NFL

Grading the draft: AFC West

By Times Staff Writer
Published April 24, 2005

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OAKLAND RAIDERS

First selection (Round 1, No. 23 overall): FABIAN WASHINGTON, DB, Nebraska

Height: 5-10.Weight: 188.

Scouting report: A workout-wonder who easily could have slipped under the radar until today, Washington's blazing 4.29 speed at the combine raised his stock and made him some money. And everyone knows, no one loves speed more than Raider owner Al Davis. The Raiders have big needs at corner and likely will slot Washington as the starter opposite Charles Woodson.

Other selections: STANFORD ROUTT, CB, Houston; ANDREW WALTER, QB, Arizona State; KIRK MORRISON, ILB, San Diego State.

Grade: A-

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

First selection (Round 1, No. 12 overall): SHAWNE MERRIMAN, DE, Maryland

Height: 6-4.Weight: 273.

Scouting report: Described as a great combination of speed and football savvy, Merriman's stock rose after the postseason workouts and hasn't stopped climbing. He bulked up to 273 pounds and says he can handle playing as a down-lineman every snap, something he didn't do in college. They needed help on the defensive line, and they hope they got it.

Other selections: LUIS CASTILLO, DT, Northwestern; VINCENT JACKSON, WR, Northern Colorado.

Grade: A-

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

First selection (Round 1, No. 15 overall): DERRICK JOHNSON, LB, Texas

Height: 6-3.Weight: 242.

Scouting report: This guy's a tremendous tackler and playmaker and will bring to the Chiefs a sparkle of a memory of the late Derrick Thomas. In 2004, Johnson put up numbers that were downright scary. In 12 games, he had 130 tackles, two sacks, 8 pass break-ups and an NCAA-record nine forced fumbles. The Chiefs need help defense and this guy was the best linebacker in college.

Other selections: DUSTIN COLQUITT, P, Tennessee.

Grade: B

DENVER BRONCOS

First selection (Round 2, No. 56 overall): DARRENT WILLIAMS, CB, Oklahoma State.

Height: 5-9.Weight: 180.

Scouting report: It's hard to get a handle on what impact Williams will have because his 2004 campaign was shortened to seven games by a fractured forearm. Williams will get a chance to learn from Champ Bailey and that's a positive sign. But the Broncos need depth on the offensive line and didn't address it.

Other selections: KARL PAYMAH, DB, Washington State; DOMONIQUE FOXWORTH, DB, Maryland; MAURICE CLARETT, RB, Ohio State.

Grade: C+

[Last modified April 24, 2005, 01:03:20]

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