AFC EAST

Buffalo 2 - Roscoe Parrish, WR, Miami (FL) (5-10, 168); 3 - Kevin Everett, TE, Miami (FL) (6-5, 241); 4 - Duke Preston, C, Illinois (6-5, 311); 5 - Eric King, CB, Wake Forest (5-8, 189); 6 - Justin Geisinger, G, Vanderbilt (6-4, 322); 7 - Lionel Gates, RB, Louisville (6-0, 223).

Analysis: Second-year Bills quarterback J.P. Losman figures to be overwhelmed at first, so getting him a couple more receiving weapons such as Parrish and Everett was likely a wise move. Everett has a chance to crack the lineup immediately. Buffalo waited a while to turn their attention to a depleted offensive line, and did nothing to bolster an equally sketchy defensive line. King has a good chance to stick at cornerback, but Gates will be hard-pressed to make the roster at running back.

Bottom Line: Didn't make their first pick until No. 55, and wound up with few players of impact.

Grade: C+


Miami 1 - Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn (6-0, 233); 2 - Matt Roth, DE, Iowa (6-3, 272); 3 - Channing Crowder, ILB, Florida (6-2, 247); 4 - Travis Daniels, CB, LSU (6-2, 194); 5 - Anthony Alabi, T, TCU (6-5, 310); 7 - Kevin Vickerson, DT, Michigan State (6-4, 295).

Analysis: NFL pundits chased their tails for weeks over what the Dolphins would do at No. 2, and when all was said and done, they made the obvious pick and filled the most pressing need. Brown gives Saban's club a game-changing pass-catcher and rusher out of the backfield. Miami appears set to shift to a 3-4 defense, and both Roth and Crowder will fit neatly into that scheme. Both players were believed by many to possess first-round talent. Daniels will have an opportunity to get some playing time, especially now that Patrick Surtain is a Chief. The Fins are still thin on the offensive line, meaning Alabi could be forced into action much sooner than expected.

Bottom Line: Saban is clearly in charge here, and he showed over the weekend that he knows his stuff.

Grade: A

New England 1 - Logan Mankins, G, Fresno State (6-4, 307); 3 - Ellis Hobbs III, CB, Iowa State (5-9, 188); 3 - Nick Kaczur, T/G, Toledo (6-4, 319); 4 - James Sanders, SS, Fresno State (5-10, 207); 5 - Ryan Claridge, OLB, UNLV (6-2, 259); 7 - Matt Cassel, QB, USC (6-5, 230); 7 - Andy Stokes, TE, William Penn (6-5, 245).

Analysis: The Patriots made plenty of bizarre picks, the kind that always seem to work out for the franchise. Mankins was considered a first-round talent by just about no one, though he'll fill in well with the rest of New England's lunchpail trench unit. Kaczur is versatile and projects as a serviceable backup at the next level. Hobbs and Sanders are not household names, but they'll need to learn quickly, because they figure to play. Claridge and Stokes will probably be special teamers, and Cassel, a career backup to Matt Leinart, has less game experience than any other player in the draft, including Maurice Clarett.

Bottom Line: Took some gambles, some of them seemingly needless.

Grade: B

N.Y. Jets 2 - Mike Nugent, K, Ohio State (5-10, 182); 2 - Justin Miller, CB, Clemson (5-10, 201); 3 - Sione Pouha, DT, Utah (6-3, 329); 4 - Kerry Rhodes, FS, Louisville (6-2, 209); 5 - Andre Maddox, SS, North Carolina State (6-1, 205); 6 - Cedric Houston, RB, Tennessee (5-11, 225); 6 - Joel Dreessen, TE, Colorado State (6-4, 260); 7 - Harry Williams, WR, Tuskegee (6-3, 180).

Analysis: The selection of Nugent drew some catcalls at the Javits Center, but let's face it, the Jets needed a reliable kicker. When New York used its second pick on Miller, who many had projected as a first-rounder, the fears of the fans should have been calmed. Miller has a chance to play right away at corner, and can return kicks following the departure of Santana Moss. Pouha may not be the next Jason Ferguson, but he'll give defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson another warm body on the interior line. The five second day picks project as special team players and backups, with Dreessen looking like the best candidate to see immediate time. The major strike against the club is that it didn't use a pick on an offensive lineman, which looked like a need after guard Brandon Moore struggled and tackle Kareem McKenzie became a Giant.

Bottom Line: Filled a couple of important holes, but disregarded the o-line.

Grade: B-

AFC SOUTH

Houston 1 - Travis Johnson, DT, Florida State (6-4, 290); 3 - Vernand Morency, RB, Oklahoma State (5-9, 212); 4 - Jerome Mathis, WR, Hampton (5-11, 181); 5 - Drew Hodgdon, C, Arizona State (6-3, 309); 6 - Ceandris Brown, S, Louisiana-Lafayette (6-2, 210); 7 - Kenneth Pettway, OLB, Grambling State (6-4, 255).

Analysis: The Texans needed to plug some defensive gaps, and realistically filled just one. Johnson has a chance to be a star at the tackle position. Mathis was a high-value pick that could become an immediate deep threat for David Carr, and will also help out on special teams. The undersized Morency, however, doesn't look like a great fit on a roster that already has plenty of similar backs. Hodgdon can play center or guard, and will have a strong chance to make the club. Brown and Pettway will have a chance to catch on as special teamers. The most glaring need not filled was at linebacker, where Jamie Sharper and Jay Foreman were both released and no replacements were brought into the fold.

Bottom Line: Never matched the success of their first pick of the day.

Grade: C

Indianapolis 1 - Marlin Jackson, CB, Michigan (6-1, 198); 2 - Kelvin Hayden, CB, Illinois (5-10, 198); 3 - Vincent Burns, DE, Kentucky (6-0, 267); 4 - Dylan Gandy, G, Texas Tech (6-3, 300); 4 - Matt Giordano, FS, California (5-11, 194); 5 - Jonathan Welsh, DE, Wisconsin (6-3, 233); 5 - Rob Hunt, C, North Dakota State (6-4, 301); 5 - Tyjaun Hagler, OLB, Cincinnati (6-0, 236); 6 - Dave Rayner, K, Michigan State (6-2, 209); 7 - Anthony Davis, RB, Wisconsin (5-7, 200).

Analysis: No one will dare argue with the Colts' first two picks, as Indy addressed its ongoing Achilles Heel, the secondary. Neither Jackson nor Hayden figures to be a star, but if either or both are consistent, Indianapolis will be better off for it. The third pick - Burns - made less sense, since the Colts are hardly hurting for undersized pass-rushers with Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis already in the fold. The team may be preparing for the prospect of one of them departing down the road. The two fourth-round picks - Gandy and Giordano - reconvened the trend of logical selections for Indy. Of the second day choices, the one that stands out is Rayner, who will take over when Mike Vanderjagt leaves town as expected. The Colts took a flier on Davis, who was a terrific college player but lacks the necessary build and speed to get much of an opportunity at the next level.

Bottom Line: To the great shock of no one, they went heavy on defense.

Grade: B+

Jacksonville 1 - Matt Jones, TE/WR, Arkansas (6-6, 242); 2 - Khalif Barnes, T, Washington (6-6, 305); 3 - Scott Starks, CB, Wisconsin (5-8, 172); 4 - Alvin Pearman, RB, Virginia (5-9, 208); 5 - Gerald Sensabaugh, S, North Carolina (6-0, 210); 6 - Chad Owens, WR, Hawaii (5-7, 183); 6 - Pat Thomas, ILB, North Carolina State (6-2, 230); 7 - Chris Roberson, CB, Eastern Michigan (5-11, 185).

Analysis: The Jags struck a mighty blow for first-round gambles when they selected Jones, who was a college quarterback at Arkansas but appears to have the requisite size and speed to be an NFL wideout or tight end. With Reggie Williams and Jimmy Smith occupying two of the receiver slots, it seems likely that Jacksonville will give Jones most of his time at the latter. Barnes was one of the top two or three tackles available, and should do a solid job of protecting Leftwich, but the Jags might have been better off picking a corner in the second round. The team was weak there last season, and the smallish Starks might not change things a great deal. Pearman and Owens are candidates in the return game, and Jacksonville's other three second day picks project as special teamers as well.

Bottom Line: Since Jones still ranks as a project, it's hard to anoint him as a steal at this stage.

Grade: C+

Tennessee 1 - Adam "Pacman" Jones, CB, West Virginia (5-9, 187); 2 - Michael Roos, T, Eastern Washington (6-7, 320); 3 - Courtney Roby, WR, Indiana (6-0, 189); 3 - Brandon Jones, WR, Oklahoma (6-1, 210); 4 - Vincent Fuller, FS, Virginia Tech (6-1, 189); 4 - David Stewart, T, Mississippi State (6-7, 323); 4 - Roydell Williams, WR, Tulane (6-0, 192); 5 - Damien Nash, RB, Missouri (5-11, 215); 5 - Daniel Loper, T, Texas Tech (6-6, 306); 6 - Bo Scaife, TE, Texas (6-3, 249); 7 - Reynaldo Hill, CB, Florida (5-11, 187).

Analysis: Pacman Jones was an obvious pick in the first round, and will be counted on to adjust quickly at the next level. Roos will likely replace tackle Fred Miller, who was among the team's many salary cap purges. If either Roby or Brandon Jones can emerge to complement Drew Bennett and Tyrone Calico, the Titans will be okay at receiver. None of the club's seven second-day picks can be ruled out to compete for playing time among the starting 22, and Nash, who could replace Antowain Smith as Chris Brown's backup, could have the best chance. Williams was rated as a second- or third-round talent by some draft experts, and Jeff Fisher could have some success with him as well. Defensive line and linebacker were two areas of the team that went completely ignored, and with Kevin Carter having defected to the Dolphins, that approach could be costly.

Bottom Line: Most of the picks made sense, but defensive front seven received no help.

Grade: B

AFC NORTH

Baltimore 1 - Mark Clayton, WR, Oklahoma (5-10, 193); 2 - Dan Cody, DE, Oklahoma (6-5, 254); 2 - Adam Terry, T, Syracuse (6-8, 330); 4 - Jason Brown, C, North Carolina (6-3, 313); 5 - Justin Green, FB, Montana (5-11, 250); 6 - Derek Anderson, QB, Oregon State (6-6, 239); 7 - Mike Smith, ILB, Texas Tech (6-2, 238).

Analysis: You can't turn your nose up at a receiver if you're a Ravens fan, but Clayton is in the same smallish mode as the team's new No. 1 wideout, Derrick Mason. Cody looks like a typical Baltimore outside linebacker a la Terrell Suggs, Peter Boulware, and Adalius Thomas, but he might not be big enough to play end if the team switches to a 4-3 as expected. Terry is the heir apparent to Orlando Brown at right tackle, and Jason Brown should help compensate for the departure of Casey Rabach to the Ravens and Bennie Anderson to the Bills. Green and Smith will each have a chance to be part of the special teams forces. Derek Anderson, who was highly-recruited to a number of Pac-10 schools, will be a pet project of new Ravens QB coach Rick Neuheisel.

Bottom Line: GM Ozzie Newsome is genius at this, but neither Clayton nor Cody seems like a perfect fit.

Grade: B-

Cincinnati 1 - David Pollack, DE, Georgia (6-2, 261); 2 - Odell Thurman, ILB, Georgia (6-1, 237); 3 - Chris Henry, WR, West Virginia (6-4, 197); 4 - Eric Ghiaciuc, C, Central Michigan (6-4, 302); 5 - Adam Kieft, T, Central Michigan (6-7, 337); 6 - Tab Perry, WR, UCLA (6-2, 229); 7 - Jonathan Fanene, DE, Utah (6-3, 290).

Analysis: The Bengals' first two selections made great sense, since Pollack gives the team the high-energy pass rusher it has long lacked and Thurman should provide a run-stopping force at linebacker. Henry was brought on in the likely event that the oft-injured Peter Warrick is excised, and he and Perry could both be used immediately on returns. Offensive line depth was believed to be a priority, one that may have been filled with the acquisition of Ghiaciuc and Kieft. Then again, TWO offensive linemen from the same middle-of- the-road member of the MAC? Curious.

Bottom Line: Had to bolster the defense, and did exactly that.

Grade: A-

Cleveland 1 - Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan (6-3, 211); 2 - Brodney Pool, S, Oklahoma (6-1, 207); 3 - Charlie Frye, QB, Akron (6-4, 225); 4 - Antonio Perkins, CB, Oklahoma (5-11, 188); 5 - David McMillan, DE, Kansas (6-3, 246); 6 - Nick Speegle, LB, New Mexico (6-6, 250); 6 - Andrew Hoffman, DT, Virginia (6-4, 296); 7 - Jon Dunn, T, Virginia Tech (6-7, 328).

Analysis: Browns fans might be foaming at the mouth over the prospect of Edwards, Kellen Winslow, and Andre' Davis all catching passes in the same offense, but let's not forget that the marginal and aged Trent Dilfer will be the one throwing the balls in their direction in the near future. Cleveland filled its obvious quarterbacking need in the third round, plucking Frye off the roster of nearby Akron. The team will cross its fingers and hope that the strong-armed Frye becomes its QB of the future. New GM Phil Savage and head coach Romeo Crennel didn't ignore defense, selecting Pool and Perkins to contribute to an overhauled secondary, and adding McMillan, Speegle, and Hoffman for depth in the defensive front seven. The Browns basically ignored the offensive line, which was a problem area for the team throughout a dismal 2004.

Bottom Line: They're getting closer, but Edwards must be as good as advertised for the Browns to make a huge leap in Crennel's first year.

Grade: B+

Pittsburgh 1 - Heath Miller, Virginia, TE (6-5, 256); 2 - Bryant McFadden, CB, Florida State (6-0, 193); 3 - Trai Essex - G, Northwestern (6-4, 324); 4 - Fred Gibson, WR, Georgia (6-4, 202); 5 - Rian Wallace, OLB, Temple (6-4, 243); 6 - Chris Kemoeatu, G, Utah (6-3, 344); 7 - Shaun Nua, DE, Brigham Young (6-5, 270); 7 - Noah Herron, RB, Northwestern (5-11, 224).

Analysis: The Steelers lucked out when the Jets dealt for Doug Jolley and the Jaguars took Matt Jones, leaving them to take the best tight end on this year's board, Heath Miller. Miller will be a great target for Ben Roethlisberger right away. McFadden will be given every chance to unseat veteran Willie Williams at one corner, and Essex, and to a lesser extent Kemoeatu, will help compensate for the free agent defections of Oliver Ross and Keydrick Vincent. Gibson isn't the physical presence that Plaxico Burress was, but he's still a matchup problem at 6-4. Wallace was an absolute steal in the fifth round, Nua is a big body who is decidedly raw, and Herron will make the team if Jerome Bettis or Duce Staley comes out of camp with any lingering injury concerns.

Bottom Line: An inspired draft from top to bottom, with absolutely no wasted picks.

Grade: A

AFC WEST

Denver 2 - Darrent Williams, CB, Oklahoma State (5-9, 176); 3 - Karl Paymah, CB, Washington State (6-0, 204); 3 - Domonique Foxworth, CB, Maryland (5-11, 178); 3 - Maurice Clarett, RB, Ohio State (6-0, 234); 6 - Chris Myers, G, Miami (FL) (6-5, 300); 7 - Paul Ernster, K, Northern Arizona (6-0, 217).

Analysis: So it appears that cornerback was a priority for the Broncos. Denver used each of its first three picks on the position, and only one of the three - Paymah - has much of a chance to move over to safety at any point. Williams is undersized, but has legitimate star potential. The selection of Clarett (who frankly, the Broncos could have probably had with their sixth round pick) was the ultimate in Mike Shanahan arrogance. Maybe he can be productive given a chance, but we'll see how happy a camper Clarett is when he is listed third on the depth chart as the season begins. On the second day, the Broncos went for depth on the offensive line (somewhat necessary), and kicker (less than necessary, as the team could have targeted a kickoff specialist or successor to Jason Elam via free agency), and ignored needs at receiver and backup quarterback.

Bottom Line: If you've ever seen an offseason of player movement that is as bizarre as Denver's was in 2005, please write me with your thoughts.

Grade: D

Kansas City 1 - Derrick Johnson, LB, Texas (6-3, 242); 3 - Dustin Colquitt, P, Tennessee (6-2, 211); 4 - Craphonso Thorpe, WR, Florida State (6-1, 188); 5 - Boomer Grigsby, LB, Illinois State (6-0, 242); 5 - Alphonso Hodge, CB, Miami (OH) (5-11, 203); 6 - Will Svitek, T, Stanford (6-6, 301); 6 - Khari Long, DE, Baylor (6-4, 257); 7 - James Kilian, QB, Tulsa (6-4, 215); 7 - Jeremy Parquet, T, Southern Miss (6-7, 323).

Analysis: The Chiefs were likely coveting Georgia safety Thomas Davis at No. 15 (he went at 14 to the Panthers), but were fortunate to pick up Johnson, who many considered a Top 10 talent. Colquitt may have been a reach in the third round, but Thorpe was a good choice as day two started. Grigsby was a phenomenal collegiate run-stopper who played in one of I-AA's top leagues, and could follow the same road to success as current Chiefs end Jared Allen. Of the remaining five second-day picks, Hodge has the best chance to see the field in the near future, and Svitek and Parquet should each be able to stay to add to o-line depth. Don't be shocked to see Kilian stick around as the Chiefs' third quarterback and make a spring 2006 pilgrimage to NFL Europe.

Bottom Line: Probably didn't need a punter so early, but otherwise deserve high marks.

Grade: A-

Oakland 1 - Fabian Washington, CB, Nebraska (5-10, 188); 2 - Stanford Routt, CB, Houston (6-1, 193); 3 - Andrew Walter, QB, Arizona State (6-5, 234); 3 - Kirk Morrison, LB, San Diego State (6-1, 238); 6 - Anttaj Hawthorne, DT, Wisconsin (6-2, 310); 6 - Ryan Riddle, DE, California (6-2, 251); 6 - Pete McMahon, T, Iowa (6-8, 329).

Analysis: The Raiders needed defensive help in a big way, and did a decent job finding it. The speedy Washington will start right away, Routt is talented but a bit raw, Morrison was a productive college run-stopper who has decent size, and Hawthorne could have been the steal of the sixth round. All will be thrown into the fire as rookies. The most significant offensive headline was the selection of Walter, who has a big-league arm and was thought to be a potential No. 1 pick entering his senior year. He's not especially mobile and his desire is a question mark, but Walter sure can wing it.

Bottom Line: Trading up to take Washington in the first round was a good move (provided the team can afford to sign him), and led off a successful couple of days for the Silver and Black.

Grade: B+

San Diego 1 - Shawne Merriman, DE/OLB, Maryland (6-4, 253); 1 - Luis Castillo, DT, Northwestern (6-3, 305); 2 - Vincent Jackson, WR, Northern Colorado (6-5, 241); 4 - Darren Sproles, RB, Kansas State (5-6, 181); 5 - Wesley Britt, T, Alabama (6-8, 314); 6 - Wes Sims, G, Oklahoma (6-4, 317); 7 - Scott Mruckzkowski, C, Bowling Green (6-4, 321).

Analysis: The selection of Merriman was a no-brainer, since the Bolts had trouble placing pressure on the quarterback throughout 2004, and the former Terp will be counted on heavily in that regard. Castillo's terrific combine numbers boosted his stock, and strangely enough, the Chargers were not scared off by the fact that his pre-draft showing was influenced in part by the banned substance andro. Pundits will be keeping an eye on this pick. Jackson is a huge target and can also return kicks, a possible steal. Sproles will complement LaDainian Tomlinson if he is able to unseat current San Diego backup Jesse Chatman. San Diego had success with late-round offensive line picks last season, and is hoping the same holds true of this year's second-day threesome.

Bottom Line: Merriman and Jackson were good picks, but Castillo is a major question mark.

Grade: B