. Brown needs to become more physical but he has the size and feet to develop into a solid starter in the NFL. He also has enough experience at the highest collegiate level to possibly step right in as a starter in 2005.
20. Dallas Cowboys (6-10)
Thomas Davis* | S | Georgia
The Cowboys are rumored to have interest in trading out of this pick in order to acquire more Day 1 selections. Drafting a vertical receiver such as UAB's Roddy White also isn't out of the question. However, if they do stay put the focus likely will remain on the defensive side of the ball, where coach Bill Parcells wants to get bigger and more physical. Davis is a good value late in the first round and he's definitely a Parcells kind of player. Some teams consider Davis a "weakside" linebacker but the Cowboys would likely keep Davis at safety, where he could fill the void created by Darren Woodson's retirement.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7)
Khalif Barnes | OT | Washington
The Jaguars addressed their most glaring need (DE) with the free-agency addition of Reggie Hayward. While the team could still use a Day 1 pick on an end that could eventually take over for Wiley, finding an upgrade over Mike Pearson at LOT is the next objective. Barnes has had a huge postseason, as he has wowed NFL brass at both the Senior Bowl and combine. He clearly has the athleticism and size to develop into an above-average starter at the next level. All he needs is good coaching and motivation. He's certainly worth the risk late in the first round.
22. Baltimore Ravens (9-7)
Roddy White | WR | Alabama-Birmingham
By adding WR Derrick Mason and DC Samari Rolle via free agency, the Ravens have given themselves a lot of draft-day flexibility. However, with Travis Taylor gone, the team still needs WR depth. White left the Senior Bowl earl with a hamstring injury, but he proved during the first couple days of practice that he has the speed and playmaking capability to make a difference in the vertical passing game at the next level. He doesn't have elite size, but White has the speed to draw attention away from Mason, which is something the Ravens lack on their roster right now.
23. Seattle Seahawks (9-7)
Erasmus James | DE | Wisconsin
James' less-than-impressive workout at the combine and his history of injuries might cause him to slip a little bit on draft day. He is one of the best pass-rushing DE prospects in this class and would be considered a great find at 23. The Seahawks will also be looking for linebackers and cornerbacks with this selection but James would be the best available value.
24. Green Bay Packers (10-6)
Demarcus Ware | DE | Troy
Ware's draft stock is skyrocketing after his impressive showing at the combine and we think he's exactly the type of player that the Packers are looking for. Ware is a 'tweener DE/OLB with explosive speed and loads of pass-rushing potential in the NFL. It may be a while before he develops into an every-down starter, but he'd be the perfect fit as a sub-package edge rusher opposite Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila.
25. Denver Broncos (10-6)
Marlin Jackson | DC | Michigan
After making several additions to their defensive front seven during the offseason, the Broncos seem less likely to use this pick on a linebacker or defensive lineman than they did just a couple months ago. The team also solidified its tight end position, which means their top needs now lie in the defensive secondary. If Davis were available he might be the pick. In this scenario, Jackson is a good value at a position of need. Jackson doesn't have blazing speed but he's an excellent athlete with the size and confidence to quickly develop into a starter in the NFL. By drafting a cornerback here it would allow the Broncos to move Lenny Walls back to the nickel and dime packages, which is where he belongs.
1. San Francisco 49ers (2-14)
Aaron Rodgers* | QB | California
The 49ers have essentially narrowed the list of potential candidates down to three -- Cal QB Aaron Rodgers, Utah QB Alex Smith and Michigan WR Braylon Edwards. They would like to have a deal done prior to their 15 minutes on the clock, so the leverage game with the respective agents should start shortly, if it hasn't already. In our opinion, WR Braylon Edwards is the top-overall rated player in the 2005 draft, but the Niners need a quarterback much more than they need a receiver. Personnel officials across the country seem to be split between Rodgers and Smith as this year's top-rated quarterback, but we think Rodgers gets the slight edge because of his greater arm strength and experience in a pro-style system. Smith's rare intangibles are making this an extraordinarily difficult decision for John York (Owner), Scott McCloughan (VP of Player Personnel), Parag Marate (Director of Football Operations) and Mike Nolan (Head Coach). However, when push comes to shove we think the team will pull the trigger on Rodgers.
2. Miami Dolphins (4-12)
Ronnie Brown | RB | Auburn
The Dolphins' best bet would be trading down in order to acquire extra picks, but that scenario is unlikely. New head coach Nick Saban and his staff have addressed needs along the offensive line and throughout the defense via free agency. They also have decided that QB A.J. Feeley is their starter for at least one year, in which he will be evaluated within the new scheme. That leaves running back as the top need and Brown as the most deserving candidate. Benson might be the more powerful runner and Williams might be the most elusive, but Brown is the best overall running back in this year's draft. Brown is big, strong and fast enough to carry a heavy load in the NFL and he also possesses considerably better skills in the passing game than those of Benson and Williams.
3. Cleveland Browns (4-12)
Alex Smith* | QB | Utah
The word we are hearing out of Cleveland is that the Browns value Smith more than Rodgers. We also hear that Edwards is very much in the mix. Like the two teams ahead of them, the Browns would ideally trade down, acquire extra picks and get a better value on one of three first round offensive tackle prospects in this draft class -- Alex Barron, Jammal Brown and Khalif Barnes. Assuming, however, they get stuck at No. 3, new G.M. Phil Savage has to decide whether or not he wants to draft his quarterback of the future or go in a different direction. If Smith falls to them at No. 3, we think he'll be the choice. Smith is one of the most intelligent and consistent quarterbacks to come out of the collegiate ranks in years and he solidified a top spot in this year's draft with a recent awe-inspiring workout on campus. He will need time to develop physically and that may be the exact reason for acquiring veteran QB Trent Dilfer. If however, the 49ers wind up going with Smith over Rodgers, Cleveland would either go with Edwards or trade the pick to another team interested in him, such as the Buccaneers, Vikings, Cowboys or Chargers.
4. Chicago Bears (5-11)
Braylon Edwards | WR | Michigan
There have been rumors of the Bears wanting to trade out of this pick but we think they'll stay put and draft the offensive prospect with the biggest potential to make an immediate impact. That's why, even after signing Muhsin Muhammad to a long-term deal, nobody should be shocked if the team use this pick on a wide receiver. The Bears have enough young talent on defense, but they desperately need more playmakers on the offensive side of the ball. The team might draft one of the top three running backs, but Edwards is the best available prospect at a position with similar need. Edwards has an outstanding combination of size and speed, and he's a flat-out playmaker when the ball is up for grabs. Adding Muhammad and Edwards in one offseason could be just what QB Rex Grossman and RB Thomas Jones need.
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-11)
Carnell Williams | RB | Auburn
The Buccaneers could go in several different directions with this pick, including RB, OT, OG, QB, WR, DT or DB. Looking at the probabilities regarding how the top of the draft board will unfold, RB is likely to be the position that the Bucs will get their best value with the fifth overall pick. While Benson is a better fit for an offense looking for a load-carrying power runner, Williams is a better fit for Jon Gruden's version of the West Coast offense. Williams still needs to improve as a blocker, but he's the shiftiest and most elusive of the top three backs (Brown and Benson) and has the hands to become a legitimate weapon as a receiver out of the backfield. It also won't hurt Williams' chances that Gruden fell in love with him while coaching him at the Senior Bowl.
6. Tennessee Titans (5-11)
Mike Williams* | WR | USC
The latest word out of Tennessee is that the Titans are working on a deal that would return DC Andre Dyson to the team. If that's the case, with Andre Woolfolk already in-house, the Titans' interests at No. 6 would shift. The team is looking long and hard at the top two quarterbacks -- Smith and Rodgers -- should one of them slip out of the top five. The Titans could also get a lot of trade offers while they're on the clock, but if they stay at No. 6 the best available athlete at a position of need in this scenario is Williams. Tyrone Calico and Drew Bennett are the only two legitimate wide receivers on the team's roster and Williams would immediately become its best player at the position. He doesn't have elite speed but he's faster than Keyshawn Johnson and he projects as much more of a vertical weapon than Johnson has been in the NFL.
7. Minnesota Vikings (from Raiders) (8-8)
Shawn Merriman* | OLB/DE | Maryland
The Vikings have few needs to address and can really focus in on the ones they do have with two first round picks thanks to the Randy Moss (Raiders) deal. Adding a blue chip wide receiver is still a need but if Edwards and Williams are already off the board by the time they pick, the Vikings can get a better value in the form of a pass rusher. Merriman has the speed, athleticism and instincts to immediately upgrade the Vikings defense as an edge rusher opposite Kenechi Udeze, and he has the frame to eventually develop into a fulltime starter.
8. Arizona Cardinals (6-10)
Antrel Rolle | DC | Miami-Fla.
We're under the strong impression that the Cardinals will get a pre-draft deal done with the Bills that will land them RB Travis Henry in exchange for OT L.J. Shelton and possibly a second-round swap. If that's the case, drafting a cornerback with their top pick becomes a necessity. From what we hear, the team likes Rolle over Adam Jones (West Virginia), primarily because of the size issue. Rolle also has the instincts, toughness and athletic ability to quickly become a solid starter in the NFL. His biggest obstacle in solidifying a potential spot in the top-10 was proving that he was fast enough to turn and run with NFL receivers. His recent 4.49 in the 40-yard dash should ease those worries.
9. Washington Commanders (6-10)
Adam Jones | DC | West Virginia
The good news for Commanders fans is that their team did a good job of upgrading its offensive personnel with the additions of OC Casey Rabach and WRs Santana Moss and David Patten. The bad news, however, is that the Commanders got significantly worse on defense thanks to the free agent departures of MLB Antonio Pierce (Giants) and DC Fred Smoot (Vikings). On top of needing starters at both of those positions, the Commanders also could use an impact pass rusher at defensive end. Without a second round pick, addressing all of those needs won't be an easy task. The team could consider Merriman if he's still on the board, but Jones is the best match in terms of value and need. Jones has the speed, toughness and confidence to develop into a shutdown cover corner in the NFL and he's also an explosive return man.
10. Detroit Lions (6-10)
Alex Barron | OT | Florida State
The Lions could use a playmaker at defensive end, but finding a replacement for the departed Stockar McDougle at right tackle is more glaring. Barron needs to become more physical, but he has the size, strength and feet to develop into a starting right or left tackle in the NFL.
11. Dallas Cowboys (6-10)
Derrick Johnson | OLB | Texas
The Cowboys have been busy in free agency, addressing needs at defensive tackle (Jason Ferguson), quarterback (Drew Bledsoe) and cornerback (Anthony Henry). However, they are still in pursuit of upgrades at wide receiver, offensive tackle (ROT) and OLB/DE. Linebackers have a tendency to slip on draft day, but Johnson is too athletic to slip very far. He still needs to become more physical and learn to take on blocks, but Johnson has Derrick Brooks-like potential and would give Bill Parcells a lot of versatility as the Cowboys make the conversion to more 3-4 looks on defense.
12. San Diego Chargers (12-4)
Troy Williamson* | WR | South Carolina
The Chargers would consider drafting a pass rusher or Barron if he fell to them at No. 12. However, upgrading their wide receiver situation is just as pressing and Williamson gives them the best value with the first of two first-round picks. Williamson is a player on the rise after running in the 4.3's at the combine. He has the size, long arms, hands and explosive speed to quickly develop into a deep threat in the NFL.
13. Houston Texans (7-9)
David Pollack | DE | Georgia
If Barron is already taken, the Texans' focus will likely shift to the OLB position in their 3-4 defensive scheme. The team used a first-round pick on Jason Babin in 2004 and, while he did make strides late last season, the team still needs a legitimate pass rusher and playmaker opposite him. Pollack might lack ideal size and top-end speed, but he has the quickness, power and playmaking instincts to immediately contribute in the NFL. Furthermore, his best fit might be as a 3-4 rush linebacker.
14. Carolina Panthers (7-9)
Cedric Benson | RB | Texas
This pick may come as a surprise but don't rule out the possibility. For starters, the Panthers running back situation has deteriorated in a hurry. DeShaun Foster should return from a shoulder injury but hasn't been able to stay healthy as a pro, and Stephen Davis is 31 and coming off knee surgery. The team doesn't have many glaring needs and it won't want to reach for a right tackle with this pick. As far as Benson's freefall is concerned, Benson could be the odd-man-out of the "Big Three" running back equation if the Cardinals fill their void in a trade for Henry, because Benson has the least amount of versatility and the most amount of baggage. Benson doesn't have great speed or elusiveness, but he's a north-south runner with great vision, size and power. He isn't a great fit for many NFL teams but he'd be perfect in Carolina as a younger up-and-coming Davis-type runner.
15. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)
Marcus Spears | DE | LSU
If the deal for DC Patrick Surtain (Dolphins) goes through as expected, addressing the defensive end position must become the Chiefs' first-round focus. The Chiefs have a decent starting combo at DE in Jared Allen and Eric Hicks, but they really are missing depth and size at the position. Spears would be a good fit, as he is a "tweener" DE/DT who could really make an impact as an interior pass rusher and play in a rotation that would give Allen and Hicks a breather while beefing up the line on first and second downs. Spears is currently rehabilitating an ACL injury he suffered while training for the combine, but he is expected to make a full recovery by early April. If he can run well (in the 4.8 range), Spears should land in the 10-20 range of the first round.
16. New Orleans Saints (8-8)
Carlos Rogers | DC | Auburn
The Saints failed to land the prospects they wanted in the first round of the last two drafts ( DT Dewayne Robertson in 2003 and LBs Jonathan Vilma and D.J. Williams in 2004) so a more aggressive approach might be in order this year. The problem the team faces is that there won't be good values at its two biggest positions of need -- ROT and LB. One option could be to move up in order to secure a prospect such as Texas OLB Derrick Johnson or FSU OT Alex Barron. If not, the best move will be to upgrade the cornerback position with some much-needed youth. Rogers has good size and speed. Most importantly, he is a physical cover corner with the athletic ability and confidence to play both man-to-man and zone coverage in the NFL.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (8-8)
Travis Johnson | DT | Florida State
The Bengals lessened the need at defensive tackle need with the addition of Bryan Robinson, but if Johnson is still available he should be the team's pick. After struggling through some off-the-field issues that affected his play early in his career at FSU, Johnson had a breakout season as a fulltime starter in 2004. In our opinion, he's the best defensive tackle in this year's draft class and has a chance to make a huge impact early in his NFL career as a one-gap penetrating DT with enough bulk and strength to hold the point of attack.
18. Minnesota Vikings (8-8)
Mark Clayton | WR | Oklahoma
In all reality, the Vikings have great depth at wide receiver but they lack a premier No. 1 now that Moss is gone. The team did sign Travis Taylor in free agency but they plan on using him in the slot. Nate Burleson is entrenched as a starter but Marcus Robinson is aging and inconsistent. If the team doesn't get one of the two elite receiver prospects -- Edwards and Williams -- with it first pick, Clayton would be a good value at No. 18. He lacks elite size but has everything else scouts look for in a first round wide receiver prospect, including quickness, speed and reliable hands.
19. St. Louis Rams (8-8)
Jammal Brown | OT | Oklahoma
The Rams could use an upgrade at defensive end, but finding a replacement for ROT Kyle Turley is a significantly bigger issue. Brown needs to become more physical but he has the size and feet to develop into a solid starter in the NFL. He also has enough experience at the highest collegiate level to possibly step right in as a starter in 2005.
20. Dallas Cowboys (6-10)
Thomas Davis* | S | Georgia
The Cowboys are rumored to have interest in trading out of this pick in order to acquire more Day 1 selections. Drafting a vertical receiver such as UAB's Roddy White also isn't out of the question. However, if they do stay put the focus likely will remain on the defensive side of the ball, where coach Bill Parcells wants to get bigger and more physical. Davis is a good value late in the first round and he's definitely a Parcells kind of player. Some teams consider Davis a "weakside" linebacker but the Cowboys would likely keep Davis at safety, where he could fill the void created by Darren Woodson's retirement.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-7)
Khalif Barnes | OT | Washington
The Jaguars addressed their most glaring need (DE) with the free-agency addition of Reggie Hayward. While the team could still use a Day 1 pick on an end that could eventually take over for Wiley, finding an upgrade over Mike Pearson at LOT is the next objective. Barnes has had a huge postseason, as he has wowed NFL brass at both the Senior Bowl and combine. He clearly has the athleticism and size to develop into an above-average starter at the next level. All he needs is good coaching and motivation. He's certainly worth the risk late in the first round.
22. Baltimore Ravens (9-7)
Roddy White | WR | Alabama-Birmingham
By adding WR Derrick Mason and DC Samari Rolle via free agency, the Ravens have given themselves a lot of draft-day flexibility. However, with Travis Taylor gone, the team still needs WR depth. White left the Senior Bowl earl with a hamstring injury, but he proved during the first couple days of practice that he has the speed and playmaking capability to make a difference in the vertical passing game at the next level. He doesn't have elite size, but White has the speed to draw attention away from Mason, which is something the Ravens lack on their roster right now.
23. Seattle Seahawks (9-7)
Erasmus James | DE | Wisconsin
James' less-than-impressive workout at the combine and his history of injuries might cause him to slip a little bit on draft day. He is one of the best pass-rushing DE prospects in this class and would be considered a great find at 23. The Seahawks will also be looking for linebackers and cornerbacks with this selection but James would be the best available value.
24. Green Bay Packers (10-6)
Demarcus Ware | DE | Troy
Ware's draft stock is skyrocketing after his impressive showing at the combine and we think he's exactly the type of player that the Packers are looking for. Ware is a 'tweener DE/OLB with explosive speed and loads of pass-rushing potential in the NFL. It may be a while before he develops into an every-down starter, but he'd be the perfect fit as a sub-package edge rusher opposite Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila.
25. Denver Broncos (10-6)
Marlin Jackson | DC | Michigan
After making several additions to their defensive front seven during the offseason, the Broncos seem less likely to use this pick on a linebacker or defensive lineman than they did just a couple months ago. The team also solidified its tight end position, which means their top needs now lie in the defensive secondary. If Davis were available he might be the pick. In this scenario, Jackson is a good value at a position of need. Jackson doesn't have blazing speed but he's an excellent athlete with the size and confidence to quickly develop into a starter in the NFL. By drafting a cornerback here it would allow the Broncos to move Lenny Walls back to the nickel and dime packages, which is where he belongs.
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