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The fifth round began with Jimmy Johnson rolling the dice on McNeese State RB Cecil
Collins. The 5-8, 210-pound Collins is a high-risk pick who could become a star or a bust.
Like former Nebraska and Dolphin RB Lawrence Phillips, Collins has been in trouble with
the law, and Collins' football background is limited. Even though Phillips didn’t
work out, J.J. obviously feels Collins is worth a gamble on greatness in Round Five.
The Steelers’ choice of Michigan TE Jerame Tuman with the 136th pick
was good value, and he will back up Mark Bruener and perhaps play in some two-TE sets,
especially considering the Steelers’ lack of quality wide receivers.
Rated as a third-rounder by PFW’s Joel Buchsbaum, Penn State DE Brad Scioli could
be a steal for the Colts. Scioli doesn’t have a ton of ability, but he’s a
relentless worker.
Concerns about the lingering effects of a knee injury suffered in 1995 caused the stock
of Penn State OT Floyd Wedderburn to plummet before the draft. However, if he can pass a
physical, Wedderburn could be a bonanza for the Seahawks, who are looking to replace aging
ORT Howard "House" Ballard.
The Chargers’ Bobby Beathard is hoping that his coaching staff can get OG-OT
Reggie Nelson to play as well as he tests, after he failed to dominate as he should have
in Division I-AA.
The Bears, who had stockpiled picks by trading down several times earlier, made three
need picks, taking Notre Dame OG Jerry Wisne, Massachusetts LB Khari Samuel and somewhat
undersized New Hampshire RB Jerry Azumah, who was extremely impressive at the Scouting
Combine.
Outside of running back, the Patriots’ biggest need in the draft was offensive
linemen, so the selection of Baylor OG-OT Derrick Fletcher makes sense. At 6-6, 374,
Fletcher is a huge man with a big upside. He has rarely played up to his ability, but the
Patriots are gambling that they can push him to realize his potential.
In selecting Western Illinois’ David Bowens, Denver got a DE-OLB tweener who
excels at rushing the passer. Thus, don’t be surprised if the Broncos use him as a
designated pass rusher on passing downs.
Green Bay may gotten a steal when it selected Oklahoma RB De’Mond Parker, whom
Buchsbaum had rated as a third-rounder. At 6-0, 190 pounds, Parker is a bit undersized,
but he has quickness and speed and, most importantly for a running back in the Packer
offense, he can catch the ball.
Washington went into the draft needing to add several quality offensive linemen, so
Virginia Tech OT Derek Smith, along with second-round OT Jon Jansen, should help to
alleviate the weakness there. However, the Redskins especially need a left tackle, and
it’s questionable whether either Smith or Jansen have quick enough feet to play that
position, which is so critical in keeping newly acquired QB Brad Johnson healthy.
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