2009 NFL Mock Draft: First Round With Analysis

Round One

1. Detroit (0-16):  Matthew Stafford; Quarterback, Georgia

Detroit needs a face of the franchise. There really is no clear cut top player in this draft class, and Detroit would be wise to go with a future franchise quarterback. In a deep offensive lineman class, they can get a solid big later in the draft, possibly with their second first round pick. Matthew Stafford has had a very impressive offseason, and he could be the gunslinger the Lions have lacked for so long.

2. St. Louis (2-14):  Jason Smith; Offensive Tackle, Baylor

Now that Orlando Pace has officially been released, the Rams can look to their left tackle of the future. Depending on what Detroit does, they will have their choice of top tackles. I personally think they should go with Jason Smith. Out of the top three offensive tackles in this draft, Smith has the best feet, and that is critical in today's game and protecting a quarterback.

3. Kansas City (2-14):  Aaron Curry; Outside Linebacker, Wake Forest

I'm a big fan of Aaron Curry. He is undoubtedly the best senior prospect in this draft, maybe the best prospect overall. Kansas City just traded for Mike Vrabel, who will likely play middle linebacker. A trio of Vrabel, Derrick Johnson, and Curry could be absolutely terrifying for opposing offenses.

4. Seattle (4-12):  Eugene Monroe; Offensive Tackle, Virginia

Monroe could easily go number one in this draft, meaning this is great value for Seattle.  Prior to signing T.J. Houshmandzadeh, this pick was Michael Crabtree all the way. Now, Seattle can focus on their big men on offense. They could target Aaron Curry since they recently traded Julian Peterson, but with him off the board this is the next best option.

5. Cleveland(4-12):  Brian Orakpo; Outside Linebacker, Texas

Willie McGinnest is nearing the end of his career, and Kamerion Wimbley has not played up to his rookie potential. Brian Orakpo is a great pass rushing defensive end who seems ready to make the switch to outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. 

6. Cincinnati (4-11-1):  Andre Smith; Offensive Tackle, Alabama

While Andre Smith may not have gotten off to the greatest start by no-showing the Combine, he is still a dominant left tackle. Cincinnati has stated their interest in Smith, and it is unlikely that he will fall any further than the sixth overall pick. If he does, it will be an absolute steal.

7. Oakland(5-11):  Michael Crabtree; Wide Receiver, Texas Tech

Whether or not Oakland is the one making this pick remains to be seen, but it is unlikely that Crabtree will go any longer without hearing his name called. He is a big-play receiver, and while he doesn't have elite speed, he makes up for it with great leaping ability.

8. Jacksonville(5-11):  Rey Maualuga; Middle Linebacker, USC

Maualuga had a chance to work with the Jacksonville staff at the Senior Bowl, and the recent signing of Mike Peterson in Atlanta almost makes it seem like a no-brainer for Jacksonville to take a middle linebacker with this pick. Maualuga is a great run-stopper, and can have a Jerod Mayo type of impact on the Jaguars.

9. Green Bay(6-10):  B.J. Raji; Defensive Tackle, Boston College

Green Bay is making the switch to the 3-4, and that means a dominant nose tackle is needed.  Justin Harrell has not developed as expected, but he should get every opportunity.  If the pick is not Raji, it should be Malcolm Jenkins, as the Packers' DB's are getting a bit long in the tooth.

10. San Francisco(7-9):  Aaron Maybin; Outside Linebacker, Penn State

Manny Lawson has not been great since his rookie season, and on the other side the 49ers lack a pass rush as well.  Maybin is a dual-threat tweener who could instantly upgrade any team's pass rush.  Patrick Willis on the inside and Maybin on the outside would be a great combination.

11. Buffalo(7-9):  Brandon Pettigrew; Tight End, Oklahoma State

Buffalo let Robert Royal go to the Browns, and a replacement is needed. Pettigrew is the best tight end in the draft, and is somewhat of a utility man. He is a better blocker than a receiver, but he can catch the ball with the best of them.

12. Denver (8-8):  Tyson Jackson; Defensive End, LSU

Denver is making the switch to a 3-4 defensive alignment, and right now they don't really have the personnel up front to make that transition. Jackson is very athletic for his 6'4" 295 pound frame, and is considered the best five technique the draft has to offer.

13. Washington(8-8):  Michael Oher; Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss

The Redskins made a huge splash and filled a big need this off-season by signing DT Albert Haynesworth, changing the focus of the draft to the offensive front.  Oher was once considered a top five pick, and could be a great value here.

14. New Orleans (8-8):  Malcolm Jenkins; Defensive Back, Ohio State

Jenkins has been very good the past four seasons at Ohio State. He helped his draft stock with a strong pro day, but scouts are still in doubt as to what position he may play at the next level.  With the Saints, he would be an excellent fit at free safety.

15. Houston(8-8):  Brian Cushing; Outside Linebacker, USC

Houston did a great job at the start of the off-season by signing defensive end Antonio Smith to pair with Mario Williams up front, but there is still a hole at outside linebacker.  Cushing is going to be the defensive rookie of the year in my opinion, and this would be a great pickup for Gary Kubiak and the Texans.

16. San Diego (8-8):  Chris Wells; Running Back, Ohio State

San Diego sorely missed a bruising presence at the running back position, and Chris Wells compares very favorably to former Charger Michael Turner. Wells prefers to run over people, and that is what I love about him. He would be an excellent addition to San Diego's backfield.

17. New York Jets (9-7):  Mark Sanchez; Quarterback, USC

Brett Ratliff, Kellen Clemens, and Erik Ainge. Any of those names ring a bell? Mark Sanchez likely wouldn't start right away, but he is an upgrade over any of those other quarterbacks. New York could struggle this season, but if Sanchez develops, watch out for them in 2010.

18. Chicago(9-7):  Jeremy Maclin; Wide Receiver, Missouri

For years, Chicago has lacked a playmaker at the receiver position. Kyle Orton had a very good season last year, and could be primed to break out in 2009 if given the correct weapons. Matt Forte was a great pick last season, and the Bears would do well to add a dynamic receiver like Jeremy Maclin.

19. Tampa Bay (9-7):  Peria Jerry; Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss

Aside from the Bucs releasing virtually their entire defense, they really have no defensive tackles anyway. Jerry is a great pass-rushing defensive tackle, and would be a great addition alongside Gaines Adams up front.

20. Detroit (from Dallas) (9-7):  Everette Brown; Defensive End, Florida State

At this point, Everette Brown is an absolute steal. Detroit traded its top pass rusher in Cory Redding to the Seahawks, and Brown would be a great pass-rushing option off the edge. 

21. Philadelphia(9-6-1):  Knowshon Moreno; Running Back, Georgia

Brian Westbrook is injury prone, and Correll Buckhalter bolted for the Broncos. Moreno is a playmaker at running back who added muscle mass over the off-season. He could end up being a thousand yard back in time, but with Philly he would be a change of pace.

22. Minnesota(10-6):  Percy Harvin; Wide Receiver, Florida

Harvin could help the Vikings on a number of different levels. He is extremely versatile and deadly after the catch. He would be a great possession receiver on one side with the deep threat Bernard Berrian on the other. 

23. New England(11-5):  Vontae Davis; Cornerback, Illinois

Davis really shouldn't fall this far, but his lack of great coverage skills are enough to warrant falling out of the top 20. He has great speed and size, and the Patriots have been known for developing cornerbacks in their system. This would be a great pick for them.

24. Atlanta(11-5):  James Laurinaitis; Linebacker, Ohio State

Atlanta lost two of their three starting linebackers to free agency in Michael Boley and Keith Brooking. Mike Peterson was signed, but he is aging. I like Laurinaitis here because he can play both the inside and outside, and would team well with Curtis Lofton.

25. Miami (11-5):  Hakeem Nicks; Wide Receiver, North Carolina

Ted Ginn has developed into a good deep threat, but a possession receiver is needed.  Nicks has been compared to Anquan Boldin, and rightfully so. He is a very tough and physical receiver with big play ability. 

26. Baltimore(11-5):  Darrius Heyward-Bey; Wide Receiver, Maryland

Derrick Mason is aging, and Mark Clayton has not developed into the premiere receiver Baltimore had hoped. Heyward-Bey has "boom or bust" written all over him, but he is worth the risk here. Joe Flacco would be getting a big and fast target, who could also help out in the return game if needed.

27. Indianapolis (12-4):  Clay Matthews; Outside Linebacker, USC

Indy really needs help at defensive tackle, but there is nobody worth taking with this pick. Clay Matthews is a great consolation, and he would likely start at outside linebacker immediately. He is also a great special teams player.

28. Philadelphia (from Carolina) (12-4):  Eben Britton; Offensive Tackle, Arizona

The Eagles signed Stacy Andrews away from the Bengals, but there is still a hole at the left tackle spot. Eben Britton may be a bit of a reach here, but he has the potential to be a decade-long starter in this league. Not great, but very good.

29. New York Giants(12-4):  Kenny Britt; Wide Receiver, Rutgers

With Plaxico Burress' situation in doubt, the Giants are going to have to add another big receiver to take his place. Britt reportedly ran a 4.44 second 40-yard dash at his pro day, and would be a great pick for the Giants, who have also been rumored to be interested in Cleveland receiver Braylon Edwards.

30. Tennessee(13-3):  Alphonso Smith; Cornerback, Wake Forest

Cortland Finnegan was a pleasant surprise last year, and the Titans would be wise to add a ball-hawking cornerback on the opposite side of him. Alphonso Smith may be small, but he has a nose for the football.

31. Arizona (9-7):  Donald Brown; Running Back, UConn

This is one of my favorite picks thus far. I love what Donald Brown brings to the table at the next level. He was superb for UConn, and could be a great starting running back in this league.

32. Pittsburgh (12-4):  Alex Mack; Center, California

If there is one hole on the Super Bowl champs, it is on the offensive front. Ben Roethlisberger hit the dirt far too many times, and Alex Mack would be a good way to start rebuilding that line.