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 – Carlos Rogers, CB Auburn
The Jets could stand an upgrade at corner, which Rogers would provide. He improved dramatically from his junior to senior season, and developed into one of the nations best man-to-man cover corners. He also possesses tremendous skills as a gunner on special teams.
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 be a solid pass protector in the NFL.
28. San Diego Chargers – Brodney Pool*, S Oklahoma
The Chargers could use an upgrade at free safety, and Pool is a playmaker who always seems to be around the ball.
29. Indianapolis Colts – Anttaj Hawthorne, DT Wisconsin
The Colts make a lot of big plays on defense, but they remain soft up the middle. Hawthorne has fantastic size, strength, and agility, and he plays the run exceptionally well.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers – Brandon Browner, CB Oregon State
The Steelers secondary improved considerably in ’04, but they need to continue with the influx of youth. Browner has tremendous size, at 6-3, and speed, estimated in the 4.45 area, along with long arms and good leaping ability. He is very raw at this time, but could probably step into a nickel role and possibly develop into a top-notch corner.
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. New England Patriots – Bryant McFadden, CB Florida State
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. McFadden is the type of physical, aggressive player that Bill Belichick likes in his secondary, and he has solid cover skills, but he lacks the elite speed of other corners, which makes him a borderline first-round pick.
* - indicates underclassman
Positional Rankings: QB RB FB WR TE OT OG C - DE DT ILB OLB S CB - K P
