NFL Mock Draft 2009: First Round (Last One; Post Combine)
This is the last in a series of mock drafts I have done since the '09 off season began. I will try my best to adopt it according to the current draft stock of each player, but please feel free to comment on any pick.
1. Lions - Matthew Stafford QB
It seems pretty clear now the Lions are in love with Stafford. I was adamant all off season that the Lions needed to shore up their offensive line, but that can be addressed later.
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Stafford had a pretty good combine and did well enough at his pro day to solidify his position at No. 1. It seems like everyone is in limbo waiting for a deal to be done.
2. Rams - Jason Smith OT
The Rams just hired defensive guru Steve Spagnuolo, and are looking for the guy who can turn their team into a contender. Not two years ago, the Rams were picked by some to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl. Several injuries and back-to-back two win seasons later, they find themselves at the No. 2 spot for the second consecutive year.
Orlando Pace is getting old and they have good enough talent on defense for Spagnuolo to work with, so they need to find a solid player for the offensive line, which let Marc Bulger run for his life on many occasions. Jason Smith has emerged as the best offensive talent in this year's draft and should be a lock to be selected here if the Lions pass.
3. Chiefs - Brian Orakpo DE/OLB
There are many words to describe the lackluster performance by the Chiefs' pass rush this season, the best of those seems to be 'non-existent.' Giving up their best pass rusher Jared Allen last season, they can look to make that deal great for them.
They already have young and potentially great OL Brandan Albert with that trade, and by taking Orakpo they will replace Allen's presence as a pass rushing threat. With 4.6-4.7 speed, they will have the option at turning Orakpo into an outside linebacker, and have him put his hand in the grass on passing situations. Orakpo is a versatile player, and will be an immediate help to a poor defense.
People seem to think they will take Curry here because he is widely regarded as the best defensive player, but knowing Scott Pioli he will look to beef up his defensive line.
4. Seahawks - Michael Crabtree WR
Incredible how injuries can derail a season. At one point in the season, the Seahawks had seven injured receivers, and were seemingly picking guys up off the street to catch passes for them. That coupled with Matt Hasselbeck's back injury spelled disaster for the 'Hawks in '08. Even with the WR core healthy, they should take Crabtree here. He is a guy who will bring them back to contention in their division.
Hard to imagine an offense failing with Crabtree and TJ Houshmanzadeh on the outsides.
5. Browns - Aaron Curry LB
Once again, the Browns defense refused to show up at all for the entire season, save for maybe the game against the Colts. With the hiring of Eric Mangini, they can look to turn their defensive struggles around, which begins by getting some talent in the draft.
Aaron Curry is a gamer. He recorded three touchdowns this season and four interceptions. He has great speed and will be able to come in and make an immediate impact playing behind Shaun Rogers. The Browns will have to fix their defense if they want to make the playoffs in 2009.
6. Bengals - Eugene Monroe OT
With Palmer coming off of elbow surgery, it is unclear whether or not the Bengals should go with a tackle or quarterback. I'll assume for the sake of my article that he will come back 100 percent.
The Bengals have a glaring weakness in their pass protection, and no matter what their QB situation is (in my opinion) they should go with a tackle.
With Jason Smith already selected, Monroe is the next best choice. He is 6'6", weighing in at 315, and is a tremendous pass blocker. He will be there to block whoever-they-start's blind side for years.
7. Raiders - Michael Johnson DE
If Crabtree can miraculously make his way down to No. 7, the Raiders will go with him. Seeing as how that's nearly impossible to fathom, I'll stay within the realm of reality.
For the life of me, I cannot figure out what Al Davis' problem is with drafting only flashy positions in the first round.
Since 2000, he has taken a CB, RB, WR, or QB with seven of his 11 selections in that time frame. He wonders why his QB is always running for his life.
That being said, I think he might realize his mistakes and take someone who will help his horrible defense, although I feel like he should take an OL.
Aaron Maybin, Robert Ayers, B.J. Raji all seem like viable options, but he will go with the best 40 time, and that is Michael Johnson.
8. Jags (Trade Alert!) - B.J. Raji DT
The Jaguars are almost certain to bargain this pick to Mark Sanchez suitors. That being said I don't like to do my mock drafts based on speculation. At this point I'll just make the selection based on need.
The Jags have much to fix and are looking to get their defense back to the way it was in 2007. I feel like if they don't trade this pick, they will almost certainly go after B.J. Raji.
Raji is an absolute force in the middle and will be playing next to stud DT John Henderson. This pick will remind Jags fans of what it was like to have a force in the middle.
9. Packers - Aaron Maybin DE
The Packers had a mountain of issues on defense last season. With the overhaul of the defensive staff and changing to a 3-4 scheme, look for the Packers to go pass rusher here.
Maybin climbed up boards all season, and is a lock top 15 selection. He has tremendous athletic ability and drastically improved his draft stock at his pro day where he ran a 4.59 forty.
10. 49ers - Mark Sanchez QB
This pick was the most difficult, as it is unclear whether or not Mike Singletary is fine with the QB's they have on staff. I believe if he falls to them, they will jump all over Sanchez.
This can change with the teams potentially moving up to take Sanchez at No. 4 or No. 8, but like I said I'm working with what is and not what might be.
Sanchez has terrific arm strength and can move well in the pocket. His only downfall seems to be his lack of experience, but with a Shaun Hill being a viable option at QB in 2009, they can look to find a franchise QB here.
If Maybin falls to them, I fully expect the Niners to take him.
11. Bills - Everette Brown DE
Everette Brown wrecked havoc on ACC offensive lineman all season. He finished his campaign with 13.5 sacks in 13 games.
At 6'4", 250 he is considered undersized, but he runs a 4.73 40, so he has the ability and quickness to possibly transition to OLB, and play pass rusher on third down situations
The Bills finished the season with only 24 sacks and no player had more than four, so a dominant pass rusher would give them a solid defense, and help that already good to very good secondary.
12. Broncos - Tyson Jackson DE
With two first round selection, it is clear the Broncos will look to bring the glory days of the Orange Crush back to Denver.
The Broncos are very high on Jackson, who has moved up boards after a successful combine. With Elvis Dumervil, Tim Crowder, and Jarvis Moss, the Broncos can look to form a terrific young core of pass rushers.
13. Redskins - Andre Smith OT
The Redskins have a pretty good offensive line, but they have a glaring weakness at right tackle. Jon Jansen will be 33 this month, so they need to find a replacement for him.
Andre Smith has moved down boards due to his no-show at the combine. It is unclear whether or not teams will stay away from him due to conduct issues he had at Alabama, but that will probably only draw Daniel Snyder to him further. A former projected top three pick, Smith will be a good move here.
14. Saints - Rey Maualuga ILB
The Saints need an upgrade at MLB. Jonathon Vilma just did not pan out this season, and he is a guy they can move around in terms of his position.
Rey Maualuga captained the country's best defense. Some people are even going as far as to say this is one of the best defenses we have seen ever at the college level.
Rey Maualuga is a replacement for Vilma and then some. At 6'3", 260, he is a monster in the middle. He has great vision and ability to find ball carriers. USC's run defense was phenomenal this year, and the Saints were horrible in that regard.
15. Texans - Malcolm Jenkins CB
The Texans have a few problems on defense, but have improved. If Dunta Robinson isn't signed, they will be in even more trouble.
With this selection, they can get the best defensive back in the 2009 draft class. While Jenkins is the top CB in the draft, his stock has fallen due to his poor combine. If he falls this far, the Texans will be forced to make the 'best available' selection, even though it fits their needs.
Whether or not they retain Robinson, they should go with a DB here, because Jacques Reeves isn't cutting it.
16. Chargers - Chris "Beanie" Wells RB
With LT trade talks and Darren Sproles as the backup, the Chargers will look to add a potentially great RB here. Sproles did play well in LT's absence this season, but I am not sold on him being a No. 1 guy in this league at his size.
Chris Wells is a great player and will help out a team who finished 20th in rushing offense this season, after finishing seventh just one season ago. He has good size and speed. People say Wells does not have the break away speed he will need in the NFL, but that should not shy the Chargers away from him when they already have the home run threat in Sproles.
17. Jets - Josh Freeman QB
I cannot see Rex Ryan passing on an opportunity to take his franchise QB at some point in this draft. Freeman has terrific upside and Kellen Clemens is not the answer for the Jets.
Many Jets fans will probably be fumigating about this pick, but they will regret doubting Freeman in the long run. He has the body, arm strength, and pocket presence every scout looks for. He has some mechanical issues, but they can be ironed out by good coaching.
18. Broncos (From Bears) - Clay Matthews OLB
Matthews had an unbelievable Pro Day at USC, vaulting him to a top 20 pick for sure. He has emerged as maybe the best of the three USC linebackers according to some (not me, obviously), but is definitely someone who will step in and help right away. Matthews has the size and speed to play any linebacker spot in the 3-4 defense.
The Broncos may look to find a franchise QB with one of their two picks in the first round. However, the word out of Denver is they like Kyle Orton in Josh McDaniel's system, and are more than likely to sure up the defense with the picks.
19. Buccaneers - Knowshon Moreno RB
While Moreno probably did not run as fast as he would have liked at the combine, he still possesses the necessary skills to be an immediate factor in the NFL. With Cadillac Williams' injuries and Warrick Dunn being over 30, they will need to find a long term solution at RB.
Moreno is an excellent pass catcher out of the backfield and a force in the screen game. Factor that in with his running skills and he could turn out to be the best RB in this year's class.
20. Lions (from Dallas) - Michael Oher OT
While it is hard to imagine very many scenarios where a former top 10 lock will fall to the Lions at No. 20, it seems I have fallen into one of those very scenarios.
The Lions can look to get two very solid players for two of the most important positions in football; QB and Left Tackle. Even if Oher does not fall to them, expect the Lions to find an offensive tackle at this juncture.
21. Eagles (Trade Alert!) - William Beatty OT
Expect a possible trade with two first round picks sitting in Andy Reid's lap. He will more than likely trade them away for more picks.
If not, they will probably take the best available offensive tackle here, with Moreno and Wells both off the board.
Beatty has solidified his status as a first round pick, and will fall somewhere in this range.
He will give the Eagles offensive line depth and youth they so desperately need.
22. Vikings - Jeremy Maclin WR
If the Vikings have Maclin fall into their lap, they can't pass up the opportunity to get such a versatile player.
With the Vikings failing to sign TJ Houshmanzadeh, they will more than likely find a replacement WR. Maclin had an outstanding career at Mizzou, and will be an immediate help for whoever starts at QB in Minnesota.
23. Patriots - Brian Cushing OLB
After getting Defensive Rookie of the Year Jerod Mayo last year, Bill Belichick will look to upgrade the outside linebacker position this year.
With the noted desire to trade down in drafts, this could potentially be another trade alert.
Brian Cushing may fall further if the reports are true about his failed drug test, but seeing as how the website that reported the story is not credible, it probably will not happen.
24. Falcons - Peria Jerry DT
The Falcons, coming off one of the most spectacular turn arounds in NFL history, have few glaring weaknesses on their team. The one they should address come April is the lack of a dominant nose tackle.
Peria Jerry has the chance to be that dominant guy. Finishing his season with 18 tackles for loss and seven sacks, he is a weapon in both the rushing and passing games. At 6'2", 302, he can clog up the middle and make life easy for the Atlanta linebackers.
25. Dolphins - Vontae Davis CB
The Falcons turn around was overshadowed by the Dolphins this season, who boasted possibly the greatest turn around in NFL history. From 1-15 to 11-5 and division champions, the Dolphins can look to fix a huge whole in the offensive line come April.
I can't believe I have Davis falling this far, but I have to roll with it. Davis is the best pure CB coming out of this year's draft, and having dealt with Will Allen as a Giants fans, I see the Dolphins going with a CB this year.
26. Ravens - Darrius Heyward-Bey WR
It's pretty much safe to say the Ravens will be looking to draft a WR here, with Derrick Mason turning 35 this year. Most people have the Ravens selecting Maclin here, but seeing as how I already have him going to Minnesota, and noting my distrust for Florida wide receivers, this is the direction they should go.
Heyward-Bey is someone that brings an immediate impact to a team. They will help Flacco by getting a top WR, and I see Heyward-Bey being such a player.
27. Colts - Eben Britton OT
The Colts have several things they can address in this year's draft, one being the lack of depth at offensive tackle. They will need to address the defense at some point, but that has never stopped them from improving their already potent offense in the past (see Anthony Gonzalez).
Britton is a great run blocker and will come in a more than likely become the starter for the Colts. Anytime you can make Peyton's life a little easier, it makes the team that much better.
28. Eagles (from Carolina) - Brandon Pettigrew TE
With the only other projected first round tight end forgoing the draft for his senior season (Gresham) and the Eagles saying good-bye to L.J. Smith, they will draft Pettigrew here.
Pettigrew has all the tools to be a pro bowl tight end. Great hands, good blocker, and speed to beat linebackers. If they can get another weapon for McNabb, it will only make him want to stay an Eagle that much more.
29. Giants - Kenny Britt WR
With all the choices the Giants are seemingly interested in at outside linebacker being taken already, they will probably take a wide receiver here. It seems as though there is a significant gap in the talent level after Curry and the two USC prospects.
The Giants will be taking a stud receiver if they are able to select Britt here. Many people believe he is moving up boards and will be a top 20 pick. Any team taking this guy will not be sorry. He has all the tools; speed, size, hands, quickness, and route running. Kenny Britt is a force to be reckoned with.
30. Titans - Hakeem Nicks WR
Again, most of you will be screaming "what about Percy Harvin?!" Well allow me to reiterate I simply don't trust Florida wide receiver prospects, especially those who are under 6'0" and under 200 pounds. That sort of frame typically just does not hold up in the NFL, not to mention his not-so-spectacular forty time at the combine.
Hakeem Nicks blew up in his junior season and surprised the college football world with 68 catches, 1222 yards, and 12 touchdowns. He is a viable end zone threat, and has a knack for getting up high and catching the jump ball. Look for the Titans to get a weapon for the future here.
With this selection, old school Steelers fans will be taken back to the days of Mike Webster. Said by many to be the best center prospect we have seen in years, the Steelers can sure up their bad offensive line by taking Mack.
While it may be more pertinent for them to take a tackle to protect Big Ben, the first six have already came off the board in this mock, so they would look to get the best prospect available.
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