NFL Draft: Picks 17-26

17. Denver Broncos- DE Jarvis Moss, Florida

After taking Elvis Dumervill in last year’s draft, Denver added another pass rusher in Jarvis Moss. Moss dominated Ohio State in the National Championship and has ideal defensive end size at 6’6 260. There were rumors that they wanted Jamaal Anderson, but after he went off the board at 8, they were clearly targeting Moss.

18.Cincinnati Bengals- CB Leon Hall, Michigan

A great value for Cincinnati who takes a corner in the first round for the second year in a row. Hall’s stock slipped some after a disappointing against Ted Ginn, Anthony Gonzalez, and Dwayne Jarrett, but had a very solid career for the Wolverines.

19. Tennessee Titans- S Michael Griffin, Texas

This pick was supposed to be a wide receiver or running back, but the Titans surprised people by taking Griffin. It was a smart pick, however, as Tennessee knows the still needed to build their defense. Griffin has been a key contributor for two seasons at Texas, a school with a very good record of defensive backs.

20. New York Giants- CB Aaron Ross, Texas

The Giants were said to covet offensive tackle Joe Staley, but instead continued the run on defensive backs with Aaron Ross. Ross is a very safe pick and fills a need for a New York secondary that has lots of holes.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars- S Reggie Nelson, Florida

The Jags traded down and still got the guy thy would have taken at 17, Reggie Nelson. Nelson is an absolute ball hawk who will instantly upgrade the Jags secondary and give them some big play ability. We’re a little surprised they didn’t go after Brady Quinn, but the coaching staff is apparently sticking with Byron Leftwich.

22. Cleveland Browns- QB Brady Quinn, Notre Dame

What a good day for Cleveland, landing a franchise left tackle and a potential franchise QB. Quinn could have fell all the way to Baltimore had the Browns not made a trade, but this day instantly turns around the franchise. They gave up a lot, a second rounder this year and a first next year, but we think Quinn will be worth it. With Jamal Anderson, Steinbach, and now Thomas and Quinn, the Browns offense should be competitive for the next few seasons.

23. Kansas City Chiefs- WR Dwayne Bowe, LSU

Finally Eddie Kennison’s reign as the worst #1 wide receiver in football is coming to an end. There was a lot of speculation that Arkansas corner Chris Houston would be the pick, but KC got a much needed top target for Damon Huard in Dwayne Bowe. We think Bowe is the third best receiver in a very good class (behind CJ and Jarrett) and he should make an instant impact.

24. New England Patriots- S Brandon Meriweather, Miami

Can you ever remember so many safeties going in round one? One of our buddies is a big Miami fan who loves Meriweather, and prefers him to Reggie Nelson. Coming into the season, Meriweather was considered a mid first round pick and will have to play immediately in a New England secondary that always seems to be battling injuries.

25. Carolina Panthers- LB Jon Beason, Miami

Another Miami boy in round one as Carolina gets Beason at 25 instead of 14. Had he come back for his senior season or run a faster 40 times, Beason could have been a top 10 selection. Scouts describe him as “a football player”. Good to know.

26. Dallas Cowboys- DE Anthony Spencer, Purdue

Can’t wait to hear what Bri-Guy has to say about this trade. The Eagles trading with the Cowboys! That’s unheard of. As we mentioned in a previous post, we love Spencer. Dallas continues to build their defense and a DE/OLB like Spencer offers the versatility that the 3-4 defense loves.