Mock draft

by Mocking Dan on Jan 26, 2009 11:13 PM EST in Mock Draft Comment 26 comments

1. Detroit Lions

Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia: With five picks in the first three rounds, the Lions can take Stafford with the No. 1 pick and build the line later in the draft. Starting offensive tackles are much more readily available in this draft than quarterbacks, so Detroit can still pick up a tackle later.

2. St. Louis Rams

Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss: The Rams should have addressed the offensive in the 2008 draft and should take the best left tackle available. If they're smart, they'll go with Oher.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas: Although taking Orakpo this early is a little bit of a reach, he's the best natural defensive end in the draft. It will really depend on whether or not Scott Pioli decides he likes Orakpo better than Everette Brown, because a pass rusher should be the pick.

4. Seattle Seahawks

Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: Outside of 36-year-old Bobby Engram, none of Seattle's wide receivers strike fear in opposing defenses. Although finding a quality offensive tackle will be enticing, Walter Jones still has a few good seasons left.

5. Cleveland Browns

Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest: Cleveland needs leadership and playmaking ability in it's linebacking unit, and Curry is arguably the most talented player in the draft. The Browns could also look to cornerbacks Malcolm Jenkins or Vontae Davis, but linebacker is a greater priority.

6. Cincinnati Bengals

Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia: After allowing 51 sacks in 2008, the Bengals are desperate for help along the offensive line. Even if left tackle Levi Brown and right tackle Stacy Andrews are healthy, Monroe has the ability to start ahead either of them.

7. Oakland Raiders

Andre Smith, OT, Alabama: Unless Oakland addresses the offensive line, quarterback JaMarcus Russell will continue to struggle in the NFL. This is the smart pick, so look for the Raiders to draft someone like Jeremy Maclin instead.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jason Smith, OT, Baylor: The run on offensive tackles continues. Jacksonville will take a long look at Rey Maualuga, but improving a pourous offensive line has been a need for more than a year.

9. Green Bay Packers

Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State: If Jenkins happens to fall this far, it would be a real steal for the Packers. The team could finally leave Charles Woodson at safety without worrying about a dropoff in play at corner.

10. San Francisco 49ers

Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State: If the top offensive tackles being gone, the 49ers should look to improve a pass rush that has been mediocre. Mark Sanchez is a possibility here, but pick 10 is a little too high for him.

11. Buffalo Bills

Brian Cushing, OLB, USC: Cushing may not have been the best linebacker on his team in college, but he's the perfect fit for Buffalo. The team needs to improve it's linebacker play and pass rush and Cushing should greatly help both areas.

12. Denver Broncos

Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC: Denver is expected to transition to a 3-4 in 2009 and need a powerful presence in the middle. That's what the tencacious Maualuga will provide a defense in need of some heart.

13. Washington Redskins

Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi: The Redskins don't get much production from an aging defensive line. Jerry would infuse the unit with athleticism.

14. New Orleans Saints

Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois: The Saints have tried to upgrade their cornerbacks with Tracy Porter and Usama Young. Neither has really panned out and Davis is too good of an athlete to pass on. If any of the young corners blossom, Davis could play safety where the Saints also need an improvement.

15. Houston Texans

B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College: The Texans have used a lot of picks along the defensive line, but Raji could be the piece that solidifies the unit. A line featuring Raji, Mario Williams and Amobi Okoye could be together for years to come.

16. San Diego Chargers

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia: Darren Sproles may have priced himself out of San Diego, and there's a rift growing between LaDanian Tomlinson and the front office. With Moreno, the Chargers would add the most dynamic back available who can immediately step in and help.

17. New York Jets

Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri: The Jets' offense is lacking in a gamebreaker at receiver with Laveranues Coles slowing down and Jerricho Cotchery being more of a possession receiver.

18. Chicago Bears

Percy Harvin, WR, Florida: The Bears should consider the best wide receiver available to make the passing game more explosive. Harvin would add a deep threat and another gadget for the offense.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State: Both Earnest Graham and Cadillac Williams ended the season injured and Warrick Dunn's career is in it's twilight. Adding Wells would immediately upgrade the offense and take some heat off whoever will be the quarterback.

20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas Cowboys)

James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State: The Lions need a consistent performer in their linebacker group and that's exactly the kind of player Laurinaitis exemplifies. Plug him in here for 10 years and he'll be the kind of rock this team needs defensively.

21. Philadelphia Eagles

Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State: Pettigrew isn't the best receiver, but he's clearly the best all-around tight end in the draft. He'll give Donovan McNabb a steady target over the middle and greatly help the running game with his blocking.

22. Minnesota Vikings

Mark Sanchez, QB, USC: This would be the perfect situation for the Vikings. Tarvaris Jackson has struggled and Gus Frerotte is no more than a backup. Sanchez could immediately flourish in Minnesota's deep passing attack.

23. New England Patriots

Sean Smith, CB, Utah: The Patriots gave up the second-most passing touchdowns in 2008, making the need for a cornerback a priority. Smith will give them a big and athletic cornerback who can match up against opponents' No. 1 receivers and help against the run.

24. Atlanta Falcons

William Moore, S, Missouri: With every other need for the Falcons gone already, the team would to look toward the best defensive player left on the board. There may be questions about whether or not Moore could move to linebacker, but the Falcons could probably use him there as well, on the weak side.

25. Miami Dolphins

Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma: The Dolphins could have bookends at the tackle position with Loadholt on the right opposite Jake Long. They could give Chad Pennington all the protection he'd need and open up the right side for running the ball.

26. Baltimore Ravens

Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest: This pick is dependent on what the Ravens can do with linebackers Ray Lewis, Bart Scott and Terrell Suggs. If two out of the three can be re-signed, Baltimore will have to find the eventual replacement for either Samari Rolle or Chris McAlister, two players who just can't stay healthy.

27. Indianapolis Colts

Fili Moala, DT, USC: This is something of a stretch in the first round, but Indianapolis is in dire need of a defensive tackle. Moala fits the team's cover-2 scheme well and will be a solid contributor.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina Panthers)

LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh: While the Eagles should probably be looking at an offensive tackle as Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan are free agents, adding a second running back could do wonders for the team's offense.

29. New York Giants

Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina: Plaxico Burress probably won't be back, Amani Toomer isn't getting any younger and Domenik Hixon doesn't look like anything for than a second receiver. Nicks has good size and has good hands, two attributes the team didn't lost when Burress was suspended.

30. Tennessee Titans

Darrius Heyward-Bey: Tennessee needs to continue adding talent to the offensive side of the ball and Heyward-Bey is the best option available. He would give the Titans a good deep threat.

31. Arizona Cardinals

D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt: The Cardinals struggled to stop the pass, allowing a league-worst 36 passing touchdowns. Moore would give the team a good option opposite Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. A running back could be considered, but Shonn Greene and Donald Brown are fairly similar in style to Tim Hightower.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers

Eben Britton, OT, Arizona: The Steelers have had trouble in recent years keeping quarterback Ben Roethlisberger upright and Britton is an intriguing option. He could play either side and start immediately.

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Comments

Ooof

Let me just say, this is my first mock of the entire draft, and boy was it difficult. I think there were some reaches in there, but I think I can defend every pick.

The biggest omissions from this mock is Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma. I also kept wanting to give Larry English to someone — Baltimore, Arizona, Atlanta.

So, please offer loads of feedback. Expect the next mock after the Combine, unless the bug bites me.

by Mocking Dan on Jan 26, 2009 11:19 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

With Peria Jerry (my dream pick right now) and the top 5 OTs gone (Ryan Diem is cooked at RT and Ugoh is inconsistent)

I don’t mind Moala, but I’d guess Nicks or Heyward-Bey. Polian isn’t shy about going for the WR he wants over the defensive player everyone says he needs (see Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez).

Shonn Greene for Heisman
Doak Walker award winner
144 yards per game
6.2 yards per carry
08 TDs per game > 06 GPA

by shake n bake on Jan 26, 2009 11:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I just figured that need at defensive tackle is so much greater than getting a third receiver. I also think Gonzalez could start to really become a much better receiver, similar to how Wayne’s game improved after his first couple years.

Like Atlanta, Indy was just a team that ran out of other quality options in this draft.

by Mocking Dan on Jan 26, 2009 11:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m not sure how the Bills could justify passing on B.J. Raji for Brian Cushing.

Also, you mentioned English, but where’s Aaron Maybin?

Buffalo Rumblings - all you care to know about the Buffalo Bills and more

by Brian Galliford on Jan 27, 2009 8:07 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’ll think on Raji to Buffalo in the next one. I’m still not convinced he’s a top 12 pick, regardless of his Senior Bowl performance.

Maybin is a guy who I just don’t care for. He came into the season as a backup, got dominated in the Rose Bowl and is quite small. Supposedly he’s put on 10 pounds of mass already this offseason, but I think his playing weight was closer to 230 than the 245 Penn State listed him as. To me, that’s way too small for what he’d be asked to do.

by Mocking Dan on Jan 27, 2009 6:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I dig the Roschach avatar, by the way.

by Mocking Dan on Jan 27, 2009 6:53 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

WIth all due respect to my fearless leader Brian.

IF the Bills don’t address LB by signing somebody, even Crowell, we would need to make this pick.

Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.

by MattRichWarren on Jan 27, 2009 9:45 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

That’s why they’ll get someone before the draft . If they draft a LB with an early 1st round, they have ignored both front lines, and that’s just unacceptable.

Bart Scott, get ready to come to B-Lo.

"Buffalo Bills Football 2009 (sponsored by Labatt): A Future as Uncertain as the Beer You’re Drinking"

"It's not delivery, it's DiGiorgio!"

by TheAfghanTwilight on Jan 30, 2009 12:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybin scares me

purely in terms of bustability. I fear he is throwing his future away.

Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.

by Jeremy Bolander on Jan 29, 2009 8:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I reiterate as i did in the Fan Post

I just can’t imagine the Bears take a receiver when they have no consistent QB and not line that can adequately keep him standing.

Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!

by Adam T on Jan 27, 2009 4:41 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

The Bears, quite honestly, were one of the tougher picks for me to make. I did almost give them Sanchez, but then I started looking over Orton’s season and watch the coaches are saying about him and figured he’d get another season.

If I went o-line, it would have been Loadholt, Britton and Beatty from Connecticut. To me, Harvin is just a so much better prospect than them.

by Mocking Dan on Jan 27, 2009 6:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

how the hell

did you make such beautiful tables….im swept away by the amazing quality of this post good god…

this is the best tabling ive ever seen on SBN…unbelievable

by grahamfiller10 on Jan 27, 2009 7:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know about Dan's

but I can tell you that either he or someone he knows is good with HTML. Mgrex30 shot me the HTML for a pretty basic but much improved table and I love it.

Shonn Greene for Heisman
Doak Walker award winner
144 yards per game
6.2 yards per carry
08 TDs per game > 06 GPA

by shake n bake on Jan 27, 2009 8:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don't see Sanchez yet either

I think Angelo wants somebody who may contribute now. The only way I see a receiver coming off the board in the first is if he bulks up the line in free agency. My gut tells me OL, DE or S.

Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!

by Adam T on Jan 28, 2009 9:29 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I know a bit about html, but some Web friends are always a ring away to give me a hand. Thanks for the compliments, though. It took a bit of time.

by Mocking Dan on Jan 28, 2009 7:03 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

With the top two DTs out,

And Polian’s legendary penchant for taking offensive players in the first round, I really think that Indy would take Heyward-Bey or McCoy over Moala.

There ought to be high-quality DTs left in the 2nd and even 3rd rounds, so I think Polian would adopt the ‘best available’ mantra once again, with Raji and Jerry out.

by hahasound on Jan 27, 2009 8:12 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

my take, overall a good looking mock

I read some not-so-glamorous reports regarding the SR Bowl practices. I really like Oher but I would think he’ll slip just a little bit. Monroe and Smith seem to be moving up the OT board.

I think the Rams will surprise everyone and take someone such as Crabtree or Curry (unless Oher begins to impress in his workouts/combine).

Also, Alphonso Smith is more of a Cover-2 type CB and I don’t really see him going to Baltimore. I think Moore will be picked ahead of him.

I like that you have Sean Smith in the first round. His versatility will definitely help improve his stock.

It’s already been said but I don’t think Indy will take Moala, good luck figuring out what Polian is going to do…

by BlueVol03 on Jan 28, 2009 7:16 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Redskins

Don’t see the need for a DT.. Kedric Golston and Anthony Montgomery can at least play and Cornelius Griffin is still around. Offensive line is much older than the DT’s.

Who's world is it? It's yours.

by BlackOps on Jan 28, 2009 1:46 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, I have noted that they need offensive line help, but consider which ones were left. Are they worth the 13th pick? Instead, I thought they could use a game changer along the defensive line.

by Mocking Dan on Jan 28, 2009 7:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I am pretty big into mock drafts

and seeing Michael Oher at #2 was a bit surprising. I’ve seen him slotted around 12 all the way back to 20.

Are you basing that pick on where you think he will end up after combines and workouts or do you just think that highly of him?

Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!

by Adam T on Jan 28, 2009 4:57 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Well, I think the consensus at this point is a tackle going in that spot and I just think Oher is the best tackle prospect in the draft, by a fair margin too.

I don’t see how exactly Oher is dropping for people like that. I think, honestly, that people are just sick of him since he’s been so highly regarded for so long.

by Mocking Dan on Jan 28, 2009 7:02 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

wow

so people drop somebody who has actually maintained a good ranking, but are willing to move a guy from the 3rd round to 1st who has only done it for one year, but gets hot. No wonder there are so many flops in the draft.

Being Who You Thought We Were Since 2005!

by Adam T on Jan 29, 2009 1:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

I really think analysts underestiamte just how much better he could get, too. He reminds me a bit of Clady in terms of development: he has only BEGUN to play OT….

Concision in style, precision in thought, decision in life.

by Jeremy Bolander on Jan 29, 2009 8:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Strange

This is the first time I have seen Jerry predicted to go ahead of Raji. Could you explain your decision making process there. Is it the off the field issues or what?

Dun nuh nuh nuhhhh!!!! Super Mathis

by hoosier in sodak on Jan 28, 2009 8:53 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Bears

Like people say, I can’t see the Bears taking a reciever 1st round. If they do, it won’t be Harvin. Nicks would be a better pick than him. He is really versatile at the WR spot, because he can go deep when he wants to, but he can also play possesion. Harvin is more of a deep/return threat, and last time I checked the Bears had Devin Hester.

by EagleX16 on Jan 29, 2009 5:50 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I want the Ravens to get Darius Heyward-Bey

Hometown hero for us, me especially since I am a current student at UMD. He fits into our offense well, has huge size and a 4.3 forty speed. He is the type of player the Ravens have been missing, that tall, uncoverable WR.

He is considered to be a first round pick in this years coming draft, yet he has only started on a competitive football team for 4 years. (2 years in highschool, 2 years in college)

So just imagine what he could do once his whole career is based around football. It is very scary for the rest of the NFL if Flacco and his 75 yard deep ball, cannon arm, has a 6’3" guy who can run past you in the snap of a finger.

You have to hate losing more than you love winning.

by Mr MaLoR on Feb 2, 2009 4:59 PM EST reply actions 0 recs