The 2005 NFL draft was just as exciting and unpredictable as I thought it was going to be. As usual, there were some great picks, with some teams getting some quality players late in the draft, while there were also some picks that left some people scratching there heads and asking, why? Still, after all the picks were made and the dust has settled, it’s time for my take on this year’s winner and losers.

Winners

1. Dallas Cowboys – The Dallas Cowboys went into the draft with the mindset that they had to get better on defense. With the imminent move to the 3-4 defense, the Cowboys hit on both first rounds picks. At No. 11, the Dallas Cowboys selected DE Demarcus Ware out of Troy University, and then had DE Marcus Spears out of LSU fall into their laps at No. 20. The two players will make an immediate impact. Then the Cowboys selected LB Kevin Burnett in the second round out of Tennessee. He’s a disruptive playmaker who some teams had rated as a first- round talent. The pick that could go down as a huge steal was the selection of DE Chris Canty from Virginia in the fourth round. Canty, who some thought was first- round talent; saw his stock drop after a knee injury in 2004 that caused him to miss most of the season. If this player returns to form, the Dallas Cowboys will be set up for years to come.
2. Arizona Cardinals – Wow, what a job Dennis Greene has done for this franchise. With the additions of Antrelle Rolle and JJ Arrington, the Cardinals picked up two players that will definitely make an impact on both sides of the ball next season.
3. Minnesota Vikings – The Vikings, who, like the Dallas Cowboys, had two first- round draft picks, hit with both of them. The Vikings did the right thing and picked up WR Troy Williamson out of South Carolina. He is a burner who will give quarterback Dante Culpeper a great target to throw to. The Vikings then drafted DE Erasmus James out of Wisconsin who will wreak havoc on the offensive line for the Vikings next season.
4. Baltimore Ravens – The Ravens picked up WR Mark Clayton out of the University of Oklahoma with their first-round pick. Clayton will finally give the Ravens a legitimate target for Kyle Boller.  Then the Ravens added another defensive monster with the selection of Dan Cody, another player out of Oklahoma, who will help an already killer defense.

Now for the two teams that just could not get anything right;

1. Washington Redskins – The Redskins, who in the last two seasons have lost their two starting cornerbacks via free agency, did have a nice pick up with Carlos Rogers out of Auburn. But why trade a pick in next year’s draft to get QB Jason Campbell out of Auburn? The Redskins already have a starting quarterback.
2. Denver Broncos – Taking Maurice Clarette in the fourth round was a huge pick that could come back to haunt them. Don’t get me wrong. He was a great player in college, but too many questions surround this player.

Now, the wait begins. Football fans have to sit and wait until July for training camp to begin. With some of the choices other teams made, the 2005 NFL season promises to be and exciting one.