2009 NFL Mock Draft: An Unexpected Twist

The draft is about a month away, and with free agency well under way, we are beginning to see a clearer picture of what each team still needs to make their 16-game trek a successful one. Here are my first 10 mock picks.

1- Detroit Lions- OT Jason Smith

This pick is up in the air. With their recent acquisition of Pro Bowl LB Julian Peterson, it seems less likely the team will pursue LB Aaron Curry. Taking Matthew Stafford here would be all too reminiscent of the Texans taking David Carr.

If you have no offensive line, your QB won't stay on his feet long enough to make an impact (Carr was sacked 73 times in one season). Taking Smith would give them an anchor at LT for years to come. The Lions could look at taking Josh Freeman or Mark Sanchez with the 20th pick.

2- St Louis Rams- OT Eugene Monroe

This year's class of OTs is impressive; it's not out of the question to see the first two picks being Ts. With the departure of future HOF Orlando Pace, adding Monroe would give the Rams a good looking line, along with Jacob Bell, Alex Barron, and top free agent signee C Jason Brown.

3- Kansas City Chiefs- WR Michael Crabtree

The Chiefs went OL in last year's draft, adding G Brandon Albert. This year, they have added rising star QB Matt Cassel, and already have playmakers WR Dwayne Bowe, TE Tony Gonzalez, and RB Larry Johnson on offense. Adding Crabtree to the mix gives the Chiefs a dangerous offense that would have to be reckoned with. They would be a dangerous sleeper in the weak AFC West.

4- Seattle Seahawks- LB Aaron Curry

GM Tim Ruskell always says he prefers to draft the best player available, and not just what is needed. With this pick, the Seahawks get a player deemed the safest player in the draft, while filling the gaping hole Julian Peterson left in a trade with the Lions. Curry would join holdovers Leroy Hill and Lofa Tatupu to form a top, dynamic, young trio of LBs that could stay together for the next decade.

5- Cleveland Browns- DT BJ Raji

Their Pro Bowl DT Shaun Rogers wants out, and will probably get his wish. Raji is a high-motor DT who will make an immediate impact for an underachieving Browns defense. He's the best DT in the draft.

6- Cincinnati Bengals- DE/OLB Brian Orakpo

The Bengals were decimated by injuries last year, especially at LB. Orakpo is a hybrid OLB/DE who could pair up with LB Keith Rivers to form a young, dynamic duo. He could slide in at DE and would most likely start over incumbent Robert Geathers.

7- Oakland Raiders- CB Malcolm Jenkins

They could go WR here, but I believe they will be looking for speed, and there are plenty burners who could be had in the second round. Pairing Jenkins with stud CB Nnamdi Asomugha would potentially form a top CB tandem for years to come. Teams could no longer just throw away from Asomugha, because Jenkins could become a premier CB in the league.

8- Jacksonville Jaguars- QB Matthew Stafford

The Jaguars get a steal here and they cannot afford to pass this up. Stafford could sit for a few years ala Aaron Rodgers while they use up David Garrard. He's the top QB in the draft and the Jaguars would be foolish to let him slip by should he drop this far.

9- Green Bay Packers- OT Andre Smith

Smith was projected by many as a No. 1 pick for a reason. He did drop the ball at the Combine, and his stock has taken a major blow. The Packers would solidify their line and ease the departure of veteran T Mark Tauscher. He would be a tremendous value at No. 9 and would start right away.

10- San Francisco 49ers- DE Aaron Maybin

Maybin would give the 'Niners a playmaker to start immediately opposite of high-priced DE Justin Smith. He is one of the BPA, and fills a hole at DE.

I will have picks 11-20 up shortly. Thanks for reading!