(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
This is the last in a series of mock drafts I have done since the '09 off season began. I will try my best to adopt it according to the current draft stock of each player, but please feel free to comment on any pick.
1. Lions - Matthew Stafford QB
It seems pretty clear now the Lions are in love with Stafford. I was adamant all off season that the Lions needed to shore up their offensive line, but that can be addressed later.
Stafford had a pretty good combine and did well enough at his pro day to solidify his position at No. 1. It seems like everyone is in limbo waiting for a deal to be done.
2. Rams - Jason Smith OT
The Rams just hired defensive guru Steve Spagnuolo, and are looking for the guy who can turn their team into a contender. Not two years ago, the Rams were picked by some to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Several injuries and back-to-back two win seasons later, they find themselves at the No. 2 spot for the second consecutive year.
Orlando Pace is getting old and they have good enough talent on defense for Spagnuolo to work with, so they need to find a solid player for the offensive line, which let Marc Bulger run for his life on many occasions. Jason Smith has emerged as the best offensive talent in this year's draft and should be a lock to be selected here if the Lions pass.
3. Chiefs - Brian Orakpo DE/OLB
There are many words to describe the lackluster performance by the Chiefs' pass rush this season, the best of those seems to be 'non-existent.' Giving up their best pass rusher Jared Allen last season, they can look to make that deal great for them.
They already have young and potentially great OL Brandan Albert with that trade, and by taking Orakpo they will replace Allen's presence as a pass rushing threat. With 4.6-4.7 speed, they will have the option at turning Orakpo into an outside linebacker, and have him put his hand in the grass on passing situations. Orakpo is a versatile player, and will be an immediate help to a poor defense.
People seem to think they will take Curry here because he is widely regarded as the best defensive player, but knowing Scott Pioli he will look to beef up his defensive line.
4. Seahawks - Michael Crabtree WR
Incredible how injuries can derail a season. At one point in the season, the Seahawks had seven injured receivers, and were seemingly picking guys up off the street to catch passes for them. That coupled with Matt Hasselbeck's back injury spelled disaster for the 'Hawks in '08. Even with the WR core healthy, they should take Crabtree here. He is a guy who will bring them back to contention in their division.
Hard to imagine an offense failing with Crabtree and TJ Houshmanzadeh on the outsides.
5. Browns - Aaron Curry LB
Once again, the Browns defense refused to show up at all for the entire season, save for maybe the game against the Colts. With the hiring of Eric Mangini, they can look to turn their defensive struggles around, which begins by getting some talent in the draft.
Aaron Curry is a gamer. He recorded three touchdowns this season and four interceptions. He has great speed and will be able to come in and make an immediate impact playing behind Shaun Rogers. The Browns will have to fix their defense if they want to make the playoffs in 2009.
6. Bengals - Eugene Monroe OT
With Palmer coming off of elbow surgery, it is unclear whether or not the Bengals should go with a tackle or quarterback. I'll assume for the sake of my article that he will come back 100 percent.
The Bengals have a glaring weakness in their pass protection, and no matter what their QB situation is (in my opinion) they should go with a tackle.
With Jason Smith already selected, Monroe is the next best choice. He is 6'6", weighing in at 315, and is a tremendous pass blocker. He will be there to block whoever-they-start's blind side for years.
7. Raiders - Michael Johnson DE
If Crabtree can miraculously make his way down to No. 7, the Raiders will go with him. Seeing as how that's nearly impossible to fathom, I'll stay within the realm of reality.
For the life of me, I cannot figure out what Al Davis' problem is with drafting only flashy positions in the first round.
Since 2000, he has taken a CB, RB, WR, or QB with seven of his 11 selections in that time frame. He wonders why his QB is always running for his life.
That being said, I think he might realize his mistakes and take someone who will help his horrible defense, although I feel like he should take an OL.
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