Updated 2009 NFL Mock Draft: First Day Projections and Analysis

With only four teams remaining in the playoffs, it seems fitting that we take a look ahead for those of us dying to know what our favorite teams will do come April. 

1.  Detroit Lions:  Matthew Stafford; Quarterback, Georgia

I still think Stafford is the best fit for the Lions.  It wouldn't surprise me at all to see new head coach Jim Schwartz follow a recent trend and begin rebuilding up front, but Stafford could be the face of this franchise for years to come.  He has a very strong arm, and a quick release, which is attractive to NFL scouts.  The only problem presented is that he may be on his back a lot, which could significantly slow his development.

2.  St. Louis Rams:  Michael Crabtree; Wide Receiver, Texas Tech

This pick just makes sense.  Torry Holt is nearing the downside of his career, and Donnie Avery was impressive as a rookie, but may not be a No. 1 receiver in this league.  Crabtree is a can't miss prospect at the position, and is a sure bet for a top 10 pick. 

He has hands like bear traps, and runs great routes, but most importantly, he is a beast after the catch.  St. Louis needs help up front, but Crabtree is an elite level prospect, and they can't pass on him.

3.  Kansas City Chiefs:  Andre Smith; Offensive Tackle, Alabama

Kansas City would love to be in this situation.  Here, they can either trade down to get Brian Orakpo, or they can take one of the two best offensive linemen in the draft.  Andre Smith has been the most dominant lineman in the nation this season, and has an outside chance at going No. 1 overall.  Kansas City will need to protect quarterback Tyler Thigpen if he is to have success next season, and Smith will do just that.

4.  Seattle Seahawks:  Aaron Curry; Outside Linebacker, Wake Forest

Seattle may be inclined to trade down here.  They could really go one of two ways with this pick:  Select a stud outside linebacker who would be an instant upgrade over LeRoy Hill, or take a left tackle in Eugine Monroe, who would eventually replace Walter Jones at LT. 

At this point, Seattle's defense was much worse than its offense in 2008, and Curry is the best defensive prospect available.  He is very fast, and is effective in both stopping the run and rushing the passer.

5.  Cleveland Browns:  Malcolm Jenkins; Cornerback, Ohio State

Cleveland's defensive backs are terrible, and the best one is a free agent this offseason (Sean Jones).  Malcolm Jenkins has been a very good cornerback for the Buckeyes, and is one of the few at his position who were four year starters.  Jenkins has decent ball skills, but is excellent in run support.  If he runs a good 40-yard dash time, he will cement his status as a top 10 pick.

6.  Cincinnati Bengals:  Eugine Monroe; Offensive Tackle, Virginia

Monroe is a fast rising prospect in this year's draft.  He is one of the most athletic linemen, regardless of side of the ball, and could be the "sleeper" of the first round.  The Bengals have a bad offense, which could be losing its superstar receivers this offseason.  The league's worst offense is going to get a big boost with the return of Carson Palmer, but he is going to need to stay upright to be successful.

7.  Oakland Raiders:  Brian Orakpo; Defensive End, Texas

Oakland already has a good defense, but the offensive players they could take at this point are already gone, and Orakpo would fill a void on the defensive line.  Oakland had only five sacks from its top two pass rushers Kalimba Edwards and Trevor Scott, and Brian Orakpo could revive that element to the Raider defense.  

I have had the Texas star going as high as No. 3 to the Chiefs, so there is no doubt about the respect I have for his talents.  He is the best pass rushing end in the draft.

8.  Jacksonville Jaguars:  Rey Maualuga; Middle Linebacker, USC

Maualuga would be a perfect fit for the Jaguars, and there is no doubt that Jacksonville brass would call his name on draft day if he were available.  Maualuga is the best middle linebacker in the draft, and probably would have gone this high last year had he come out.  He has a nose for the ball, and flies around the field.  Mike Peterson could be out in Jacksonville, and this would be the perfect replacement.

9.  Green Bay Packers:  Everette Brown; Defensive End, Florida State

Green Bay needs to add a pass rushing defensive end opposite Aaron Kampman, and Brown is the perfect fit.  He had 13.5 sacks in 2008 for the Seminoles, and is one of the top pass rushers in this draft.  Brown could also improve the play of Green Bay's strong secondary, and with an effective pass rush, they could increase the amount of turnovers dramatically. 

10.  San Francisco 49ers:  Mark Sanchez; Quarterback, USC

San Francisco is really lacking stability at the QB position.  Will it be J.T. O’Sullivan?  Alex Smith?  Shaun Hill?  I think Mark Sanchez could rise quickly on many draft boards, and become the new franchise quarterback of the Niners.  Another route they could go is offensive line, where they allowed the most sacks in the NFL in 2009.

11.  Buffalo Bills:  Brian Cushing; Outside Linebacker, USC

Cushing may be one of the more underrated prospects in this draft.  He may not go this high, but he will play like he deserved to.  He is so big, and so fast, I don't see how the Bills could pass on him, especially with two of their top three outside linebackers being potential free agents.  If not an OLB, look for the Bills to go with a top pass rushing defensive end. 

12.  Denver Broncos:  B.J. Raji; Defensive Tackle, Boston College

Denver would love to have had a chance at Taylor Mays, but B.J. Raji is an excellent prospect in his own right.  The Broncos' defense ranked near the bottom in every major category, most unimpressively they ranked in the bottom three against the run.  Raji is the best run stuffing defensive tackle in the draft, and he could be a great fit in Mike Nolan's defense. 

13.  Washington Redskins:  Tyson Jackson; Defensive End, LSU

Washington needs a big, run stuffing defensive end, and Jackson fits the bill.  He is a great bull rusher, and has excellent size.  Most importantly, Jackson knows what it takes to win, and brings a strong presence to the locker room. 

14.   New Orleans Saints:  James Laurinaitis; Middle Linebacker, Ohio State

This pick likely won’t change until the Saints re-sign Jonathan Vilma.  Undoubtedly, it will be a defensive pick unless some can’t miss prospect is available.  Laurinaitis has been one of the more consistent players in college football in recent years.  He was a leader on the field for the Buckeyes, and could bring the same element to the Saints.

15.  Houston Texans:  Vontae Davis; Cornerback, Illinois

Houston’s pass defense was probably the only weak part of their unit in 2008.  They could really use a safety here, but there are none worth selecting in the first round.  Davis has been a shut down corner for the Illini, and with Dunta Robinson set to hit free agency, the Texans could look to him at pick 15.

16.  San Diego Chargers:  Chris Wells; Running Back, Ohio State

Wells is in a similar mold to former Charger running back Michael Turner, and would be an excellent replacement if the team decides to shop Ladainian Tomlinson.  The former Buckeye would also help ease the pain if Darren Sproles decides to pursue a starting job elsewhere. 

17.  New York Jets:  Jeremy Maclin; Wide Receiver, Missouri

Maclin is one of the biggest playmakers in this year’s draft.  He is so fast, and plays bigger than his size.  The Jets don’t have a consistent playmaker at the wide receiver position, and Maclin can provide just that.  He is also very capable of being a stud return man.

18.  Chicago Bears:  Darrius Heyward-Bey; Wide Receiver, Maryland

Heyward-Bey is a similar player to Maclin, in that he has track star speed.  Heyward-Bey has great size at 6’3” to go along with that blazing speed, and he would provide an offensive spark to a Bears team that has been lacking just that for many, many years.  Kyle Orton needs bigger targets, and this guy would be an excellent addition.

19.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Peria Jerry; Defensive Tackle, Mississippi

Tampa Bay’s weak spot on defense is up front, and I think they could look to shore up that area in round one of the draft.  Jerry is an excellent prospect, who is definitely known for his pass rushing abilities.  He has great agility and quickness, and would provide an instant impact up front for the Bucs.

20.  Detroit Lions (from Dallas):  Jason Smith; Offensive Tackle, Baylor

Detroit is going to need to do their very, very best to keep Matthew Stafford upright, and Smith is one of the best offensive tackle prospects in this draft.  It is likely that he will be taken prior to the Lions’ second first rounder, but they wouldn’t hesitate to draft him if available.  Smith is a converted tight end, and he is extremely athletic for his size.

21.  Arizona Cardinals:  Knowshon Moreno; Running Back, Georgia

I think Edgerrin James could be on his way out of Arizona, and a replacement will be needed.  Tim Hightower was a pleasant surprise as a rookie, but he is more suited for a power back role.  Moreno is a very versatile player who reminds me of Brian Westbrook/Reggie Bush.  He is a playmaker, and could be a steal here at pick 21.

22.  Minnesota Vikings:  Michael Oher; Offensive Tackle, Mississippi

Oher made a bad choice by staying in college, because this year is a very deep class of offensive linemen.  However, he still gets a first round grade, and the Vikings would love to have him playing right tackle for them next season.  Ryan Cook is not the answer, and Oher is an excellent run and pass blocker. 

23.  New England Patriots:  Aaron Maybin; Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Penn State

There are some who may not think Maybin will fall this far, and with good workouts that would be a very fair assumption.  However, New England is in dire need of more pressure from the outside, and Maybin would provide just that.  He is a great hybrid linebacker, and could bring the Pats another Defensive Rookie of the Year.

24.  Atlanta Falcons:  Brandon Pettigrew; Tight End, Oklahoma State

Atlanta would probably have tried to draft Jermaine Gresham if he were available, but he decided to return to Oklahoma for his senior season.  Pettigrew is the next best thing.  He is a great pass catcher, as well as an excellent blocker.  He reminds me a lot of Daniel Graham, and he could be a player to watch for the Falcons.

25.  Miami Dolphins:  D.J. Moore; Cornerback, Vanderbilt

Moore is a fast rising prospect, who would fit in perfectly with the Dolphins.  He has great ball skills, and is one of the faster players at his position.  Miami lacks pure playmakers in the defensive backfield, and Moore could be the missing element.

26.  Indianapolis Colts:  Clint Sintim; Outside Linebacker, Virginia

Sintim is another one of those guys who could be considered a hybrid, but he would fit in just fine in the 4-3 the Colts use.  He is the prototypical speed for the position, and is a great pass rusher.  His pass coverage needs improvement, but there is no doubt he has the speed to make up for it.

27.  New York Giants:  Hakeem Nicks; Wide Receiver, North Carolina

Nicks is best known for his unbelievable catch against West Virginia, but he is definitely not a one hit wonder.  He has great size, and is the ideal build for a receiver.  If he runs a fast 40, he could go higher than this.  The Giants may need to replace Plaxico Burress this offseason for a prime time wide receiver.

28.  Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina):  Duke Robinson; Offensive Lineman, Oklahoma

The Eagles need a replacement for Tra Thomas, who could leave and hit the open market this offseason.  Oklahoma’s offense set a ton of records this season, and Robinson was a large part of that success.  Although he played guard at OU, he would be a great candidate to slide out and play left tackle for the Eagles.

29.  Baltimore Ravens:  Alphonso Smith; Cornerback, Wake Forest

The Ravens have one of, if not the very best defenses in the NFL, but they are aging, and could also possibly lose both Ray Lewis and Bart Scott to free agency.  However, this team’s most glaring need is in the defensive backfield, where Samari Rolle is near the end of his playing days.  Smith may be the fastest cornerback in the draft, and the Ravens would jump at the chance to draft him.

30.  Tennessee Titans:  Percy Harvin; Wide Receiver, Florida

The Titans have a great defense, but their inconsistent and one dimensional offense was the reason they got beat in the divisional round of the playoffs this season.  Percy Harvin is an instant upgrade for any team with his speed and playmaking ability.  What I really like about Harvin is that he is a very underrated pass catcher, and his performance in the National Championship game showed he has guts and toughness.

31.  Philadelphia Eagles:  LeSean McCoy; Running Back, Pittsburgh

With Correll Buckhalter becoming a free agent, and Brian Westbrook being injury prone, there is no question the Eagles could look to McCoy if he is still available with this pick.  Personally, I think it’s best that they trade up to try and nab Jason Smith, and that is certainly a move they could make.  McCoy is a very well rounded running back prospect, and he could take a lot of pressure off of Westbrook.

32.  Pittsburgh Steelers:  Alex Mack; Center, California

Pittsburgh has got to find a way to protect Ben Roethlisberger, or they will not be picking in this slot come April.  Alex Mack is an unheralded prospect who could provide an immediate impact in the pass protection for the Steelers.  Offensive line is really the only glaring weakness on the Steelers right now, and with some improvements they could begin another dynasty.

Round Two

33.  Detroit Lions:  Michael Johnson; Defensive End, Georgia Tech

Another excellent choice for the Lions, would be a steal here at 33.  Great size and speed for a DE.

34.  St. Louis Rams:  Eben Britton; Offensive Tackle, Arizona

St. Louis needs to shore up the LT spot, and Britton has a first round grade as of now. 

35.  Kansas City Chiefs:  Larry English; Defensive End, Northern Illinois

Chiefs need to improve pass rush.  English is a pass rush specialist.

36.  Seattle Seahawks:  Josh Freeman; Quarterback, Kansas State

Seahawks need a future replacement for Matt Hasselbeck who has not been himself lately.

37.  Cleveland Browns:  Clay Matthews; Outside Linebacker, USC

Matthews is underrated, Cleveland needs pass rushing OLB.

38.  Cincinnati Bengals:  William Moore; Safety, Missouri

Cincinnati missed Madieu Williams, Moore is top safety available in the draft.

39.  Oakland Raiders:  Max Unger; Center, Oregon

Oakland’s offensive line is terrible, Unger is on the rise.

40.  Jacksonville Jaguars:  Brandon LaFell; Wide Receiver, LSU

Jaguars lack prime time receiver, LaFell has great size and speed.

41.  Green Bay Packers:  Sean Smith; Cornerback/Safety, Utah State

Green Bay could lose Atari Bigby to free agency, Smith reminds me of Antrel Rolle.

42.  San Francisco 49ers:  Troy Kropog; Offensive Tackle, Tulane

San Francisco gave up more sacks than any NFL team in 2008.

43.  Buffalo Bills:  Jared Cook; Tight End, South Carolina

Buffalo lacks a playmaking tight end, Cook could provide great red zone target.

44.  Denver Broncos:  Shonn Greene; Running Back, Iowa

Denver needs a playmaker at running back.  Greene could be best back in draft.

45.  Miami Dolphins (from Washington):  Kenny Britt; Wide Receiver, Rutgers

Miami needs a big receiver opposite Ted Ginn Jr.  Camarillo could become free agent.

46.  New York Giants (from New Orleans):  Rashad Johnson; Safety, Alabama

Johnson is a good cover safety to compliment the hard hitting Kenny Phillips.

47.  Houston Texans:  Louis Delmas; Safety, Western Michigan

Houston desperately needs help at the back end of their defense, Delmas is a sleeper.

48.  New England Patriots (from San Diego):  Darius Butler; Cornerback, UConn

Butler could be a combine superstar, New England needs depth at corner.

49.  New York Jets:  Nate Davis; Quarterback, Ball State

Brett Favre’s days are numbered, Kellen Clemens hasn’t developed as planned.

50.  Chicago Bears:  Patrick Chung; Safety, Oregon

Bears’ pass defense really dropped off in 2008, Chung is an underrated prospect.

51.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers:  Evander Hood; Defensive Tackle, Missouri

Tampa needs to continue to rebuild up front, Hood is the top player available at this point.

52.  Dallas Cowboys:  Derrick Williams; Wide Receiver, Penn State

T.O. could be on his way out, Williams is a great possession receiver.

53.  Arizona Cardinals:  Cody Brown; Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, UConn

Arizona needs a good pass rushing OLB to pair with Travis LaBoy.

54.  Minnesota Vikings:  Louis Murphy; Wide Receiver, Florida

Vikings need more playmakers at the WR position.

55.  New England Patriots:  Donald Brown; Running Back, UConn

New England needs a back to eventually replace Kevin Faulk as the third down back.

56.  Atlanta Falcons:  Ron Brace; Defensive Tackle, Boston College

Atlanta needs to add some beef up front.

57.  Miami Dolphins:  Darry Beckwith; Middle Linebacker, LSU

Channing Crowder may leave via free agency, Miami needs replacement.

58.  Indianapolis Colts:  Victor Harris; Cornerback, Virginia Tech

Indy needs to improve their pass defense, Harris is very underrated.

59.  Baltimore Ravens:  Brian Robiskie; Wide Receiver, Ohio State

Baltimore needs a big play threat opposite Mark Clayton.

60.  Carolina Panthers:  Paul Kruger; Defensive End, Utah

Carolina may need to replace Julius Peppers this offseason.

61.  New York Giants:  James Davis; Running Back, Clemson

Brandon Jacobs and Derrick Ward are both free agents.

62.  Tennessee Titans:  Chase Coffman; Tight End, Missouri

Alge Crumpler was a bust, Bo Scaife is a free agent.

63.  Philadelphia Eagles:  Juaquin Iglesias; Wide Receiver, Oklahoma

Philly needs to find an answer at wideout desperately.

64.  Pittsburgh Steelers:  Phil Loadholt; Offensive Tackle, Oklahoma

Pittsburgh needs to continue to revamp their offensive line.