Footballsfuture.com Mock 2/02

[bowener]

2009 NFL Mock Draft

By: Robert Davis | Updated: 2/2

1. Detroit - Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
   This is a tough sport for the Lions. There are only two positions in this draft that can possibly be taken at this spot; LT and QB. There is no clearcut best player available, which gives the Lions a lot of things to consider. Stafford or Sanchez? Which Smith, Andre or Jason? In this situation, the Lions nab the QB to be the face of their franchise, and Sanchez is well prepared to take that title, even if he needs some time to develop his game.
2. St. Louis - Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
   Most acknowledge the Rams wanted Jake Long last year, so they are still in the market for a left tackle. Smith has the highest upside at left tackle of all the players, and should step in right away and anchor the line.
3. Kansas City - Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
   Sanchez and Stafford will battle each other until draft day for the right to be the first signal caller selected. The ‘loser’ could end up here. Tyler Thigpen showed a lot of promise, but nobody would call him a franchise quarterback. Stafford has that type of potential. If Thigpen continues to improve then the Chiefs have a nice problem on their hands.
4. Seattle - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
   If either of the QB’s are on the board, they could draw a lot of consideration at this point. With them gone, the pick should be a no brainer. The Seahawks had receiver issues all year, and still lack a go to performer. Crabtree fills that void.
5. Cleveland - Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio St.
   This is another pick that makes too much sense to not happen. The Browns need help in the secondary, and Jenkins is not just the top corner available, he’s the best defensive player in the draft.
6. Cincinnati - Chris Wells, RB, Ohio St.
   There are some other holes that need to be filled, but a back that can give the offense some balance is needed. His presence should restore the explosive attack the Bengals had a few years ago, and allow them to focus more attention on the defense.
7. Oakland - Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
   Andre Smith would be a nice pick here, but the Raiders never make the smart move. The Raiders like the sexy pick, and a player with the pass rush ability of Orakpo definitely fits the mold. Orakpo will improve the pass rush and help the defense, but the Raiders need to address the offensive line so don’t rule out one of the tackles.
8. Jacksonville - Andre Smith, OL, Alabama
   Smith is the safest bet among the lineman in this years draft. He may only be the fourth best left tackle prospect, but he is the top right tackle or guard prospect available. That type of versatility will allow him to find a home, but he will get his first crack at left tackle.
9. Green Bay - Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
   The Pack had a disappointing year, but are in position to really help the defense out. Curry is the best available player on the board, and will step in and start on the strong side immediately.
10. San Francisco -BJ Raji, DT, Boston College
    Raji has cemented himself as the top tackle in the draft, and continues to rise up draft boards. Mike Singletary knows the value of a strong front, and Raji will be a force in the middle of their defensive line.
11. Buffalo - Everrette Brown, DE, Florida St.
    There is a lot of young talent on the Bills roster, so they should continue to improve. They do need help at center and tight end, but no player is worth a selection at this spot. So the team upgrades its pass rush with Brown, who is a beast off the edge.
12. Denver - Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
    The defense needs a lot of help, plain and simple. Maualuga may not be the best overall defender at this point, and may not address their need of an interior lineman, he is the biggest impact player available. Maualuga is a force against the run, but his tenacity and aggression is contagious. It will help the entire defense right away.
13. Washington - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
    Jon Jansen may not have much left in the tank, and Chris Samuels isn’t getting any younger either. Monroe could step in right away on the right side and eventually be Samuels replacement at LT.
14. New Orleans - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
    For the first time in years, the Saints may have found their answer at corner. Davis has the ability to develop into a big time corner. The Saints have tried to fill the void with lower draft picks and free agents, and it hasn’t worked. This time it will.
15. Houston - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn St.
    Maybin may need some time to grow into his frame and bulk up, but his pass rush ability is the best available at this point. A duo of him and Mario Williams would be very difficult to block, and opposing coaches would have a tough time gameplanning against them.
16. San Diego - Tyson Jackson, DL, LSU
    Jackson could play a lot of roles in the NFL, which is a great fit for the Chargers from the outset. He provides depth up and down the line, but has the ability to be a very productive player at end in a 3-4.
17. NY Jets - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
    Maclin could be long gone by this point after workouts, but if he is on the board, he is exactly what the Jets need at receiver. He is a big play threat that would stretch the field and give them that playmaking element that have lacked recently.
18. Chicago - Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
    Ever since Bernard Berrian left, there has been a void in the Bears receiving corps. The ability to get down the field vertically to spread the defense needs to be addressed, and Heyward-Bey may be the fastest receiver in the draft.
19. Tampa Bay - Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
    Tampa hasn’t had a playmaking interior threat for a few years, but that could come to an end with the selection of Jerry. His ability to get up the field and get penetration will be a nice fit in the Tampa defense.
20. Detroit(Dal) - Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
    He disappointed some by not playing in the Senior Bowl but he should impress in workouts. Johnson has all the ability to become a feared edge rusher, and that will be too much for the Lions to pass on here.
21. Philadelphia - Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
    The Eagles got a steal in the second round last year with DeSean Jackson, and they get one again here. Oher is right up there with the group of tackles, and could conceivably be the first tackle selected. He is great value and lands on a team needing some youth at the tackle position.
22. Minnesota- Max Unger, OL, Oregon
    Unger has the ability to play any spot on the offensive line. He could provide help immediately at right tackle or center, depending on which hole is bigger come opening day.
23. New England - Brian Cushing, LB, USC
    Versatility. That is Cushing’s best trait. He can play outside or inside in a 4-3 or 3-4, or could even play with his hand down on passing situations. He is an instinctive linebacker that will help against the pass and run, but his pass rush potential is underrated. Cushing would bring some much needed speed off the edge for the Patriots, or line up inside next to last years top rookie, Jerod Mayo.
24. Atlanta - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St.
    There is no better help for a young quarterback than a big tight end. Pettigrew is a reliable receiver, but is just as effective as a blocker. The Falcons would love for a defensive tackle to fall to this spot, but with Raji and Jerry gone, they are out of luck.
25. Miami - Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
    Parcells loves linebackers off the edge in a 3-4, but there aren’t any worthy of this selection. So the Phins turn to the secondary, which is just as big of a need, and select Smith. If he were three inches taller, Smith would be right up there with Malcolm Jenkins.
26. Baltimore - Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
    Terrell Suggs is campaigning for all the defensive free agents to return, so the offense could need a little more work next year. The Ravens have done well landing a quality young QB to go with a nice thunder/lightning duo at RB in the past two drafts, but they still need some help at receiver. Britt has go to potential, he just needs to stay focused. On a team with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, I do not think Britt will need any extra attention staying focused.
27. Indianapolis - Fili Moala, DT, USC
    The Colts may have no choice but to go for a defensive tackle. It is a glaring hole in the middle of their defense, and no matter how many points the offense can put up, they need to play better on defense. This may be a tad high for Moala, but he is the next best tackle available and has as much upside as any tackle in the draft.
28. Philadelphia(Car) - William Moore, S, Missouri
    Shonn Greene or potentially even Rashad Jennings if he continues to rise up boards could draw a lot of attention to pair with Brian Westbrook, but the Eagles cannot pass on Moore. He can line up alongside Brian Dawkins if he comes back, but even if Dawkins is gone, he would continue the high level of performance at the S position for the Eagles.
29. NY Giants James - Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio St.
    A couple mid round picks last year was not enough to shore up the LB spot for the Giants. Laurinaitis is capable of moving outside and playing next to Antonio Pierce, as well as take over for Pierce when the Giants decide to move on.
30. Tennessee - Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
    It is tough to see the Titans nab a receiver in the first round, but it truly is their most glaring need. The team has lacked a big play receiver for years, and it’s time to select one. Harvin’s speed and big play ability would give the Titans a threat out wide for teams to worry about. Not to mention, the duo of Harvin and Chris Johnson might be the most exciting WR/RB duo of any offense in the league.
31. Arizona - LeSean McCoy, RB, Pitt
    After heartbreaking loss in the Super Bowl, the Cardinals have a lot of questions that lie ahead in the offseason. The future of Kurt Warner, Anquan Boldin, and Karlos Dansby will have a lot to do with their direction in the draft. If Dansby leaves, a defense that needs some more talent would become the pick by default. If he comes back, it gives them the flexibility to take the best player available, which is what happens here. Edgerrin James is likely done in Arizona, so a back that can compliment last years rookie surprise Tim Hightower is needed. Knowshon Moreno may be rated higher on some boards, but LeSean McCoy’s big play ability would fit nicely alongside Hightower. Clint Sintim could draw a lot of attention if the Cards look for defensive help.
32. Pittsburgh - Alex Mack, C, Cal
    Congratulations to the Steelers. Winning the championship is nice, but now you have a target on your back. Last years draft should provide a big impact next year on offense with Limas Sweed gaining experience and Rashard Mendenhall coming back from a knee injury. The hole they haven’t filled is on the interior line, where Al Faneca was a standout for years. Mack has the ability to play guard or center, and would bring the physical style to fit right in with the Steelers mentality.

[bowener]

I think the pick I find most intriguing is this one:

San Francisco -BJ Raji, DT, Boston College

That should help to create a monster 3-4 D in SF. Willis is a beast at LB, and Manny Lawson is no slouch. This might help Nate Clements' numbers too.

And if this were to happen:

NY Jets - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

That would pair up 2 Mizzou Tigers at WR, Brad Smith and Maclin.

[The Franchise]

It wouldn't surprise me if Detroit ends up going with Sanchez instead of Stafford.

[bowener]

Originally Posted by pestilenceaf23

It wouldn't surprise me if Detroit ends up going with Sanchez instead of Stafford.

From the way the describe it above, it makes sense. He may need more time to prepare for the NFL than Stafford, but he has higher potential, so he can ride the pine and learn behind Kitna. I didnt like the 2nd pick they gave them, Michael Johnson. They do need DE, but if you are taking another QB #1 overall, you had better draft him a LT at some point to protect him. Between Calvin Johnson and a #1 QB, you are spending too much money on the O not to protect the QB and ensure Calvin gets the ball as often as possible.

[The Franchise]

Originally Posted by bowener

From the way the describe it above, it makes sense. He may need more time to prepare for the NFL than Stafford, but he has higher potential, so he can ride the pine and learn behind Kitna. I didnt like the 2nd pick they gave them, Michael Johnson. They do need DE, but if you are taking another QB #1 overall, you had better draft him a LT at some point to protect him. Between Calvin Johnson and a #1 QB, you are spending too much money on the O not to protect the QB and ensure Calvin gets the ball as often as possible.

Especially with Oher sitting there.

[DeezNutz]

This cannot be right. Carroll and numerous CP posters claim that the Dirty Dirty isn't NFL ready.

[DaKCMan AP]

Tennessee will have some sick offensive speed and a crazy duo of game breakers if they add Harvin to Chris Johnson.

[DaKCMan AP]

Originally Posted by bowener

From the way the describe it above, it makes sense. He may need more time to prepare for the NFL than Stafford, but he has higher potential, so he can ride the pine and learn behind Kitna. I didnt like the 2nd pick they gave them, Michael Johnson. They do need DE, but if you are taking another QB #1 overall, you had better draft him a LT at some point to protect him. Between Calvin Johnson and a #1 QB, you are spending too much money on the O not to protect the QB and ensure Calvin gets the ball as often as possible.

Originally Posted by pestilenceaf23

Especially with Oher sitting there.

They drafted Cherilus #17 last year and he started at RT. Also, Backus hasn't been terrible at LT, he's only 31, hasn't missed a start in his career and signed a 6 year $40million deal in 2006. They don't need to grab a tackle early.

[Chiefnj2]

Orakpo is still in the top 10?

[MagicHef]

This would be just about the worst-case scenario for Denver. Jenkins, Orakpo, Curry, Raji, and Brown all gone in the first 11? Ugh.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Originally Posted by DaKCMan AP

They drafted Cherilus #17 last year and he started at RT. Also, Backus hasn't been terrible at LT, he's only 31, hasn't missed a start in his career and signed a 6 year $40million deal in 2006. They don't need to grab a tackle early.

Backus is horrible. Matt Millen is the guy who signed him to that contract, so that doesn't validate his worth, whatsoever. He's a stiff.

['Hamas' Jenkins]

Originally Posted by bowener

From the way the describe it above, it makes sense. He may need more time to prepare for the NFL than Stafford, but he has higher potential, so he can ride the pine and learn behind Kitna. I didnt like the 2nd pick they gave them, Michael Johnson. They do need DE, but if you are taking another QB #1 overall, you had better draft him a LT at some point to protect him. Between Calvin Johnson and a #1 QB, you are spending too much money on the O not to protect the QB and ensure Calvin gets the ball as often as possible.

I'm sorry, Mark Sanchez is a very very good QB prospect, but there is absolutely no way that he has more physical upside than Matt Stafford.

[Chiefnj2]

Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins

I'm sorry, Mark Sanchez is a very very good QB prospect, but there is absolutely no way that he has more physical upside than Matt Stafford.

Better feet and mobility, not arm strength.

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by pestilenceaf23

It wouldn't surprise me if Detroit ends up going with Sanchez instead of Stafford.

the exact opposite for me

Detroit is gun shy and to pick someone with so little game tape and NFL "proof"

i would be pretty shocked to see Sanchez go #1 to Detroit


Stafford maybe ....... but don't be surprised to see Detroit take an OT with the first pick so at least they can move the guy to right tackle if it doesn't go well.

they need something with that #1 pick to try and break the "suck trend"

[RippedmyFlesh]

To me there is no doubt the lions take a qb I am worried StL takes one also.



“I think the important thing is finding the right person,” Schwartz said. “I don’t think you tie yourself in to positions. Obviously there’s a lot of needs. I think obviously the most important position on the team is quarterback. It’s probably time to find a replacement for Bobby Layne.”

Jim Schwartz

http://www.freep.com/article/2009011.../90112070/1048