2005 NFL Draft

The 2005 NFL Draft, held on April 23-24, 2005, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, is notable for a few key storylines, including a quarterback class that saw a mix of success and disappointment, and the emergence of several highly impactful players at other positions. While it's still somewhat early to definitively assess the Hall of Fame potential of many players from this draft, one selection in particular stands out as a future Hall of Famer. This essay will delve into the context of the 2005 NFL Draft, highlight the key selections (focusing on the first 30 picks), and discuss the notable players and the draft's lasting impact.

✦ Context of the 2005 NFL Draft

The 2005 NFL Draft took place in an era where quarterback play was becoming increasingly crucial in the league. Several teams were actively seeking their franchise quarterbacks, which contributed to the attention focused on the top quarterback prospects in this class. The draft also featured a strong class of running backs, with multiple highly touted players expected to make an immediate impact.

Another notable aspect of this draft was the presence of players from prominent college football programs who had achieved significant success at the collegiate level. This added to the excitement and anticipation surrounding the draft, as teams hoped to translate that college success to the NFL.

✦ The First Round: Quarterbacks and Running Backs Dominate

The first round of the 2005 NFL Draft saw a heavy emphasis on quarterbacks and running backs, with those positions dominating the early selections. Here's a closer look at the first 10 picks:

✦ 1. San Francisco 49ers: Alex Smith, QB, Utah

The 49ers selected Alex Smith with the first overall pick. Smith was a highly regarded quarterback coming out of Utah, known for his athleticism and decision-making. His NFL career was marked by periods of both struggle and success, ultimately finding greater success later in his career with the Kansas City Chiefs.

✦ 2. Miami Dolphins: Ronnie Brown, RB, Auburn

The Dolphins selected Ronnie Brown, a dynamic running back from Auburn, with the second overall pick. Brown was known for his versatility and ability to contribute both as a runner and receiver.

✦ 3. Cleveland Browns: Braylon Edwards, WR, Michigan

The Browns selected Braylon Edwards. He had a productive career, but was also known for some drops.

✦ 4. Chicago Bears: Cedric Benson, RB, Texas

The Bears selected Cedric Benson, a powerful running back from Texas, with the fourth overall pick. Benson's NFL career was marked by some off-field issues, but he had moments of productivity on the field.

✦ 5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, RB, Auburn

The Buccaneers also drafted a running back from Auburn, Carnell "Cadillac" Williams. Williams had a promising start to his career but was unfortunately hampered by injuries.

✦ 6. Tennessee Titans: Adam "Pacman" Jones, CB, West Virginia

The Titans selected Adam "Pacman" Jones. He was a talented player, but had off-field issues.

✦ 7. Minnesota Vikings: Troy Williamson, WR, South Carolina

The Vikings selected Troy Williamson, a wide receiver known for his speed. He did not live up to expectations.

✦ 8. Arizona Cardinals: Antrel Rolle, S, Miami (FL)

The Cardinals selected Antrel Rolle, a safety from Miami. Rolle had a long and productive NFL career, becoming a key player for multiple teams.

✦ 9. Washington Redskins: Carlos Rogers, CB, Auburn

The Redskins selected Carlos Rogers. He had a solid NFL career.

✦ 10. Detroit Lions: Mike Williams, WR, USC

The Lions selected Mike Williams, a big receiver from USC. He did not pan out in the NFL.

The remaining first-round selections included DeMarcus Ware (LB, Troy) by the Dallas Cowboys, Shawne Merriman (LB, Maryland) by the San Diego Chargers, Jammal Brown (OT, Oklahoma) by the New Orleans Saints, Thomas Davis (LB, Georgia) by the Carolina Panthers, Derrick Johnson (LB, Texas) by the Kansas City Chiefs, Travis Johnson (DT, Florida State) by the Houston Texans, David Pollack (LB, Georgia) by the Cincinnati Bengals, Erasmus James (DE, Wisconsin) by the Minnesota Vikings, Alex Barron (OT, Florida State) by the St. Louis Rams, Marcus Spears (DE, LSU) by the Dallas Cowboys, Matt Jones (WR, Arkansas) by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Mark Clayton (WR, Oklahoma) by the Baltimore Ravens, Aaron Rodgers (QB, California) by the Green Bay Packers, Jason Campbell (QB, Auburn) by the Washington Redskins, Chris Spencer (C, Mississippi) by the Seattle Seahawks, Roddy White (WR, UAB) by the Atlanta Falcons, Luis Castillo (DT, Northwestern) by the San Diego Chargers, Marlin Jackson (CB, Michigan) by the Indianapolis Colts, and Heath Miller (TE, Virginia) by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The second round saw the New England Patriots select Logan Mankins, who went on to have a very successful career.

Aaron Rodgers: A Future Hall of Famer

While the 2005 draft had a mix of successes and disappointments, one selection stands out as a future Hall of Famer: Aaron Rodgers. Selected by the Green Bay Packers with the 24th overall pick, Rodgers famously sat in the green room as he watched 23 other players get drafted before him. Despite the fact that the Packers had Brett Favre, one of the league's most established quarterbacks, they saw in Rodgers the potential to be his successor.

Rodgers eventually took over as the Packers' starting quarterback and went on to have an exceptional career. He has won multiple MVP awards and led the Packers to a Super Bowl victory. Rodgers's incredible talent, arm strength, accuracy, and football IQ have solidified his place among the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. When he becomes eligible, he is considered a lock for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

✦ Other Notable Selections and Lasting Impact

Aside from Aaron Rodgers, the 2005 NFL Draft produced several other notable players who had significant impacts on their respective teams. DeMarcus Ware became one of the premier pass rushers in the NFL, enjoying a long and successful career with the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos. Thomas Davis had a long and productive career as a linebacker, known for his toughness and leadership. Frank Gore, drafted in the 3rd round, had a long and productive career. Logan Mankins was a very successful offensive lineman.

Our Newspapers.com Football Headline of the day comes from the Desert Sun out of Palm Springs, California that posted “ Auburn shows its depth at draft” The article written by Associated Press writer John Zenor describes on on day one of the 2005 NFL Draft that the entire starting backfield of the Auburn Tigers wentin the first round of the League's Draft. Tailback Ronnie Brown was the second overall pick by the Miami Dolphins, Carnell Williams went to another Florida team, the Tampa Bay Bucs, three picks later. At the same time, Quarterback Jason Campbell was the 25th overall choice by Washington. It should be noted that Washington also selected another Auburn player with the ninth pick, cornerback Carlos Rogers.

The 2005 NFL Draft, although not as top-heavy with Hall of Fame talent as some other drafts, still produced several highly impactful players who contributed significantly to the success of their teams for many years. The draft is also a reminder of the unpredictability of the draft process, as the player who may become the greatest from this class, Aaron Rodgers, was not the first quarterback selected.