Following April’s draft, FFEx evaluated
each team’s picks. We graded each club in two categories – the total talent
accumulated and the number of primary needs filled by the players selected.
This year, the best overall grade went
to the Arizona Cardinals, who nabbed six potential first-year starters,
including two quality cornerbacks: eighth overall pick Antrel Rolle
will start and Eric Green, a third-round selection, will push
David Macklin for playing time. Speedy running back J.J. Arrington,
a second-round pick, will compete with Marcel Shipp and Troy
Hambrick for the starting job. Athletic linebacker Darryl Blackstock,
a third-round steal, will contend for playing time at one of the outside
spots. Virginia guard Elton Brown, selected in the fourth round,
will compete with Jeremy Bridges for a starting spot. Fifth-round selection
Lance Mitchell from Oklahoma will be in the mix at middle linebacker,
along with Orlando Huff and Gerald Hayes. The only draft pick
that doesn't appear to have a chance to start, barring injuries, is
promising receiver LeRon McCoy, a seventh-round pick from Indiana
(Pa.).
Click on the team
name to view each club's 2005 selections.
