2009 NFL Mock Draft V1.0 Rounds 1-3

Since the deadline has come and gone in regards to underclassmen, entering and staying, so I felt it was safe enough to finally release my first mock draft for 2009. This is going to be an interesting draft to say the least. The big talent isn't the usual "skills" department, though there are a few there. This will be big in lineman, linebackers and corners. Now the order below is based on the regular season, it will change after the Super Bowl. At that time 2.0 will come out with the correct draft order, 3.0 will follow the combine.

ROUND ONE
1. Detroit Lions-Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia
The Lions have the benefit of having five draft picks within the first three rounds of this draft. This of course is due to sending Roy Williams to Dallas for a bounty of picks. Now if they are not successful at getting Matt Cassell from the Patriots I believe they will take Stafford number one. Now I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up being Mark Sanchez as I could very easily seeing him move above Stafford in the months ahead.

2. St Louis Rams-Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Orlando Pace is getting up in the years and the Rams need to get his replacement, and this draft is the perfect opportunity to do so. I could see them going after Aaron Curry or Maybin or even Malcolm Jenkins, but I believe the teams sees the weakness they had last year at protecting the QB.

3. Kansas City Chiefs-Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
To me this is the biggest question mark in the draft. What the Chiefs do here will either shock no one or cause a furry of moves up and down the draft. I thought about Sanchez but threw it out. I thought an offensive lineman, but Pioli knows he can get that later in the draft. I went with Curry because Pioli will take the best available, and he saw what Mayo did this last season.


4. Seattle Seahawks-Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
This pick could send Matt Hasselback crying for days with tears of joy. I don't know if he's ever really had a receiving threat, let alone the talent of Crabtree. I guess its that old saying, good things come to those who wait. Of course the Seahawks are notorious about moving down and almost always out of the first round, so don't be surprised to see them move.

5. Cleveland Browns-Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
Let me be frank, I don't expect the Browns to stay at the number five spot. They have no third round pick and I did the trade value chart and could easily move down to 20 with the Lions, pick up their second and the Cowboys third rounder for the fifth pick. If they don't I went with Oher over Jenkins and Maualuga simply because I think their right tackle spot is a much bigger concern then corner and linebacker. Well, I should say that this is too early for Maualuga and I'm still not sold that there needs to be such a high priced corner in Cleveland with McDonald and Wright there.

6. Cincinnati Bengals-Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
I know this pick doesn't make a whole hell of a lot of sense to some people, the Bengals obviously need more defensive help then anything. Then again its the Bungles and they don't really have a running threat at the moment and Moreno may be too tempting to pass up. I could see Jenkins, Maybin or one of the tackles here as well.

7. Oakland Raiders-Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
Al Davis loves one thing, speed. This would be the thrid straight year where you saw the Raiders getting some of the most devistating offensive players in college football with their first round pick. The bonus to Maclin is his return ability, which Oakland is probably already drooling over.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars-Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
I don't see Mike Peterson staying in Jacksonville after everything that has transpired this year. I do see Jack Del Rio falling in love with Maualuga, with his ability and his passion for the game. I think he'll fit in very nicely with that defense.

9. Green Bay Packers-Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn St
The thing that hurt the Packers defense this year was the complete lack of a pass rush. Taking Maybin over Brown and Orakpo I think will have more to do with where he played (a cold climate) then anything else. Maybin knows how to play that Packers style of defense and should meld in well, though I don't know if I see constant Pro Bowler in him.

10. San Francisco 49ers-Everette Brown, DE, Florida St
This will make SayHey and his clone very happy. The Niners are also a team that is in need of some pressure on opposing QBs, and Brown has a pretty decent motor in that category. I'm not sure if he'd play linebacker or defensive end in the current scheme, but I think under Singletary's wing he could become quite a factor in the NFC West.

11. Buffalo Bills-Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
I have the Bills take Monroe over Smith for the simple fact that Monroe is more versatile. He can play guard as well as tackle and with the history of Buffalo linemen lately, they need someone with the skill to be able to do that.

12. Denver Broncos-Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio St
It should be a crime for Malcolm Jenkins to fall this far, and I don't believe he will. If he gets past the Browns at five, don't be surprised if teams start calling every team up there to get a shot at Malcolm Jenkins. Here he'd take over for Dre Bly and team with Champ Bailey in what could very well be the best cornerback duo in the entire league.

13. Washington Redskins-Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
I've talked to my Redskins fan friends and they all seem to think defensive end, defensive end. Sorry I just cannot agree with that. They have no second round pick, and with the way their line is aging (not to mention performing) I have to go with an offensive tackle here. Jim Zorn knows the benefits of having a solid tackle (read Wlater Jones) protect your QB.

14. New Orleans Saints-BJ Raji, DT, Boston College
The Saints only have one pick in the first three rounds. Thanks to Vilma and Shockey they are pretty much gunning for one star and then getting depth. I went with BJ Raji because I LOVE the idea of paring him next to Sedrick Ellis and dominating the inside of the line. We've seen what Minnesota has been able to do with two dominate defensive tackles, and I think we may see an attempt at that here.

15. Houston Texans-Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
If Orakpo lasts to the Texans I imagine I will be hearing plenty of gunfire in the streets if they make this pick. Super Mario is playing out of his mind down here and needs someone on the otherside to balance out his act. The duo of Williams and Orakpo may just be the most athletic defensive end duo in the league.

16. San Diego Chargers-Chris Wells, RB, Ohio St
The Chargers don't have a second round pick, and likely will go for something else here, but I very well could see them snatching Beanie Wells up if he falls to 16. With either LT or Sprolles gone from the team next year, they need that second back that they've been doing since before the Jaguars and Giants made it the thing to do.

17. New York Jets-Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
This pick I'm sure will shock plenty out there. Whether Favre comes back or not I can see the Jets making this pick. They're obviously not sold on Kellen Clemens and even if Brett comes back he's gonna need a replacement. Sanchez played in LA, knows what its like being in the limelight and likely could handle the New York media and fans.

18. Chicago Bears-Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
The Bears will be salivating if Davis falls to them at 18. For the last few years their achilles heel on defense has been that their secondary has not been able to stay healthy an entire season. Davis played locally and would be an immediate hit with the fan base. He's also a big time play maker, which should excite Lovie Smith since he doesn't really have one in the secondary.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
They began last year by taking Trueblood, now I think they get another offensive tackle to shore up that offensive line. The last of the real first round tackles, Gruden must do something to keep those monsters in the NFC South off of Jeff Garcia, and open some holes for Graham, Dunn and Williams. I also could see them going after DJ Moore at this spot as well.

20. Detroit Lions via Cowboys-DJ Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
I do believe that the Lions will try moving back into the top five, hopefully with the Browns (who would then select Laurinaitis here) and take one of the top offensive tackles. If that does not happen I cannot see Jim Schwartz passing up and being able to get DJ Moore all the way at the 20th pick. For me, DJ Moore is the best corner in the draft. Whenever I see this kid play it's something amazing. He's the first college corner in a long time that made me see visions of Prime Time in my head.

21. Arizona Cardinals-LeSean McCoy, RB, Pitt
I think we all know that The Edge is gonna be gone from Arizona no matters what happens this season. Hightower is a decent back, but they're gonna need someone else as he's not an every down back. Enter in LeSean McCoy who likely decided upon the draft knowing that he'd be going in the first round and had a much better chance this year then he does next year.

22. Philadelphia Eagles-Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
I do believe the Eagles saw a resurgence this year in part of DeSean Jackson. He was their first receiver since TO who was truly a playmaker and not just a possession receiver. Speed is the key word, and that's something Harvin has plenty of. He's also an extreme competitor and should get along great with the locals. Since they have two first round picks they can afford to take a shot like this.

23. Minnesota Vikings-Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St
Some may scratch their heads, but I feel the one key element this offense is missing is a playmaking tight end. They have decent tight ends now, but Pettirgrew and Coffman are those tight ends who play more like wideouts then the OG TEs. It also helps that this may will try to level anyone who attempts to tackle him.

24. New England Patriots-Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
Cushing is the perfect player for the Patriots style of defense. He has played many different positions at USC, and for a team that loves their players to be versatile, he's the perfect choice. Their linebacking corps is getting up there in age, I think drafting Mayo last year was a sign the Patriots are reloading their D.

25. Atlanta Falcons-Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri
Matt Ryan always played in an offense that relied heavily on a tight end and I feel that's a position they're missing on the Falcons. Their current corps are solid football players, but Coffman is a playmaker who can block and catch. I think it makes sense to give Ryan this kind of target, plus there's not much else worth taking for the Falcons at this spot.

26. Miami Dolphins-Michael Johnson, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech
talk about the perfect fit, Michael Johnson is that perfect tweener type player for the Parcells defense. If the Cowboys had a first rounder, he'd likely be gone. Their loss is Miami's gain...again. I think he should be rated much higher as all he does is makes plays, but since teams focused on him more this year his stock dropped a bit, so much the better for the Dolphins.

27. Baltimore Ravens-Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
Joe Flacco needs weapons, lots of them, and Derrick Mason isn't exactly a spring chicken anymore. Taking the local kid is almost always smiled upon by a community and the Ravens fan base do love their Terrapins. Depending on what happens in free agency I can see them going harder after a linebacker, but as of right now I think this takes precedent.

28. Indianapolis Colts-James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio St
Crime, likely a crime if the Road Warrior fell all the way to number 28. Of course if my Browns trade thoughts are true, this won't happen, but time will tell. That being said, I think he'd fit in nicely with the Colts.

29. Philadelphia Eagles vis Panthers-Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma
Some of the Eagles offensive linemen are getting older, best to take the number one guard now. If they don't if the Steelers don't snag him up, some other team very assuredly will before the Eagles are back on the board.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers-Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma
We all know the struggles the Steelers have had at the offensive line this year after losing their entire right side, but they've hung in there do to superior coaching. I think you see the Steelers really attack this in the draft and short up that trenches so to speak.

31. New York Giants-Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
There's not much the Giants need when you look at their roster. Who knows what would have happened if their teams was fully healthy...or not suspended for being a dumbass. You can never have enough solid defensive tackles, and we know they like products from Ole Miss so I think Peria Jerry makes the most sense here at 31.

32. Tennessee Titans-Fili Moala, DT, USC
The second straight defensive tackle, you'll probably wondering why, but you should already know the answer. I don't know if the Titans can hold on to Albert Haynesworth, and with that in mind I had to give them selecting a defensive tackle to replace or eventually replace Haynesworth.

ROUND TWO
1. Detroit Lions-Jerry Hughes, DE, TCU
People are sleeping on him, if you watch the film he should be the number one defensive end.

2. St Louis Rams-Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
I doubt Smith actually falls in to the second round, but the Rams would be fools to pass on him if he does.

3. Kansas City Chiefs-Herman Johnson, G, LSU
Still trying to get their offensive line away from AARP, you gotta get the biggest guard maybe ever.

4. Cleveland Browns-Clay Matthews, OLB, USC
Look, this is the only pick I care about with the Browns. It is a sign of a return to glory if once again there is a Clay Matthews in the linebacker corps.

5. Seattle Seahawks-Donald Brown, RB, UConn
Julius Jones, played decent, not sure if he's the answer.

6. Cincinnati Bengals-Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
I no longer trust the Bengals to do anything intelligent, hence they take the walking bust.

7. Jacksonville Jaguars-Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
Does Garrard have any weapons that isn't on drugs or charges?

8. Oakland Raiders-Asher Allen, CB, Georgia
I'll be shocked if they can keep NA, if they don't they need a replacement.

9. Green Bay Packers-Sean Smith, CB, Utah
The secocndary is getting a bit long in the tooth if you know what I mean.

10. Buffalo Bills-Jared Cook, TE, South Carlina
The wide receiving corps is pretty solid now, how bout giving them a playmaking tight end?

11. San Francisco 49ers-Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia
Another DE/OLB tweener that should fit well in the 49ers style of defense.

12. Miami Dolphins via Redskins-Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina
It's always defense and linemen when it comes to a Parcells draft.

13. New York Giants via Saints-Trevor Cannfield, G, Cincinnati
A pretty solid offensive line in New York, but also ones almost ready to get their AARP cards.

14. Houston Texans-Max Unger, C, Oregon
They're now the zone blocking team of the NFL, the perfect place for my favorite lineman in the draft.

15. New England Patriots via Chargers-Fenuki Tupou, OT, Oregon
Another team that has a very solid offensive line, but also one who are getting up there in age.

16. Denver Broncos-Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
The Broncos have been trying to find pass rushing for years...they're gonna have to keep looking.

17. Chicago Bears-Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma
Kyle Orton may be Trent Dilfer's son, but even Dilfer had weapons on occassion.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Victor Macho Harris, CB, Virginia Tech
Ronde Barber may be going to the Pro Bowl, but he'll be eating at 4pm at Dennys.

19. Dallas Cowboys-Sean Witherspoon, OLB, Missouri
You may see quite of few older Cowboys released this spring, someone has to replace them.

20. Arizona Cardinals-Alex Mack, C, Cal
Rosenthal and Grimm are offensive line guys, and this is a solid centerpiece to the line.

21. New York Jets-Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU
Does Coles or Cotchery really strike fear into you? Didn't think so.

22. Philadelphia Eagles-Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa
Westbrook has never been one stay fully healthy, why not get someone who can take the pounding?

23. Minnesota Vikings-Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
One of the Williamses may be out for part of the year due to steroids, gotta get something from ruining the beginning of the season.

24. Atlanta Falcons-William Moore, FS/SS, Missouri
Lets put it this way, I think the Falcons starting safeties played during Bush...senior.

25. Miami Dolphins-Nate Davis, QB, Ball St
I know, I know, this makes no sense, but something in the back of my head is just nagging at me that this is correct.

26. Baltimore Ravens-Darry Beckwith, ILB, LSU
Ray Lewis has been around for a very long time, and who knows if he'll be with the team.

27. New England Patriots-Patrick Chung, SS, Oregon
Rodney Harrison I believed played in the Chargers last Super Bowl, yeah, he's that old.

28. Carolina Panthers-Adam Uiatowski, OT, Texas
Word has it they can afford Peppers or Gross, not both. Can you guess which one I think they'll keep?

29. Pittsburgh Steelers-Kraig Urbik, G, Wisconsin
The construction of the new right side of the line continues at a level pace.

30. Indianapolis Colts-Ricky Jean-Francois, DT, LSU
The Colts always seem to run through defensive tackles during the last couple of years don't they.

31. New York Giants-Jason Phillips, ILB, TCU
This kid is a stud, should be a first rounder, there's no reason he should fall this far.

32. Tennessee Titans-Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
You could make the argument of who has fewer weapons the Bears or the Titans.

ROUND THREE
1. Detroit Lions-Alex Boone, OT, Ohio St

2. St Louis Rams-George Selvie, DE, South Florida

3. Kansas City Chiefs-Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas St

4. Seattle Seahawks-Andy Levitre, G, Oregon St

5. Dallas Cowboys via Browns-Ray Feinga, G, BYU

6. Cincinnati Bengals-Derrick Williams, WR, Penn St

7. Oakland Raiders-Alex Magee, DT, Purdue

8. Jacksonville Jaguars-Jonathan Lugis, C, Arkansas

9. Green Bay Packers-Vince Oghobasse, DT, Duke

10. Buffalo Bills-Brandon Graham, DE, Michigan

11. San Francisco 49ers-Graham Harrell, QB, Texas Tech

12. New York Jets via Saints-Kevin Ellison, SS, USC

13. Houston Texans-Darius Butler, CB, UConn

14. San Diego Chargers-Marcus Freeman, OLB, Ohio St

15. Denver Broncos-Javon Ringer, RB, Michigan St

16. Washington Redskins-Paul Kruger, DE, Utah

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Dannelle Ellerbe, ILB, Georgia

18. Detroit Lions via Cowboys-Antoine Caldwell, C, Alabama

19. Arizona Cardinals-Worrell Williams, ILB, Cal

20. Green Bay Packers via Jets-Troy Kropog, OT, Tulane

21. Chicago Bears-Terrance Taylor, DT, Michigan

22. Philadelphia Eagles-Derek Pegues, FS, Mississippi St

23. Minnesota Vikings-Scott McKillop, ILB, Pitt

24. Miami Dolphins-Keenan Lewis, CB, Oregon St

25. Baltimore Ravens-Larry English, OLB, Northern Illinois

26. New England Patriots-James Davis, RB, Clemson

27. Atlanta Falcons-Louis Vasquez, G, Texas Tech

28. Pittsburgh Steelers-Matt Shaughnessy, DE, Wisconsin

29. Indianapolis Colts-Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinnati

30. Carolina Panthers-Travis Beckum, TE, Wisconsin

31. New York Giants-Augustus Parrish, OT, Kent St

32. Tennessee Titans-Mohammed Massaquoi, WR, Georgia