|
32. San Diego: QB Drew Brees, Purdue
First impression: A nice, safe pick for the Chargers, considering the gamble Michael
Vick would have been and the offense Norv Turner will run.
Buchsbaum says: The Chargers hit the daily double when Purdue QB Drew Brees lasted
until the first pick of the second round. In Buffalo, John Butler (now Chargers GM) and
his astute scouting director, Dwight Adams, were both sky-high on Brees, and while he
doesn’t have the upside potential that Vick has, he also doesn’t carry as much
risk either, and he would be ready to play much sooner. There were some people in the San
Diego organization who actually preferred Brees for what their team was doing than Vick.
The fact that he doesn’t have a great arm becomes less of a handicap because
he’s in San Diego, where nobody mentions former Chargers Hall of Famer Dan
Fouts’ lack of arm strength. Brees has been much more durable than Vick, and Brees
played the entire four years. While he will never be another John Elway, he could be
another Bob Griese, and Griese did make the Hall of Fame. Butler also showed what a shrewd
poker player he is by resisting the temptation to deal up into the first round to take
Brees. Another factor is that Doug Flutie has never been healthy for an entire year, and
if need be, Brees can come in and run the entire offensive package, whereas if Vick had
been forced to play in that situation, the Chargers would have had to cut back to a
bare-bones offense.
Top of page
33. Cleveland: WR Quincy Morgan, Kansas State
First impression: Has the talent and ability to be very productive, especially with Tim
Couch at quarterback, but probably won’t supplant Kevin Johnson as the de facto No. 1
receiver.
Buchsbaum says: Big-play receiver with tremendous upside potential who was a bit of a
gamble because of his inconsistency and occasional lack of focus. Hot-and-cold career, but
when he was hot, he was a gamebreaker.
Top of page
34. Arizona: DE Kyle Vanden Bosch, Nebraska
First impression: Arizona plays their cards right by taking Davis in the first round
and filling one of many holes on the defensive line in the second round.
Buchsbaum says: Very intense pass-rushing end who’s extremely smart and has a
motor that never stops running. Does not have Simeon Rice’s natural ability or close
to it, but has the great work ethic, intensity and attention to detail that Rice lacked.
Top of page
35. Atlanta: TE Alge Crumpler, North Carolina
First impression: Gives Vick a very good dumpoff option in case he gets in trouble in
the pocket.
Buchsbaum says: Excellent tight end who is fluid, catches the ball well and has
tremendous potential as a blocker. Gives the Falcons two quality tight ends.
Top of page
36. Cincinnati: WR Chad Johnson, Oregon State
First impression: If Darnay Scott returns to form and Warrick and Johnson develop, the
Bengals could have quite a trio of receivers.
Buchsbaum says: Gamebreaker. Has the great speed to stretch a defense. Excellent
natural hands, but concentration, focus and attention to detail have been problems. Very
raw around the edges. Comes across as being different. Reportedly faces a probation
hearing in early May.
Top of page
37. Indianapolis: S Idrees Bashir, Memphis
First impression: It seems unusual that the Colts traded up to get Bashir at this
point, but it is definitely an area of need where they are looking for play makers.
Buchsbaum says: Big, fast, physical safety who can cover a lot of ground. Instincts
appear off at times, but that just may be a lack of experience.
Top of page
38. Chicago: RB Anthony Thomas, Michigan
First impression: When was Mark Hatley granted an honorary Michigan degree? Bears’
backfield looks similar to Oakland’s last year, with James Allen (Napoleon Kaufman)
and Thomas (Tyrone Wheatley).
Buchsbaum says: Highly productive running back who is extremely durable and runs with
power. Very productive, four-year player at Michigan who improved every season. Complete
back who can catch and block.
Top of page
39. Pittsburgh: LB Kendrell Bell, Georgia
First impression: Instant replacement for Levon Kirkland.
Buchsbaum says: Fits what they’re looking for at inside linebacker. They wanted an
inside linebacker who could really run, fly around and get to the ball. While Bell is a
work in progress, he can really run and has near sideline-to-sideline range.
Top of page
40. Seattle: CB Ken Lucas, Mississippi
First impression: They needed a solid corner to pair with Springs, and they may have
gotten it here.
Buchsbaum says: They wanted a big corner who could run, and that’s what they got
in Lucas. Being a converted wide receiver, Lucas is very raw around the edges, and needs
to be sharper in the way he makes turns and cuts. But he has both the physical tools and
intelligence to continue to get better.
Top of page
41. Green Bay (from San Francisco): WR Robert Ferguson, Texas
A&M
First impression: Ferguson is a bit of a developmental pick, but he could definitely
benefit from having Favre zing him a few passes.
Buchsbaum says: Big, physical, acrobatic receiver with good, not great speed and
big-play ability. Only one year of major college football and raw around the edges, but
has tremendous upside.
Top of page
42. St. Louis: LB Tommy Polley, Florida State
First impression: Four picks, four defenders. See a trend? This time the Rams nab a
linebacker.
Buchsbaum says: The type of linebacker that Lovie Smith wanted for his defense. Run-hit
type linebacker with very good instincts and outstanding speed and playing speed. Would
have been a first-round pick if not for knee injury. But knee seems to be getting better
now.
Top of page
43. Jacksonville: OT Maurice Williams, Michigan
First impression: Losing Leon Searcy hurts, and Williams is the Jaguars’ projected
long-term cure for that pain.
Buchsbaum says: Solid and improving tackle who can be developed into a nice replacement
for Leon Searcy on the right side. Will never be a dominant run blocker that Searcy was,
but can develop into a very good pass-blocking right tackle, and with a left-handed
quarterback, the right tackle is protecting his blindside.
Top of page
44. Carolina: DT Kris Jenkins, Maryland
First impression: Carolina gets younger and more beefy on the defensive line, something
they definitely needed to do.
Buchsbaum says: A player with tremendous upside who came on as a senior, but still
viewed as something of an underachiever. Has to learn to play lower and keep his pads
down, as opposed to jumping out of his stance and standing straight up, like a
jack-in-the-box. If he does that and continues to improve, he can be an impact player on
the next level, and a great second-round pick. While improvement has been great as a
senior, he still has a ways to go.
Top of page
45. Washington: CB Fred Smoot, Mississippi State
First impression: Smoot’s fiery, trash-talking reputation allows the Redskins to
get a corner with tons of potential. Smoot very well could have gone in the first round.
Buchsbaum says: Top-flight cover corner. Doesn’t like to play the run. Thinks of
himself as the second coming of Deion. Nonstop talker who can be obnoxious at times.
Top of page
46. Buffalo: DE Aaron Schobel, Texas Christian
First impression: Looking for a replacement for Marcellus Wiley, the Bills nab Schobel,
who many projected to go sooner than this.
Buchsbaum says: Speed rusher off the edge. Similar to Justin smith, but not as good.
Top of page
47. San Francisco (from Green Bay): LB Jamie Winborn, Vanderbilt
First impression: Speedy Winborn joins Peterson and Ulbrich to round out the very young
and quick linebacking corps.
Buchsbaum says: Undersized, but very productive linebacker who flies all around the
field,. Can be an explosive hitter. Good range.
Top of page
48. New England (from Detroit): OL Matt Light, Purdue
First impression: Patriots have little to show along the offensive line, and Light
should be a definite upgrade.
Buchsbaum says: The player they would’ve originally taken had they not dealt down.
A Jason Fabini-type lineman. Supertough and competitive with a real feel for the game.
Plays up to and beyond his ability.
Top of page
49. New York Jets: RB LaMont Jordan, Maryland
First impression: The Jets have needs in their secondary that seem more urgent than
drafting for depth at their strongest position, running back.
Buchsbaum says: Gives the Jets an excellent complement to Curtis Martin, and means the
Jets will no longer have to overwork Martin, causing him to fade out at the end of the
year. Jordan has first-round talent and is a very powerful, 230-pound runner with
breakaway speed who can give them more power at the goalline than their other backs.
However, an up-and-down senior year, after a brilliant close to his junior year caused his
stock to fall. Many thought the Vikings were going to take him at the end of the first
round.
Top of page
50. Detroit (from Pittsburgh through New England): C Dominic
Raiola, Nebraska
First impression: A bit surprising that Raiola fell this far, and Detroit really needed
a replacement for free-agent departee Jeff Hartings. Raiola and first-rounder Backus fill
a huge need for them.
Buchsbaum says: Completes what should be a very potentially good young offensive line.
Tough, two-fisted linemen who’s very good quickness. Isn’t the overpowering
lineman Dave Rimington was, but is much more athletic and flexible, and a more effective
pass-blocker and blocker on the second level.
Top of page
51. Denver (from Tampa Bay through Buffalo): DE Paul Toviessi,
Marshall
First impression: Denver gets a guy to replace Keith Traylor, who they wanted to
replace, but Toviessi could be a bit of a stretch here, especially considering they moved
up and lost a later pick to do it.
Buchsbaum says: he’s a guy they feel they can develop into a big-time player.
He’s got height, long arms speed and upside potential, but is a work in progress who
needs to develop his functional football strength. At this point, when a blocker locks
onto him, he really has a hard time getting free and generally stays wired to the blocker.
Top of page
52. Miami (from Indianapolis through Dallas): WR Chris Chambers,
Wisconsin
First impression: Gives the Dolphins a very fast and powerful complement to speedy free
agent James McKnight. Suddenly, QB Jay Fiedler has some weapons.
Buchsbaum says: Great pick down here. Tremendous speed and jumping ability, but still
has to learn how to use his speed better on the field. Must learn to drop his weight
properly when getting into and out of his breaks. Will make the sensational catch, but at
times will drop some very easy throws in very important situations. Could easily have gone
at the end of the first round.
Top of page
53. Dallas (from New Orleans): QB Quincy Carter, Georgia
First impression: Looking to the future, just in case Tony Banks doesn’t work out.
Buchsbaum says: This is a guy Dallas’ scouting director Larry Lacewell has loved
since his freshman year. He has regressed since his freshman year, but is a big kid with
4.6 speed and a strong arm. Dallas was debating how high they’d have to go in order
to make sure they got him. Basically, he’s like Charlie Batch the year he came out in
the sense that most clubs had him rated a late-round pick, but two or three clubs were
very high on him, which is why Detroit traded up, because they were convinced Denver would
take him. However there are two big differences between them. Batch spent six years in
college, Carter only three. There was never any question about Batch’s work ethic,
whereas there is a big question about Carter’s.
Top of page
54. Arizona (from St. Louis): CB Mike Stone, Memphis
First impression: With the Cardinals having traded away Aeneas Williams, they’ll
groom Stone as his replacement.
Buchsbaum says: Physical corner who really came on as a senior. Excellent speed and
jumping ability. Not quite as fluid as you like, turning on the corner, but can be a good
player. Replacement for Aeneas Williams.
Top of page
55. Philadelphia: LB Quinton Caver, Arkansas
First impression: Adding depth and youth to an already young, pretty solid linebacking
corps.
Buchsbaum says: What this is, is a pick looking towards next year and for depth this
year. This year with James Darling gone, they can use Barry Gardner as a backup in the
middle and possibly even on the strong side, as well as starting him on the weak side. At
the same time, they can develop Caver on the weak side. If Jeremiah Trotter leaves after
this year, Gardner is a natural inside backer who will play better in the middle than he
has outside. Right now, Trotter’s ego has gotten so big that he’s asking to be
paid like the second coming of Bill Bergey or Chuck Bednarik. And while he is a very good
player and at times - even a Pro Bowl player - he is not a franchise player, and there has
to be a limit on how high money-wise you go on a player.
Top of page
56. Dallas (from Miami): S Tony Dixon, Alabama
First impression: Dallas adds a big hitter to a secondary that seems to be in shambles
up to now.
Buchsbaum says: A very aggressive, physical safety who has played extremely well at
times. Seems to be very tough, smart and competitive, but the Alabama coaching staff never
warmed up to him.
Top of page
57. Minnesota: DE Willie Howard, Stanford
First impression: Fills a huge hole on the defensive line.
Buchsbaum says: He’s sort of a tweener between end and tackle. A good person and
the type of player Dennis Green will relate to very well. Minnesota’s scheme fits him
very well, and he could be a starter as a rookie.
Top of page
58. Buffalo (from Denver): RB Travis Henry, Tennessee
First impression: The Bills add a smaller back to an already crowded stable of backs.
Buchsbaum says: Very tough, physical, north-south runner with great determination and
better speed than people think. Highly productive, in fact when he replaced Jamal Lewis as
a junior, he was more productive than Lewis.
Top of page
59. Oakland: QB Marques Tuiasosopo, Washington
First impression: The Raiders drafted their quarterback of the future in Tuiasosopo, or
so they hope.
Buchsbaum says: Rare competitor who can beat you with his arm or legs. Not a great
runner passer or thrower, but an all-time competitor and warrior. Cut from the Billy
Kilmer/Joe Kapp mold.
Top of page
60. Tennessee: CB Andre Dyson, Utah
First impression: Buchsbaum says: Very quick cover corner with excellent speed and
recovery speed. Younger brother of WR Kevin Dyson. Played in a passing conference in
college. Hot-and-cold senior year. Had one game when he got burned really badly and seemed
to lose his confidence. The Titans had to have another corner because of the loss of
Denard Walker. Doesn’t have the size the Titans would like, but he has the cover
skills.
Top of page
61. Detroit (from N.Y. Giants): DT Shaun Rogers, Texas
First impression: Rogers had been falling on draft boards because of teams’
concerns about his surgically repaired ankle, but the Lions felt he had fallen far enough
and traded up to take him without having to give up a lot.
Buchsbaum says: Might have been one of the first 12 players selected if not for ankle
surgery. There is a question about his ankle, with one screw having fallen out.
Top of page
62. Baltimore: CB-SS Gary Baxter,
Baylor
First impression: Baxter could be a valuable nickel back, or he may even have a shot at
winning a spot at safety.
Buchsbaum says: Big, physical corner who can play bump-and-run. Also can play safety.
Many clubs viewed him as a tweener, without the pure cover skills for a cornerback at
times, and not instinctive enough to play safety But at times it looked as though he had
the hips to play the corner. In short, if you looked at his 50 best plays, you would put
him in the first round. However, if you looked at his 50 worst plays, you might not even
draft him. Playing on a horrible team in college may have hurt his development. If Shaun
Rogers hadn’t been taken by Detroit one pick earlier, the Ravens would have taken
Rogers, because they felt as though they could have afforded to let Rogers sit out a year,
and then he would have replaced Tony Siragusa.
Top of page
Back to Draft Day index page |
