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Draft Day: April 25th, 2009

2009 NFL DRAFT: ROUND 1

Updated 4/6/09

Detroit Lions

 Round 1, Pick 1: Detroit Lions - Matthew Stafford, QB - GeorgiaMatthew Stafford

The Lions have managed to do just about everything wrong this year. The entire franchise is a mess from top to bottom. This is definitely a team that needs to rebuild. The first step to rebuilding is a franchise Quarterback. Matthew Stafford appears to be the best pro prospect among college QB's. He throws a tight spiral, has great arm strength, and can thread the needle with his passes. There should be no reason he couldn't become the first block in the Lions rebuilding. Stafford has the intangibles that are having NFL scouts going crazy. After trading away Jon Kitna, I think they pretty much made a huge statement for their intention of drafting a QB.

St. Louis RamsRound 1, Pick 2: St. Louis Rams - Jason Smith , OT - BaylorJason Smith

The Rams can't seem to do much of anything right these days. The one weakness that is apparent from watching 2 minutes of a Rams game is the defense. They drafted Chris Long and Adam Carriker both to bolster the defensive line, with veteran Leonard Little lining up next to them. They have been weak at the defensive back position for a long time, but even more so at the linebacker positions. Unfortunately, they have had big problems on offense as well. Orlando Pace has been oft-injured as of late, and was released. The word is they wanted Jake Long last year, so it would make sense they take the big franchise offensive tackle this year. Jason Smith has the best looking stock at the position this moment, and has seen his stock rise significantly since the season ended. The release of Orlando Pace is a definite sign they will be drafting a tackle this year.

Kansas City Chiefs

Round 1, Pick 3: Kansas City Chiefs - Aaron Curry, LB - Wake ForestAaron Curry

The Chiefs have had many problems with the Quarterback position ever since the departure of Trent Green two seasons ago. However, after trading for Matt Cassel, they won't need to draft a QB. Aaron Curry will be the best player available in overall talent. He could play linebacker next to Derrick Johnson and help the Chiefs put a dominant defense on the field. He draws many comparisons to the legendary Derrick Brooks. I would say the Cheifs have to trade out of this spot, or take a safe pick like Curry.

 

Seattle Seahawks

Round 1, Pick 4: Seattle Seahawks - Eugene Monroe, OT - Virginia Eugene Monroe

Seahawks have gone from Hero to Zero in just two seasons. Despite having one of the better rosters in the NFL, underperforming and injuries have caused this team to fall from potential Super Bowl contenders to one of the league's worst. Dropped passes have plagued the Seahawks for years, and nothing has really changed. Luckily, the Seahawks picked up T.J. Hoosh to save the wide receiver spot in Seattle, so they will no longer need to draft Crabtree at this spot. Now I think they will try to bolster the offensive line that provided very little help for the run game. Walter Jones is still pro-bowl material, although that might not last much longer. The rest of the line is filled out by average performing individuals. With the amount of talent available at the offensive tackle position in this year's draft, it will be hard for them not to take a shot at one of them here.

Cleveland Browns

Round 1, Pick 5: Cleveland Browns - Brian Orakpo, DE - Texas

Cleveland let quite a bit of their defense go to free agency this year and need to find a boost on that side of the ball in this year's draft. They traded their only decent cornerback Leigh Bodden to the Lions, and left themself with no support at the position. They signed Corey Ivy in the free agency, but that is no long-term answer. I think with Eric Mangini as the new head coach, he will emphasize defense with an exclamation point by drafting Brian Orakpo, most likely the best defensive player available at this spot. I don't think Cleveland can afford pass him up, as they can't make anymore mistakes in the front office. They did lose Willie McGinest and Andra' Davis to the free agency this year, so Orakpo and his beast-like athleticism will be just what they need to bolster their defense. Orakpo had a great senior season at Texas, and he really got a chance to show his potential for being a pro-bowler at the next level. His great combine performance has also proved his strength and speed with the ability to play linebacker.

Cincinnati Bengals

Round 1, Pick 6: Cincinnati Bengals - Andre Smith, OT - Bama Andre Smith

The Bungles are once again terrible. This franchise seems to have real problems becoming much of anything. After a history of NFL draft flops within this franchise, they could really use a few good drafts to take them to the top. After letting Pro Bowler Willie Anderson go, I don't believe they ever really filled the gaping hole he left in the line. Andre Smith seems to be one of the best offensive line prospects in college football and could really fill that void that was left from Anderson. Smith has had a few problems with attitude and his weight, so Jason Smith could also be an option if he falls here. I don't think the Bengals can take any risky picks, so a safe offensive tackle is a given this year.

 

Oakland Raiders

Round 1, Pick 7: Oakland Raiders - Michael Crabtree, WR - Texas Tech Michael Crabtree

The Raiders drafted their hopeful franchise QB in JaMarcus Russell in '07 and their hopeful franchise RB in Darren McFadden in '08. They have made huge splashes in the free agency by getting playmakers on the defense. Now I believe with Al Davis' interest in amazing athletes, he will take Michael Crabtree to get the true play-maker at wide receiver they need. When they asked Javon Walker to take a pay cut to stay, I thought that was a big sign they are going wide out on this pick. One thing that continues to suffer is their offensive line. Robert Gallery was a flop at tackle, so they had to move him into the inside at guard. The time and push of the current offensive line unit gives is underwhelming. This would be a huge boost for the Raiders if they could also pull a top tackle right here.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Round 1, Pick 8: Jacksonville Jaguars - Jeremy Maclin , WR - Mizzou Jeremy Maclin

Jacksonville has had one of the best defenses in recent years, only to be mediocre in 2008. They had a huge loss in the free agency last year with the departure of Pro Bowler Marcus Stroud. Mike Peterson has had quite a bit of differences with coach Jack Del Rio, so he departed this off-season. They have had numerous problems at the wide receiver spot as well, as they had two failed first round recievers in Reggie Williams and Matt Jones. I believe they will take one more stab at a first round wide receiver this year, and Jeremy Maclin will be the best one available. He has ground-breaking speed and is a burner on special teams. He could be the weapon they need to be successful on offense. If they decide to go defense, linebacker is a given. In which they could take whoever would still be left here.

 

Green Bay Packers

Round 1, Pick 9: Green Bay Packers - Malcolm Jenkins, CB - Ohio State Malcolm Jenkins

Can somebody tell me why this team isn't winning? It's hard to find a weakness on a team full of Pro-Bowlers and playmakers. The defense has been awful, but they have so many elite players, it's hard to assume it's their fault. They made a coaching change on the defensive side of the ball, hopefully this will resolve a lot of their defensive issues. They have an elite defensive end in Aaron Kampman, however a defensive tackle on the interior line could compliment him nicely. Some explosiveness on the pass rush could be just what Green Bay needs to ignite the defense and send them deep into the playoffs. Cornerback could also be an option, as Charles Woodson and Al Harris are both getting towards the end of their careers. Jenkins has proved to be a very talented defensive back with tons of potential at the pro level. Jenkins was projected as a top-10 overall pick if he left for the draft a year ago, but decided to stay for his senior season. His decision only made his stock higher for this year's draft as he earned the Jim Thorpe award, awarded to the best defensive back in the country for the given year. He will be on the top of every team's draft board,

 

San Francisco 49ers

Round 1, Pick 10: San Francisco 49ers - Everette Brown, DE - Florida State Everette Brown

It's no secret that the 49ers have struggled at Quarterback, as Alex Smith has proven to be a complete flop. However, the best signal caller will be gone by now and I'm not sure if they want to take a chance on another "maybe" Junior QB like Mark Sanchez. I believe coach Mike Singletary will give Shaun Hill another year, as hill was 5-3 as a starter in 2008. They will most likely look toward bolstering their defense. I'm pretty sure Justin Smith didn't pan out the way the Niners had hoped when they signed him as a free agent last year. They will probably look to put someone young on the opposite side from Smith, and possibly replace him if he doesn't start to produce they way they hope in the near future. Brown is coming off an amazing junior campaign at Florida State that helped his draft stock rise. He is leaving a year early to be a  part of a very deep class of defensive ends. His contribution could be felt right away in a Terrell Suggs-type of way.

Buffalo Bills

Round 1, Pick 11: Buffalo Bills - Aaron Maybin, OLB/DE - Penn State Aaron Maybin

The Buffalo Bills seem to be set on most of their skill positions, or at least have prospects to fill the spots. They could definitely take a tight end here, but I think it's a little high to take any of the tight ends in this year's draft this high. So I think they will go for the upgrade on the opposite side of Aaron Schoebel. Enter Penn State's Aaron Maybin, and now you have one elite set of defensive ends. Maybin could also play as a blitzing outside linebacker, but either way he will put pressure on the pocket. He is one of my favorite prospects coming into this year's draft, and I believe he has the materials to get it done right away. I could also see them taking an offensive tackle right here if the one they have been eyeing falls into their lap. They could always use help blocking for young players like Marshawn Lynch and Trent Edwards.

Denver Broncos

Round 1, Pick 12: Denver Broncos - B.J. Raji , DT - Boston College

B.J. Raji has seen his stock rise tremendously after his senior season at Boston College and his performance at the Senior Bowl. So he is now being projected as a sure-fire top 15 pick this year. After his failed drug test at the combine this year, there is a chance he could fall far. With the rising off-field problems (Michael Vick, Pac-Man Jones, Terrell Owens, Tank Williams, Donte Stallworth, etc.) teams are going be more and more careful on who they pick that can have potential problems for the organization. Either way, the Broncos are desperate for defense, and I don't think they can afford to pass this up, so they will end up taking a chance on Raji.

 

Washington Redskins

Round 1, Pick 13: Washington Redskins - Michael Oher, OT - Ole Miss Michael Oher

Tough Pick. But I think the Redskins will pick an offensive lineman here. They need someone to replace Jon Jansen, then eventually Chris Samuels. With all the money wrapped up in Clinton Portis and Ladell Betts, I think they want to make sure they have an extremely potent running game coming into 2009. Michael Oher has fallen to the #4 offensive tackle in this year's draft due to his huge knock: pass blocking. His senior bowl wasn't great, but he is still regarded as one of the better tackles available in this year's draft. I could also see the Redskins drafting a linebacker or defensive end here, to replace Jason Taylor, who they released this off-season. However, they just invested $100M in Albert Haynesworth, so I don't think they are spending anymore money or draft picks on defense this year. I would say Oher is too good to pass up right here. So I would say Washington could go with anything here, but Oher seems like a safe choice.

 

New Orleans Saints

Round 1, Pick 14: New Orleans Saints - Vontae Davis, CB - Illinois Vontae Davis

Despite having MVP-caliber QB Drew Brees, Pro-Bowl Wide Receiver Marques Colston, and two Pro-Bowl running backs (Reggie Bush, Deuce McAllister), the Saints have missed the playoffs yet again. Does that say anything about the kind of defense they bring to the table? Despite some good defensive draft picks, and a few big free agent splashes, the defense still stinks. They invested their last year's first round pick in SC's defensive tackle Secrick Ellis, and re-signed Jonathan Vilma this off-season. They ranked near the bottom in the league in pass defense this year, and also released cornerback Mike McKenzie. I have them taking the best defensive back available right here, which happens to be Vontae Davis.I could also see them using this year's first round draft pick to take a premier defensive end to play opposite Will Smith. Maybe someone like Tyson Jackson, his hometown is in Louisianna and would probably be excited to have a chance to play pro-ball close to home, as he did with his college ball at LSU. They may also opt for an upgrade at outside linebacker with Maybin or Cushing still on the board.

 

Houston Texans

Round 1, Pick 15: Houston Texans -Brian Cushing , OLB, USC Brian Cushing

Houston has a lot of needs, but I would say mostly they need the help on defense. DeMeco Ryans is a pro-bowler and one of the best linebackers in the league today. However the rest of the linebacking corps are sub-par. They could most definitely take a highly-touted outside linebacker like Brian Cushing here. Cushing looks like the next Brian Urlacher with his combination of size and strength. I think they will have him play with DeMeco Ryans at linebacker to create a well-rounded linebacking corpse that could make them a very competitive defense. I believe they will take whoever the best defensive player they feel will fit in their system is.

 

San Diego Chargers

Round 1, Pick 16: San Diego Chargers - Tyson Jackson, DE - LSU

It's hard to find weaknesses on the Chargers roster, but defensively they could use a replacement at defensive end after they let Igor Olshansksy go to Dallas. I'm sure Tyson Jackson won't mind lining up next to Luis Castillo or Jamal Williams either. If any of the first round talent linebackers are available here, you could see them go right here as well. I think after Jackson's solid senior campaign, he is a shoo-in for first round and the Chargers need his brute strength for their 3-4 defense.

New York Jets

Round 1, Pick 17: New York Jets - Mark Sanchez, QB - USC Mark Sanchez

New York Jets will be trying to improve the QB position this year, with or without Brett Favre coming back. They got rid of Chad Pennington, and Kellen Clemens already proved he won't be able to handle a job as an NFL starting QB. The Jets will be extremely lucky to find Sanchez falling to them, as many believe he will go in the top 10. I believe Mark Sanchez is too risky for most NFL teams, as he is unexperienced and unproven. He still needs plenty of time to develop into an NFL starter. If they don't think Vernon Gholston will get much better, I could also see an OLB or DE going right here. As long as they aren't gun-shy on going for another defensive lineman in the draft...they still need to fill the need that John Abraham left wide open. Jets fans may or may not like Sanchez as their future QB. But one thing is for sure, I know I wouldn't want him leading the future of my franchise.

 

Denver BroncosRound 1, Pick 18: Denver Broncos (from Chicago) - James Laurinaitis , LB - Ohio State James Laurinaitis

Denver has the most underachieving defense in the NFL. They could use a William Moore is quite possibly the best Safety prospect coming into the 2009 NFL Draft since Taylor Mays decided to return to USC for his senior year. However, after a not-so-spectacular senior campaign and a terrible senior bowl, Moore has pretty much played himself out of the 1st round. So they signed a temporary replacement with veteran Brian Dawkins to fill that hole. After moving DJ Williams from the middle to the outside at linebacker, the middle linebacker position has been horrible in Denver. The Broncos could definitely start rebuilding their defense by replacing that position here with James Laurinaitis. Laurinaitis was projected to be a top 15 pick in last year's draft and he ended up staying for his senior year instead. He couldn't drop much out of the first round, his stock is just too high.This would be extremely good for that defense if he works out.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Round 1, Pick 19: Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB - Ohio State

Carnell Williams has been injured for two straight seasons and looks to have had career-ending injuries. Warrick Dunn is old and not effective. Derrick Ward was signed as a free agent, but I don't think he is a long term answer. Finally, Earnest Graham was a one-season wonder who doesn't look to be the real deal. Beanie Wells is. That is why you will see Tampa Bay take him to bolster the rushing offense and take control of the NFC South. With a strong running game and a decent defense, who needs a great passer? See Tampa Bay Buccaneers of 2002.

 

 

Detroit Lions

Round 1, Pick 20: Detroit Lions (From Dallas) - Eben Britton, OT - Arizona

The big 3 best offensive tackle prospects will be gone by the time Detroit gets their second first round draft choice. Eben Britton will be the best lineman left on the board when they get this choice. He could play the blind spot on Detroit's line, assuming they don't pick one with the first overall choice. Also assuming they don't trade up for a chance at one of the prolific OT prospects.

 

 

Philadelphia Eagles

Round 1, Pick 21: Philadelphia Eagles - Brandon Pettigrew, TE - Oklahoma State Brandon Pettigrew

I think the Eagles will take a Tight End if they don't sign one in Free Agency. Jermaine Gresham will be the first TE taken in the draft this year, and a huge upgrade over L.J. Smith. Gresham has proved he has all the tools needed to be competitive at the next level. Since all the best first-round talent offensive lineman are gone by now, I think this is their best choice.

Minnesota Vikings

Round 1, Pick 22: Minnesota Vikings - Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR - Maryland

I almost feel bad for the Vikings...their biggest need is QB, and they can't seem to lose enough games to draft anyone worth starting at that position. It looks like they are going to try and start Sage Rosenfels this year and aren't quite ready to upgrade or draft someone yet. I think Bernard Berrian has been an excellent pickup for them in the free agency this year, and Visanthe Shiancoe has developed extremely well at Tight End. I think lining up someone opposite of Berrian could be helpful. Heyward-Bey is a blistering-fast playmaker and could help with igniting the offense of Minnesota. He could also help on special teams.

 

 

 

New England Patriots

Round 1, Pick 23: New England Patriots - Clay Matthews, LB - USC

It's hard to find many weaknesses on the Pats defense, but after trading Mike Vrabel to Kansas City and Junior Seau to free agency, they left a gap at the outside linebacker position. Matthews is going to be the best linebacker available here and he has the best chance of replacing those guys effectively. Although not as athletic as his USC linebacking mates Maualuga and Cushing, he has a ton of heart and a great attitude.After Jerod Mayo worked out so well for them last year, I think it's safe to say they might gamble at a linebacker again expecting the same results.

Atlanta Falcons

Round 1, Pick 24: Atlanta Falcons - Larry English, OLB - Northern Illinois

Larry English has had a fantastic college career at NIU, and it's almost for sure that he will now go in the first round in the 2009 draft. If English falls this far, the Falcons will probably see him as the best available player, and they could use someone to play outside linebacker. The Falcons really need a defensive tackle, so I think Peria Jerry could be an option right here. If one of the elite cornerbacks fall here, I could see them taking someone to play opposite Chris Houston. If they decide to go offense with this pick, they could replace Justin Peele with Brandon Pettigrew if he is available and fill the whole that Alge Crumpler left this year. A receiving threat at TE could prove to be that check-down receiver that Matt Ryan could use to open up the passing offense a little more.

 

 

Miami Dolphins

Round 1, Pick 25: Miami Dolphins - Clint Sintim, LB - Virginia Clint Sintim

Finally, south beach seems to have found some way to win some games. Joey Porter has been lighting it up, and overall, they don't seem to have a ton of weaknesses. Another linebacker couldn't hurt, and Clint Sintim will be the best one available at this point. Enter an extremely good defense for Miami next year if they get this guy to fall into their laps, as he will play opposite Joey Porter to create a pretty prolific set of linebackers. I wouldn't count out a big-play cornerback right here if one of the top ones fall. Also, look out for nose tackle if they decide to put someone in the middle. I doubt they are going to give up on Merling this early, so I don't think they will be taking a defensive end.

Baltimore Ravens

Round 1, Pick 26: Baltimore Ravens - D.J. Moore, CB - Vandy

Baltimore released pro-bowl cornerback Chris McAlister and Samari Rolle this February, making a cornerback here the most logical choice. D.J. Moore is one of my favorite players in this year's draft and I think he has tremendous talent that will help him succeed on Sundays. They could go with an outside linebacker like Larry English to play opposite Terrell Suggs, who they put the franchise tag on this year. He is a OLB/DE hybrid just like Suggs. With Bart Scott gone and Ray Lewis on the fence still, they could end up making up for it with two stellar guys on the outside like Suggs and English. I could also see a Wide Receiver go here for a replacement of the aging Derrick Mason.

Philadelphia Eagles

Round 1, Pick 27: Philadelphia Eagles (From Carolina) - Knowshown Moreno, RB - GeorgiaKnowshown Moreno

The Eagles don't have many glaring weaknesses, and as long as they resolve the most obvious one at tight end with their number 21 pick, I believe they will go for the replacement for Brian Westbrook. They could use a running back to comliment Westbrook in the couple years he has left in him, but will have someone to eventually take 30 carries a game. Knowshown Moreno will be the best back left if he falls this far, so he would become a solid pick for the Eagles here.

 

Indianapolis Colts

Round 1, Pick 28: Indianapolis Colts - Peria Jerry, DT - MississippiPeria Jerry

I don't think many will argue the fact that defensive tackle is the weakest position on the Colts football team. A run stuffing boy like Peria Jerry can clog the middle of their defensive line and cause problems for opposing offenses. Look for the First-team All-American Jerry to come off the board late in the first. Wouldn't you love to be the guy lining up next to Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis?

 

 

New York GiantsRound 1, Pick 29: New York Giants - Hakeem Nicks, WR- North Carolina Hakeem Nicks

After countless problems with Plaxico Burress, the Giants have decided to release him. Also, Amani Toomer retired, leaving the WR spot in the big apple extremely empty. If they don't go receiver here, I think they're crazy. Hakeem Nicks has had a rise in stock since the end of the season, and now looks like a sure first-round prospect. A lot of people liked him after his combine performance and thinks he will find a lot of success at the next level. Look for them to add a weapon for Eli here.

Tennessee Titans

Round 1, Pick 30: Tennessee Titans - Percy Harvin, WR - FloridaPercy Harvin

The Titans defense is stacked. So I'm pretty sure they won't have any dying needs on that side of the ball, unless they find someone that falls here that they just can't pass up. I have predicted the Titans take a WR the past few drafts and they still haven't. How long do you have to be terrible at one position to draft for it? Hopefully this is the year for Tennesse to pick that position up and take off with it. Percy Harvin's biggest knock is that he is injury-prone. However, after having a huge game in the BCS Championship, I'm sure his draft stock has risen just enough to make him a first-round pick. He is lightning-fast (rumored to run a 4.3 40 yard dash), and super strong (450-pound bench press). He is one hell of an athlete, and has just too much upside not to be one of the top 3 receivers taken. If they want Vince Young to be their quarterback of the future, they will need to surround him with talent to succeed. Whether it is Collins or V.Y. under the helm in 2009, they will need playmakers around them to be successful.

 

 

Arizona Cardinals

Round 1, Pick 31: Arizona Cardinals - LeSean McCoy, RB - PittLeSean McCoy

Arizona seems to have re-enacted the "greatest show on turf" offense that Kurt Warner was famous for in St. Louis. He definitely has been spectacular this year, as well as having two Pro Bowl receivers to throw to. I would say if Arizona could improve their running game, they could be a super bowl-winning caliber team, rather than a super bowl-losing team. LeSean McCoy could be just the boost they need to make their running game effective. After the failed attempts at signing veterans like Emmitt Smith and Edgerrin James, I could see them taking a chance at drafting a 1,000 yard RB here. It wouldn't be surprising to see McCoy fall this far, seeing that the need for running backs aren't very high this year. If any of the elite defensive players fall into their lap, I could see them going defense right here as well. If all three first-round talent running backs are gone by now, you can call defense a lock at this spot.

Pittsburgh SteelersRound 1, Pick 32: Pittsburgh Steelers - Alex Mack, C - CalAlex Mack

The Steelers offensive line no longer amazes me and I feel like it is the weakness on the team. The team needs a new anchor on the front line and this is who it's going to be. Alex Mack is a beast, and can draw comparisons to some of the best offensive lineman in the league. He could be moved to either of the guard spots to fit the proper need on the Steelers line. This could also be Max Unger, depending on which center the Steelers prefer. Mack has been widely regarded as one of the top centers in the country.

 

Also Take a Sneak Peek at the 2010 NFL Mock Draft.

 

 

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