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The Colts are hoping that Notre Dame P Hunter Smith can replace Chris Gardocki, who
went to Cleveland via free-agency. That will be a tough assignment for Smith, because
Gardocki is one of the better punters in the league, and Smith was inconsistent in
college.
The Steelers have long needed a dominant defensive end, and Virginia DE Antonio Dingle
is a pick with a high upside. However, Dingle lasted until Round Seven because he has not
responded well to coaching, only rarely showing the ability he possesses.
Another gamble-on-greatness pick is Baltimore’s choice of Virginia S Anthony
Poindexter, who will need months of rehabilitation after tearing ligaments in his left
knee. Before the injury, Poindexter was a big-play maker who excelled against the run,
although he never had great speed. The Ravens are gambling that Poindexter will be able to
bounce back to a level approaching his pre-injury form.
The Steelers are hoping that Nebraska’s Chad Kelsay can be a pass-rushing outside
linebacker in the style of Kevin Greene. Kelsay is very smart and hard-working.
With their seventh pick of the draft, the Jets selected their fourth offensive lineman
of the two-day event, Kansas State OT-OG Ryan Young. At 6-5, 330, Young has outstanding
size but is limited athletically.
The Patriots’ choice of Kansas State QB Michael Bishop is somewhat of a gamble but
one that makes sense at this stage of the draft. Bishop is a supremely gifted athlete; he
just needs to be molded by a good QB coach and trained to play within the system.
Jimmy Johnson tabbed a relative unknown when he chose Butte Junior College DL Jermaine
Haley.
With their selection of Notre Dame RB Autry Denson, the Buccaneers got a player who can
return kicks and use his pass-catching skills as a third-down back.
Miami (Fla.) QB Scott Covington was drafted much later than expected, going late in the
final round. Covington had a strong Senior Bowl showing, and the Bengals may now have two
promising rookie quarterbacks, with No. 1 pick Akili Smith being the main man.
Buffalo grabbed Air Force DL Bryce Fisher, who must fulfill his service commitment
before he can join the Bills several years from now.
Pennsylvania RB James Finn became "Mr. Irrelevant XXIV" when he was chosen by
Chicago with the final pick of the draft. Paul Salata, who originated the Irrelevant Week
award and festivities in the 1970's, announced the selection from the NFL podium, and he
was quite surprised when he realized that Finn was in the audience. Finn told the audience
at Madison Square Garden that he hoped to prove he isn’t "irrelevant" when
he reports to the Bears’ camp.
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