TAB's 2009 NFL Mock Draft 8.0

After my last mock draft, I decided to take a little time to not watch the World Baseball Classic and to spend time on things other than analyzing the prospects entering this year's NFL draft. But it's been over two weeks since that last shot at a mock draft, and the itch is back, so here's my eighth look into where players might go.

1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB

Is it the right pick? Do I agree with it? Would I take Stafford? The answer to all three of those questions is probably no, but I think the Lions are so desperate for a new face for their franchise that they take the quarterback from Georgia. They need to address their offensive line, but can probably come back and try to do that with their second pick in the round.

2. St. Louis Rams: Michael Crabtree, WR

Knowing that the Lions couldn't possibly take another wide receiver high in a draft, and seeing how good Crabtree is on the field, I think the Rams knew who their replacement for Torry Holt was before the veteran was released.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Jason Smith, OT

They just dealt for Matt Cassell hoping he would become the quarterback of their future. While they'll be tempted to take LB Aaron Curry here, I think they'll opt to protect their signal caller instead.

4. Seattle Seahawks: Eugene Monroe, OT

They've see a number of veteran offensive lineman leave via free agency over the past few years, but appear to be committed to Matt Hasselback as their quarterback. If they are, they'll want to keep him healthy so they aren't drafting fourth again next year. Monroe is the best tackle on the board here.

5. Cleveland Browns: Aaron Curry, LB

They'll be the most interesting team in the draft this year with their ability to move either Derek Anderson or Brady Quinn. I think they'll look to bulk up their defense here, and maybe sneak into the back of the round in a deal for one of their quarterbacks for a shot at a running back.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: BJ Raji, DT

They're probably praying for Crabtree to fall, and will be tempted by Orakpo, but Raji is the best defensive tackle in the class this year and brings an inside versatility to their defense that they've lacked.

7. Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin, WR

They've invested their last two picks in a quarterback and running back, and need someone to catch the ball from JaMarcus Russell. Maclin's the second best receiver in this draft and has been linked to Oakland for quite some time.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mark Sanchez, QB

The Jags might be a player to move down and add depth to their running game or a linebacker, but there have been indications that they're taking a fairly public liking to the USC quarterback. After letting Byron Leftwich go and committing to David Garrard, they might now be looking for another man to run the show.

9. Green Bay Packers: Aaron Maybin, DE

The Penn State end has seen his stock mirror the Dow since his season ended, but he now seems to be settling in around the 7-12 range in the first round. The Packers are looking for an athletic end/outside linebacker as they transition to a 3-4 this year, so Maybin makes sense.

10. San Francisco 49ers: Robert Ayers, DE

There have been few players that have moved up the rankings after the combine as much as Ayers, who had a solid career at Tennessee. It's a safe assumption that coach Mike Singletary wants a strong defense, and Ayers would fill a need here.

11. Buffalo Bills: Tyson Jackson, DE

Anyone want an end? Jackson is a bigger end than Everette Brown, which likely lends itself better to the Bills' scheme.

12. Denver Broncos:  Malcolm Jenkins, CB

Dre Bly is gone, and Champ Bailey has had health issues, so (if they're still at 12) the Broncos might address their secondary around new safety Brian Dawkins. I would be willing to bet that you'll hear the word Cutler at least 100 times on Draft Day.

13. Washington Redskins: Andre Smith, OT

Once considered a potential No. 1 overall candidate, Smith's great talent and mediocre work ethic would seem to be perfect for Daniel Snyder's Redskins.

14. New Orleans Saints: Vontae Davis, CB

They have a prolific offense that scores as much as any team in the NFL, and yet they can't get into the playoffs. Logic says defense is a need, and their secondary has been one of the sore spots for years.

15. Houston Texans: Eben Britton, OT

I could see the Texans trading down for a running back from here, or making a stretch pick on Beanie Wells, but neither move would make sense if there aren't any holes to run through. Britton is a solid tackle to help fill a need.

16. San Diego Chargers: Everette Brown, DE

They've had a few players leave the defense, and have had injury issues to their line in particular. Brown adds some depth to that unit as the best remaining end on the board.

17. New York Jets: Josh Freeman, QB

Jay Cutler? Just kidding, the Jets do seem to want a new quarterback to either pressure Kellen Clemens to perform or to just come in as the starter. Freeman's been seen going as high as here and as low as the middle of the second round. I think the Jets take a shot on a young quarterback before the Buccaneers get their hands on him.

18. Chicago Bears: Michael Oher, OT

They NEED a wide receiver, but the debacle surrounding the departure of John St. Clair makes tackle a need. Oher's the best tackle left on the board.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Percy Harvin, WR

The similarities between Harvin and Joey Galloway will grow as Harvin replaces the veteran for the new coaching staff in Tampa.

20. Detroit Lions: Louis Delmas, S

They've added a defensive tackle, linebacker, and corner through free agency. They'll make another move to solidify their defense here. Between the top safety in the draft and a quarterback, the new leadership will make its mark in Detroit.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: Beanie Wells, RB

Brian Westbrook isn't getting any younger, so a big body to bang away the tough yards might extend Westbrook's career by a few years. Donovan McNabb wants more playmakers around him, and Wells is the top back in the draft.

22. Minnesota Vikings: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR

His blazing 40 time at the combine, and the prospect of putting him opposite Bernard Berrian with Adrian Peterson behind them both, will make offensive zealots dream of the Carter-Moss-Cunningham team.

23. New England Patriots: Brian Cushing, LB

They have some solid linebackers, but the hallmark of the Belichek Era has been depth. With Mike Vrabel leaving, Cushing might be a replacement pick-up.

24. Atlanta Falcons: Rey Maualuga, LB

They lost Keith Brooking to the Cowboys, so they need to fill the emotional foundation he's leaving behind with a tough inside linebacker.

25. Miami Dolphins: James Laurinaitis, LB

They have some depth at linebacker with Crowder coming back, but putting Laurinaitis next to him could be a good core for years.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Clay Matthews, LB

What the heck, we'll have four linebackers in a row come off the board. Matthews might not replace Bart Scott perfectly, but he's athletic enough and has the pedigree to make it a worthy experiment.

27. Indianapolis Colts: Hakeem Nicks, WR

A bigger, quick receiver with good hands...after they said farewell to Marvin Harrison... seems like a perfect fit. Their defense could use some help, but most lineman are a stretch here.

28. Philadelphia Eagles: Kenny Britt, WR

Donovan McNabb wanted playmakers, so they'll give him what he wants. In Wells and Britt, the Eagles are bringing in two players to accompany DeSean Jackson into the future in Philly.

29. New York Giants: Brian Robiskie, WR

What happens with Plaxico Burress will have an enormous bearing on this selection. Robiskie has an NFL pedigree, is a bigger receiver, and would likely be placed in position to replace Burress if needed.

30. Tennessee Titans: Peria Jerry, DT

He won't come close to being Albert Haynesworth, but he's the second-best defensive tackle in the class and they have a need at that position.

31. Arizona Cardinals: Knowshon Moreno, RB

Edgerrin James is going bye-bye, so they'll look at a running back here. With this year's class, and how I see the dominoes falling, they could take their pick from Moreno, UConn's Donald Brown and Pitt's LeSean McCoy.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Pat White, WR

Do they really need anything? There are good corners available, the best tight end is still around, and they could also address the interior of their line. But somewhere in the back of someone's mind they'll look at the loss of Nate Washington and remember how much they loved Antwaan Randle-El and White might sneak up on someone. White would be another in a recent run of quarterback-turned-receivers in Pittsburgh, between Randle-El and Hines Ward. Is this a stretch? Yeah, huge. But why not roll the dice when you're the champion?