A Look Back at the 2009 NFL Draft: First Round

Steve TaterDec 7, 2009

When the NFL completes its draft in June there is no shortage of opinions from the “experts” who attempt to grade each team's decisions the very next day.

However, those same experts are no where to be found two years later when that predicted “bust” turns into an All-Pro, or that “best thing since sliced bread” turns into a drag on his team's salary cap.

It usually takes a minimum of two years to determine whether the person pulling the trigger on draft day made all the right moves. This draft will be no different.

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Even though it is still too early to call, let’s take a look back at the 2009 first round of the draft and see how things are progressing 12 weeks into the season.

1. Matthew Stafford, QB (Detroit Lions)

Statistics: (GP: 10, PYDS: 2,267, PCT: 53.3%, TD: 13, INT: 20, RT: 61.0)

This really was a no-brainer for the Lions brain trust. He was rated by most as the top quarterback in the draft for a team that did not have any other options at the most important position on the field.

While the Lions have more holes to fill than quarterback to turn their fortunes around, it looks like they will not have to worry about their field general in the near future.

Stafford’s canon arm comes as advertised, he is a hard-worker in the film room, and he has shown the right temperament when it comes to leading the troops.

Like most rookie quarterbacks thrown into the fire, he needs to cut down on his mistakes. But it appears the Lions have made the right decision.

2. Jason Smith, OT (St. Louis Rams)

Statistics: (GP: 9, GS: 5)

The Rams were desperate to fill the huge void left by Orlando Pace. Pace was once a superstar tackle in the league, but became a shell of himself when age and injuries caught up with him.

Smith is an athletic big man who by all accounts will serve as the Rams right tackle for years to come. He has had his share of struggles, but nothing he cannot overcome.

The Rams struggle on offense has more to do with the lack of playmaking ability at wide receiver, ineffective play at quarterback, and poor play at the opposite tackle spot than anything Smith has done.

The Rams will have to continue to add pieces on the offensive side of the ball, but they should be set at right tackle.

3. Tyson Jackson, DE (Kansas City Chiefs)

Statistics: (GP: 12, T: 17, S: 0)

Jackson has done nothing thus far to justify being taken with the third pick in the draft.

He has had a difficult time adjusting to the end in a 3-4 defense after playing in a 4-3 defense at LSU.

Jackson has made even less of an impact than backup end Wallace Gilberry, who has at least gotten a sniff of the quarterback with 3.5 sacks.

While it’s still too early to call him a bust, you would expect more out of a top-five pick in his rookie year.

4. Aaron Curry, OLB (Seattle Seahawks)

Statistics: (GP: 12, T: 56, S: 2, FF: 2)

At 6’2”, 256 pounds, with freakish athletic ability, Curry is as gifted a young linebacker as there is in the game.

On the field, he has shown glimpses that he can indeed turn into what some scouts were calling the "biggest impact defender in the draft."

That being said, he still is very inconsistent and at times will completely blend into the woodwork.

Curry is having a solid but unspectacular rookie year, and should blossom once he learns the nuances of the professional game.

5. Mark Sanchez, QB (New York Jets)

Statistics: (GP:12, PYDS: 2,049, PCT: 53.2%, TD: 11, INT: 17, RT: 63.7)

Unlike Stafford, Sanchez inherited a pretty good football team that won nine games the year before he entered the league.

Unfortunately, his play has taken the Jets back a couple of steps in 2009. He had solid games against the Texans in Week One and Miami in Week Eight, but he has had disasters in too many others (one TD and 12 INTs against the Saints, Bills, and Patriots).

While Sanchez possesses the “moxie” and “good looks” that made him an instant idol in New York, the jury is still out on whether he will be a star on the field.

It is way too early to distinguish between boom and bust for this quarterback. Come back next year when he has another season under his belt.

6. Andre Smith, OT (Cincinnati Bengals)

Statistics: (GP: 2. GS: 0)

Things did not start out on a positive note for Smith.

He sat out in a contract dispute to start his professional career. When he finally did sign a contract, he came to camp overweight and proceeded to get injured.

Now that he is healthy, he cannot get on the field. His only playing time has been in a backup role in the last two games.

There were concerns about Smith’s weight and attitude before the draft. The Bengals would have been better served to let this guy slide.

7. Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR (Oakland Raiders)

Statistics: (GP: 11, C: 9, YDRe: 124, TD: 1)

This was probably the biggest head-scratcher in the draft. Although Bey performed well in the NFL combines, he was not expected to be picked until the middle of the first round (at the earliest).

Instead, owner Al Davis continued his draft meddling by selecting Bey well ahead of where most draft “experts” had him.

While it is true that Bey has had to suffer through the incredibly awful play of former first-round bust JaMarcus Russell at quarterback, Bey has done nothing to quiet the critics.

To add insult to injury, fellow rookie wide receiver Louis Murphy stepped in while Bey was injured this week and caught a 75-yard touchdown pass.

Murphy has more catches for more yards, with more touchdowns than Bey (23, 411, 4).

8. Eugene Monroe, OT (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Statistics: (GP: 11, GS: 9)

Monroe was inserted into the starting lineup from Week One. Apart from dealing with some minor injuries, he has acquitted himself quite well.

In fact, as the season has worn on, Monroe has established himself as a pretty solid left tackle.

It is no accident that, as Monroe has begun to find himself, the Jaguars have gone on a streak of four wins in five games.

9. B.J. Raji, DT (Green Bay Packers)

Statistics: (GP: 9, T: 15, S: 1)

Raji was drafted in order for the Packers to fill the all-important nose tackle position as they made the switch to the 3-4 defense.

Although the switch has not suited some of the remaining members of the Packer defense, Raji has done an admirable job plugging the middle.

Statistics do not necessarily measure the performance of a nose tackle, whose job is to tie up two and three offensive lineman so the linebackers can make plays.

Raji has by-and-large filled that role as he splits time with veteran Ryan Pickett. He will get better as he packs on even more pounds and learns the intricacies of the position.

10. Michael Crabtree, WR (San Francisco 49ers)

Statistics: (GP: 7, C: 32, YDRe: 406, TD: 1)

Many backed off the biggest playmaker in the draft because of fears of his contract demands.

In the short run, that might have been the right call because Crabtree held out until after the sixth week of the season.

But in the long run, the 49ers will be a better team for it.

When you consider that Crabtree did not play until Week Seven, had no training camp, and a very tenuous quarterback situation, his numbers are spectacular.

Teams are already starting to rotate coverage Crabtree’s way with little success. He will be a Pro-Bowler before too long.

11. Aaron Maybin, DE (Buffalo Bills)

Statistics: (GP: 12, T: 11, S: 0)

This was somewhat of a reach from the start. It turns out that Maybin was not quite ready for prime time.

Currently, he is playing in a limited role with the Bills and has made very little impact as a rush end. At 250 pounds, he is very light for an end in the 4-3 defense.

He is either going to have to put on some weight or move to linebacker to be effective in the NFL. Perhaps he would have been better served to be drafted by a team that plays in a 3-4 scheme.

12. Knowshown Moreno, RB (Denver Broncos)

Statistics: (A: 182, YDRu: 774, Avg: 4.3, TD: 5)

Moreno leads all rookies in rushing and will more than likely top the 1,000-yard mark despite splitting carries with Correll Buckhalter.

He came into the league highly regarded as a game-breaker and he has done nothing to disappoint.

Moreno has fit in perfectly and is just one of many reasons why the Broncos are a surprise playoff contender.

He does have a tendency to put the ball on the ground, but once he shores up those issues, he can be a star in the NFL.

13. Brian Orakpo, DE (Washington Redskins)

Statistics: (GP: 12, T: 40, S: 7)

One of the most difficult duties for a scout is determining whether a college defensive end can make the switch to outside linebacker in the NFL.

Orapko is fast proving that the Redskins brass made the right call.

He is a disruptive force as a pass rusher and is improving as a run stopper.

Washington has plenty of issues, but this is not one of them. Orapko has a bright future in the NFL.

14. Malcolm Jenkins, CB (New Orleans Saints)

Statistics: (GP: 10, T: 34, INT: 1, FF: 2)

Many wondered whether Jenkins was an oversized cornerback or an undersized safety when he came out of Ohio State.

It turns out that Jenkins is just a football player. While he still can get beat by quicker wide receivers, Jenkins can hit and is a smart enough player to forget the last play.

Jenkins is just one piece to the improved play of the Saints defense, but he has proved in his short NFL career that he belongs.

Look for Jenkins to continue to improve and have a long NFL career barring injury.

15. Brian Cushing, OLB (Houston Texans)

Statistics: (GP: 12, T: 102, S: 1.5, INT: 3, FF: 2)

Considering where he was chosen, Brian Cushing may be the steal of the entire draft. No matter where he was chosen, he is clearly the NFL’s best rookie defensive player.

Cushing was recently named the NFL Defensive Player of the Month and has accumulated double-digit tackles in his last four games.

In addition to his 102 tackles, he leads all AFC linebackers in interceptions and passes defended (9). At 6’3” and 260 pounds, he has ideal size and remarkable agility for an outside linebacker.

Paired with former NFL defensive rookie of the year DeMeco Ryans (MLB) and Mario Williams (DE), the Texans are building something special on that side of the ball.

16. Larry English, OLB (San Diego Chargers)

Statistics: (GP:12, T: 21, S: 2, FF: 1)

English has seen very little action so far.

He has played decent when given the chance, but those opportunities have been few and far between behind Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips in San Diego.

Merriman’s recent injury history jolted the Chargers into taking English a little earlier than most had him pegged.

Merriman hasn’t shown the same burst he had pre-injury, so maybe the English pick will not be a waste down the line. But unless the Chargers let go of Merriman, San Diego could have used the pick more wisely.

17. Josh Freeman, QB (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)

Statistics: (GP: 6, GS: 5, PYDS: 1,114, PCT: 54.4%, TD: 7, INT: 10, RT: 64.1)

Prior to this week’s game I would be saying what a solid pick Tampa Bay made to secure their franchise quarterback with the 17th pick in the draft.

Then Freeman laid an egg with a zero-touchdown, five-interception performance against the Panthers.

Despite that, Freeman has shown promise in his other four starts. Even in the Carolina debacle, he managed to throw for over 320 yards.

He reminds me of a young, healthy Daunte Culpepper because of his size at 6’6” and 250 pounds, pocket presence, and ability to throw the ball deep.

As the game slows down for him, Freeman should turn into a better-than-average NFL quarterback.

18. Robert Ayers, LB (Denver Broncos)

Statistics: (GP: 11, T: 15, S: 0, TD: 1)

Outside of a fumble recovery he returned for a touchdown against the Steelers in Week Nine, Ayers has not contributed much in his rookie year.

At only 274 pounds, Ayers is going to have to put on some weight in the offseason to be suitable to lineup at end in the 3-4.

Ayers was on the inactive roster in Week 11. He is a project who may show up in the Broncos starting lineup down the road.

19. Jeremy Maclin, WR (Philadelphia Eagles)

Statistics: (GP: 12, C: 46, YDRe: 623, TD: 4)

Maclin has been inconsistent in his first season with the Eagles, but has on occasion shown the explosiveness that led scouts to believe he could be a special playmaker in the NFL.

He’s led the Eagles in receptions in two games this year, including a spectacular 142-yard, two-touchdown performance in Week Five against Tampa Bay.

He and fellow speedster DeSean Jackson will be a dynamic duo at wide receiver for a long time in Philadelphia.

20. Brandon Pettigrew, TE (Detroit Lions)

Statistics: (GP: 11, C: 30, YDRe: 346, TD: 2)

The Lions connected on their second pick in the first round. Pettigrew provides young quarterback Matthew Stafford with a second big target alongside world-class wideout Calvin Johnson.

Pettigrew has become a favorite of Stafford’s at crunch time, turning 20 of his 30 catches into first downs. At 6’6”, 265 pounds, he is too strong for defensive backs to cover, but he is also too quick for linebackers in open field.

Pettigrew will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL, but look for him to be considered among the elite tight ends in the league soon.

21. Alex Mack, C (Cleveland Browns)

Statistics: (GP: 12, GS: 12)

A lot of things have gone wrong for the Browns organization in 2009. This is not one of them.

In hindsight, when you consider that the Browns traded Mark Sanchez for Mack, starting rookie wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, starting safety Abram Elam, and backup defensive end Kenyon Coleman, the Browns made out like bandits.

A lot of people questioned whether Mack was even the best center in the draft. He arguably could be the best lineman overall.

Mack is intelligent, strong, agile, and carries a nasty mean streak. He and left tackle Joe Thomas give the Browns anchors to build on.

Now the Browns need to add some playmakers on offense to give them some help.

22. Percy Harvin, WR (Minnesota Vikings)

Statistics: (GP: 12, C: 48, YDRe: 648, TD: 6)

What do you get for the team who has everything on offense? Answer: Percy Harvin.

Harvin is a matchup nightmare because of his ability to lineup all over the field, especially when teams already have to worry about quarterback Brett Favre’s arm and Adrian Peterson’s legs.

Whether lined up in the slot, in the backfield, or returning kicks, teams need to be aware of the speedy Harvin.

He has blossomed nicely under the tutelage of Favre. He will continue to provide defensive coordinators fits long after Brett has retired.

23. Michael Oher, OT (Baltimore Ravens)

Statistics: (GP: 12, GS: 12)

If you have not seen the movie The Blind Side do yourself a favor—it is an incredibly compelling story.

Oher is a long way from the streets of Memphis, but his life’s work is far from a finished product.

He has been a starter from day one and the big right tackle looks like a keeper for the Ravens.

24. Peria Jerry, DT (Atlanta Falcons)

Statistics: (GP: 2, T: 1)

Peria was a backup for two games before his season was finished because of a knee injury.

Draft grade: incomplete.

25. Vontae Davis, CB (Miami Dolphins)

Statistics: (GP: 12, T: 38, INT: 3, TD: 1)

The Dolphins were desperate for help at the cornerback position, and Davis and fellow rookie corner Sean Smith have fit in nicely.

Most recently, Davis sealed a victory over the rival Patriots with an interception of a Tom Brady in the end zone.

Like all rookie cornerbacks Davis has made his share of mistakes, but he has the smarts and skill to be a solid NFL starter.

26. Clay Matthews, Jr., OLB (Green Bay Packers)

Statistics: (GP: 12, T: 30, S: 6, TD: 1, FF: 1)

Matthews plays at such a frenetic pace that at times he looks like the "Tasmanian Devil."

Matthews has flashed big-time ability to make the big play. He just recorded his sixth sack of the season as this piece is being written.

The only thing holding him back from being a superstar is his tendency to get caught out of position. That will come with age.

27. Donald Brown, RB (Indianapolis Colts)

Statistics: (GP: 9, RA: 59, YDRu: 263, AVG; 4.3, TD: 2, C: 10, YDRe: 157)

Various injuries and starter Joseph Addai have kept Brown from proving he is a No. 1 back in the NFL.

In his brief time on the field, Brown has been productive. The Colts just have so many weapons that sometimes Brown gets lost in the shuffle.

28. Eric Wood, C (Buffalo Bills)

Statistics: (GP: 11, GS: 11)

Wood was showing promise in his rookie year, being thrown into the fire in Week One.

However, Wood's season came to a dramatic conclusion in Week 11 against the Jaguars.

His left leg was so badly broken that CBS decided against showing the replay of the hit because it was too gruesome.

Well wishes on a speedy recovery.

29. Hakeem Nicks, WR (New York Giants)

Statistics: (GP: 10: C: 34, YDRe: 575, TD: 5)

For unknown reasons, the Giants coaching staff refuses to start this guy.

But whenever he does get on the field, Nicks just makes plays. His 16.7 yards per catch average is among the NFL leaders. He has game-breaking speed and excellent body control.

When the Giants coaching staff finally realizes that Nicks is their best playmaker, he will be lighting up defensive backs regularly.

30. Kenny Britt, WR (Tennessee Titans)

Statistics: (GP: 12, C: 36, YDRe: 567, TD: 3)

Britt has put together a very respectable year given the inconsistency the Titans have had at quarterback and the Titans heavily rush-laden offense.

Britt has been used largely as a third receiver, but still has posted two 100-yard games.

Britt matches big catches with big times, converting 24 of his catches into first downs.

His big 6’3” frame make him a reliable target when his quarterback is in danger. His ability to run after the catch makes him dangerous.

31. Chris Wells, RB (Arizona Cardinals)

Statistics: (GP: 12, RA: 121, YDRu: 517, TD: 4, F: 3)

Wells’ production has been inconsistent. That cannot be explained away simply by citing the Cardinal’s pass-happy attack or his splitting carries with Tim Hightower.

While Wells has had a couple of decent games, he has yet to have a breakout game.

Whether he turns into the workhorse that was expected of him still remains to be seen.

32. Evander Hood, DT (Pittsburgh Steelers)

Statistics: (GP: 12, T: 6, S: 0)

“Ziggy” as he is known, has barely seen the field in his rookie campaign.

Even after the Steelers lost standout defensive end Aaron Smith to injury, Hood has not been able to get regular playing time.

This may have been a wasted pick.

GP: Games Played

GS: Games Started

PYDS: Passing Yards

PCT: Completion Percentage

C: Catches