25. Denver Broncos – Shaun Cody, DT USC
The Broncos lack a pass rush from their front four, and Cody is a one-gap tackle who consistently gets penetration. He’s a bit of a tweener and could eventually end up on the outside if he doesn’t bulk up a little.
26. New York Jets – Ernest Shazor*, S Michigan
The Jets could stand an upgrade at corner, but Justin Miller might be a stretch at this point. Reggie Tongue has become a liability at safety and will likely be replaced in the off-season. Shazor has the ability to play either safety position or possibly even outside linebacker in the NFL.
27. Atlanta Falcons – Jamaal Brown, OT Oklahoma
Michael Vick needs an upgrade protecting his blindside, and although Brown played on the right side in college, he has the athletic ability to move to left tackle in the NFL.
28. San Diego Chargers – Elton Brown, OG Virginia
A lot of draft boards have dropped Brown to as far as the late second round, but don’t be fooled. The guy has legitimate first-round talent. He is a massive blocker with tremendous power and excellent mobility. He’s just a very complete player.
29. Indianapolis Colts – Odell Thurman*, MLB Georgia
The Colts make a lot of big plays on defense, but they remain soft up the middle. Thurman, who is a tremendous natural athlete, would be a step in the right direction toward solving that problem.
30. New England Patriots – Justin Miller*, CB Clemson
The Patriots are as solid up and down their roster as any team in the league, but after watching their secondary crumble with injuries, they’ll be looking to add depth in the draft. Miller has good speed and agility, and he possesses explosive abilities as a corner or return man.
31. Philadelphia Eagles – Kevin Burnett, OLB Tennessee
The Eagles need to upgrade their linebacking corps, and Burnett has the ability to quickly supplant Nate Wayne on the weak side. He’s a playmaker with excellent speed, and has shown no ill effects from the knee injury that cost him the 2002 season.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers – Corey Webster, CB LSU
The Steelers secondary improved considerably in ’04, but they need to continue with the influx of youth. Injuries slowed Webster his senior year, and his draft stock slipped as a result. However, he is a polished player who should make a quick transition to the NFL.
* - indicates underclassman
Positional Rankings: QB RB FB WR TE OT OG C - DE DT ILB OLB S CB - K P
