Erasmus James

Is a player I thought the Lions could take at 10, but slipped due to injury concerns. A hip injury as a junior was also a factor for James slipping. This is a boom-or-bust type pick. The Vikings would have taken David Pollack if he was there. But I see Pollack personally as more of 3-4 backer than a 4-3 end. I can't say I am nuts about this pick, but we shall see. Here is what the experts think of James


Scouts' take: Many felt James would be taken before Pollack, but concerns about his durability and the fact he didn't have a great combine probably caused him to slip just slightly. The good news is for Vikings fans is that James ranks just behind Pollack among DEs, making this a sound pick. While he needs to develop some lower body strength and improve his ability to defend the run, James has the initial quickness to beat the offensive lineman to the point of attack and the instincts to locate the ball carrier. He also has the athletic ability and closing speed to develop into a productive pas rusher. With this pick, Minnesota has done an excellent job of addressing it's two greatest needs in the first round.
Mel Kiper's take: A technically-sound player who understands the importance of leverage, James can rush the passer or play the run equally well. A slow 40 time hurt his stock, and he has to answer questions about his durability, but James started the 2004 season on a tear that would have made him a top 5-10 pick had he been healthy all season.

At 49, I am expecting Mike Nugent of Ohio State to be the pick. Don't rule out Barrett Rudd of Nebraska though. David Bass, and Chris Spencer are possibilties due to the versitality along the O-line.