[CBFF] Don Pierson sizes up the 2006 picks team by team
Victor Waldron
victor19 at gmail.com
Mon May 1 09:51:40 MDT 2006
(damn, the Peckers had a ton of draft picks.)
Don Pierson sizes up the 2006 picks team by team
Don Pierson
May 1, 2006
AFC EAST
New York Jets
1. (4). D'Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
1. (29). Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State
2. (49). Kellen Clemens, QB, Oregon
3. (76). Anthony Schlegel, LB, Ohio State
3. (97). Eric Smith, DB, Michigan State
4. (103). Brad Smith, WR, Missouri
4. (117). Leon Washington, RB, Florida State
5. (150). Jason Pociask, TE, Wisconsin
6. (189). Drew Coleman, DB, TCU
7. (220). Titus Adams, DE, Nebraska
Ferguson and Mangold fill big needs as the young Jets front office
starts building the old-fashioned way--on the offensive line. After
passing on QBs Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler, Clemens is a nice
addition. He flourished for ex-Bears offensive coordinator Gary
Crowton. Brad Smith is interesting as ex-QB who will be tried at
receiver. Washington adds depth behind Curtis Martin.
Grade: A
Buffalo Bills
1. (8). Donte Whitner, DB, Ohio State
1. (26). John McCargo, DT, N.C. State
3. (70). Ashton Youboty, DB, Ohio State
4. (105). Ko Simpson, DB, South Carolina
5. (134). Kyle Williams, DT, LSU
5. (143). Brad Butler, OT, Virginia
6. (178). Keith Ellison, LB, Oregon State
7. (216). Terrance Pennington, OT, New Mexico
7. (248). Aaron Merz, G, California
Whitner is good but got picked surprisingly high. With Youboty joining
veteran Nate Clements, Bills have three ex-OSU defensive backs.
McCargo fits into Dick Jauron's cover-2 style and Bears are happy
Bills traded up for him. Jauron and general manager Marv Levy know
they won't have a chance until they improve their 31st-ranked run
defense. But passing up big-name QBs puts additional pressure on J.P.
Losman.
Grade: C
Miami Dolphins
1. (16). Jason Allen, DB, Tennessee
3. (82). Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State
4. (114). Joe Toledo, OT, Washington
7. (212). Fred Evans, NT, Texas State
7. (226). Rodrique Wright, DT, Texas
7. (233). Devin Aromashodu, WR, Auburn
Coach Nick Saban loves SEC players he recruited and coached against at
LSU. Allen is a risk because of a hip injury, but he has the talent to
start immediately in a secondary that needs rebuilding. Their
second-rounder went to Minnesota for QB Daunte Culpepper, not a bad
second pick. Hagan caught a lot of passes but won't start.
Grade: C
New England Patriots
1. (21). Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
2. (36). Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
3. (86). Dave Thomas, TE, Texas
4. (106). Garrett Mills, FB, Tulsa
4. (118). Stephen Gostkowski, K, Memphis
5. (136). Ryan O'Callaghan, OT, California
6. (191). Jeremy Mincey, LB, Florida
6. (205). Dan Stevenson, G, Notre Dame
6. (206). Le Kevin Smith, DT, Nebraska
7. (229). Willie Andrews, DB, Baylor
More weapons for Tom Brady are just what the Pats need. Maroney can
spell Corey Dillon if he doesn't beat him out. Jackson was the fastest
top receiver in the draft, and unlike some teams, coach Bill Belichick
loves to collect tight ends. Thomas joins recent No. 1 draft choices
at the position, Ben Watson and Daniel Graham. Watch for Gostkowski.
If the Patriots can find Adam Vinatieri, they know kickers.
Grade: B
AFC NORTH
Pittsburgh Steelers
1. (25). Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
3. (83). Anthony Smith, DB, Syracuse
3. (95). Willie Reid, WR, Florida State
4. (131). Willie Colon, G, 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
After losing Antwaan Randle El, they jumped at chance to move up and
grab Holmes, but had to give up third-, fourth-round picks. Holmes
should complement Hines Ward and contribute as a punt returner. After
losing safety Chris Hope, the instinctive and hard-hitting Smith could
challenge free agent Ryan Clark. Watch Reid, who also returns punts,
as nobody drafts better than Steelers.
Grade: B
Cleveland Browns
1. (13). Kamerion Wimbley, DE, 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, G, Indiana
5. (145). Jerome Harrison, RB, Washington State
5. (152). DeMario Minter, DB, Georgia
6. (180). Lawrence Vickers, FB, Colorado
6. (181). Babatunde Oshinowo, DT, Stanford
7. (222). Justin Hamilton, DB, Virginia Tech
Collected extra sixth-rounder for dropping down one pick because
Ravens wanted Haloti Ngata. Wimbley can learn from free agent Willie
McGinest. Jackson is a good fit inside in the 3-4. Wilson was an
underachiever with good size who could learn from Joe Jurevicius.
Browns filled five starting positions plus two kickers in free agency,
but is QB Charlie Frye ready?
Grade: B
Cincinnati Bengals
1. (24). Johnathan Joseph, DB, South Carolina
2. (55). Andrew Whitworth, OT, LSU
3. (91). Frostee Rucker, DE, USC
4. (123). Domata Peko, DT, Michigan State
5. (157). A.J. Nicholson, LB, Florida State
6. (193). Reggie McNeal, WR, Texas A&M
7. (209). Ethan Kilmer, DB, Penn State
7. (231). Bennie Brazell, WR, LSU
Joseph should help immediately, at least as a nickel back. Safeties
are a bigger need, but they added Dexter Jackson in free agency.
Whitworth is a huge mauler who might help at guard until right tackle
Willie Anderson gets old. Protecting QB Carson Palmer is an obvious
priority. Rucker adds some pass rush. Peko will help bulk up
20th-ranked run defense.
Grade: C
Baltimore Ravens
1. (12). Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
2. (56). Chris Chester, C, Oklahoma
3. (87). David Pittman, DB, Northwestern State
4. (111). Demetrius Williams, WR, Oregon
4. (132). P.J. Daniels, RB, Georgia Tech
5. (146). Dawan Landry, DB, Georgia Tech
5. (166). Quinn Sypniewski, TE, Colorado
6. (203). Sam Koch, P, Nebraska
6. (208). Derrick Martin, DB, Wyoming
7. (219). Ryan LaCasse, LB, Syracuse
If the giant Ngata is lazy, Ray Lewis will run up his ample behind.
Chester is very athletic for interior offensive lineman. Pittman is
tough. Williams could be a steal, but draft won't be a success until
Steve McNair gets released and becomes a Raven or free agent Kerry
Collins signs.
Grade: B
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
1. (1). Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State
2. (33). DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
3. (65). Charles Spencer, OT, 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
The Texans had the 30th-ranked offense, so why didn't they take Reggie
Bush? Because they had the 31st-ranked defense. You can never
second-guess a great defensive end. Williams has the size and even
sounds like Reggie White. Now he must play better than Bush. Ryans
also will start right away at linebacker and Spencer and Winston will
push to start on a porous offensive line that must better protect
David Carr. If Williams gets booed, how might it affect him?
Grade: B
Tennessee Titans
1. (3). Vince Young, QB, Texas
2. (45). LenDale White, RB, USC
4. (102). Calvin Lowry, DB, Penn State
4. (116). Stephen Tulloch, LB, N.C. State
5. (137). Terna Nande, LB, Miami. (Ohio)
5. (169). Jesse Mahelona, DT, Tennessee
6. (172). Jonathan Orr, WR, Wisconsin
7. (215). Cortland Finnegan, DB, Samford
7. (245). Spencer Toone, LB, Utah
7. (246). Quinton Ganther, RB, Utah
Young will be coached by Norm Chow, former USC offensive coordinator
who tutored Matt Leinart. Titans see second coming of Steve McNair,
who sat and learned for two years but probably won't stick around to
help Young, who by most accounts will require time. In White, coach
Jeff Fisher might have landed the steal of the draft. If he's lazy,
falling to the second round may wake him up. He's the prototype pro
running back. The question is whether either can help a 4-12 team much
as rookies.
Grade: C
Indianapolis Colts
1. (30). Joseph Addai, RB, LSU
2. (62). Tim Jennings, DB, Georgia
3. (94). Freddie Keiaho, LB, San Diego State
5. (162). Michael Toudouze, OT, TCU
6. (199). Charlie Johnson, OT, Oklahoma State
6. (207). Antoine Bethea, DB, Howard
7. (238). T.J. Rushing, DB, Stanford
General manager Bill Polian, who found Thurman Thomas in second round
in Buffalo and drafted Edgerrin James, knows running backs, so watch
out for Addai. He can block, a prerequisite in the Colts' offense.
Undersized and competitive Jennings and Keiaho are typical Tony
Dungy-style defenders. The team's main off-season acquisition was
getting New England kicker Adam Vinatieri, who might be even better
kicking indoors.
Grade: C
Jacksonville Jaguars
1. (28). Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA
2. (60). Maurice Drew, RB, UCLA
3. (80). Clint Ingram, LB, Oklahoma
5. (160). Brent Hawkins, LB, Illinois State
7. (213). James Wyche, DE, Syracuse
7. (236). Dee Webb, Db, Florida
Lewis should beat out Kyle Brady at tight end or at least provide
immediate receiving help, giving quarterback Byron Leftwich a 6-6,
260-pound target. UCLA teammate Drew is a foot shorter but will help
in returns and provide a nice change of pace at running back, where
Fred Taylor turned 30. Illinois State's Hawkins is a transfer from
Purdue with outstanding production.
Grade: C
AFC WEST
Oakland Raiders
1. (7). Michael Huff, DB, Texas
2. (38). Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP
3. (69). Paul McQuistan, OT, Weber State
4. (101). Darnell Bing, LB, USC
6. (176). Kevin Boothe, G, Cornell
7. (214). Chris Morris, C, Michigan State
7. (255). Kevin McMahan, WR, Maine
Huff fills a need after Charles Woodson went to Packers. He could play
either safety or cornerback and the Raiders need help both places.
Matt Leinart doesn't have the strong arm Raiders like, so they will
live with Saints castoff Aaron Brooks. Howard is more athletic than
instinctive, but the Raiders are desperate for linebackers. McQuistan
and Bing are more of backup types.
Grade: C
Denver Broncos
1. (11). Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
2. (61). Tony Scheffler, TE, Western Michigan
4. (119). Brandon Marshall, WR, Central Florida
4. (126). Elvis Dumervil, DE, Louisville
4. (130). Domenik Hixon, WR, Akron
5. (161). Chris Kuper, OT, North Dakota
6. (198). Craig Eslinger, C, Minnesota
Traded up to get Cutler, who gets to go to a good team the way Ben
Roethlisberger did with Pittsburgh two years ago. Former
quarterbacks-turned commentators Ron Jaworski, Steve Young and Phil
Simms all liked Cutler most. Broncos also sent second choice to
Packers for receiver Javon Walker, a big addition if healthy. They
also added three other receivers, including tight end Scheffler on an
offense already ranked No. 5. The Broncos averaged 25 points a game
and want more.
Grade: A
Kansas City Chiefs
1. (20). Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State
2. (54). Bernard Pollard, DB, Purdue
3. (85). Brodie Croyle, QB, Alabama
5. (154). Marcus Maxey, DB, Miami
6. (186). Tre' Stallings, G, Mississippi
6. (190). Jeff Webb, WR, San Diego State
7. (228). Jarrad Page, DB, UCLA
Hali is a good player and better story as he seeks to bring his mother
from Liberia after being separated for years. He will help the Chiefs'
pass rush, which had only 29 sacks. Pollard is a big-hitting safety
who will need discipline from coach Herm Edwards, who knows how to
handle defensive backs. Croyle has had injury problems but is a good
athlete who can learn under Trent Green and has the luxury of time and
an excellent offensive line.
Grade: C
San Diego Chargers
1. (19). Antonio Cromartie, DB, Florida State
2. (50). Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn
3. (81). Charlie Whitehurst, QB, Clemson
5. (151). Tim Dobbins, LB, Iowa State
6. (187). Jeromey Clary, OT, Kansas State
6. (188). Kurt Smith, K, Virginia
7. (225). Chase Page, DT, North Carolina
7. (227). Jimmy Martin, OT, Virginia Tech
A gambler's draft, Cromartie would have been a top-10 pick had he not
missed the entire season with injury. McNeill has more size than skill
and might be too tall at nearly 6-8. Whitehurst is the son of former
Packers quarterback David. He has talent, but his performance was up
and down. The Chargers have to hope their 2004 draft decision to
acquire quarterback Philip Rivers can produce results this year after
losing Drew Brees to New Orleans.
Grade: C
NFC EAST
New York Giants
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, DB, Maryland
Kiwanuka was rated higher before so-so senior season and ordinary
Senior Bowl, but Giants don't need him right away. Moss can provide
more spark to what was already the third-highest scoring offense in
the league. He'll fit in the slot between Plaxico Burress and Amani
Toomer. Wilkinson and Cofield fill needs on the 24th-ranked defense as
did big-name free-agent pickup linebacker LaVar Arrington.
Grade: C
Washington Redskins
2. (35). Rocky McIntosh, LB, Miami
5. (153). Anthony Montgomery, DT, Minnesota
6. (173). Reed Doughty, DB, Northern Colorado
6. (196). Kedric Golston, DT, Georgia
7. (230). Kili Lefotu, G, Arizona
7. (250). Kevin Simon, LB, Tennessee
They spent their No. 1 pick last year by trading for quarterback Jason
Campbell, who is still being groomed behind aging Mark Brunell. They
also gave up third- and fourth-round picks to San Francisco for
receiver Brandon Lloyd. Then they traded up for McIntosh, who could
help make up for the loss of Arrington. He can play all three
linebacker positions.
Grade: D
Dallas Cowboys
1. (18). Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio State
2. (53). Anthony Fasano, TE, Notre Dame
3. (92). Jason Hatcher, DE, Grambling
4. (125). Skyler Green, WR-KR, LSU
5. (138). Pat Watkins, DB, Florida State
6. (182). Montavious Stanley, DT, Louisville
7. (211). Pat McQuistan, OT, Weber State
7. (224). E.J. Whitley, C, Texas Tech
Coach Bill Parcells coached Carpenter's father, Rob, a running back
with the New York Giants. Bobby fits into the 3-4 scheme because he
can play inside or outside. Fasano makes up for the loss of second
tight end Dan Campbell, although the Cowboys already added Ryan Hannam
from Seattle behind starter and excellent receiver Jason Witten. All
will help open things up for Terrell Owens. Hatcher is another big
line addition to the 3-4.
Grade: B
Philadelphia Eagles
1. (14). Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State
2. (39). Winston Justice, OT, USC
3. (71). Chris Gocong, LB, Cal Poly
4. (99). Max Jean-Gilles, G, Georgia
4. (109). Jason Avant, WR, Michigan
5. (147). Jeremy Bloom, WR, Colorado
5. (168). Omar Gaither, LB, Tennessee
6. (204). LaJuan Ramsey, DT, USC
They wheeled and dealed as much as anybody in an effort to revamp both
lines. Bunkley will join last year's No. 1 pick, Mike Patterson.
Justice slipped out of first round because of off-field issues, but
the Eagles felt good enough about him and Jean-Gilles to trade
starting guard-tackle Artis Hicks to Minnesota. They also traded to
get Avant, who couldn't ask for a better opportunity to play. Olympic
skier Bloom will help return punts and also could play receiver.
Grade: A
NFC NORTH
Bears
2. (42). Danieal Manning, DB, Abilene Christian
2. (57). Devin Hester, DB, Miami
3. (73). Dusty Dvoracek, DT, Oklahoma
4. (120). Jamar Williams, LB, Arizona State
5. (159). Mark Anderson, DE, Alabama
6. (195). J.D. Runnels, RB, Oklahoma
6. (200). Tyler Reed, G, Penn State
Counting on last year's "redshirt freshman" draft class of Cedric
Benson, Mark Bradley and Airese Currie to be healthy, the Bears got
immediate help only in their return game with Manning and Hester. For
a team that ranked No. 2 on defense yet scored only 16 points a game,
the lean toward defense is puzzling. None of the picks is expected to
compete for a starting job anytime soon.
Grade: D
Green Bay Packers
1. (5). A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State
2. (47). Daryn Colledge, OT, Boise State
2. (52). Greg Jennings, WR, Western Michigan
3. (67). Abdul Hodge, LB, Iowa
3. (75). Jason Spitz, G, Louisville
4. (104). Cory Rodgers, WR, TCU
4. (115). Will Blackmon, DB, Boston College
5. (148). Ingle Martin, QB, Furman
5. (165). Tony Moll, OT, Nevada.
6. (183). Johnny Jolly, DT, Texas A&M
6. (185). Tyrone Culver, DB, Fresno State
7. (253). Dave Tollefson, DE, Northwest Missouri
Unlike Brian Urlacher, who had to transition from safety, Hawk is an
experienced and instinctive linebacker who will improve the defense
immediately. Hodge also was productive and underscores the need at
linebacker. After trading Javon Walker to Denver, the Packers added
three wide receivers in the first four rounds in a desperate attempt
to uncover at least one who can help right away. Colledge also could
start at guard as a rookie.
Grade: B
Detroit Lions
1. (9). Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State
2. (40). Daniel Bullocks, DB, Nebraska
3. (74). Brian Calhoun, RB, Wisconsin
5. (141). Jonathan Scott, OT, Texas
6. (179). Dee McCann, DB, West Virginia
7. (217). Fred Matua, G, USC
7. (247). Anthony Cannon, LB, Tulane
Sims will play same role as Derrick Brooks in Rod Marinelli's defense.
Bullocks plays the Mike Brown role. Bears hope it takes Marinelli a
year before his system takes hold the way it did for Lovie Smith.
Calhoun has excellent hands and good quickness as a backup for Kevin
Jones. Scott is a big talent but a project as a possible left tackle.
Grade: C
Minnesota Vikings
1. (17). Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
2. (48). Cedric Griffin, DB, Texas
2. (51). Ryan Cook, C, New Mexico
2. (64). Tarvaris Jackson, QB, Alabama State
4. (127). Ray Edwards, DE, Purdue
5. (149). Greg Blue, DB, Georgia
Coach Brad Childress deferred to defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin in
building defense first. Like the Lions, it will be the same as Bears'
system, so Greenway and Griffin are key. Blue also is a run-stopping
safety. The selection of Jackson could be an inspired answer to the
loss of Daunte Culpepper. He has a big arm and Childress has the
expertise to develop him behind Brad Johnson. Adding guard-tackle
Artis Hicks in a trade from the Eagles to join free-agent guard Steve
Hutchinson further solidifies the line.
Grade: B
NFC SOUTH
New Orleans Saints
1. (2). Reggie Bush, RB, USC
2. (43). Roman Harper, DB, Alabama
4. (108). Jahri Evans, OT, Bloomsburg
5. (135). Rob Ninkovich, DE, Purdue
6. (171). Mike Hass, WR, Oregon State
6. (174). Josh Lay, DB, Pittsburgh
7. (210). Zach Strief, OT, Northwestern
7. (252). Marques Colston, WR, Hofstra
They can't believe their good fortune in landing the consensus top
player in the draft. Now owner Tom Benson must pay a fortune to get
Reggie Bush in on time. The problem is the Saints didn't get much more
help from this draft and still need to protect rehabilitating new
quarterback Drew Brees. Harper is an instinctive player who could
start immediately. New coach Sean Payton thinks he can design ways to
get enough opportunities for both Bush and top running back Deuce
McAllister.
Grade: B
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1. (23). Davin Joseph, G, Oklahoma
2. (59). Jeremy Trueblood, OT, Boston College
3. (90). Maurice Stovall, WR, Notre Dame
4. (122). Alan Zemaitis, DB, Penn State
5. (156). Julian Jenkins, DE, Stanford
6. (194). Bruce Gradkowski, QB, Toledo
6. (202). T.J. Williams, TE, N.C. State
7. (235). Justin Phinisee, DB, Oregon
7. (241). Charles Bennett, DE, Clemson
7. (244). Tim Massaquoi, TE, Michigan
A pedestrian draft. They need to revamp their offensive line, but
neither Joseph nor Trueblood are can't-miss prospects. Joseph was the
only first-round guard. They shied away from USC tackle Winston
Justice in the first round. Stovall has size and Zemaitus is the
typical cover-2 corner. Neither has speed. After losing Brian Griese
to the Bears, they need a developmental quarterback and got one in
another Mid-American prospect, Gradkowski.
Grade: D
Atlanta Falcons
2. (37). Jimmy Williams, DB, Virginia Tech
3. (79). Jerious Norwood, RB, Mississippi State
5. (139). Quinn Ojinnaka, OT, Syracuse
6. (184). Adam Jennings, WR, Fresno State
7. (223). D.J. Shockley, QB, Georgia
Trading for Jets defensive end John Abraham before the draft was the
main accomplishment of the off-season. They also traded for Saints
left tackle Wayne Gandy. Cornerback Williams has great skill but was
labeled hard to handle. Playing opposite former Virginia Tech star
corner DeAngelo Hall should help. Norwood adds speed. Shockley will be
popular local pick but won't get to play.
Grade: C
Carolina Panthers
1. (27). DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
2. (58). Richard Marshall, DB, Fresno State
3. (88). James Anderson, LB, Virginia Tech
3. (89). Rashad Butler, OT, Miami
4. (121). Nate Salley, DB, Ohio State
5. (155). Jeff King, TE, Virginia Tech
7. (234). Will Montgomery, G, Virginia Tech
7. (237). Stanley McClover, DE, Auburn
Williams and Marshall are solid picks capable of starting right away.
Williams might be needed first because DeShaun Foster is coming off
injury. Some scouts had Williams rated as the top running back after
Reggie Bush, not a bad endorsement in this season. The other picks are
backups. Their biggest off-season addition was Keyshawn Johnson to
complement Steve Smith.
Grade: B
NFC WEST
San Francisco 49ers
1. (6). Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
1. (22). Manny Lawson, DE, N.C. State
3. (84). Brandon Williams, WR, Wisconsin
4. (100). Michael Robinson, RB, Penn State
5. (140). Parys Haralson, LB, Tennessee
6. (175). Delanie Walker, WR, Central Missouri
6. (192). Marcus Hudson, DB, N.C. State
6. (197). Melvin Oliver, DE, LSU
7. (254). Vickiel Vaughn, DB, Arkansas
Davis is a rare talent who can't help but improve the 32nd-ranked
offense. Is that why he cried? Lawson is the ideal 3-4 pass-rushing
linebacker-defensive end who can improve the 32nd-ranked defense.
Lawson also helps make up for the loss of Julian Peterson. Haralson is
similar. Williams is tough but little. Robinson was Penn State's
quarterback who is a project at another position, too much of a luxury
for a team with so many obvious needs.
Grade: B
Arizona Cardinals
1. (10). Matt Leinart, QB, USC
2. (41). Deuce Lutui, G, 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
It didn't take coach Dennis Green long to grab Leinart, who goes to a
team with great young receivers plus Edgerrin James. Kurt Warner won't
be too happy unless Leinart's USC teammate, the 335-pound Lutui, can
help protect him. The offensive line is bad. Pope and Watson were
ranked higher on some boards and have boom-or-bust potential. Who can
help immediately? The Cards were 5-11.
Grade: B
Seattle Seahawks
1. (31). Kelly Jennings, DB, Miami
2. (63). Darryl Tapp, DE, Virginia Tech
4. (128). Rob Sims, G, Ohio State
5. (163). David Kirtman, FB, USC
7. (239). Ryan Plackemeier, P, Wake Forest
7. (249). Ben Obomanu, WR, Auburn
With the luxury of plugging in backups, the NFC champions targeted
positions where they lost players in the off-season. Jennings replaces
Andre Dyson. Tapp comes in for Rodney Bailey. Sims will back up Floyd
Womack, who replaces departed All-Pro Steve Hutchinson. Kirtman will
back up veteran Mack Strong as the blocking back for leading rusher
Shaun Alexander.
Grade: B
St. Louis Rams
1. (15). Tye Hill, DB, 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
4. (113). Victor Adeyanju, DE, Indiana
5. (144). Marques Hagans, WR, Virginia
7. (221). Tim McGarigle, LB, Northwestern
7. (242). Mark Setterstrom, G, Minnesota
7. (243). Tony Palmer, G, Missouri
Hill, Wroten, Alston and Adeyanju all have opportunity to contribute
immediately to the 30th-ranked defense. Wroten had off-field issues
that scared other teams. New coach Scott Linehan obviously intends to
get a pass-catching tight end involved in his offense, adding both
Klopfenstein and Byrd to an arsenal full of wide receiver talent and
trading incumbent tight end Brandon Manumaleuna to San Diego.
Grade: C
Copyright (c) 2006, The Chicago Tribune
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