The Envelope Please: Reighard's Mock Draft 09

I decided to wait until the Cutler trade to publish my Mock Draft 09, and after considerable time mixing a devilish brew, screaming and jumping around like a banshee, spinning in circles three times then spitting on the dog, I have arrived with the following results.

First of all, is there any better draft than the NFL draft? A definitive, “Heck NO!” will suffice. This year’s first round draft could go down as one of the most interesting in a long time, or it could go down as very ordinary with teams going after top needs and no real risks taking place. But with every solid pick there sometimes comes along that curveball. I think the first curveball is delivered as early as number 4 with Seattle.

Of course the great event that is the NFL draft is one where trades, trade downs or ups take place and the next thing you know the whole apple cart is turned on its head. It is one of the greatest games of chess played, or this is poker and the players (owners and coaches) cannot see or read their opponents.

So, without further delay, Detroit is on the clock.

1. Detroit – OT, Jason Smith, Baylor

Most everyone has Stafford going here, but I think Detroit is in a sticky position. They need so much help, and a rookie QB lying on his back is not going to help. I believe that Culpepper is a good stop gap for them. They could probably get Freeman out of Kansas State at 20 anyway. There are several good tackles in this draft, but when teams look at fitting their system Smith seems to be a good fit here. He’s got great feet, and long arms.

1. St. Louis– OLB, Aaron Curry, Wake Forest

Curry will bring added attitude to a defense that needs a significant boost. Most drafts have an O lineman going here, and that may very well be true, but most of the Rams problems lie on the defensive side of the ball. Besides, they must have faith in what they have, and who is to say they couldn’t get a big body at #35. Note: If Detroit is pressured into taking Stafford, Smith could go here, but my guess is Spagnuolo addresses the defense first.

1. Kansas City– DE/OLB, Brian Orakpo, Texas

Since KC traded for Cassell they can address a need on defense. Even though they picked up Beisel in FA, and obtained Vrabel in the trade, Orakpo adds a rush end not seen since the loss of Jared Allen. Their defense jumps at least 10 spots on day one with these new faces.

1. Seattle – QB, Matt Stafford, Georgia

I know, I know, WHAT? Just hear me out. Believe it or not, I think there are two possible Bulldogs who could go here, Stafford or Moreno. Yes, a four for Moreno would seem high, but if they wait they would most likely have to trade back into the first round to get Moreno. Mora has Bulldog connections since his days with the Falcons, and he could figure that next year he loses Wallace in FA, and since Hasselbeck will be 34 soon, it’s time. I’ll tell you though, I would love to see Morenoin a Seahawk uniform. Yes they had Alexander, but they haven’t had a back with swagger since Ricky Waters. Last year’s experiment with J. Jones proved to be a disaster. Jones is not a feature back, and with the loss of Morris and Weaver, they need someone dynamic. I think things could get very interesting here at numero quatro.

1. Cleveland – WR, Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech

Cleveland cannot believe who just fell into their lap. The only way this doesn’t happen is if Seattletrades down and the team that jumps in front at 4 takes Crabtree. Clevelandneeds help on defense but with Orakpo and Curry off the board, Cleveland goes for more offense. Besides, with Stallworth looking more and more likely to get more time in jail then on the field, they have to look at this position. Look for a possible trade down here.

1. Cincinnati – RB, Chris Wells, Ohio State

This was a tough pick because Cincinnati needs help on defense, but when you have a running game that produces under 3 yards per carry something has to be addressed. Again, it might be too early to take Wells here, or Moreno, but you have to take what your team needs, and Cincinnati needs a running game. Benson re-signing is not a long term fix. Of course, Lewis is on the hottest seat in the NFL, so he needs punch and excitement, Wells offers that.

1. Oakland– WR, Jeremy Maclin, Missouri

Of all the first picks this might be the safest and surest. I really can’t explain this pick other than I feel it. The Raiders showed signs late in the year, and with Russell, McFadden and Maclin, Davis feels like he has the big 3, (QB, RB, WR) made famous in the 1990’s by the Cowboys, 49ers, Bills, etc.

1. Jacksonville – OT, Eugene Monroe, Virginia

When is the last time a Virginialineman disappointed anyone? The Jaguars are in a great spot. This is a trade-able spot. Not too high, but high enough to grab the guy you want. Even though they signed Thomas as a FA, Thomas is at most a two year guy. With Crabtree and Maclin gone it’s a tough call. Do you draft Hakeem Nicks or Harvin this high? Jax had a bad year last year and some might say Stafford here if he drops, but Del Riohas a solid QB whom he anointed and effectively ousted the incumbent. He needs other bodies to rebound this team, and their offensive line is a serious need area. My guess is they try to trade down about 4 to 6 spots and Harvin at 14 is a lot better than 8.

In my view the optimal drafting area for a team is 8 through 19. You avoid the high 7 hype, and the so called “Best player” available from 20 on down. These draft spots are exciting because oftentimes we cannot make an accurate pick based on the first 7 or 8 picks

1. Green Bay– DT, B.J. Raji, Boston College

 Raji is a solid pick with little risk. Green Bayneeds D line help. I’ve dropped a few surprises, but this one is not. Yes, there is a possibility they could go Everette Brown from FSU, but seriously, when is the last time a DE from FSU panned out? This is like asking when is the last time a spread QB made the transition to the NFL?

1. San Fransisco – QB, Mark Sanchez, USC

Yeah, yeah, will he drop this far? My guess is, unless someone pulls off a trade with Jacksonville, Sanchez will go here. There are other pressing needs for this team, especially on the defense; Brown from FSU would go nicely here, but it might be too much to pass Sanchez off to another team.

1. Buffalo– WR, Terrell Owens, - just kidding. DE, Everette Brown, Florida State

Buffalo could go with Johnson from Georgia Tech here also, but most assuredly it will be a DE. On record Brown seems to be the better rusher.

1. Denver– LB, Ray Maualuga, USC

Hmm! This could be very interesting Maualuga is a fierce competitor, has seasoned skills and offers immediate assistance. McDaniels might be an offensive guy, but my guess he goes defense and to the 3-4, so successful in New England.

1. Washington – DE, Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech

Washingtoncould go OT also, but I think they need to get someone who could possibly be a distraction in order to help the 100 million dollar Haynesworth.

1. New Orleans– RB, LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh

With the departure of Deuce and Reggie proving he is not a feature back, this pick makes absolute sense. He is a good inside runner, and Bush’s specialty is outside.

1. Houston – OLB, Brian Cushing, USC

This guy could be a special player. Houstonis close it seems, and Cushing is a relentless guy off the edge.  

1. San Diego– DE, Paul Krueger, Utah

With the departure of Olshansky, the Chargers need to fill an immediate need. Krueger has great tools to be effective immediately.

1. New YorkJets – DE/OLB, Aaron Maybin, Penn State

Despite the addition of Bart Scott, Maybin provides added athleticism and drive thus making him a solid pick. Ryan continues to build a stout defense.This might be a little high for Maybin, but Ryan loves athleticism, and Maybin offers that over some of the other DE's still on the board.

1. Denver (from Chicago) – DE, Connor Barwin, Cincinnati

My guess is the Broncos stay on defense, and many are comparing Barwin to Vrabel. That is a stout comparison, so we’ll see.

      19. Tampa Bay– DT, Peria Jerry, Ole Miss

I actually have 4 players here for the Bucs, Freeman, Moreno, Harvin or Hakeem Nicks, so this could be very interesting. They could actually trade down and still get a great player, but it depends on Morris’ desire, or is it Glazer’s desire? The Bucs need to beef up the D-Line and find an inside threat. There is a chance they could go with Freeman here, so it won’t surprise me to see that happen, which throws away my next pick.

1. Detroit – QB, Josh Freeman, Kansas State

Well, good things come to those who wait, and I would think that Freeman will be here because if you look at the next set of teams, there is no real need for a QB, other than Minnesota, but it is unlikely Minnesota will trade up for Freeman when many were flooding the Star Tribune for the Vikings to get in the Cutler sweepstakes. Imagine the earthquake in Minnesota if they trade up for Freeman but stood mute for Cutler? Anyhow, Detroit has the option of picking Josh Freeman here, but if he gets picked by the Bucs, then they look back to the defensive side of the ball.

1. Philadelphia – RB, Donald Brown, Connecticut or RB, Knowshon Moreno, Georgia

The reason I have two is not a cop out, but if Moreno lasts, this is as good a place as any, but Brown is a sleeper.With the loss of Buckhalter and the injuries to Westbrook, Philly gets a complete package type player. They need help on the offensive line also, so watch for Alabama’s Smith here, or Oher of Mississippi.

1. Minnesota– WR, Hakeem Nicks, UNC

There seems to be collective agreement that a receiver is likely to end up in Minnesotaas an added dimension to an offense that could use another weapon. Nicks could be a Jake Reed type with his size and power. If only they had a real QB to deliver though. This pick certainly makes sense and one would be hard pressed to argue this pick. Harvin might also go here, but I worry about Harvin’s frame, and they already have a receiver who lives on the “nicked” list in Rice. Minnesotaalso needs a RT, but you can get one of those in round 2; however, if Oher is still available, it might be too much for Childress to pass up. Some have a DB going here, but Childress likes those picks for later rounds.

1. New England – DB, Vontae Davis, Illinois

The Patriots realized how much they missed Asante Samuel, but New Englandcan go one of two ways here, DB, or LB. They have their own mindset and so the stereotypical pick rarely comes into play with the Patriots. Jerrod Mayo paid huge dividends last year, and with everyone else either gone or long in the tooth, don’t be surprised to see Belichek nab Cushing if he is still available, or his teammate Clay Matthews. One thing about the Patriots, they always make it interesting.

1. Atlanta– LB, Clint Sintim, Virginia

I chose Sintim because of football intelligence. The guy was always around the football. Atlanta needs to replace Brooking, and this is a start. There are others out there, and I believe this pick is all about who best fits the 3-4 and who is left to draft at this point.

1. Miami– WR, Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland

He’s tall and elusive, which, in my view puts him in that Drew Pearson mold. This guy has Pro Bowl or Bust written all over him. Miami needs some help outside and Bey provides that.

1. Baltimore – CB, Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State

Believe it or not but Baltimoreis not getting any younger on defense, and with the release of McAllister, it clearly shows the secondary is in need. Jenkins is a proven player with plenty of experience. I wouldn’t necessarily put him in the Antoine Winfield category, but he carries on a solid Buckeye tradition at corner. He should be solid for years. A possible pick here is one of the 3-4 style OLB’s who might be available.

1. Indianapolis– DT, Fili Moala, USC

Indy needs to shore up that front, and Moala is a mother, of a load at 6’4”. His job will be to occupy people and he should be able to do that. He’ll need to play lower though, or you might see him five yards downfield.

1. Philadelphia– TE, Brandon Pettigrew, Okla State

With L.J. Smith taking the A train out of Philly, Donovan needs a seam weapon and Pettigrew is a good fit for that. Another boom or bust type player though with a less than stellar background.

1. New York Giants – LB, Larry English, Northern Illinois

This is an interesting choice. If Umenyora returns to full strength then Kiwanuka can move back to LB; however, with Pierce jogging over the 30 mark, and uncertainty looming, Coughlin goes for insurance in English. WR is certainly an option here as well based on the Burress ordeal. Hmm, drama in NY, go figure.

1. Tennessee– DT, Tyson Jackson, LSU

You gots to fill the gap left by big house Haynesworth. Jackson is a viable choice, but Fisher knows a few things about D-Line so don’t be surprised to see another name pop up here, like Ziggy Hood.

1. Arizona – RB, Brown or Moreno: Whomever is left

Arizona is in a sticky position. They need a running back, but those on the roster showed spurts, so what do you do? Also, there is the chance of a draft day trade of Boldin to Philly and that would put them up to 21 their original spot. If that happens, one of these guys will defiinitely be there, and then they can grab a DE here, like Selvie of USF.  

1. Pittsburgh– OT, Michael Oher, Mississippi

Yeah, you’re right, he probably won’t be here at this point, but as my draft plays out he drops by course of natural selection. Pittsburgh, who might rename their city to Pittslisberger need to help their city icon remain upright. If Oher is not here, look for Cal’s Mack to be the first center off the board.

Well, there you have it, just another knucklehead who thinks he knows what he is talking about. Is the NFL draft a science, or is it a Darwinian version of natural selection? One thing I know for sure, there is no greater draft in all of sports where thousands of adoring, sometimes “scary” fans get to put in their two cents worth.

With fingers crossed and a change of my phone number, I wait in hopes that my average is better than 50%. Disclaimer: Do not gamble away this week’s earnings based on the above information. In fact, I claim to have an alter-ego who forced me to type this out. So, like many in society, I bear no responsibility to these picks whatsoever, or at least that is what my attorney, Ima Greasy told me to say.