In terms of filling needs, the Chiefs accomplished their tasks. In terms of taking players at points of value, however, the Chiefs' draft was a little lacking. Defensive end Tamba Hali is a natural pass rusher with a terrific work ethic, but lacks top athleticism and upside. Strong safety Bernard Pollard in the second round might have been the Chiefs' best pick. Pollard has great size and attacks the line of scrimmage against the run. The Chiefs addressed their lack of depth at quarterback behind Trent Green with Alabama's Brodie Croyle in the third round. While Croyle is an established passer, he also has struggled greatly with injuries over his career. Croyle has missed time with torn ACLs to both knees, as well as torn labrum (shoulder) and dislocated elbow injuries that date back to high school.
Cornerback Marcus Maxey of Miami and wide receiver Jeff Webb of San Diego State could surprise.Oakland Raiders ..A-
The Raiders didn't make the flashy picks like so many of their past drafts, but their 2006 collection could be one of the league's best. They found an enforcer for the secondary in Texas safety Michael Huff in the first round. The Raiders continued to focus on defense, adding athletic outside linebacker Thomas Howard from UTEP in the second round and falling star Darnell Bing in the fourth. Bing was listed by many as a possible first-round pick at safety, but plummeted amid concerns about his quickness and instincts as a pass defender. The Raiders feel that Bing, at 6-2, 227, projects best as a weakside linebacker. The Raiders also added quality developmental prospects for the offensive line in Paul McQuistan and Kevin Boothe in the third and sixth rounds.
San Diego Chargers ...C
The Chargers addressed two areas of clear need with cornerback Antonio Cromartie and offensive tackle Marcus McNeill in the first and second rounds. Cromartie has spectacular upside, but missed all of last season with a torn ACL and only has one career start. That said, his Florida State coaches claim he was the best athlete to play for them since Deion Sanders and was viewed as a possible top 10 selection before the injury. McNeill, at 6-6, 336 pounds, hasn't allowed a sack since his freshman season,but dropped a bit due to stenosis (narrowing) of the spine.
Though he hasn't had any problems with the injury in recent years, the concern was there. In the middle rounds, the Chargers were able to land solid developmental prospects at quarterback in Charlie Whitehurst and inside linebacker in Tim Dobbins.Denver Broncos ...A-
Due to multiple trades, the Broncos had flexibility and took full advantage. They traded up to nab their quarterback of the future in Jay Cutler. He has the arm and moxie the Broncos like and will have time to acclimate to the NFL with Jake Plummer manning the ship. The team then sent their second round choice to the Packers for disgruntled wideout Javon Walker, fulfilling their biggest need. Finally, Denver nabbed athletic, but raw tight end Tony Scheffler from Western Michigan in the third. Of the Broncos' second day selections, linemen were certainly key. Denver has a history of success with middle- and late-round offensive linemen and this could continue with Chris Kuper and Greg Eslinger. Taking the trade for Javon Walker into account, the Broncos added an immediate playmaker and their future quarterback, as well.
Bob Rang.. http://articles.news.aol.com/sports/art ... 1809990001
