18. Houston Texans (8-8) Needs: OL, DB, RB, WR, LB
Dominic Rodgers-Cromartie Tennessee State
The Texans will likely agonize over this decision with Jonathan Stewart still on the board as well. However, I believe they will decide not to add another running back with injury problems. DRC has unparalleled athletic talent and could be the kind of difference maker in the defensive backfield the Texans need.
The Texans added Jacque Reeves in the off-season but still lack a premier talent in the secondary. Rodgers-Cromartie could play corner or safety, and the Texans could experiment using him in a number of positions. DRC's versatility will make him a steal here and assuming he can adjust to NFL defensive schemes, the Texans could be getting a premier play maker at 18.
19. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) Needs: WR, S, OL, TE, LB
Jerod Mayo LB Tennessee
Donovan McNabb may not like this pick and a player like Cal's DeSean Jackson would be a brilliant move here, giving the Eagles a receiver with return ability and big play capabilities. However, the Eagles prefer bigger receivers and feel as though they have bigger needs else where.
Safety and offensive line could be more pressing issues, but with Otah gone and neither Arkansas State's Tyrelle Johnson nor Miami's Kenny Phillips warrant consideration here. Mayo has been blasting up draft boards with his speed and tenacity, although may still be a reach here.
DeSean Jackson makes more sense to me, but Mayo would help a defense that struggled to consistently get stops last season.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) Needs: CB, WR, LB, OL, RB
DeSean Jackson WR California
If the Eagles fail to act on one of the most explosive players in the draft, be sure the Bucs will. Jackson was a star in the Pac-10 returning kicks, a department in which the Buccaneers have been historically inept. Outside of Grandpa Galloway, Tampa Bay has virtually no dynamic component to its offense. Michael Clayton has not been the same receiver since his rookie season and "Cadillac Williams" has been in the shop too much to make an impact.
The Bucs were a playoff team in a weak conference last season and with an upgrade on the perimeter, they could be there again. Jackson would give Jeff Garcia another deep threat and has the kind of talent to take a bubble screen 80 yards to the house. Not only would it help Jeff Garcia, but it would make Clayton and Galloway's job much easier.
21. Washington Redskins (9-7) Needs: DL, WR, OL, DB, LB
Phillip Merling DE Clemson
I am sure the Redskins would gladly give up this pick to get Chad Johnson, but the Bengals have seemingly ended that possibility. Still, the Redskins would like to get a wide receiver in the first round and Malcolm Kelly or Limas Sweed definitely will draw consideration.
Ultimately though, I believe the Redskins will look to bolster their defensive line with Merling. The former Clemson stand-out would give tenacity and toughness to an aging Redskin pass-rush. I would not be surprised to see a receiver here, although both Kelly and Sweed carry second round grades on some boards.
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