17) Cincinnati Bengals – Thomas Davis S from Georgia. The Nnati had the 26th ranked run defense last year and Davis is a big, hard-hitter who fills the running lanes with eagerness. Is a tremendous athlete who could eventually be moved to LB.
18) Minnesota Vikings – Erasmus James DE Wisconsin. James is a top DE prospect and although he isn’t a huge need for the Vikings, they may find his value here too good to pass on. His quick explosion off the ball has some comparing him to the Colts Dwight Freeney, and he should fit in very nicely playing his home games on the fast Metrodome turf.
19) St Louis Rams – Khalif Barnes OT Washington. Recent draft history says the Rams will do the unexpected here (like select Mark Clayton maybe), but Mike Martz has surely learned the importance of protecting his QB so Barnes is the logical choice.
20) Dallas Cowboys – DeMarcus Ware OLB/DE Troy. Dallas fills another huge hole, this time on defense. Ware, who former pro super scout Gil Brandt has rated his #1 defensive prospect, can play either OLB or DE. Should be an immediate contributor for the Cowboys defense as a pass-rushing specialist.
21) Jacksonville Jaguars – Jammal Brown OT Oklahoma. Brown is 6’6” 320 pounds and plays with a mean streak. The former Outland Trophy winner should provide instant help for Jaguars, who are in desperate need of an OT.
22) Baltimore Ravens – Elton Brown OG from Virginia. Elton Brown’s stock has dropped a bit after his early departure from the combine, but he’s still the top OG prospect in the draft. His mauling style should fit in perfect with the Ravens run first offense.
23) Seattle Seahawks – Matt Roth DE from Iowa. Roth is a relentless player who gives 110% on every play. He makes up for his lack of ideal size with sneaky upper-body strength and an explosive first step that made him one of the premier pass rushers in college.
24) Green Bay Packers – Brodney Pool S Oklahoma. GB searches for a replacement for Darren Sharper and hopes to find it in Pool, who has great instincts and a knack for finding the ball.
25) Denver Broncos – Mark Clayton WR Oklahoma. Denver continues its search for Rod Smith’s replacement. Clayton is perhaps the most polished WR of this draft with precise routes and run after the catch ability.
26) New York Jets – Shaun Cody DT Southern California. NY had one of the better D-lines in the league last year, but with the loss of Jason Ferguson and potentially losing John Abraham this becomes an immediate need for them. Cody has the ability to play DT or DE and was a cornerstone on defense for the back-to-back national champs.
27) Atlanta Falcons – Heath Miller TE Virginia. Not a need position for Atlanta, but Miller is a top 15 prospect on most boards and provides excellent value here. Will give Mike Vick another offensive weapon to work with.
28) San Diego Chargers – David Pollack DE Georgia. Another great value pick and fills a void on the Chargers defensive line. Pollack is one of the top DE prospects in the draft. He’s a top-notch athlete with a nonstop motor and great instincts.
29) Indianapolis Colts – Justin Miller CB from Clemson. The Colts, like the Chiefs, have holes all over their defense. Miller will step right in and help shore up their weak CB spot.
30) Pittsburgh Steelers – Corey Webster CB from Clemson. With the release of Chad Scott and Willie Williams age the Steelers need CBs. Webster was considered a top prospect last year, but decided to stay for his senior season. A hamstring injury bothered him all year, but he has the size, speed and natural ability to turn into a solid pro.
31) Philadelphia Eagles – Justin Tuck DE from Notre Dame. Tuck could turn out to be the steal of the 1st round – IF he can stay healthy. Has everything you look for in an athlete – size, speed, instincts and aggression. But has been pestered by a nagging knee injury.
32) New England Patriots – Channing Crowder ILB from Florida. Considered the best ILB prospect in the draft, but has seen his stock fall due to his immaturity and injury concerns. Could be the possible replacement for Tedy Bruschi, who is trying to come back from a mild stroke and is also getting up there in age.
