Tuesday, February 10, 2009

NFL Mock Draft 2009, Picks 1-10

PICK #1 - DETROIT LIONS

CURRY, AARON - LB - WAKE FOREST

Aaron Curry is by far the most versatile linebacker in the 2009 draft class. He can play in any defensive scheme, and can cover the pass better than any other linebacker in this class. Has great size at 6'4", 241 pounds, and will surely be a help to the Lions next season. Most would say that Matthew Stafford is what the Lions need most. But honestly, it is the defense. The line doesn't get a good push up front, so the back seven have to cover longer, which provides more opportunities for the opposing team to make plays down field. Curry will be a perfect match for the Lions with his phenomenal pass coverage, and motivated pass rush.

PICK #2 - ST. LOUIS RAMS

SMITH, ANDRE - OT - ALABAMA

The Rams need an offensive tackle to replace all-time great Orlando Pace, and Andre Smith is just that guy. Andre is an extremely hard worker, and has great size at 6'6", 339 pounds. He has started every single game of his career at Alabama, which shows great durability, and has went up against some of the best defensive lineman during his career. Some of which include Tyson Jackson, Glenn Dorsey, Quentin Groves, Derrick Harvey, Jamaal Anderson, and Jarvis Moss. Right now, Marc Bulger doesn't look so good, but Andre Smith can easily solve that problem. A lot of buzz is saying that they're looking to draft WR Micheal Crabtree, but WR is not their primary need.

PICK #3 - KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

STAFFORD, MATTHEW - QB - GEORGIA

Kansas City has had many chances to win more football games last season, and I think that it's because they're lacking leadership in the huddle. Matthew Stafford is obviously the guy for them. Stafford stands tall in the pocket, has played some of the most dominating defenses in his college career, and has an arm that will bring a huge upside to the Chiefs offense. Stafford has started since his freshman year, has steadily improved as a QB, and has been bringing smiles to GM's faces for the past year now. I think that with the Lions taking Curry first, the Chiefs wouldn't dare to pass over on Stafford.

PICK #4 - SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

CRABTREE, MICHAEL - WR - TEXAS TECH

Seattle needs a good spark to get their offense going again. Although the Seahawks made a run at the Super Bowl just three years ago, with Deion Branch being hurt constantly, and RB Shaun Alexander leaving last year, QB Matt Hasselbeck constantly strives a consistent target to throw to. Micheal Crabtree is a great fit on this Seattle team. He has exceptional speed, jaw dropping elusiveness, and ball skills that puts him in a position to catch anything that comes his way.

PICK #5 - CLEVELAND BROWNS

BROWN, EVERETTE - DE - FLORIDA STATE

With Curry going #1, I say that Brown is the next best thing. Cleveland runs a 3-4 defense, the same scheme that Brown played in at Florida State, which will provide an easy transition for the monster of a defensive end. Having not missed a game in his college career, Everette is very reliable. His knack of getting to the ball carrier behind the line looks to be the source of big defensive plays that the Browns have been looking for. The Cleveland coaching staff might be upset if they can't get Curry, but they should be very pleased if they land this guy instead.

PICK #6 - CINCINNATI BENGALS

OHER, MICHAEL - OT - OLE MISS

Michael Oher is a very under testified prospect coming out of Ole Miss. He will take on any player without hesitation, and will make a fool of most that dare to challenge him. Has lined up against many d-line greats in college, and this dominating OT looks to be ready for the NFL. I say that Cincinnati has finally found the missing piece to their offensive puzzle. The Bengals offensive line hasn't been playing nearly as well as expected, which has made WR Chad Ocho Cinco, and QB Carson Palmer easily overlooked. With a better offensive line, Cincinnati might make a run next season.

PICK #7 - OAKLAND RAIDERS

MONROE, EUGENE - OT - VIRGINIA

Many NFL fans will be very surprised if Monroe falls down to #7, but I won't. This draft class in loaded with quality offensive tackles, and one of them has to fall. The offensive line is obviously what keeps the Raiders out of the play-off picture, and if I think that Eugene Monroe could start that rebuilding process. Eugene has great size at 6'6" 315 pounds, and I'm not sure if one of those Chevy Silverado's could move this guy out of the way. He has tremendous strength, and has good athleticism for an offensive lineman. Monroe has already helped a team climb out of the gutters in college, and don't be surprised if he does it again in Oakland.

PICK #8 - JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

SMITH, JASON - OT - BAYLOR

The Jaguars were probably the most disappointing team this past season. Going from the divisional round of the play-offs one year, to 5-11. Like almost every other team in the NFL, the problem dominating the team is the offensive line. QB David Garrard got knocked down more than any other QB last season, with LT Khalif Barnes allowing 7.5 sacks. This draft is going to be a OT happy draft with four of the top eight picks being offensive tackles, but it's very necessary. Having played TE in high school, Smith is extremely athletic. Most athletic offensive lineman help with blocks down field, which is one thing that will strangely help the Jaguars.

PICK #9 - GREEN BAY PACKERS

ORAKPO, BRIAN - DE - TEXAS

Green Bay is strongly in the need for a defensive end, and Brian Orakpo is that guy. Orakpo won the defensive player of the year, lineman of the year, and defensive end of the year in last season and is certainly deserving of it. He was the one who anchored the longhorns defense last year, and might not be the immediate answer in Green Bay, but over time he will grow into a great player for the Packers. Most NFL analysis say that Packers need a defensive tackle here, but with the 3-4 scheme, they probably won't need a DT for a couple more years.

Pick #10 - San Fransisco 49ers

RAJI, B.J. - DT - BOSTON COLLEGE

San Fransisco has an embarrassing defensive line, and will obviously draft a d-lineman in the first round. And chances are, B.J. Raji will probably be the best player left on the board. B.J. not only can make plays on the ball carrier, but he can also knock down passes at the line, making a fool of the opposing QB. He knocked down five passes in the Senior Bowl. B.J. is a very consistent player at DT, and despite his small size at 6'1", he will bring it all until the final whistle blows.

2 comments:

Jeff said...

I hope they pick up Curry and not a QB. Don't get me wrong, they need a good QB but I feel they have bigger hole elsewhere. QB's come and go but a solid defense or offense in my opinion would be a better foundation. I don't think they are going to find their answer in the first pick alone. Please just don't another darn wide receiver.

William said...

Yea, curry is defiantly the right pick. They can also trade up if they REALLY want to get a QB, but I think they should draft defense in the early rounds. Then get offensive lineman in the late rounds or in free agency