2005 NFL Draft Preview (Picks 6-10)

NFL Draft Preview (picks 6-10)
by Dominic Lombardi

6th-Tennessee Titans: Antrel Rolle, CB, Miami (FL)

I’m looking at the Titans offense and I see no holes. Running back Chris Brown is young and talented, wideout Drew Bennet is coming into his own as either Steve McNair or Billy Volek chuck it up to him. I chose Miami corner Antrel Rolle as Tennessee’s first round pick because in addition to Tank Williams, Andre Dyson and his brother Samari, who was plagued with injuries in ’04. If Samari isn’t ready for the start of 2005, there may be a sibling rivalry if Antrel shows promise while filling his place.
7th-Oakland Raiders: Cedric Benson, RB, Texas

It was hard for me to decide if Oakland should draft a running back, which they desperately needed last year as they were 30th in rushing in the NFL, or a quarterback. It’s clear that Rich Gannon will not get back to his 2002 MVP season, or even back on the field and Kerry Collins is no better than Gannon would be. So it wouldn’t be crazy to say that Al Davis may choose to pick Utah QB Alex Smith. But how could he pass up Cedric Benson, a player that would’ve gone 2nd if Matt Leinart wasn’t available for Miami. I see Benson as a junior Ricky Williams, he’s a former Longhorn, Heisman finalist, has crazy dreadlocks, and is a powerful runner. Would be a huge improvement over Amos Zereoue, Justin Fargas and Tyrone Wheatly, who all-together racked up 877 yards, which is 887 yards fewer than Benson had in ’04 with Texas.

8th-Arizona Cardinals: Cadillac Williams, RB, Auburn

This 1, 000 yard back is more experienced than that other 1,000 yard back from Auburn. He is the powerful and intelligent runner that Deny Green and the Cardinals need. Marcel Shipp and Emmitt Smith are not the answer. Smith is too old to have the weight of the Arizona backfield on his shoulders, and Marcel Shipp hasn’t played since week 16 of ’03. Cadillac can start immediately as Arizona’s go-to halfback and be effective. Hopefully Green can choose a quarterback that can combine with Williams to lead the Cardinals to the top of the NFC West, which shouldn’t be hard if a 9-7 Seahawks team can win the division like they did this year.

9th-Washington Redskins: David Pollack, DE, Georgia

There are many great, young defensive ends in this April’s draft, Shaun Cody, Erasmus James, Marcus Spears and David Pollack, I see Pollack as the most dominant one of them. Although the Redskins desperately need offense, having only five games of 20 or more points in 2004, it just seems right for Joe Gibbs to try and acquire a great defensive player instead of settling for an adequate quarterback which they can get in the second round.

10th-Detriot Lions: Carlos Rodgers, CB, Auburn

Assuming that Lions GM Mike Millen keeps quarterback Joey Harrington around for 2005, the Lions will have a very young and very talented offense with RB Kevin Jones, WR Roy Williams and WR Charles Rodgers. Adding CB Carlos Rodgers will start the same processes on defense. Rodgers is lightning fast and can cover any wide receiver.