2009 NFL Mock Draft with Sayre Bedinger and Tanner Thoms
For this mock draft, Tanner Thoms and I have decided to conjoin our NFL Draft knowledge to bring you the most comprehensive NFL Draft coverage and analysis available on the web. Be afraid...
Tanner's pick: Matthew Stafford; Quarterback, Georgia
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"After several workouts with the Lions, it appears as though this pick is set in stone. Detroit should go the route of drafting a quarterback first, and a solid offensive tackle second. Matt Stafford could will the Lions to a few wins in 2009."
Sayre's pick: Mark Sanchez; Quarterback, USC
"Why is everyone so set on Stafford? Sanchez is the hot prospect right now, so why shouldn't Detroit be looking closely at him? I for one think Sanchez will be the better pro player, although I see this as a David Carr/Joey Harrington type of class as far as quarterbacks. Sanchez would be my pick if I had to decide today."
2. St. Louis Rams
Tanner's pick: Jason Smith; Offensive Tackle, Baylor
"The Rams released future Hall of Fame OT Orlando Pace, and their offensive line is a complete mess. Alex Barron is far too inconsistent to start, and I think Smith is the best OT in the draft by miles."
Sayre's pick: Jason Smith; Offensive Tackle, Baylor
"I agree, Smith should be the pick here. He is a former tight end who has some of the best feet for an offensive lineman in this draft. Who does that remind me of? The only All-Pro rookie in the NFL last season: Ryan Clady. I love Smith's athleticism and his great feet should make him a valuable asset in the passing game."
Tanner's pick: Aaron Curry; Outside Linebacker, Wake Forest
"Aaron Curry is one of the best linebackers to come out for a long time. Kansas City needs a dominant linebacker next to Mike Vrabel and Derrick Johnson. Curry is my early pick for defensive rookie of the year."
Sayre's pick: Aaron Curry; Outside Linebacker, Wake Forest
"Couldn't agree more. I think adding Curry to the core that already includes Johnson and Vrabel would be lethal. Curry is easily the best defensive player in this year's draft, and would be a great fit for the Chiefs. I could also see them going after Eugene Monroe."
Tanner's pick: Eugene Monroe; Offensive Tackle, Virginia
"The Seahawks got their number one target T.J. Houshmandzadeh. They still need help on the offensive line. Seattle is intent on bolstering their offense. Monroe should be a solid fit for the Seahawks."
Sayre's pick: Eugene Monroe; Offensive Tackle, Virginia
"Next to Jason Smith, Monroe is probably the most athletic and versatile of the offensive linemen at the top of this draft. Like many Cavaliers before him, Monroe figures to go high in the draft and have an instant impact. Walter Jones is on the decline, and while a signal caller like Matt Stafford would be tempting, I don't see Seattle going after him here."
Tanner's pick: Brian Orakpo; Outside Linebacker, Texas
"I doubt many Cleveland fans would be disappointed with this pick. The Browns desperately need help on the front seven. Willie McGinest is likely done after this season, and Orakpo will be an impact player from the start.
Sayre's pick: Brian Orakpo; Outside Linebacker, Texas
"Cleveland's pass rush has been an Achilles' heel for far too long. This team needs an impact rusher on the outside, which it has lacked for some time. Kamerion Wimbley hasn't progressed as expected, and as Tanner stated, McGinest is getting long in the tooth."
Tanner's pick: B.J. Raji; Defensive Tackle, Boston College
"This pick will come down to either Andre Smith or Raji, and I'm going to give a slight nod to Raji. The need for DT's is much greater than the need for OT's. B.J. Raji will be able to anchor the defense for years to come."
Sayre's pick: Andre Smith; Offensive Tackle, Alabama
"Tanner likes Raji over Smith, and I like Smith over Raji. Cincinnati lost Stacy Andrews to the Philadelphia Eagles, and Levi Brown is not what he used to be. I still believe that despite not showing up to the Scouting Combine, Smith is still one of the best players available. This would be a great pick for the Bengals."
Tanner's pick: Michael Crabtree; Wide Receiver, Texas Tech
"A month or two ago, I would have said that this would never happen. After the Seahawks and Chiefs filled their need somewhat for receivers, Crabtree's stock has fallen out of the top five. Oakland will have a playmaker for JaMarcus Russell to throw to. Finally."
Sayre's pick: Michael Crabtree; Wide Receiver, Texas Tech
"I also like Crabtree to go to the Raiders. JaMarcus has nobody on his team worth throwing the ball to other than Zach Miller, and I really like Crabtree's potential at this level. At this pick, he is an absolute steal."
Tanner's pick: Andre Smith; Offensive Tackle, Alabama
"The Jaguars lost all of their starters on the offensive line last year due to injuries at some point. They must address the depth of their line. Smith could potentially be a locker room distraction, but he is a solid pick here."
Sayre's pick: Matthew Stafford; Quarterback, Georgia
"I don't necessarily think the Jags will be picking here, but I don't see Stafford falling any further. He is a great quarterback prospect with a strong arm, and some team will want to try and trade up to get him."
Tanner's pick: Aaron Maybin; Outside Linebacker, Penn State
"Opposing running backs had their way with Green Bay's defense toward the end of the season. Green Bay must draft an athletic OLB. As a Vikings fan, I will not be looking forward to facing him twice a year."
Sayre's pick: B.J. Raji; Defensive Tackle, Boston College
"Raji reportedly tested positive for marijuana at the Combine, and has some other concerns as well, but he is such a great talent I don't know if Green Bay can pass on him here. Not to mention, they are making the transition to the 3-4 defensive scheme and will need a cog in the middle to build around."
Tanner's pick: Everette Brown; Outside Linebacker, Florida State
"I contemplated going with Mark Sanchez here, he is a real possibility, but the 49ers might try to go after one later. San Francisco has a weak pass rush, which is why I can see them going after a pass rush specialist like Everette Brown."
Sayre's pick: Aaron Maybin; Outside Linebacker, Penn State
"I like San Francisco going after an outside linebacker here as well. Maybin is a great pass rushing prospect who is also a stout run defender. Not to mention, he is an absolute freak or nature athletically."
11. Buffalo Bills
Tanner's pick: Brandon Pettigrew; Tight End, Oklahoma State
"The Bills' starting tight end last year was Robert Royal, and he is no longer with them. Buffalo could use a tight end that can both block well and catch the ball. Pettigrew would fit that need."
Sayre's pick: Brandon Pettigrew; Tight End, Oklahoma State
"I am a big fan of Pettigrew. I love his ability to both block and catch with the best of them, and he reminds me a lot of Daniel Graham. He really can do it all, and the Bills, like Tanner stated, lost their tight end to the Cleveland Browns. I think Pettigrew would be an adequate replacement."
12. Denver Broncos
Tanner's pick: Tyson Jackson; Defensive End, LSU
"Josh McDaniels has done a fantastic job of fixing the defense for the Broncos. The one thing that is missing is a run-stuffing defensive end. Tyson Jackson is nearly 300 pounds of pure muscle and power."
Sayre's pick: Tyson Jackson; Defensive End, LSU
"I agree, McDaniels has done a great job of rebuilding the defense, and the extra first round pick acquired in the Cutler trade gives the Broncos a lot of options here. I don't think Jackson would last past San Diego, so Denver should get him here while they still can. He is a great run stopper, and would fill a big need up front for Denver."
Tanner's pick: Mark Sanchez; Quarterback, USC
"The Redskins seemed focused on trading away quarterback Jason Campbell, and they were looking to make a deal with the Broncos for Jay Cutler. Mark Sanchez will be able to lead the team from day one."
Sayre's pick: Michael Oher; Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss
"Despite the recent fall his stock has taken in the last year, I still believe Oher to be a top 15 talent. I think with all of the money spent on defensive players in free agency, the Redskins need to focus on protecting their quarterback."
Tanner's pick: Malcolm Jenkins; Cornerback, Ohio State
"New Orleans fixed their cornerback situation with the signing of former Buffalo Bill Jabari Greer. The Saints still need help at safety because Josh Bullocks has signed with the Chicago Bears. Jenkins is a versatile player who can play both cornerback and safety."
Sayre's pick: Chris Wells; Running Back, Ohio State
"I'll go with a Buckeye, but on the other side of the ball. The release of Deuce McAlister means New Orleans is in the mix for a top power back to pair with Reggie Bush. Chris Wells fits the bill of someone who likes to run over people instead of around them."
15. Houston Texans
Tanner's pick: Vontae Davis; Cornerback, Illinois
"Cato June recently signed with the Texans, filling a big need at outside linebacker. Houston must focus on getting a number two corner behind Dunta Robinson. Davis seems like the perfect fit with this pick."
Sayre's pick: Malcolm Jenkins; Defensive Back, Ohio State
"I think the Texans have a big need at safety, and they could fill it here with an absolute steal in Malcolm Jenkins. He is very versatile, and has been one of the most consistent players in all of college football over the last four years."
16. San Diego Chargers
Tanner's pick: Rey Maualuga; Middle Linebacker, USC
"With the loss of Shawne Merriman, it was clear that the Chargers' defense was only average. They need help at MLB, and Rey Maualuga would be the perfect fit for their scheme."
Sayre's pick: Rey Maualuga; Middle Linebacker, USC
"I think Maualuga would be a great fit with the Chargers also. Their middle linebackers are fairly weak, and that really showed in 2008. Maualuga is a local prospect who could lead San Diego in tackles."
17. New York Jets
Tanner's pick: Josh Freeman; Quarterback, Kansas State
"I have never thought of Josh Freeman as being a legitimate first round pick. I have changed my mind though after seeing several highlight reels of his college career at KSU on ESPN. The Jets need a franchise quarterback right now, and Josh Freeman could be that guy."
Sayre's pick: Jeremy Maclin; Wide Receiver, Missouri
"I see the need for a quarterback here, but what good is a quarterback without weapons? Jeremy Maclin should not still be on the board, and would be a great fit in New York after the loss of Laveranues Coles on the outside."
18. Denver Broncos (from Chicago)
Tanner's pick: Brian Cushing; Outside Linebacker, USC
"The Broncos traded for this pick in a blockbuster deal with the Chicago Bears. Denver needs a studly outside linebacker across from D.J. Williams. The Broncos have the possibility to form one of the best defenses in the league."
Sayre's pick: Brian Cushing; Outside Linebacker, USC
"This would be the jackpot for the Broncos. To be able to get an elite defensive end as well as an elite outside linebacker prospect would be absolutely fantastic. I have been a big fan of the USC three, and would love to see any one of them in orange and blue for 2009 and beyond. Cushing is a great pick and value here."
Tanner's pick: Peria Jerry; Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss
"I have had Peria Jerry going to the Bucs for a long time now. My mind has not changed the slightest bit. Tampa Bay needs a defensive tackle that can stuff the run."
Sayre's pick: Josh Freeman; Quarterback, Kansas State
"I do not think Freeman is worthy of a first round selection, but that doesn't mean he won't be. Tampa Bay needs a franchise quarterback, and they may think Freeman could be that guy with great value at this point."
20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas)
Tanner's pick: Michael Oher; Offensive Tackle, Ole Miss
"I honestly don't think the Lions could have plotted out their picks better than this. Michael Oher seems like a steal this late in the draft. Gosder Cherilus and Oher should make for a good right to left combination in Detroit."
Sayre's pick: Everette Brown; Defensive End, Florida State
"Everette Brown is a great value at this point in the draft. I really like his ability as a pass rush specialist. They traded away Cory Redding, and now have huge question marks up front on defense, as though they didn't before."
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Tanner's pick: Robert Ayers; Defensive End, Tennessee
"Head coach Andy Reid has selected a defensive lineman in the first round of the draft four of the last five years. Although their defense is good, they have potential to make it great if they can obtain a force like Ayers at this point."
Sayre's pick: Knowshon Moreno; Running Back, Georgia
"Brian Westbrook is oft-injured, and Correll Buckhalter bolted for Denver. Moreno has added weight to his frame, and has the potential to be an absolute beast at the next level. Philly fans will love him, and I think this is a safe pick."
22. Minnesota Vikings
Tanner's pick: Jeremy Maclin; Wide Receiver, Missouri
"I have heard from many people that think Maclin will be gone long before this. However, I feel that he could slip with WR not being a major need for that many teams. Minnesota needs a threat through the passing game besides Bernard Berrian."
Sayre's pick: Hakeem Nicks; Wide Receiver, North Carolina
"I don't think Maclin will get all the way to Minnesota, but I do feel that WR is their biggest need as of now. Nicks has been compared to Anquan Boldin, and I think that is a fair comparison. He is a big-play receiver who is tough, physical, and rarely drops a pass."
Tanner's pick: Michael Johnson; Outside Linebacker, Georgia Tech
"For some reason, I feel that Michael Johnson will be a big name in the NFL. He has the skills and mold of Julius Peppers, and has been compared to him by some. Johnson seems like the kind of player that Bill Belichick would love to have on his team."
Sayre's pick: Vontae Davis; Cornerback, Illinois
"Davis is an absolute freak of nature. He is so gifted athletically, and if he can hone his skills in coverage, he will be the steal of the draft. New England desperately needs help in the secondary, as well as outside linebacker."
24. Atlanta Falcons
Tanner's pick: Evander "Ziggy" Hood; Defensive Tackle, Missouri
"Is this too early for "Ziggy" Hood? Maybe so. The Falcons do not have that many needs to fill on offense, therefore they should look for defensive help. Hood may not have an instant impact, but in time he will be a great player."
Sayre's pick: Clay Matthews; Outside Linebacker, USC
"Atlanta lost their top two linebackers from last season Keith Brooking and Michael Boley to free agency. They added Mike Peterson, but they still have holes on the outside. Matthews is a hot prospect who could have an instant impact not only on the defense but on the special teams as well."
25. Miami Dolphins
Tanner's pick: Darius Butler; Cornerback, UConn
"Miami lost Andre Goodman who was signed by the Denver Broncos. The Dolphins need to secure somebody for the number two cornerback spot. Butler seems like a player who could be burned often by much bigger receivers, but he has great speed."
Sayre's pick: Alphonso Smith; Cornerback, Wake Forest
"I think Miami will look to the defensive backfield here as well. Smith just has a nose for the ball, and is a great value this late in the first round. He is undersized, but he makes up for his size with great athletic ability."
26. Baltimore Ravens
Tanner's pick: Hakeem Nicks; Wide Receiver, North Carolina
"Derrick Mason likely will be finishing up his career within the next couple of years. He was Baltimore's number one receiver last year. Nicks has been compared to Anquan Boldin, which is a good sign."
Sayre's pick: Percy Harvin; Wide Receiver, Florida
"I'm not sure Harvin is the number one target the fans in Baltimore are calling for, but he is definitely better than any other option available at this point as far as receivers go. I am a big fan of Harvin's versatility and competitive drive."
Tanner's pick: Percy Harvin; Wide Receiver, Florida
"The Colts need a receiver that can step in and replace Marvin Harrison. Anthony Gonzalez will likely spend his time in the slot. Harvin can also return kicks for the Colts."
Sayre's pick: Peria Jerry; Defensive Tackle, Ole Miss
"I really think the Colts would love to have Jerry fall to them with this pick. While receiver is an option, Indy has lacked a dominant defensive tackle for many years. Jerry is a great pass rusher, and would fill a huge hole here."
28. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina)
Tanner's pick: Chris Wells; Running Back, Ohio State
"The Eagles need a physical running back that can take some of the carries away from Brian Westbrook. Wells is an absolute steal this late in the draft, and he should be able to make a big impact on Philadelphia's offense early and often."
Sayre's pick: Darrius Heyward-Bey; Wide Receiver, Maryland
"Philadelphia has had one elite receiver this decade, and he currently plays for the Buffalo Bills. Heyward-Bey is a big, fast target at receiver who could be the No. 1 guy the Eagles crave."
29. New York Giants
Tanner's pick: Sean Smith; Defensive Back, Utah
"As always, the Giants have very few needs to fill. I doubt they draft a receiver in the first round, simply because they have invested in Steve Smith and Sinorice Moss. Sean Smith could play at safety or cornerback if need be."
Sayre's pick: Kenny Britt; Wide Receiver, Rutgers
"The release of Plaxico Burress makes this pick a no-brainer in my mind. Britt needs a big target to pair with Steve Smith on the outside, and Britt at 6'4" fits that bill. A great pick by the Giants."
30. Tennessee Titans
Tanner's pick: Clay Matthews; Outside Linebacker, USC
"Clay Matthews' stock has risen into the first round very quickly. The Titans need a young and physical linebacker next to Keith Bullock. Clay is very big, and is a good tackler."
Sayre's pick: Robert Ayers; Defensive End, Tennessee
"Ayers is another guy whose stock is fast on the rise. He is a local kid who would be a great pass rushing threat for the Titans' defense, which is already dominant."
Tanner's pick: Knowshon Moreno; Running Back, Georgia
"Tim Hightower doesn't appear to be the every down back that the Cardinals are looking for. He seems to be more of a goal-line runner. Knowshon Moreno would be the smart and safe pick in the first round."
Sayre's pick: Donald Brown; Running Back, UConn
"I agree, Hightower is not the every down guy. Edgerrin James wants out, and it makes a lot of sense that the Cardinals would go after a running back, which would round out their elite offense. Brown is fast on the rise."
Tanner's pick: Alex Mack; Center, California
"The Steelers need help on the offensive line. Ben Roethlisberger was on the ground on every other pass play last season. Alex Mack is without a doubt the best center in this year's draft."
Sayre's pick: Darius Butler; Cornerback, UConn
"With the loss of Bryant McFadden to Arizona, I could really see the Super Bowl champs go after a corner with their first pick. Butler has blazing speed, and would fit the mold of a Steeler defender perfectly."
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