2009 NFL Mock Draft

Detroit - Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
There may not be a player truly worthy of the top selection, so when deciding between a group of players, the position plays a huge role. The Lions absolutely must find a quarterback for the long haul. Stafford has some nice young weapons at his disposal in Calvin Johnson and Kevin Smith, so he will have some tools to work with.
St. Louis - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
The Rams wanted Orlando Pace’s replacement last year, but Jake Long went in the top spot. They settled for Chris Long from Virginia. This time around, they select a Cavalier again, but they get their top target. Monroe will step in from day one and provide the standout play the franchise has been accustomed to over the last decade.
Kansas City - Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
Curry may not be a fantastic fit in a 3-4, but the guy can play in any defense. Most importantly, he will provide some leadership and toughness to a defense that needs help in their transition to a 3-4 alignment. The last two defensive rookies of the year were linebackers, and Curry hopes to continue the trend.
Seattle - Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
The signing of TJ Houshmanzadeh has likely taken Crabtree out of this spot, and this pick should come down to Sanchez or Jason Smith. They may not get the immediate impact from either player, so the team should go with the quarterback. Matt Hasselbeck has had some trouble staying on the field recently, and the team completely falls apart when he does. They need a long term answer, and someone that can come in and keep the team competitive if he does go down.
Cleveland - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
There are a lot of questions on the offensive side of the ball for the Browns. Nobody knows who the QB will be, and their top three receiving threats all have different issues. Kellen Winslow was traded, Donte Stallworth has legal issues, and Braylon Edwards may be on the move with free agency looming next year. With or without Edwards, a receiver is a need. If the team moves Edwards as expected, they need a #1 target and Crabtree can step right into that role.
Cincinnati - Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
Smith is the surprising slider in the draft so far. Once thought of as a lock in the top two and a potential top overall pick, he slides to the Bengals, who couldn’t be happier. Smith is a standout pass protector that will help keep Carson Palmer upright and hopefully help ignite the offense again.
Oakland - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
The Raiders could be in a tough spot with Andre Smith and Maclin on the board. Maclin wins out because of the need to get JaMarcus Russell some weapons. His big play ability will fit nicely in Raider Nation and Russell should be excited to have a playmaker like Maclin.
Jacksonville - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
While receiver is still a big need despite the signing of Torry Holt, Smith is too good to pass on. His ability to play four spots on the offensive helps a team that had serious offensive line issues last year.
Green Bay - Tyson Jackson, DL, LSU
The Pack are switching to a 3-4 and they must build the line up first. Jackson was born to play end in a 3-4 alignment and he will start from day one. BJ Raji could draw a lot of interest, but the Pack go with Jackson at this spot.
San Francisco - Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
Should one of the top three lineman slide, it would give the 9ers something to really think about. With them gone, they go for the top edge rusher available in Orakpo. He should add a much needed boost to the pass rush in the front seven.
Buffalo - Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
Langston Walker will likely slide over to left tackle, easing the concerns for a Jason Peters replacement. That allows the Bills to proceed like they did before the trade, and grab a defensive end. Ayers is a very good run stopper that has more upside as a pass rusher. His potential as an all around end give shim the nod over the smaller pass rushers like Maybin or Brown.
Denver - BJ Raji, DT, Boston College
The Broncos defensive was pathetic last year. The team has made a slew of signings in free agency but none of the lineman are standouts. Raji should be able to start on the nose from the get go, and give the team an anchor in the middle of the line.
Washington - Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
The last of the upper echelon tackles comes off the board. The Skins need to find a right tackle right away, and Oher is capable of playing there. The added bonus is the fact that he can kick over to the left side when Chris Samuels begins to slow down and play it at a high level.
New Orleans - Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio St.
Corner or safety? Doesn’t really matter because he will help the Saints out wherever he fits in best. His ability in coverage will be a boost to a secondary in serious need of some help.
Houston - Clay Matthews, LB, USC
Matthews is the first Trojan linebacker to come off the board, in a bit of a surprise. He has gained a lot of steam in the past few months and his potential and bloodlines push him to the top. He can play on the strong side on first and second down, and put his hand down on the ground and rush the passer on third.
San Diego - Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
With no second rounder, the Bolts need to make this pick worth it. They would love to find Tyson Jackson here, but he’s too hot right now and will not get out of the top 12. Maualuga may not fill the most pressing need, but his presence in the middle of the defense will make them very difficult to run on. His aggressiveness and intensity alongside Shawne Merriman would give the Chargers two of the most fierce defenders in the NFL. That attitude will only help the rest of the defense.
NY Jets - Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas St.
With two QB’s going in the top four, expect Freeman to go higher. He may be one of the more attractive options outside of the top ten, and could have a long list of potential suitors. If he is on the board, the Jets would be ecstatic and be the easy selection here.
Denver(Chi) - Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn St.
Maybin may be a bit raw and need some time to fully develop his frame, but he will make an impact on passing downs right away. The Broncos cannot solve all their defensive needs at once, but landing a nose tackle and a pass rusher with their first two picks is a nice start.
Tampa Bay - Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Some may think this is too high for Johnson with his shortcomings, but the potential of a pass rushing duo of Gaines Adams and Johnson is very enticing for the Bucs.
Detroit(Dal) - Everette Brown, DE, Florida St.
After landing the QB to round out their offense, the Lions now turn their attention to the defensive side of the ball. A corner is an option, but adding a big time pass rusher is something every team considers every year. Brown is a terror off the edge and can really get up the field.
Philadelphia - Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
The offensive additions continue. After landing two new offensive tackles, the Eagles now add a running back. Westbrook is one of the most dynamic backs in the league but always seems to be dinged up down the stretch. Moreno is good enough between the tackles to save Westbrook some hits, but still brings the playmaking ability to give them that threat when Westbrook is on the sideline.
Minnesota - Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma
An upgrade at right tackle is a big need for the Vikes, and Loadholt is an intriguing option. He has the ability to flatten defenders in the running game and allow Adrian Peterson to follow him on some big runs. He may be a surprise here, but as far as right tackles go, Loadholt is probably the second best in the draft behind Andre Smith.
New England - Brian Cushing, LB, USC
There is a lot of talk that New England could move around with the plethora of picks but they stay put at this point and allow a player fall to them. In this scenario, the Pats love the fact that Cushing is still on the board. He could give them a physical sidekick to Jerod Mayo, or he could be the outside rusher to replace Mike Vrabel. That type of versatility is what sets Cushing apart from most linebackers and it’s what will make him an early contributor in the NFL.
Atlanta - Evander Hood, DL, Missouri
The Falcons added a lot to the offense last year, and it’s only going to get better as the players gain more experience and play together more. It’s time to add to the other side of the ball, and it starts up front. Hood is a solid all around lineman that can play in a 4-3 or 3-4, if the talk of utilizing some 3-4 becomes a reality for the Falcons.
Miami - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
Davis is arguably the top corner in the draft on talent alone, but there are a lot of concerns about his attitude. The Dolphins take the gamble here, and it could pay off huge. Davis has the natural gifts and on field toughness to be a star early in his career.
Baltimore - Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
The Ravens are in talks for Anquan Boldin and it would involve this pick if it happens. Ozzie Newsome is one of the best in the draft, so he may opt to keep the pick and draft the local speedster. DHB’s speed would be a great fit for the offense and get them a player to get down the field vertically to open up the rest of the offense.
Indianapolis - Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
The draft couldn not play out much better for the Colts. With a gaping hole in the middle of their defensive line, they land the ideal fit for their defense. Jerry can really shoot the gap and get up the field and get penetration on a consistent basis.
Buffalo(Phi via Car) - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St.
Pettigrew was once a consideration at 11, but that was too high for him. After acquiring this pick for Jason Peters, the Bills couldn’t be happier to see him still available. His running blocking will definitely help out the running game, and he will be a reliable target for Trent Edwards over the middle as well.
NY Giants - Larry English, DE/OLB, N. Illinois
This pick is made on the assumption that the Giants will budge and make a move for Braylon Edwards. So this pick is made for the Browns, and they use it to upgrade the pass rush. English is an excellent pass rusher off the edge, which fills a huge need for the Browns.
Tennessee - Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
The Titans could go a number of directions, but they won’t reach to fill a need. They have needed a receiver for years and haven’t selected one in the first yet. Now the massive hole in the middle of the line with Albert Haynesworth’s departure is a popular choice. Darius Butler is just too good of value at this point and would be a tremendous cover man for the Titans.
Arizona - Chris Wells, RB, Ohio St.
The Cardinals also have a lot of options. The potential trade of Anquan Boldin could create a need for another receiver. One thing is for sure though, the Cards have to address the RB position. Edgerrin James isn’t likely to suit up for the Cards again, and Tim Hightower does not look like feature back material despite being a steal last year. Wells is a steal this late, and will add another element to the already explosive offense whether or not Boldin is a part of the group.
Pittsburgh - Alex Mack, OL, California
Mack may be the top true center in the draft but he has the ability to play guard as well. His toughness and mean streak would fit well in Pittsburgh and he could be the guy that replaces what Al Faneca took with him to the Jets a year ago.

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