AFC EAST
New York Jets
1. (4). D’Brickashaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
1. (29). Nick Mangold, C, Ohio State
2. (49). Kellen Clemens, QB, Oregon
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3. (76). Anthony Schlegel, LB, Ohio State
3. (97). Eric Smith, DB, Michigan State
4. (103). Brad Smith, WR, Missouri
4. (117). Leon Washington, RB, Florida State
5. (150). Jason Pociask, TE, Wisconsin
6. (189). Drew Coleman, DB, TCU
7. (220). Titus Adams, DE, Nebraska
Ferguson and Mangold fill big needs as the young Jets front office starts building the old-fashioned way–on the offensive line. After passing on QBs Matt Leinart and Jay Cutler, Clemens is a nice addition. He flourished for ex-Bears offensive coordinator Gary Crowton. Brad Smith is interesting as ex-QB who will be tried at receiver. Washington adds depth behind Curtis Martin.
Grade: A
Buffalo Bills
1. (8). Donte Whitner, DB, Ohio State
1. (26). John McCargo, DT, N.C. State
3. (70). Ashton Youboty, DB, Ohio State
4. (105). Ko Simpson, DB, South Carolina
5. (134). Kyle Williams, DT, LSU
5. (143). Brad Butler, OT, Virginia
6. (178). Keith Ellison, LB, Oregon State
7. (216). Terrance Pennington, OT, New Mexico
7. (248). Aaron Merz, G, California
Whitner is good but got picked surprisingly high. With Youboty joining veteran Nate Clements, Bills have three ex-OSU defensive backs. McCargo fits into Dick Jauron’s cover-2 style and Bears are happy Bills traded up for him. Jauron and general manager Marv Levy know they won’t have a chance until they improve their 31st-ranked run defense. But passing up big-name QBs puts additional pressure on J.P. Losman.
Grade: C
Miami Dolphins
1. (16). Jason Allen, DB, Tennessee
3. (82). Derek Hagan, WR, Arizona State
4. (114). Joe Toledo, OT, Washington
7. (212). Fred Evans, NT, Texas State
7. (226). Rodrique Wright, DT, Texas
7. (233). Devin Aromashodu, WR, Auburn
Coach Nick Saban loves SEC players he recruited and coached against at LSU. Allen is a risk because of a hip injury, but he has the talent to start immediately in a secondary that needs rebuilding. Their second-rounder went to Minnesota for QB Daunte Culpepper, not a bad second pick. Hagan caught a lot of passes but won’t start.
Grade: C
New England Patriots
1. (21). Laurence Maroney, RB, Minnesota
2. (36). Chad Jackson, WR, Florida
3. (86). Dave Thomas, TE, Texas
4. (106). Garrett Mills, FB, Tulsa
4. (118). Stephen Gostkowski, K, Memphis
5. (136). Ryan O’Callaghan, OT, California
6. (191). Jeremy Mincey, LB, Florida
6. (205). Dan Stevenson, G, Notre Dame
6. (206). Le Kevin Smith, DT, Nebraska
7. (229). Willie Andrews, DB, Baylor
More weapons for Tom Brady are just what the Pats need. Maroney can spell Corey Dillon if he doesn’t beat him out. Jackson was the fastest top receiver in the draft, and unlike some teams, coach Bill Belichick loves to collect tight ends. Thomas joins recent No. 1 draft choices at the position, Ben Watson and Daniel Graham. Watch for Gostkowski. If the Patriots can find Adam Vinatieri, they know kickers.
Grade: B
AFC NORTH
Pittsburgh Steelers
1. (25). Santonio Holmes, WR, Ohio State
3. (83). Anthony Smith, DB, Syracuse
3. (95). Willie Reid, WR, Florida State
4. (131). Willie Colon, G, Hofstra
4. (133). Orien Harris, DT, Miami
5. (164). Omar Jacobs, QB, Bowling Green
5. (167). Charles Davis, TE, Purdue
6. (201). Marvin Philip, C, California
7. (240). Cedric Humes, RB, Virginia Tech
After losing Antwaan Randle El, they jumped at chance to move up and grab Holmes, but had to give up third-, fourth-round picks. Holmes should complement Hines Ward and contribute as a punt returner. After losing safety Chris Hope, the instinctive and hard-hitting Smith could challenge free agent Ryan Clark. Watch Reid, who also returns punts, as nobody drafts better than Steelers.
Grade: B
Cleveland Browns
1. (13). Kamerion Wimbley, DE, Florida State
2. (34). D’Qwell Jackson, LB, Maryland
3. (78). Travis Wilson, WR, Oklahoma
4. (110). Leon Williams, LB, Miami
4. (112). Isaac Sowells, G, Indiana
5. (145). Jerome Harrison, RB, Washington State
5. (152). DeMario Minter, DB, Georgia
6. (180). Lawrence Vickers, FB, Colorado
6. (181). Babatunde Oshinowo, DT, Stanford
7. (222). Justin Hamilton, DB, Virginia Tech
Collected extra sixth-rounder for dropping down one pick because Ravens wanted Haloti Ngata. Wimbley can learn from free agent Willie McGinest. Jackson is a good fit inside in the 3-4. Wilson was an underachiever with good size who could learn from Joe Jurevicius. Browns filled five starting positions plus two kickers in free agency, but is QB Charlie Frye ready?
Grade: B
Cincinnati Bengals
1. (24). Johnathan Joseph, DB, South Carolina
2. (55). Andrew Whitworth, OT, LSU
3. (91). Frostee Rucker, DE, USC
4. (123). Domata Peko, DT, Michigan State
5. (157). A.J. Nicholson, LB, Florida State
6. (193). Reggie McNeal, WR, Texas A&M
7. (209). Ethan Kilmer, DB, Penn State
7. (231). Bennie Brazell, WR, LSU
Joseph should help immediately, at least as a nickel back. Safeties are a bigger need, but they added Dexter Jackson in free agency. Whitworth is a huge mauler who might help at guard until right tackle Willie Anderson gets old. Protecting QB Carson Palmer is an obvious priority. Rucker adds some pass rush. Peko will help bulk up 20th-ranked run defense.
Grade: C
Baltimore Ravens
1. (12). Haloti Ngata, DT, Oregon
2. (56). Chris Chester, C, Oklahoma
3. (87). David Pittman, DB, Northwestern State
4. (111). Demetrius Williams, WR, Oregon
4. (132). P.J. Daniels, RB, Georgia Tech
5. (146). Dawan Landry, DB, Georgia Tech
5. (166). Quinn Sypniewski, TE, Colorado
6. (203). Sam Koch, P, Nebraska
6. (208). Derrick Martin, DB, Wyoming
7. (219). Ryan LaCasse, LB, Syracuse
If the giant Ngata is lazy, Ray Lewis will run up his ample behind. Chester is very athletic for interior offensive lineman. Pittman is tough. Williams could be a steal, but draft won’t be a success until Steve McNair gets released and becomes a Raven or free agent Kerry Collins signs.
Grade: B
AFC SOUTH
Houston Texans
1. (1). Mario Williams, DE, N.C. State
2. (33). DeMeco Ryans, LB, Alabama
3. (65). Charles Spencer, OT, Pittsburgh
3. (66). Eric Winston, OT, Miami
4. (98). Owen Daniels, TE, Wisconsin
6. (170). Wali Lundy, RB, Virginia
7. (251). David Anderson, WR, Colorado State
The Texans had the 30th-ranked offense, so why didn’t they take Reggie Bush? Because they had the 31st-ranked defense. You can never second-guess a great defensive end. Williams has the size and even sounds like Reggie White. Now he must play better than Bush. Ryans also will start right away at linebacker and Spencer and Winston will push to start on a porous offensive line that must better protect David Carr. If Williams gets booed, how might it affect him?
Grade: B
Tennessee Titans
1. (3). Vince Young, QB, Texas
2. (45). LenDale White, RB, USC
4. (102). Calvin Lowry, DB, Penn State
4. (116). Stephen Tulloch, LB, N.C. State
5. (137). Terna Nande, LB, Miami. (Ohio)
5. (169). Jesse Mahelona, DT, Tennessee
6. (172). Jonathan Orr, WR, Wisconsin
7. (215). Cortland Finnegan, DB, Samford
7. (245). Spencer Toone, LB, Utah
7. (246). Quinton Ganther, RB, Utah
Young will be coached by Norm Chow, former USC offensive coordinator who tutored Matt Leinart. Titans see second coming of Steve McNair, who sat and learned for two years but probably won’t stick around to help Young, who by most accounts will require time. In White, coach Jeff Fisher might have landed the steal of the draft. If he’s lazy, falling to the second round may wake him up. He’s the prototype pro running back. The question is whether either can help a 4-12 team much as rookies.
Grade: C
Indianapolis Colts
1. (30). Joseph Addai, RB, LSU
2. (62). Tim Jennings, DB, Georgia
3. (94). Freddie Keiaho, LB, San Diego State
5. (162). Michael Toudouze, OT, TCU
6. (199). Charlie Johnson, OT, Oklahoma State
6. (207). Antoine Bethea, DB, Howard
7. (238). T.J. Rushing, DB, Stanford
General manager Bill Polian, who found Thurman Thomas in second round in Buffalo and drafted Edgerrin James, knows running backs, so watch out for Addai. He can block, a prerequisite in the Colts’ offense. Undersized and competitive Jennings and Keiaho are typical Tony Dungy-style defenders. The team’s main off-season acquisition was getting New England kicker Adam Vinatieri, who might be even better kicking indoors.
Grade: C
Jacksonville Jaguars
1. (28). Marcedes Lewis, TE, UCLA
2. (60). Maurice Drew, RB, UCLA
3. (80). Clint Ingram, LB, Oklahoma
5. (160). Brent Hawkins, LB, Illinois State
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7. (213). James Wyche, DE, Syracuse
7. (236). Dee Webb, Db, Florida
Lewis should beat out Kyle Brady at tight end or at least provide immediate receiving help, giving quarterback Byron Leftwich a 6-6, 260-pound target. UCLA teammate Drew is a foot shorter but will help in returns and provide a nice change of pace at running back, where Fred Taylor turned 30. Illinois State’s Hawkins is a transfer from Purdue with outstanding production.
Grade: C
AFC WEST
Oakland Raiders
1. (7). Michael Huff, DB, Texas
2. (38). Thomas Howard, LB, UTEP
3. (69). Paul McQuistan, OT, Weber State
4. (101). Darnell Bing, LB, USC
6. (176). Kevin Boothe, G, Cornell
7. (214). Chris Morris, C, Michigan State
7. (255). Kevin McMahan, WR, Maine
Huff fills a need after Charles Woodson went to Packers. He could play either safety or cornerback and the Raiders need help both places. Matt Leinart doesn’t have the strong arm Raiders like, so they will live with Saints castoff Aaron Brooks. Howard is more athletic than instinctive, but the Raiders are desperate for linebackers. McQuistan and Bing are more of backup types.
Grade: C
Denver Broncos
1. (11). Jay Cutler, QB, Vanderbilt
2. (61). Tony Scheffler, TE, Western Michigan
4. (119). Brandon Marshall, WR, Central Florida
4. (126). Elvis Dumervil, DE, Louisville
4. (130). Domenik Hixon, WR, Akron
5. (161). Chris Kuper, OT, North Dakota
6. (198). Craig Eslinger, C, Minnesota
Traded up to get Cutler, who gets to go to a good team the way Ben Roethlisberger did with Pittsburgh two years ago. Former quarterbacks-turned commentators Ron Jaworski, Steve Young and Phil Simms all liked Cutler most. Broncos also sent second choice to Packers for receiver Javon Walker, a big addition if healthy. They also added three other receivers, including tight end Scheffler on an offense already ranked No. 5. The Broncos averaged 25 points a game and want more.
Grade: A
Kansas City Chiefs
1. (20). Tamba Hali, DE, Penn State
2. (54). Bernard Pollard, DB, Purdue
3. (85). Brodie Croyle, QB, Alabama
5. (154). Marcus Maxey, DB, Miami
6. (186). Tre’ Stallings, G, Mississippi
6. (190). Jeff Webb, WR, San Diego State
7. (228). Jarrad Page, DB, UCLA
Hali is a good player and better story as he seeks to bring his mother from Liberia after being separated for years. He will help the Chiefs’ pass rush, which had only 29 sacks. Pollard is a big-hitting safety who will need discipline from coach Herm Edwards, who knows how to handle defensive backs. Croyle has had injury problems but is a good athlete who can learn under Trent Green and has the luxury of time and an excellent offensive line.
Grade: C
San Diego Chargers
1. (19). Antonio Cromartie, DB, Florida State
2. (50). Marcus McNeill, OT, Auburn
3. (81). Charlie Whitehurst, QB, Clemson
5. (151). Tim Dobbins, LB, Iowa State
6. (187). Jeromey Clary, OT, Kansas State
6. (188). Kurt Smith, K, Virginia
7. (225). Chase Page, DT, North Carolina
7. (227). Jimmy Martin, OT, Virginia Tech
A gambler’s draft, Cromartie would have been a top-10 pick had he not missed the entire season with injury. McNeill has more size than skill and might be too tall at nearly 6-8. Whitehurst is the son of former Packers quarterback David. He has talent, but his performance was up and down. The Chargers have to hope their 2004 draft decision to acquire quarterback Philip Rivers can produce results this year after losing Drew Brees to New Orleans.
Grade: C
NFC EAST
New York Giants
1. (32). Mathias Kiwanuka, DE, Boston College
2. (44). Sinorice Moss, WR, Miami
3. (96). Gerris Wilkinson, LB, Georgia Tech
4. (124). Barry Cofield, DT, Northwestern
4. (129). Guy Whimper, OT, East Carolina
5. (158). Charlie Peprah, S, Alabama
7. (232). Gerrick McPhearson, DB, Maryland
Kiwanuka was rated higher before so-so senior season and ordinary Senior Bowl, but Giants don’t need him right away. Moss can provide more spark to what was already the third-highest scoring offense in the league. He’ll fit in the slot between Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer. Wilkinson and Cofield fill needs on the 24th-ranked defense as did big-name free-agent pickup linebacker LaVar Arrington.
Grade: C
Washington Redskins
2. (35). Rocky McIntosh, LB, Miami
5. (153). Anthony Montgomery, DT, Minnesota
6. (173). Reed Doughty, DB, Northern Colorado
6. (196). Kedric Golston, DT, Georgia
7. (230). Kili Lefotu, G, Arizona
7. (250). Kevin Simon, LB, Tennessee
They spent their No. 1 pick last year by trading for quarterback Jason Campbell, who is still being groomed behind aging Mark Brunell. They also gave up third- and fourth-round picks to San Francisco for receiver Brandon Lloyd. Then they traded up for McIntosh, who could help make up for the loss of Arrington. He can play all three linebacker positions.
Grade: D
Dallas Cowboys
1. (18). Bobby Carpenter, LB, Ohio State
2. (53). Anthony Fasano, TE, Notre Dame
3. (92). Jason Hatcher, DE, Grambling
4. (125). Skyler Green, WR-KR, LSU
5. (138). Pat Watkins, DB, Florida State
6. (182). Montavious Stanley, DT, Louisville
7. (211). Pat McQuistan, OT, Weber State
7. (224). E.J. Whitley, C, Texas Tech
Coach Bill Parcells coached Carpenter’s father, Rob, a running back with the New York Giants. Bobby fits into the 3-4 scheme because he can play inside or outside. Fasano makes up for the loss of second tight end Dan Campbell, although the Cowboys already added Ryan Hannam from Seattle behind starter and excellent receiver Jason Witten. All will help open things up for Terrell Owens. Hatcher is another big line addition to the 3-4.
Grade: B
Philadelphia Eagles
1. (14). Brodrick Bunkley, DT, Florida State
2. (39). Winston Justice, OT, USC
3. (71). Chris Gocong, LB, Cal Poly
4. (99). Max Jean-Gilles, G, Georgia
4. (109). Jason Avant, WR, Michigan
5. (147). Jeremy Bloom, WR, Colorado
5. (168). Omar Gaither, LB, Tennessee
6. (204). LaJuan Ramsey, DT, USC
They wheeled and dealed as much as anybody in an effort to revamp both lines. Bunkley will join last year’s No. 1 pick, Mike Patterson. Justice slipped out of first round because of off-field issues, but the Eagles felt good enough about him and Jean-Gilles to trade starting guard-tackle Artis Hicks to Minnesota. They also traded to get Avant, who couldn’t ask for a better opportunity to play. Olympic skier Bloom will help return punts and also could play receiver.
Grade: A
NFC NORTH
Bears
2. (42). Danieal Manning, DB, Abilene Christian
2. (57). Devin Hester, DB, Miami
3. (73). Dusty Dvoracek, DT, Oklahoma
4. (120). Jamar Williams, LB, Arizona State
5. (159). Mark Anderson, DE, Alabama
6. (195). J.D. Runnels, RB, Oklahoma
6. (200). Tyler Reed, G, Penn State
Counting on last year’s “redshirt freshman” draft class of Cedric Benson, Mark Bradley and Airese Currie to be healthy, the Bears got immediate help only in their return game with Manning and Hester. For a team that ranked No. 2 on defense yet scored only 16 points a game, the lean toward defense is puzzling. None of the picks is expected to compete for a starting job anytime soon.
Grade: D
Green Bay Packers
1. (5). A.J. Hawk, LB, Ohio State
2. (47). Daryn Colledge, OT, Boise State
2. (52). Greg Jennings, WR, Western Michigan
3. (67). Abdul Hodge, LB, Iowa
3. (75). Jason Spitz, G, Louisville
4. (104). Cory Rodgers, WR, TCU
4. (115). Will Blackmon, DB, Boston College
5. (148). Ingle Martin, QB, Furman
5. (165). Tony Moll, OT, Nevada.
6. (183). Johnny Jolly, DT, Texas A&M
6. (185). Tyrone Culver, DB, Fresno State
7. (253). Dave Tollefson, DE, Northwest Missouri
Unlike Brian Urlacher, who had to transition from safety, Hawk is an experienced and instinctive linebacker who will improve the defense immediately. Hodge also was productive and underscores the need at linebacker. After trading Javon Walker to Denver, the Packers added three wide receivers in the first four rounds in a desperate attempt to uncover at least one who can help right away. Colledge also could start at guard as a rookie.
Grade: B
Detroit Lions
1. (9). Ernie Sims, LB, Florida State
2. (40). Daniel Bullocks, DB, Nebraska
3. (74). Brian Calhoun, RB, Wisconsin
5. (141). Jonathan Scott, OT, Texas
6. (179). Dee McCann, DB, West Virginia
7. (217). Fred Matua, G, USC
7. (247). Anthony Cannon, LB, Tulane
Sims will play same role as Derrick Brooks in Rod Marinelli’s defense. Bullocks plays the Mike Brown role. Bears hope it takes Marinelli a year before his system takes hold the way it did for Lovie Smith. Calhoun has excellent hands and good quickness as a backup for Kevin Jones. Scott is a big talent but a project as a possible left tackle.
Grade: C
Minnesota Vikings
1. (17). Chad Greenway, LB, Iowa
2. (48). Cedric Griffin, DB, Texas
2. (51). Ryan Cook, C, New Mexico
2. (64). Tarvaris Jackson, QB, Alabama State
4. (127). Ray Edwards, DE, Purdue
5. (149). Greg Blue, DB, Georgia
Coach Brad Childress deferred to defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin in building defense first. Like the Lions, it will be the same as Bears’ system, so Greenway and Griffin are key. Blue also is a run-stopping safety. The selection of Jackson could be an inspired answer to the loss of Daunte Culpepper. He has a big arm and Childress has the expertise to develop him behind Brad Johnson. Adding guard-tackle Artis Hicks in a trade from the Eagles to join free-agent guard Steve Hutchinson further solidifies the line.
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Grade: B
NFC SOUTH
New Orleans Saints
1. (2). Reggie Bush, RB, USC
2. (43). Roman Harper, DB, Alabama
4. (108). Jahri Evans, OT, Bloomsburg
5. (135). Rob Ninkovich, DE, Purdue
6. (171). Mike Hass, WR, Oregon State
6. (174). Josh Lay, DB, Pittsburgh
7. (210). Zach Strief, OT, Northwestern
7. (252). Marques Colston, WR, Hofstra
They can’t believe their good fortune in landing the consensus top player in the draft. Now owner Tom Benson must pay a fortune to get Reggie Bush in on time. The problem is the Saints didn’t get much more help from this draft and still need to protect rehabilitating new quarterback Drew Brees. Harper is an instinctive player who could start immediately. New coach Sean Payton thinks he can design ways to get enough opportunities for both Bush and top running back Deuce McAllister.
Grade: B
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
1. (23). Davin Joseph, G, Oklahoma
2. (59). Jeremy Trueblood, OT, Boston College
3. (90). Maurice Stovall, WR, Notre Dame
4. (122). Alan Zemaitis, DB, Penn State
5. (156). Julian Jenkins, DE, Stanford
6. (194). Bruce Gradkowski, QB, Toledo
6. (202). T.J. Williams, TE, N.C. State
7. (235). Justin Phinisee, DB, Oregon
7. (241). Charles Bennett, DE, Clemson
7. (244). Tim Massaquoi, TE, Michigan
A pedestrian draft. They need to revamp their offensive line, but neither Joseph nor Trueblood are can’t-miss prospects. Joseph was the only first-round guard. They shied away from USC tackle Winston Justice in the first round. Stovall has size and Zemaitus is the typical cover-2 corner. Neither has speed. After losing Brian Griese to the Bears, they need a developmental quarterback and got one in another Mid-American prospect, Gradkowski.
Grade: D
Atlanta Falcons
2. (37). Jimmy Williams, DB, Virginia Tech
3. (79). Jerious Norwood, RB, Mississippi State
5. (139). Quinn Ojinnaka, OT, Syracuse
6. (184). Adam Jennings, WR, Fresno State
7. (223). D.J. Shockley, QB, Georgia
Trading for Jets defensive end John Abraham before the draft was the main accomplishment of the off-season. They also traded for Saints left tackle Wayne Gandy. Cornerback Williams has great skill but was labeled hard to handle. Playing opposite former Virginia Tech star corner DeAngelo Hall should help. Norwood adds speed. Shockley will be popular local pick but won’t get to play.
Grade: C
Carolina Panthers
1. (27). DeAngelo Williams, RB, Memphis
2. (58). Richard Marshall, DB, Fresno State
3. (88). James Anderson, LB, Virginia Tech
3. (89). Rashad Butler, OT, Miami
4. (121). Nate Salley, DB, Ohio State
5. (155). Jeff King, TE, Virginia Tech
7. (234). Will Montgomery, G, Virginia Tech
7. (237). Stanley McClover, DE, Auburn
Williams and Marshall are solid picks capable of starting right away. Williams might be needed first because DeShaun Foster is coming off injury. Some scouts had Williams rated as the top running back after Reggie Bush, not a bad endorsement in this season. The other picks are backups. Their biggest off-season addition was Keyshawn Johnson to complement Steve Smith.
Grade: B
NFC WEST
San Francisco 49ers
1. (6). Vernon Davis, TE, Maryland
1. (22). Manny Lawson, DE, N.C. State
3. (84). Brandon Williams, WR, Wisconsin
4. (100). Michael Robinson, RB, Penn State
5. (140). Parys Haralson, LB, Tennessee
6. (175). Delanie Walker, WR, Central Missouri
6. (192). Marcus Hudson, DB, N.C. State
6. (197). Melvin Oliver, DE, LSU
7. (254). Vickiel Vaughn, DB, Arkansas
Davis is a rare talent who can’t help but improve the 32nd-ranked offense. Is that why he cried? Lawson is the ideal 3-4 pass-rushing linebacker-defensive end who can improve the 32nd-ranked defense. Lawson also helps make up for the loss of Julian Peterson. Haralson is similar. Williams is tough but little. Robinson was Penn State’s quarterback who is a project at another position, too much of a luxury for a team with so many obvious needs.
Grade: B
Arizona Cardinals
1. (10). Matt Leinart, QB, USC
2. (41). Deuce Lutui, G, USC
3. (72). Leonard Pope, TE, Georgia
4. (107). Gabe Watson, DT, Michigan
5. (142). Brandon Johnson, LB, Louisville
6. (177). Jonathan Lewis, DT, Virginia Tech
7. (218). Todd Watkins, WR, BYU
It didn’t take coach Dennis Green long to grab Leinart, who goes to a team with great young receivers plus Edgerrin James. Kurt Warner won’t be too happy unless Leinart’s USC teammate, the 335-pound Lutui, can help protect him. The offensive line is bad. Pope and Watson were ranked higher on some boards and have boom-or-bust potential. Who can help immediately? The Cards were 5-11.
Grade: B
Seattle Seahawks
1. (31). Kelly Jennings, DB, Miami
2. (63). Darryl Tapp, DE, Virginia Tech
4. (128). Rob Sims, G, Ohio State
5. (163). David Kirtman, FB, USC
7. (239). Ryan Plackemeier, P, Wake Forest
7. (249). Ben Obomanu, WR, Auburn
With the luxury of plugging in backups, the NFC champions targeted positions where they lost players in the off-season. Jennings replaces Andre Dyson. Tapp comes in for Rodney Bailey. Sims will back up Floyd Womack, who replaces departed All-Pro Steve Hutchinson. Kirtman will back up veteran Mack Strong as the blocking back for leading rusher Shaun Alexander.
Grade: B
St. Louis Rams
1. (15). Tye Hill, DB, Clemson
2. (46). Joe Klopfenstein, TE, Colorado
3. (68). Claude Wroten, DT, LSU
3. (77). Jon Alston, LB, Stanford
3. (93). Dominique Byrd, TE, USC
4. (113). Victor Adeyanju, DE, Indiana
5. (144). Marques Hagans, WR, Virginia
7. (221). Tim McGarigle, LB, Northwestern
7. (242). Mark Setterstrom, G, Minnesota
7. (243). Tony Palmer, G, Missouri
Hill, Wroten, Alston and Adeyanju all have opportunity to contribute immediately to the 30th-ranked defense. Wroten had off-field issues that scared other teams. New coach Scott Linehan obviously intends to get a pass-catching tight end involved in his offense, adding both Klopfenstein and Byrd to an arsenal full of wide receiver talent and trading incumbent tight end Brandon Manumaleuna to San Diego.
Grade: C