ROUND 1 | ROUND 2
25. Washington Redskins (from Denver) – Matt Jones, WR Arkansas
In my view, Jones is a huge,huge risk in the first round, but it’s looking more and more like he will slip into the latter stages of the first round… and what better suitor for the former college QB than the Daniel Snyder’s Redskins.
26. Oakland Raiders (from NY Jets) - Justin Miller, CB Clemson
The Raiders traded one starting corner and would like to find another home for the other if a willing party can be found. Miller would not only fill one of those holes eventually, but he could pay immediate dividends by doubling as a return specialist as well.
27. Atlanta Falcons – Khalif Barnes, OT
The Falcons could use some help along both lines, and Barnes would be an improvement over Ken Shaffer, who lacks pass-blocking skills, and Steve Herndon, who isn’t an every-down player.
28. San Diego Chargers – Darryl Blackstock*, OLB Virginia
The Chargers were near the bottom of the league in sacks and need to generate more of a pass rush off the edge. Blackstock, who possesses good pass-rushing skills, also has the speed to chase down ball carriers and would be a nice complement to Steve Foley.
29. Indianapolis Colts - Travis Johnson, DT Florida State
The Colts make a lot of big plays on defense, but they remain soft up the middle. Johnson is a solid one-gap penetrator who would not only take some pressure off DE Dwight Freeney, but could also disrupt the interior line and slow opponents’ rushing attacks.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers – Shaun Cody, DE/DT USC
The Steelers could rotate Chris Hoke out to the defensive end, but Cody is a perfect fit at defensive end in the Steelers 3-4 defense, and his selection would allow Hoke to remain a backup to Casey Hampton, who missed most of the ’04 season.
31. Philadelphia Eagles – Heath Miller, TE Virginia
The Eagles could use another weapon at wideout, but Miller can do as much to loosen up opposing defenses as any receiver Philadelphia could add at this point, and he is a tremendous value this late in the round. The Eagles also like to run a lot of two-tight end sets, and with Chad Lewis and Mike Bartum nearing the end of their careers, bringing in some youth should be a priority.
32. New England Patriots - Marlin Jackson, CB Michigan
The Patriots are as solid up and down their roster as any team in the league, but they have serious concerns at linebacker where age is creeping in along with health concerns. Look for the top available linebacker or defensive back to be selected by the Patriots in the first round.
* - indicates underclassman
Positional Rankings: QB RB FB WR TE OT OG C - DE DT ILB OLB S CB - K P
