Ryan Leaf
05-25-2008, 11:36 AM
I have compiled an early 2009 Mock Draft, let me know what you think.
1.) Atlanta Falcons- Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech- This kid put up mind boggling numbers at Texas Tech last year and while it can be argued that he is a product of the system, when I watch this guy I see an elite talent. The Falcons moved up to take Sam Baker in round one so I do not see them taking Michael Oher.
2.) Miami Dolphins- James Laurinaitis LB Ohio State- The Dolphins adressed the QB and LT positions in this years draft so those two positions are out of the question. With the loss of Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor aging and possibly on the outs this defense will struggle next season. Enter Laurinaitis a very productive and instinctive LB with an incredible motor. He will give this defense and instant impact player.
3.) San Fransisco 49ers- Matt Stafford QB Georgia- Alex Smith is a bust. Hopefully the 49ers will realize that this year and select a QB next April. Stafford is considered the best pro style quarterback prospect since Carson Palmer by some scouts. He has a rifle arm comparable to Jemarcus Russell, and he has good size (6,3 230). Stafford will be the franchise QB the niners have been looking for.
4.) Chicago Bears- Michael Oher OT Ole Miss- Grossman is not the answer at QB but with Stafford off the board they address the aging offensive lines. Oher is drawing comparisons to Orlando Pace, I think that maybe be a little over the top, but he still has incredible talent and will upgrade this O Line instantly.
5.) Baltimore Ravens- Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State- I see the Ravens struggling this year. Kyle Boller will be bench early on and the Ravens will struggle with a rookie QB. The Ravens need a WR to help Flacco in the passing game but there are none worth selecting here, so they address an aging secondary. They traded for Fabian Washington which I think is a good move but Chris McAllister and Samari Rolle are getting old, plus Jenkins is the best player on the board at this point.
6.) Kansas City Chiefs- Andre Smith OT Alabama- Everyone seems to have the Chiefs taking a quarterback here, but I have faith in Brodie Croyle. That offensive line is not what it used to be and Andre Smith is a reliable and talented tackle that could help right away.
7.) Oakland Raiders- Michael Johnson DE Georgia Tech- he top DE in this class falls to the Raiders at 7. The Raiders don't have anyone outside of Derrick Burgess that can pressure the QB. Michael Johnson can help fix that. Don't be surprised if Al Davis considers Derius Heyward-Bey the WR from Maryland strictly based on his 40 time.
8.) St Louis Rams- Rey Maualuga LB USC- The Rams will struggle again this year because of the defense. Rey Maualuga should be a top ten selection next April will a solid performance this season and fits a need for the Rams here.
9.) Buffalo Bills- George Selvie DE USF- Selvie had a very productive 2007 campaign and if he duplicates it could find himself in the top ten. The Bills pass rush could struggle this year as they have had some injuries across from Aaron Schobel. The unit only recorded 26 sacks last season anyways and is in need of an upgrade.
10.) Cincinnati Bengals- Chris "Beanie" Wells RB Ohio State- The Bengals get lucky as Wells falls to them at number 10. Wells possesses a rare combination or size speed and power. He has a second gear that you usually do not see in a running back with that size.
11.) New York Jets- Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia- Georgia will lean on this kid in 2008. He is in the Cadilac Williams mold but I think he is more talented. The Jets miss out on Wells but don't suffer to badly as they land a talented back to eventually replace the aging Thomas Jones.
12.) Detroit Lions- Al Woods DT LSU- The Lions have a need at DE but all the top prospects at that position are off the board. With the departure of Shaun Rogers the Lions are going to need to find a more capable replacement than Andre Fluellen to fill that void. Al Woods is my top DT for now. I like what I saw out of him in limited action last season.
13.) Denver Broncos-Brian Cushing LB USC- The Broncos need help at LB and this kid is versatille enough to play multiple positions and make an instant impact on this defense.
14.) Philadelphia Eagles from Carolina- Myron Rolle S Florida State- I have Rolle as the top safety on my board and safety is a position of need for the Eagle with Dawkins aging. The Eagles could also use some offensive line help but they have another first round selection to address that need and get better value.
15.) Arizona Cardinals- Fili Moala DT USC- Moala is over rated in my opinion but there is a lot of hype surrounding him which should cause him to go in the first round. The Cardinals have struggles vs the run and Alan Branch is not the answer.
16.) Houston Texans- LeSean McCoy RB Pitt- This kid really impressed me during his freshman season. He is eligible to enter the draft despite being a true sophomore because a year at prep school making him three years removed from high school. He could be the missing piece to a potentially explosive Texans offense.
17.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Tim Tebow QB Florida- I know Gruden has thousands of quarterbacks on the roster, but none like this kid. The Buccaneers get a gift as he slides all the way to 17. I think Tebows skill set will make hima game changing player in this league.
18.) Minnesota Vikings- Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma- Bradford was as impressive as they come as a freshman with over 30 td passes. He is a red shirt sophomore so he is eligible to enter the draft and if he repeats those numbers why shouldn't he?
19.) Washington Redskins- Greg Hardy DE Ole Miss- The Skins failed to address the DE position this off season and will regret it. Hardy is the best on the board at this point.
20.) Tennessee Titans- Sen'Derrick Marks Auburn- Without Albert Haynesworth, this defense was nothing short of pathetic. Depth is needed at DT.
21.) New Orleans Saints- Alex Mack C California- One of the best center prospects in years. Instantly impacts that offensive line.
22.) Green Bay Packers- Vontae Davis CB Illinois- I thought the Packers would go after a corner early in the 2008 draft. They chose not to but will need to do so in this draft. They getgreat value out of a possible top ten prospect.
23.) Philadelphia Eagles- Ciron Black OT LSU- Black falls to the Eagles, who were considering Jeff Otah in this years draft before trading out of that spot.
24.) Cleveland Browns- Gerald McRath OLB Southern Miss- This is a guy who has a lot of potential. He can really get after the quarterback and he fills a big need for the Browns.
25.) Pittsburgh Steelers- Duke Robinson G Oklahoma- The Steelers get their replacement for Alan Faneca. This O Line struggled against the Jaguars in the playoffs and needs some young pieces to build around.
26.) Seattle Seahawks- Max Unger OL Oregon- Unger is a versatile lineman who will bolster an Oline that paved the way for running backs to gain under 4 yards a carry last season.
27.) New York Giants-Taylor Mays S USC- Sammy Knight is not the answer at SS. Another talented USC safety to pair with Kenny Phillips creating a great tandem.
28.) Indianapolis Colts- Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland- With Harrison aging the Colts need a speedy receiver to compliment Gonzalez and Wayne. Heyward-Bey fits the bill.
29.) San Diego Chargers- Alex Boone OT Ohio State- If Marcus McNeil does not return to his rookie form the Chargers will look to bring in some competition.
30.) New England Patriots- Phil Loadholt OT Oklahoma- Brady was pressured way too often in the Super Bowl and the Patriots did little this off season to upgrade an aging offensive line. Loadholt is a good value at the bottom of round one.
31.) Jacksonville Jaguars- Brandon Spikes ILB Florida- The Jaguars love taking Florida Gators and they gt another one here. Mike Peterson is getting old and having trouble staying on the field. The Jaguars would be wise to grab the versatile Spikes and groom him under Mike Peterson.
32.) Dallas Cowboys- Anthony Heygood WLB Purdue- Heygood is an interesting prospect. He has played on both sides of the ball in college and is the ultimate team player. If he can run a 4.4 fourty he will find a spot in the first round. The Cowboys seem like a good fit.
1.) Atlanta Falcons- Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech- This kid put up mind boggling numbers at Texas Tech last year and while it can be argued that he is a product of the system, when I watch this guy I see an elite talent. The Falcons moved up to take Sam Baker in round one so I do not see them taking Michael Oher.
2.) Miami Dolphins- James Laurinaitis LB Ohio State- The Dolphins adressed the QB and LT positions in this years draft so those two positions are out of the question. With the loss of Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor aging and possibly on the outs this defense will struggle next season. Enter Laurinaitis a very productive and instinctive LB with an incredible motor. He will give this defense and instant impact player.
3.) San Fransisco 49ers- Matt Stafford QB Georgia- Alex Smith is a bust. Hopefully the 49ers will realize that this year and select a QB next April. Stafford is considered the best pro style quarterback prospect since Carson Palmer by some scouts. He has a rifle arm comparable to Jemarcus Russell, and he has good size (6,3 230). Stafford will be the franchise QB the niners have been looking for.
4.) Chicago Bears- Michael Oher OT Ole Miss- Grossman is not the answer at QB but with Stafford off the board they address the aging offensive lines. Oher is drawing comparisons to Orlando Pace, I think that maybe be a little over the top, but he still has incredible talent and will upgrade this O Line instantly.
5.) Baltimore Ravens- Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State- I see the Ravens struggling this year. Kyle Boller will be bench early on and the Ravens will struggle with a rookie QB. The Ravens need a WR to help Flacco in the passing game but there are none worth selecting here, so they address an aging secondary. They traded for Fabian Washington which I think is a good move but Chris McAllister and Samari Rolle are getting old, plus Jenkins is the best player on the board at this point.
6.) Kansas City Chiefs- Andre Smith OT Alabama- Everyone seems to have the Chiefs taking a quarterback here, but I have faith in Brodie Croyle. That offensive line is not what it used to be and Andre Smith is a reliable and talented tackle that could help right away.
7.) Oakland Raiders- Michael Johnson DE Georgia Tech- he top DE in this class falls to the Raiders at 7. The Raiders don't have anyone outside of Derrick Burgess that can pressure the QB. Michael Johnson can help fix that. Don't be surprised if Al Davis considers Derius Heyward-Bey the WR from Maryland strictly based on his 40 time.
8.) St Louis Rams- Rey Maualuga LB USC- The Rams will struggle again this year because of the defense. Rey Maualuga should be a top ten selection next April will a solid performance this season and fits a need for the Rams here.
9.) Buffalo Bills- George Selvie DE USF- Selvie had a very productive 2007 campaign and if he duplicates it could find himself in the top ten. The Bills pass rush could struggle this year as they have had some injuries across from Aaron Schobel. The unit only recorded 26 sacks last season anyways and is in need of an upgrade.
10.) Cincinnati Bengals- Chris "Beanie" Wells RB Ohio State- The Bengals get lucky as Wells falls to them at number 10. Wells possesses a rare combination or size speed and power. He has a second gear that you usually do not see in a running back with that size.
11.) New York Jets- Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia- Georgia will lean on this kid in 2008. He is in the Cadilac Williams mold but I think he is more talented. The Jets miss out on Wells but don't suffer to badly as they land a talented back to eventually replace the aging Thomas Jones.
12.) Detroit Lions- Al Woods DT LSU- The Lions have a need at DE but all the top prospects at that position are off the board. With the departure of Shaun Rogers the Lions are going to need to find a more capable replacement than Andre Fluellen to fill that void. Al Woods is my top DT for now. I like what I saw out of him in limited action last season.
13.) Denver Broncos-Brian Cushing LB USC- The Broncos need help at LB and this kid is versatille enough to play multiple positions and make an instant impact on this defense.
14.) Philadelphia Eagles from Carolina- Myron Rolle S Florida State- I have Rolle as the top safety on my board and safety is a position of need for the Eagle with Dawkins aging. The Eagles could also use some offensive line help but they have another first round selection to address that need and get better value.
15.) Arizona Cardinals- Fili Moala DT USC- Moala is over rated in my opinion but there is a lot of hype surrounding him which should cause him to go in the first round. The Cardinals have struggles vs the run and Alan Branch is not the answer.
16.) Houston Texans- LeSean McCoy RB Pitt- This kid really impressed me during his freshman season. He is eligible to enter the draft despite being a true sophomore because a year at prep school making him three years removed from high school. He could be the missing piece to a potentially explosive Texans offense.
17.) Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Tim Tebow QB Florida- I know Gruden has thousands of quarterbacks on the roster, but none like this kid. The Buccaneers get a gift as he slides all the way to 17. I think Tebows skill set will make hima game changing player in this league.
18.) Minnesota Vikings- Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma- Bradford was as impressive as they come as a freshman with over 30 td passes. He is a red shirt sophomore so he is eligible to enter the draft and if he repeats those numbers why shouldn't he?
19.) Washington Redskins- Greg Hardy DE Ole Miss- The Skins failed to address the DE position this off season and will regret it. Hardy is the best on the board at this point.
20.) Tennessee Titans- Sen'Derrick Marks Auburn- Without Albert Haynesworth, this defense was nothing short of pathetic. Depth is needed at DT.
21.) New Orleans Saints- Alex Mack C California- One of the best center prospects in years. Instantly impacts that offensive line.
22.) Green Bay Packers- Vontae Davis CB Illinois- I thought the Packers would go after a corner early in the 2008 draft. They chose not to but will need to do so in this draft. They getgreat value out of a possible top ten prospect.
23.) Philadelphia Eagles- Ciron Black OT LSU- Black falls to the Eagles, who were considering Jeff Otah in this years draft before trading out of that spot.
24.) Cleveland Browns- Gerald McRath OLB Southern Miss- This is a guy who has a lot of potential. He can really get after the quarterback and he fills a big need for the Browns.
25.) Pittsburgh Steelers- Duke Robinson G Oklahoma- The Steelers get their replacement for Alan Faneca. This O Line struggled against the Jaguars in the playoffs and needs some young pieces to build around.
26.) Seattle Seahawks- Max Unger OL Oregon- Unger is a versatile lineman who will bolster an Oline that paved the way for running backs to gain under 4 yards a carry last season.
27.) New York Giants-Taylor Mays S USC- Sammy Knight is not the answer at SS. Another talented USC safety to pair with Kenny Phillips creating a great tandem.
28.) Indianapolis Colts- Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland- With Harrison aging the Colts need a speedy receiver to compliment Gonzalez and Wayne. Heyward-Bey fits the bill.
29.) San Diego Chargers- Alex Boone OT Ohio State- If Marcus McNeil does not return to his rookie form the Chargers will look to bring in some competition.
30.) New England Patriots- Phil Loadholt OT Oklahoma- Brady was pressured way too often in the Super Bowl and the Patriots did little this off season to upgrade an aging offensive line. Loadholt is a good value at the bottom of round one.
31.) Jacksonville Jaguars- Brandon Spikes ILB Florida- The Jaguars love taking Florida Gators and they gt another one here. Mike Peterson is getting old and having trouble staying on the field. The Jaguars would be wise to grab the versatile Spikes and groom him under Mike Peterson.
32.) Dallas Cowboys- Anthony Heygood WLB Purdue- Heygood is an interesting prospect. He has played on both sides of the ball in college and is the ultimate team player. If he can run a 4.4 fourty he will find a spot in the first round. The Cowboys seem like a good fit.