2009 NFL Draft: Seven Stories To Watch

Christmas in April is just about here and the 2009 NFL Draft is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable in years. There are even rumblings we may see multiple trades within the top 10 picks, including a trade within the top five (a rarity in the salary cap era).  Here are seven stories to watch on draft weekend:

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1. How strong is the Mark Sanchez Kool-Aid? The media would have you believe the Redskins, Jets, Broncos, and even 49ers could all be in the mood to move up to get Sanchez.  With so many teams in the mix, how much will a team have to give up and how high up will they have to trade?  

Lastly, with everyone focusing on Jacksonville as the spot to trade up to, it might behoove the bidders to call Cincinnati or Oakland to make sure someone does not sneak in front of you.  With the Raiders considering a wide receiver, they are in a great position to move back and still get the player they want (of course Al Davis is the GM so you never know what they will do).

2. The Andre Smith Comeback.  After the combine rumors swirled of Andre sliding all the way to round two.  After firing his agent and having a few weeks for the combine talk to settle down, Andre is solidly in the top 10 and there is now speculation of teams possibly needing to trade up in front of Cincinnati to snare him.  Some even think Andre Smith could be drafted in front of Eugene Monroe.

3. Will anyone trade for a veteran wide receiver?  There has been lots of trade talk regarding Anquan Boldin and Braylon Edwards but teams are bulking at the asking prices, especially in light of the Jason Peters trade.  Will team demands lower (there are already rumors Arizona's asking price is coming down) or will someone step up to avoid taking a risk on a rookie?  

With the asking prices being a concern don't be surprised if a bargain shopper snares Chad Ocho Cinco for a late second or early third round pick especially if there is a RB or DE Cincinnati likes on the board at that point in the draft.

4. Are the Jets and Buccaneers convinced Josh Freeman is a franchise quarterback if they can't get in position to draft Mark Sanchez?  Freeman has tremendous upside, but some debate whether he is a franchise quarterback and whether he will need a year of seasoning. If one of these two does not draft Freeman he could slide into round two and have the TV cameras in New York all over him a la Brady Quinn and Aaron Rodgers.

5. Speaking of sliders, which player with a first round grade could surprisingly fall into round two or beyond?  Possibilities include the USC linebackers, especially Brian Cushing, Hakeem Nicks (weight concerns), Percy Harvin (failed drug test), and Robert Ayers (few sacks in college).

6. Which players could find themselves getting drafted much higher than expected? Possibilities include: Michael Johnson (Tampa at No. 18?), Connor Barwin (New England at No. 23), William Beatty (Detroit at No. 20?) and Darrius Heyward-Bey (Oakland at No. 7?)

7. Who will take Pat White and will he get his wish to compete as a quarterback or be selected as a wildcat novelty? He could be picked anywhere from early in round two to the middle of round three and I can't think of a harder guy to place in mock drafts because of his unique skillset.  Don't forget, no quarterback has looked better than Pat White in offseason workouts.

Chris Maier is senior editor for nfldraft101.com.  He can be reached at [e-mail].  Be sure to join NFL Draft 101 for live coverage of the 2009 NFL Draft April 25-26 including a live chat and pick by pick analysis.