Michael Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock Draft
Gregory Cox's 2009 NFL Mock Draft
Jared Donnelly's 2009 NFL Mock Draft

2009 NFL Mock Draft
by Kyle Allen
NFL Draft Analyst
1/1/09
The NFL Draft. It is one of the only things that keep bringing the Lions and Raiders' fans back off the ledge.  So take a step down my friends, and enjoy a January Mock Draft.  Keep in mind that this mock assumes that all underclassmen will declare and does not predict free agent signings.

1. Detroit Lions - Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia*
OK, so now it is official. The Lions are the worst team ever. Ever. So who gets the privilege of attempting to turn this franchise around? Early signs point to Matthew Stafford. The Lions need help on the Offensive Line as well but they took a long, hard look this year at what a good QB can do for a team. Matt Ryan and Chad Pennington have made huge differences to their respective teams this year that just one season ago were respectively awful. Stafford should help them take a step in the right direction. Just how big of a step still remains to be seen.

2. St. Louis - Eugene Monroe, OL, Virginia
Monroe along with Alabama's Andre Smith and Mississippi’s Michael Oher are quickly becoming known as the "Big 3" and could all be gone by pick ten. Don't be surprised if Monroe turns out to be the best of the group. He is a punishing run blocker and won an eye -popping 96.7% of his one-on-one matchups this year. Monroe should learn everything he needs to know to be successful in the NFL from veteran OT Orlando Pace and should anchor the St. Louis offensive line for years to come.

3. Kansas City Chiefs - Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
Here's an interesting stat: The Chiefs finished the year with 10.0 sacks. That last sentence is not a mistake, unless you consider the ineptitude of Kansas City's defensive line a mistake in itself. They need serious help and Brian Orakpo should bring that. They may consider Sam Bradford with this pick, but Tyler Thigpen has show them "enough" for the Chiefs to hold off on a QB for one more year and to instead snag a dominant DE to line up next to last year's first round pick Glen Dorsey.

4. Seattle Seahawks - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech*
The fact that the leading receiver for Seattle this year was rookie tight end John Carlson doesn't speak very highly of the WR corps currently in place. In fact, no Seattle WR had more than 47 receptions. It is worth noting that Seattle was crippled with injuries this year but it will be too hard to pass up on a playmaker like Crabtree here. He could give the Seahawks a big-play receiver comparable to the likes of Seahawk legend Steve Largent and could give soon-to-be new Head Coach Jim Mora Jr. a few more hours of sleep every night.

5. Cleveland Browns - Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State*
Seeing as how the Browns haven't scored an offensive touchdown in almost two months, some feel that Ohio native Chris Wells should be the pick here. But the Browns go a different direction and take Everette Brown, who should shoot up draft boards come April. Aside from his last name, there are lots of things for Cleveland to like about Brown. He is a freakish athlete who has the size and moves to productively rush the passer and has the speed to drop into coverage. He will be a perfect OLB for their 3-4 defense, which they should keep intact even with the firing of Romeo Crennel.

6. Cincinnati Bengals - Andre Smith, OL, Alabama*
Ohio native Chris “Beanie” Wells is very tempting here as well, but keeping Carson Palmer healthy should be one of the top priorities for this franchise, and it is something that the Bengals did not do this season. Seeing the way that OT Joe Thomas has improved its cross-state rival Cleveland Brown’s offensive line should help in Cincinnati’s decision making process. Big Andre Smith should vastly improve their OL and keep a few more defenders away from Palmer. Not a very sexy pick, but Palmer won’t object to the selection at all.

7. Oakland Raiders - Michael Oher, OL, Ole Miss.
The Raiders would die to land Michael Crabtree, but he’s gone by their pick so they take Oher to reinforce their sub -par offensive line. Oher could be a tackle or guard and his best position may end up being right tackle. He gives them a stud in the trenches to open lanes for Darren McFadden and Michael Bush and protect JaMarcus Russell.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars - Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
Jenkins is arguably the most polished prospect in the draft. He is an incredible corner and a fantastic open-field tackler. They will think long and hard about an OT here, but Jenkins is one of the best players in the draft and will almost certainly be the Best Player Available at this point. Teaming Jenkins with Rashean Mathis gives the Jaguars one of the best CB tandems in the NFL. Jaguars’ fans will also be glad to see Jenkins covering guys instead of free agent pick-up Drayton Florence, who has been underwhelming at best this year for Jacksonville.        

9. Green Bay Packers - Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma*
Gerald McCoy is a name that many do not recognize, but if he decides to come out he will easily be the best DT in the draft. The Packers desperately need a pass rush, but they are just as bad at stopping the run A healthy Cullen Jenkins, who recorded 2.5 sacks before being injured in week 4 this season, along with a developing Jeremy Thompson should give the Packers enough quality DE’s to allow them to focus early on their atrocious run defense. McCoy should provide some much needed resistance in the middle and is a phenomenal pass rusher for a DT.

10. San Fransisco 49ers - Jason Smith, OL, Baylor
Sam Bradford could very easily be the pick if he is still available but the 49ers go another route and select Jason Smith. The 49ers gave up 55 sacks last year. Joe Montana could be the quarterback and still not have success behind a line like that. This is looking like the year of the offensive tackle as San Fransisco takes the 4th offensive linemen in the first 10 picks.


11. Buffalo Bills - Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
Aaron Curry is by far the best player available on the board at this point and the Bills do not hesitate in taking him. He is an absolute stud and has the potential to become a complete game -changer on the defensive side of the ball. Curry could play any LB position that the Bills ask him to. The Bills can score some pass rushers later in a draft that is filled with defensive line talent.

12. Denver Broncos - Taylor Mays, S, Southern California*
Putting it kindly, the Broncos’ defense is not good. They need help in run support and pass coverage. Taylor Mays is the answer at #12. His primary responsibility at USC was a “centerfield” safety who let nothing get by him but his 230 lb. frame could easily play a major force in run support as well. He is probably the hardest hitting safety in the country and should give the Broncos the attitude that all good defenses must have.

13. Washington Redskins - Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
The Jason Taylor experiment has officially gone down the drain.  The Redskins’ pass rush went right behind it. Johnson has only had one year of production in college but he is dripping with potential. However, the Redskins might look into trading back here to find an offensive lineman, which they desperately need, later in round one.

14. New Orleans Saints - Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida*
It should be safe to say that the New Orleans Saints will be going defense with their first pick this year. They need a leader in the middle, especially since Jonathan Vilma will probably leave via free agency. Brandon Spikes should bring a swagger to the New Orleans’ defense and will be able to roam freely playing behind 2008 first round pick Sedrick Ellis.

15. Houston Texans - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois*
The Texans could use a quality defensive back, especially with the threat that their best corner, Dunta Robinson, could leave via free agency. Davis, like his brother Vernon, will look good in shorts at the combine and has a very high ceiling. Davis could become a huge difference maker playing behind one of the premier defensive ends in the NFL, Mario Williams, forcing quick throws from opposing QB’s.

16. San Diego Chargers - Rey Maualuga, ILB, Southern California
Maualuga may not be the perfect fit for the Chargers, but he has too much potential to pass up. The Chargers could use a playmaker at the ILB position. And adding the Southern California ILB to a linebacking corps that already contains Shawn Phillips and Shawne Merriman would leave defensive coordinators shaking in their shoes.

17. New York Jets - Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma*
Let’s just be honest. Brett Favre doesn’t have it anymore. The Jets see their next franchise QB still on the board when they pick and they waste no time taking him. Bradford seems to have that “it” factor that an NFL QB needs to be successful. And if Favre does come back next year, Bradford could learn everything he needs to know from one of the best QB‘s of all time.

18. Chicago Bears - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri*   
The Bears look to have found their QB…finally. Now it’s time to get him some weapons. The Bears are struggling to find a true #1 WR since the departure of Bernard Berrian. Speedy Jeremy Maclin could end up being that guy. He should help out in the passing game and could also prove to be a valuable weapon on kick-offs, a squad that Devin Hester is no longer a part of since his conversion to full -time WR.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Sen’Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn*
B.J. Raji may be the better overall player of the two here, but Tampa Bay’s “Tampa 2’ defense calls for smaller, faster DT’s so Sen’Derrick Marks is the choice. Marks can use his agility to become a force against both the run and the pass in Tampa. The latest injury to Cadillac Williams may cause the Bucs to think about Chris Wells, who is still on the board at this point, but they pass for now.

20. Detroit Lions (via Dallas) - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State*
The Lions seemingly have holes everywhere. They are already hoping they have their cornerstone on offense in Matthew Stafford so now they look for a leader for the defensive side. Maybin has been flying under the radar for now but could end up being the best player available at this point and a dominant defensive end is an important foundation to a great defense.


21. Arizona Cardinals - Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State*
The Cardinals jump for joy as Chris Wells falls to them. The Cardinals were dead last in the league this year, averaging just over 73 rushing yards a game. Tim Hightower and J.J. Arrington are not the long -term answers to the team’s running woes. Wells would be a dynamic runner for Arizona and would make an offense that already includes Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, and Anquan Boldin even more dangerous.

22. Philadelphia Eagles - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
A year after being slapped with the infamous “Franchise” tag, Eagles tight end L.J. Smith has not been much help at all, finishing 30th in the league in yards for tight ends. The Eagles see a potential superstar in the making in Pettigrew and gobble him up. Along with Pettigrew’s pass-catching abilities, he is a very polished blocker, which should make both Donavan McNabb and Brian Westbrook happy campers.

23. Minnesota Vikings - Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
Despite having a Pro-Bowl CB in Antoine Winfield patrolling one side of the field, the Vikings still finished in the bottom half on the league in pass defense. A play-maker like Smith could help solidify a defense that is already one of the premier run-stuffing units in the game. Smith not only is a solid coverage man but is also a hard-hitter, much like Winfield, who could provide support in the run game.

24. New England Patriots - James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
The Patriots’ linebacking corps is thought to be the pride and joy of Coach Bill Belichick, but they are getting old. Scott Pioli is one of the best in the league at preparing for the future. Taking Laurinaitis will give them a chance to keep getting younger at the position. Laurinaitis is totally dedicated to football, which is exactly what the Patriot's look for in their draft picks. Laurinaitis should fit in just fine along side last year's first round pick and defensive rookie of the year Jerod Mayo.

25. Atlanta Falcons - B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
The Falcons had a very susceptible run defense this year that finished near the bottom of the league and got only 6.5 of their 34.0 sacks from their DT’s. Big Grady Jackson will be 36 by the start of next season and is closing in on the end of his career. B.J. Raji will eventually take over for Jackson and could become an anchor on the Atlanta defensive line. He has the size that a run stuffing DT needs but also has proven to have incredible ability to shoot the gaps and get into the backfield.

26. Miami Dolphins - George Selvie, DE/OLB, South Florida
George Selvie seems to be the perfect fit for the 3 -4 scheme in Miami. Selvie could give the Dolphins a pass rushing OLB to go opposite of Joey Porter, who racked up 17.5 sacks this year. Selvie’s 4.68 speed also gives him the quickness to drop into coverage. The Dolphins also need help at OG and take Duke Robinson

27. Baltimore Ravens - Percy Harvin, WR, Florida*
Joe Flacco, just like Falcons’ QB Matt Ryan, seems to be the real deal. It’s time to put some weapons around him. And with Percy Harvin, the Raven's offense should be able to take a major step forward.  Harvin should give them the #1 WR they've been looking for to replace Derrick Mason and his 4.3 speed and elusiveness makes him extremely dangerous as a kick returner, even though the Ravens already have the speedy Yamon Figurs
 
28. Philadelphia Eagles (via Carolina) - Eben Britton, OT, Arizona*
The Eagles received this pick from the Carolina Panthers for giving the Panthers their top pick last year. And with their 2nd pick in the first 30, they choose to address their offensive line by adding Eben Britton. Their starting OT’s Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan, will be 34 and 35 by the start of next season. Britton should be the eventual replacement for one of those two.

29. Indianapolis Colts - Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss.
Over the years, opponents have come to realize that the best way to beat the Colts is to keep Peyton Manning on the sideline. This can be done by running the football and eating the clock. DT Peria Jerry should fill some of those gaps in the defensive front that opponents have been running through all season. He fits the bill for what a Cover 2 team looks for in a defensive tackle and should be able to draw some of the double teams off of Dwight Freeney, allowing Freeney to get back to Pro -Bowl form.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers - Max Unger, OL, Oregon
The Steelers need some serious work on the offensive line. Pittsburgh was 4th in the league in sacks allowed this season, and QB Ben Roethlisberger has been banged up all season. Unger could probably play every position on the line and would give Pittsburgh some much needed flexibility and could eventually become the replacement for Alan Faneca, who left via free agency this season. Unger’s versatility makes him the pick here.

31. New York Giants - Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia
Sintim could become a great utility OLB for the G -Men. He’s a very rangy, athletic player that can come on blitzes, stuff the run, and drop into coverage. Sintim could improve a Giants’ defense who was already a top five unit this year without their best pass rushing defensive end. Assuming Steve Spagnuolo doesn’t take a head coaching position this off -season, he will be very pleased with the addition of Sintim.

32. Tennessee Titans - Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland*
The Titans’ draft strategy should be pretty simple: if there is a playmaking WR available when they pick, take him. Tennessee hasn’t had a 1,000 yard WR since the 2004 season. A dynamic WR could force opponents to pull their safeties off the line of scrimmage giving Chris Johnson and LenDale White even more room to run. Heyward -Bey should open up the field and give the Tennessee offense a much needed deep threat.


Just Missed:
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma
William Moore, S, Missouri
Alex Mack, C, California
Brian Cushing, OLB, Southern California