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After my last mock draft, I decided to take a little time to not watch the World Baseball Classic and to spend time on things other than analyzing the prospects entering this year's NFL draft. But it's been over two weeks since that last shot at a mock draft, and the itch is back, so here's my eighth look into where players might go.
1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB
Is it the right pick? Do I agree with it? Would I take Stafford? The answer to all three of those questions is probably no, but I think the Lions are so desperate for a new face for their franchise that they take the quarterback from Georgia. They need to address their offensive line, but can probably come back and try to do that with their second pick in the round.
2. St. Louis Rams: Michael Crabtree, WR
Knowing that the Lions couldn't possibly take another wide receiver high in a draft, and seeing how good Crabtree is on the field, I think the Rams knew who their replacement for Torry Holt was before the veteran was released.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Jason Smith, OT
They just dealt for Matt Cassell hoping he would become the quarterback of their future. While they'll be tempted to take LB Aaron Curry here, I think they'll opt to protect their signal caller instead.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Eugene Monroe, OT
They've see a number of veteran offensive lineman leave via free agency over the past few years, but appear to be committed to Matt Hasselback as their quarterback. If they are, they'll want to keep him healthy so they aren't drafting fourth again next year. Monroe is the best tackle on the board here.
5. Cleveland Browns: Aaron Curry, LB
They'll be the most interesting team in the draft this year with their ability to move either Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn. I think they'll look to bulk up their defense here, and maybe sneak into the back of the round in a deal for one of their quarterbacks for a shot at a running back.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: BJ Raji, DT
They're probably praying for Crabtree to fall, and will be tempted by Orakpo, but Raji is the best defensive tackle in the class this year and brings an inside versatility to their defense that they've lacked.
7. Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin, WR
They've invested their last two picks in a quarterback and running back, and need someone to catch the ball from JaMarcus Russell. Maclin's the second best receiver in this draft and has been linked to Oakland for quite some time.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mark Sanchez, QB
The Jags might be a player to move down and add depth to their running game or a linebacker, but there have been indications that they're taking a fairly public liking to the USC quarterback. After letting Byron Leftwich go and committing to David Garrard, they might now be looking for another man to run the show.
9. Green Bay Packers: Aaron Maybin, DE
The Penn State end has seen his stock mirror the Dow since his season ended, but he now seems to be settling in around the 7-12 range in the first round. The Packers are looking for an athletic end/outside linebacker as they transition to a 3-4 this year, so Maybin makes sense.
10. San Francisco 49ers: Robert Ayers, DE
There have been few players that have moved up the rankings after the combine as much as Ayers, who had a solid career at Tennessee. It's a safe assumption that coach Mike Singletary wants a strong defense, and Ayers would fill a need here.
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