9. Washington – Erasmus James, DE Wisconsin
With the signing of Samari Rolle, cornerback is no long a need, and that leaves the defensive line as their biggest weakness. And Erasmus should fill a defensive end spot from day one, providing the Skins with a real pass rush from that position.
10. Detroit – Thomas Davis, S/LB Georgia
The Lions biggest area of need is at safety, and the fact that he can also play linebacker is a bonus. They don’t really have many other major holes on the team if they can just stay healthy (Charles Rogers) and play to their potential (Joey Harrington).
11. Dallas – Dan Cody, DE Oklahoma
After trying to sign a free agent defensive end last year and getting burned, the Boys try drafting one. Adding Cody to Ferguson, Glover and Ellis should give Dallas a formidable defensive line. Cornerback was an option until they signed Anthony Henry to start across from Newman.
12. San Diego (from NYG) – Antrel Rolle, CB Miami
After allowing the second most passing yards in the entire league last year, the Chargers use their third first-round pick in four years on a cornerback to hopefully stop other teams’ wide receivers from looking like track stars on the field.
13. Houston – Marcus Spears, DE LSU
Spears is a perfect player to fit the Texans defense as an end in the 3-4 or a tackle in the 4-3. He should be able to free up the linebackers a little more than they were last season when the Texans only had 24 sacks (the fewest in the league), which in turn led to them giving up the ninth most yards per game through the air.
14. Carolina – Cedric Benson, RB Texas
Now that Carolina has improved their defensive backs and offensive line with the signings of Mike Wahle and Ken Lucas, they will feel they can use a draft pick on what a lot of people feel is the best running back in the draft. Benson may not be a need pick right now, but with injury (Foster) & age (Davis) worries at the position, it will be a good for the future.
15. Kansas City – David Pollack, DE Georgia
The Chiefs need help everywhere on the defense and decide to go with Pollack, who should help their defensive line in both pass and rush situations.
16. New Orleans – Aaron Rodgers, QB California
The reasons for this pick are two fold. The first is that it can be used to light a spark under Aaron Brooks to try and play to his potential. And the second is to have a quarterback ready to go next year if Brooks once again disappoints.
