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WalterFootball's 2009 NFL Mock Draft: Round One 9/25/08
2009 NFL Mock Draft: Round One
- St. Louis Rams: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
Scott Linehan has no idea what he's doing. Benching Marc Bulger in favor of Trent Green? How is that going to change anything? It's not like Bulger's responsible for being under pressure every single play, and it's not like Green is the second coming of Joe Montana.
While there is some hope on defense - Adam Carriker and Chris Long are both young - there is barely any hope on the offensive side of the ball, with Torry Holt growing old, Bulger getting hurt every year and the offensive line looking like the group that surrendered 76 sacks to David Carr in 2004. It all starts with blocking up front, and this is an area where the Rams need a huge upgrade.
It's been widely publicized that the Rams were ready to pounce on Jake Long if he slipped past the Dolphins. That's understandable, as the injury-ridden Orlando Pace will turn 34 during the early stages of the 2009 season, while oft-penalized Alex Barron is as inconsistent as they come. St. Louis makes up for that and takes the top tackle on the board.
- Kansas City Chiefs: Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia
No way Herm Edwards would be in favor of taking a quarterback, as he's not even a fan of the forward pass. But it looks like the Chiefs are headed for another 3- or 4-win season, meaning Conservative Herm and Carl Peterson could both be unemployed come January.
If a new regime takes over, they'll likely choose a new franchise signal caller. But If Clark Hunt spends the entire offseason combing his hair, and forgets to fire King Carl and Conservative Herm, this selection could be Eugene Monroe, Michael Crabtree or Michael Johnson.
Pick change; previously Tim Tebow, QB
- Detroit Lions: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
Three games. Three sacks. There's a reason the Lions have a habit of falling behind 21-0 or 21-3 before halftime. Detroit is in desperate need of an upgrade to the pass rush, so they can stop All-Pro quarterbacks like Matt Ryan and J.T. O'Sullivan from torching their anemic secondary.
Pick change; previously Malcolm Jenkins, CB
- Cincinnati Bengals: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
In my previous mock, I had the Bengals drafting a defensive end (Michael Johnson) because he was the best player available at No. 2. Now that I've moved Cincinnati down two spots, a middle linebacker becomes a more realistic option, whereas the second slot was way too early for one - even for a guy as talented as Rey Maualuga.
]I can't stress this enough. The Bengals have a bow tie salesman starting in the middle of their defense. Forget the fact that he's in the opening lineup; the fact that Dhani Jones is on an NFL roster is a joke. Cincinnati will never be able to stop the run until they get a premier middle linebacker like Maualuga. They currently surrender 4.2 yards per carry, which puts them in the bottom half of the league in that department.
Pick change; previously Michael Johnson, DE
- Miami Dolphins: George Selvie, DE/OLB, South Florida
Jason Taylor was just traded to Washington (though Bill Parcells robbed the Redskins) and Joey Porter is one of the most overrated players in the NFL, despite his three sacks against Matt Cassel. It'll become very apparent that the Dolphins need to address the hybrid linebacker position. Luckily, they'll be able to land George Selvie at this spot.
- Cleveland Browns: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
Is anyone really surprised that the Browns are currently 29th versus the pass, giving up 9.1 yards per attempt? Their defense is a joke, and I can't believe they didn't find a replacement for Leigh Bodden after they traded him away to Detroit for Shaun Rogers. Cleveland desperately needs a dominating pass-rusher and a No. 1 corner. With Michael Johnson and George Selvie off the board, this choice becomes pretty easy.
Pick change; previously Chris Wells, RB
- Atlanta Falcons: Taylor Mays, S, USC
Atlanta's corners, Brent Grimes and Chris Houston, have played surprisingly well thus far, as the Falcons are actually ranked third against the pass. However, the secondary still needs work at the safety position. Based on the e-mails I receive, it seems like Taylor Mays' 40 time drops a tenth of a second every couple of days. Don't be shocked if he runs a 1.7 at the combine, causing Al Davis to crap his pants.
- Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
As Al Davis proved last year, it's all about flashy players and 40 times. He didn't need to take Darren McFadden in the 2008 NFL Draft, but chose to do so anyway, simply based on McFadden's amazing 40 time at the combine.
Michael Crabtree doesn't have a great 40, but he's far and away the top receiving prospect available for the 2009 NFL Draft. The fossilized Raiders owner won't hesitate to provide JaMarcus Russell with a potent weapon, especially after screwing up with the Javon Walker signing.
- Houston Texans: Myron Rolle, S, Florida State
Basically the Best Player Available formula for a team really hurting for defense. It's not like safety isn't a need, anyway. Poor Texans fans had to watch Ben Roethlisberger and Kerry Collins dissect their stop unit to exact precision this season.
- New York Jets: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
Thomas Jones will be celebrating his 31st birthday a month before the 2009 season begins. Regardless, I don't think the Jets can afford to pass up on someone as physically gifted as Chris Wells, who slips a bit because the lack of a running back need is reaching alarming levels in this league.
Pick change; previously Knowshon Moreno, RB
- San Francisco 49ers: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
So, Mike Martz joins the coaching staff, and the 49ers have given up 13 sacks on the year already, putting them on pace for 69 on the season. Who knows if J.T. O'Sullivan can last that long? The 49ers desperately need a bookend tackle across from Joe Staley.
Pick change; previously Matt Stafford, QB
- New England Patriots: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
Another top-tier inside linebacker for a defense that will soon part ways with Mike Vrabel and Tedy Bruschi. This pick could also be Vontae Davis. It's basically a toss up at this point. It really depends on what the Patriots do in free agency.
Pick change; previously Rey Maualuga, ILB
- Baltimore Ravens: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
Chris McAlister, soon to be 31, is coming off an injury-ridden season and may not last much longer. Meanwhile, it seems like retirement is knocking down Samari Rolle's door. Trading for Fabian Washington wasn't enough; the Ravens need a No. 1 corner for the future.
- Chicago Bears: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
I know the Bears just drafted Chris Williams in the first round last year, but they need a bookend tackle. John Tait turns 34 soon. John St. Clair stinks, and the fact that Chicago brought back Fred Miller shows how desperate they are for some talent at this position.
What about a quarterback? It's possible, but Lovie Smith and Jerry Angelo seem to employ the strategy of improving upon their strengths - something Brian Billick should have done after winning the Super Bowl after the 2000 season.
- Washington Redskins: Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky
There's always a chance Daniel Snyder trades this pick away for Zach Thomas, Derrick Brooks or Kevin Willis, but if he keeps it, chances are he'll upgrade the cornerback position. Shawn Springs turns 34 a month prior to the 2009 NFL Draft, while Fred Smoot completely embarrassed himself in the opener against the Giants.
Pick change; previously Eugene Monroe, OT
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
Remember when Jacksonville was among the elite when it came to stopping the run? Yeah, not so much anymore. After three weeks, the Jaguars are 19th against the rush. Oh, and they only have five sacks as well. Jacksonville spent their top selections on defensive ends last year. Now they'll have to find some help in the middle.
Pick change; previously Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR
- Arizona Cardinals: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
What about Tim Hightower? I know the Cardinals like him, but I don't think they can afford to pass up on someone as talented as Knowshon Moreno if he falls to them. Besides, a dual backfield is the new trend in the NFL. If Arizona can land Moreno, they can let Edgerrin James go and pair Moreno and Hightower together.
Pick change; previously Jeremy Maclin, WR
- Seattle Seahawks: Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma
The Seahawks weren't able to land Branden Albert, although they probably could have traded up for him if they wanted to. They've desperately needed help at guard ever since Steve Hutchinson bolted for Minnesota. Seattle won't hesitate if Duke Robinson falls into its lap.
Wide receiver (Jeremy Maclin and Darrius Heyward-Bey) and safety (William Moore) are realistic options here as well.
- Philadelphia Eagles: Ciron Black, OT, LSU
It's been reported that if the Eagles weren't offered a blockbuster trade from the Panthers - which allowed them to steal this selection, by the way - Andy Reid would have chosen Jeff Otah. Big Red grabs his left tackle of the future here instead. William Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan will both be hitting the market after this season, so the probability that the Eagles don't go tackle with one of their first-rounders is highly unlikely.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
Wide receiver will once again be a need next offseason. Dexter Jackson was acquired in the second round, but he's more of a kick returner than anything. Joey Galloway and Ike Hilliard aren't going to be around much longer, while Antonio Bryant will undoubtedly revert to sloth mode once he signs a long-term deal with someone.
- Minnesota Vikings: Tim Tebow, QB, Florida
The Tarvaris Jackson Fan Club may not like this pick, but if the Vikings fail to qualify for the playoffs and Brad Childress is let go, there's a good chance the new regime will take their quarterback of the future. I find it very unlikely that a new coaching staff will want anything to do Jackson.
Tim Tebow has the potential to be a top 10 pick; I just have him falling out of circumstance.
Pick change; previously Brandon Pettigrew, TE
- San Diego Chargers: Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas
It's a real shame that Shawne "roidman" Merriman's career could be over. Unless you're a Broncos, Chiefs or Raiders fan, let's hope that he has a speedy recovery and returns to the field. Unfortunately, that's not a realistic scenario right now, so the Chargers need to prepare for life without him.
- New Orleans Saints: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
I had the Saints taking center Alex Mack here a few mocks ago, but they won't be able to pass up on Brian Cushing if he's available. Cushing's versatility to play multiple linebacker positions will really help the Saints, who are in a bind at outside linebacker in the wake of Dan Morgan's retirement (not that I thought he was going to make the team anyway).
Cornerback is definitely an option as well, but taking one would be reaching at this point.
- Indianapolis Colts: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
It's only been three weeks, but Indianapolis has already given up 100 yards to four different running backs. The Colts are way too thin at defensive tackle in the wake of the Ed Johnson marijuana scandal.
- Tennessee Titans: Terrance Taylor, DT, Michigan
The Titans need a receiver and there are some good ones available, but they apparently think Eric Moulds, Brandon Jones, Justin Gage and Mike Williams can make the Pro Bowl. So, I'll leave them to their delusions and have them address another position.
Tennessee doesn't really have a dominant force behind Albert Haynesworth, should the All-Pro defensive tackle either get injured or leave via free agency after this season.
Pick change; previously Trevard Lindley, CB
- Buffalo Bills: Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss
I can't imagine the Chris Kelsay-Ryan Denney experiment lasting much longer. The Bills need another pass rusher to complement Aaron Schobel. Buffalo managed five sacks against the Seahawks, but only three in the next two contests. As the Giants have shown us, you can never have too many guys who can get to the quarterback. Greg Hardy also falls under the best-player-available strategy.
- Green Bay Packers: Geno Atkins, DT, Georgia
If there's one thing we learned about Packers GM Ted Thompson, it's that he loves to take the best player available, no matter what position he plays. Luckily for Thompson, that strategy matches up with a position of slight need. With Justin Harrell unable to stay healthy, Green Bay could use some depth at defensive tackle.
- New York Giants: Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
The Giants were fine with saying goodbye to Michael Strahan this offseason, but losing Osi Umenyiora was a pretty hard pill to swallow. They had to move Mathias Kiwanuka to the defensive line, which forced Raiders, Saints and Texans reject Danny Clark into the starting lineup. Those are three pretty piss-poor defenses Clark couldn't play on. Then again, Al Davis can't evaluate talent, so it's possible Clark could be the best linebacker in NFL history. Hey, the man gave $55 million to Javon Walker.
- Denver Broncos: Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
The Broncos' plan to have Niko Koutouvides start at middle linebacker went awry after Nate Webster beat him out in the preseason. Nate freakin' Webster - the same guy who has missed 41 games since 2003.
Brandon Spikes is a dominant force in the middle of Florida's defense. Unless he gets hurt, I have to believe he comes out a year early.
Pick change; previously James Laurinaitis, ILB
- Philadelphia Eagles: William Moore, S, Missouri
The Eagles really need help at both safety positions; Brian Dawkins doesn't have much left in the tank, Quintin Mikell is the epitome of mediocre and mentioning Sean Considine's name solicits groans from Philadelphians. William Moore, who can play both free and strong safety, will be a huge upgrade in the Eagles' secondary.
- Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Mack, C, California
Pittsburgh's offensive line surrendered eight sacks against the Eagles, including six in the second quarter alone. If Ben Roethlisberger didn't have any sort of mobility, he would have been killed.
At any rate, Justin Hartwig, who struggled with Carolina, has taken over at center. He's not doing a bad job, but he's so injury-prone that I have to believe that he'll go down before the season is over. Besides, it'll be tough for Pittsburgh to pass on Alex Mack, one of the top center prospects in recent memory.
- Dallas Cowboys: Kam Chancellor, SS, Virginia Tech
I found it funny that Dallas fans rejoiced when Roy Williams suffered an injury. The Cowboys were already making sure he wasn't going to be on the field on passing downs anyway. Soon, they'll PhotoShop him out of pictures and make it seem like he never existed.
Dallas' plan to keep Williams off the field is based on moving Anthony Henry to safety on second- and third-and-long. That's fine, but Henry turns 32 soon. It's just a matter of time before he becomes a liability in coverage as well.
Last edited by Tribal Warfare; 09-27-2008 at 01:22 AM..
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09-27-2008, 01:10 AM
WalterFootball's 2009 NFL Mock Draft: Round One 9/25/08
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