2009 NFL DRAFT

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2009 MOCK DRAFT

 NEW UPDATE AVAILABLE 1/19

Lions- Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia

NEEDS-Quarterback- The Lions cannot go another season with Culpepper or Orvlosky at QB.

Offensive Tackle- The Lions gave up 52 sacks this season.

Analysis- The Lions have so many needs it is not even funny. The worst team in NFL history will have to address the quarterback position first and foremost.

The Lions can address the need for an Offensive Lineman with their second first-round pick which was acquired from the Cowboys in the Roy Williams trade. Stafford is more NFL ready than Sam Bradford, who I feel is more a "product of the system." I think that Stafford is the best fit for the Lions with the first pick.

Rams- Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

NEEDS- Offensive Tackle- Alex Barron is inconsistent and Orlando Pace is getting old.

Defensive Tackle- The Rams gave up 155 rushing yards per game.

Analysis- Smith will help a Rams O-line that has some holes.  Although Orlando Pace isn’t getting any younger he will still hold down the LT position. 

Until Pace retires Smith can either play right guard or right tackle. In a draft that is deep at offensive tackle, Andre Smith will go before Michael Oher because he is more versatile and quite simply more dominant. I expect Smith to have a excellent career with the Rams.

Chiefs- Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

NEEDS- Coach- Herm Edwards needs to go.                                                                                            

Defensive End- Need to fill the void left by Jared Allen.                                                                              

Offensive Line- Brian Waters could retire. Need to prepare for the future.

Analysis-  Until late in the season the Chiefs were in dire need of a franchise QB.  Tyler Thigpen may have put those thoughts to rest, for now.  The Chiefs must focus on replacing Jared Allen. 

Orakpo is an explosive defensive end that could put up Jared Allen like numbers.  He recorded 10.5 sacks his senior season and at 6’4 260 pounds he still runs the 40 in the 4.6s.

Seahawks- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas

NEEDS- Wide Receiver- All of their WRs were hurt this season. Need a stud.                                        

Running Back- Julius Jones and Maurice Morris just don’t get the job done.

Analysis-  Michael Crabtree is on another level when it comes to the Wide Receivers in the 2009 draft. In his two years at Texas Tech, Crabtree recorded 231 catches, 3,127 yards, and 41 touchdowns. If Hasselbeck comes back strong next season, this could be an extremely scary combination.

Browns- Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State

NEEDS- Running Back- Haven't scored an offensive touchdown in 24 quarters, a new NFL record.

Outside Linebacker- Willie McGinest is washed up.

Analysis- Wells becomes the first reach of the draft as the Browns select him as a “homer” pick. Jamal Lewis is old, slow, and nearing the end of his career.

Wells is the best running back on the board, followed closely by Knowshown Moreno. Wells remains in Ohio and will be a fan favorite as a rookie. I think Aaron Curry is the right pick here but the Browns don't pass up the Ohio State running back.

Bengals- Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss

NEEDS- Offensive Tackle- Bengals need a reliable tackle after allowing 51 sacks last season.                                                             

WideReceiver- Housh is a free agent and Ocho Cinco wants out.

Analysis-  The Bengals are getting great value with Michael Oher here at the six spot. If he is still on the board you can’t pass him up. He is the best pass blocker in the draft and can be relied on the protect the quarterback’s blind side.

Carson Palmer will be excited about this pickup.

Raiders- Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

NEEDS- Wide Receiver- Zach Miller and Darren McFadden were the Raiders leading receivers, the problem is neither of them play wide receiver.

Offensive Line- Raiders need to provide some protection for their young quarterback.

Analysis-  It’s hard to dig into Al Davis’ senile thought process but I feel like Monroe is the “right” pick here. Although they do need some help against the run on defense, I don’t think they should reach that far for a guy like Terrance Cody.

Monroe will provide some solid protection for JaMarcus Russell and open some holes for McFadden and Fargas.

Jaguars- Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

NEEDS- Defensive Tackle- Jags did not stop the run like they should.

Offensive Line- The run game was hurt by the injuries suffered by the Jags O-line.

Analysis-  At pick No. 8, Jason Smith is the fourth O-line taken in the draft. You can’t deny that the Jags run game was down this season and the reason was the O-line. As a converted tight end, Smith is probably the most athletic and quickest of the Tackles in the draft.

Packers- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

NEEDS-Defensive Line- The pack gave up 131 yards per game on the ground.

Cornerback- Harris could be gone, Woodson moved to safety, they need help.

Analysis-  Green Bay definitely needs help in the secondary.  With Woodson at Safety and Al Harris most likely leaving the addition of Malcolm Jenkins would be perfect. 

Jenkins provides a combination of size and speed making him the first defensive back taken in the draft.

49ers- Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

NEEDS- Offensive Tackle- The 49ers gave up a league high 55 sacks.

Quarterback- Shaun Hill, Alex Smith, J.T. O’Sullivan. Enough said.

Analysis-  I gave him a shot to be the number one pick but didn’t prove himself in the national championship against the Gators.  Bradford is a very talented player with an amazing amount of potential.

He doesn’t go before Stafford but he is not as “NFL ready” as Stafford is. Good fit with the 49ers, who are in desperate need of a franchise QB.

Bills- Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

NEEDS-Defensive End- Schobel is getting old.

Outside Linebacker- Crowell will be leaving as a Free Agent.

Analysis-  Johnson is your prototypical defensive end. Johnson is 6’7", 260 pounds, and runs the 40 in the 4.6s. Johnson is also versatile enough to play outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme.

Size and speed similar to Justin Tuck.  He has remarkable upside but the only worry is that he has only started for one full season.  Classic hit or miss here.

Broncos- Taylor Mays, S, USC

NEEDS- Defensive Tackle- Broncos game up 146 yards per game on the ground.

Linebacker- Broncos D gave up 28 points per game this season.

Analysis-  Mays is a beast of a safety at 6’3", 230 pounds, he has the frame of a linebacker with the speed of a safety. Wide Receivers fear this hard-hitting safety when coming across the middle. The Broncos will be getting a new Steve Atwater in Denver. 

Redskins- Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

NEEDS- Defensive Tackle- Griffin and Golston could use some help.

Linebacker- London Fletcher turns 34 next season.

Analysis-  Curry is the best linebacker in the draft. The Butkus award winner was a three-year starter at Wake and never missed a game due to injury.

In his senior season, he racked up 13.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, four interceptions, (three for touchdowns), and two forced fumbles. He is a steal at 13 for the 'Skins.

Saints- James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio

NEEDS- Cornerback- Saints definitely need to upgrade at corner.

Linebacker- If Saints re-sign Vilma, the rights to this pick go to the Jets, Saints have to take linebacker here.

Analysis- Laurinaitis had a fantastic career with the Buckeyes totaling 323 tackles, 20.5 tackles for loss, eight interceptions, and 12 sacks.  James knows how to hold down the middle of the field and has the speed to cover sideline to sideline.

This pick is a toss-up between Laurinaitis and Maualuga but I think the Saints go with the speed over the strength. Laurinaitis is a good fit for the Saints.

Texans- William Moore, S, Missouri

NEEDS-Cornerback- Jacques Reeves should not be a starter and Dunta Robinson is a free agent.

Safety- Nick Ferguson turns 35 next year.

Analysis- The Texans have to reach for William Moore because they are in desperate need of a Safety. The Texans' secondary is the softest spot on the team and Moore will make an immediate impact on the team. He is a ball hawk that can also help stop the run.

Chargers- Rey Maualuga LB USC

NEEDS- Wide Receiver- Chargers need some depth at receiver.

Outside Linebacker- Bolts need a backer that can put some pressure on the QB.

Analysis- Remember the Charger’s great linebacker Junior Seau?  Let’s just say Maualuga is the perfect replacement. At 6’3"/260, Maualuga has a knack for finding the ball carrier.

He falls to 16 in the draft based on team needs. The Chargers are more than happy to have him at 16.

Jets- Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

NEEDS- Quarterback- Favre should retire, Jets need to replace him.

Wide Receiver- Coles is getting older and Cotchery needs help in the WR corps.

Analysis- Obviously Maclin is not on the same level as Crabtree, but I’d say he has established himself as the No. 2 wide receiver in the draft.

In just two years at Missouri he managed to rack up 182 catches and 22 touchdowns. I’m sure there will be plenty of Favre controversy coming into the draft, but the Jets still need to pick up a wide receiver for the future. The Jets fans will boo at the draft no matter what.

Bears- Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

NEEDS- Wide Receiver- Never filled the void left by Berrian.

Safety- Mike Brown can’t stay healthy.

Analysis-  I would have loved to see this kid play in a Big 12 spread offense. Heyward-Bey is a combination of size, speed, strength, and jumping ability. The Bears desperately need a possession receiver that can make the play on 3rd-and-5.

I expect Heyward-Bey to do just that. His draft stock will only rise with the combine and could challenge Maclin as being the 2nd best receiver on the board.

Buccaneers- Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

NEEDS- Running Back- Cadillac is hurt again, Warrick Dunn is turning 35 next season.

Outside Linebacker- Derrick Brooks turns 36 next season.

Analysis- Dunn is too old to carry the load and Cadillac is hurt yet again. The Bucs need a running back to attempt to reestablish their dominant running game. Moreno is a perfect fit for the Bucs. He is a versatile back that can also catch the ball out of the backfield. 

Lions (from Cowboys)- Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

NEEDS- Quarterback- The Lions cannot go another season will Culpepper or Orvlosky at QB Offensive.

Tackle- The Lions gave up 52 sacks this season.

Analysis-  The Lions would love to add an Offensive Tackle after picking up a Quarterback with the first pick. Britton started 37 consecutive games for Arizona. He is a reliable tackle that will protect his QB’s blind side.  Britton will fill one of the many holes on the Lions roster.

Cardinals- Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida

NEEDS- Linebacker- Karlos Dansby is a free agent.

Running back- EDGE will be done soon, he wants out.

Analysis-  The Cardinals surprisingly don’t have many needs in their lineup. If Edgerrin James stays they are set at most spots on the offense.

They will have to decide on resigning Dansby or drafting a linebacker. I think they let Dansby go and draft Brandon Spikes with their first pick.

Vikings- Sen’Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn

NEEDS- Quarterback- Frerotte, Booty, and Jackson. I don’t think any of them should start.

Defensive Tackle- Pat Williams turns 37 next season, have to replace him soon.

Analysis-  Although the Vikings need a QB, there won’t be one taking at their spot in the first round. The Vikings do need to think about replacing the 37-year-old Pat Williams.

Marks is the man for the job.  He played through injuries last season and still managed to have 10.5 tackles for a loss.

Patriots- Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

NEEDS- Cornerback- Sanders and Hobbs are not near Samuel caliber.

Linebackers- Three out of the four starting linebackers are in their 30s.

Analysis- Vernon Davis’ younger brother, Vontae, has off-field issues, which could affect his draft stock. Although he has an attitude, Davis is one of the best cornerback prospects in the draft. 

The Patriots will straighten out his off field issues and Davis could be an immediate starter in New England.

Falcons- Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

NEEDS- Tight End- Falcons never replaced Alge Crumpler.

Wide Receiver- Who do they have besides Roddy White?

Analysis-  Matt Ryan needs another weapon to throw to in Atlanta.  Gresham is the most NFL ready tight end in the draft.  At 6'6", 260, Gresham has more touchdown catches than any other tight end at Oklahoma.

He is also an exceptional blocker who won’t have trouble making an immediate impact in the NFL.

Dolphins- Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

NEEDS- Outside Linebacker- The Dolphins need to put Matt Roth back on the D Line.

Defensive Back- Dolphins need to add some depth in the secondary.

Analysis- I believe Everette’s draft stock will fall after the combine.  He is too undersized to be drafted in the top 15 at defensive end. The Dolphins would love for Everette to fall to them at pick 25. Last year, Brown finished with 13.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss.

Ravens- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

NEEDS- Wide Receiver- Mason isn’t getting any younger, need to add another WR.

Linebacker- They have to worry about age and free agency at LB.

Analysis- Percy Harvin still had a fantastic season despite being hobbled by injuries. I expect him to have a great combine and could run in the high 4.2s. He was effective in both the running and passing game and would be a perfect addition for the Ravens who lack a playmaker on offense.

Colts- Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss

NEEDS- Wide Receiver- Need to replace Marvin Harrison sooner than later.

Defensive Line- The run defense was pathetic this season.

Analysis-  Peria Jerry is the run stopper that the Colts need. He led the SEC with 17 tackles for loss and also added six sacks in his senior season. The Colts run defense gave up 122.9 rushing yards per game. Hopefully Jerry can help the Colts improve upon that number.

Eagles (from Panthers)- Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

NEEDS- Tight End- L.J. Smith becomes a free agent this off season.

Safety- Eagles eventually need to think about the future for the 35 year old Brian Dawkins.

Analysis- Pettigrew, like Gresham, is 6'6", 260. Him and Gresham are a toss up with similar size and skills. His character could be an issue, Pettigrew was charged with felony assault and battery of a police officer in an altercation during February of 2008.

Giants- Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia

NEEDS- Running Back- Both Jacobs and Ward are free agents. I don’t see them getting both of them back.

Wide Receiver- Get PLAX out of there and bring in a replacement.

Analysis-  Sintim had a phenomenal season finishing the year with 13 sacks. He is underrated coming into the draft and could be a steal at pick 29. The Giants need help on offense but I don’t think they pass on Sintim with this pick because the top four Wide Receivers have already been taken.

Titans- Alex Mack, C, California

NEEDS- Wide Receiver- The Titans would be complete with a big name receiver.

Center- Kevin Mawae turns 39 late next season.

Analysis- Like the Giants, The Titans could also use a wide receiver.  Because there aren’t any receivers worth reaching for at this spot, the Titans will look to replace the aging Kevin Mawae. 

Alex Mack is the best option with this pick.  Mack is the best center in the draft this year and has rare size for his position.

Eagles - Shonne Greene, HB, Iowa

NEEDS- Tight End- L.J. Smith becomes a free agent this off season.

Safety- Eagles eventually need to think about the future for the 35 year old Brian Dawkins.

Analysis- Greene raised his draft stock with a great bowl game against South Carolina. He rushed for over a 100 yards ever game this season for Iowa. Greene will provide the Eagles with the goal line back they have needed throughout this season. 

Steelers- Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma

NEEDS- Offensive Line- Big Ben found himself on the ground too much this year.

Analysis- Robinson is best guard available in the draft. At 6’5", 330, this senior anchored the line for the Sooners. Big Ben will be pleased when the Steelers take Robinson with the last pick of the first round.