The 2009 NFL Draft (Round 1) Done Right

Joshua Lagan by Contributor Written on June 03, 2009

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NEW YORK - APRIL 25:  NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell stands with Detroit Lions #1 draft pick Matthew Stafford at  Radio City Music Hall for the 2009 NFL Draft on April 25, 2009 in New York City  (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)
(Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

I've tried doing mock drafts in the past, and they always end up with me getting frustrated. Trying to predict what people like Al Davis and Scott Pioli are going to do, is near impossible, and so I've given up.

So now, I will just post who the team's should have drafted. I take into context the team's needs, free agency, trades, retirements...and decide upon picks that will most help every team.

So here is my opinion of how the 2009 NFL Draft should have gone.

*Note* I am using the original draft order without any of the trades. So the teams picking will be slightly different than how it actually happened, but like I said before, this is my opinion of how it *should have* happened, not how it actually did.

Detroit Lions: Jason Smith

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 21:  Offensive lineman Jason Smith of Baylor runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 21, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images

The Detroit Lions will be rebuilding for at least another year. I think they should draft their franchise quarterback next year.

Jason Smith is a can't-miss prospect who will anchor the line for years. Matthew Stafford is a gamble, a huge gamble. The Lions can't afford to miss, not after going 0-16.

St. Louis Rams: Aaron Curry

NEW YORK - APRIL 25:  NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell poses with with Seattle Seahawks draft pick Aaron Curry at Radio City Music Hall for the 2009 NFL Draft on April 25, 2009 in New York City  (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

The Rams are in a similar position as the Lions. They're in a position where they can't afford to gamble. Aaron Curry is arguably the safest pick in the draft.

Their team should be greatly improved with the return from injuries, of Marc Bulger and Steven Jackson.

Their defense is the team's weak point. The Rams drafted Chris Long DE last year, Adam Carriker DE the year before, and Tye Hill CB the year before that, it's time to address their linebacker corps.

Kansas City Chiefs: Brian Orakpo

BOULDER, CO - OCTOBER 04:  Brian Orakpo #98 of the Texas Longhorns awaits action against the Colorado Buffaloes at Folsom Field on October 4, 2008 in Boulder, Colorado. Texas defeated Colorado 38-14.  (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

What the Chiefs need most is a pass rush. Tamba Hali, and Glenn Dorsey, so far haven't panned out as well as they Chiefs hoped.

But with Brian Orakpo coming off the edge, he might be able to spring a fire in those young defensive linemen.

This is a very talented group, and Brian might be the difference maker to turn this D-Line into a surprise group next year.

Seattle Seahawks: Matthew Stafford

NEW YORK - APRIL 25:  Detroit Lions #1 draft pick Matthew Stafford poses for photographers with his family after his selection in the 2009 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 25, 2009 in New York City  (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

The Seahawks eventually decide upon their quarterback of the future. Matt Hasselbeck is 33, and coming off a tough injury, and Seneca Wallace is not the long term answer.

If they didn't get TJ Houshmandzadeh from the Bengals, then they would've drafted a receiver.

But since they didn't, I see them picking up Stafford to groom under Matt Hasselbeck.

Cleveland Browns: Michael Crabtree

NEW YORK - APRIL 25:  NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell poses with with San Francisco 49ers #10 draft pick Michael Crabtree at Radio City Music Hall for the 2009 NFL Draft on April 25, 2009 in New York City  (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

What this team needs is a running back, but with none talented enough, they select the best receiver in the draft. Braylon Edwards wants out, and will probably be traded for future picks.

The Browns are a perfect fit. Brady Quinn should be their starting quarterback, and with Joe Thomas protecting his blind side, and speedy Crabtree to throw to, this offense will have a great nucleus of young talent.

Cincinnati Bengals: Eugene Monroe

NEW YORK - APRIL 25:  NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell poses with with Jacksonville Jaguars #8 draft pick Eugene Monroe at Radio City Music Hall for the 2009 NFL Draft on April 25, 2009 in New York City  (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

The Bengals were 32nd in the league in offense last year. They lost Levi Jones, and Stacy Andrews, they needs a new offensive linemen. Many had Eugene Monroe going as high as second in the draft.

He's a great talent for a team that greatly needs him. Andre Smith is a consideration here, but he has too many question mark character issues for the Bengals.

The Bengals need to fix their "prison team" appearance and get some players without problems. Eugene Monroe will help protect Carson Palmer and open holes for Cedric Benson.

Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin

KANSAS CITY, MO - NOVEMBER 29:  Jeremy Maclin #9 of the Missouri Tigers walks on the field during the game against the Kansas Jayhawks on November 29, 2008 at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The Oakland Raiders ranked 31st in passing offense last year. It will be greatly improved this year, with JaMarcus Russell being improved, but he needs a receiver to throw to besides Johnnie Lee Higgins.

Jeremy Maclin is a better talent than Darrius Heyward-Bey, who just impressed everybody with his 40 time.

Darrius didn't have a season over 1,000 yards, while Jeremy broke 1,000 yards twice in his college career. Jeremy Maclin is the pick.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Andre Smith

SHREVEPORT, LA - DECEMBER 28:  Andre Smith #71 of Alabama makes a touchdown against Oklahoma State on December 28, 2006 during the PetroSun Independence Bowl at Independence Stadium in Shreveport, Louisiana.  Oklahoma State defeated Alabama 34-31.  (Photo

This is not the tackle they wanted, but they need a tackle. Andre Smith just needs motivation and he could be the best tackle of the whole draft.

If Jones-Drew can keep him in line, this could be the steal of the draft.

Green Bay Packers: B.J. Raji

GREEN BAY, WI - MAY 1:  Defensive lineman B.J. Raji #90 runs  as he participates in practice drills during Green Bay Packers Minicamp at Don Hutson Center on May 1, 2009 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

The Packers made the right pick with BJ. They need a big defensive tackle to anchor their 3-4 defense, and BJ is that man.

They ranked 26th against the rush last year, but with this huge body in the middle, that ranking should be greatly improved.

San Francisco 49ers: Mark Sanchez

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 22:  Quarterback Mark Sanchez of USC passes the football during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 22, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

The 49ers need a receiver... badly... But they need a quarterback even more.

Alex Smith is not the answer. They gave him his shot, and he wasn't able to take advantage. After a successful career at Utah, so far he hasn't been able to make the transition to professional football.

Many had Mark Sanchez going No.1 to the Detroit Lions, so he is a steal this late. Mark Sanchez will be the franchise quarterback that Alex Smith wasn't, and they will have to try and draft a wide receiver next year.

Buffalo Bills: Michael Oher

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 21:  Offensive lineman Michael Oher of Mississippi runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 21, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty

The Bills are very sad Eugene Monroe or one of the Smiths didn't fall to them. But this team is weakest on the offensive line, and so Michael Oher must be the pick.

They are a team that is very strong at the other offensive positions. Their defense will be greatly improved with the return from injury of Aaron Schobel, who will team up with Marcus Stroud, to make a powerful line.

This team is weakest at offensive line, and Michael Oher will be the offensive tackle to replace the departure of Pro Bowler Jason Peters.

Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson

NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 07:  Tyson Jackson #93 of the Louisiana State University Tigers celebrates during the AllState BCS National Championship against the Ohio State Buckeyes on January 7, 2008 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.  (Photo

The Broncos ranked second in the league in offensive yards last year, but they ranked 29th in the league in defense. One of the major problems, was that they weren't able to get any pressure from the defensive line.

They didn't have a player with more than five sacks last year. Tyson Jackson has great upside and flew up draft boards right at the end.

The third overall pick was a huge reach for him, but he should fit nicely at 12th for the Denver Broncos. And hopefully he'll rack up some sacks for this team.

Washington Redskins: Josh Freeman

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 22:  Quarterback Josh Freeman of Kansas State passes the football during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 22, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

The Redskins are very strong on the defensive side, and they have competent receivers, and a great run game in Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts.

They are weakest at quarterback, and the team's desperate grab for Jay Culter proved that. Jason Campbell started off the season well, leading the team to a 6-2 start, but he faded late.

This is a team that needs some quarterback competition. Jason Campbell needs to be told the job is his for the taking, but he needs somebody to push him hard for it.

Josh Freeman could be a great pro quarterback, in the mold of Ben Roethlisberger, but even if he never starts, weak quarterbacking is what's holding this team back.

Josh Freeman will provide an immediate upgrade at this position.

New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins

METAIRIE, LA - MAY 08:  Malcom Jenkins #27 of the New Orleans Saints works out during the Rookie Minicamp at the New Orleans Saints Training Facility on May 8, 2009 in Metairie, Louisiana.  (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

The Saints made the right pick with the selection of Malcolm Jenkins. The Saints are a few defensive pieces away from a deep playoff run.

The offense will be strong every year, but players like Malcolm Jenkins and Jonathan Vilma, with Defensive genius Gregg Williams, should help to turn around a defense that ranked 23rd in the league.

Houston Texans: Brian Cushings

NEW YORK - APRIL 25:  NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell poses with with Houston Texans #15 draft pick Brian Cushing at Radio City Music Hall for the 2009 NFL Draft on April 25, 2009 in New York City  (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

Look out NFL, the Texans are ready to win. Not that the Texans weren't competitive last year, but with a weaker AFC South, the Texans will have a greater chance to shine.

This division is still one of the toughest in football, but the pieces are finally falling into place for possibly the Texans' first playoff berth.

Brian Cushings will be a great addition to play alongside DeMeco Ryans to make a great linebacker tandem. The defense ranked 22nd in the league last year, but Brian should help that number improve.

San Diego Chargers: Aaron Maybin

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 23:  Defensive lineman Aaron Maybin of Penn State runs during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 23, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

The Chargers 25th in the league defensively last year. There is lots of controversy over Shawne Merriman not coming back, or not being fully recovered, but that still doesn't justify drafting a guy's replacement a year in advance, when there are other holes to fill.

Maybin dropped into their lap, and the Chargers need a defensive end to play alongside Jamal Williams. Maybin should create more pressure, and help the Chargers take back first in the division.

New York Jets: Darrius Heyward-Bey

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 22:  Wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey of Maryland runs with the football during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 22, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty

The Jets missed out on the quarterback they wanted, but in Darrius Heyward they find a receiver to stretch the field.

With Laveranues Coles gone to the Bengals, the Jets need a second, or even possibly first receiver. Darrius is unproven, but nobody will deny his talent.

The Jets will look to draft a quarterback next year, but until then will give the reins to Kellen Clemens, who will have plenty of talent in Thomas Jones, Darrius Heyward-Bey, and Jerricho Cotchery.

Denver Broncos: Knowshon Moreno

ENGLEWOOD, CO - MAY 03:  First round draft pick running back Knowshon Moreno #27 of Denver Broncos participates in practice at minicamp at the Broncos training facility on May 3, 2009 in Englewood, Colorado.  (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

With no consistent running back since the days of Clinton Portis, the Broncos draft whom they hope to be, the second coming of their former second-round steal.

The Broncos are suddenly shaky all over the offense. They have question marks at quarterback, offensive line, and now Brandon Marshall has injury and character issues.

The Broncos need an offensive star to build around. Knowshon Moreno will try to become that.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Larry English

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 23:  Defensive lineman Larry English of Northern Illinois runs during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 23, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

The Buccaneers were hoping one of the quarterbacks would fall to them, but with all of them gone, the buccaneers look to replace the aging Derrick Brooks.

At 36, Derrick doesn't have a whole lot left in him, and Larry English will be a perfect replacement.

He will combine with Gaines Adams and Aqib Talib, to make a young nucleus for this team to build around defensively.

Detroit Lions: Peria Jerry

FLOWERY BRANCH, GA - MAY 9: Defensive tackle Peria Jerry #94 of the Atlanta Falcons works out during minicamp at the Falcons Complex on May 9, 2009 in Flowery Branch, Georgia.  (Photo by Paul Abell/Getty Images)

The Lions need help at lots of positions. Brandon Pettigrew would be a reach, and the Lions already signed Julian Peterson and Larry Foote.

Their biggest hole is defensive line. Peria Jerry will be a 300-pound force in the middle of the line, and he will improve the entire defense.

Philadelphia Eagles: Percy Harvin

ATLANTA - DECEMBER 06:  Percy Harvin #1 of the Florida Gators watches pregame warmups before the start of the SEC Championship against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the SEC Championship on December 6, 2008 at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Phot

The Eagles have the luxury of being able to draft a great potential weapon, and not based upon need. DeSean Jackson is looking like he'll be a star for years to come, and Kevin Curtis, Hank Baskett, and Jason Avant are competent number 2, 3 and 4 receivers.

But Percy Harvin will be downright scary, when combined with DeSean Jackson. With these two speedsters running routes for him, Donovan McNabb could be looking at a Super Bowl season.

Minnesota Vikings: Kenny Britt

PISCATAWAY, NJ - DECEMBER 04:  Kenny Britt #88 of the Rutgers Scarlet Knights runs in the second touchdown during the second quarter against the Louisville Cardinals at Rutgers Stadium on December 4, 2008 in Piscataway, New Jersey.  (Photo by Jim McIsaac/

Kenny Britt went relatively unnoticed in the draft, considering how incredible his stats in college were. He's not speedster, but a 4.47 time in the 40 is not horrible for a receiver, especially for one with his size, and who is as proven as he is.

He was second in the nation with and average of 114 yards a game and broke nearly every receiving record at Rutgers. He had 17 touchdowns his final year in college, and is one of the most NFL-ready receivers in the draft.

New England Patriots: Robert Ayers

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 23:  Defensive lineman Robert Ayers of Tennessee runs during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 23, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

This pick is just like the Patriots, to take a player who has fallen in the draft, and to put him in an environment where he'll probably become a Pro Bowler.

Robert Ayers will be a powerful weapon, for the Patriots to use whenever and wherever they want.

The Patriots need young linebackers, and Robert can switch back and forth from a pass rushing defensive end, to a pass-covering outside linebacker.

This is a great pick for the Patriots. Robert Ayers in Bill Belichick's hands will be scary.

Atlanta Falcons: Vontae Davis

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 24:  Defensive back Vontae Davis of Illinois runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 24, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images

The Falcons ranked 21st in the league in passing yards last year, and they need a cornerback to play alongside Chris Houston

Domonique Foxworth was last year's starter and he's now in Baltimore. Vontae Davis will be an immediate starter for a team needing defensive back help.

Miami Dolphins: Louis Delmas

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 24:  Defensive back Louis Delmas of Western Michigan runs in practice drills during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 24, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Ge

Louis Delmas so far seems to be the best of the second round picks. He's already making a name for himself in the Lion's practices, with his veteran poise, and hard hitting ability.

The Dolphins were 25th in the league in passing defense last year, and Delmas will make a huge, but also instant improvement from that ranking.

Baltimore Ravens: Clay Matthews

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 23:  Linebacker Clay Matthews of USC runs the 40 yard dash during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 23, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

As if the Ravens weren't good enough on defense, they draft Clay Matthews to replace Bart Scott. The passing offense looked bad last year, but Joe Flacco should be greatly improved with a year under his belt, and the running game was ranked fourth in the league.

Clay Matthews will be a great replacement for Bart Scott, and the Ravens defense shouldn't miss a beat.

Indianapolis Colts: Evander Hood

SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 03:  Running back Joseph Addai #29 of the Indianapolis Colts stands on the field during the AFC Wild Card Game against the San Diego Chargers on January 3, 2009 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego, California.  (Photo by Harry How/Getty I

It is way too soon to give up on Joseph Addai. He's had 1,000-yard seasons in two of the last three years.

The run defense was 24th in the league last year. That is a much more pressing need.

Evander Hood is 6-foot-3, and 300 pounds. He should help clog up some space, giving the tandem of Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney room to maneuver.

The running game will be improved with Joseph Addai being healthy. It's too quick to draft Joseph's replacement.

Buffalo Bills: Brandon Pettigrew

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 21:  Tight end Brandon Pettigrew of Oklahoma State performs the vertical leap during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 21, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/G

Brandon Pettigrew is a great pickup for a team that needs a quality catching tight end, as well as blocking help. Brandon Pettigrew is a dual threat, because he can become a powerful sixth man on the line as well.

The Bills lost last year's tight end, Robert Royal, to the Browns. Brandon Pettigrew will be an immediate starter, who can help in the trenches, pick up key first downs and help in the red zone.

New York Giants: Hakeem Nicks

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 27:  Hakeem Nicks #88 of the North Carolina Tar Heels runs with the ball against the West Virginia Mountaineers during the Meineke Car Care Bowl on December 27, 2008 at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Photo

The Giants are a stacked team, with the only glaring hole being receiver. Hakeem Nicks is the best receiver left on the board, and he should help fill the void left by Plaxico Burress.

Amani Toomer is old and his hands aren't good anymore. Steve Smith and Domenik Hixon aren't ready to be No. 1 receivers.

Hakeem Nicks will be a big target for Eli Manning to throw to, and should improve their 18th-ranked passing offense last year.

Tennessee Titans: Brian Robiskie

MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 24:  Brian Robiskie #80 of North Team runs against the South Team during the Under Armour Senior Bowl on January 24, 2009 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.  (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images for Under Armour)

The Titans take the seventh receiver of the first round, but also the one who many considered to be the most polished.

Scouts said he had the best hands, and despite not being a deep threat, will be a big, consistent target at 6-foot-3, for Kerry Collins to connect with.

This is Collins' kind of receiver. Not flashy, but consistent, excellent hands, and good route running, to keep the ball moving.

Arizona Cardinals: Chris Wells

TEMPE, AZ - MAY 2 :  Chris Wells #26 of the Arizona Cardinals returns a kickoff during a team minicamp at the team training facility on May 2, 2009 in Tempe, Arizona.  (Photo by Jonathan Willey/Getty Images)

The Cardinals ranked 32nd in the league in rushing last year, and Chris Wells should fix that immediately.

The Cardinals preferred the smash mouth running style of Chris Wells, to the elusive zone running of Donald Brown.

Wells has some injury/durability issues, but with Tim Hightower to help lighten the running load to keep him healthy, this offense will be even more powerful next year, which will be very scary.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Eben Britton

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 21:  Offensive lineman Eben Britton of Arizona stands during the NFL Scouting Combine presented by Under Armour at Lucas Oil Stadium on February 21, 2009 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

The Steelers allowed Ben Roethlisberger to be sacked an incredible 47 times last year, for the second highest total in the league.

They need a new tackle to replace Marvel Smith, and help rebuild this aging line, into its former glory.

They look briefly at Alex Mack and Eric Wood, but tackle is the more pressing need. Eben should be a starter for a long time.

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written on June 03, 2009 Opinion

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