2009 NFL Mock Draft Part One: Who Will Your Team Take?

Sayre BedingerDec 29, 2008

Now that the NFL season has concluded for all but 12 teams, it's time to look at what teams could do to improve come April.

Detroit Lions—Matthew Stafford; Quarterback, Georgia

Now that the Lions have officially completed the worst season in NFL history, it's time to look forward to the future. That began yesterday, with the firing of head coach Rod Marinelli. The next step would be to draft a franchise quarterback, and that is exactly what Stafford brings to the table.

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St. Louis Rams—Andre Smith; Offensive Tackle, Alabama

The Rams were abysmal offensively this past season, and there is no reason to justify selecting any other player than the most dominant tackle in the draft with this spot. St. Louis would love to have Stafford, but he will likely go to the Lions at No. 1. Left tackle is a major area of need since the departure of Orlando Pace.

Kansas City Chiefs—Brian Orakpo; Defensive End, Texas

Kansas City has lacked a pass rush this season, and Orakpo would be a great remedy for that problem. The star lineman out of Texas has my vote as the top senior prospect in this draft, and he would start immediately for the Chiefs.

Seattle Seahawks—Michael Crabtree; Wide Receiver, Texas Tech

Crabtree is the most dominant wide receiver at the college level, although his numbers may be a bit inflated due to the underachieving defenses and pass-heavy offenses displayed in the Big 12. Still, he is a great receiver with extremely reliable hands. I see him comparing most favorably to Andre Johnson.

Cleveland Browns—Malcolm Jenkins; Cornerback, Ohio State

Cleveland's achilles heel over the last year or so has been their awful secondary. While Sean Jones is a very promising safety, they have some major holes on the outside. Nothing like the reigning Jim Thorpe Award winner to ease that pain eh, Cleveland fans?

Cincinnati Bengals—Michael Oher; Offensive Tackle, Mississippi

The Bengals need to significantly improve their offense with this draft, as well as their defense. However, offensive line is an area that they are really lacking, and Levi Brown could be finished as a Bengal.

If they can get their hands on him, look for Michael Crabtree to be a Bengal possibly.

Oakland Raiders—Vontae Davis; Cornerback, Illinois

Is it possible for the Raiders to select a player who can significantly improve their team?

If Davis were to join the silver and black, it would be. Not only does Davis bring the speed and athleticism to the table that the Raiders love, he is also one of the best corner's in the draft. Also, Nnamdi Asomugha is most likely on his way out of Oakland, so a replacement is needed.

Jacksonville Jaguars—Rey Maualuga; Middle Linebacker, USC

It appears as though Mike Peterson's days in Jacksonville are done, and his replacement will be needed. Maualuga is one of the toughest defenders in the nation, and he would be a perfect fit in Jack Del Rio's defense. He could be an instant All-Pro.

Green Bay Packers—Michael Johnson; Defensive End, Georgia Tech

Green Bay lacks a pass rush outside of Aaron Kampman, and Johnson is a great fit for the Green Bay defense. A pass rushing specialist with similar size to the former Packer KGB, Johnson is a quarterback's worst nightmare.

San Francisco 49ers—Aaron Curry; Outside Linebacker, Wake Forest

Curry is arguably the best prospect in the draft, and he could very well go much higher than this come April. Curry would be a nice fit on the outside in the 3-4 defense. Manny Lawson hasn't been overpowering as a pass rusher, so Curry could be a great fit.

Buffalo Bills—Everette Brown; Defensive End, Florida State

Aaron Schobel can no longer do it all by himself on the edges, and the Bills would have virtually no pass rush without him, as was evidenced when he missed time this season. Brown can provide that pressure on the quarterback a defensive coach like Dick Jauron craves.

Denver Broncos—Taylor Mays; Safety, USC

There is a good chance that Mays doesn't last this long if he runs a good forty time at the combine. Denver's defense was absolutely dreadful this season, and Mays would be a great addition. He is big, fast, strong, and has a nose for the ball. Not to mention he plays on the best defense in all of college football.

Washington Redskins—William Moore; Safety, Missouri

It seems surprising that the leader of one of the worst pass defenses could be selected this high, but there is no denying Moore's talent. He is an absolute stud, and can play the ball as good as any safety in the country.

New Orleans Saints—James Laurinaitis; Middle Linebacker, Ohio State

Although many of you may think Laurinaitis will not fall this far, it is actually very likely that he will. None of the teams above are very desperate for a middle linebacker, and Jonathan Vilma will at the very least be allowed to test the free agent waters unless New Orleans is willing to forfeit this selection to the Jets.

Houston Texans—Jeremy Maclin; Wide Receiver, Missouri

Houston already has a prime time receiver in Andre Johnson, and a very capable receiver in Kevin Walter. However, I feel that Walter is best suited for the slot, and Maclin could provide a very deadly trio to keep up with the other offensive powers of the AFC.

San Diego Chargers—Chris Wells; Running Back, Ohio State

LaDainian Tomlinson is on the downslope of his career, and Darren Sproles has the ability to leave via free agency. Wells would be a good fit here for the Chargers, and could step in and have an immediate impact on the offense.

New York Jets—Brandon Spikes; Middle Linebacker, Florida

The Jets don't have too many glaring needs, and Spikes could form a very potent duo at middle linebacker with David Harris. Spikes is a playmaker with speed and is always around the ball.

Chicago Bears—Percy Harvin; Wide Receiver, Florida

Simply put: This pick would be a long time coming for Chicago fans. The only thing that could make this pick better would be a prime-time quarterback to go along with it. Harvin is a deep ball threat who is a winner and can score any time he catches the ball.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers—Graham Harrell; Quarterback, Texas Tech

This would be a very risky pick, seeing as Tech's passing stats can be inflated due to their pass-heavy offense, but Harrell is one of the most accurate quarterbacks in this draft class, and he would be a good fit in Tampa.

Detroit Lions (from Dallas)—Eugine Monroe; Offensive Tackle, Virginia

This would be an absolute steal for the Lions. Monroe is one of the better tackle prospects in the draft, and there is no way he should last this long. However, they would take it if they could get it, and he and Gosder Cherilous could form a potent duo at tackle.

Arizona Cardinals—Knowshon Moreno; Running Back, Georgia

I can't see Edgerrin James returning to Arizona next season, and Moreno would be a nice lightning to Tim Hightower's thunder. This addition could also make the Cardinals more than a one-dimensional passing offense.

Philadelphia Eagles—Eben Britton; Offensive Tackle, Arizona

Britton is a great offensive tackle prospect, and the Eagles could no doubt use his help. Philly's rushing offense is ranked 22nd in the NFL, and with Brian Westbrook in the fold that number is sure to be inaccurate of what their potential is.

Minnesota Vikings—Jason Smith; Offensive Tackle, Baylor

Vikings fans are probably calling for a quarterback or wide receiver here, but offensive tackle is the final verdict for a team that can't pass protect to save their lives. Smith has the potential to be a dominant left tackle in this league, and the Vikes desperately need his services.

New England Patriots—D.J. Moore; Cornerback, Vanderbilt

The Patriots had to figure they were going to miss Asante Samuel, and it showed this season. Despite being 11-5 and without their star quarterback, the Patriots missed the playoffs. Moore is a great cover corner and has the potential to be a superstar on this team.

Atlanta Falcons—B.J. Raji; Defensive Tackle, Boston College

Jonathan Babineaux is quietly becoming one of the better young defensive tackles in the league, and Raji would be an excellent compliment. I could also see the Falcons going after a safety here, but there are none worth the risk with this high of a selection.

Miami Dolphins—Darrius Heyward-Bey; Wide Receiver, Maryland

While I could see the Dolphins upgrading their secondary here, this is a fairly weak class of DB's and Heyward-Bey is a big play receiver who would compliment Ted Ginn Jr. very well.

Baltimore Ravens—Victor Harris; Cornerback, Virginia Tech

It's hard to imagine the Ravens actually going defense with this pick, but their corners aren't getting any younger, and Harris could be an excellent long-term replacement for one of them.

Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina)—Jermaine Gresham; Tight End, Oklahoma

It was rumored that Philly was interested in Kellen Winslow prior to the trade deadline, so it wouldn't be surprising to see them go with a tight end early in this draft. Also, I think they could package their two first rounders to try and trade up for a prime time offensive tackle.

Indianapolis Colts—Sen'Derrick Marks; Defensive Tackle, Auburn

The Colts' defensive line is horrific outside of their pass rushing specialists at defensive end. Marks is an up and coming prospect who could help ease some of those pains up front, and he fits the scheme well.

Pittsburgh Steelers—Duke Robinson; Offensive Guard, Oklahoma

Ben Roethlisberger has eaten turf more than any other quarterback I watched this season. Max Starks is leaving via free agency, and Robinson would be an excellent replacement. He is absolutely massive, and anchors the best offensive line in the nation.

Tennessee Titans—George Selvie; Defensive End, South Florida

Selvie has been one of the top pass rushers in the college game the last two seasons, and Tennessee's starting ends are getting older. Not only could he be a good long term solution, he would also probably step into the starting role.

New York Giants—Brian Cushing; Outside Linebacker, USC

This would be so typical of the Giants. Stealing a defensive playmaker late in the first round. Cushing may very well be the best outside backer in the draft, and the Giants could use his services.

Round Two

Detroit Lions—Tyson Jackson; Defensive Lineman, LSU

St. Louis Rams—Darry Beckwith; Linebacker, LSU

Kansas City Chiefs—Javon Ringer; Running Back, Michigan State

Seattle Seahawks—Patrick Chung; Safety, Oregon

Cleveland Browns—Kenny Britt; Wide Receiver, Rutgers

Cincinnati Bengals—Brandon Pettigrew; Tight End, Oklahoma State

Oakland Raiders—Ciron Black; Offensive Tackle, LSU

Jacksonville Jaguars—Derrick Williams; Wide Receiver, Penn State

Green Bay Packers—Peria Jerry; Defensive Tackle, Mississippi

San Francisco 49ers—Tim Tebow; Quarterback, Florida

Buffalo Bills—Alex Mack; Center, California