Top of page

Impressions of the sixth round

The Dolphins’ defense is based on speed, and Earnest Grant has just that. He has excellent size (6-5, 315 pounds) and plays somewhat faster than his 5.3-to-5.4 40-times would indicate. Grant isn’t a sure thing, but if he pays the price, he could develop into a solid player.

Marc Bulger developed some bad habits last season after a very impressive 1998 season, in which he threw for 3,178 yards with 27 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. In ’99, though, Bulger lost much of his supporting cast, including his entire starting offensive line. He also suffered a number of injuries and finished the year with only 1,729 yards, 11 TD passes and 13 interceptions. He needs to regain his confidence and get back on track.

The Bears are obviously confident that former No. 1 pick Curtis Enis will break out this season, considering they didn’t select a potential backup running back until this round. Frank Murphy is a very intriguing player because of his size, speed, toughness and work ethic. But he has a history of injury and has had several off-the-field problems.

The Eagles’ Thomas Hamner is a hard-nosed runner with good running skills, vision and hands. Though Hamner carried 288 times for 1,362 yards and 10 touchdowns last season, PFW personnel expert Joel Buchsbaum projects him as a third-down back.

Two Big Ten placekickers, Neil Rackers and Paul Edinger, were selected in this round. Rackers benefited from a high-powered Illinois offense, converting 20-of-25 field-goal attempts last season. Edinger, ranked third among placekickers by Buchsbaum, will likely battle Jaret Holmes for the Bears’ starting job. Edinger was 3-of-4 on field-goal attempts from 50-plus yards in ’99.

After taking Brandon Short in Round Four, the Giants took fellow Big Ten inside ’backer Dhani Jones in Round Six. Jones plays hard, but his instincts and movement skills have been questioned.

At the outset of the college football season, Mario Edwards was rated by Buchsbaum No. 2 among CB prospects. A disappointing performance during the year dropped Edwards big time, but he has nice size and enough speed, and he can bench-press 400 pounds. The Cowboys need cornerbacks, and Edwards has ability in the man-coverage schemes the team likes to play.

The Chiefs’ Darnell Alford fits the bill of the type of lineman they like for their bruising running game. Alford is 6-4, 335 pounds, but he’s light on his feet and plays with good balance. However, he does tend to wear down and get lazy.

Denver has had good luck finding diamond-in-the-rough running backs in recent drafts, so maybe Mike Anderson will be the next. He has good size and run vision and deceptive power and quickness. However, he’ll turn 27 in September and has run average 40-times.

Tampa Bay selected a large defensive back this round with the selection of the 6-1, 210-pound David Gibson. According to Buchsbaum, Gibson could make the team as a nickel linebacker as well as a safety. Fortunately, the Bucs’ zone-coverage scheme suits Gibson best. He has limited speed and range, but he’s very smart and tough.

The Titans might have found a gem in Robaire Smith, a solid pass rusher who had eight sacks last season. Smith is big (6-4, 272 pounds), and he can get bigger if the Titans want to play him at tackle. Smith is athletic and naturally strong, and his instincts have improved a lot. He just needs to put forth a more consistent effort.

The Patriots’ Tom Brady is a typical Michigan quarterback: solid, steady and a leader. He has good height (6-4), is very poised, can read coverages and has good accuracy and touch. However, at 211 pounds, Brady looks a little frail, and he lacks great physical strength and stature. He also lacks mobility and a real strong arm.

New Orleans’ Sherrod Gideon is a skillful receiver who is quick into and out of his breaks. While Gideon lacks size, speed and strength, Buchsbaum called him a poor man’s Robert Brooks before Gideon injured his ankle late last season. The Saints have tried to upgrade their WR corps, and Gideon could surprise if his ankle is OK.

The Browns’ Brad Bedell, ranked by Buchsbaum in the top 10 among guards, has above-average size and speed and has improved every year. If he continues to improve, Bedell could eventually start for Cleveland.

Top of page

Back to Draft Day index page