Who the Redskins Picked
Sunday, April 25, 2004; 6:12 PM
ASHBURN, Va. -- A look at the players selected by the Washington Redskins in the 2004 NFL draft (listed by name, position, college, height, weight, last year of college, hometown): Saturday
First round (No. 5 overall)
SEAN TAYLOR, S, Miami, 6-2, 231, junior, Miami, Fla.
"Like a corner playing safety," according to vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato. ... Has the speed and coverage skills to match up one-on-one with receivers in the slot when needed. ... Best asset in an ability to cover the field from sideline to sideline and limit a quarterback's options. ... Hard-hitter who specializes in big plays. ... Had 10 interceptions last year, including three returned for touchdowns. ... Also solid in run support. ... Expected to become instant starter, moving Matt Bowen to strong safety. ... Sometimes too aggressive, a trait that might need to be monitored. ... First-team All-America last year and finalist for Thorpe Award, given to nation's best defensive back. ... Also Big East Defensive Player of the Year.
Third round (No. 81 overall)
CHRIS COOLEY, TE, Utah State, 6-3, 265, senior, Logan, Utah.
Having passed on Kellen Winslow Jr. in the first round, coach Joe Gibbs found a possible H-back by trading up to selectey. ... First-team Sun Belt conference player led the nation's tight ends in receptions last year. ... Became first non-wide receiver to lead Utah State in receiving in 20 years, accounting for more than 25 percent of the team's receiving yards. ... Converted from the defensive line as a sophomore and occasionally lined up as a fullback. ... Possession pass-catcher with good blocking ability. ... Lacks breakaway speed and won't be a deep threat. ... A brainy, artsy pick: He graduated in August, 2003, with a degree in art and a 3.3 grade-point average. ... Married with a son.
Fifth round (No. 151 overall)
MARK WILSON, T, California, 6-6, 314, senior, McArthur, Calif.
Broke school record by starting all 48 games in four years with the Golden Bears. ... Played right tackle as a freshman and sophomore before moving to left tackles as a junior and senior. ... Gained more than 60 pounds in the weight room while in college. ... Seen by the Redskins as a durable, utility player on a line on which several starters are nursing injuries. ... Unusual vocation: He spent his summers working as a garlic harvester growing up in northern California.
Sixth round (No. 180 overall)
JIM MOLINARO, T, Notre Dame, 6-6, 309, senior, Bethlehem, Pa.
The closest thing to an experimental pick among the Redskins' four selections. ... Reserve defensive tackle for the Fighting Irish until he was converted to offensive starter at left tackle late in his junior season. ... Started all 11 games at left tackle last year.
© 2004 The Associated Press
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