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2005 NFL Draft - Day 1 Review

April 24, 2005 by Steel Haven

Round 1

  1. San Francisco 49ers

    QB Alex Smith - Utah

    Smith is not signed, but the 49ers pulled the trigger anyway. They really had no choice. Now the real work begins.... Developing him into an NFL QB.
    • My Prediction: QB Alex Smith
    • Needs: QB, FS, OG, DL, RB, WR
    .
  2. Miami Dolphins

    RB Ronnie Brown - Auburn

    All the talk about Edwards ended up being a smokescreen. The Dolphins were undoubtedly trying to trade down with a team that wanted the consensus top receiver. When all was said and done they stayed put and filled their most pressing need.
    • My Prediction: RB Ronnie Brown - Auburn
    • Needs: RB, OLB, LT, QB, WR
    .
  3. Cleveland Browns

    WR Braylon Edwards - Michigan

    The top of this draft was supposed to be in flux. So far everything has held to form. Phil Savage repeatedly said Edwards was on the top of his draft board. Edwards was available. Savage selected Edwards. What is annoying is that after the first three picks it is already five minutes to one o'clock. The first day may last til midnight.
    • My Prediction: WR Braylon Edwards - Michigan
    • Needs: DL, LB, QB, OT, WR
    .
  4. Chicago Bears

    RB Cedrick Benson - Texas

    The Bears go for the safest offensive skill position player. A between the tackles pounder with incredible durability. Benson will allow the Bears to take the ball out of Rex Grossman's hands and keep a very good defense rested by controlling the clock.
    • My Prediction: RB Cedrick Benson - Texas
    • Needs: WR, RB, TE, OLB, OG
    .
  5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

    RB Carnell Williams - Auburn

    Three backs go in the first five picks. I had Williams pencilled into this pick the entire post season until my most recent mock draft when I bought the hype on Aaron Rodgers. Oh well. This is a good pick for the Buccaneers. An instinctive runner that impressed Jon Gruden at the Senior Bowl.
    • My Prediction: QB Aaron Rodgers - California
    • Needs: RB, WR, OG, S, LB
    .
  6. Tennessee Titans

    CB Adam Jones - West Virginia

    Based on need a corner almost had to be the pick. The question was which corner. The Titans decided to go for speed and upside over long term production. The fact that Jones is also an accomplished return man probably didn't hurt.
    • My Prediction: CB Artrel Rolle - Miami, Fla
    • Needs: CB, WR, OT, LB, OG
    .
  7. Minnesota Vikings

    WR Troy Williamson - South Carolina

    OK, now here was a team that wasn't blowing smoke. Reports were that they preferred Williamson to Williams because of his speed. They did.... This was an amazing rise up the draft board. Williamson almost came out of nowhere. He was underutilized in Lou Holtz's offense and his decision to come out early was not really expected. The decision was obviously the right one.
    • My Prediction: WR Troy Williamson - South Carolina
    • Needs: WR, DE, OG, SS, OLB
    .
  8. Arizona Cardinals

    CB Antrel Rolle - Miami, Fla

    Denny Green gets lucky. Rolle is an immediate starter. He is experienced, fills a desperate need and fits the system perfectly. The Aaron Rodgers free fall is officially on.
    • My Prediction: RB Carnell Williams - Auburn
    • Needs: CB, RB, DT, TE, QB
    .
  9. Washington Redskins

    CB Carlos Rogers - Auburn

    A need pick. Maybe a slight reach with the top two corners off the board. Rogers is probably a safer pick at CB than Jones. He might never develop into a star. The chance of him going bust appears minimal.
    • My Prediction: CB Adam Jones - West Virginia
    • Needs: CB, DE, WR, MLB, OG
    .
  10. Detroit Lions

    WR Mike Williams - USC

    Wow. The Lions take a WR with the top pick for a third straight year. I am not sure if the Lions think Williams will eventually move to H-back. Maybe they just figure Charles Rogers will never get over his injury problems. By the way, kudos to Steel Phantom for prediciting this pick in his mock draft.
    • My Prediction: LB Derrick Johnson - Texas
    • Needs: DE, LB, OT, FS, WR
    .
  11. Dallas Cowboys

    LB/DE Demarcus Ware - Troy St

    The decision seemed to be between Ware and Merriman. The Cowboys go for the leaner yet more explosive Ware. He has the frame to add some bulk to play down in four man fronts and the athleticism to stand up. This is a gutsy pick on a player that did not play on the major college level and just a few weeks ago seemed like a possibility for the Steelers at 30.
    • My Prediction: LB/DE Shawne Merriman - Maryland
    • Needs: S, DE, LB, WR, CB
    .
  12. San Diego Chargers (from NY Giants)

    LB/DE Shawne Merriman - Maryland

    Couldn't really go wrong with whichever one of Merriman or Ware was not picked by the Cowboys. The Chargers needed help getting pressure on the QB. They got that help.
    • My Prediction: LB/DE Demarcus Ware - Troy St
    • Needs: DE, OLB, LT, WR, FS
    .
  13. New Orleans Saints (from Carolina)

    OT Jammal Brown - Oklahoma

    One of the most surprising thngs in this draft is that the first trade didn't go down until the thirteenth pick. The Saints get ahead of the Panthers to fill a need at right tackle. When this deal was first made I thought the Saints were trying to get ahead of the Chiefs to take their choice of Derrick Johnson or Thomas Davis. Their defense, especially the linebackers, needs a lot of help. This move also makes sense. With the top three receivers off the board the Panthers were expected to look at OT. RT Brown goes ahead of LT Barron because of his tenaciousness and attitude. Brown is an immediate starter and free agent signee Jermaine Mayberry can move inside.
    • My Prediction: CB Carlos Rogers - Auburn (at 16)
    • Needs: LB, DT, S, OT, CB
    .
  14. Carolina Panthers

    S/LB Thomas Davis - Georgia

    Davis is a playmaker. Paul Tagliabue announced Davis as a LB when this pick was made. Whether that means anything or not is anybodies guess. Davis should make an impact no matter where he plays on what is developing into a very scary defense. Since the eleventh pick this draft has gotten interesting. Teams have been taking players that the team right after them has supposedly coveted. All the while Aaron Rogers and Derrick Johnson have been dropping.
    • My Prediction: WR Mike Williams - USC
    • Needs: WR, S, G/RT, RB, OLB
    .
  15. Kansas City Chiefs

    LB Derrick Johnson - Texas

    The Chiefs get a bargain. Johnson was an ultra-productive multi-year starter. Many thought he would come out last season and be the first linebacker selected in a much deeper draft. Sometimes it seems like NFL teams start to nitpick about players like Johnson that have been top prospects for a long time. Concerns about his intensity and ability to fight through blocks that surfaced in the weeks leading up to the draft have been overblown.
    • My Prediction: S/LB Thomas Davis - Georgia
    • Needs: OLB, DE, CB, WR, QB
    .
  16. Houston Texans

    DT Travis Johnson - Florida St

    The Texans really needed to upgrade the defensive line and the trade down to sixteen for an extra pick in 2006 was a smart move. That said, I am honestly surprised they took Johnson over Marcus Spears. They could have probably traded down again into the early twenties and still gotten Johnson.
    • My Prediction: OT Alex Barron (at 13)
    • Needs: OT, DE, SS, WR, LB
    .
  17. Cincinnati Bengals

    DE David Pollack - Georgia

    Pollack is a high motor player that will make Marvin Lewis happy with his all out effort. The question is his size. If he lines up opposite Justin Smith at end the Bengals will be very light on the edges. That may end up being a problem in a division that has teams that have offenses built around the power running game.
    • My Prediction: DE Marcus Spears - LSU
    • Needs: C/G, S, DE, TE, DT
    .
  18. Minnesota Vikings

    DE Erasmus James - Wisconsin

    Hey, I finally got another one right. Ths should be the perfect situation for James. He gets to start immediately on the weak side with three other linemen that have to be accounted for on every play. He just needs to stay healthy.
    • My Prediction: DE Erasmus James - Wisconsin
    .
  19. St. Louis Rams

    OT Alex Barron - Florida St

    Barron will have to play right tackle with Pace signed long term. On any other team that might be a problem. It should be OK for the pass happy Rams.
    • My Prediction: OT Jammal Brown - Oklahoma
    • Needs: RT, CB, S, DE, TE
    .
  20. Dallas Cowboys (from Buffalo)

    DE Marcus Spears - LSU

    Jerry Jones and Bill Parcells get lucky. Really lucky. They wanted to use both of their first rounders to improve the defensive front seven. They were even said to be willing to trade up from twenty for Spears. Having him fall to this pick is an unexpected bonus.
    • My Prediction: WR Mark Clayton - Oklahoma
    .
  21. Jacksonville Jaguars

    WR/TE Matt Jones - Arkansas

    Rich Gosselin had this one pegged. The Jaguars take a chance on the biggest riser in the draft. Whether he ends up playing receiver or H-back is really immaterial. The only question now is can turn his obvious physical skills into on the field production.
    • My Prediction: CB Fabian Washington - Nebraska
    • Needs: OT, CB, RB, DE, WR
    .
  22. Baltimore Ravens

    WR Mark Clayton - Oklahoma

    Clayton fell into their laps and the Ravens pulled the trigger. By adding him in the draft and signing Derrick Mason as a free agent a major weakness has been turned into a strength. Now Kyle Boller needs to produce.
    • My Prediction: WR Roddy White - Alabama, Birmingham
    • Needs: DT, WR, C, RT, CB
    .
  23. Oakland Raiders (from Seattle)

    CB Fabian Washington - Nebraska

    The Raiders move up again to make sure they get their man. Washington's game revolves around speed. That is what Al Davis wanted out of this draft.
    • My Prediction: CB Justin Miller - Clemson (at 26)
    • Needs: LB, CB, S, G/C, DT
    .
  24. Green Bay Packers

    QB Aaron Rodgers - California

    The slide is finally over. Green Bay has a bunch of defensive needs, they just can't pass on Rodgers at this point in the draft. Rodgers will get some time behind Brett Favre to refine his mechanics and develop his skills. Not having to count on Craig Nall or JT O'Sullivan as the quarterback of the future should help new GM Ted Thompson sleep a little better at night. Mike Sherman in the last year of his contract as coach may not be quite as happy.
    • My Prediction: DT Travis Johnson - Florida St
    • Needs: LB, S, DE, CB, OG
    .
  25. Washington Redskins (from Denver)

    QB Jason Campbell - Auburn

    The worst kept secret of the draft was that the Redskins traded into this pick for Campbell. Luckily he was still available. Campbell blossomed as a senior under his fourth different offensive coordinator. Gibbs wanted to hand pick his quarterback of the future. He gets his wish.
    • My Prediction: QB Jason Campbell - Auburn
    .
  26. Seattle Seahawks (from NY Jets thru Oakland)

    C/G Chris Spencer - Mississippi

    The Seahawks were reportedly interested in Spencer. Starting center Robbie Tobek is 35 and RG Chris Gray is a journeyman. The Seahawks have basically nothing behind either one of them. To trade down for a fourth rounder and still get their man was a good move.
    • My Prediction: DE David Pollack - Georgia (at 23)
    • Needs: C/G, OLB, DE, WR, RB
    .
  27. Atlanta Falcons

    WR Roddy White - Alabama, Birmingham

    A big play receiver for Michael Vick. This is kind of an interesting selection. Vick has been more of a runner than a passer. Maybe adding more talent at receiver will help him in the passing game. I sort of thought the Falcons might look to improve the offensive or defensve line while hoping that last year's first rounder Michael Jenkins would develop.
    • My Prediction: OT Khalif Barnes - Washington
    • Needs: OT, DL, WR, OG, CB
    .
  28. San Diego Chargers

    DT Luis Castillo - Northwestern

    The Chargers can't be particularly happy that the Falcons picked White. They certainly took every second of their fifteen minutes. Marty Shottenheimer is a defensive coach so he probably isn't all that disturbed. Castillo was not affected by his positive test for ando at the combine. He adds more athleticism to the defensive front seven along with Shayne Merriman.
    • My Prediction: WR/TE Matt Jones - Arkansas
    .
  29. Indianapolis Colts

    CB Marlin Jackson - Michigan

    The Colts had to take defense. Maybe more so than the Chiefs because they did very little in free agency. They could have gone in any number of directions. Jackson was as good a pick as any.
    • My Prediction: DT/DE Shaun Cody - USC
    • Needs: CB, LB, DT, OG, DE
    .
  30. Pittsburgh Steelers

    TE Heath Miller - Virginia

    The Steelers didn't hesitate. I thought they might take some time to explore the possibility of a trade down. They did not. Miller was obviously their man all along. He should start immediately if healthy. Will the Steelers actually use him in the passing game? I hope so.
    • My Prediction: TE Heath Miller - Virginia
    • Needs: CB, TE, RT/G, WR, LB
    .
  31. Philadelphia Eagles

    DT Mike Patterson - USC

    Patterson goes before Shaun Cody. That honestly surprises me. Small tackles can succeed in this league. This just seems like a better pick at about fifty than at thirty-one.
    • My Prediction: C/G Chris Spencer - Mississippi
    • Needs: G/C, RB, DL, WR, OLB
    .
  32. New England Patriots

    T/G Logan Mankins - Fresno St

    My projected pick to the Patriots in the second round. A reach, but who is going to question Belicheck. Mankins is a high motor player that should fit in well. He fills a major need created by the free agent losses of Joe Andruzzi and Adrian Klemm.
    • My Prediction: CB/S Marlin Jackson - Michigan
    • Needs: ILB, CB, OG, OT, S

Round 2

  1. San Francisco 49ers - G/C David Baas - Michigan
    Should be an immediate starter at RG over Eric Heitmann.
  2. Cleveland Browns - S Brodney Pool - Oklahoma
    Combined with the return of Sean Jones provides a major upgrade at S.
  3. Philadelphia Eagles (from Mia) - WR Reggie Brown - Georgia
    Probably means the end of Freddie Mitchell in Philadelphia.
  4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - LB Barrett Ruud - Nebraska
    Competition for Shelton Quarles in the middle and possibly Ryan Nece on the strong side.
  5. Detroit Lions (from Ten) - DT/DE Shaun Cody - USC
    Good value to target in a trade up for a very thin defensive line.
  6. Oakland Raiders - CB Stanford Routt - Houston
    Al Davis reaches for speed. Not really a surprise.
  7. Chicago Bears - WR Mark Bradley - Oklahoma
    Explosive, but not nearly the best receiver available.
  8. New Orleans Saints (from Was) - S Josh Bullocks - Nebraska
    An immediate starter at FS next to newly signed Dwight Smith.
  9. Tennessee Titans (from Det) - OT Michael Roos - Eastern Washington
    A projection. Top physical skills with limited experience.
  10. Dallas Cowboys - LB Kevin Burnett - Tennessee
    Can play outside in a 4-3 and inside in a 3-4. So far the Cowboys have had the best draft. .
  11. New York Giants

    CB Corey Webster - LSU

    The Giants have very little after Will Allen and William Peterson at corner. There were actually rumblings the Steelers might consider Webster in the first round.
    • Needs: OLB, DT, G/C, FS, CB, RB
    .
  12. Arizona Cardinals - RB JJ Arrington - California
    The runner Green wanted all along if he didn't draft a back in the first round.
  13. Seattle Seahawks (from Car) - LB Lofa Tatupu - USC
    They traded up for this? The first player picked that I didn't expect to go on the first day.
  14. Miami Dolphins (from KC) - DE Matt Roth - Iowa
    Nice insurance for the injury prone and aging Vonnie Holliday. .
  15. New York Jets (from Hou thru Oak)

    K Mike Nugent - Ohio St

    The Jets might have beaten the Steelers in last year's playoffs if Mike Nugent was their kicker. They obviously must have thought the Vikings were going to take him in two picks.
    • Needs: CB, OT, DT, SS, WR
    .
  16. Cincinnati Bengals - LB Odell Thurman - Georgia
    A step toward improving against the run.
  17. Minnesota Vikings - G/T Marcus Johnson - Mississippi
    A mauler that looks like an immediate upgrade over Chris Liwienski at RG.
  18. St. Louis Rams - CB/S Ronald Bartell - Howard
    Slight reach for a physically gifted small school prospect.
  19. Green Bay Packers (from NO) - CB/S Nick Collins - Bethune Cookman
    I actually had him rated slightly ahead of Bartell, although in the mid-third round.
  20. Jacksonville Jaguars - OT Khalif Barnes - Washington
    Senior Bowl star slips a bit. Has the physical skills to dominate with better focus.
  21. Baltimore Ravens - DE/LB Dan Cody - Oklahoma
    Good value. Will be interesting to see how he is used with the switch back to a 4-3.
  22. Carolina Panthers (from Sea) - RB Eric Shelton - Louisville
    A big back to replace Stephen Davis. Either now or in the future. .
  23. Buffalo Bills

    WR Roscoe Parrish - Miami, Fla

    A surprise for a team that needs help on both lines. Seems very similar to Lee Evans. Not bad value though.... Will help immediately as a return man.
    • Needs: LT, DT, CB, G/C, RB
    .
  24. Denver Broncos

    CB Darrent Williams - Oklahoma

    Fast and tough. Kind of a surprise this early because his small stature could limit him to nickel back. A solid return man.
    • Needs: S, C/G, CB, WR, OT
    .
  25. New York Jets - CB Justin Miller - Clemson
    Traded out of the first round, took a kicker and still got first round value at CB.
  26. Green Bay Packers - WR Terrence Murphy - Texas A&M
    Should have gone sooner. Two offensive players in their first three picks is a surprise.
  27. Atlanta Falcons - DT/DE Jonathan Babineaux - Iowa
    Nice combination of value and filling a need.
  28. Indianapolis Colts - CB Kelvin Hayden - Illinois
    Loading up on corners. This is a major reach on a project.
  29. San Diego Chargers - WR Vincent Jackson - Northern Colorado
    A big receiver to add another dimension to the offense .
  30. Pittsburgh Steelers

    CB Bryant McFadden - Florida St

    The Steelers targeted cornerback in the second round and they didn't deviate from the plan. McFadden is a solid value that gets picked after several projects at corner were already taken by other teams. He is stout in run support and did not allow a touchdown through the air in the last two seasons.
    .
  31. Philadelphia Eagles - OLB Matt McCoy - San Diego St
    Fast riser that should help on the weak side.
  32. Baltimore Ravens (from NE) - OT Adam Terry - Syracuse
    A trade up to fill a need.

Round 3

  1. San Francisco 49ers - RB Frank Gore - Miami, Fla
    A steal if his knees hold up. That is a big if....
  2. St. Louis Rams (from Mia) - S Oshiomogho Atogwe - Stanford
    Badly needed a free safety with ball skills.
  3. Cleveland Browns - QB Charlie Frye - Akron
    Get their QB of the future a round later than expected.
  4. Tennessee Titans - WR Courtney Roby - Indiana
    Has to be able to play in a hurry with Mason in Baltimore.
  5. Oakland Raiders - QB Andew Walters - Arizona St
    Would have been rated higher if not for a shoulder injury that ended his senior season.
  6. Miami Dolphins (from Chi) - LB Channing Crowder - Florida
    An explosive playmaker that drops because of character and injury concerns.
  7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - TE Alex Smith - Stanford
    A pass receiving TE to pair with blocking TE Anthony Becht.
  8. Detroit Lions - CB Stanley Wilson - Stanford
    Good measurables. Needs to contibute immediately as a nickel corner.
  9. Houston Texans (from Dal) - RB Vernand Morency - Oklahoma St
    An instinctive runner to compliment Domanick Davis.
  10. New York Giants - DE Justin Tuck - Notre Dame
    An edge rusher that fell much farther than expected.
  11. Arizona Cardinals - CB Eric Green - Virginia Tech
    Excellent value. Could start next to Rolle in an all rookie corner duo.
  12. Denver Broncos (from Was) - CB Karl Paymah - Washington St
    Drafted more on measurables than performance.
  13. Philadelphia Eagles (from KC) - RB Ryan Moats - Louisiana Tech
    Depth to help keep Brian Westbrook fresh.
  14. Oakland Raiders (from Hou) - ILB Kirk Morrison - San Diego St
    Another much needed piece to the defensive puzzle.
  15. Carolina Panthers - G/T Evan Mathis - Alabama
    Will compete with Tutan Reyes for immediate playing time.
  16. Minnesota Vikings - CB/S Dustin Fox - Ohio St
    Could get immediate playing time at FS.
  17. St. Louis Rams - C Richie Incognito - Nebraska
    Has the skills. Of the field issues are a major concern.
  18. New Orleans Saints - LB Alfred Fincher - Connecticut
    A two down run stuffer that could develop into something more.
  19. Cincinnati Bengals - WR Chris Henry - West Virginia
    Another big receiver to go along with Johnson, Houshmandzadeh and Washington.
  20. New England Patriots (from Bal) - CB Ellis Hobbs - Iowa St
    Skilled overachiever that lacks ideal height.
  21. Seattle Seahawks - QB David Greene - Georgia
    Good fit in the WCO for a team that is very thin behind Matt Hasselbeck.
  22. Buffalo Bills - TE Kevin Everett - Miami, Fla
    Pass catching weapon at TE to help JP Losman.
  23. Jacksonville Jaguars - CB Scott Starks - Wisconsin
    Slightly built corner with excellent speed that will be a solid nickel back at worst.
  24. New York Jets - DT Sione Pouha - Utah
    Big run stuffer to replace Jason Ferguson.
  25. Carolina Panthers (from GB) - DT Attiyah Ellison - Missouri
    Paid a stiff price (two fourth rounders) to move up for a good value.
  26. Atlanta Falcons - LB Jordan Beck - Cal Poly SLO
    A small college burner that got himself into the first day at the combine.
  27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from SD) - OT Chris Colmer - North Carolina St
    A very nice pick assuming he can stay healthy.
  28. Indianapolis Colts - DE Vincent Burns - Kentucky
    The Colts never cease to amaze me. A seventh round value at best. .
  29. Pittsburgh Steelers

    T/G Trai Essex - Northwestern

    A reach. Plain and simple. Essex visited Pittsburgh and the front office obviously fell in love with his athleticism. At least he has some upside if he works harder and gets stronger. Passing on a player like Darryl Blackstock shows the front office's inability to change plans when a better opportunity presents itself.
    .
  30. San Fransisco 49ers (from Phi) - T/G Adam Snyder - Oregon
    Trade up to take more help on the offensive line for Alex Smith.
  31. Arizona Cardinals (from NE) - LB Darryl Blackstock - Virginia
    Cardinals complete a very impressive first day.
  32. Tennessee Titans (Comp) - WR Brandon Jones - Oklahoma
    Possession receiver to compliment Bennett, Calico and Roby.
  33. Denver Broncos (Comp) - CB Dominique Foxworth - Maryland
    Cover corner that needs to improve in run support.
  34. Seattle Seahawks (Comp) - OLB Leroy Hill - Clemson
    An undersized pursuit linebacker.
  35. Kansas City Chiefs (Comp) - P Dustin Colquitt - Tennessee
    A bit early although a replacement for Nick Murphy is definitely needed.
  36. New England Patriots (Comp) - T/G Nick Kazcur - Toledo
    A second versatile offensive lineman with a mean streak.
  37. Denver Broncos (Comp) - RB Maurice Clarett - Ohio St
    The shocker of the first day. Clarett could not find himself in a better situation.
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