2009 NFL draft - The Way It SHOULD Happen

Josh Brewer by Correspondent Written on April 24, 2009
ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 1: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #7 of the University of Georgia sets to pass against the Michigan State Spartans at the 2009 Capital One Bowl at the Citrus Bowl on January 1, 2009 in Orlando, Florida.  (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
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The Eagles might be best served to draft Chris "Beanie" Wells here to acquire a running back that is effective between the tackles, but injury concerns haunt Wells and make Moreno the pick.

Moreno should fit well in Philly's offensive scheme and will provide insurance to the perpetually questionable Brian Westbrook.

22. Minnesota - Alphonso Smith (CB, Wake Forest)

Wide receiver is a need for the Vikings, but Percy Harvin and Darrius Heyward-Bey aren't the type Minnesota needs. If they go for a wideout, a possession receiver is a must.

Smith, however, can immediately make a difference on a defensive unit that ranked 18th in the NFL against the pass. With Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler in the division, stopping the pass is becoming a priority.

23. New England - James Laurinaitis (LB, Ohio State)

Bill Belichick drafts intelligent team players with a high football IQ and great character. With a need to infuse youth into the linebacking corps, no player may fit the Pats better than Laurinaitis.

His slip down the draft board is solely due to a poor 40 time and in time, he could be considered a steal at No. 23.

24. Atlanta - Evander "Ziggy" Hood (DT, Missouri)

Atlanta nearly drafted Glenn Dorsey with last year's No. 3 overall pick to fix the need at defensive tackle. Nothing has changed since last April. The Falcons are in dire need of a playmaker inside and Hood is just that.

His size isn't ideal, but extra time in the gym can change that. His ability to disrupt in the middle makes him a huge positional upgrade over Kindal Moorehead.

25. Miami - Hakeen Nicks (WR, North Carolina)

Ted Ginn is developing nicely as an deep threat with ability to break open the big play, but the Dolphins need a possession receiver to compliment Ginn. Greg Camarillo has played well but is probably better fit as a slot receiver.

Nicks may be shorter than Rutgers wideout Kenny Britt, but Nicks' consistent hands make him a better option.

26. Baltimore - Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR, Maryland)

As usual, Ozzie Newsome makes Baltimore a wildcard. UConn cornerback Darius Butler and Oklahoma State tight end Brandon Pettigrew will be in play, but at the end of the day, Newsome need only look 40 minutes down I-95.

Heyward-Bey will give Joe Flacco a deep threat and compliment Mark Clayton while giving Baltimore an eventual replacement for Derrick Mason.

27. Indianapolis - Peria Jerry (DT, Ole Miss)

Indy is very small at defensive tackle—neither starter tops the 265-pound mark. In a division with Steve Slaton, Maurice Jones-Drew and the Chris Johnson-LenDale White combination, that won't cut it.

Though he isn't the space eater B.J. Raji is, Jerry is a disruptive force inside and should pay immediate dividends for the Colts.

28. Buffalo (from Philadelphia via Carolina) - Brandon Pettigrew (TE, Oklahoma State)

When it comes to filling a need for Buffalo, options are somewhat limited here. The Bills need a defensive end to aid in the pass rush, but Tampa Bay may be the only team that thinks Michael Johnson is first-round material.

Buffalo also needs a pass-catching tight end, and while Pettigrew isn't a downfield threat, his balanced play will help both the pass and run games.

29. New York Giants - Kenny Britt (WR, Rutgers)

With Plaxico Burress gone, the Giants lack a true deep threat receiver for Eli Manning. While the best options for the Giants, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Jeremy Maclin, are long gone, Britt is nearly two inches taller while clocking in with speed nearly identical to Maclin's.

Britt's attitude has come into question but shouldn't be a problem in Tom Coughlin's locker room.

30. Tennessee - Robert Ayers (DE, Tennessee)

The team with the league's best record in 2008 doesn't have a burning need on either side of the ball. Tennessee is aging at defensive end and Ayers, a work-in-progress with good upside, can be a situational player before taking over a starting spot in a year or two.

31. Arizona - Chris "Beanie" Wells (RB, Ohio State)

Though Edgerrin James is still on the roster, he won't be when the season begins in September.

Wells is a strong downhill runner that can give the Cardinals a between-the-tackles running game they didn't necessarily have with James. Wells will need to work on his receiving skills to become a true weapon for Arizona.

32. Pittsburgh - Max Unger (OL, Oregon)

It is no secret that Pittsburgh's offensive line is in dire need of an upgrade, even after last year's Super Bowl victory. Unger may be the most versatile offensive lineman in the draft and will be able to play wherever Mike Tomlin chooses to put him.

Not first-round material ...

Percy Harvin (WR, Florida) - In short, he's a Devin Hester-type player: Lots of big-play ability that doesn't convert well to the pro game. Look for Harvin to follow in the underachieving footsteps of Florida wide receivers Travis Taylor, Chad Jackson, Jabar Gaffney, Jacquez Green and Taylor Jacobs.

Michael Johnson (DE, Georgia Tech) -
Call him what you will, Johnson is a product of offseason hype more than anything else. He was a projected top-10 pick before the 2008 college season began and he all but disappeared on the field during his senior season. He has a ton of upside but isn't worth a first-round pick.

Eben Britton (OT, Arizona) - Britton falls out of the first round based on need more than anything. Minnesota is high on the former Wildcats tackle but has more pressing needs at the moment. Britton could be a gem for a team at the front of the second round.

Vote Now! - Author Poll

Is Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford the right choice at No. 1?

  • Absolutely!
  • Probably, but there are other options
  • Someone else may be better
  • No way!
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

Is Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford the right choice at No. 1?

  • Absolutely!

    14.3%
  • Probably, but there are other options

    4.8%
  • Someone else may be better

    19.0%
  • No way!

    61.9%
  • Total votes: 21
(0)
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written on April 24, 2009 Preview/Prediction

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