Going through the desert of the TUFF offseason, you get a thirst for new talent. Talent to transform your also-ran into a playoff team, or a TUFF Bowl contender into a dynasty. In the desert, you can't remember your name—because you're too busy remembering those of four dozen prospects.

The oasis of the draft is over. Here's hoping you quenched your thirst to improve your team. Now obey your thirst for analysis, opinions and wise-ass comments, right here in the second annual TUFF Draft Wrapup!

1.01 Arizona Outlaws — RB Ronnie Brown
Last year, Arizona traded away three draft picks to Houston, including the 1st and 12th overall picks. At that time, they received RB Onterrio Smith and 100 TUFFs. But the real harvest that the Outlaws reap comes this year, in the form of the 1st and 6th overall picks to go with their own (8th). Remember, 'Zona was very close to making last year's playoffs, and now they have Ronnie Brown, who is a huge improvement over anyone that GM Jeff Zamzow has had to use at RB the last two years. Top sources like Scouts, Inc. and Mel Kiper, Jr. agree that Brown may be the closest thing to "the total package" among running backs in this year's draft—he's got the build and strength to handle an NFL workload, a better size-to-speed ratio than Carnell Williams, and better pass-catching skills than Williams or Cedric Benson.

1.02 Tennessee Taz Devils — RB Cedric Benson
In three of the last four drafts, the Taz took a running back in Round 1, and until now, none of the three had amounted to much. Now, LaMont Jordan has his long overdue starting job, Larry Johnson may finally be out of his diapers, and Chris Perry may start producing in 2006. Still, Benson will solidify the backfield tremendously, and should start alongside Jordan in a vastly improved backfield. Of the "Big 3" running backs, Benson is the best power runner and the best blocker.

1.03 Minnesota Fats — RB Carnell "Cadillac" Williams
A hard-luck team that lost five games by seven points or less last year, Minnesota needed a difference-maker, and they got it in Cadillac Williams. He has great vision, sees the hole well and hits it quickly. His lower body strength means he can break tackles and bust a long run. Sporting News magazine’s Dan Pompei ranked him the #1 RB in the draft.

If, prior to the NFL Draft, you asked me what Minnesota would do, I would have said that Braylon Edwards was a lock to be taken by the Fats at #4, because they could use a big-play wideout. But durability concerns about RBs Domanick Davis and Chris Brown meant that the backfield could not be neglected, so they traded their 1.04 and 2.04 picks to Indianapolis for this pick and QB Kurt Warner. Essentially, the Fats solidified both their running back and backup quarterback situations. Even though there's always a chance that Minnesota could be on the short end of this, the first blockbuster trade of the draft, I give the edge to Fats GM Ken Mach.

1.04 Indianapolis Hoosier Daddies — RB J.J. Arrington
This team simply crashed and burned last year after losing its top RB in an ill-timed, marijuana-induced retirement and suffering through a slew of injuries (Anquan Boldin, Correll Buckhalter, Joey Galloway). Indy has anointed Arrington as the replacement for He Who Must Not Be Named with the #4 pick. Don't get me wrong, Arrington was the only back in NCAA Division I-A to rush for over 2,000 yards, and his starting job is very much secure. And getting a high second-rounder for a QB with a suspect throwing hand is nice. But personally, I would have taken Cadillac Williams and his vision and cutback running ability any day of the week.

1.05 Houston Tethered Swimmers — WR Braylon Edwards
Even though they traded away what turned out to be the #1 overall pick, the Tethered Swimmers are still bound to improve in 2005. One reason is its fleecing of Dallas by trading RB Reuben Droughns to the Junglehawgs for RB Julius Jones and WR Charles Rogers. Then there's this pick, acquired from Carolina with WR Peerless Price for TE Eric Johnson and WR Keary Colbert. Houston's been looking to improve at wide receiver, and Jeff Rathburn hit the jackpot with Edwards. You can count on Edwards in the clutch—look no further than his performance in the fourth quarter and overtime in Michigan's incredible come-from-behind win against Michigan State last fall. ESPN NFL analyst Sean Salisbury—one of the few ex-jock TV analysts that are worth listening to—says that not only was Edwards the best receiver available, he was the best player on the board. Edwards could be an instant starter in Houston.

1.06 Arizona Outlaws — WR Troy Williamson

So what else could those darn Outlaws use? How about a speedy deep threat? Here's what CBS SportsLine's Ben Kirwan says of Williamson: "A consistent sub-4.4 40 time and an off-the-chart 41½-inch vertical leap makes up for his average route running." He comes from a run-oriented offense in South Carolina, so his high draft position—both here and in the NFL Draft—is based strictly on upside. Allen Trieu, author of NFL Draft Showcase, isn't so optimistic: "(Williamson) reminds me of Ashley Lelie and it's taking Lelie some time; it'll take Williamson the same amount."

1.07 Green Bay Ground Hogs — QB Aaron Rodgers

As you know, the knock against Rodgers is that he played under Jeff Tedford, whose passing offense is better suited for the college game than the NFL, and previous Tedford quarterbacks haven't made much of an impact in the NFL. The upside is that Rodgers has shown the poise and presence of a leader, and unlike Akili Smith or Joey Harrington, he'll be learning under future Hall of Famer Brett Favre.

That said, I would have taken either Mark Clayton or Mike Williams. Green Bay had begun rebuilding a weak WR corps last year with Roy Williams (an amazing athlete with Hall of Fame potential) and big Ernest Wilford. The QB situation looks just fine with Matt Hasselbeck and David Carr, while the WR corps is still full of slow-developing and/or underperforming players (Robert Ferguson, Taylor Jacobs, Travis Taylor).

1.08 Arizona Outlaws — WR Mike Williams

Holy cow. If the Outlaws don't beat opposing corners with Troy Williamson's speed, they can do it with Williams and his size. Mel Kiper is quick to point out that he's been running faster than what Michael Clayton ran at the Combine a year ago. He's still projected to wind up more like Keyshawn Johnson (in other words, a big possession receiver) than Randy Moss, however. But if all Williams does is catch touchdowns, that'll be just fine for the Outlaws.

1.09 Cleveland Cellar Dwellers — QB Alex Smith

Derek Maddox got the Cellar Dwellers to a .500 record with surprise production from QB Drew Brees, who was supposedly a bust; and two aging backs, Emmitt Smith and Jerome Bettis. Emmitt just retired, and the Bus won't run much longer, either. But in his first ever TUFF draft, Maddox goes with depth at QB over rebuilding at RB. Alex Smith helped transform Utah from a crappy 5-6 team to an undefeated BCS gatecrasher; as a starter, he had a 22-1 record. He's got the intangibles, but comes from a finesse passing offense and hasn't had much of a chance to consistently demonstrate strength and accuracy on long passes. If all goes well, he'll be backing up Brees this season.

1.10 Baltimore Brown Clowns — RB Eric Shelton

After three seasons, DeShaun Foster is looking more and more like an injury-prone bust. Could Baltimore have made the playoffs last year if Foster hadn't gotten hurt? Their GM, Tim Ozga, has picked up of the better power runners in the draft in Shelton, and one would think that he could get some TDs in the right situation. (That's what I thought about Jaguars RB Greg Jones last year, though.) Not only does Shelton serve as insurance for Foster, but he might start sooner than later. The Carolina Panthers took Shelton in case Stephen Davis doesn't recover from microfracture surgery on his knee. Foster came back from the same surgery, but it marked the end of the road for RB Terrell Davis and WR Patrick Jeffers.

1.11 Tennessee Taz Devils — QB Jason Campbell

In Tennessee, a backup for Donovan McNabb is an important priority. They were probably hoping that either Aaron Rodgers or Alex Smith would fall to this point, but they go with Campbell. Now, what the hell made Joe Gibbs fall in love with Campbell? Oh, now I remember: Doug-a-stalgia (Gibbs saw Doug Williams, his QB in Super Bowl XXII, in Campbell; they both wore #17).

1.12 Houston Tethered Swimmers — RB Ryan Moats

Houston's backfield needed an overhaul last year, and got it in Julius Jones and Tatum Bell. Now it's added some depth. Mel Kiper Jr. ranked Moats #5 among the RBs in this year's draft. NFL.com says: "Moats is a jitterbug type of runner with excellent quickness through the rush lanes. Has a stout build, with broad shoulders and thick thighs." Doesn't that sound sort of like Barry Sanders? It's not much of a stretch, really. Hawaii head coach June Jones called Moats "a studlier Barry Sanders," according to a November 2004 article in the Honolulu Star-Tribune. Not only did Jones coach against Moats in the WAC, but when Sanders was a Detroit Lion, Jones was Detroit's QB coach. Sanders was 5'8" and 200 lb.; Moats is 5'8" and 210 lb. Also, Moats wore #20 at Louisiana Tech in honor of Sanders. Allen Trieu says he'll be more like Amos Zereoue, but I can't blame those that think of Barry Sanders.

1.13 Chicago Blaze — RB Vernand Morency

Was Chicago crazy last year, or what?!? The Blaze had the league's weakest running attack, and looked like front-runners for the #1 pick after Week 4. But then came one of the greatest runs of luck in the history of fantasy football. Getting to the playoffs, on the other hand, means a lower pick in the draft. Fortunately, Chicago still has a chance to fill a gaping hole in his backfield. Morency is generally considered an explosive back with good vision and mobility. He finished his collegiate career with 2,661 rushing yards on 451 carries (5.9 avg.) with 23 TDs and a long of 76 yards. Some teams might have been scared off by his age (now 25, he spent a few years playing minor league baseball), but on the bright side, he doesn't have as much wear and tear as, say, Cedric Benson.

1.14 Houston Tethered Swimmers — WR Mark Clayton

The Swimmers take the player that is by far the best available at this point, even in the face of "handcuff" picks (Marion Barber III, Maurice Clarett) and needs (TE Heath Miller because Kellen Winslow II just had to try driving a motorcycle; PK Mike Nugent because Martin Gramatica may spend the rest of his career as a kickoff specialist). Rathburn tried to trade down to Indy in exchange for their 2.03 and 2.04 picks, but the Hoosier Daddies decided to stay put. Clayton's hands and speed will easily overcome his relatively small stature, and some scouts say he's the most NFL-ready of this year's receivers.

1.15 Indianapolis Hoosier Daddies — RB Frank Gore

Just looking at his 2004 season stats, you might think that Gore was getting back to his pre-knee blowout form. A game-by-game analysis reveals a couple of really good games (28 carries, 195 yards and a TD against Virginia; 124 yards on 15 carries against Georgia Tech), but in several other games, he was held under 4 yards per carry. Gore doesn't have the speed he once had, but then again, knee injuries are not the career-killers they once were. Jamal Lewis has recovered from surgeries on both knees, and Willis McGahee has overcome one of the most severe knee injuries ever to start in Buffalo. Indy dealt its 2.03 and 3.03 picks to get Gore.

1.16 New Orleans Peeping Toms — RB Maurice Clarett

Over the last three years, the Peeping Toms' fortunes have rested with the health of RB Priest Holmes. After last year, when Holmes hurt his knee, Tommy Hartdegen has decided to get additional depth at running back. Clarett becomes an intriguing gamble here, because while he is a Denver Bronco, boy, his Combine performance and character issues should have caused him to drop to Round 5 in the NFL Draft. He ran 4.72 and 4.82 times in the 40-yard dash at the scouting combine—only slightly faster than the fastest offensive lineman—then quit. On March 31, during a vigorous solo workout, he was only slightly faster (4.68). Next thing I know, alone come those damn Broncos, who only took Clarett at the end of Round 3 because they didn't have any picks in Round 4 or 5.

2.01 Houston Tethered Swimmers — TE Heath Miller

Had Houston been on the clock with this pick just 48 hours previously, they would have snapped up PK Mike Nugent. But as I mentioned a few picks back (1.14), Kellen Winslow II did a boneheaded thing that ranks right up there with Aaron Boone's pick-up basketball game. So Houston took Miller, who is by far the best available tight end. Mel Kiper Jr. calls him "an excellent receiver and a terrific blocker—exactly what you want from a tight end." Ex-Saints GM Randy Mueller raves: "Best hands in the draft... He's the second coming of Todd Heap. He'll be a great red-zone threat right now."

2.02 Tennessee Taz Devils — WR Reggie Brown

Brown enjoys a far greater opportunity with the Eagles than most other teams would offer. He might be the #2 wideout in Philly as soon as this year because Todd Pinkston has no toughness and Freddie "FredEx" Mitchell is gone. He might even be #1 if the Terrell Owens contract situation turns into an ugly, full-fledged holdout. And that's great for the Taz, who are looking to add depth at wide receiver.

2.03 Tampa Bay Meat Goats — WR Matt Jones

4.39 speed from a 6'6", 242-lb. guy? That was faster than Braylon Edwards. This astounding combination of size and speed translates into a hell of a lot of potential. Floyd Reese, general manager of the Tennessee Titans, says Jones is the best athlete to come into the NFL Draft in six or seven years. Oh, and he ran for 622 yards (7.5 per carry) last year, too, which is an SEC record for rushing yards in a season by a QB. The big question, of course, is how well and how quickly Jones will learn his new position. With Torry Holt, Michael Clayton and Donald Driver, the Goats can afford to wait for the answer to that question.

2.04 Arizona Outlaws — RB Ciatrick Fason

The Outlaws were concerned that the Carolina Convicts would take Fason at 2.05, and leapfrogged ahead of them. Fason compares himself to Shaun Alexander; now he's part of a crowded Minnesota Viking backfield with Michael Bennett, Onterrio Smith, Mewelde Moore and Moe Williams. In the NFL Draft, Fason fell to Round 4 in part because he was the Florida Gators' starting tailback for only a year, and in retrospect, he should have stayed for his senior year. That's his loss, and a big loss for a lot of fantasy owners, but still a gain for Mike Tice and Jeff Zamzow, both of whom traded up in the draft to get him. (Editor's note 5-11-05: According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, in April, Onterrio Smith was caught at the airport with a kit designed to beat drug tests called "The Whizzinator" that includes prosthetic, er, private parts and dried urine. If Smith gets suspended, the Outlaws will have saved some face by getting Fason since he'll be getting more touches than previously expected. The Convicts would win out, too, since Moore could get some of Smith's touches as well.)

2.05 Carolina Convicts — WR Roddy White

A first-round WR drops this far? Sure, White may come from a small school, but Mel Kiper thinks very highly of him (one of his top 5 WRs and top 20 overall players going into the NFL Draft). Allen Trieu says he's "a big, sturdy target with the tools to become a go-to receiver in the NFL." The Falcons' selection of White shows their disappointment with the receivers they spent #1 picks on in previous years and were supposed to be Michael Vick's targets (Peerless Price by trade in 2003; Michael Jenkins last year). This was a great value pick, and also, White may already be more polished than two receivers that went before him, Troy Williamson and Matt Jones.

2.06 Dallas Junglehawgs — QB Adrian McPherson

He was kicked off the Florida State football team a couple of years ago after stealing a blank check from a truck tire shop and forging it in the amount of $3500, perhaps to fuel a gambling habit (he was subsequently charged with illegal gambling for placing bets on the Internet). On the other hand, last year, he kicked ass in the Arena Football League as the Indiana Firebirds' QB. Most notably, he was the 3rd-leading rusher in the league, which is impressive when you consider how pass-happy the AFL can be. That means he can hurt opposing teams with his legs as well as his arm.

2.07 Green Bay Ground Hogs — PK Mike Nugent

Houston and Green Bay had both been eyeing him for some time. And the Nuge is probably going to be the best kicker to come out of college in several years. I remember the 55-yard field goal he drilled to win the game against Marshall last year. Yes, kickers do win games here in TUFF—consider Mike Vanderjagt's performance for Carolina against Chicago in Week 14 in 2003, for example.

2.08 Indianapolis Hoosier Daddies — WR Mark Bradley

Upon being selected by da Bears, Mel Kiper called this "one of the best picks of the draft so far." Bradley played defensive back at Arkansas-Pine Bluff, then was converted to WR after transferring to Oklahoma. He's raw but has plenty of potential. He's not the first to go from defensive back to wide receiver—Roy Green made the same move with the then-St. Louis Cardinals in the mid-1980s. Bradley is bad news for the owners of Justin Gage, Bobby Wade and Bernard Berrian, as any playing time Bradley gets will come at their expense.

2.09 Cleveland Cellar Dwellers — RB Marion Barber III

In 2003, MB3 shredded the Michigan defense for 197 yards on 21 carries. That's no easy task. I had followed him from that point in hopes that he'd get a really good NFL opportunity. I wish him all the best in bucking the general rule that Big Ten backs don't fare well in the NFL, but those that do succeed—like Eddie George—have been so few and far between.

2.10 Baltimore Brown Clowns — RB Alvin Pearman

Praised for his receiving skills, Pearman could make an excellent third-down back. He once caught 16 passes in a game against Florida State for 134 yards and a touchdown. The Brown Clowns took him here as a "handcuff" pick. But I see Pearman more as a receiver out of the backfield than as the "heir apparent" to Fred Taylor.

2.11 New Orleans Peeping Toms — WR Terrence Murphy

Murphy could overtake Robert Ferguson for the #3 WR spot in Green Bay this year. Not bad for a player that didn't play WR until college (he was a QB in high school). Speed is his strength (4.39 in the 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine).

2.12 Denver Devils — RB Brandon Jacobs

Denver finally gets into this draft by acquiring this pick from San Diego, and takes a player I was seriously considering at 2.13. Jacobs could get some red-zone carries for the Giants if Tom Coughlin still doesn't trust Tiki Barber (Barber had a bunch of red-zone fumbles in 2003, but improved greatly on that last year). More to the point, Jacobs, one of the biggest RBs in NFL history, could be more successful than his predecessor, Ron "Double Wide" Dayne, as the "thunder" portion of the G-Men's "thunder and lightning" running attack. One caveat: He runs too upright (like Justin Fargas).

2.13 Chicago Blaze — WR Vincent Jackson

Why Jackson, when Chicago has plenty of depth at wide receiver, and not another running back? Because I decided to take the best player on the board, silly. Jackson gives the San Diego Chargers another big red zone weapon to go with Antonio Gates. He's got the same height and speed as the more heralded Mike Williams, and his receivers coach is Hall of Famer James Lofton. Besides, after Clarence Moore's success in going from Division I-AA to the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens, I won't judge Jackson by the conference he played in. That's the mistake I made with Moore last year (see my 2004 Draft Wrapup to see what I mean).

2.14 Cleveland Cellar Dwellers — TE Alex Smith #2

The Cellar Dwellers picked up both Alex Smiths! What the heck were the odds of that? Alex Smith #2 could stand to gain some upper-body strength, but he didn't become the consensus #2 tight end (behind Heath Miller) for nothing. According to his NFL.com scouting profile, he already has the size, quickness and precise route running to give slower linebackers and smaller safeties the willies.

2.15 Denver Devils — WR Roscoe Parrish

Parrish will be more like Santana Moss or Az Hakim (small, better suited as slot receiver or a return man); both the Buffalo Bills and Denver Devils reached on this guy.

2.16 Minnesota Fats — WR Jerome Mathis

Mathis had the fastest 40-yard dash at the Combine (4.32). However, according to Dan Pompei of Sporting News magazine, he's been inconsistent, doesn't relish blocking responsibilities and has character issues. Allen Trieu sees him working out of the slot.

3.01 Houston Tethered Swimmers — QB Andrew Walter

The 6'6" Walter was expected to be the #1 or #2 QB in this year's draft going into the 2004 college football season. But a crappy Arizona State team and offseason shoulder surgery dropped his stock. Which means the Raiders—and with them, the Houston Tethered Swimmers—could be big winners; Kerry Collins will continue to start until Walter is ready. Walter set a Pac-10 record with 85 career TD passes, breaking John Elway's record (77), so the Raiders (and the Swimmers) may have gotten a Round 1 QB in Round 3.

3.02 Tennessee Taz Devils — QB Charlie Frye

A year after passing on Eli Manning, the Taz get not one, but two rookie quarterbacks. Frye may come from the same conference as Byron Leftwich, Chad Pennington and Ben Roethlisberger, but don't forget, they all went in the first round of their respective NFL Drafts, while Frye went in Round 3. Also, NFL.com's Gil Brandt—the former Cowboys director of player personnel who helped revolutionize the scouting business in the early 1970s—says Frye has small hands and grips the ball a little funny, which may be a problem in windy weather.

3.03 Tampa Bay Meat Goats — WR Roydell Williams

Who in the blue hell is Roydell Williams? Mel Kiper knows, as he rated him as a third-rounder. I wonder what makes Kiper like him so much. USA Today Sports Weekly pegged him as a 5th or 6th round pick, noting that he missed 2002 with a broken leg.

3.04 Minnesota Fats — QB Stefan LeFors

As far as quarterbacks are concerned, 2005 may have been short on sure-fire future starters like Roethlisberger and Eli Manning, but there's no shortage of long-term projects. Allen Trieu calls LeFors a sleeper. He saw him going in Round 4 and adds, "He might even end up starting for someone really soon." He's speedy for a QB, too (4.53 in the 40-yard dash, fastest among this year's rookie QBs).

3.05 Denver Devils — WR Courtney Roby

As the owner of a Tennessee Titans wide receiver, I considered taking Courtney Roby for "handcuff" purposes, and would have easily taken him over Roydell Williams and Brandon Jones. Two reasons why: He's speedy (4.33 40yd) and fearless enough to catch the ball in traffic. Not many speedsters have any toughness, and not many tough guys have much in the way of speed.

3.06 Dallas Junglehawgs — WR Fred Gibson

He could be a steal if you only consider his height (6'4") and speed (4.50). Not so much if you consider his history of minor injuries, lack of toughness (not a very good blocker; "lacks courage and size to combat for the ball in traffic" per NFL.com) and checkered past (suspended on multiple occasions for lack of effort; suspended along with teammates for selling their 2002 SEC championship rings). Maybe Bill Cowher can tighten a loose screw or two.

3.07 Green Bay Ground Hogs — WR Craphonso "Cro" Thorpe

Thorpe makes sense as a "handcuff" pick and a developmental prospect, which makes him a fine fit in Green Bay. 2004 was an off-year for him as he was still working his way back from the horrific broken leg (both the tibia and the fibula were fractured) he suffered during a game in November 2003. The good news is that he's got his speed back (4.37 in the 40yd dash). The bad news? He'll need to add some strength to compete in the NFL, and more importantly, toughness. I had him low on my draft board because, to me, he most closely resembles... Todd Pinkston.

3.08 Indianapolis Hoosier Daddies — QB Kyle Orton

Like Walter, Orton also was highly regarded before a mid-season slump and a torn abdominal muscle pulled him down. He's making another transition—in addition to going from college ball to the NFL, he's got to get used to taking snaps under center (he worked primarily from the shotgun while at Purdue). A worthwhile sleeper considering that the Bears' QB situation changes more than the cast of "ER."

3.09 Cleveland Cellar Dwellers — RB Damien Nash

Like a few other junior running backs, Nash would have been far better off staying another year. But this cocky, immature individual left Mizzou in late November after disagreements with the coaching staff. He finished his college career with a whimper (62 yards on 24 carries over his final two games). An ACL tear in 2002 doesn't help his case at all, either.

3.10 Baltimore Brown Clowns — WR Chris Henry

Another entry in the loose hardware department. "Rolls Royce talent with a ten-cent head," someone once said years ago about another young wide receiver, Michael Westbrook, and that label sticks well on Henry. He's had his share of suspensions at West Virginia, and, to coin a phrase that WWE wrestlers Edge and Christian used to use, he so totally reeks of immaturity. There's a chance that his new coach, Marvin Lewis, can keep him from falling out of line.

3.11 New Orleans Peeping Toms — WR Brandon Jones

Allen Trieu says Jones may be a steal. He didn't get much exposure in Oklahoma, playing alongside Mark Clayton and Mark Bradley. He may get some if he beats out Roydell Williams and Courtney Roby, but right now, I have Roby pegged as the favorite among the three WRs the Titans drafted.

3.12 San Diego Slewage — RB Cedric Houston

The Slewage finally join the party with this guy. He didn't put up big numbers in his team's biggest games, he hasn't been consistently healthy, and he hasn't measured up to Tennessee Volunteer predecessors Travis Henry and Jamal Lewis. His three best games last year were against Louisiana Tech, Vanderbilt and South Carolina, three of the weakest opponents on the Vols' 2004 schedule; SEC champion Auburn, on the other hand, was able to contain him.

3.13 Houston Tethered Swimmers — RB Anthony Davis

Just my humble opinion, but the undersized Davis is more likely to be a kick returner; the Colts already have Dominic "Colossus of" Rhodes for 3rd down/backfield receiver duties, although if Edgerrin James gets hurt, Davis would be the 3rd-down back with Rhodes taking over as the primary back.

3.14 Pittsburgh BIG PAPAS — RB Darren Sproles

Now it's Pittsburgh's turn to make a pick, having dealt away its first two picks during the 2004 season. Sproles is speedy and elusive, no doubt, but he can't take much pounding. Like Davis, he'll probably start out as a kickoff/punt return specialist with some touches as a 3rd-down back mixed in.

3.15 Tampa Bay Meat Goats — QB Derek Anderson

Well, you never know, as long as Brian Billick is the Ravens' coach, maybe just one of those Ravens' QBs will be one that can take his team down the field through the air.

3.16 Tampa Bay Meat Goats — PK Dave Rayner

A possible rationale for Rayner: The Indianapolis Colts might let high-priced kicker Mike Vanderjagt walk after 2005 so they can spend more bucks on their defense, and hand over the placekicking job to this kid from Michigan State (the same school as Morten Andersen and Paul Edinger). He was 22-for-31 last year, but from 49 yards or less, he was 20-for-24 (83.3%).

4.01 Houston Tethered Swimmers — QB Dan Orlovsky

A four-year starter at UConn, Orlovsky put that school on the map of NCAA football. He has NFL size and has proven himself to be tough and durable. But according to Scouts, Inc., he doesn't have a great deal of arm strength; Gil Brandt says he doesn't have much mobility. If he did, he'd draw more comparisons to the Chicago Blaze's Ben Roethlisberger. Nonetheless, he was a very good value pick by the Lions in the NFL Draft, and thus, another very good value pick by Jeff Rathburn in this draft.

4.02 Tennessee Taz Devils — WR Chase Lyman

However high the medical risk (six surgeries, missed 26 games), this fluid route-runner could bring a high reward (6'3", 4.46 speed, 14 receptions for 414 yards and 5 TDs last year, before he tore a knee ligament and went under the knife for the sixth time). He applied for the NFL draft only because the NCAA refused to grant him a sixth year of eligibility.

4.03 Indianapolis Hoosier Daddies — (Skipped)

Mark Lothschutz and Joe Lutes, Indy's co-GMs, skipped town for the weekend right before their pick came up. They had allegedly talked about passing, but they could have sold the pick to get back some of the TUFFs they spent on RB Shaud Williams. Oh, well. That meant that I had one more player to pick from at 4.13 than I expected.

4.04 Tampa Bay Meat Goats — QB Matt Cassel

The Goats bought this pick from Minnesota for 10 TUFFs. They go with Cassel on account of the fact that they're collecting Patriots QBs. Still, I would have just as soon gone after him in the free agent pool right after the draft ended. Regardless of his arm or his versatility (he also played WR and TE while at Southern Cal), I don't think anyone besides the Meat Goats would have ponied up more than 5 TUFFs in free agency.

4.05 Carolina Convicts — FB Manuel White Jr.

I've read that he's a halfback trapped in a fullback's body, and that he styles his play after Eddie George. Still, his role in Washington is undefined. Will he be the H-back in Joe Gibbs' offense? A blocking fullback? A goal line back? (Editor's note: The day after I posted this, Jeff Hannan was quick to note another odd coincidence: He only drafted 2 players this year, and both are Whites, although he would have drafted them regardless of name.)

4.06 Dallas Junglehawgs — QB David Greene

Greene's got the toughness and presence of a leader, and he's durable (he played every game in four years at Georgia). Seven of his wins the result of come-from-behind rallies. But he loses zip and accuracy when throwing outside the pocket, and projects to be more of a backup than a starter in the NFL.

4.07 Green Bay Ground Hogs — RB Kay-Jay Harris

Harris is a very good downhill runner with great vision, but he's already 26 (like Vernand Morency, he spent a few years playing minor league baseball). Allen Trieu compares him to T.J. Duckett. Gil Brandt says that Harris' best bet for a decent NFL career will be at fullback. Otherwise, he'll have to battle Sammy Morris, Lamar Gordon and Travis Minor for whatever playing time Ronnie Brown will spare. He's the first undrafted free agent to go in this draft.

4.08 Arizona Outlaws — Pass

I guess the Outlaws like a certain hemp-smoking, globe-trotting jabroni (acquired from Indianapolis during the draft) too much to cut him in favor of drafting another real human being here.

4.09 Pittsburgh BIG PAPAS — WR Craig Bragg

Bragg is one of the most prolific WRs in UCLA history, which doesn't say much at all when you consider that this is the same school that brought Freddie Mitchell and J.J. Stokes. Allen Trieu likes him: "Bragg is very reliable and is a great football player plain and simple. He'll likely be a return man early on but he should work his way into the lineup pretty soon."

4.10 Baltimore Brown Clowns — TE Adam Bergen

At first, I was surprised, as Bergen wasn't even on my board (he's an undrafted free agent at a position I'm well-stocked at). But it turns out that the Arizona Cardinals really have a wide open TE competition, featuring four other names that sound like they come straight of out the 1987 edition of Who's Who of World Wrestling Federation Jobbers. I mean, Lorenzo Diamond? Bobby Blizzard? I can imagine Howard Finkel announcing their names: "In the ring to my right, from Biloxi, Mississippi, weighing two hundred fifty-five pounds, Lorenzo Diiiiiiiamond!"

4.11 New Orleans Peeping Toms — RB DeAndra Cobb

The Atlanta Falcons took him in the NFL Draft because of his kick return prowess, not for any upside he may have as a running back (at 5'10" and 196 lb., he's too small and gets taken down too easily).

4.12 Denver Devils — RB Nehemiah Broughton

Like his Redskins teammate, Manuel White Jr., "Nemo-sapien" is expected to move to fullback; his upside as a goal-line back makes him a worthwhile pick.

4.13 Chicago Blaze — RB T.A. McLendon

His stock slipped due to fumbling problems (21 fumbles in 32 games) and injuries. Well, now you know why I didn't take him in Round 3. But now that he's dropped to Round 4, he's worth a look just because the Falcons don't have much beyond Warrick Dunn and T.J. Duckett at running back.

4.14 Pittsburgh BIG PAPAS — Pass

Apparently, Pittsburgh didn't find anyone left that was worth dropping one of their 26 players for.

4.15 Tampa Bay Meat Goats — WR Larry Brackins

OK, so he's been playing on the community college level, so the only way he starts on a professional team right now is if Vince McMahon goes cuckoo and relaunches the XFL. But you've got to like his job situation in Tampa Bay, where all he has in front of him are Michael Clayton, injury-prone Joey Galloway, and inconsistent and injury-prone Ike Hilliard. A great low-risk/high-reward pick, and one I would have considered had I been weak at WR and strong at RB (instead of the other way around).

4.16 Dallas Junglehawgs — RB Lionel Gates

Denver dealt this pick to Dallas last year to get RB Michael Pittman. The trade actually burned Dallas more than it helped Denver; the Junglehawgs could have used Pittman, but instead wound up essentially trading two #1 picks to Houston for Reuben Droughns. Well, here's Dallas' only chance to burn Denver back. Lionel Gates will have to compete with Shaud Williams for playing time behind Willis McGahee—and that's provided that Travis Henry makes good on his threat to never play another down for the Buffalo Bills.