17. Cincinnati Bengals – Travis Johnson, DT Florida State
The Bengals defense has started to come on strong, but John Thornton and Tony Williams are adequate at best at defensive tackle. Johnson is solid against the run, gets consistent penetration, and would probably be an immediate contributor for Marvin Lewis’ defense.
18. Minnesota Vikings – Channing Crowder*, ILB Florida
The Vikings would like to find a top-notch corner to pair with Antoine Winfield so they can move Brian Williams back to safety but in my opinion, Crowder is a better value than Brandon Browner or Carlos Rogers at this point. They also need a big nose tackle so they can move Kevin Williams to the under tackle position, but there isn’t a top-notch nose tackle in the draft. Crowder may be the best defensive player left on the board, and he could be used on the inside or outside.
19. St. Louis Rams – Marcus Spears, DE LSU
Anthony Hargrove has shown potential, but Bryce Fisher is a free agent and Leonard Little faces serious legal problems and league sanctions due to a drunk driving arrest. Spears has the size to hold up to the run and the quickness to be a threat as a pass rusher, and should be an every-down player in the NFL.
20. Dallas Cowboys (from Buffalo) – Troy Williamson*, WR South Carolina
Although Dallas picked up Quincey Morgan and Terrence Copper has shown some potential, Keyshawn Johnson will be 33 this year and the Cowboys need to add a playmaker at wide receiver. Williamson possesses tremendous speed, and he displays the burst, athletic ability, and body control to gain separation from defenders.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars – Matt Roth, DE Iowa
Hugh Douglas was cut and Paul Spicer is coming off a season-ending injury. Look for the Jaguars to grab an end in the early rounds to complement their talented duo at tackle. Roth is a relentless pass rusher with a knack for making big plays.
22. Baltimore Ravens – Mark Clayton, WR Oklahoma
The Ravens really need to bring in an experienced veteran at wide receiver to aid QB Kyle Boller’s development, and they could also use a talented youngster to groom for the long term. Clayton is a tremendous playmaker with excellent quickness and elusiveness, who consistently makes things happen after the catch.
23. Seattle Seahawks – David Pollack, DE Georgia
Chike Okeafor and Brandon Mitchell could both be gone, so the Hawks could be looking for some help at defensive end. Pollack doesn’t have great size or speed, but he holds up well against the run and is a very disruptive player with decent pass-rushing skills.
24. Green Bay Packers – Demarcus Ware, OLB Troy
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 speed at linebacker and the safety position.
Positional Rankings: QB RB FB WR TE OT OG C - DE DT ILB OLB S CB - K P
