2009 NFL Mock Draft and In-Depth Analysis, Updated Jan. 26

Original Story at Opensports.com.

1. Lions: Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia

NEEDS

Quarterback: The Lions cannot go another season with Daunte Culpepper or Dan Orlovsky 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 an excellent career with the Rams.

3. Chiefs: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

NEEDS

Coach: Herm Edwards is finally out!
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.

 
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 Matt Hasselbeck comes back strong next season, this could be an extremely scary combination.

5.Browns: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

(Pick Change: Previously Chris Wells)

NEEDS

Running Back: Haven't scored an offensive touchdown in 24 quarters, a new NFL record.
Outside Linebacker: Willie McGinest is washed up.

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. The hiring of Eric Mangini and his defensive-minded gameplan makes Curry the right pick here at No. 5.

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 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 to protect the quarterback’s blind side. Carson Palmer will be excited about this pickup. There were mixed opinions on Oher during his week at the Senior Bowl.

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 plays 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 B.J. Raji. Monroe will provide some solid protection for JaMarcus Russell and open some holes for McFadden and Justin 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: Al Harris could be gone, Charles Woodson moved to safety—they need help.

Analysis: Green Bay definitely needs help in the secondary. With Woodson at safety and 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 prototypical quarterback with great mechanics and work ethic. Main concern is his lack of experience considering he only started one season at USC.

11. Bills: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

(Pick Change: Previously Michael Johnson)

NEEDS

Defensive End: Aaron Schobel is getting old.
Outside Linebacker: Angelo Crowell will be leaving as a free agent.

Analysis: The fact that Michael Johnson skipped the Senior Bowl only helped Everette Brown. He has a tremendous upside and could have an immediate impact for the Bills. 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.

 12.Broncos: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

(Pick Change: Previously Aaron Curry)

NEEDS

Defensive Tackle: Broncos gave up 146 yards per game on the ground.
Linebacker: Broncos D gave up 28 points per game this season.

Analysis: Raji's draft stock has soared this week with an excellent showing at the Senior Bowl. He has been dominating the one-on-one drills and impressing scouts in attendance. Raji will have no problem stuffing the middle and taking on two blockers at the next level.   Conditioning could be an issue, as his weight has fluctuated between 320 and 350 throughout his college career.

The rest of the draft can be found HERE!