Nimmy
01-05-2009, 11:18 PM
1. Detroit - Andre Smith OT Alabama
Everyone has the Lions taking a QB here, but you know what? I don't see it. Smith is a dominating tackle, better than Long and Joe Thomas in my opinion. The Lions can find someone serviceable and then target a QB in the draft next year. As it stands right now they could draft Jesus Christ as a QB and he'd spend more time on his back than throwing the ball. Smith solves problems and paves the way for a franchise QB down the line.
2. St. Louis - Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma
I think Stafford is probably the best QB prospect in the draft, but St. Louis values accuracy and decision making over arm strength and potential. Look at Warner, Green, and Bulger for evidence. I think Bradford fits in well. Bulger is done, can't stay healthy, and isn't great when he can.
3. Kansas City - Brian Orakpo DE Texas
12 sacks. The lowest since the merger I think. Orakpo is a stud and will help their pass rush a lot. I think Thigpen can play, so why draft Stafford?
4. Seattle - Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech
Seattle could look QB, but I think Hasselbeck and even Seneca Wallace are serviceable in the NFL. Crabtree would be a massive upgrade at WR.
5. Cleveland - Aaron Curry LB Wake Forest
They need a lot, but Curry is versatile enough to solve a lot of problems. He can play multiple LB positions in a 3-4 if they stick with that, and he can play OLB in a 4-3. Gives the Browns a lot of flexibility, plus the kid can flat out play.
6. Cincinnati - Eugene Monroe OT Virginia
Cincy really needs a tackle to protect Carson Palmer. Dude can't stay healthy because the O-Line is a sieve.
7. Oakland - Jason Smith OT Baylor
Another team that desperately needs O-Line help. I could see them take Malcolm Jenkins because Asamouga may leave in free agency, but I think Smith is on the same level as Jenkins, and Oakland should make every effort to resign their superstar CB.
8. Jacksonville- Michael Oher OT Mississippi
Ladies and Gentlemen (mostly gentlemen), we have a run on tackles. There really are four elite ones this year, and shocker of shockers all the bad teams need offensive tackles. I don't think they take Stafford because Garrard really can play. It would be totally irresponsible to give up on him in my opinion.
9. N.Y. Jets (from Green Bay) - Matt Stafford QB Georgia
This is the only trade I made in my draft and I'm going to try to explain why I made this trade and did not do any other ones. First of all, I know more about the Packers than anyone else. Secondly, Stafford is sitting there and someone would definitely jump to take him. Green Bay is probably comfortable enough with their team to trade out of the top ten. Third, Ted Thompson thinks he's smarter than everyone else, but even he would not swing a trade to give Minnesota or Chicago a top QB. The Jets killed Clemens' development with the Favre trade, and Brett is likely leaving now, so they need a QB. I don't know what the Jets give, say #17 and a future 2nd?
10. San Francisco - Taylor Mays S USC
Niners could really use a top safety like Taylor Mays. Has the tools to be a Sean Taylor type player, but there are questions about his heart. There's no way he'll get away with dogging it if Singletary is his coach.
11. Buffalo - Aaron Maybin DE Penn State
They could go a lot of different ways here. DE is a need, and many think Maybin is the top one in the draft. I was thinking they could draft Maualuga and play PP on the outside, but LB isn't as much of a need as DE I feel. A top pass rusher would really help the team. All the tackles with value here have already been taken.
12. Denver - Ray Maualuga LB USC
They need tons of defensive help, and Maualuga next to DJ Williams in the linebacker corps would be a good start.
13. Washington - BJ Raji DT Boston College
They could really use a DT to stop the run and Raji is arguably the best one in the draft.
14. New Orleans - Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State
Jenkins falls a bit. It's not that the teams above don't need help at corner, but they just have more pressing needs. New Orleans could definitely use a CB and so they bite on the best one in the draft.
15. Houston - Everette Brown DE Florida State
Texans could use a DE to play opposite Mario Williams and Brown could be a really good player.
16. San Diego - William Moore S Missouri
Chargers take a safety, which is a pretty pressing need. With Beanie Wells on the board and Tomlinson hobbling around in the playoffs, they could DEFINITELY take him with this pick, but I think they can get another year or two out of him especially if they increase Sproles' workload.
17. Green Bay (from Jets)- Greg Hardy DE Mississippi
The reason Green Bay trades down is essentially because I think Orokpo is the top guy on their board, and after that all the top DEs sort of run together. They'd love to get one, but it doesn't really matter who. Also, all the OTs are off the board at #9. A good DE opposite of Kampman is probably the most pressing need for Green Bay, only maybe behind OL help.
18. Chicago - Mark Sanchez QB USC
Honestly, I have no idea what the Bears do. Orton played okay this year, but let's face it the guy's a bum. I don't think there's a real #1 receiver worth taking here after Crabtree, and that's what the Bears really need. Sanchez had a good Rose Bowl, and played excellent against Ohio State, the two games NFL Scouts will be most interested in. He also will likely tear up the combine.
19. Tampa Bay - Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri
They need a QB desperately, but Nate Davis? Come on. Bryant is a legit #1, so they can put Maclin in the slot and have him return kicks and punts. The success of Ginn and DeSean Jackson this year make Maclin look even better.
20. Detroit(via Dallas) - James Laurinaitis LB Ohio State
They take Andre Smith with the top pick, and now take a star linebacker who can play any LB position in the NFL. Lions need help everywhere, so a proven commodity like Laurinaitis goes a long way in my opinion. The people of Michigan might not like it so much, but they'll get over it.
21. Arizona - Beanie Wells RB Ohio State
I like Tim Hightower as much as the next guy, but come on, he's not a #1. Edge can get cut, and Beanie can split with Hightower, sounds good to me. It's a two RB league anyway and Arrington is awful.
22. Philadelphia - Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma
LJ Smith? Andy Reid loves Tight Ends and LJ Smith is STILL the TE here? Gresham is the best on the board and fulfills a big need. He can also let Philly use some 2 TE sets, which are SICK for running screen passes.
23. Minnesota - Vontae Davis CB Illinois
They need help in the secondary, and Vontae Davis is a stud. Pure and simple. I'm sure they'd rather replace the aging Darren Sharper, but there isn't another first round safety in the draft.
24. New England - Brandon Spikes LB Florida
Spikes and Mayo. Spikes and Mayo. That sounds sick to me.
25. Atlanta - Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma
They definitely need a DT, and McCoy is arguably the best one if he declares.
26. Miami - Brian Cushing LB USC
Good LB for Miami. I don't know much about the Dolphis to be honest, but I'm pretty sure they could use an OLB.
27. Baltimore - Percy Harvin WR Florida
How can a team have so many defensive playmakers and zero offensive flash. Harvin isn't a #1, but dude is lightning. Can return kicks and punts, etc.
28. Philadelphia(via Carolina)- Eben Britton OT Arizona
Took a TE, so now address so O-Line issues with their second pick. Britton is rated as one of the top prospects in the country, but may fall a bit because I think he's a noticeable drop from the top 4 OTs. Maybe I'm wrong, I don't know.
29. Indianapolis - Terrence Cody DT Alabama
They REALLY need a DT, and as a Packer fan the enormous Cody reminds me of Gilbert Brown and Grady Jackson. The Colts could really use him to help stop the run, they're in a division where all anyone wants to do is run the ball.
30. Pittsburgh - Duke Robinson OG Oklahoma
If the Steelers want 7 to make it to his 30th birthday they'll draft a lot of offensive linemen.
31. N.Y. Giants - Michael Johnson DE/OLB Georgia Tech
They need another Kiwanuka kind of player, or something, I don't know.
32. Tennessee - Darius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland
They need a #1 receiver in the worst way, and Heyward-Bey might be that guy. They might rate Kenny Britt ahead of him, or go in another direction.
So that's that. Hope this was a solid first post, because I registered here at draft countdown to post my mock. If it sucks, let this n00b know!
Everyone has the Lions taking a QB here, but you know what? I don't see it. Smith is a dominating tackle, better than Long and Joe Thomas in my opinion. The Lions can find someone serviceable and then target a QB in the draft next year. As it stands right now they could draft Jesus Christ as a QB and he'd spend more time on his back than throwing the ball. Smith solves problems and paves the way for a franchise QB down the line.
2. St. Louis - Sam Bradford QB Oklahoma
I think Stafford is probably the best QB prospect in the draft, but St. Louis values accuracy and decision making over arm strength and potential. Look at Warner, Green, and Bulger for evidence. I think Bradford fits in well. Bulger is done, can't stay healthy, and isn't great when he can.
3. Kansas City - Brian Orakpo DE Texas
12 sacks. The lowest since the merger I think. Orakpo is a stud and will help their pass rush a lot. I think Thigpen can play, so why draft Stafford?
4. Seattle - Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech
Seattle could look QB, but I think Hasselbeck and even Seneca Wallace are serviceable in the NFL. Crabtree would be a massive upgrade at WR.
5. Cleveland - Aaron Curry LB Wake Forest
They need a lot, but Curry is versatile enough to solve a lot of problems. He can play multiple LB positions in a 3-4 if they stick with that, and he can play OLB in a 4-3. Gives the Browns a lot of flexibility, plus the kid can flat out play.
6. Cincinnati - Eugene Monroe OT Virginia
Cincy really needs a tackle to protect Carson Palmer. Dude can't stay healthy because the O-Line is a sieve.
7. Oakland - Jason Smith OT Baylor
Another team that desperately needs O-Line help. I could see them take Malcolm Jenkins because Asamouga may leave in free agency, but I think Smith is on the same level as Jenkins, and Oakland should make every effort to resign their superstar CB.
8. Jacksonville- Michael Oher OT Mississippi
Ladies and Gentlemen (mostly gentlemen), we have a run on tackles. There really are four elite ones this year, and shocker of shockers all the bad teams need offensive tackles. I don't think they take Stafford because Garrard really can play. It would be totally irresponsible to give up on him in my opinion.
9. N.Y. Jets (from Green Bay) - Matt Stafford QB Georgia
This is the only trade I made in my draft and I'm going to try to explain why I made this trade and did not do any other ones. First of all, I know more about the Packers than anyone else. Secondly, Stafford is sitting there and someone would definitely jump to take him. Green Bay is probably comfortable enough with their team to trade out of the top ten. Third, Ted Thompson thinks he's smarter than everyone else, but even he would not swing a trade to give Minnesota or Chicago a top QB. The Jets killed Clemens' development with the Favre trade, and Brett is likely leaving now, so they need a QB. I don't know what the Jets give, say #17 and a future 2nd?
10. San Francisco - Taylor Mays S USC
Niners could really use a top safety like Taylor Mays. Has the tools to be a Sean Taylor type player, but there are questions about his heart. There's no way he'll get away with dogging it if Singletary is his coach.
11. Buffalo - Aaron Maybin DE Penn State
They could go a lot of different ways here. DE is a need, and many think Maybin is the top one in the draft. I was thinking they could draft Maualuga and play PP on the outside, but LB isn't as much of a need as DE I feel. A top pass rusher would really help the team. All the tackles with value here have already been taken.
12. Denver - Ray Maualuga LB USC
They need tons of defensive help, and Maualuga next to DJ Williams in the linebacker corps would be a good start.
13. Washington - BJ Raji DT Boston College
They could really use a DT to stop the run and Raji is arguably the best one in the draft.
14. New Orleans - Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State
Jenkins falls a bit. It's not that the teams above don't need help at corner, but they just have more pressing needs. New Orleans could definitely use a CB and so they bite on the best one in the draft.
15. Houston - Everette Brown DE Florida State
Texans could use a DE to play opposite Mario Williams and Brown could be a really good player.
16. San Diego - William Moore S Missouri
Chargers take a safety, which is a pretty pressing need. With Beanie Wells on the board and Tomlinson hobbling around in the playoffs, they could DEFINITELY take him with this pick, but I think they can get another year or two out of him especially if they increase Sproles' workload.
17. Green Bay (from Jets)- Greg Hardy DE Mississippi
The reason Green Bay trades down is essentially because I think Orokpo is the top guy on their board, and after that all the top DEs sort of run together. They'd love to get one, but it doesn't really matter who. Also, all the OTs are off the board at #9. A good DE opposite of Kampman is probably the most pressing need for Green Bay, only maybe behind OL help.
18. Chicago - Mark Sanchez QB USC
Honestly, I have no idea what the Bears do. Orton played okay this year, but let's face it the guy's a bum. I don't think there's a real #1 receiver worth taking here after Crabtree, and that's what the Bears really need. Sanchez had a good Rose Bowl, and played excellent against Ohio State, the two games NFL Scouts will be most interested in. He also will likely tear up the combine.
19. Tampa Bay - Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri
They need a QB desperately, but Nate Davis? Come on. Bryant is a legit #1, so they can put Maclin in the slot and have him return kicks and punts. The success of Ginn and DeSean Jackson this year make Maclin look even better.
20. Detroit(via Dallas) - James Laurinaitis LB Ohio State
They take Andre Smith with the top pick, and now take a star linebacker who can play any LB position in the NFL. Lions need help everywhere, so a proven commodity like Laurinaitis goes a long way in my opinion. The people of Michigan might not like it so much, but they'll get over it.
21. Arizona - Beanie Wells RB Ohio State
I like Tim Hightower as much as the next guy, but come on, he's not a #1. Edge can get cut, and Beanie can split with Hightower, sounds good to me. It's a two RB league anyway and Arrington is awful.
22. Philadelphia - Jermaine Gresham TE Oklahoma
LJ Smith? Andy Reid loves Tight Ends and LJ Smith is STILL the TE here? Gresham is the best on the board and fulfills a big need. He can also let Philly use some 2 TE sets, which are SICK for running screen passes.
23. Minnesota - Vontae Davis CB Illinois
They need help in the secondary, and Vontae Davis is a stud. Pure and simple. I'm sure they'd rather replace the aging Darren Sharper, but there isn't another first round safety in the draft.
24. New England - Brandon Spikes LB Florida
Spikes and Mayo. Spikes and Mayo. That sounds sick to me.
25. Atlanta - Gerald McCoy DT Oklahoma
They definitely need a DT, and McCoy is arguably the best one if he declares.
26. Miami - Brian Cushing LB USC
Good LB for Miami. I don't know much about the Dolphis to be honest, but I'm pretty sure they could use an OLB.
27. Baltimore - Percy Harvin WR Florida
How can a team have so many defensive playmakers and zero offensive flash. Harvin isn't a #1, but dude is lightning. Can return kicks and punts, etc.
28. Philadelphia(via Carolina)- Eben Britton OT Arizona
Took a TE, so now address so O-Line issues with their second pick. Britton is rated as one of the top prospects in the country, but may fall a bit because I think he's a noticeable drop from the top 4 OTs. Maybe I'm wrong, I don't know.
29. Indianapolis - Terrence Cody DT Alabama
They REALLY need a DT, and as a Packer fan the enormous Cody reminds me of Gilbert Brown and Grady Jackson. The Colts could really use him to help stop the run, they're in a division where all anyone wants to do is run the ball.
30. Pittsburgh - Duke Robinson OG Oklahoma
If the Steelers want 7 to make it to his 30th birthday they'll draft a lot of offensive linemen.
31. N.Y. Giants - Michael Johnson DE/OLB Georgia Tech
They need another Kiwanuka kind of player, or something, I don't know.
32. Tennessee - Darius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland
They need a #1 receiver in the worst way, and Heyward-Bey might be that guy. They might rate Kenny Britt ahead of him, or go in another direction.
So that's that. Hope this was a solid first post, because I registered here at draft countdown to post my mock. If it sucks, let this n00b know!