ROUND 1 | ROUND 2
17. Cincinnati Bengals – Thomas Davis, S/OLB Georgia
The Bengals defense has started to come on strong, but they still need some work. The addition of the very average Bryan Robinson is nothing but a stop-gap move and certainly would not preclude the selection of a defensive tackle with their first pick if a guy like Travis Johnson is still around. This is probably a little early for USC’s Shaun Cody and Northwestern’s Luis Castillo, so don’t rule out a safety with this pick. Kim Herring is an adequate player, but lacks Davis’s big-play potential.
18. Minnesota Vikings – Dan Cody, DE/OLB Oklahoma
Having selected a running back who can help change the Vikings into a ball control team with their first pick, Minnesota will address either their pass rush or look at adding a wide receiver if someone like Williamson is still on the board. Cody, who has the versatility to play as a down lineman or as a linebacker, would likely jump into a situational pass-rushing role from day one.
19. St. Louis Rams – Jamaal Brown, OT Oklahoma
Brown’s stock has been on the rise and he should make his way into the latter part of the first round. And with Kyle Turley looking like a June 1 cut, the Rams will need a capable player to plug into his position on the right side. St. Louis could also look for either a defensive end, safety, or offensive guard at this point.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Buffalo) – Mark Clayton, WR Oklahoma
Although Dallas picked up Quincey Morgan and Terrence Copper has shown some potential, Keyshawn Johnson will be 33 this year and Terry Glenn will be 31, so the Cowboys need to add a playmaker at wide receiver. Clayton displayed tremendous ability to make plays after the catch while at Oklahoma, and could develop into a more dangerous big-play guy than Johnson has ever been for the Cowboys..
21. Jacksonville Jaguars – Fabian Washington, CB Nebraska
The Jaguars have addressed their needs at defensive end through free agency, so a wide receiver or cornerback is the most likely selection here. This is a little high for Washington, in my opinion, but he impressed scouts with his blazing speed at the scouting combine, and his stock has been on the rise since.
22. Baltimore Ravens – Roddy White, WR UAB
The Ravens got their experienced veteran at wide receiver in Derrick Mason to aid QB Kyle Boller’s development, but they could also use a talented youngster to groom for the long term. White could use a little polish, but has the potential to be a big-play receiver.
23. Seattle Seahawks – Erasmus James, DE Wisconsin
The Seahawks are hurting for linebackers, but they could also use a pass rusher and James has the potential to be an impact player if he can stay healthy. He’s a boom-or-bust type of player, but well worth the risk at this juncture.
24. Green Bay Packers – David Pollack, DE Georgia
There is a lot of speculation, once again, that the Packers will take a quarterback here to be Brett Favre’s successor, but that’s not likely, in my view. Green Bay will most likely want to take extended looks at Craig Nall and J.T. O’Sullivan before they decide neither is the answer. Of bigger concern for the Packers is a pass-rushing defensive end, speed at linebacker, and the safety position.
Picks: 1-8 | 9-16 | 17-24 | 25-32 | ROUND 2 |
Positional Rankings: QB RB FB WR TE OT OG C - DE DT ILB OLB S CB - K P
