2009 NFL Mock Draft and In-Depth Analysis, Updated Jan. 19

Updated Jan. 19

NEW UPDATE COMING! 1/26

Original Story at Opensports.com 

1. 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.

2.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.

3. 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 who could put up Jared Allen-like numbers.  He recorded 10.5 sacks his senior season and at 6-foot-4, 260 pounds he still runs the 40 in the 4.6s.

 
4.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.

5.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 Knowshon 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.

6. Bengals - Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss

NEEDS:
Offensive Tackle - Bengals need a reliable tackle after allowing 51 sacks last season.                                             
Wide Receiver - Housh is a free agent and Ocho Cinco wants out.

Analysis - The Bengals are getting great value with Michael Oher here at the No. 6 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.

7. 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.

8. 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-lineman 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.

9. 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.

10. 49ers - Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

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 believe Bradford staying at Oklahoma is the only reason Sanchez decided to declare for the draft.  He is your prototype quarterback with great mechanics and work ethic.  Main concern is his lack of experience, considering he only started one season at USC.

11. 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 4.6’s.  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.

12.Broncos - Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

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- 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, 3 sacks, 4 interceptions, (3 for touchdowns) and 2 forced fumbles.  He is a steal at No. 12 for the Broncos.

13. Redskins - Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

NEEDS:
Defensive Tackle - Griffin and Golston could use some help.
Linebacker - London Fletcher turns 34 next season.

Analysis-  The Redskins can't pass on a talent like Brown. He has tremendous upside and could have an immediate impact for the Skins. He will need to put on some weight to play end in the NFL. Last season, Brown finished with 13.5 sacks and 21.5 tackles for loss.

The Rest of my Mock can be found at Opensports.com