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The Bears took a shot in the dark with Michigan State DE Ervin Baldwin, as did the Chiefs with Gardner-Webb DE Brian Johnston — two developmental pass rushers who will struggle to make rosters.
After drafting Brian Brohm in the second round, the Packers added another passer in LSU QB Matt Flynn, who could contend for a No. 3 job. A one-year starter, he lacks experience but does have some tools with which to work.
All the final round usually leaves is developmental prospects, and many others continued to come off the board, including Arkansas OT Nate Garner (Jets), Ohio State OLB Larry Grant (49ers), Ohio DT Landon Cohen (Lions) and Northwestern State (La.) OT Demetrius Bell (Bills), the son of basketball great Karl Malone. Garner has size but limited experience. Grant was a one-year starter and could help on special teams. Cohen and Bell both are athletic but underpowered and need to get stronger.
Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio drafted another player from his alma mater, after taking Thomas Williams in the fourth round, by selecting USC RB Chauncey Washington in the seventh round. Washington ran extremely well at his pro day, clocking in the low-4.4s, and if he could toughen up, he could earn a No. 3 job.
Lions GM Matt Millen, whose son Marcus plays football for Army, gave his son's teammate Caleb Campbell a chance to make the squad. Campbell's best chance for the Lions may be as a weak-side linebacker.
Arizona State S Josh Barrett surprisingly slid to the seventh round in part because of questions about his work habits, mental makeup and overall football character, but the Broncos landed a very physically gifted talent who has a chance if he learns to take the game more seriously.
Unlike Bears' first-round pick Chris Williams, Georgia OT Chester Adams is big, strong and powerful. He has good versatility, having lined up at right tackle as a senior, and should be able to compete for playing time inside.
Northern Iowa ORT Brandon Keith was off some boards for various reasons, but he is big, strong and physical and fits Cardinals O-line coach Russ Grimm's profile of an offensive lineman like a glove. Under Grimm's tutelage, he could become a solid pro if he can stay healthy.
Other size prospects, including Auburn's King Dunlap (Eagles), Texas A&M's Corey Clark (Chargers), Buffalo's Jamey Richard (Colts) and Oregon's Geoff Schwartz (Panthers) fell into the seventh round, and all will likely earn roster spots and provide depth. Dunlap is a gentle giant who plays too soft. Clark has great mass and may help more at guard than tackle. Richard is nasty and really could benefit from the tutelage of OL coach Howard Mudd. Schwartz is strong and flashes some power and could turn out to be a seventh-round value.
Some solid developmental receivers came off the board, including Kentucky's Steve Johnson (Bills), San Diego State's Chaz Schilens (Raiders) and Michigan's Adrian Arrington (Saints). Johnson adds size to the Bills' lineup. Schilens' great measurables surely intrigued Al Davis. The Saints traded back into the seventh round to land Arrington, who, despite questions about his character, has great football intelligence and came on late in the season. He could turn out to be a pleasant surprise if the Saints can keep him in line.
Two blocking tight ends — LSU's Keith Zinger (Falcons) and Central Florida's Mike Merritt (Chiefs) — both could battle for jobs as unsung blockers, but will struggle to make it.
Oklahoma RB Allen Patrick could turn out to be a solid special-teams player for the Ravens. Injury and intelligence issues pushed him down draft boards.
The Bears, with a draft marked by character and injury concerns, drafted two more who fit the categories, respectively, in Ohio State OT Kirk Barton and Arkansas WR Marcus Monk.
The final three picks of the draft have a chance to make clubs. The Panthers may have found some depth on their offensive line with the selection of Bentley OG Mackenzy Bernadeau. He is big and naturally athletic and adds versatility to play guard or tackle. Pittsburgh CB Kennard Cox might be remembered most for getting exposed opposite Darrelle Revis as a junior, but kicked inside to safety he could make the Bills' roster. The Rams also could hit on Idaho OLB David Vobora, who is smart, disciplined and athletic enough to become a staple on special teams.
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