2005 NFL draft

The draft was held at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City[1][2] and was televised for the 26th consecutive year, with coverage on ESPN and ESPN2.

It was the first to be held at the Javits Center, as Madison Square Garden had been utilized for drafts since 1995.

[3] The draft is perhaps best known for quarterback Aaron Rodgers' slide to the 24th selection despite his projection as one of the top picks.

[5][6][7] The fall has drawn retrospective scrutiny because of Smith's tumultuous time in San Francisco combined with Rodgers' comparatively much more fruitful tenure with Green Bay.

[8][9][10][11] Compensatory selections were distributed among 14 teams, with the Philadelphia Eagles and St. Louis Rams garnering the most with four picks each.

Quarterback Alex Smith , taken first overall, struggled for his first few years before becoming a solid starter after 2011 for the San Francisco 49ers , a Pro Bowler with the Kansas City Chiefs and a starter with the Washington Redskins . He overcame a severe leg injury in his final season.
Cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones , taken sixth overall, enjoyed a long career despite several off-field incidents.
Linebacker DeMarcus Ware , taken 11th overall, was a stalwart on the Dallas Cowboys defense before finishing his career with the Denver Broncos .
Linebacker Shawne Merriman , taken 12th overall, was a three-time All-Pro and led the NFL in sacks in 2006.
Aaron Rodgers , taken 24th overall, is regarded as one of the most talented quarterbacks of all time and holds the record for lowest career interception percentage.
Receiver Roddy White , taken 27th overall, was a four-time Pro Bowler and holds many Atlanta Falcons receiving records.
Tight end Heath Miller , taken 30th overall, won two Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was a fan favorite.
Receiver Vincent Jackson , taken 61st overall in the second round, was a three-time Pro Bowler with the San Diego Chargers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers .
Running back Frank Gore , taken 65th overall in the third round, currently ranks third on the NFL's all-time career rushing list.
Defensive end Justin Tuck , drafted 74th overall in the third round, won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants and was a two-time All-Pro .
Guard Richie Incognito , drafted 81st overall, is a four-time Pro Bowler but has also drawn controversy, including a bullying scandal in 2013.
Running back/kick returner Darren Sproles , drafted in the fourth round, has the fifth-most career all-purpose yards in the NFL.
Ryan Fitzpatrick , drafted in the seventh round, started for nine different teams during his long career as a journeyman quarterback .