Ask the Experts

By the editors of Pro Football Weekly
April 22, 2002

At first glance, what team improved itself most from the draft?

Holbrook: I have to say that Dallas did a phenomenal job in this draft, getting four potential all-stars in their first four picks. S Roy Williams is a stud and arguably the best player available in this year’s draft, OG-C Andre Gurode is a bulldozer on the line, WR Antonio Bryant is as talented as any wideout in the draft and CB Derek Ross could be a shutdown corner. Sure, Bryant and Ross have had character issues, but after getting the guys they wanted with their first two picks, the Cowboys earned themselves the right to swing for the fences with their two third-round selections. While Bryant and Ross could be busts, they also have the chance to become superstars. How many other teams can say that about their third-round picks?

Reynolds: Butch Davis again proved to be a supreme talent evaluator. He may be the most travel-weary head coach because of his insistent involvement in player evaluations, Davis filled his most pressing need and got the top running back in the draft with his first pick in Boston College’s William Green. The Browns averaged just 2.8 yards per carry last season. Green, a 6-0, 215-pound back, averaged more than five. A defense heavy with new and talented faces remained on the backburner in the second round. The Browns grabbed Virginia Tech WR André Davis, an intelligent, big and fast target to complement WR Kevin Johnson. Davis also returns kicks. LBs Kevin Bentley — considered by some the most underrated in the draft pool — and Ben Taylor will contribute immediately on special teams and eventually work into the starting defense. Both were quality picks in Rounds Three and Four. Speaking of quality, Davis got one of his former players — OT Joaquin Gonzalez from Miami (Fla). Gonzalez was part of a dominating line that yielded two sacks in a 14-game stretch. He is superior to many projects that teams reach in the seventh round. The Browns are definitely on the rise.

What other teams were you impressed with?

Holbrook: I thought New Orleans did a great job, helping itself at three key spots with its first three picks — WR Donté Stallworth was the top receiver in the draft, DE Charles Grant is equally adept at rushing the passer and stuffing the run and C LeCharles Bentley could anchor the Saints’ O-line for years. I also liked what Al Davis’ Raiders did. They got a great cover corner and top return man in CB Phillip Buchanon, picked up the top outside linebacker in Napoleon Harris, added offensive line depth with Cal’s Langston Walker and got a great pass-catching TE Doug Jolley from BYU. They certainly look like they were able to take advantage of the extra picks they got from Tampa for Jon Gruden. I also give kudos to Buffalo, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Detroit, San Diego, Tennessee and Washington.

Reynolds: The Dallas Cowboys are used to making headlines on draft day, but usually, it is owner and general manager Jerry Jones’ botched picks or whimsical judgments that have us roaring about America’s Team. Not this time. Whatever Jones had catered this time should become the annual fare in the Cowboys’ war room. Not only did Dallas add top S Roy Williams and a third-round pick for falling two spots, it snagged Colorado’s top-rated OG Andre Gurode to play opposite All-Pro Larry Allen. Then, troubled but talented WR Antonio Bryant of Pittsburgh fell to them late in the second round and Jones traded up to add another lethal weapon. When Ohio State junior CB Derek Ross was floating in the third round, Jones scrapped the background checks and went for what many rated a top-five corner, adding to what might be a dominant defense in 2002. Don’t overlook Arizona, as the Cardinals went a long way toward repairing its front four with two big, athletic picks in the first three rounds — Wisconsin DT Wendell Bryant and Kentucky DE Dennis Johnson. I am also a fan of the third-round choice of Sam Houston State do-it-all QB Josh McCown. He can either learn from Plummer or unseat him. I also thought the Chargers made out like bandits with three players I expected to be selected among the first 40 picks — CB Quentin Jammer, OG Toniu Fonoti and WR Reche Caldwell.

What was the biggest surprise of the first round?

Holbrook: It had to be when Syracuse DE Dwight Freeney was taken by the Colts at No. 11. Freeney was projected to go in the bottom third of the first round, yet the Colts targeted him as their pick to improve their pass rush. Head coach Tony Dungy desperately wanted a pass rusher and decided that it was safer to pick Freeney higher than expected than trade down and risk having another team move up ahead of them to take Freeney. If the move pays off, the Colts will look like geniuses. If it doesn’t, they will certainly be second-guessed.

Reynolds: That the second-rated cornerback, Phillip Buchanon of Miami (Fla.) fell to 17^th. Projected as a top 10 pick by most experts, Buchanon rubbed some teams, including Cincinnati, the wrong way with his Deionesque demeanor. Since when has confidence been a drawback for a cornerback? Al Davis’ penchant for speed burners prompted a trade up to add Buchanon, who isn’t as physical as Texas’ Quentin Jammer, but doesn’t lack cover or playmaking ability. Buchanon also takes the pressure off of CB Charles Woodson — bothered most of last season with turf toe — and WR Tim Brown, neither of whom enjoyed the rigors of the return game. The Raiders just won baby.

What was the most puzzling selection in the first round?

Holbrook: I was stunned to see the Bengals stay at No. 10 and select OT Levi Jones, who was expected to go four or five picks later than that. I’ve got to think that Cincy could’ve traded down and picked up another draft pick or two from a team that wanted to move up. For instance, I’ve got to think that Redskins owner Daniel Snyder called the Bengals about swapping picks in order to get WR Donté Stallworth. Who knows how much Snyder was willing to give up in exchange for the No. 10 pick? But, the Bengals being the Bungles held their spot and took the player they wanted. There’s certainly no shame in that. I just think Cincy could’ve traded down and still gotten their man.

Reynolds: Has to be Cincinnati adding Arizona State OT Levi Jones, most likely as a third tackle or, for a year, inside at guard. But I can argue that the Falcons grabbing RB T.J. Duckett, rather than filling one of their multiple other needs, after signing RB Warrick Dunn to a $24 million deal made even less sense. I’m not saying Duckett wasn’t worth the pick, but filling other needs rather than adding depth would have been wise. WR Ashley Lelie, LB Napoleon Harris, S Ed Reed and CB Lito Sheppard were around. Then, in the later rounds, a runner like North Dakota State’s Lamar Gordon or Iowa’s Ladell Betts would have helped the offense further, and been a better team value.

Which player will benefit most from the team that drafted him?

Holbrook: If RB William Green’s head stays screwed on tight, he will benefit the most from head coach Butch Davis’ offense in Cleveland. The Browns are arguably a good running back away from reaching the playoffs and Green was the best back in the draft. He’s an explosive runner and an excellent receiver who will get the opportunity for multiple touches in Davis’ offense. If Green keeps it together and takes advantage of his good fortune, he and the Browns will reap the benefits.

Reynolds: I don’t know if there is a better situation for Hawaii WR Ashley Lelie than the one he fell into with Denver. Veteran WRs Rod Smith, Rob Moore and Ed McCaffrey (trying to return from a broken leg) are on board and alleviate any pressure on Lelie of coming in and making a big impact. The best thing for Lelie is that this is the kind of group that will be willing to spend an extra 10 or 15 minutes pre- or post-practice to help the young receiver improve and develop rapidly. Smith is 32, McCaffrey 34 and Moore 33. Lelie, along with Miami (Fla.) RB Clinton Portis, the Broncos’ second-round pick, may provide Denver with more quality in its depth chart than any offense in the league. Both are in the right situation to be groomed, at whatever pace, for stardom.

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