NFL

AFC South: grading the draft

By Times Staff Writer
Published April 24, 2005

TENNESSEE TITANS

First selection (Round 1, No. 6 overall): ADAM JONES, DB, West Virginia

Height: 5-11" Weight: 190

Scouting report: Jones, nicknamed "Pacman," has been known to gobble up receivers, regardless of his size and theirs. The Titans were in search of a prime-time corner and got one in Jones. Jones is also an accomplished return specialist and will be a difference maker once he masters the nuances of the NFL.

Other selections: MICHAEL ROOS, OT, E. Washington; COURTNEY ROBY, WR, Indiana; BRANDON JONES, WR, Oklahoma.

Grade: B+

First selection (Round 1, No. 29 overall): MARLIN JACKSON, CB, Michigan

Height: 6-0"Weight: 196

Scouting report: Coach Tony Dungy has always believed that you start with defense, and he has not had the best group with the Colts. Jackson should upgrade a secondary that had holes. Jackson was co-captain of the Woverines and started all 12 games but didn't put up dynamic numbers. He had 47 tackles, a sack, one pick and one forced fumble.

Other selections: KELVIN HAYDEN, CB, Illinois; VINCENT BURNS, DE, Kentucky.

Grade: B

First selection (Round 1, No. 16 overall): TRAVIS JOHNSON, DT, FSU

Height: 6-5" Weight: 305

Scouting report: Defensive line was the obvious need, and the Texans were able to trade down two spots and still get one of the top ones on the board. A quick, penetrating tackle, Johnson reminds some scouts of Arizona's Darnell Dockett, another Seminole standout. He finished his FSU career ranked third all-time in tackles for a loss with 42.5.

Other selections: VERNAND MORENCY, RB, Oklahoma State.

Grade: B

First selection (Round 1, No. 21 overall): MATT JONES, TE, Arkansas

Height: 6-6"Weight: 246

Scouting report: This might have been a reach for the first round, but some said that of Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher and he turned out okay. Jones, a former quarterback and basketball star, emerged as a player with no position. He stunned scouts with his combine workout and proved at the Senior Bowl that he could run receiver routes. Jones may be the steal of the draft, or a big waste of a first round pick.

Other selections: KHALIF BARNES, OT, Washington; SCOTT STARKS, CB, Wisconsin.

Grade: C

[Last modified April 24, 2005, 12:25:01]