NFL Draft Preview
by Dominic Lombardi
1st-San Francisco 49ers: Aaron Rodgers, QB, Cal
There are many who will say that John York should continue his complete facelift of his awful 2-14 49er team by picking USC QB Matt Leinart with the first pick in the April draft, but that would drive the Niners deeper into salary cap hell. Such a talented QB like Leinart would cost an arm and a leg. But who is the poor-mans Leinart? It is Cal QB Aaron Rodgers. His stats are right there with Leinart, but he was not covered as well nationally as Leinart was because Cal went to the Holiday Bowl, while USC went to the Orange Bowl. Bottom line: Rodgers will be as good as Leinart in the NFL, but will cost less which is very attractive to the 49ers.2nd-Miami Dolphins: Matt Leinart, QB, USC
What position will the worst rushing team in the NFL draft? A quarterback, duh! A.J. Feely and Jay Fielder are two of the worst starters in the NFL. Both only had a 53 completion percentage and threw more interceptions than touchdowns. Matt Leinart will not only improve the team, but draw in crowds as well. And where was the last game that Leinart played? Miami. Oh yeah he played pretty well too. As for the rushing game that has needed improvement since Ricky Williams left for Reeferville, there will be plenty of good, young tailbacks in the second round like JJ Arrington and Marion Barber III.
3rd-Cleveland Browns: Derrick Johnson, OLB, Texas
In 2004, Cleveland’s defense gave up 144.6 rushing yards per game, the worst in the NFL. The Browns are without a superstar on defense (or offense either for that matter) and need a way to keep opposing offense behind the 50 yard line. Derrick Johnson would give Cleveland a run-stopper and a big name rookie. Besides, someone needs to stop Jamal Lewis for tallying up 200 yards per game on the Browns.
4th-Chicago Bears: D’Brickshaw Ferguson, OT, Virginia
If Bears QB Rex Grossman isn’t protected by a big, strong offensive line, it could mean another season on the shelf and another season of Craig Krenzel, Chad Hutchinson, Jeff George and Jonathan Quinn. Those four equal one more 5-11 season and one more step out the door for Lovie Smith. So what is the Bears front office going to do? Coddle Grossman like he was a newborn infant and protect him like the identity of who killed JFK. First step, draft a 6-5, 300 lb “D’-BRICK-shaw” wall.
5th-Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mike Williams, WR, USC
A 2004 without Keyshawn Johnson and Keenan McCardell meant no one for Brad Johnson to throw to. Just as Detroit did in 2002 and 2003, the Bucs drafted a wideout, Michael Clayton, and should do the same with Mike Williams in 2005. Williams is fast and run perfect routes. He would be a great slot receiver because he can go coast to coast in the blink of an eye and burn linebackers as he cuts across the middle. He and Clayton would provide Johnson, Greise, Sims or whoever is the Tampa quarterback two speedy receivers for years to come.
3 replies on “2005 NFL Draft Preview (Picks 1-5)”
good explanations i liked the explanations of why each team would pick their player and Aaron Rodgers would be attractive to the new GM of the 49ers
why would it cost less? any agent worth his salt is going to say, listen, you took my guy #1, now pay him. I can see the niners trading down and still getting Rodgers though. That would make more sense.
Incorrect Information Matt Leinhart has declared that he will stay at USC for another year despite USC’s Offensive Coordinator Norman Chow recently leaving to seek greener pastures and higher paychecks in the NFL as the offensive coordinator for the Tenesee Titans. Of course Leinhart could still declare for the supplemental draft but there are no indications that he will.
Secondly, Miami traded their 2005 second-round pick to the Eagles for A.J. Feely, it may be unlikely that they will bail on him as an investment at this point when clearly they have other needs. With no early second roun pick the ‘Fins may address the glaring hole at running back through free agency with players such as Seatle’s Shaun Alexander and University of Miami star and current Colt Edgerin James.
If they feel that Feely can be the quarterback of at least the temporary future, don’t be surprised to see them take Cedric Benson from Texas with their first round pick, although they may be a little bit weary of prospects from Texas.