Remember the Sonics: 2009 NFL Mock Draft (Updated March 3)

--View This Article In It's Original Form At Remember The Sonics!--

Several key free agent acquisitions have changed the landscape of this draft. From here on out when changes are made the reasons will be listed below along with the previous pick.

It’s that time of the year again… approximately two months from the 2009 NFL Draft and Mock Drafts around the world are in full swing. The RTS Writers got together and hammered out how we believe the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft will shake out.

Read and respond with what you think we got right, wrong, and anything else that’s on your mind!

1. DETROIT - Matthew Stafford - QB (Georgia)

Detroit is in the rebuilding phase, and it has become clear that Daunte Culpepper is not the answer. Matt Stafford is the best quarterback available in the draft, and while he might not have the mindset to be a winner right now, he has the physical tools to become an excellent NFL quarterback.

Detroit could address their woeful offensive line with this pick, but the offensive line pool in this draft is deep and no lineman stands out from the rest as an elite player. Most likely, Detroit will take Stafford here and wait until pick 20 to take an o-lineman. –SK-

2. ST. LOUIS - Jason Smith - OT (Baylor)

Orlando Pace is aging, the St. Louis Rams are floundering, and it is well known that the strongest foundation for an NFL franchise is a good offensive line. As previously mentioned, there is not an elite offensive lineman in this draft… yet. In the next two months, one might work himself ahead of the rest, but for now Baylor’s Jason Smith set himself ahead with a stellar senior bowl.

There are rumors that the Rams are considering drafting LB Aaron Curry, as he is quickly proving to be the most talented player in this draft, but for now it’s a safe bet that St. Louis will address their offensive line with this pick. –SK-

3. KANSAS CITY - Aaron Curry - MLB (Wake Forest)

Aaron Curry is the best prospect in the entire draft.  If it weren’t for the needs of the teams ahead of Kansas City, Curry probably would be the number one overall pick of this draft (and deservedly so). Projected as a high pick before the combine, Curry has been the focal point of the combine for anyone who didn’t already know how outstanding he was.

The only other viable option here was Mark Sanchez, but after filling their QB vacancy via free agency with backup all-star Matt Cassel, this is an obvious selection. –AM-

4. SEATTLE - Eugene Monroe - OT (Virginia)
--Updated March 3 - Previous Pick: DT B.J. Raji--

As mentioned before, there are a number of ways that Seattle can go with this pick. Fortunately for experts and bloggers alike, the Seahawks recent free agent acquisitions have cleared up their draft strategy. WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh eliminates any chance of spending first-round money on WR Michael Crabtree, while signing DT Colin Cole away from Green Bay (for a whopping 5 years and $21 Million) signals that the Seahawks aren't going to commit their first-round pick to DT B.J. Raji.

This leaves the Seahawks struggling offensive line. Last year the Seahawks couldn't pass due to an injury to their entire receiving corps and also former Pro Bowl QB Matt Hasselbeck, but the true problems came when the 'Hawks tried to run the ball.

With money committed to RB Julius Jones and T.J. Duckett, adding another RB does not seem feasible, so the solution can be found on the o-line. If Seattle wants to add a DT they can do so with their 2nd round pick, but for now they need to take a waiver on one of the elite o-linemen in this draft. Seattle's recent moves make Eugene Monroe the clear choice. -SK-

5. CLEVELAND - Brian Orakpo - DE/LB (Texas)

Cleveland has already had an interesting offseason. New coach Eric Mangini has already stated his disinterest in naming Brady Quinn the quarterback of the future, the front office dealt away one of few elite tight ends in the game in Kellen Winslow, and for some reason Phil Savage is still allowed on the premises. Despite a quarterback controversy, Cleveland has only one way to go with this pick: DEFENSE.

I have seen several drafts taking Malcolm Jenkins here, but with his Warren Sapp-esque 40 yard dash time, he might not be considered an NFL CB anymore. This decision will probably be between two similar players, Florida State DE Everette Brown and Texas DE Bryan Orapko. Both are sickly talented and both have the speed to play a hybrid DE/LB in a 3-4 scheme. Health concerns may play a factor if Brown is taken, but if the draft were today, Orapko would be the pick. –SK-

6. CINCINNATI -B.J. Raji - DT (Boston College)
--Updated March 3 - Previous Pick: OT Eugene Monroe--

Lord knows the Bengals need help on the offensive line, but with both Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe off the board, Cincinnati would have to reach into the newly developed OT tier 1-B (which includes Andre the Giant and Michael Oher). While o-line is a need, the Bengals can't let a defensive force like B.J. Raji slip past pick six if their first two choices for OT are already taken.

Those who oppose this pick will argue that OT is too important to pass on, but those people forget that Cincinnati's pass rush is in desperate need of help as well. B.J. Raji is a one-man pass rush, and will instantly revive a dying Cincinnati Bengals defensive line. -SK-

7. OAKLAND - Michael Crabtree - WR (Texas Tech)

When Al Davis is in the vicinity, here is the draft strategy. Determine the most logical pick, throw it out the window, then take the player on the board with most talent. Ironically, this strategy might work in 2009. If Crabtree slips to pick 7, Oakland will land a franchise-caliber wide receiver (not named Johnnie Lee Higgins or Chaz Schilens) to join former college stars QB Jamarcus Russell and RB Darren McFadden.

If Crabtree is off the board, possibly to Seattle at pick 4, look for Oakland to address their terrible offensive line (if someone drugs Al Davis and makes the pick without his input). They are just now figuring out that Robert Gallery is not the answer… Then again, who knows, they might just take a player like Jeremy Maclin, who has raw talent and a tremendous upside. With Al Davis, you just never know. One thing is for certain, if Crabtree is available, he will be a Raider next year. –SK-

8. JACKSONVILLE - Andre Smith - OT (Alabama)

Speaking of Andre Smith, remember the time when he was a potential No. 2 pick? The bottom line is that Smith is the same player he was when he was touted as a top two pick, but he has had some unfortunate events in the last few weeks.

Getting exposed by a speed rush can be fixed by a coaching staff and leaving the combine early is a mental error. In terms of physical talent, this guy is still top-pick caliber. The Jaguars offensive line cost them any chance at a winning season last year, and while they lost Fred Taylor in the off-season, their need for a backup RB pales in comparison to their need for help on the o-line. If Smith falls to the Jags, this is a no-brainer. –SK-

9. GREEN BAY - Everette Brown - DE/LB (Florida State)

I love me some Everette Brown.  With the potential to be a perennial pro-bowler, Green Bay can’t go wrong here, especially considering their current switch to a 3-4 defensive scheme. Brown is the perfect fit here, as he possesses both great speed and strength. Brian Orakpo is most likely the Packers’ first option here, but as mentioned above, the difference between Orapko and Brown is slight at best.

CB is a concern here, as Green Bay’s current defensive backs are aging, but with the fall of Malcolm Jenkins there is no CB that is top-ten caliber. With a defensive need evident in Green Bay, we have no qualms taking Everette Brown here. –AM-

10. SAN FRANCISCO - Mark Sanchez - QB (USC)

This pick could change as soon as tomorrow. QB is an obvious need in San Francisco, but rumor has it Kurt Warner is visiting the Bay Area. As much as the world would love another Warner/USC Rookie clash, there is no way San Francisco will waste a top 10 pick on Sanchez if the ageless wonder is on board. That being said, Sanchez is the pick right now. San Francisco needs help at QB, and while Shaun Hill was serviceable, he is not the long-term answer.

With KC acquiring Matt Cassel, Sanchez will most likely be on the board here. The question now is if San Francisco will pull a Kansas City and look to free agency, or try to grab a QB via draft in Mark Sanchez. –SK-

11. BUFFALO - Brandon Pettigrew - TE (Oklahoma State)

Yes, this is a reach, and yes I think that the most beneficial move for Buffalo would be to trade down to around pick 20 and take Pettigrew there. However, this is not a “Mock Draft and add in who you think will trade their picks,” this is just a mock draft. I opposed this pick until Buffalo released TE Robert Royal. With that move, it’s clear the Buffalo’s biggest need is a TE, and Brandon Pettigrew offers Pro Bowl caliber talent right out of college.

He is a great receiver, and better yet scouts say that his blocking is better than his pass-catching. If Buffalo doesn’t go TE here, then they might snag OT Michael Oher. With their roster as it stands, however, I think the pick has to be Brandon Pettigrew. –SK-

12. DENVER - Rey Maualuga - MLB (USC)

Barring news that Rey-Rey’s injury is worse than expected, Maualuga should be the second LB taken in this draft. Rey is a great fit for Denver’s dilapidated defense, and he gives Denver a piece of the playoff team puzzle that they have been missing for a few years.

Everyone knows how incredible Maualuga is athletically, but his equally impressive intelligence is a must-have for anyone to have a great NFL career. Denver’s need at LB coupled with Mauauluga’s skill, size, and USC pedigree equals a match made in heaven (or hell if you’re from San Diego). –AM-

13. WASHINGTON - Michael Oher - OT (Ole Miss)

Money can’t buy Daniel Snyder love, but he is checking to see whether or not it can buy him championships. The NFL’s Steinbrenner has opened up his checkbook this off-season to acquire CB Deangelo Hall (AKA Eddie Royal’s B****) and DT Albert Haynesworth, the most sought-after free agent this off-season.

Other options at pick 13 had been help in the secondary and help in the pass rush, but Hall should keep the secondary solid while Haynesworth serves as a one-man pass rush. This leaves a weakened Redskins O-line to worry about, and if Michael Oher is available he would be a great value at this pick. That is, unless Snyder decides to go buy Joe Thomas or something… -SK-

14. NEW ORLEANS - Vontae Davis - CB (Illinois)

When this pick came around we all looked at each other and said “secondary!” Seriously though, New Orleans’ pass defense was that bad last year. The Saints re-signed all-world LB Jonathan Vilma, so don’t worry about their front seven, they’ll be fine.As for the secondary, sure there were a few games where Jason David intercepted the ball, but that’s because the other team keeps throwing his way!

New Orleans needs help at CB, and with Malcolm Jenkins decline into an NFL Safety prospect, Vontae Davis is the top talent available. He may not be as fast as his older brother Vernon, but Vontae would be a great fit in New Orleans at pick 14. –SK-

15. HOUSTON - Tyson Jackson - DE (LSU)

Maybe the biggest winner at the combine, Tyson Jackson is half-man and half-beast… and if he had another half it would be beast too. A blazingly quick 40-time at the combine plus the strength of three or four mere mortals makes him a great fit for the Texans here at the pick 15. Put this guy on the defensive line opposite the freak of nature Mario Williams and opposing quarterbacks and offensive linemen will immediately begin trembling. 

If Jackson is the choice here, there may not be a better pair of defensive ends in the league in a few years (after Jackson develops). Aaron Maybin is a strong contender for us (the RTS staff) at this spot, but we know how impressed we were with Jackson after the combine, not to mention that our editor is an LSU fan… NFL teams took notice of an excellent combine as well, and his NFL stock is rising. Jackson could end up being taken even higher than pick 15, but if he continues to perform at this level, the Texans will definitely take a chance on him. –AM-

16. SAN DIEGO - Brian Cushing - OLB (USC)

San Diego runs one of the most vicious 3-4 defensive packages in the NFL. What allows this formation to dominate opposing offenses is a combination of pass rushing defensive ends and incredibly versatile linebackers. With Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips as outside linebackers, San Diego’s pass rush is lethal.

However, San Diego is becoming more concerned with defensive depth (look at what happened when Merriman went down for the count in 2008) and the possibility of Merriman leaving via free agency in 2010. San Diego needs a defensive playmaker, and more specifically they need a versatile linebacker to plug into a 3-4 system.

Cushing offers a USC-pedigree, a serviceable backup to the Merriman/Phillips combo, and an insurance package in case Merriman heads elsewhere next off-season.

Many experts have predicted a backup running back drafted here (in case LDT goes down the Shaun Alexander road to success), but the simple fact is that San Diego already has too much money tied up at the running back position. They have the inflated contract of LaDainian Tomlinson, as well as the franchise-tag contract of Darren Sproles. To spend first-round pick money on a running back would be financial suicide. This pick has to be a linebacker, and Cushing is the best fit for San Diego at this pick. –SK-

17. NEW YORK JETS - Jeremy Maclin - WR (Missouri)

Maclin is an excellent value pick at number 17 for the Jets. Confusion strikes this pick if Kurt Warner (as previously mentioned) ends up signing with the 49ers. That would bump QB Mark Sanchez off of the San Francisco wish list and down the charts to pick 17, where an eager Jets team would gobble him up. But hey, that’s all hypothetical. Let’s stick with this pick.

Maclin is a pure speed receiver, and as Devin Hester will tell you—you can’t coach speed. He instantly adds a downfield threat to the Jets passing attack (assuming there is anyone who can throw the ball to him) and provides support to RB Leon Washington in the Jets’ special teams sets.

The two positions I have seen most commonly kicked around here are CB and WR. With no elite CB on the board, look for the Jets to address their WR needs and snatch up Jeremy Maclin, who could go as high as pick 7 and would be an absolute steal at 17. Keep your ears open for the QB possibilities too… -SK-

18. CHICAGO - Aaron Maybin - DE (Penn State)

As mentioned at the 15 spot, Aaron Maybin could be taken higher. Depending on how his future workouts go, he could even go as high as the top 10. If Maybin falls to pick 18, however, don’t be surprised if Chicago takes all of five seconds to announce their selection. A manimal at the position, Maybin could be an instant impact player for an already stout Chicago Defense.

I made a suggestion here for ILB James Laurinaitis but was quickly reminded that Brian Urlacher plays the position of “Linebacking Corps” for the Bears (how could I forget?). The Bears don’t need linebackers, but they could use a defensive end, so Maybin is the selection.While there are other avenues the Bears could pursue, Maybin is a great choice here. Honestly, I can’t see him falling any lower than pick 20—he’s that kind of talent. –AM-

19. TAMPA BAY - Josh Freeman - QB (Kansas State)
--Updated March 3 - Previous Pick: RB Knowshon Moreno--

Tampa Bay signing Derrick Ward officially killed any chance of drafting a running back with this pick. For now it seems like the Bucs are committed to improving their offense, as they signed RB Derrick Ward, re-signed WR Michael Clayton, and attempted to trade for Pro Bowl QB Jay Cutler.

Here are Tampa's most probable choices with this pick: On one hand, Tampa Bay could try and trade this pick in a package for the previously mentioned  Jay Cutler. For some reason Denver's new head coach, Josh McDaniels, seems hell-bent on driving Cutler out of town... Some day McDaniels might explain why he came into Denver and immediately pissed off his 25 year old franchise quarterback (whose contract is up in two years).

For now, McDaniels may as well ship his quarterback out of town, because if he doesn't Cutler will be gone in two seasons. If Tampa can't work a deal for Jay Cutler, look for them to address their quarterback needs via draft.

Josh Freeman is available here, and while he is not incredible, the dropoff from Freeman to the next best quarterback is staggering, and Tampa Bay can't afford to hand their team to a lesser QB (No, Luke McCown is not the answer either). Look for Tampa Bay to trade this pick, but if they keep it they have to address their problems at quarterback. -SK-

20. DETROIT - Eben Britton - OT (Arizona)

If the Detroit Lions don’t select an offensive tackle with the number 1 pick, they will address that need at pick 20. It’s not a sexy pick, but no matter how much fans hate it, offensive tackles are the building blocks for great teams.

Why do you need a strong LT? Because most right-handed quarterbacks need their blind side protected. Put in a weak LT and you will get David Carr-esque sack numbers…no good for a young team.

Britton has all the physical tools to be an NFL starter, and could prove good enough to bump current LT Jeff Backus to LG. Most experts agree that there are five top-shelf offensive tackles in this draft: Jason Smith, Eugene Monroe, Andre Smith, Michael Oher, and Eben Britton.

If the Lions can land the top QB in Matt Stafford and a top-tier tackle in Eben Britton their first round would be a tremendous success. That Roy Williams trade is looking better and better each day… -SK-

21. PHILADELPHIA - James Laurinaitis - MLB (Ohio State)

The “Little Animal" goes to Philadelphia at pick 21, but there’s nothing little about him. Laurinaitis is probably kicking himself for not going pro last year, where he would have been the top linebacker off the board and a sure-fire top 10 pick, but his 2009 draft stock is still excellent. Philadelphia will welcome him with open arms, as they start one of the weakest linebacking corps in the NFL (Chris Gocong, Stewart Bradley, and Akeem Jordan anyone?).

If TE Brandon Pettigrew falls to this position (mainly if Buffalo trades down past here from the 11 spot) then look for them to snatch him up, and there is some potential for them to go TE here with Jared Cook, but we have them holding off a few picks to take him later.

Additionally, the recent losses of S Brian Dawkins and CB Lito Shepard were devastating to the Philadelphia defense. William Moore is a possibility here to replace Dawkins, but Philly taking a linebacker is still a safe bet. –AM-

22. MINNESOTA - Darrius Heyward-Bey - WR (Maryland)

Every year, one player rockets his draft stock upward by dominating the NFL combine. This year’s combine MVP is Maryland WR Darrius Heyward-Bey. The physical tools are there, and at 6’3” 205 pounds, Heyward-Bey has the build of a top-tier NFL wideout. Factor in a mind-blowing 4.30 40-yard dash and Heyward-Bey goes from a mid-second round pick to a first round lock.

Minnesota is desperately lacking playmakers on the offensive side of the ball not named Adrian Peterson. Trading up to grab a QB was a possibility until they invested money in former Colts MVP Sage Rosenfels (if you didn’t see the Texans-Colts first game of 2008, go read the recap and you will understand).

The Vikings o-line is aging but serviceable, their running game is intact with AD in the backfield, and Rosenfels should be under center in 2009. That leaves the Vikings to address who Sage will be throwing to. Adding Heyward-Bey gives Minnesota another speed receiver (along with WR Bernard Berrian) and a physical playmaker that their offense badly needs. –SK-

23. NEW ENGLAND - Malcolm Jenkins - CB/S (Ohio State)

The Patriots defense seems to add more young talent every year. Brandon Meriwether and Jerod Mayo are the two most recent studs to join the Patriots D, but this off-season the Pats defensive could start to crumble.

New England traded away LB Mike Vrabel, and could lose S Rodney Harrison and S James Sanders to free agency. Vrabel’s departure leaves a hole at OLB, but if Harrison does not return the Patriots will be in desperate need of a FS. Sanders could be the answer, but more than likely he is not.

Enter Malcolm Jenkins. Jenkins’ 40 yard dash times has scouts doubting that he can be a cover corner in the NFL, which means a transition to safety is likely. His physical skills are outstanding, and before this potential switch to safety he was being projected as high as pick 5. If he does get moved out of the CB pool, however, his stock will drop heavily, maybe allowing him to slip to New England at pick 23.

A safety duo of Brandon Meriwether and Malcolm Jenkins would be young, hard-hitting, and sickly talented. –SK

24. ATLANTA - William Moore - S (Missouri)

Atlanta needs help at two key defensive positions this off-season: linebacker and strong safety. LB Keith Brooking and Michael Boley left via free agency, and it has become clear that SS Lawyer Milloy will not return either.

Atlanta has not been shy about heavily scouting secondary players at the combine. They interviewed safeties William Moore, Rashad Johnson, and Louis Delmas, all of which said they enjoyed talking with Atlanta personnel. Atlanta needs a replacement for Lawyer Milloy and there isn’t really another safety worth taking a risk on this high. Honestly, having watched William Moore in person I still don’t see him being a great NFL safety, but I’ve been wrong before (see my groaning about the Steelers drafting Ben Roethlisberger) and this could be one of those situations.

I could see Atlanta going several different ways here (especially with Percy Harvin still on the board, at least in our mock) but William Moore would be a solid pick to fill a definite need for the Falcons. If one of a number of premiere LB (including Maualuga, Cushing, or Laurinaitis) falls to this pick look for Atlanta to bite, but as it stands Moore is the best choice here. –AM-

25. MIAMI - Hakeem Nicks - WR (North Carolina)

Miami needs help at offensive line, but not the kind of help that a first round pick brings. Translation: they don’t need a premier tackle; their needs are at interior line positions. They will probably wait until the second or third rounds and snag an interior lineman such as California C Alex Mack or Oklahoma G Duke Robinson.

With offensive line out of the question, Miami will address another glaring inefficiency in their lineup by selecting a WR. Ted Ginn Jr. has the makings of an NFL star, while lesser known receivers Greg Camarillo and Devone Bess performed well last season. However, if Miami expects to improve their passing game, they need to add a star receiver to line up opposite Ginn. Camarillo and Bess are excellent third and fourth options, but Nicks will give Chad Pennington another young target with great potential.

The Dolphins will grab some O-linemen later in the draft, but at pick 25 look for Miami to grab a star receiver in Hakeem Nicks. –SK-

26. BALTIMORE - D.J. Moore - CB (Vanderbilt)

Baltimore’s offense is far from efficient, but this off-season has taken a devastating toll on the famed Ravens defense. So far, Baltimore has lost defensive coordinator Rex Ryan, LB Bart Scott, CB Chris McAlister, and could lose S Jim Leonhard and LB Ray Lewis.

Signing CB Dominique Foxworth was a step in the right direction, but the Baltimore defense still has numerous holes to fill. Linebacker is a need here, but unless a second-tier LB improves his draft status there is not a viable LB option here.

CB D.J. Moore is a safe bet for a number of reasons. First, he improves a nearly-stalled Baltimore defense. He will probably start at nickel back (behind CB Fabian Washington and Samari Rolle), and could play his way into the starting lineup by mid-season. Additionally, this provides an insurance policy on the aging Samari Rolle, and adds depth to a deteriorating Baltimore secondary. As previously mentioned, linebacker is an option here, but for now this pick will go to the secondary. –SK-

27. INDIANAPOLIS - Peria Jerry - DT (Ole Miss)

Matt Howell is our token Colts fan, which makes him the best writer to explain this pick. He was unavailable, however, so the token Steelers fan will have to do. Peria Jerry is the second-best DT available this year, and is definitely a steal at the pick 27. Indianapolis will gain a talented DT with the ability to make an instant impact on the defensive line. 

With his incredible strength, Jerry has all the makings of a dominant DT and could turn into a “block eater” like DT Casey Hampton or DT Jamal Williams. Adding Jerry here will provide relief to the much maligned Colts run defense. In 2008, it seemed like anyone not named Dwight Freeney couldn’t find the opposing quarterback if given a map, a compass, and an in-helmet microphone which transmitted the opposing team’s snap count.

I initially thought that Jeff Saturday would be gone via free agency, and with that in mind C Alex Mack would have been a great pick here. Mack might be the best o-lineman in this draft when it’s all said and done, and in my opinion could be a Hall of Fame- caliber player in the NFL. However, all that talk is irrelevant now since Jeff Saturday re-signed with Indy, making Peria Jerry a no-brainer for this pick. –AM-

28. PHILADELPHIA - Jared Cook - TE (South Carolina)

Philadelphia addressed their defensive woes with James Laurinaitis at pick 23. Now they have to address problems on the offensive side of the ball. Like Miami, Philadelphia needs o-line help, but at pick 28 not a lot of top-tier talent remains. Instead of reaching for a mid-level o-lineman here, Philadelphia will more than likely address another need and hope for OT William Beatty or G Duke Robinson to fall into the mid second round.

Philadelphia could use a backup running back, as all-world RB Brian Westbrook has hit age 30 and has a regularly busted knee. Previous backup Correll Buckhalter left for Denver, the magical land where even Olandis Gary can gain 1,000 yards on the ground. Despite the need to replace Buckhalter, the Eagles’ most glaring need is at tight end, where L.J. Smith has left for free agency, leaving the Eagles with little-known Brent Celek as their starter.

If TE Brandon Pettigrew falls to pick 21, then Philadelphia will address their tight end problem there, but if not look for the Eagles to grab TE Jared Cook with pick 28. –SK-

29. NEW YORK GIANTS - Clint Sintim - OLB (Virginia)

The New York Giants are in the middle of absolute chaos concerning their next year’s roster. S James Butler is meddling in free agency, and the controversy surrounding Cheddar-Plax could leave their wide receiving corps decimated. Their offensive needs are pressing, but they can be solved via free agency.

Star receivers T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Nate Washington are still being shopped around the league, and if New York can add one of those receivers (while re-signing James Butler) it will allow their draft pick to go toward much-needed depth at either OLB or DT.

If the Giants don’t pursue a wide receiver in free agency, look for Percy Harvin or Kenny Britt to be taken here. More than likely, however, the Giants will re-sign Plaxico or add a high-profile receiver, making OLB Clint Sintim the pick here. –SK-

30. TENNESSEE - Percy Harvin - WR (Florida)

I know what you’re thinking (or should be thinking)… no way in #*&@ does Percy Harvin fall this far. However, as my astute colleagues reminded me, somebody has to fall— it happens every year (ask Aaron Rodgers and Matt Leinart). I personally think Harvin goes a lot higher, but what a steal for Tennessee if he doesn’t.

In my opinion, look for the Titans to try and replace All-Pro DT Albert Haynesworth, who sold his services to the Redskins last week for a cool hundred mil. Not many high-caliber DT prospects are on the board, but if Jeria Perry slips this far, he would be the best fit here.

Past the obvious need to replace Haynesworth, Tennessee needs serious help in their receiving corps. If both Harvin and Jerry were available it would be a difficult decision, but in this mock we have already seen a number of teams pass on pure talent (Harvin) and opt for what their team needs instead. In all actuality, Jerry will be gone, and Harvin could be available, making him the obvious choice for Tennessee. –AM-

31. ARIZONA - Knowshon Moreno - RB (Georgia)
--Updated March 3 - Previous Pick: RB Beanie Wells--

The Cardinals could score big here if the best running back available drops to pick 31. Unlike recent years, there are no elite running backs available, and demand for running backs in the first round has also diminished. Arizona is one of the few teams who is a lock to select a running back in the first round.

RB Edgerrin James provided some much-needed yardage in the postseason last year, but next year will be much different. J.J. Arrington eloped with Correll Buckhalter to Denver, while Edgerrin James will most likely be released before next season. This leaves Tim Hightower as the only running back in Arizona’s stable, a problem which has to be addressed sooner rather than later.

Knowshon Moreno has power-back potential, but provides game-breaking talent to complement RB Tim Hightower. If Moreno is off the board the Cardinals could also strike gold with RB Beanie Wells or RB LeSean McCoy. No matter who it is, Arizona has to take a running back here. –SK-

32. PITTSBURGH - William Beatty - OT (Connecticut)

Steelers G Chris Kemoeatu re-signed with Pittsurgh last week, which severely lessened the damage to an already lacking offensive line. Ben Roethlisberger enjoyed life on the ground last year (see his sack totals through the first six weeks of the season), and the off-season was not kind to an already under-performing Pittsburgh o-line. As of now, two or more Pittsburgh o-linemen are testing the waters of free agency and may sign elsewhere for next year.

William Beatty provides the Steelers with an NFL-ready offensive tackle that has the versatility to move around the line if needed. All the other tools (especially on the defensive side of the ball) are in place for Pittsburgh to defend their championship, but to improve on last year; Pitt needs improve their offensive line.

Pittsburgh could go wide receiver here if a star-caliber player is on the board. Kenny Britt is a possibility, but more than likely Pitt will take an o-lineman here and address their receivers later in the draft with someone like Mike Wallace or Derrick Williams. –SK-

That’s a wrap for Round 1. We will update this Mock Draft as trades, acquisitions, and transactions are made around the league. We know that every move made during the off-season helps shape a team’s draft strategy, and we plan to react to all significant transactions.

Thanks for reading.

RTS Contributors
–Scotty Kimberly–
–Anthony Moore–
–Matt Howell–