9. Washington Redskins – Braylon Edwards, WR Michigan
Laveraneous Coles is a solid receiver, as is H-back Chris Cooley, but the Redskins need a downfield playmaker on offense. Underachiever Rod Gardner has been given permission to seek a trade and Taylor Jacobs doesn‘t appear ready to fill that role. Edwards has a nice combination of size and speed, and can be used across the middle or as a deep threat on the outside.
10. Detroit Lions – Alex Barron, OT Florida State
Right tackle Stockar McDougle has been inconsistent, and he is a free agent who will probably not be back in ’05. Kelly Butler may have the potential to start, but with Barron, the Lions would have a solid pair of tackles protecting their quarterback and Butler would give them quality depth.
11 Dallas Cowboys – Erasmus James, DE Wisconsin
Somewhere during the first round, the Cowboys must address their pass rush by either adding a defensive end with pass-rushing skills or picking up a nose tackle that can occupy blockers. James has a great first step, good strength, and the ability to take over football games. And he can provide what the Cowboys need… consistent pressure on opposing QBs.
12. San Diego Chargers (from NY Giants) – Dan Cody, DE Oklahoma
The Chargers were a tremendous surprise in ‘04, but they still need to upgrade at the offensive tackle, guard, and safety positions. However, there isn’t really a pick of value at this point at any of those positions. Cody is a good athlete who can play as an outside linebacker or defensive end.
13. Houston Texans – Adam Jones*, CB West Virginia
The Texans missed out on a chance to grab a nose tackle last year when they passed on Vince Wilfork, and since Roderique Wright from Texas elected to not throw his hat in the ring, they probably won’t get their guy again this year. Offensive tackle is a bigger need, but there aren’t many blue-chippers in this year’s draft, and “Pac Man” has the talent to eventually take over for Aaron Glenn.
14. Carolina Panthers – Heath Miller* TE Virginia
The Panthers are a team that is sitting in a position where there is not likely to be a lot of players that fill a need and still provide value at this position. And this might be a little high for Miller, but he would really open up the Panthers offense, especially if they can figure out a way to keep Muhsin Muhammad on the roster.
15. Kansas City Chiefs - Shawne Merriman*, OLB Maryland
The Chiefs are in desperate need of playmakers on defense after finishing ranked ahead of just one other team in the NFL in yards allowed. Merriman would be a great addition to the linebacking corps and would likely make an immediate impact on this anemic defense.
16. New Orleans Saints – Thomas Davis, S/OLB Georgia
The Saints are one of the most inconsistent teams in the league, and they lack playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. The junior safety out of Georgia could develop into a playmaker at outside linebacker in the NFL,or if he can improve his range somewhat, he can be a very good safety.
Positional Rankings: QB RB FB WR TE OT OG C - DE DT ILB OLB S CB - K P
