Bar-bq
04-04-2009, 03:41 AM
This comes complete with almost 4000 words in analysis.
It took me the best part of my down time this week, and then the Cutler trade happens and the steroid allegations all arrive at once. Please take the time to respond and let me know what's right, what's borderline and what isn't even on the table.
Here we go!
ROUND ONE
1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
I like to think that the Lions are making the right decision at number one overall for two reasons. One, it affords them the versatility to address their other significant needs later in the draft. It’s not like there aren’t plenty of them. Secondly, drafting Stafford ensures you have the best player available at a position where the talent this season is perilously thin. There’s no guarantee they could land Sanchez or even Freeman with the 20th overall pick, and trading up simply isn’t an option when you consider what their roster looks like. In my opinion, this is a very good choice.
2. St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Aaron Curry supporters will be disappointed, but this is the smartest pick for Saint Louis, for similar reasons to the ones mentioned above. Drafting Curry as the DBPA practically ensures that the Rams will be looking for an Offensive Tackle at pick number 33 and there’s too much standing in their way for Eben Britton or William Beatty to magically fall. A trade back up is an option, but one must ask what price a team who look to have a pick in the bottom half of the draft next season would be willing to pay. As for the player, I like Monroe’s consistency over Jason Smith’s upside, but as a Rams fan, I’d be thrilled with either choice.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, SLB, Wake Forest
The best defensive player in the draft is headed to a team where he can be really utilised. Kansas City need help virtually everywhere on defense, so as to allow the offense to remain competitive. I considered both OT and DE here, but ultimately Curry’s versatility wins out. He’ll make a fantastic pairing with Derrick Johnson.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
It would be interesting to see what would happen if Matthew Stafford were to fall to this pick. Of course, that would require Detroit to take Smith or Monroe at number one overall, and for things to get really heated in Seattle, both Missouri teams would have to pass on whoever is left. For now, the choice is Smith to plug into an ageing line as an instant starter. Seattle fans will hope he can do what Walter Jones did for the best part of last decade for the best part of this decade. Physically, he has all the raw tools to do so.
5. Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo, OLB/DE, Texas
Lack of a pass rush hurt the Browns in bad ways last season and without a free agent signing in this area, this looks set to continue. That is, unless they can buck the trend by addressing their pass rush early and often. Orakpo is the first and most crucial piece in this puzzle. He’s not the physical freak that Mangini gambled on in New York last season, but with that said, he’s awfully consistent and could be a dominant force in this league for years to come. Crabtree was a definite consideration here.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: B.J. Raji, NT, Boston College.
Bad, bad situation for the Bengals. Their three greatest needs are arguably the Offensive Line, Nose Tackle and Wide Reciever, and wherever you look in round one, you’re going to find sceptics. Andre Smith did so much damage to himself during the combine that as late as yesterday evening Raji could have been a shoo-in with good interviews, as it is well known they may have jumped all over Sedrick Ellis at pick 9 last season had New Orleans not beaten them to the punch. Then Raji tests positive for an undisclosed substance and the physically maligned Michael Crabtree comes into the fold as a replacement for T.J. Housmanzadeh. Problems. For now, the pick is Raji to man the middle of that defense. Cincinnati may want to demonstrate that they’ve learned from past mistakes, but I personally just can’t see another way out in round one.
7. Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech.
Get ready for the most clichéd reasoning you’ve heard in quite some time. It’s no secret that Al Davis loves the physical specimen. Pairing Crabtree with McFadden and Russell will be a prospect that is literally all too enticing. I’d like to see them do something sensible, like drafting a lineman, but I just can’t see it.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
Maclin might well be the only receiver in this draft NOT to test positive for marijuana or be hampered by a lingering injury. Whilst that’s hyperbole, it would be a welcome change in Jacksonville, who boast a stable of former felons at WR. Maclin is small and speedy, an ideal deep threat: the virtual antithesis of Matt Jones. They could look towards an OT, but on a team plagued by character concerns, Smith falls out of contention. That leaves Oher, but even then there are questions about his consistency.
9. Green Bay Packers: Everette Brown, LB/DE, Florida State.
Moving to a 3-4 requires Green Bay get a hold on an outside rush in order to make a playoff push. Aaron Kampman is more than capable on one side, but one has to query how effective he can be from a standing start and receiving the majority of attention from opposing teams. Brown is big and versatile and with proper coaching could become a fine sack artist on one of the league’s newest 3-4 defenses.
10. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
Frisco fans, ready your rotten fruit. I like Sanchez as a player and an athlete and something tells me that the ‘9ers Front Office will too. Like the situation in Detroit, San Francisco will not find a better way to replace incumbent Shaun Hill this offseason and the depth the players they can find at Nose Tackle and along the OL in later rounds will be comparably better than the collective of Rhett Bomar and Nate Davis, who didn’t make the top three rounds of this draft.
11. Buffalo Bills: Andre Smith, OT Alabama
Smith’s fall ends at eleven to a team that has already shown this offseason that they’re willing to gamble on ‘problem’ players. The Bills could use help all along the line, so if Smith doesn’t work out, they could well move him to guard. Buffalo would be better served with a pass rusher here, but Brown and Orakpo are gone and it might be early for Maybin.
12. Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
The Broncos need so much help on defense that I’ve decided to dip into that pool time and time again throughout this mock. First cab off the rank is Jackson, who looks primed to be an ideal 3-4 Defensive End. His successes at LSU are well noted and I think Coach McDaniels will be happy to have him continue them in Denver.
13. Washington Redskins: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
This could be a little High for Oher, but I do see him going somewhere between Jacksonville at 8 and Detroit at 20. This is right about in the middle. The Skins could look toward a pass rusher after the release of Jason Taylor, like Buffalo, I think they’ll find it a trifle too soon for Maybin. Their other significant area of need is Offensive Tackle, and Oher, the number three tackle in my books (on a good day) purports to fill that hole quite nicely. If he can pull it together, he can prove to be a force in the NFL and a steal at 13.
14. New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S, Ohio. St.
Jenkins slips to the team with arguably the greatest need for playmakers in the secondary. Despite his forty time, that’s exactly what he’ll be. New Orleans needs a defense that can at least keep time with their prolific offense and Jenkins will be a significant step in allowing the Saints D’ to reach a level of adequacy never-before-seen.
15. Houston Texans: Brian Cushing, LB, USC
The true impact of the steroid allegations laid against Cushing truly remain to be seen, but at his best last season, he was probably the Trjojan’s best defensive athlete. Houston is really an up-and-coming team, and with no heavy-hitting, player-specific needs, they are in a position to sit back and take probably the best defensive player available.
16. San Diego Chargers: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
This has been a staple pick of my mock drafts and I’m sure of many others. There’s not all that much that’s happened recently to change my mind. Maualuga can be a run-stopping mauler in the middle of Defensive Co-ordinator Ron Rivera’s 3-4. If Tyson Jackson were to fall this far he’d definitely garner some consideration, but for now I’m staying consistent with this pick.
17. New York Jets: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas St.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. We know. Booooooo. Though Jets fans will hate it, this, again, is probably the smartest path for them to travel. Unless they want Kellen Clemens to wreck their season without an insurance policy. Freeman has all the physical tools in the world and it appears solid intangibles to boot, though he is awfully raw. Darius Heyward-Bey received strong consideration, but with an already established OL, the Jets won’t pass on a Joe Flacco doppelganger.
18. Denver Broncos (f/CHI): Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
The marijuana reports against Davis look to severely tarnish his stock, but for now I’m going to keep him as a Bronco. Simply, he’s the second best CB in this draft and Denver has virtually nothing behind its starters. Add to this that Champ Bailey is already on the wrong side of thirty and in consideration of the talent available, a Corner seems to become the best option for Denver. Admittedly, they could use this pick to address almost any position on the defense, and if Maualuga were to fall he’d almost automatically become the choice.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Perja Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
With Freeman gone, the Bucs turn their attention to another pressing need. Jerry, a prototype NFL Under Tackle, will be an instant starter on a Buccaneers defense that is becoming collectively long in the tooth. I’d like to think that this addition will keep them youthful enough as a starting unit to allow the team to stay in games, even without a starting QB.
20. Detroit Lions (f/DAL): Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
The Lions reap the benefits of selecting Stafford at number one overall with this pick. Britton is the consensus #5 Tackle in this draft and has the potential to become entrenched as the starter at either left or right tackle by the beginning of the season. Had the Lions selected Smith or Monroe with the first pick, there would no longer be a Quarterback on the board for them to even consider.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St
It’s possible, here, that Philadelphia would continue the run on Offensive Tackles, likely concluding it with six taken in the draft’s first 21 picks. However, they also need a Tight End, and the chances that Pettigrew will last until pick 28 are probably more slim than those of Beatty. Pettigrew is the draft’s unquestioned best Tight End and should excel in a West Coast system that purports to utilise his skills in the blocking game as well as adding a soft pair of hands for Donavon McNabb in the short passing game.
22. Minnesota Vikings: Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
If the Vikings’ pursuit of T.J. Houshmanzadeh this offseason says anything, it’s that they’re not entirely sold on breakaway Bernard Berrian as their number one target in the passing game. Heyward-Bey is simply too good value wise to pass up here, and has the height, speed and hands to make him a perfect compliment to Berrian giving… whoever the Quarterback is… somebody else to go to if Berrian is negated. Freeman would have been considered here, as was Alphonso Smith, but DHB wins out as value best fits need.
23. New England Patroits: Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia
It’s no secret that the Patriots would like to add a Linebacker this offseason. Mayo was a fantastic choice last season, and Virginia’s Clint Sintim offers them even greater versatility on defense whilst Bruschi is enjoying the Twilight of his career. Sintim displayed an uncanny ability to get in the Quarterback’s face as a Cavalier, and will play a situational role in lieu of Mike Vrabel’s departure this season before taking over inside.
24. Atlanta Falcons: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn St.
Nobody could possibly have picked the Falcons to have the season they had last year on the back of the additions of Matt Ryan and Sam Baker. The offense improved in leaps and bounds, but the pass rush lagged behind at various stages throughout the year. Jamaal Anderson has done nothing to validate his top ten selection two years ago and the Falcons are in serious need of an upgrade. Maybin has a major upside, but will undoubtedly be considered a boom-or-bust prospect in the NFL. At pick 24, his value is too good to pass on.
25. Miami Dolphins: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
The Dolphins have precious little in the way of Cornerbacks heading into the 2009 season and I don’t think it would come as much of a shock to anyone to see them use the pick on a player like Wake Forest’s Alphonso Smith. Smith has great intangibles and good size and speed for an NFL Corner and could start from the get-go. Ron Brace, Percy Harvin and Clay Matthews were also considered for obvious reasons.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
Another player to test positive to marijuana. I think his stock will take a definite hit, but there are going to be teams willing to take a gamble on such a talent as Harvin. Baltimore is in pretty immediate need of receiving targets for Joe Flacco and also runs a backfield-by-committee system, making the versatile Harvin a nice fit.
27. Indianapolis Colts: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
The Colts need DT’s and Hood is probably the next best available. I also considered Ron Brace and I don’t think they could go wrong with either pick. Simply, it’s their greatest area of concern and they won’t get a better opportunity to address it than with Hood, who had great NFL intangibles.
28. Philadelphia Eagles (f/CAR): William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
Beatty is a strong blocker and at the back of the first-round tier of OT’s, but pick 28 might still be a little high for him. Philadelphia has such a need for a Right Tackle that I don’t think it will matter to them as much as it would have at pick 21 without Brandon Pettigrew.
29. New York Giants: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
Plaxico Burress has been released and may be heading to prison. Those in New York will be more than willing to move him on over for Rutgers Kenny Britt, who has similar hands, size and speed… without the NFL experience and off-field issues. It’s one of those ideal situations where need matches value. Britt will be warmly welcomed by the G-Men.
30. Tennessee Titans: D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
Nick Harper is 34 and Tennessee basically will require a new starting corner by the end of the season, able to match up with division rivals Andre Johnson and Reggie Wayne. Again, Moore’s stock is rising despite his size deficiency and his outstanding speed should allow him to recover when beaten in his initial seasons.
31. Arizona Cardinals: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio St.
Edgerrin James was resurgent in the playoffs, but I don’t think that anybody in their right minds in the Cardinals organisation would pass on arguably the draft’s best runner at pick 31. Wells can honestly do it all, though his stock has taken a slide with an average performance at the combine. He looks to be an ideal addition to an offense that was pass-heavy last season, but won’t be when Matt Leinart takes the helm.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
The last pick in the first round took quite a bit of time to make. I’ve had Max Unger here for a long while, because he just looks like a typical Steeler’s O-Lineman. Big and versatile with an obvious mean streak. But in the last week I’ve been looking more at Pittsburgh’s defense, and it occurs to me that all of their starters along the DL are over 30 years old. Not a death warrant in a 3-4, but it’s certainly time for the Steelers to look toward the future. Ayers has the size and strength to be an ideal 3-4 Defensive End, and could be an Under Tackle in a 4-3.
ROUND TWO
33. Detroit Lions: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio St.
Ideal situation for Detroit as they find a defensive leader at the top of Round 2.
34. New England Patriots (f/KC): Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan
The Patriots need to find a replacement for Rodney Harrison.
35. St. Louis Rams: Ron Brace, NT, Boston College
Brace is good value here, would be a great compliment to Carriker and Long along a youthful DL.
36. Cleveland Browns: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
The Browns don’t have anything behind Edwards, who was involved in trade talk, and Stallworth, who could walk at the end of next season.
37. Seattle Seahawks: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Who is Seattle’s starting running back? Smith and Moreno are set to improve this team’s ground game.
38. Cincinnati Bengals: Max Unger, OL, Oregon
Versatile lineman goes to a team with huge OL deficiencies.
39. Jacksonville Jaguars: Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
Depth for the secondary, good value in round two.
40. Oakland Raiders: Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois
Another physical specimen for Al Davis to address the pass rush the Raiders neglected last season.
41. Green Bay Packers: Sean Smith, CB/S, Utah
The packers need help at Corner and Safety, Smith could start at either spot eventually.
42. Buffalo Bills: Connor Barwin, DE/OLB, Cincinnati
The Bills need to address their pass rush having missed out on Brown in the first.
43. San Francisco 49ers: Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma
Finally, an OT to start opposite Staley; good protection for Sanchez.
44. Miami Dolphins (f/WAS): Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
The Dolphins find Matthews at 44: They could well have looked his way at 25.
45. New York Giants: (f/NO): Alex Mack, C, California
The Giants nab the draft’s best true Center for valuable depth.
46. Houston Texans: William Moore, S, Missouri
Nobody question’s Moore’s talent and Houston need a Safety in the worst way.
47. New England Patriots (f/SD): LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh
Luxury selection; a nice compliment to Maroney.
48. Denver Broncos: Darry Beckwith, LB, LSU
They didn’t get Maualuga in round one and need help absolutely everywhere on D.
49. Chicago Bears: Tony Kropog, OT, Tulane
The Bears first pick of 2009 is a right tackle to support Jay Culter.
50. Cleveland Browns (f/TB): Patrick Chung, S, Oregon
Jones left in Free Agency, Chung will more than adequately fill the void.
51. Dallas Cowboys: Jarron Gilbert, DE, San Jose St.
The Boys’ found themselves in need of a DE after Free Agency, Gilbert is physically ideal.
52. New York Jets: Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio St.
The WR they didn’t select in round one has arrived. Robiskie’s stock is soaring.
53. Philadelphia Eagles: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
Another weapon for McNabb, replaces Buckhalter as the number two back.
54. Minnesota Vikings: Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina
A Right Tackle for a team in need.
55. Atlanta Falcons: Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Miss.
The Falcons could use a Tight End to take some pressure off of Roddy White, and they missed out on Pettigrew in the first.
56. Miami Dolphins: Pat White, QB, West Virginia
Wildcat 2.0.
57. Baltimore Ravens: Jarius Byrd, CB, Oregon
Byrd is good value this late and the Ravens have let both Rolle and McAllister go in the last 2 seasons.
58. New England Patriots: Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
New England bolster their interior line with a player who falls, if only slightly.
59. Carolina Panthers: Sen’Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
The Panthers could use a DT to rotate with Damionne Lewis, a DE could also be considered.
60. New York Giants: James Casey, H-Back, Rice
Casey will play Tight-End, but will also be a backup to Jacobs in New York.
61. Indianapolis Colts: Louis Murphy, WR, Florida
A WR to replace Harrison, Murphy is a speedster from the slot.
62. Tennessee Titans: Paul Kruger, DE, Utah
Like Pittsburgh, the Titan’s DE is getting on in years.
63. Arizona Cardinals: Eric Wood, C, Louisville
They passed on Mack in round one, Wood is the next best thing.
64. Pittsburgh Steelers: Herman Johnson, OG, Louisiana St
They passed on Unger in round one, Johnson is good value here.
ROUND THREE
65. Detroit Lions: Fili Moala, DT, USC
66. St. Louis Rams:Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly
67. Kansas City Chiefs: Derrick Williams, WR, Penn St.
68. Seattle Seahawks: Juaquin Iglasis, WR, Oklahoma
69. Dallas Cowboys (f/CLE): Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama
70. Cincinnati Bengals: Chip Vaughan, S, Wake Forest
71. Oakland Raiders: Gerald Cadogan, OT, Penn St.
72. Jacksonville Jaguars: Alex Magee, DT, Purdue
73. Green Bay Packers: Andy Levitre, OL, Oregon State
74. San Francisco 49ers: Marcus Freeman, OLB, Ohio St.
75. Buffalo Bills: Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina
76. New York Jets: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech.
77. Houston Texans: Andre Brown, RB, N.C. State
78. San Diego Chargers: Kraig Urbik, OG, Wisconsin
79. Denver Broncos: Michael Hamlin, S, Clemson
80. Washington Redskins: Cody Brown, DE, Connecticut
81. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brandon Tate, WR, North Carolina
82. Detroit Lions (f/DAL): Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida
83. Green Bay Packers (f/NYJ): Jason Watkins, OT, Florida
84. Denver Broncos (f/CHI): Chris Baker, NT, Hampton
85. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyrone McKenzie, OLB, South Fla.
86. Minnesota Vikings: Coye Francis, CB, San Jose St
87. Miami Dolphins: Antoine Caldwell, C, Alabama
88. Baltimore Ravens: Jasper Brinkley, ILB, South Carolina
89. New England Patriots: Brandon Gibson, WR, Washington St.
90. Atlanta Falcons: Gerald McRath, OLB, Southern Miss.
91. New York Giants: Terrence Knighton, DT, Temple.
92. Indianapolis Colts: Dorell Scott, NT, Clemson
93. Carolina Panthers: Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinnati
94. Tennessee Titans: Sammie Lee Hill, DT, Stillman
95. Arizona Cardinals: Victor Harris, CB/S, Virginia Tech.
96. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kevin Barnes, CB, Maryland
97. New England Patriots: Feniki Tupou, OT, Oregon
98. Cincinnati Bengals: Lawrence Sidbury Jr., DE, Richmond
99. Chicago Bears: Demitrius Byrd, WR, LSU
100. New York Giants: Derek Pegues, S, Mississippi State.
It took me the best part of my down time this week, and then the Cutler trade happens and the steroid allegations all arrive at once. Please take the time to respond and let me know what's right, what's borderline and what isn't even on the table.
Here we go!
ROUND ONE
1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
I like to think that the Lions are making the right decision at number one overall for two reasons. One, it affords them the versatility to address their other significant needs later in the draft. It’s not like there aren’t plenty of them. Secondly, drafting Stafford ensures you have the best player available at a position where the talent this season is perilously thin. There’s no guarantee they could land Sanchez or even Freeman with the 20th overall pick, and trading up simply isn’t an option when you consider what their roster looks like. In my opinion, this is a very good choice.
2. St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Aaron Curry supporters will be disappointed, but this is the smartest pick for Saint Louis, for similar reasons to the ones mentioned above. Drafting Curry as the DBPA practically ensures that the Rams will be looking for an Offensive Tackle at pick number 33 and there’s too much standing in their way for Eben Britton or William Beatty to magically fall. A trade back up is an option, but one must ask what price a team who look to have a pick in the bottom half of the draft next season would be willing to pay. As for the player, I like Monroe’s consistency over Jason Smith’s upside, but as a Rams fan, I’d be thrilled with either choice.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, SLB, Wake Forest
The best defensive player in the draft is headed to a team where he can be really utilised. Kansas City need help virtually everywhere on defense, so as to allow the offense to remain competitive. I considered both OT and DE here, but ultimately Curry’s versatility wins out. He’ll make a fantastic pairing with Derrick Johnson.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
It would be interesting to see what would happen if Matthew Stafford were to fall to this pick. Of course, that would require Detroit to take Smith or Monroe at number one overall, and for things to get really heated in Seattle, both Missouri teams would have to pass on whoever is left. For now, the choice is Smith to plug into an ageing line as an instant starter. Seattle fans will hope he can do what Walter Jones did for the best part of last decade for the best part of this decade. Physically, he has all the raw tools to do so.
5. Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo, OLB/DE, Texas
Lack of a pass rush hurt the Browns in bad ways last season and without a free agent signing in this area, this looks set to continue. That is, unless they can buck the trend by addressing their pass rush early and often. Orakpo is the first and most crucial piece in this puzzle. He’s not the physical freak that Mangini gambled on in New York last season, but with that said, he’s awfully consistent and could be a dominant force in this league for years to come. Crabtree was a definite consideration here.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: B.J. Raji, NT, Boston College.
Bad, bad situation for the Bengals. Their three greatest needs are arguably the Offensive Line, Nose Tackle and Wide Reciever, and wherever you look in round one, you’re going to find sceptics. Andre Smith did so much damage to himself during the combine that as late as yesterday evening Raji could have been a shoo-in with good interviews, as it is well known they may have jumped all over Sedrick Ellis at pick 9 last season had New Orleans not beaten them to the punch. Then Raji tests positive for an undisclosed substance and the physically maligned Michael Crabtree comes into the fold as a replacement for T.J. Housmanzadeh. Problems. For now, the pick is Raji to man the middle of that defense. Cincinnati may want to demonstrate that they’ve learned from past mistakes, but I personally just can’t see another way out in round one.
7. Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech.
Get ready for the most clichéd reasoning you’ve heard in quite some time. It’s no secret that Al Davis loves the physical specimen. Pairing Crabtree with McFadden and Russell will be a prospect that is literally all too enticing. I’d like to see them do something sensible, like drafting a lineman, but I just can’t see it.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
Maclin might well be the only receiver in this draft NOT to test positive for marijuana or be hampered by a lingering injury. Whilst that’s hyperbole, it would be a welcome change in Jacksonville, who boast a stable of former felons at WR. Maclin is small and speedy, an ideal deep threat: the virtual antithesis of Matt Jones. They could look towards an OT, but on a team plagued by character concerns, Smith falls out of contention. That leaves Oher, but even then there are questions about his consistency.
9. Green Bay Packers: Everette Brown, LB/DE, Florida State.
Moving to a 3-4 requires Green Bay get a hold on an outside rush in order to make a playoff push. Aaron Kampman is more than capable on one side, but one has to query how effective he can be from a standing start and receiving the majority of attention from opposing teams. Brown is big and versatile and with proper coaching could become a fine sack artist on one of the league’s newest 3-4 defenses.
10. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
Frisco fans, ready your rotten fruit. I like Sanchez as a player and an athlete and something tells me that the ‘9ers Front Office will too. Like the situation in Detroit, San Francisco will not find a better way to replace incumbent Shaun Hill this offseason and the depth the players they can find at Nose Tackle and along the OL in later rounds will be comparably better than the collective of Rhett Bomar and Nate Davis, who didn’t make the top three rounds of this draft.
11. Buffalo Bills: Andre Smith, OT Alabama
Smith’s fall ends at eleven to a team that has already shown this offseason that they’re willing to gamble on ‘problem’ players. The Bills could use help all along the line, so if Smith doesn’t work out, they could well move him to guard. Buffalo would be better served with a pass rusher here, but Brown and Orakpo are gone and it might be early for Maybin.
12. Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
The Broncos need so much help on defense that I’ve decided to dip into that pool time and time again throughout this mock. First cab off the rank is Jackson, who looks primed to be an ideal 3-4 Defensive End. His successes at LSU are well noted and I think Coach McDaniels will be happy to have him continue them in Denver.
13. Washington Redskins: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
This could be a little High for Oher, but I do see him going somewhere between Jacksonville at 8 and Detroit at 20. This is right about in the middle. The Skins could look toward a pass rusher after the release of Jason Taylor, like Buffalo, I think they’ll find it a trifle too soon for Maybin. Their other significant area of need is Offensive Tackle, and Oher, the number three tackle in my books (on a good day) purports to fill that hole quite nicely. If he can pull it together, he can prove to be a force in the NFL and a steal at 13.
14. New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S, Ohio. St.
Jenkins slips to the team with arguably the greatest need for playmakers in the secondary. Despite his forty time, that’s exactly what he’ll be. New Orleans needs a defense that can at least keep time with their prolific offense and Jenkins will be a significant step in allowing the Saints D’ to reach a level of adequacy never-before-seen.
15. Houston Texans: Brian Cushing, LB, USC
The true impact of the steroid allegations laid against Cushing truly remain to be seen, but at his best last season, he was probably the Trjojan’s best defensive athlete. Houston is really an up-and-coming team, and with no heavy-hitting, player-specific needs, they are in a position to sit back and take probably the best defensive player available.
16. San Diego Chargers: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
This has been a staple pick of my mock drafts and I’m sure of many others. There’s not all that much that’s happened recently to change my mind. Maualuga can be a run-stopping mauler in the middle of Defensive Co-ordinator Ron Rivera’s 3-4. If Tyson Jackson were to fall this far he’d definitely garner some consideration, but for now I’m staying consistent with this pick.
17. New York Jets: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas St.
Yeah, yeah, yeah. We know. Booooooo. Though Jets fans will hate it, this, again, is probably the smartest path for them to travel. Unless they want Kellen Clemens to wreck their season without an insurance policy. Freeman has all the physical tools in the world and it appears solid intangibles to boot, though he is awfully raw. Darius Heyward-Bey received strong consideration, but with an already established OL, the Jets won’t pass on a Joe Flacco doppelganger.
18. Denver Broncos (f/CHI): Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
The marijuana reports against Davis look to severely tarnish his stock, but for now I’m going to keep him as a Bronco. Simply, he’s the second best CB in this draft and Denver has virtually nothing behind its starters. Add to this that Champ Bailey is already on the wrong side of thirty and in consideration of the talent available, a Corner seems to become the best option for Denver. Admittedly, they could use this pick to address almost any position on the defense, and if Maualuga were to fall he’d almost automatically become the choice.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Perja Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
With Freeman gone, the Bucs turn their attention to another pressing need. Jerry, a prototype NFL Under Tackle, will be an instant starter on a Buccaneers defense that is becoming collectively long in the tooth. I’d like to think that this addition will keep them youthful enough as a starting unit to allow the team to stay in games, even without a starting QB.
20. Detroit Lions (f/DAL): Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
The Lions reap the benefits of selecting Stafford at number one overall with this pick. Britton is the consensus #5 Tackle in this draft and has the potential to become entrenched as the starter at either left or right tackle by the beginning of the season. Had the Lions selected Smith or Monroe with the first pick, there would no longer be a Quarterback on the board for them to even consider.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St
It’s possible, here, that Philadelphia would continue the run on Offensive Tackles, likely concluding it with six taken in the draft’s first 21 picks. However, they also need a Tight End, and the chances that Pettigrew will last until pick 28 are probably more slim than those of Beatty. Pettigrew is the draft’s unquestioned best Tight End and should excel in a West Coast system that purports to utilise his skills in the blocking game as well as adding a soft pair of hands for Donavon McNabb in the short passing game.
22. Minnesota Vikings: Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
If the Vikings’ pursuit of T.J. Houshmanzadeh this offseason says anything, it’s that they’re not entirely sold on breakaway Bernard Berrian as their number one target in the passing game. Heyward-Bey is simply too good value wise to pass up here, and has the height, speed and hands to make him a perfect compliment to Berrian giving… whoever the Quarterback is… somebody else to go to if Berrian is negated. Freeman would have been considered here, as was Alphonso Smith, but DHB wins out as value best fits need.
23. New England Patroits: Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia
It’s no secret that the Patriots would like to add a Linebacker this offseason. Mayo was a fantastic choice last season, and Virginia’s Clint Sintim offers them even greater versatility on defense whilst Bruschi is enjoying the Twilight of his career. Sintim displayed an uncanny ability to get in the Quarterback’s face as a Cavalier, and will play a situational role in lieu of Mike Vrabel’s departure this season before taking over inside.
24. Atlanta Falcons: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn St.
Nobody could possibly have picked the Falcons to have the season they had last year on the back of the additions of Matt Ryan and Sam Baker. The offense improved in leaps and bounds, but the pass rush lagged behind at various stages throughout the year. Jamaal Anderson has done nothing to validate his top ten selection two years ago and the Falcons are in serious need of an upgrade. Maybin has a major upside, but will undoubtedly be considered a boom-or-bust prospect in the NFL. At pick 24, his value is too good to pass on.
25. Miami Dolphins: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
The Dolphins have precious little in the way of Cornerbacks heading into the 2009 season and I don’t think it would come as much of a shock to anyone to see them use the pick on a player like Wake Forest’s Alphonso Smith. Smith has great intangibles and good size and speed for an NFL Corner and could start from the get-go. Ron Brace, Percy Harvin and Clay Matthews were also considered for obvious reasons.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
Another player to test positive to marijuana. I think his stock will take a definite hit, but there are going to be teams willing to take a gamble on such a talent as Harvin. Baltimore is in pretty immediate need of receiving targets for Joe Flacco and also runs a backfield-by-committee system, making the versatile Harvin a nice fit.
27. Indianapolis Colts: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
The Colts need DT’s and Hood is probably the next best available. I also considered Ron Brace and I don’t think they could go wrong with either pick. Simply, it’s their greatest area of concern and they won’t get a better opportunity to address it than with Hood, who had great NFL intangibles.
28. Philadelphia Eagles (f/CAR): William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
Beatty is a strong blocker and at the back of the first-round tier of OT’s, but pick 28 might still be a little high for him. Philadelphia has such a need for a Right Tackle that I don’t think it will matter to them as much as it would have at pick 21 without Brandon Pettigrew.
29. New York Giants: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
Plaxico Burress has been released and may be heading to prison. Those in New York will be more than willing to move him on over for Rutgers Kenny Britt, who has similar hands, size and speed… without the NFL experience and off-field issues. It’s one of those ideal situations where need matches value. Britt will be warmly welcomed by the G-Men.
30. Tennessee Titans: D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
Nick Harper is 34 and Tennessee basically will require a new starting corner by the end of the season, able to match up with division rivals Andre Johnson and Reggie Wayne. Again, Moore’s stock is rising despite his size deficiency and his outstanding speed should allow him to recover when beaten in his initial seasons.
31. Arizona Cardinals: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio St.
Edgerrin James was resurgent in the playoffs, but I don’t think that anybody in their right minds in the Cardinals organisation would pass on arguably the draft’s best runner at pick 31. Wells can honestly do it all, though his stock has taken a slide with an average performance at the combine. He looks to be an ideal addition to an offense that was pass-heavy last season, but won’t be when Matt Leinart takes the helm.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
The last pick in the first round took quite a bit of time to make. I’ve had Max Unger here for a long while, because he just looks like a typical Steeler’s O-Lineman. Big and versatile with an obvious mean streak. But in the last week I’ve been looking more at Pittsburgh’s defense, and it occurs to me that all of their starters along the DL are over 30 years old. Not a death warrant in a 3-4, but it’s certainly time for the Steelers to look toward the future. Ayers has the size and strength to be an ideal 3-4 Defensive End, and could be an Under Tackle in a 4-3.
ROUND TWO
33. Detroit Lions: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio St.
Ideal situation for Detroit as they find a defensive leader at the top of Round 2.
34. New England Patriots (f/KC): Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan
The Patriots need to find a replacement for Rodney Harrison.
35. St. Louis Rams: Ron Brace, NT, Boston College
Brace is good value here, would be a great compliment to Carriker and Long along a youthful DL.
36. Cleveland Browns: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
The Browns don’t have anything behind Edwards, who was involved in trade talk, and Stallworth, who could walk at the end of next season.
37. Seattle Seahawks: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Who is Seattle’s starting running back? Smith and Moreno are set to improve this team’s ground game.
38. Cincinnati Bengals: Max Unger, OL, Oregon
Versatile lineman goes to a team with huge OL deficiencies.
39. Jacksonville Jaguars: Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
Depth for the secondary, good value in round two.
40. Oakland Raiders: Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois
Another physical specimen for Al Davis to address the pass rush the Raiders neglected last season.
41. Green Bay Packers: Sean Smith, CB/S, Utah
The packers need help at Corner and Safety, Smith could start at either spot eventually.
42. Buffalo Bills: Connor Barwin, DE/OLB, Cincinnati
The Bills need to address their pass rush having missed out on Brown in the first.
43. San Francisco 49ers: Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma
Finally, an OT to start opposite Staley; good protection for Sanchez.
44. Miami Dolphins (f/WAS): Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
The Dolphins find Matthews at 44: They could well have looked his way at 25.
45. New York Giants: (f/NO): Alex Mack, C, California
The Giants nab the draft’s best true Center for valuable depth.
46. Houston Texans: William Moore, S, Missouri
Nobody question’s Moore’s talent and Houston need a Safety in the worst way.
47. New England Patriots (f/SD): LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh
Luxury selection; a nice compliment to Maroney.
48. Denver Broncos: Darry Beckwith, LB, LSU
They didn’t get Maualuga in round one and need help absolutely everywhere on D.
49. Chicago Bears: Tony Kropog, OT, Tulane
The Bears first pick of 2009 is a right tackle to support Jay Culter.
50. Cleveland Browns (f/TB): Patrick Chung, S, Oregon
Jones left in Free Agency, Chung will more than adequately fill the void.
51. Dallas Cowboys: Jarron Gilbert, DE, San Jose St.
The Boys’ found themselves in need of a DE after Free Agency, Gilbert is physically ideal.
52. New York Jets: Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio St.
The WR they didn’t select in round one has arrived. Robiskie’s stock is soaring.
53. Philadelphia Eagles: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
Another weapon for McNabb, replaces Buckhalter as the number two back.
54. Minnesota Vikings: Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina
A Right Tackle for a team in need.
55. Atlanta Falcons: Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Miss.
The Falcons could use a Tight End to take some pressure off of Roddy White, and they missed out on Pettigrew in the first.
56. Miami Dolphins: Pat White, QB, West Virginia
Wildcat 2.0.
57. Baltimore Ravens: Jarius Byrd, CB, Oregon
Byrd is good value this late and the Ravens have let both Rolle and McAllister go in the last 2 seasons.
58. New England Patriots: Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
New England bolster their interior line with a player who falls, if only slightly.
59. Carolina Panthers: Sen’Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
The Panthers could use a DT to rotate with Damionne Lewis, a DE could also be considered.
60. New York Giants: James Casey, H-Back, Rice
Casey will play Tight-End, but will also be a backup to Jacobs in New York.
61. Indianapolis Colts: Louis Murphy, WR, Florida
A WR to replace Harrison, Murphy is a speedster from the slot.
62. Tennessee Titans: Paul Kruger, DE, Utah
Like Pittsburgh, the Titan’s DE is getting on in years.
63. Arizona Cardinals: Eric Wood, C, Louisville
They passed on Mack in round one, Wood is the next best thing.
64. Pittsburgh Steelers: Herman Johnson, OG, Louisiana St
They passed on Unger in round one, Johnson is good value here.
ROUND THREE
65. Detroit Lions: Fili Moala, DT, USC
66. St. Louis Rams:Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly
67. Kansas City Chiefs: Derrick Williams, WR, Penn St.
68. Seattle Seahawks: Juaquin Iglasis, WR, Oklahoma
69. Dallas Cowboys (f/CLE): Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama
70. Cincinnati Bengals: Chip Vaughan, S, Wake Forest
71. Oakland Raiders: Gerald Cadogan, OT, Penn St.
72. Jacksonville Jaguars: Alex Magee, DT, Purdue
73. Green Bay Packers: Andy Levitre, OL, Oregon State
74. San Francisco 49ers: Marcus Freeman, OLB, Ohio St.
75. Buffalo Bills: Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina
76. New York Jets: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech.
77. Houston Texans: Andre Brown, RB, N.C. State
78. San Diego Chargers: Kraig Urbik, OG, Wisconsin
79. Denver Broncos: Michael Hamlin, S, Clemson
80. Washington Redskins: Cody Brown, DE, Connecticut
81. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brandon Tate, WR, North Carolina
82. Detroit Lions (f/DAL): Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida
83. Green Bay Packers (f/NYJ): Jason Watkins, OT, Florida
84. Denver Broncos (f/CHI): Chris Baker, NT, Hampton
85. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyrone McKenzie, OLB, South Fla.
86. Minnesota Vikings: Coye Francis, CB, San Jose St
87. Miami Dolphins: Antoine Caldwell, C, Alabama
88. Baltimore Ravens: Jasper Brinkley, ILB, South Carolina
89. New England Patriots: Brandon Gibson, WR, Washington St.
90. Atlanta Falcons: Gerald McRath, OLB, Southern Miss.
91. New York Giants: Terrence Knighton, DT, Temple.
92. Indianapolis Colts: Dorell Scott, NT, Clemson
93. Carolina Panthers: Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinnati
94. Tennessee Titans: Sammie Lee Hill, DT, Stillman
95. Arizona Cardinals: Victor Harris, CB/S, Virginia Tech.
96. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kevin Barnes, CB, Maryland
97. New England Patriots: Feniki Tupou, OT, Oregon
98. Cincinnati Bengals: Lawrence Sidbury Jr., DE, Richmond
99. Chicago Bears: Demitrius Byrd, WR, LSU
100. New York Giants: Derek Pegues, S, Mississippi State.