Heisman
04-05-2009, 01:26 AM
2009 NFL Mock Draft
1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
*Quick release, strong arm, intangibles. Everything you look for in a franchise QB, plus he wears leg sleeves and is very fashionable. Also has great hair. Feathered and lethal, Cotton. No brainer pick.
2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
*Orlando Pace was cut and their offense blows. They were going to take Jake Long last year but missed out. He can finally hold down the blindside for Steve Spagnuolo and his quarterback of the future… Marc Bulger?
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
*Scott Pioli comes over form a team that is used to having oodles of smart, consistent, and versatile linebackers. Aaron Curry will fill that role and gives this young Kansas City defense another player to build around.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
*The Seahawks have a now coaching regime in place this season. They have Matt Hasselbeck, yes, but he is aging and Seneca Wallace showed last season that he isn’t the quarterback of the future. It may not be the Seahawks who select him, but Sanchez is far too talented to fall out of the top 5.
5. Cleveland Browns: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
*They’re number one receiver, Braylon Edwards, finally made a catch! He caught a case of the dropsies. Their number two receiver, Donte Stallworth, committed vehicular homicide in the offseason. Oops! Crabtree gives this offense a boost and will help out whichever quarterback they decide to make they’re starter.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
*The Cincinnati Bengals have needs in many places, and thanks to a sack and injury-riddled season for the Bengals QB’s, it is now abundantly clear that offensive line is one of those places. Monroe will help shore up the offensive line and Carson Palmer that extra time in the pocket to hit his weapons deep downfield.
7. Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
*The Raiders can go several directions here with the unexpected fall of B.J. Raji. Nose Tackle seems to be a need with the disappointing play of Tommy Kelly, but they have so much money invested in him that they decide to pass. WR is a glaring need and Maclin is a speedy, polished receiver who can also return kicks.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
*This Jack Del Rio team prides itself on having great defense. They have been lacking the elite run defense they used to have when they had the Stroud – Henderson duo in the middle. Raji reportedly tested positive for marijuana at the combine, but if Matt Jones is any indicator, they will wave off that red flag. Great value here for Jacksonville.
9. Green Bay Packers: Brian Orakpo, DE-OLB, Texas
*They’re switching to a 3-4, Kampman is on one side but who is on the other? Brian Orakpo. He will play the Merriman/Taylor role on this defense and play the position they lack.
10. San Francisco 49ers: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
*With the top QB’s off the board, and Josh Freeman being a reach at this point, the niners look to address the offensive line. After Andre Smith’s miserable combine experience they decide to select Oher who can start opposite Joe Staley and be a mauler at offensive tackle.
11. Buffalo Bills: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
*The Bills are lacking a pass rush from their defenseive ends, which happens to be a key component in the Cover 2 defense. Although Brown can bring it off the edge, he is seemingly very one-dimensional as he was rarely asked to play the run in college. To counter, the Bills may put in Chris Kelsay on running downs and goal line situations.
12. Denver Broncos: Malcom Jenkins, CB-FS, Ohio State
*Champ Bailey is aging, and they lack depth at cornerback. They also have a large need at FS next two their newly-signed star, Brian Dawkins. Malcom Jenkins would complement Dawkins perfectly in the secondary and has the versatility that any defensive coordinator loves.
13. Washington Redskins: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
*Andre Smith is misunderstood. He is a good kid, but isn’t very mature. He lost millions of dollars falling 11 spots in the draft, but he goes to a great situation where he can start for a good team right away. Redskins get a great value for their largest need here.
14. New Orleans Saints: Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State
*Reggie Bush is a speedy back who bounces everything outside. Beanie Wells is a power back who hits the hole hard between the tackles. Together, they form one of the most lethal running back combinations in the NFL.
15. Houston Texans: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
*The Texans have a need at OLB next to DeMeco Ryans, and Cushing is arguably the best available. Cushing was overshadowed at USC by the likes of Rey Maualuga, but is a great prospect in his own right and gets the last laugh when he is drafted one spot ahead of his former teammate.
16. San Diego Chargers: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
*The San Diego Chargers are ecstatic that a linebacker who has the potential to be as game changing as Maualuga fell to them. They have had adequate linebackers of late, but this pick can help bring the star power to the interior linebacking corps.
17. New York Jets: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
*Well, when your quarterback controversy includes Billy Ratliff, you know it’s time for a change.
18. Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
*The Broncos luck out. After passing on Tyson Jackson at 12, he is still available at 18 and gives them great value. He will be a base end in their 3-4 defense and provide them with a building block for the future.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois
*The Buccaneers have never been a big blitzing team, and like to get pressure from their ends. English is a guy who can get after the quarterback. He will be an instant starter in this defense.
20. Detroit Lions: William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
*Beatty has good technique and is great in pass protection, but needs more size and can get pushed around. He is raw, but they can groom him!
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
*LJ Smith is a horrible human being and Brent Celek is the only player in the history of football to have that first name… and he also isn’t the answer. Pettigrew can stay in to help block on run plays and also slip open for passes underneath. He will add a big target to work the middle of the field for this offense.
22. Minnesota Vikings: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
*Ryan Cook is the answer….. To the question: “Who’s the worst right tackle in the NFL?” The Vikings go offensive line here for an instant upgrade on the right side, but can also groom Britton to take over for LT because McKinnie just can’t seem to stay out of trouble off the field.
23. New England Patriots: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
*Percy Harvin is a dynamic weapon who is undervalued due to the lack of success of players similar to him. In reality he isn’t that much different from Reggie Bush other than being more polished as a receiver. It takes a good coach to correctly utilize his talents, so who better than Bill Belicheck?
24. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
*The Falcons need somebody to come in and play opposite John Abraham, because Jamaal Anderson has been a major bust for this team. Johnson can bring it hard, but his scary good upside comes with a massive downside.
25. Miami Dolphins: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
*The Tuna puts a premium on size and that Davis looks the part of an NFL corner. Sean Smith would also make sense here but Vontae has the potential to be an all-pro corner and it’s too hard for the Dolphins to resist.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
*He’s a vertical threat to complement Mason and Clayton, as well as being a local product. He has the size and speed to become a complete #1 WR and the young QB Flacco needs as many weapons as he can get.
27. Indianapolis Colts: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
*The Colts land their dream man in Peria Jerry. Their defensive tackle cupboard is quite bare and Jerry can only help to solve the problem. He gives them great technique and is quick enough to help in the pass rush.
28. Philadelphia Eagles: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
*After getting a valuable tight end earlier, they get Westbrook’s eventual replacement here. He is very versatile and brings many traits to the table, allowing him to be a good West Coast RB who fits well in the Eagles pass-first philosophy.
29. New York Giants: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
*Plaxico Burress has been given his release papers, and all the G-Men have left is a host of slot receivers. This gives Eli Manning a young wide receiver with the potential to blossom into the #1 threat that this team thirsts for.
30. Tennessee Titans: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
*The Titans could use depth at the cornerback position so they take Smith here, who nearly fell out of the first round. He has excellent ball skills and would go much higher if he was just several inches taller.
31. Arizona Cardinals: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
*Donald Brown is arguably the most complete RB in this draft. He will have no problem carrying the load for this team between the 20’s so they can hand it off to the endzone-seeking missile, Tim Hightower, near the goal line. This pick will allow them to release Edgerrin James and clear some cap space.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Unger, OL, Oregon
*The Champions have done a solid job in free agency plugging some holes along the offensive line, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t still be improved. Unger’s value is found in his versatility as he can start or backup every position on the offensive line, depending on what the Steelers decide that they need him to do.
1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
*Quick release, strong arm, intangibles. Everything you look for in a franchise QB, plus he wears leg sleeves and is very fashionable. Also has great hair. Feathered and lethal, Cotton. No brainer pick.
2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
*Orlando Pace was cut and their offense blows. They were going to take Jake Long last year but missed out. He can finally hold down the blindside for Steve Spagnuolo and his quarterback of the future… Marc Bulger?
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
*Scott Pioli comes over form a team that is used to having oodles of smart, consistent, and versatile linebackers. Aaron Curry will fill that role and gives this young Kansas City defense another player to build around.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
*The Seahawks have a now coaching regime in place this season. They have Matt Hasselbeck, yes, but he is aging and Seneca Wallace showed last season that he isn’t the quarterback of the future. It may not be the Seahawks who select him, but Sanchez is far too talented to fall out of the top 5.
5. Cleveland Browns: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
*They’re number one receiver, Braylon Edwards, finally made a catch! He caught a case of the dropsies. Their number two receiver, Donte Stallworth, committed vehicular homicide in the offseason. Oops! Crabtree gives this offense a boost and will help out whichever quarterback they decide to make they’re starter.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
*The Cincinnati Bengals have needs in many places, and thanks to a sack and injury-riddled season for the Bengals QB’s, it is now abundantly clear that offensive line is one of those places. Monroe will help shore up the offensive line and Carson Palmer that extra time in the pocket to hit his weapons deep downfield.
7. Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
*The Raiders can go several directions here with the unexpected fall of B.J. Raji. Nose Tackle seems to be a need with the disappointing play of Tommy Kelly, but they have so much money invested in him that they decide to pass. WR is a glaring need and Maclin is a speedy, polished receiver who can also return kicks.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
*This Jack Del Rio team prides itself on having great defense. They have been lacking the elite run defense they used to have when they had the Stroud – Henderson duo in the middle. Raji reportedly tested positive for marijuana at the combine, but if Matt Jones is any indicator, they will wave off that red flag. Great value here for Jacksonville.
9. Green Bay Packers: Brian Orakpo, DE-OLB, Texas
*They’re switching to a 3-4, Kampman is on one side but who is on the other? Brian Orakpo. He will play the Merriman/Taylor role on this defense and play the position they lack.
10. San Francisco 49ers: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
*With the top QB’s off the board, and Josh Freeman being a reach at this point, the niners look to address the offensive line. After Andre Smith’s miserable combine experience they decide to select Oher who can start opposite Joe Staley and be a mauler at offensive tackle.
11. Buffalo Bills: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
*The Bills are lacking a pass rush from their defenseive ends, which happens to be a key component in the Cover 2 defense. Although Brown can bring it off the edge, he is seemingly very one-dimensional as he was rarely asked to play the run in college. To counter, the Bills may put in Chris Kelsay on running downs and goal line situations.
12. Denver Broncos: Malcom Jenkins, CB-FS, Ohio State
*Champ Bailey is aging, and they lack depth at cornerback. They also have a large need at FS next two their newly-signed star, Brian Dawkins. Malcom Jenkins would complement Dawkins perfectly in the secondary and has the versatility that any defensive coordinator loves.
13. Washington Redskins: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
*Andre Smith is misunderstood. He is a good kid, but isn’t very mature. He lost millions of dollars falling 11 spots in the draft, but he goes to a great situation where he can start for a good team right away. Redskins get a great value for their largest need here.
14. New Orleans Saints: Chris “Beanie” Wells, RB, Ohio State
*Reggie Bush is a speedy back who bounces everything outside. Beanie Wells is a power back who hits the hole hard between the tackles. Together, they form one of the most lethal running back combinations in the NFL.
15. Houston Texans: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
*The Texans have a need at OLB next to DeMeco Ryans, and Cushing is arguably the best available. Cushing was overshadowed at USC by the likes of Rey Maualuga, but is a great prospect in his own right and gets the last laugh when he is drafted one spot ahead of his former teammate.
16. San Diego Chargers: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
*The San Diego Chargers are ecstatic that a linebacker who has the potential to be as game changing as Maualuga fell to them. They have had adequate linebackers of late, but this pick can help bring the star power to the interior linebacking corps.
17. New York Jets: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
*Well, when your quarterback controversy includes Billy Ratliff, you know it’s time for a change.
18. Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
*The Broncos luck out. After passing on Tyson Jackson at 12, he is still available at 18 and gives them great value. He will be a base end in their 3-4 defense and provide them with a building block for the future.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois
*The Buccaneers have never been a big blitzing team, and like to get pressure from their ends. English is a guy who can get after the quarterback. He will be an instant starter in this defense.
20. Detroit Lions: William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
*Beatty has good technique and is great in pass protection, but needs more size and can get pushed around. He is raw, but they can groom him!
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
*LJ Smith is a horrible human being and Brent Celek is the only player in the history of football to have that first name… and he also isn’t the answer. Pettigrew can stay in to help block on run plays and also slip open for passes underneath. He will add a big target to work the middle of the field for this offense.
22. Minnesota Vikings: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
*Ryan Cook is the answer….. To the question: “Who’s the worst right tackle in the NFL?” The Vikings go offensive line here for an instant upgrade on the right side, but can also groom Britton to take over for LT because McKinnie just can’t seem to stay out of trouble off the field.
23. New England Patriots: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
*Percy Harvin is a dynamic weapon who is undervalued due to the lack of success of players similar to him. In reality he isn’t that much different from Reggie Bush other than being more polished as a receiver. It takes a good coach to correctly utilize his talents, so who better than Bill Belicheck?
24. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
*The Falcons need somebody to come in and play opposite John Abraham, because Jamaal Anderson has been a major bust for this team. Johnson can bring it hard, but his scary good upside comes with a massive downside.
25. Miami Dolphins: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
*The Tuna puts a premium on size and that Davis looks the part of an NFL corner. Sean Smith would also make sense here but Vontae has the potential to be an all-pro corner and it’s too hard for the Dolphins to resist.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
*He’s a vertical threat to complement Mason and Clayton, as well as being a local product. He has the size and speed to become a complete #1 WR and the young QB Flacco needs as many weapons as he can get.
27. Indianapolis Colts: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
*The Colts land their dream man in Peria Jerry. Their defensive tackle cupboard is quite bare and Jerry can only help to solve the problem. He gives them great technique and is quick enough to help in the pass rush.
28. Philadelphia Eagles: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
*After getting a valuable tight end earlier, they get Westbrook’s eventual replacement here. He is very versatile and brings many traits to the table, allowing him to be a good West Coast RB who fits well in the Eagles pass-first philosophy.
29. New York Giants: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
*Plaxico Burress has been given his release papers, and all the G-Men have left is a host of slot receivers. This gives Eli Manning a young wide receiver with the potential to blossom into the #1 threat that this team thirsts for.
30. Tennessee Titans: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
*The Titans could use depth at the cornerback position so they take Smith here, who nearly fell out of the first round. He has excellent ball skills and would go much higher if he was just several inches taller.
31. Arizona Cardinals: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
*Donald Brown is arguably the most complete RB in this draft. He will have no problem carrying the load for this team between the 20’s so they can hand it off to the endzone-seeking missile, Tim Hightower, near the goal line. This pick will allow them to release Edgerrin James and clear some cap space.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Unger, OL, Oregon
*The Champions have done a solid job in free agency plugging some holes along the offensive line, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t still be improved. Unger’s value is found in his versatility as he can start or backup every position on the offensive line, depending on what the Steelers decide that they need him to do.