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2009
NFL Mock Draft - 7 Rounds - FINAL
(shortcut
- theNFLexpert.com)
by Michael
Abromowitz
NFL Draft
Director
Bio
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Matthew
Stafford
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Aaron Curry
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Jason Smith
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1-16 I 16-32
I Round
2 I Round 3 I Round 4 I Round 5 I Round 6 I Round 7
Well
Draft Day is finally here. This was by far the hardest mock draft
I filled out the past 5 years. I usually don't project trades,
but with the recent Mark Sanchez rumors, I decided to project a
trade. However, to keep the other rounds consistent, I did not
trade actual draft picks as that would have affected entired 7 round
mock draft. I would like to thank all of you again for another
great draft season. Remember this mock
draft is
my projection of what the NFL teams will do, not myself. As always feel
free to send your hate mail to me or even make
your opinions public by registering on
our forums.
Filter
the mock draft by your favorite team or your favorite player
1. Detroit Lions -
Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
Detroit
Lions' Draft
Needs
This team is a total mess, and may very well be known as the worst team
of all time. The best way to fix it is a complete image makeover,
and what better way than with a franchise quarterback. Stafford
looks to be competing with Mark Sanchez as the top QB in the
draft. The Lions received another first round pick with the Roy
Williams' trade, and look for them to assess the LT, DE, or LB position
with that pick. The NFL is a copycat league. If I were the
Lions I would copy exactly what the Falcons did last year: take the QB
and then the LT. Critics against Stafford, mention that no
quarterback can
succeed without an offensive line. I totally agree with that
statement, but also agree if you have a need at quarterback and you
have a chance to draft a franchise quarterback, you must do it. A
solid offensive lineman can be added later in the draft, but there are
not too many quarterbacks that are considered "franchise" worthy.
OT Jason Smith has been a popular pick at this spot as well, but I
believe the Lions can get a solid OT at #20, but not a
quarterback. I don't think Stafford, Sanchez, or Josh Freeman
will be on the board still. With that, I believe the choice to
draft a quarterback here is that much more likely.
2. St. Louis Rams - Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
St.
Louis
Rams' Draft
Needs
The Rams made it pretty well known that they wanted Jake Long last
year, but instead had to settle with Chris Long. The decision
will come down to Jason Smith, and Eugene Monroe. With
Steve Spagnolo, the new head coach, the Rams could go defensive and
draft LB Aaron Curry, the NFL Combine winner, but the Rams add to where
for so long they have struggled: the offensive line. Smith actually started his college career as a tight end,
which explains his incredible athleticism. His biggest knack
against him is he is less than 310 lbs. The release of Orlando
Pace has made offensive tackle that much more likely the pick at this
spot. Michael Crabtree is a dark horse here as besides Donnie
Avery, the Rams lack another go to receiver.
3. Kansas City
Chiefs - Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
Kansas City Chiefs' Draft Needs
For so long I have targeted Aaron Curry at this spot, but with recent
acquisitions of linebackers Mike Vrabel, Zach Thomas, and Monty Beisel
iand the Chiefs switching to a 3-4 defense, I am starting to believe
Curry to KC is less likely. Scott Pioli sees Jackson as the next
Richard Seymour. A valuable defensive end in a 3-4 defense.
With no premier defensive end outside of Jackson that can play in the
3-4, the Chiefs bypass on Aaron Curry and take Jackson.
4.
Washington Redskins - Mark Sanchez, QB, USC (projected trade with SEA)
Washington
Redskins' Draft
Needs
Usually Dan Snyder gets what he
wants. In this case it is quarterback Mark Sanchez. The
Redskins don't have much ammo in regards to draft picks, but I believe
Snyder will do what he needs to do, including giving up future picks
(even though Snyder said no), and possibly one of their young receivers
to get Sanchez. The Seahawks are the perfect trade partner
because I don't think they are sold on drafting Sanchez and could draft
back and still get a player they desire.
5.
Cleveland Browns - Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
Cleveland Browns'
Draft Needs
The Browns probably never expected
Curry to be still on the board. If Curry was off the board, I
believe they would pursue DT B.J. Raji to team up with Shaun Rodgers,
who would move to DE, to create a lethal defense. But, Curry is
too special to pass up. He can play either inside or outside in a
3-4 defense.
6. Cincinnati Bengals -
Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Cincinnati Bengals'
Draft Needs
After signing DT Tank Johnson to team up with the Bengals' young two
DTs, Peko and Sims, B.J. Raji no longer seems to be an option.
Instead this decision came down to Smith and DE Brian Orakpo. The
Bengals desperately need to find another pass rusher to team with
Robert Geathers and Antwan Odom, but a far more pressing need is the
offensive line, especially after losing Stacy Andrews to free
agency. After missing most of last season,
Carson Palmer must be protected. This pick will either being
Monroe, Jason Smith, or Andre Smith, depending who is available.
Smith seems to be the choice as I believe the Bengals want to focus on
getting a prospect for the right tackle position. Remember, the
Bengals have the smallest scouting department in the NFL, they probably
didn't see Smith's Pro Day. They got the CBS highlight tapes to
look at.
7.
Oakland Raiders - Darrius Heyward-Bey,
WR, Maryalnd
Oakland
Raiders'
Draft Needs
The Raiders love speed and they are
not afraid to pass over the consensus top receiver in Michael Crabtree
for the fast Heyward-Bey. The Raiders will probably address
receiver at this position, it is just a matter of who they want, and my
money is on the guy with the fastest 40. The Raiders would be
better off trading down if DHB is there target, but they would not be
afraid to take him at 7.
8. Jacksonville
Jaguars - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
Jacksonville
Jaguars' Draft Needs
The Jaguars' signing of veteran Tra Thomas has made OT less of a
need. Torry Holt was a great signing and the possible of adding
Michael Crabtree would totally improve the Jaguars' depth at
receiver. If Crabtree is here this pick should be rather easy for
the Jaguars.
9.
Green Bay
Packers - B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
Green Bay Packers'
Draft Needs
With so many teams, including
the Packers, switching to a 3-4 defense, Raji's stock is in
demand. I always believe the success of a
3-4 defense starts up front at the nosetackle position. A great
nose, can make all the differences and that is why I can't see the
Packers passing on him. The Packers could look at OT Eugene
Monroe, but a solid tackle can be found in the later rounds.
After Raji, Ron Brace is the only 3-4 DT worth drafting in the top 2
rounds.
10.
San Francisco 49ers - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
San Francisco 49ers'
Draft Needs
The 49ers recently signed OLB Parys Haralson to a four year extension,
so the 49ers could easily bypass on Orakpo.
With so much depth at the 3-4 outside linebacker
position, the 49ers draft Monroe allowing Joe Staley to move back to
right tackle, thus creating solid bookends for the future. Marvel
Smith was
a great signing, but he has been oft-injured the past few
seasons.
11. Buffalo Bills
- Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss.
Buffalo Bills' Draft Needs
With the recent Jason Peters' trade, left tackle is now a much bigger
need. Defensive end is also a major need and with Robert Ayers, a
player the Bills are very high on still available, this is a very
difficult decision. With three of the top four tackles off the
board, I believe the Bills draft Oher. After Oher there is a
major drop in talent and after trading their Pro Bowl left tackle, the
Bills need make sure Trent Edwards is protected. By now the whole
world knows about Oher and his story. Oher may have the highest
ceiling of any of the offensive tackles in this draft, but his stock
has dropped after poor workouts at the Senior Bowl and Combine and
questions raised about his technique and his inconsistent motor.
Oher is a very quiet person and he may benefit from being in the small
town of Buffalo compared to a major metropolitan city.
12.
Denver Broncos - Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB,
Texas
Denver Broncos' Draft Needs
The Broncos could draft Josh
Freeman as the eventual replacement for Kyle Orton, but instead take
the pass rusher who looks to be the best 3-4 OLB. Orakpo has the
strength and speed you want for your outside pass rusher. The
Broncos would prefer Tyson Jackson or B.J. Raji at this spot, but with
both guys off they improve their linebacking corps.
13. Seattle Seahawks - Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State (projected
trade with WAS)
Seattle
Seahawks'
Draft Needs
I believe the Seahawks do this trade
because they don't feel they need to draft their future franchise
quarterback just yet, are not sold on any of the offensive tackles, and
does not want to pay millions of dollars to another linebacker in
Curry. Instead, the Seahawks get Chris Wells to help improve
their running game. Julius Jones is not a premier starter and
T.J. Duckett is best as a goal line back. Wells has the chance to
be as good as Steven Jackson.
14.
New Orleans Saints - Malcolm Jenkins, CB/FS, Ohio State
New
Orleans
Saints' Draft
Needs
The Saints now seem to be set at CB with newly signed Jabari Greer, to
go along with Tracy Porter, Jason David, and Randall Gay and even
safety with the signings of Darren Sharper and Pierson Prioleau at
safety. But even with that, it will be extremely hard for the
Saints to pass on Jenkins. Jenkins, who some say lack the speed
needed to be a CB, could come immediately and bolster the free safety
spot. At CB, Malcolm Jenkins could become a very good cornerback
(a couple Pro Bowls). At free safety, Jenkins could become a
star. The Saints have said to be interested in Jenkins' teammate,
RB Chris Wells, as well.
15. Houston Texans -
Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
Houston
Texans' Draft
Needs
The Texans got their DE to play opposite Mario Williams in Antonio
Smith making DE not as much of a need. With that they can focus
on its outside linebacker position. The Texans seem set at ILB
for the next decade with DeMeco Ryans, but they lack much talent at the
OLB position and Morlon Greenwood was released this offseason.
OLB Cato June was recently signed, but he is more suitable for
depth. The Texans' biggest need is strong safety, but this is too
early for
them, so the Texans improve another need and draft the extremely
athletic Cushing. Cushing can also play defensive end and outside
linebacker. Cushing's teammate Clay Matthews is another
option. If Malcolm Jenkins would to fall here, he would be the
pick.
16.
San Diego Chargers - Rey Maualuga, ILB,
USC
San Diego
Chargers'
Draft Needs
For now the Chargers situation at running back seems to be set with LT
signing a new
contract. Tyson Jackson would
be the Chargers' first choice as he would
fill the expected DE void left by DE Igor Olshansky, who is a free
agent, but he is off the board. With that the Chargers add a
Southern
California product to man its middle in ILB Rey Maualuga. The
Chargers currently have Stephen Cooper, Matt Wilhelm, Tim Dobbins and
Brandon Siler at the ILB, hardly star power. They signed
Kevin Burnett this offseason, but he is more of a special teams
player. Maualuga
would be
the stud they need and along with Shawne Merriman this defense will be
much improved.
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2009 NFL Draft Needs
- All 32 NFL
Teams
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