Parcells has shown that he likes to pick defense early on in the draft, and Edwards would fit in nicely based on his past picks. Dwan would add size to a smallish defensive line, and would allow for Dallas’ speedy linebackers to stay free of blockers and make plays. Edwards is also excellent at getting into the backfield and wreaking havoc, which is always a staple of a Parcells defense.
26. St. Louis- CB-Ricardo Colclough Tusculum
The overall talent level at cornerback has declined ever since Aeneas Williams moved to safety. While Colclough is not a well-known name yet, he has crept up on many people’s draft boards. After the recent success of small school corners, such as Charles Tillman and Asante Samuel, picking a small school player might be a little more en vogue this year.
27. Tennessee- C- Jake Grove- Virginia Tech
Grove is a sight to behold. He is an absolute beast when he plays. While centers don’t usually go this high, Grove is an exception. Ben Wilkerson could also fit in here if he decides to come out, but when it’s all said and done, I think he will decide to stay in school one more year. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Titans go the best-player-available rout and select somebody like Cedrick Benson, Marcus Tubbs, or Karlos Dansby, but Grove is definitely a solid pick.
28. Kansas City- CB- Dunta Robinson- South Carolina
Dunta is extremely fast and can be a shutdown corner for the struggling Chiefs secondary. With Robinson locking down his half of the field, and strong line play, the Chiefs defense might come close to complementing their offense, which is saying a lot.
29. Philadelphia- RB- Cedrick Benson- Texas
This is kind of a surprise for Philadelphia fans, but after this year there is a good chance that Duce Staley will be gone, leaving the Eagles with the oft injured Buckhalter and Westbrook. While the rotation of the running backs has worked thus far, it should be a nice change of pace to have a workhorse in the backfield. “Little Ricky” might end up being extremely underrated based on the NFL success of Longhorn running backs in the NFL in the recent past. Benson has not yet been able to show his full capabilities, and could provide Mcnabb with a truly lethal counterpart.
30. Chicago- DT- Darnell Dockett- Florida State
In one round, the Bears solidify their defensive line for the next five years. I believe that Dockett is one of the most underrated players coming out this year. He is an absolute monster who commands double teams every time he takes the field. Both Dockett and Starks are extremely skilled at getting into the backfield and collapsing the pocket. This is reminiscent of Tampa’s defensive philosophy, which places an emphasis on speedy defensive tackles. Dockett and Starks are both solid at stopping the run, and when paired with Alex Brown and Michael Haynes it will give the Bears one of the youngest, nastiest front sevens in the league.
31. Carolina- LB- Karlos Dansby- Auburn
Mark Fields bout with Hodgkin’s disease is very saddening. Hopefully he will make a full recovery, but Carolina might need to select here as if he is not coming back. Either way Dansby is an extremely solid choice here. His coverage skills are superb which will help allow the Panthers to shut down opposing tight ends. He is excellent in pursuit and would be a welcome addition to an already dominating Carolina defense.
32. Indianapolis- LB- Jonathon Vilma- Miami (Fla)
Although Vilma is a bit undersized, he is still an elite prospect. He is a burner with a nose for the ball and would be a nice addition to the Indianapolis linebacking corps.
