2005 in my eyes is a horrible draft, you got a few diamonds (see Rodgers, Aaron) but for the most part it was pretty weak. 3 of the top 5 picks were RB's, and 2 of the top 5 aren't in the league anymore. Let's go through the top 10 then look at some other notable guys taken.
#1 San Francisco-Alex Smith-Utah, a lot of people will say bust and I will agree slightly. Honestly though he never got a fair shake in SF, Alex had a good year in Kansas City last year, he's not elite but he's a starting QB in the league, just not #1, don't say Aaron Rodgers to 49er fans.
#2 Miami-Ronnie Brown-Auburn. As you'll see Auburn had 2 stud RB's in this draft, I honestly though Cadillac was better than Brown, but Ronnie has stood the test of time. He had a few good years in Miami and has since bounced around a little. As time has shown though taking a RB in the top 5 these days is never a good decision.
#3 Cleveland-Braylon Edwards-Michigan. I of course loved this pick, I was a huge Michigan fan and I thought Braylon was a great receiver. Even though he did have 1 great year where him and Derek Anderson were on the same page, he never could find that magic again and has been out of the league for a couple of years now.
#4 Chicago-Cedric Benons-Texas. Well he's still in the league, has a had a few run-ins with the law which lead to his exit from Chicago. He was a decent player but still the cautionary tale of taking a RB in the top 5.
#5 Tampa Bay Carnell Williams-Auburn. The Cadillac was pretty awesome in college. But he only had one 1000 yard rushing season (his rookie year) in the league. Never had more than 6 TD's in a season. He had some knee problems and is no longer in the league. Hard to call him a bust since he won rookie of the year and you can't predict a guy tearing both patella tendons.
#6 Tennessee-Adam Jones-West Virginia. The Pac-Man is still in the league as well, but has a long arrest history and a few suspensions. The fact he's still around is actually pretty impressive.
#7 Minnesota-Troy Williamson-South Carolina. Umm bust? Dude had 87 catches for 1100 or so yards and 4 TD's in his 5 year career, too think Aaron Rodgers went 24th and Minnesota got this guy at 7.
#8 Arizona-Antrell Rolle-Miami (FL). I remember hoping he would fall to the Redskins at 9, hoping him and Sean Taylor could recreate some of the U in DC. Rolle has been a good pro, he has a ring from the Giants, can't say horrible things about the guy he's a good pro.
#9 Washington-Carlos Rogers-Auburn. We're 9 picks in and we have our third Auburn player. I've always though Carlos was a good DB, and he could cover about anyone. His one knock is he can't catch a cold. He eventually left DC for San Francisco and he had a great year 2 years ago, can't fault the Skins for taking him.
#10 Detroit-Mike Williams-USC. In the words of Mike Ditka, he's a slow tight end in a receivers body. Let's just say Matt Millen had no clue how to draft. BUST
Now some other notable players taken.
Gotta start with the best player in this draft Aaron Rodgers went 24 to Green Bay, he's got an MVP and a ring, yeah the first 23 teams all screwed the pooch.
Picks 11-15 yielded 4 Pro Bowlers, DeMarcus Ware, Shawne Merriman, Jammal Brown, and Derrick Johnson. Merriman isn't in the league anymore but he had a few good years.
At 17 one of my favorite guys David Pollack got taken by Cinncy. He could've been awesome but had neck problems and had to retire early. Love the guy on ESPN now.
Pittsburgh, Atlanta, and New England all made nice moves late in the first getting Heath Miller, Roddy White, and Logan Mankins respectively.
This draft does have a pretty famous guy in it, in the 3rd St. Louis took Richie Incognito out of Nebraska.
Matt Cassell went in the 7th to New England.
I would say Green Bay had the best draft, they got some guys who were the foundation for the Super Bowl run a few years later. Of course they got Rodgers, they got Nick Collins in the 2nd, Brady Poppinga in the 4th.
The biggest omission to me would be Josh Cribbs who signed as a free agent with Cleveland.
That's it for the 2005 draft, I think I'll break down 2006 next. In the meantime follow me on twitter @DerekBredeson.
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