19

Tennessee

Michael Griffin

S

Texas

6-0

202

30^th overall

Thoughts: This was an interesting selection, especially with the talent available to the Titans at this pick. I thought Griffin ’s teammate, Aaron Ross, was a better option for Tennessee at this selection because of his return skills. Obviously, the Titans favored Griffin over Ross?

20

N.Y. Giants

Aaron Ross

CB

Texas

6-0

193

19^th overall

Thoughts: A tremendous selection by the Giants. Ross gives the Giants the secondary help they desperately needed and a return man on special teams. The Giants could have selected a linebacker like Paul Posluszny or Jon Beason, but adding the versatile Ross was greater value at this pick.

21

** Jacksonville (from Broncos)**

Reggie Nelson

S

Florida

6-1

198

24^th overall

Thoughts: The Jaguars made a smart move, they traded back and picked up extra picks and ended up getting their man in Reggie Nelson. With Deon Grant leaving for Seattle this off-season the Jaguars were a little thin in the secondary, but Nelson solves those problems instantly.

22

Cleveland (from Cowboys)

Brady Quinn

QB

Notre Dame

6-4

232

3^rd overall

Thoughts: The craziest scenario of the entire first round. Brady Quinn, a player I had going third overall, ends up with the team I projected him to go too, but 19 picks later? The Browns had the best draft day by far and add a franchise offensive tackle and a franchise quarterback in the same round. Great job!

23

Kansas City

Dwayne Bowe

WR

LSU

6-3

221

27^th overall

Thoughts: The Chiefs give their offense some firepower with the selection of Dwayne Bowe. I am a little surprised they drafted Bowe over Robert Meachem, but adding a receiver is a great pick for the Chiefs offense.

24

New England (from Seahawks)

Brandon Meriweather

S

Miami

5-11

195

39^th overall

Thoughts: A very interesting pick. Meriweather has received a lot of attention for all the wrong reasons. He was a main player in the infamous foot-brawl that involved Miami and Florida International this past season. He’s a good player, but you have to worry about his character.

25

** Carolina (from Jets)**

Jon Beason

OLB

Miami

6-0

237

31^st overall

Thoughts: I was a little surprised that the Panthers took Beason over the best tight end in the draft, Greg Olsen. Olsen fits a need on the Panthers, but the concern at linebacker was the ultimate factor for Carolina .

26

Dallas (from Eagles)

Anthony Spencer

DE

Purdue

6-3

261

32^nd overall

Thoughts: An interesting trade between two division rivals results in the Cowboys selecting defensive end Anthony Spencer. This is an interesting pick for Dallas , especially when they have concerns in the secondary and at receiver.

27

New Orleans

Robert Meachem

WR

Tennessee

6-3

200

23^rd overall

Thoughts: I thought the Saints were looking at a receiver in the first round and since Dwayne Bowe was off the board they took the next best receiver, Robert Meachem. Meachem joins Marques Colston in the Saints offense and adds another weapon for Drew Brees.