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The last time I made a mock draft was before people actually decided whether they would enter the draft.
I had Sam Bradford going number one, if that tells you how long ago this was.
I do not consider myself any form of "expert" on the matter, but I think I have a fairly good idea where people will go. Keep in mind this draft DOES NOT INCLUDE TRADES.
No. 1, Detroit Lions select: OT Jason Smith (Baylor)
Just about everyone has Matthew Stafford going first. The Lions are heavily looking into free-agent quarterback, Byron Leftwich. He has a very strong arm and could benefit from sensation wide-out Calvin Johnson.
If they land Byron, the next feasible move would be a offensive tackle. The best on the board being Jason Smith.
No. 2, St. Louis Rams select: WR, Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)
With Jason Smith off the board at No. 2, they could do one of four things. They could potentially try to trade down. They could reach for Eugene Monroe, who just isn't No. 2 worthy. They could draft Stafford to replace Bulger, or they could take Michael Crabtree.
Taking Crabtree seems like the best fit. They just released Torry Holt, and Crabtree could be a good number one for years to come.
No. 3, Kansas City Chiefs select: DE, Brian Orakpo (Texas)
I know it seems unlikely that they take Orakpo over Curry, but let me tell you who their defensive ends are. Turk McBride and Alphonso Boone.
Who?
Orakpo has the fastest rising stock, being ranking by Scouts Inc. as the fourth best prospect in the draft. Orakpo is a day-one starter and will instantly make their pass-rushing better.
No. 4, Seattle Seahawks select: LB, Aaron Curry (Wake Forrest)
With LeRoy Hill and Lofa Tatupa already on roster, the Seahawks would jump at the chance to complete their line-backing core.
Simply put, they'd have to be trying to piss off there fans if they didn't take Curry here at four.
No. 5, Cleveland Browns select: DE/LB, Aaron Maybin (Penn State)
Cleveland desperately needs two things. A No. 1 cornerback, and a 3-4 linebacker to replace the 37 year old Willie McGuiness.
Aaron Maybin is a great 3-4 linebacker and the Browns should be thrilled to have him.
No. 6, Cincinatti Bengals select: OT, Eugene Monroe (Virginia)
At six, the Bengals will be faced with the decision to take either Monroe or Raji. They could opt to take the defensive tackle, but personally I think they value offence more then their defence.
A new left tackle could be good for the always-hurt franchise quarterback too.
No. 7, Oakland Raiders select: CB/S Malcomb Jenkins (Ohio State)
Everyone says Al Davis will take wide-out Jeremy Maclin, but I just don't see it happening.
With former No. 7 pick Michael Huff being a disappointment, I see Mr. Davis pulling the trigger to select former corner Malcomb Jenkins, who could honestly form into one of the best free-safetys in the league. He's a ball-hawk, but he's a tad slow. Oakland would get alot of benefit from drafting Jenkins.
No. 8, Jacksonville Jaguars select: WR, Jeremy Maclin (Missouri)
With arguably the worst receiving core going into next year, the Jaguars have to take Maclin. He's not going to be a No. 1, but he is still a huge improvement on anything they have.
Maclin will probably be considered a bust to most people, but I think he'll do his job well.
Maclin will probably be a No. 2 wide receiver, or possibly a slot receiver as his career moves on.
No. 9, Green Bay Packers select: DT, B.J. Raji (Boston College)
When Ryan Pickett is your teams best defensive tackle, you have a problem. Raji is high risk high reward, and I think the Packers will roll the dice.
If Raji pans out he could potentially be one of the best players from the draft, and maybe even the best. Just don't count on it.
No. 10, San Fransisco 49ers select: QB, Matthew Stafford (Georgia)
I know this may seem very unlikely, as the 49ers seem not to want a QB, but with Stafford on the board and nothing they truly need left, they'll be forced to take him. He'll be a nice improvement on J. T. O'Sullivan and Shaun Hill.
No. 11, Buffalo Bills select: TE, Brandon Pettigrew (Oklahoma St)
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