2009 first round mock draft

by Mocking Dan on Apr 6, 2009 12:25 AM EDT in Mock Draft Comment 12 comments

Following the trade of Jay Cutler to Chicago, a new mock was a necessity. Make sure to check back later this week for an updated second round.

1. Detroit Lions

Jason Smith, OT, Baylor: When Smith had an early March visit to Detroit, the Lions reportedly became enamored with the athletic left tackle. With Matt Stafford not being a sure thing as an immediate starter, Smith would give Detroit a great building block up front. Also, because it's unlikely Detroit will make a playoff run, the team will be able to find out if Daunte Culpepper still has what it takes to be a starting quaterback.

2. St. Louis Rams

Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia: How good is Monroe? Should he wind up being the Rams' pick, he'll instantly be the starter at left tackle and the team will barely skip a beat without Orlando Pace. Monroe has the power to handle bull rushers and the agility to manhandle speed rushers. Some even consider him a better pro prospect than Smith.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest: Curry is widely regarded as the top player in the draft and would immediately become the strong-side linebacker in Kansas City. Curry is a consistent playmaker and will add greatly to the Chiefs' impressive youth movement.

4. Seattle Seahawks

Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia: With the top two left tackles being gone, Seattle would be wise to draft Stafford and allow him to learn for a year or two behind Matt Hasselbeck. Given some time to properly understand the pro game, Stafford has the physical tools to be an All Pro for years.

5. Cleveland Browns

Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas: Desperately in need of a pass rush, Cleveland would be wise to draft either Orakpo or Everette Brown if Curry is gone. Orakpo is an intriguing 3-4 outside linebacker option because he's strong at the point of attack and will hold up well against the run-oriented AFC North.

6. Cincinnati Bengals

Andre Smith, OT, Alabama: Just because this might not be the smartest of choices, this could be the pick. Mocks aren't necessarily about what should happen, but what could happen. The Bengals have shown interest in Smith of late. He could start on the right side and shift to the left if Levi Jones leaves following this season.

7. Oakland Raiders

Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: Even with the re-signing of Javon Walker, Oakland needs to take a receiver early. With none being better than Crabtree, the team should take him if he happens to fall. Johnnie Lee Higgins led all wide receivers with 22 receptions last season and the development of JaMarcus Russell is dependent on having a top option.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars

B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College: Without Marcus Stroud last year, Jacksonville's run defense was clearly a notch below normal. Raji would give the Jaguars a player very similar is size and ability. Some may be worried by an alleged positive drug test at the combine, but it shouldn't be a worry.

9. Green Bay Packers

Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State: Transitioning to the 3-4, the Packers have no sure thing as an outside pass rusher. The team is hoping Aaron Kampman can move from end and Brady Poppinga becomes a better pass rusher, but neither is guaranteed. At Florida State, Brown showed an incredible first step, a good indicator of making a successful transition to linebacker.

10. San Francisco 49ers

Mark Sanchez, QB, Southern California: The 49ers strongly pursued Kurt Warner in free agency, so a quarterback seems necessary. He would give new head coach Mike Singletary a great building block for the offense. A linebacker could be an option, but this seems a little early for Brian Cushing or Clay Matthews III.

11. Buffalo Bills

Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State: The Bills had a group of coaches and scouts at the Penn State pro day. The Bills were 28th in sacks in 2008, and lead pass rusher Aaron Schobel is regressing. Buffalo also really needs a tight end to compliment an improving offense, but this is far too early for one.

12. Denver Broncos

Brian Cushing, OLB, Southern California: Another team switching to the 3-4 in need of a good rush linebacker, Denver is currently relying on the oft-injured Boss Bailey and Elvis Dumervil, a player unproven on the outside. From time-to-time Cushing played a hybrid end/linebacker role at USC and could thrive in a 3-4.

13. Washington Redskins

Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss: Oher isn't as highly regarded as Smith and Monroe these days, and that's baffling. He has all the skills to be a top tackle. Oher could start on the right, replacing Jon Jansen and eventually replace Chris Samuel on the left side.

14. New Orleans Saints

Clay Matthews III, OLB, Southern California: With the signing of Jabari Greer, the Saints no longer need to look at a cornerback in the draft. While Jonathan Vilma and Dan Morgan will be back, the team could us an upgrade to Scott Shanle. Matthews has been the star of the offseason and has worked his way this high up the draft.

15. Houston Texans

Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State: Dunta Robinson is one of the best-kept secrets in the league because teams never throw in his direction. By adding Jenkins, the Texans would finally have a great second cornerback who can match up nicely against bigger receivers.

16. San Diego Chargers

Rey Maualuga, MLB, Southern California: Current stater Matt Wilhelm has been only a liability for the Chargers. In San Diego's defensive scheme, Maualuga would have every opportunity to become a star. Imagine him lining up next to Shawne Merriman. Scary.

17. New York Jets

Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri: Following the release of Laveranues Coles the Jets will need another weapon on offense. Maclin can immediately start on the outside and become a top asset on special teams. The Jets could also target Mark Sanchez here if he happens to fall. This is too early Josh Freeman.

18. Denver Broncos

Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU: If the Broncos didn't think Kyle Orton could be the team's starting quaterback, they wouldn't have had him thrown in the Jay Cutler trade. Jackson would give Denver another piece to easily transition to the 3-4.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Percy Harvin, WR, Florida: The Buccaneers strongly pursued T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Devery Henderson, and signed neither. Because of that, and due to the fact that Sanchez is off the board, Tampa could use another wide receiver opposite Antonio Bryant.

20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas Cowboys)

Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss: After trading Corey Redding to Seattle, Detroit would be wise to address the tackle position. Although the team needs to add a middle linebacker or defensive end, those positions are more plentiful in later rounds than tackle.

21. Philadelphia Eagles

Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia: With some good tackles available in the second round, Philadelphia can finally take the compliment to Brian Westbrook the team has needed for years. This could also be Chris Wells since Moreno and Westbrook are fairly similar players.

22. Minnesota Vikings

Eben Britton, OT, Arizona: Without a lot of needs outside of receiver and offensive tackle, the Vikings could have their pick of several good players here. Because a receiver can be found later, Britton would be an excellent choice. He's a natural for the right side where Ryan Cook has been inconsistent his entire career.

23. New England Patriots

Larry English, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois: After trading Mike Vrabel, the Patriots clearly need an outside linebacker who can get after the ball, English's specialty. With three picks in the second round, New England has the luxury of waiting on drafting a cornerback and no longer needs a wide receiver following the signing of Greg Lewis.

24. Atlanta Falcons

Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State: Quarterback Matt Ryan excelled in his rookie season, just imagine what he could do with a viable tight end option. Pettigrew is far and away the best tight end in the draft and is a good all-purpose player. He can block for Michael Turner and open up the middle of the field.

25. Miami Dolphins

Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois: Now faced with the prospects of going against Terrell Owens and Randy Moss twice a year, the Dolphins will need a good, physical cornerback. Davis, who is also being looked at as a safety, would provide that, allowing Will Allen to be the second corner and Eric Green to cover the slot.

26. Baltimore Ravens

Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland: For years the Ravens have needed a field-stretching wide receiver, which is Hewayrd-Bey's specialty. He'll allow quarterback Joe Flacco to really unleash his incredible arm strength and take the burden off the other receivers who are better in the short game.

27. Indianapolis Colts

Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina: WIth Jerry being off the board and Marvin Harrison being released, Indianapolis' top need is wide receiver. Nicks would give Peyton Manning a sure-handed target who can immediately start on the outside allowing Anthony Gonzelz to stay in the slot.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina Panthers)

William Beatty, OT, Connecticut: The Eagles need help up front and Beatty is the best tackle left on the board. He's fleet-footed, which could help open up more outside runs or swing passes for Brian Westbrook.

29. New York Giants

Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers: Following the release of Plaxico Burress, the Giants will either have to trade for a receiver or draft one. Britt has excellent size and athleticism, which would minimalize Burress' departure.

30. Tennessee Titans

Evander Hood, DT, Missouri: No team was probably more upset with the release of Burress than Tennessee. Given this scenario, no other receiver is a worth a first-round pick. Hood, a gap-shooting tackle, would help lessen the loss of Albert Haynesworth.

31. Arizona Cardinals

Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State: With Edgerrin James begging to be released and Tim Hightower not looking like a true lead back, Arizona gets an incredible steal with Wells. He may not fall quite this far, but he would be quite the pickup for the Cardinals.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers

Alex Mack, C, California: The Steelers need help on the interior of their offensive line and Mack is a perfect fit. He's a rugged in-line blocker who can hold up against the large AFC North defensive tackles. Plug him in 12 years and watch him become a star.

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Comments

Nicks is my 3rd realistic choice

Ziggy would be my second, but I’d be happy with Nicks and wouldn’t question the pick if that’s what Indy did (because of Polian’s comments on where DT value usually is in the draft and his record on WR picks in Indy).

Also, on the Texans pick, Rashean Mathis was a Jag last I checked.

I got Summer hatin' on me cuz I'm hotter than the sun. Spring hatin' on me cuz I ain't never sprung
Winter hatin' on me cuz I'm colder than Y'all. And I will never, I will never, I will never Fall.
-Lil Wayne, Mr. Carter

by shake n bake on Apr 6, 2009 12:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Thanks.

by Mocking Dan on Apr 6, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

no problem

it gives me the opportunity to whine about Mathis’ getting away with horrible PI that got him a pick 6 in the first Colts-Jags game this year.

Indy lost that game on a last second field goal, 7 points off the board for the Jags likely would have been the difference.

Indy lost the division by one game and a tiebreaker that would have been reversed if Indy had beaten the Jags that game.

That would gave given Indy the #1 seed in the AFC playoffs and a first round bye.

They, instead of the Titans would have faced the Ravens, who Indy crushed in their regular season meeting.

Then they, instead of the Ravens would have faced the Steelers at home, who Indy beat on the road, for the AFC title

Then they, instead of the Steelers would have played the Cardinals, who the Steelers beat, in the Superbowl.

So, a missed call in week 3 cost Indy a Superbowl victory.

by shake n bake on Apr 6, 2009 4:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

As the ravens blogger

and having spent enough time evaluating the wideouts, I see Nicks as a much better WR than Heyward-Bey. A lot of U. of Maryland alums who hang out at the Beatdown love DHB, but to me, Nicks is a monster with those incredible hands and ability to play right away, while DHB is a deep threat but little else at this point in his career.

Rexx

by Rexx on Apr 6, 2009 3:02 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I also see Nicks as a better wide receiver, but wouldn’t Heyward-Bey fit better in Baltimore because he’s a vertical threat? That’s something the team doesn’t have at all

by Mocking Dan on Apr 6, 2009 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's fair

But the Ravens have been burned with Travis Taylor and to a lesser extent Mark Clayton. Not to mention Demetrius Williams, Devard Darling and other highly touted late rounders. VP of Football Operations Eric DaCosta has been publicly and privately telling everyone who will listen about the importance of hitting a double rather than swinging for the fences. All this seems to imply Hakeem Nicks or someone. DHB simply feels like a reach here. Kind of like… he’s fast so he should be drafted highly.

by math_geek on Apr 6, 2009 10:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs