NFL Draft Insider...Mel Kiper grades; Inside Day 2

[Skooby]

Dallas, Philly, Baltimore earn top draft grades
By Mel Kiper Jr.

After two days and 255 picks the NFL draft has wrapped up and it's now time to evaluate just what each team accomplished in New York.

The group of clear winners includes last year's NFC champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, as well as the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens and Dallas Cowboys. Those smarting a little as they prepare for minicamp are led by the Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans and Kansas City Chiefs.

How all this translates onto the field remains to be seen but for now the guessing and second-guessing are beginning.


Arizona Cardinals: A
The Cardinals had to have a corner and a running back in this draft and they got both in the first two rounds. Antrel Rolle was maybe the best defensive player on the board and J.J. Arrington is a productive back who was a good value in the second round. Eric Green adds depth at corner; linebacker Darryl Blackstock and guard Elton Brown were also nice values; and if linebacker Lance Mitchell reverts to his pre-injury form, he could become a decent player.


Atlanta Falcons: C+
Wide receiver Roddy White was a great pick in the first round for a team that needs to give quarterback Michael Vick more help, and defensive tackle Jonathan Babineaux fills a big need along the defensive line. Linebacker Jordan Beck might have been taken a bit early and end Chauncey Davis was a reach in the fourth round, while linebacker Michael Boley was a good selection in the fifth round. Running back DeAndra Cobb made sense as a situational guy and a return man.


Baltimore Ravens: A
Receiver Mark Clayton is a perfect fit and defensive end Dan Cody is a nice pass rusher who could be effective off the edge. Tackle Adam Terry is a good athlete and will team with center Jason Brown to add some depth along the offensive line, and the Ravens got the best fullback in the draft in Justin Green. The struggles and inconsistency of quarterback Derek Anderson have been well-documented but he has physical skills and could develop into a decent passer.


Buffalo Bills: C+
The Bills traded their 2005 first-round pick in the JP Losman deal but got a steal when receiver Roscoe Parrish fell to the late second round. Parrish will be a nice addition to the passing game and is also an effective returner, and his college teammate Kevin Everett could turn into a nice tight end. Center Raymond Preston was a reach in the fourth round, though, and Eric King will probably be a situational nickel back in the NFL.


Carolina Panthers: B-
Thomas Davis is a hard hitter and it will be interesting to see whether the Panthers leave him at safety, where he played in college, or move him to outside linebacker, where many project him at the next level. Running back Eric Shelton is an OK pick in the second round but is purely a straight-ahead, bruising runner. Guard Evan Mathis was quite a steal in the third round and quarterback Stefan LeFors should be a solid backup. Safety Ben Emanuel was a reach in the fourth round, as was guard Joe Berger in the sixth round, but end Jovan Haye was a good pickup in the sixth.


Chicago Bears: A-
Cedric Benson has all the makings of a star running back and Mark Bradley fills a need at wide receiver while also bringing excellent special team skills to the table. Getting Kyle Orton gives the Bears a nice backup who will fill in capably should quarterback Rex Grossman go down again. Receiver Airese Curry made sense in the fifth round and the late-round safeties could become contributors as well.


Cincinnati Bengals: A-
Defensive end David Pollack and linebacker Odell Thurman were teammates at Georgia and are immediate upgrades for the front seven on Marvin Lewis' defense. The Bengals helped the offensive line with another pair of teammates, center Eric Ghiaciuc and tackle Adam Kieft from Central Michigan, and thanks to his great physical attributes receiver Chris Henry is a good gamble in the third round despite some character questions. Fellow wideout Tab Perry was a sensible pick in the sixth.


Cleveland Browns: B
You can't argue with the Browns taking the best player available at No. 3 in Braylon Edwards even though they have other needs. If safety Brodney Pool gets back to the stellar form he showed as a sophomore he will pan out nicely; corner Antonio Perkins will be a nickel back who can also contribute in the return game; and quarterback Charlie Frye has the skills you want in a quarterback despite the fact that he throws a wobbly ball on occasion. Andrew Hoffman will be plugged in to fill a need at nose tackle.


Dallas Cowboys: A
One of the best hauls for any team thanks to a significant upgrade on the defensive front seven. Demarcus Ware is a terrific attack linebacker, end Marcus Spears is a great fit in a 3-4 scheme and linebacker Kevin Burnett is a solid, steady player. Running back Marion Barber III is bigger than current Dallas back Julius Jones and is a nice complement. Safety Justin Beriault was a steal in the sixth round and defensive tackle Jay Ratliff is versatile enough to play in a 3-4 or 4-3, depending on what the team needs.


Denver Broncos: C
A team that did a lot of reaching for cornerbacks. Darrent Williams was an OK second-rounder, but fellow corner Karl Paymah traded on his workouts and Domonique Foxworth did not have a notable season last year despite possessing tremendous recovery speed. Denver's selection of running back Maurice Clarett in the third round seems like quite a reach, but I'll defer to coach Mike Shanahan when it comes to fitting the right players into his system. Guard Chris Myers brings some flexibility to the offensive line.


Detroit Lions: C+
Give the Lions credit for going away from their biggest needs to take receiver Mike Williams, who was clearly the best player available at No. 10 overall, but you have to wonder if they got enough help for the defense. Williams gives Detroit perhaps the best young receiving corps in the league, but defensive linemen Shaun Cody (a versatile end-tackle combo) and end Bill Swancutt (a one-dimensional pass rusher) may not be enough of a boost up front. Coach Steve Mariucci has to hope he can develop some accuracy in tall quarterback Dan Orlovsky; corner Stanley Wilson is an average player; and end Jonathan Goddard will likely move to outside linebacker.


Green Bay Packers: C
The Packers had to take quarterback Aaron Rodgers in the first round. You just can't pass on the opportunity to get Brett Favre's heir apparent and give him some time to learn from one of the best passers ever, even though he won't help them win this year. Corner Nick Collins is a good athlete but very raw and was a reach in the second round. And while receiver Terrence Murphy is a nice player, Green Bay didn't need a receiver. Safety Marviel Underwood was a solid pickup in the fourth round but linebacker Brady Poppinga might not be a good fit in the Packers' scheme. I like receiver Craig Bragg in the sixth round but there is just not enough defensive help in this class.


Houston Texans: C
Defensive tackle Travis Johnson can plug the middle and is a perfect fit for Houston's defensive scheme, and despite a lack of ideal speed running back Vernand Morency has nice pure running skills. Receiver Jerome Mathis is a great fourth-round pickup if he can maintain his concentration. The rest of the group is nothing to write home about.


Indianapolis Colts: C+
Marlin Jackson is a nice upgrade at cornerback but second-rounder Kelvin Hayden moved to corner just last year and is still very raw. Defensive tackle Vincent Burns came off the board a bit early, while guard Dylan Gandy will lend some versatility to the offensive line and defensive end Jonathan Welsh did not always play to the level of his physical talents. Running back Anthony Davis could be a nice find in the seventh round if he stays healthy enough to remain in the mix.


Jacksonville Jaguars: C+
The Jaguars took wide receiver Matt Jones off the board much earlier than most expected him to go, and the former college quarterback is a projection and slight risk despite his amazing athleticism. Offensive tackle Khalif Barnes was a nice pickup in the second round, but taking cornerback Scott Starks in the third round was a bit of a reach despite his potential to contribute as a nickel back. Running back Alvin Pearman will be a nice backup to Fred Taylor and safety Gerald Sensabaugh is a good value in the fifth round.


Kansas City Chiefs: C
The Chiefs settled for outside linebacker Derrick Johnson when Thomas Davis went to Carolina, but that's not a bad consolation prize. Punter Dustin Colquitt was a reach in the third round because of his inconsistency and receiver Craphonso Thorpe needs to regain the form he showed before suffering a leg injury late in his career. James Grigsby should be OK as a backup linebacker but the Chiefs did not do enough to help the defense and took two questionable offensive players in the seventh round.


Miami Dolphins: B-
Running back Ronnie Brown is a complete prospect and you also have to like the intensity and toughness end Matt Roth will bring to the table. The biggest question is whether linebacker Channing Crowder will remain healthy enough long enough to be an impact pro, but new Miami coach Nick Saban obviously had no questions about cornerback Travis Daniels, who played under Saban at LSU and solidified his standing with a good 40 time. Offensive tackle Anthony Alabi is an average player and defensive tackle Kevin Vickerson came on as a senior but still needs some work.


Minnesota Vikings: B+
The Vikings targeted speed on their board and they definitely got it with wide receiver Troy Williamson, who wowed Minnesota enough that the Vikings passed on Mike Williams. Defensive end Erasmus James gives them much-needed help up front, guard-tackle Marcus Johnson will solidify the offensive line and running back Ciatrick Fason has the potential to be a terrific steal in the fourth round. Dustin Fox is a good cornerback and defensive tackle C.J. Mosley is a motivated overachiever.


New England Patriots: C
Guard Logan Mankins was a reach in the first round but the Patriots obviously like his size and nastiness, and he will help fill the void left by Joe Andruzzi's departure via free agency. Ellis Hobbs has good size but not enough skill to be more than a nickel back, and safety James Sanders was a teammate of Mankins at Fresno State and both were helped by the relationship between Patriots coach Bill Belichik and Fresno State coach Pat Hill. Tackle Nick Kaczur could play guard as well but came off the board a little early and Matt Cassel is a big project at quarterback.


New Orleans Saints: C
I like Jammal Brown as a power right tackle and safety Josh Bullocks is an OK pick providing he can refocus and get back some of the ball hawking skills he showed as a sophomore. Alfred Fincher is a productive linebacker who will also help the defense and receiver Chase Lyman could be a contributor if he stays healthy. I don't know about the Adrian McPherson pick, though, because the Saints had enough other needs that they probably couldn't afford to go after a developmental quarterback.


New York Giants: C
Cornerback Corey Webster was slowed by nagging injuries last season but is a tremendous cover man when healthy and had a top-10 grade after his junior season. Justin Tuck is an OK end in the third round but should have gone back to Notre Dame; Brandon Jacobs should carve a niche as a power back; and end Eric Moore is also an OK pick. The Giants just did not have enough selections to make a big impact on their football team.


New York Jets: C
Current Jets kicker Doug Brien is serviceable but the team obviously felt Mike Nugent's leg strength was top notch, since the second-rounder was their first pick this year. Cornerback Justin Miller made sense later in the round because of his big-play ability and awesome return abilities, but most of the rest of the draft is made up of reaches (Sione Puha and Kery Rhodes) and projects (Harry Williams).


Oakland Raiders: C
The Raiders went with speed at cornerback with Fabian Washington and Stanford Routt but sacrificed in terms of ball skills. If Andrew Walter fully recovers from a separated throwing shoulder he will get a chance to be the quarterback of the future, and if defensive tackle Anttaj Hawthorne stays focused he will be a great value after falling from a first-round grade all the way to the sixth round. End Ryan Riddle and offensive tackle Pete McMahon were good pickups in the sixth round and, all things considered, I like those last two picks better than Oakland's first two.


Philadelphia Eagles: A
Another very good group of players. Defensive tackle Mike Patterson is an exceptional player, Matt McCoy was one of the fastest-rising linebackers leading up to the draft, Ryan Moats provides good depth behind Brian Westbrook at running back and Sean Considine is a smart, tough safety. Todd Herremans is a developmental offensive tackle prospect out of the fourth round but the Eagles got five more potential contributors after taking him. A large class with no real downside.


Pittsburgh Steelers: C+
Heath Miller is a big-time upgrade at tight end and corner Bryan McFadden is the kind of tough, aggressive run supporter Steelers coach Bill Cowher likes. Offensive lineman Trai Essex was a reach, receiver Fred Gibson needs to bulk up a bit and linebacker Rian Wallace needs to get stronger. Noah Herron is a backup-type running back, but guard Chris Kemoeatu was a nice find in the sixth round and could even try to play nose tackle after logging some time there in college.


San Diego Chargers: C
I like end/linebacker Shawne Merriman as an addition to the pass rush, but the rest of the players the Chargers selected were taken a little early. Defensive tackle Luis Castillo did not have a first-round grade and receiver Vincent Jackson was a reach in the second round as the Chargers were desperate to add a receiver. Darren Sproles should be a nice situational back who can also return kicks, but the remainder of the players San Diego took were more toward the undrafted free-agent category.

[Skooby]

San Francisco 49ers: B
A good first day but an average second day. There were no trade opportunities compelling enough that San Francisco wanted to give up the No. 1 overall pick, but quarterback Alex Smith is a player who's easy to like. Center David Bass will help the interior of the offensive line and Frank Gore could help take some pressure off Smith as they mature together, while guard Adam Snyder will lend a hand to Baas. It will be interesting to see whether former quarterback Rasheed Marshall can transition to wide receiver, with the rest of the group not looking like impact players.


Seattle Seahawks: B
Chris Spencer is able to play center and both guard positions and is a big help, but linebacker Lofa Tatupu, quarterback David Greene and linebacker Leroy Hill were all reaches. Offensive tackle Ray Willis was a good pick in the fourth round, end Jeb Huckeba is an overachiever and the remainder of Seattle's draftees look like backups or special teamers.


St. Louis Rams: C
Tackle Alex Barron has plenty of athletic gifts but is inconsistent in his effort, so the Rams may or may not have the right tackle they need. The next three picks were all reaches (corner Ronald Bartell Jr., safety Oshiomogho Atogwe and center Richie Incognito), but Dante Ridgeway made sense at receiver in the sixth round and I like quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick as a developmental project.


Tampa Bay Buccaneers: C+
Running back Carnell Williams is very good in traffic and fills a big need for the Bucs, while both safety linebacker Barrett Ruud and tight end Alex Smith are good value picks. Offensive tackle Chris Colmer looks to have put his medical woes behind him but the third round is still a bit high. Guard Dan Buenning is a nice value selection in the fourth but there are questions after that. Safety Donte Nicholson has limitations in coverage, receiver Larry Brackins needs to mature, defensive tackle Anthony Bryant has some maturing to do and receiver Paris Warren does not have much in the way of speed.


Tennessee Titans: B
Corner Adam Jones fills a huge need for the Titans and Michael Roos is a very good tackle for Tennessee to add in the second round. Courtney Roby is an average receiver and Brandon Jones is OK, but I actually like fourth-round wideout Roydell Williams more than either Roby or Jones. Running back Damien Nash was a stretch in the fifth round but offensive tackle Daniel Loper is good in pass protection, and there is some question as to whether tight end Bo Scaife can stay healthy.


Washington Redskins: C
The Redskins had a lot of picks but still ended up with an average draft. Cornerback Carlos Rogers fills a big need but taking quarterback Jason Campbell with their second first-round pick is a head-scratcher. Campbell is a very good player and a very solid pro prospect thanks to his extreme accuracy, but coach Joe Gibbs wants to win right now and Campbell doesn't help him do that. Linebacker Robert McCune has a lot of ability and Manuel White is an OK running back, but the rest of the picks are average at best.

Inside Day 2 of the NFL draft

Editor's note: Our friends at Scouts Inc., examine the most interesting developments on Day 2 of the 2005 NFL draft.


Fourth-round news & notes
• With Brian Dawkins turning 32 this year, the Eagles need to start grooming a possible replacement, and they got great value for a fourth-round pick. Sean Considine doesn't have great speed, but he makes up for it by reading plays quickly, and he always seems to be around the ball. In addition, he is a high-motor player and a reliable open-field tackler, so he should make an immediate impact on special teams.

• A disappointing second half of his senior season and his unsound mechanics may be the two biggest reasons QB Kyle Orton slipped to Day 2. However, Orton has good arm strength, puts excellent touch on his passes and really improved his decision-making skills at the collegiate level. He also is used to playing in cold weather. Chicago did an excellent job picking him up in the fourth round considering Rex Grossman is coming off a season-ending knee injury and the team's lack of QB depth is an issue.

• What does a coach do when his team starts to sputter? He gets back to what he knows, and that's exactly what Dallas head coach Bill Parcells has done thus far in this year's draft. After addressing the defensive side of the ball on Day 1, the Cowboys used their first second-day pick on RB Marion Barber III. He doesn't have great speed, but he shows good burst to the line, he excels at picking up yards after contact and he rarely drops passes he should catch. He should give Dallas a back who can come in and spell Julius Jones, which will allow the Cowboys to establish a power running game and pound the ball at teams.

• Arizona fans should be happy with what their team has accomplished thus far. After addressing needs at C and RB in the first two rounds and picking up OLB Darryl Blackstock in the third round, the Cardinals selected OG Elton Brown with their fourth-round pick. We feel Brown was the best guard in this year's draft. He has the size to engulf undersized defenders at the point of attack, he runs well and he has the lateral mobility to redirect in pass protection.

• We were surprised to see Minnesota trade up eight picks to select RB Ciatrick Fason until we started to look at their roster and a trade started to make sense. With the Vikings adding Fason, they can now shop either Onterrio Smith or Moe Williams. Fason has adequate speed and is elusive in the open field.

• The Houston Texans came into the draft hoping to find a receiver with the speed to draw some safety attention away from WR Andre Johnson, and they may have found him in the fifth round. While Jerome Mathis played at a small school and is raw, he is one of the fastest players in the draft. It also doesn't hurt that he's a home-run threat as a return man, as well.

• There are concerns about Craphonso Thorpe's ability to stay healthy, but Kansas City did well to pick him. He shows good burst getting out of his breaks, has the leaping ability to compete for jump balls and shows some toughness as a blocker. He should provide excellent depth behind aging WRs Eddie Kennison and Johnnie Morton.

• Quarterback isn't a pressing need for Carolina, but Jake Delhomme is 30 years, there isn't great depth behind him and Stefan Lefors could develop into a quality backup if not a starter. Although Lefors doesn't have great size and will have to move around the pocket to create throwing lanes, he has good arm strength, leads his receivers and is a leader on the field.

• Jacksonville RB Fred Taylor is coming off knee surgery and has had problems staying healthy in the past, so it makes sense for the Jaguars to improve their depth behind him by picking up Alvin Pearman. Pearman is undersized, so he may never be an every-down back, and he lacks breakaway speed, but he runs hard, can make defenders miss and is an excellent receiver out of the backfield.

• We were somewhat surprised San Diego didn't draft a safety or an offensive tackle with the 130th pick overall. However, that doesn't mean RB Darren Sproles is a bad pick. Sproles may be undersized, but he is a versatile back with excellent vision. He also can break some tackles and is a crisp route-runner. The Chargers need to start easing LaDainian Tomlinson's workload, and Sproles and Jesse Chatman should provide quality depth behind him.


Fifth-round news & notes
• San Francisco did well to select Ronald Fields with the 137th pick overall, despite the fact Anttaj Hawthorne was clearly the most talented defensive tackle left on the board. The reason is character issues, as Hawthorne tested positive for marijuana and takes too many plays off. Fields is a good fit for the 3-4 scheme, which the 49ers are expected to run next year. Although he doesn't have great quickness or athletic ability, Fields plays with an excellent base and has the lower-body strength to anchor at the point of attack, so he has the tools to develop into an excellent nose tackle.

• Tampa Bay used its first fifth-round pick to address the defensive side of the ball and its second fifth-round pick to address the offensive side. It's unlikely DS Donte Nicholson will compete for a starting role this year, but he has the potential to develop into an every-down player if he can improve his recognition skills and take fewer false steps. He should also make an immediate contribution on special teams.

The decision to take WR Larry Brackins is a little more intriguing. While Brackins doesn't have breakaway speed and only played at the junior college level, he has the size to win jump balls and the elusiveness to make defenders miss in the open field. If head coach Jon Gruden can help him improve his route-running skills and ability to read defenses, he could develop into a quality No. 2 receiver who can produce after the catch.

• RB Kris Brown's lingering turf-toe injury last year and the lack of quality depth behind him played a big role in Tennessee selecting a running back. Damien Nash runs with good pad level, has the burst to turn the corner and catches the ball well as a receiver out of the backfield. However, he doesn't have the size of West Virginia's Kay-Jay Harris, who remained on the board, which made this pick something of a surprise.

• Detroit came into the draft without a No. 3 quarterback, and it filled that need with Dan Orlovsky of Connecticut. Orlovsky is accurate, can buy time in the pocket and is a competitor on the field. However, we feel the Lions could have waited to draft a quarterback, because they have greater needs at defensive end and safety.

• Hawthorne has slipped so far that his college teammate Jonathan Welsh already has been drafted (by Indianapolis). Welsh isn't as well-rounded as Hawthorne, but his explosive first step, closing speed and high motor makes him a good fit for the Colts' one-gap schemes. Look for him to contribute as a situational pass rusher and on special teams during his rookie season.

• Houston's decision to draft OC Drew Hodgdon is somewhat puzzling, because they have far greater need as at offensive tackle and linebacker. Hodgdon is coming off a strong senior season, but he isn't a powerful run blocker, and his upside is limited by his lack of prototypical athletic ability.

• Keep an eye on QB Adrian McPherson, whom New Orleans selected with the 152nd pick overall. Florida State kicked him off the team because of his involvement in a gambling scandal in 2002. He then signed with an Arena Football League team, which helped him improve his ability to read defenses and get rid of the ball quickly. It also appears he has learned form his mistakes and matured. If McPherson continues to progress, he has the arm strength and athletic ability to develop into a starter.

• Coming into the draft, San Diego wanted to add an offensive tackle who could push ROT Shane Olivea for playing time. The Chargers filled that need by picking Wesley Britt in the fifth round. Britt broke his leg at the Senior Bowl, but he should be ready for training camp. Although he doesn't play with great technique, he has a great frame, moves well for his size and plays with a mean streak.

• It's not that surprising New England selected OLB Ryan Claridge, considering his versatility. If ILB Tedi Bruschi's health issues prevent him from playing this year, Claridge can slide inside. If Bruschi is able to return to the lineup, Claridge can slide outside. Claridge also is a disciplined player who rarely gets caught out of position, so this pick makes complete sense.


Sixth-round news & notes
• The Raiders haven't been afraid to take chances on players with character issues in the past, so it comes as no surprise that they selected Anttaj Hawthorne with the first pick in the sixth round. As we stated in the round five summary, Hawthorne's stock has plummeted because he tested postive for marijuana and inconsistent effort. However, he is a second-round talent that possesses a rare blend of size and quickness. Since defensive coordiinator Rob Ryan likes to mix in 3-4 fronts with 4-3 fronts, Hawthorne's versatility makes him a good fit for this defense.

• Carolina's failure to draft a receiver is a concern, but it did well to pick up DE Jovan Haye with the 189th pick overall. While Mike Rucker and Julius Peppers form an outstanding starting tandem, both Rucker and No. 3 Al Wallace are aging, so it makes sense to infuse some youth at the position. Although he is somewhat inconsistent, Haye has the size, agility and quickness to develop into an every-down role. Look for him to provide quality depth during his rookie season.

• Minnesota signed Pat Williams during the offseason, and Kevin Williams has developed into one of the most disruptive interior forces in the league. However, while Spencer Johnson and Steve Martin provide adequate depth, they shouldn't be considered quality No. 3 defensive tackles and Williams turns 32 this year. As a result, the Vikings did well to draft C.J. Mosley. Mosley doesn't play with great leverage, and he needs to learn how to shed blocks quicker, but he has the size to improve in this area. He also has the first step and closing speed to make some plays in the backfield.

• Two UCLA receivers were drafted in the sixth round, as Cincinnati selected WR Tab Perry and Green Bay selected Craig Bragg. Perry probably went before Bragg because he is a little bigger and does a nice job of shielding defenders from the ball, but we believe that Bragg will develop into the better receiver if he can stay healthy. Bragg is a little quicker and runs crisper routes. It's also worth noting that Bragg has a better chance of making the team because the Bengals are deeper than the Packers at receiver.

• The Jets did a good job of addressing depth with their two sixth-round picks. RB Cedric Houston needs to do a little better job of protecting the football, and he lacks great speed as well as elusiveness, but he is a powerful runner that can hold his own in pass protection. He also catches the ball well as a receiver out of the backfield. He should provide excellent depth as the No. 3 back this year. While TE Joel Dreesen doesn't have great athletic ability, he's fast enough to stretch the field and rarely drops passes he should catch. Moreover, he does a nice job of reaching his downfield blocks. He can also long snap, so look for him to compete for the No. 3 role.

[Skooby]

• Drafting a kicker is always a risky proposition, and we felt that Indianapolis would select a back here. But taking PK Dave Rayner makes sense because PK Mike Vanderjagt is aging and he had some problems staying healthy last year. It's also a good fit for Rayner because he needs to become more accurate and he should get at least a year to work on his mechanics. Expect him to handle the kickoff duties next year; he has the powerful leg to excel in that role.

• In our opinion, Pittsburgh made one of the best picks in the round when they selected OG Chris Kemoeatu. Kemoeatu possesses good quickness for his size, is powerful and plays with a mean streak. Character issues and durability concerns caused him to drop to the sixth round, but he has the natural ability of a fourth-round pick.

• Baltimore needed a No. 3 quarterback heading into the draft, and it did an excellent job of getting QB Derek Anderson in the sixth round. Anderson clearly needs to do a better job of taking care of the football and become more consistent, but he has the arm strength to throw on the run, is tall enough to see the entire field, and is a leader on the field.


Seventh-round news & notes
• Jay Ratliff is a classic Bill Parcells draft pick. A versatile defensive lineman, Ratliff played most of his career at Auburn at end before moving inside to defensive tackle as a senior, where he was a much more productive playmaker. Ratliff will never be more than a situational sub-package contributor but his effort, toughness and versatility give him a great chance of making the team.

• Seattle got terrific value late in this draft with the addition of Alabama outside linebacker Cornelius Wortham. After missing the 2003 season because of injury, Wortham bounced back healthy as a senior in 2004 and reclaimed his starting job. He lacks ideal NFL measurables but few share his passion and toughness. If nothing else, Wortham will provide versatility as a reserve linebacker who can play inside or outside, while also contributing as a cover guy on special teams.

• Small school wide receiver LeRon McCoy (Indiana-Pa.) serves as a strong finish to what has been a second successful draft during Dennis Green's tenure at Arizona. McCoy is a developmental prospect with good size, excellent speed and even better agility. If the Cardinals can motivate him and polish him up, McCoy could contribute as a vertical slot receiver in the future.

• Indianapolis did well to pick up former Wisconsin running back Anthony Davis so late in the draft. Davis is a tough runner for his size and one of the most explosive backs in this year's draft. While he has had some problems staying healthy and his upside is limited by his lack of prototypical bulk, he won't play an every-down role for the Colts, minimizing those concerns somewhat. It's also important to note that he should develop into a productive receiver out of the backfield once he gains more experience in that area.

• It doesn't surprise us that Green Bay took a safety but the name came as a shock. While Kurt Campbell has the size to line up in the box and possesses adequate speed, Ernest Shazor was still on the board. Shazor's lack of range means he needs to be protected in coverage. However, he is athletic enough to match up with a lot of tight ends, he possesses excellent size and he is an explosive tackler. In fact, we believe that he was the third best safety available. In fairness to the Packers, several teams overlooked Shazor, so something about him, whether it's his speed, lack of ideal instincts or a character issue, caused teams to sour on him.

• Running back Jerome Bettis is expected to return at this point, but he is 33 and Duce Staley is 30. In addition, both have had some problems staying healthy. Pittsburgh was wise to draft Noah Herron as a result. Although Herron doesn't have the burst to regularly turn the corner and he isn't going to outrun defenders once he gets into the open field, he possesses excellent size and he rarely goes down with the first hit. He is a perfect fit for a power running game such as the Steelers', and he should provide quality depth as the No. 3.

• One of the most cerebral head coaches in the league, St. Louis' Mike Martz, took a quarterback from Harvard. Ryan Fitzpatrick lacks prototypical arm strength but he sees the entire field, he is accurate, and he takes care of the football. Although he'll likely compete for the No. 3 role this year and he'll need to have a strong training camp to make the team, he has the potential to develop into an excellent backup in this scheme.

• Seattle didn't have one of the better drafts but it did get good value with its last pick. Offensive tackle Doug Nienhuis might not develop into an every-down player because of his lack of explosiveness. However, he is an intelligent player who uses angles to hide his weaknesses and he can play both guard positions as well as right tackle. He should develop into a versatile backup.

[iron monkaveli]

pats draft was horrible ...

i guess i just have to settle for the fact that my team is a Dynasty though.

[K-O-B]

Originally Posted by iron monkaveli

pats draft was horrible ...

i guess i just have to settle for the fact that my team is a Dynasty though.

Monk, I was looking deeper into it, it wasn't as bad as I first thought. They picked up some guys that will do well, some might come in half way thru the season. Belly even said theres eyars draft was weak, you see all the picks they have in the middle rounds next year? It makes my mouth water.

[iron monkaveli]

in Belly i trust ... im not worried.

i just wanted some "sexy" picks.

but we get Ben Watson back this year .... game over.

[Mikkey]

Originally Posted by Skooby

Cincinnati Bengals: A-
Defensive end David Pollack and linebacker Odell Thurman were teammates at Georgia and are immediate upgrades for the front seven on Marvin Lewis' defense.