2005 NFL Draft Coverage

#1 - QB - UTAH - Alex Smith - Q's Take - The niners had to go this way after not being able to establish a trade this morning. He's the best QB in this draft, slightly ahead of Aaron Rogers. He throws a nice catchable ball, but I'm not sure if he'll be "a franchise Qb". The 49ers did get their man however. Now, it's a matter of him getting a contract.

MP's Take - Smith is a proto-typical sized QB and should be the face of the Niners for years to come. He is likely the best QB in the draft. Mature, smart and a proven winner through high school and NCAA competition the Niners need a leader for the future and it looks like Smith is the future around the Bay. But for how long?

#2 - RB - Auburn - Ronnie Brown - Q's Take - Ronnie Brown the understudy to Cadillac Williams at Auburn got his chance with an injury last year and took off running with his chance. This kid is a big time back. He can block, run, and for my money is the best back catching out of the backfield in this draft. Miami will love this pick. Good pick Saban.

MP's Take - Brown has the tools to be the best back in this draft. He is a FB with WR speed. Nice combo for a tailback that can block and catch the ball. Saban will make sure he answers questions about carrying the entire load early and often through the year. He is the catalyst for an anemic Miami attack.

#12 OLB - Maryland - Shawne Merriman - Q's Take - Merriman is a gifted, violent, intense young player that Coach Schottenheimer is going to love bringing into camp in San Diego. He plays great against the run and was an amazing pass rusher in his senior year. He is an awesome athlete. He has a great build for a linebacker, has great speed, and has very good lateral agility. He is explosive up the field and can really put pressure on the quarterback. Only time will tell, and practice where he plays in the revamped Charger defense.

MP's Take - “A shark in shoulder pads” describes Shawne Merriman perfectly. This guy is relentless, huge and fast. Played LB and DE in college and is a great fit for the Chargers 3-4 scheme. He is a monster in the gym but this guy is a pure football player and translates his training into impact plays. Power to rush the passer and speed and sense to cover Merriman is best when it is time to deliver the blow. The Chargers defense just got someone to shock their opponents. Marty-ball and playing in SD just got a whole lot tougher.

#14 OLB - Georgia - Thomas Davis - Q's Take - Thomas Davis has bounced around between safety and linebacker at Georgia, but he’s been a playmaker no matter where he lines up. The Panthers will play him at Linebacker. You don’t generally find too many players that can bounce from linebacker to free safety, but Davis has that type of versatility. He has the size and strength to line up in the front 7 and be a force, but the athleticism to play deep in coverage. I thought Rogers would go here, but now I think KC takes him to backup Trent Green.

MP's Take - Surest tackler in the draft and a monster close to the line as a safety with the ability to move to weakside LB, Davis has power and speed. Coverage is not his “A” game but he has speed to cover and Carolina added another playmaker to an already solid defense. This guy is a football player with a exclamation point…impact is his middle name. Carolina improved the defensive backfield taking the top safety in this draft and gave receivers a reason to think twice going through the middle of Carolina’s defensive backfield. Fox gets a hitter, no surprise on this defense.

#15 OLB - Texas - Derrick Johnson - Q's Take - Well the Chiefs got their future pro bowl linebacker today. But that is only if their D-Line can keep tackles off of him. Johnson needs to have room to roam. His elite speed and athletisism gives him a great break on the ball. The biggest weakness with Johnson’s game is that he needs to get stronger. He still has a lanky frame, and looks to have the ability to bulk up over 240 with ease and not lose any speed. His lack of bulk shows at times in the run game when it comes to fighting off blockers.

MP's Take - This guy is a playmaker. Nine fumbles forced and sideline to sideline speed at 240lbs Derrick Johnson is a steal. This guy has made big plays at every level and look for him to make a splash in the NFL. At pick fifteen Johnson has the ability to make 14 teams regret their decision to pass up on a LB with the speed of a safety and an uncanny ability to be unblocked with his quickness. KC needs playmakers on defense and Johnson has potential to make Chief fans reminisce on another LB named Derrick. This helps KC’s awful defense the most right now. Great pick.

#16 DT - Florida St. - Travis Johnson - Q's Take - An all around tackle with a nice combination of strenth and athleticism. Stout at the point of attack. This kid can flat out play, and is a great play reader. He is more of a disruptive force against the run than he is against the pass. He had a great showing at the combine, and this will help him make a lot of plays as a rookie. By trading down the Texans were able to pick up a 2006 3rd round pick, and still get the guy they wanted. The Texans need to develop an inside presence, and Johnson is a good way to start.

MP's Take - Travis Johnson is the best and perhaps only first round talent at defensive tackle. Johnson has the ability to plug the middle but is a threat to get after the QB and disrupt plays in the backfield. Houston has the CB’s to give him time to get there and Johnson is a backfield dynamo wreaking havoc, quickly off the snap. Texans trade down and get an effective defensive player and top player at his position.

From New Orleans by Trade

#17 DE - Georgia - David Pollack - Q's Take - One of my favorite players in this draft, and one of the safest picks in the draft as well. Out of Georgia Pollack is an amazing playmaker who knows his blocking schemes, has great anticipation, and is always around the ball. He has no quit in him. Marvin Lewis has grabbed himself a playmaker who can do it all for his up and coming defense. The bungles got this pick right.

MP's Take - Pollack is awesome. He is a productive, relentless DE/LB who made big plays in one of the toughest dicvisions in college football. The days of the “Bungals” have passed us by in the Marvin Lewis era. Pollack is a stud and questions about arm length and size will be dispelled when this guy gets on the field. His quickness and instinctive playmaking ability cannot be taught. He is blue chip prospect with blue collar work ethic and Bengals improved defense just improved again and Pollack will be a factor this year as a pass rusher. Marvin knows defense and he chooses well with Pollack.

#18 DE - Wisconsin - Erasmus James - Q's Take - My #2 rated Defensive lineman James will fit in nicely in Minni where their defensive will be highly rated this year with all the improvements they've made there. What a bunch of D-Lineman Tice has now. I feel bad for Favre, but the Vikings are easily the pick for the NFC North this year. James is a pass rusher with pro bowl ability, and his speed and moves around the edge make him a complete end, and a great pick for the Vikes.

MP's Take - James is the best pure defensive end in this draft but injury concerns allow him to fall to the Vikes with their second first round pick. Tice and the Vikes spent a lot in off season on defense and James has the ability to come in and start opposite Udeze last years 1st round draft pick. James is a pass rush demon and plays the run effectively. Vikings went from perhaps the worst defense in the league to, with the addition of James, a contending defense. James is a natural pass rusher and is a steal here. Vikes draft looks solid early.

#19 OT - Florida St. - Alex Barron - Q's Take - My fourth rated offensive tackle from florida state Barron is a great pick for this slot for the Rams. They get a replacement for the soon to be released oft injured Kyle Turley. He comes with some weaknesses though which can be exploited in the NFL, as he does not play strong and frequently gives up ground to stronger guys. If he improves his technique, intensity, and aggresiveness he'll become a boom instead of a bust. I hope he's a bust as I hate the Rams.

MP's Take - 6’7 ½” and 320+lbs on the outside gives Marc Bulger a warm fuzzy feeling saving him from cleaning his jersey too often. Barron slipped a bit and was projected as the top tackle in the draft and the Rams get a talented tackle that can learn from one of the leagues best in Orlando Pace. An offensive juggernaut five years ago, look for Barron to help return St. Louis to the top offensively opening holes for the Jackson/Faulk and giving Bulger time to find an elite receiving corp. Martz has a history of some questionable picks but Barron is a safe bet @ 19 to get the Rams offense back on track.

#20 DE - LSU - Marcus Spears - Q's Take - Spears is a beast physically. You will not find very many near 300 pounders with the natural athleticism or speed Spears has. Most players his size are moved inside to tackle, but Spears has been on the outside, and has had success staying out there. Spears isn’t just big, but he brings a great deal of strength to his position. Physically, he brings it all to the table at DE. He is such an athlete that he has played three positions during his time at LSU, playing TE his freshman season along with fullback and DE, and playing DE full time since then.

MP's Take - Spears is a 6’4 300lb two gap end that ensures Dallas has the players to make the move to the Parcells favoured 3-4 defense. Spears is a run stuffing playmaking end who will take on double teams and free up Ellis/Glover/Ware to get after the QB. Spears is a big, strong and fast DE who will be a solid contributor on the end in Dallas for years and team with Ware to be the one-two punch Dallas’ pass rush has lacked since the mid-90’s. Spears will help make the D a little bigger and a little badder in “big D”. Parcells gets his guy and his transition to 3-4 is complete.

#21 WR - Arkansas - Matt Jones - Q's Take - While Jones is making the adjustment to receiver, and at Arkansas had just 4 catches for 58 yards while primarily playing quarterback, his combination of size and speed make him an attractive target to NFL teams. "How do you ignore him?" one AFC general manager told ESPN analyst Chris Mortensen. "He’s the best athlete in the draft. It may not even be close. Honestly, he’s the most mesmerizing player I’ve ever evaluated." With this type of praise I'm a believer Jacksonville got a great player at #21.

MP's Take - Matt Jones is a physical specimen. A college QB he will look to transition to WR in the NFL with 6’6 240lb frame he looks like a TE but with sub-4.4 speed, he is a freak. Matt Jones is a project and may be a stretch but he is a smart competitive guy and has incredible physical tools and will benefit from the savvy professionalism and skills of Jimmy Smith. He is bigger than Mike Williams and faster than Braylon Edwards, receivers that went much earlier. As a football player, any team wants a guy with his competitiveness and size…but his speed gives him an immeasurable upside. Del Rio takes a risk that pays.

#22 WR - Oklahoma - Mark Clayton - Q's Take - Clayton is silky smooth. This kid can flat out play, and for my money has the most electrafying moves since Barry Sanders. He's a precise route runner and you will see him get a ton of yards after the catch. He could end up returning punts and kicks for the ravens as well. By pairing him up in the Baltimore offense with Derek Mason he'll learn from the best, and with Heap and Lewis in this offense good things are on the horizon for the Ravens. Boller has to love this pick.

MP's Take - Clayton is the best receiver in this draft in my opinion. Lacks ideal size for a WR but the elite skills he possesses in agility, speed, hands and the immeasurable character he brings to Baltimore give Baltimore a playmaker who can score from anywhere. Billick gives Boller another weapon at WR after adding Mason and Clayton will prove to the 21 teams who passed on him size isn’t everything. Baltimore known for defense has helped their offense immensely in the off season with WR to go with a solid running game and TE. Baltimore known for shaky offense “Quoth the Ravens, Nevermore!!”

#23 CB - Nebraska - Fabian Washington - Q's Take - Washington is the fastest prospect in this year's draft class and he also is a smooth athlete with very good instincts and intelligence. Washington has the cover skills to potentially develop into a Fred Smoot-type cover corner in the NFL.He's the fastest prospect in the 2005 NFL draft class. Also has great quickness, and leaping ability a 3.91 short shuttle and 41 ½" vertical jump. Shows fluid hips and excellent body control. Can mirror quicker WR's on double moves. He'll easily replace the departed Buchanon.

MP's Take - Al Davis loves speed and gets the fastest player at the combine and a starter for most of his four years in Nebraska. Fabian Washington has blazing speed to recover and is a ball hawking cover corner with decent size but an excellent vertical to compensate. Losing Buchanon makes corner a need and Washington has starting potential based on the electrifying speed. He helps the Raiders who need help anywhere on the defensive side of the ball. Al Davis trades up twice. Raiders make moves and add speed...big surprise!!

Trade With Seattle

#24 QB - Cal - Aaron Rodgers - Q's Take - At 6'2" 225lbs, the cheeseheads can smile today as they got their successor to the immortal Brett Favre. Rodgers a good caretaker QB and solid decision playmaker will be exstatic to play behind Brett. He has played in a quarterback friendly system and wasn't asked to do anything to ambitious. He's the most accurate short passer in this draft but hasn't consistently been asked to make intermediate and deep throws. He'll have the right guy to teach him how to do it. I love this first draft pick from new GM Ted Thompson.

MP's Take - Aaron Rodgers…waited about 23 picks after he thought he could go but is there a more appealing place in the NFL for a rookie QB to end than behind certain HOF Farve? Rodgers is a steal at 24 and a perfect successor to Farve. GB had defensive needs but that says how much the Packers think of Rodgers and his abilities as a QB. He has a strong arm and is a great competitor, as a junior at Cal, he won games on his accuracy and decision making. He can make all the throws and should keep GB WR’s Lambeau leaping for years. Welcome to Lambeau Field, Aaron

#25 QB - Auburn - Jason Campbell - Q's Take - A highly talented young QB, Campbell is the QB of the future for the Washington Redskins. Has ideal size, a very strong arm, and an effortless throwing motion. Ramsey will definatly be looking over his shoulder at training camp this year. Even with questionable field vision Campbell could develop into the best quarterback to come out of this draft class. He'll do just that with improved consistency and accuracy. The fourth Aurburn player taken in the first round.

MP's Take - Jason Campbell was the worst kept secret in the draft from the time Washington and Gibbs make the trade for the Broncos 25th pick. They still got their guy and the Auburn QB is a player with a strong arm and excellent athletic ability. Playing on a team with 2 top five runners at Auburn his passing talents were not the fiocus of the Tigers but the Qb played within the system and made few mistakes demonstrating a team first attitude and that translates well as a leader. Campbell may be a reach at 25 but figured to be gone by the skins second rounder.

#26 C - Ole Miss - Chris Spencer - Q's Take - With 35 year old Robbie Tobeck playing in probably his last year or so, and with the hawks grabbing as many recievers as they had this week they chose to go after Chris Spencer to be their center of the future. He could end up playing right guard to start the year however our sources tell us. The top rated center in the draft he has huge upside. He wins all his one on ones, gets good movement, fires out at his blocking, and has an element of a nasty streak. A good NEED pick for the hawks who will look at LB in round 2.

MP's Take - Versatility and a top pedigree from high school, Spencer can play C or either G position and is an excellent athlete at 6’3 310lbs. Seattle trades down adding a fourth rounder AND makes a solid line even better in the middle making the ‘Hawks an attractive line for superstar Alexander to run behind and Hasselback to survey the field and make plays down the field. Seattle should have a much more potent offense next year with the added protection and run blocking Spencer provides. Holmgren upgrades his offense with a versatile player.

Trade With Oakland

#27 WR - UAB - Roddy White - Q's Take - Vick has another young wideout to throw to. Peerless Price now has some competiton for his job. As a senior, White posted career highs across the board with 71 catches and 14 touchdowns. White has a great size to speed ratio. At 6’1 and over 200lbs, White brings great straight-line speed and the ability to get behind the defense for the big play. Defenses know he’s going deep and they still are unable to stop him from making plays. He’s athletic and can go up and get the ball in the air down field. He does not run sharp routes, and can be a little inconsistent catching the football. But he will develop in this offense.

MP's Take - Sharrod “Roddy” White is a small school player with big league talent and he put up gaudy numbers as a WR at UAB. He has good size, speed and hands making him a downfield presence for Michael Vick and the poor passing attack of the run-oriented Falcon offense. White is the fifth receiver to go in this years draft but that reflects the strength of this years receivers not a slight on his skill and playmaking potential. He will have to learn at an NFL level but Roddy White can help the Falcons fly this year.

#28 DT - Northwestern - Luis Castillo - Q's Take - Has exceptional natural physical tools. A workout warrior, who also was extremely productive at the collegiate level. Has great experience. Is a big, quick and strong DT/NT prospect. Castillo is at his best versus the run. Is thick. Has very good lower body strength. Shows the ability to hold his ground and occupy gaps in the running game. He does a terrific job of holding up the offensive lineman, finding the ball, disengaging and pursuing versus the run. Castillo did test positive for steroids at the combine but nevertheless his character should not be questioned. He's a great guy.

MP's Take - Castiilo is perfect for SD’s 3-4 defense as a prototype nose tackle. He is a 300lb run stuffing DT that engages with power and leverage and power, the steroids issue aside this guy is a player. San Diego thinks about a receiver here but Castillo said he’d give up signing bonus if he got caught again and that showed the kind of confidence and character that good defenses are built on. He is too good to be passed up and there are good defensive players on the board. Castillo makes an impact and makes Merriman (#12) better

#29 CB - Michigan - Marlin Jackson - Q's Take - Marlin Jackson has racked up some prestigious honors during his time at Michigan. He’s been a Playboy All American, a Jim Thorpe candidate, and has been named to numerous other All American lists. During his junior year he lined up at the free safety position, and he totaled 50 tackles(1 for loss), 2 INT and 4 pass breakups despite missing 4 games on the season. Jackson looks like he has a bright NFL future ahead of him. His game reminds me of fellow Wolverine Charles Woodson, though he was not drafted as high as Woodson was.

MP's Take - Marlin Jackson is a physical athletic and versatile CB. The Wolverine was exactly that as an aggressive corner that excels in coverage and against the run. Jackson played safety his junior year and was very good and emerged as the defensive leader of a solid defense. Jackson is a smart, instinctive player who will contribute to a Colts defense that improves every year. Dungy gets the best player available and he fits hits system perfectly.

#30 TE - Virginia - Heath Miller - Q's Take - Cowher goes after a TE for the first time in ages. Miller is injured and won't play till June but that didn't scare the Pittsburgh brain trust. Big Ben will love Miller as a target in the redzone too. He'll fit right in. Miller hauled in 41 catches for 541 yards and 5 touchdowns as a senior. He received the Mackey award, which goes to the nation’s top tight end this season. Three times during his career he was also voted ACC offensive lineman of the week, showing his all around ability as a blocker. This kid can play, and the Steelers will love him.

MP's Take - After trading for TE in the past couple of seasons the Steelers take the best TE in this years draft. Big Ben should be able to find the 6’5” 260lb TE that runs excellent routes and has the ability to get downfield. Cowher drafts a great target with soft hands for the ball but is a good blocker for a receiving TE. Injuries may be the only thing keeping Miller from top 20 or higher and the Steelers have to like the upside of Miller at 30th to help off-set the loss of Burress. Cowher has kept his job this long by drafting well, Miller proves him right.

#31 DT - USC - Mike Patterson - Q's Take - Mike Patterson has been a part of arguably the best defensive line in college football the past two seasons at USC. has amazing quickness off the line. There isn’t a defensive lineman in college football that explodes off the line the way Patterson does. Patterson’s game is penetration. He routinely slips through the offensive line to put pressure on the QB or to disrupt the running play. Patterson has the agility and quickness to stunt well, and move laterally along the line. So you can see this guy will be a perfect fit in Jim Johnson's Defensive line. The eagles got a winner.

MP's Take - Mike Patterson is a solid talent but 2” keeps him from being the best tackle prospect in the draft? Eagles and Andy Reid are happy to pick up a playmaking tackle with quickness and strength to penetrate the pocket and stuff the run. Simon may reconsider a long term deal playing next to Patterson who explodes off the line and will help take double teams and free “the Freak”. Andy Reid continues to add solid defensive players to his aggressive attacking defense and the Eagles have few needs Patterson should start and improve on a solid Eagle line.

#32 OG - Fresno St. - Logan Mankins - Q's Take - Who? This projected third rounder was taken by the Pats to replace Joe Andruzzi, and he can play. All I've heard about him is he's the best lineman ever to play in California, so that isn't to shabby is it? While Mankins still needs to improve his technique and lower body strength, he has the feet, frame and tenacity that it takes to develop into a starting guard in the NFL. In our opinion, Mankins is one of the best guard prospects in this year's class.

MP's Take - Logan Mankins dominated his senior year at Fresno State and did not allow a sack tackle or pressure in three games. Projected to be a third round pick but according to the NFL Draft Report Mankins was the "most technically sound lineman" in the collegiate ranks and Belicheck likes smart football players. He is an aggressive, blocker that is strong, fast and versatile and injury concerns had him projected lower than his talent and productivity but the Pats try to replace Andruzzi with a smart, aggressive guard that is technically sound, Belicheck thinks that is Mankins.