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 NCAA Scouting
Paul Hopkins & Jody Jamieson’s 1st & 2nd Round Mock Draft V1.0
by Paul Hopkins & Jody Jamieson
12/3/2009
1. Detriot Lions – Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
This is the cliche pick for the Lions but it’s tough to see them going anywhere else. Teams can’t afford to become scared of taking quarterbacks in the first round due to a couple of busts. If they think Stafford warrants the number 1 pick, then they shouldn’t avoid it because of guys like Tim Couch, Ryan Leaf and Alex Smith. Detriot goes with Stafford, and looks to address the offensive line later on.
2. St Louis Rams – Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Orlando Pace is drawing to the end of his career and Alex Barron has flattered to deceive. Monroe is the next in the conveyer belt of Virginia tackles and kept Brandon Albert out from being a tackle in college. Now Orlando Pace has been cut they need to look to the future and take someone who can contribute immediately at either right of left tackle.
3. Kansas City Chiefs – Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
With Matt Cassel being acquired, no chance that they go with Mark Sanchez. They need defense badly, and Aaron Curry is not only the best defensive player on the board, but a perfect fit for the Chiefs new 3-4 defense. The Chiefs going 3-4 seems strange with the personnel they have, but Scott Pioli and Todd Haley are seemingly starting from scratch on defense. Aaron Curry is a great start.
4. Seattle Seahawks – Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
Many people believe Jason Smith to be the best tackle in the draft and his athleticism and intelligence are seeing his stock soar at the moment. The Seahawks have already upgraded at receiver through TJ Houzmanzadeh so they’ll look elsewhere rather than adding Crabtree.
 5. Cleveland Browns – Brian Orakpo, DE/LB, Texas
The Browns need someone with the ability to come off the edge on a defence that still can’t get to the quarterback. This is a toss up between Orakpo and Everette Brown, but Cleveland goes with Orakpo.
6. Cincinnati Bengals – BJ Raji, DT, Boston College
The Bengals have a lot of holes and if Andre Smith hadn’t behaved so erratically we could easily see them taking one of the three main left tackles here. But after their experiences with questionable characters they’ll go with the best defensive tackle in the draft.
7. Oakland Raiders – Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
Al Davis will likely trade up into the first round to get Darrius Heyward-Bey if Crabtree is taken by Seattle. After the Seahawks sign T.J. Houshmandzadeh and solidify their offensive line, Davis sprints to the front of the Radio City Music Hall with Michael Crabtree’s name on a card before celebrating wildly.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars – Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
With Khalif Barnes as good as gone, Jacksonville needs to rebuild their offensive line. Oher has a huge upside and is the kind of character Jack del Rio will love. He can anchor the Jaguars line for the next decade.
9. Green Bay Packers – Everette Brown, DE/LB, Florida State
Green Bay is another team starting almost completely from scratch on defense. The best outside linebacker they have on the roster is Aaron Kampman, and that doesn’t fill me with too much excitement. Kampman isn’t suited to playing there at all. Everette Brown on the other hand is very suited to playing rush linebacker and this pick becomes a no brainer.
 10. San Francisco 49ers – Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
At #10 comes the first shock. The 49ers have lacked an identity and after the failure of Alex Smith need some stability under centre. Sanchez is rising up boards and the 49ers are ideally placed to get themselves a new face of the franchise.
11. Buffalo Bills – Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
Buffalo make the first surprise pick of the draft. They need to address their interior line, but can do that later on. They also need a tight end, but can do that later on aswell. Robert Ayers is aprospect who is shooting up the draft boards and assuming Buffalo doesn’t trade down (which is a real possibility) Ayers could add to their anemic pass rush.
12. Denver Broncos – Ray Maualuga, LB, USC
Everyone knows Denver must improve on defence, and at #12 comes a dependable tackling machine. Maualuga will come in and make an immediate impact for a Denver defence in desperate need of a new identity.
13. Washington Redskins – Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
If there’s one team who don’t seem to care about character concerns it’s the Redskins. Sometimes it pays off and sometimes it doesn’t, but when a guy with the talent of Smith falls to 13, Washington won’t hesitate to pull the trigger. Washington need a tackle, and they’re not going to get a better one without trading into the top 10.
14. New Orleans Saints – Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
The Saints are perennially in need of support in the secondary and Davis offers an instant improvement. If for some reason Maualuga gets past the Broncos look for the Saints to bolster their linebacking corps with the USC man. He won’t so they’ll gamble on a guy who could become special rather than going for the safer option in Malcolm Jenkins.
15. Houston Texans – Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
I doubt Houston is the best fit for Aaron Maybin, but this makes a lot of sense. Houston need help across from Mario Williams and Maybin gets to the quarterback a lot. He’s going to take a bit of work, but the potential is there.
16. San Diego Chargers – Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
Now that L.T. is staying in San Diego, the Chargers can address their weak pass rush of last season. So assuming he’s there, Jackson’s size, strength and experience will be a valuable addition to the Chargers defensive line.
17. New York Jets – Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
This would be a surprising move as they need a quarterback and defensive backs help more than they need a receiver, but after Heyward-Bey ran a 4.3 40 yard dash while no-one else got close, the Jets will be intrigued by his speed. Heyward-Bey and Jerricho Cotchery could be an interesting tandem going forward for the Jets.
18. Chicago Bears – Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
Jon Tait is not getting any younger and the Bears are known for their unspectacular picks. Britton is a perfect fit for the Bears after the Chris Williams selection last year failed to pay off.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
Tampa could go with Josh Freeman here, but they need to do something about their defensive line. After Jovan Haye left for Tennessee their already thin defensive tackle position became even thinner. Peria Jerry is a good solid pick at number 19 and the Bucs can slot him in right away.
 20. Detroit Lions (from DAL) – William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
The Lions have more holes than a fishing net, and after taking their franchise QB at #1 they need someone to protect him. Beatty is under-rated in many mock drafts but has all the tools you need to play LT at the pro level.
21. Philadelphia Eagles – Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
The Eagles are looking for a long term replacement for Brian Westbrook, and with no backs off the board, Reid gets his pick of the runners. Wells may be the best fit as a one-two punch with Westbrook.
22. Minnesota Vikings – Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S, Ohio State
Some people consider Malcolm Jenkins the best cornerback in the draft and if he falls to #22 the Vikings will be all over him. They need some help in the position to help out Cedric Griffin. Jenkins will bring consistency from day one.
23. New England Patriots – Clay Matthews, LB, USC
There are a few worries about Matthews body weight and how he’s keeping it up, but Bill Belichick will have this well scouted. If he’s happy with the weight situation, then he’ll likely take Matthews here. He’s a nice fit for the 3-4 defense and can take the spot vacated by Mike Vrabel.
24. Atlanta Falcons – Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
Following the signing of LJ Smith, the Falcons will pass over the obvious selection of Brandon Pettigrew and look to bolster their secondary with the selection of Alphonso Smith.
25. Miami Dolphins – Brian Cushing, LB, USC
Joey Porter had a marvellous season with the Dolphins, but they still need help at linebacker. Don’t be surprised if they look closely at Sean Smith here, but we think they’ll try to solidify their front seven with the third USC linebacker to go in the 3rd round.
26. Baltimore Ravens – Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
Bit of a tough choice for the Ravens here. Despite the loss of McAlister, new signing Foxworth and Fabian Washington are young enough to give the secondary a strong look, but Butler will shoreit up even more. Laurinatius will merit strong consideration by the Ravens at this point also.
 27. Indianapolis Colts – Hakeem Nicks, WR, UNC
Even though it’s pick number 27, this is almost the best fit of the first round. Reggie Wayne is the number 1 receiver, with Nicks at split end, and Anthony Gonzalez in the slot. Nicks is the solid, consistent receiver that compliments the dynamics of Wayne and the talent, but inconsistencies of Gonzalez.
28. Philadelphia Eagles (from CAR) – Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
After taking Moreno earlier in the round, the Eagles bolster their offence even further with the addition of the best tight end in the draft. Pettigrew offers a legitimate weapon for McNabb, so whilst his receivers may still not be amongst the best in the league he will have more options in 2009.
29. New York Giants – Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
The Giants will be delighted if Maclin falls this far. They need someone to play opposite Plaxico Burress if he’s back. If he’s not it only heightens the need to take a wide out. Maclin is the speed threat the Giants hope Steve Smith will become. Smith though is better suited in the slot, so Maclin can run outside all day.
30. Tennessee Titans – Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
In their ever-continuing pursuit of getting a top drawer receiver the Titans plump for the two-time National Champion from Florida. Questions persist over whether he has what it takes to be a legitimate #1 receiver in the NFL but his ability will add depth and quality to an offence already with one ‘X-factor’ in the form of Chris Johnson.
31. Arizona Cardinals – Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
Arizona might have bigger needs than a running back, but it’s a need nonetheless. Wells is the best player available at this point and the Cards surely won’t pass him up if he’s there at 31. Wells is the replacement for Edgerrin James and is a better option going forward than Tim Hightower.
 32 Pittsbugh Steelers – Max Unger, G/C, Oregon
Despite winning the Superbowl, everyone recognised that the Steelers offensive line was the weak point in 2008. Some of the starters are returning but they won’t pass up a chance to strengthen it through the best centre in the draft. Unger can play at guard also giving the Steelers some flexibility in this solid pick.
33. Detroit Lions – James Laurinitis, LB, Ohio State
After building the future of their offense in Round 1, the Lions take their middle linebacker. The Lions defense was a shambles last year, and Laurinitis is great value here.
34. New England Patriots – DJ Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
It seems like the Patriots have always been weak at CB, even when they had Asante Samuel. First year players Wheatley and Wilhite struggled at times last year so adding Moore gives them better depth they are crying out for.
35. St Louis Rams – Alex Mack, C, California
I love Alex Mack, but Max Unger’s versatility gets him drafted earlier. The Rams simply can’t pass up a player of Mack’s calibre. After taking Eugene Monroe in the first round, the Rams take their first step towards the unprecedented injury free season for Marc Bulger.
36. Cleveland Browns – LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh
Its another phase of rebuilding for the Browns, and they acquire for themselves the perfect counterpart for Jamal Lewis. McCoy offers a change of pace and instant impact player. Potentially he is the rookie RB who will have the biggest impact in ’09.
37. Seattle Seahawks – Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
Even with the addition of Houshmandzadeh, the receiving core in Seattle is old. They passed on Crabtree in the first, but do upgrade their receiving core effectively by adding Britt.
38. Cincinnati Bengals – Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina
Despite having a glaring need for a tackle, the Bengals went with the safe pick of B.J. Raji in round one. Here in the second they fill that need through the highly regarded Meredith.
39. Jacksonville Jaguars – Sean Smith, CB/S, Utah
Sean Smith could easily be a first round pick, but if he falls there’s no way the Jags pass over him.
 40. Oakaland Raiders – Michael Johnson, DE/LB, Georgia Tech
Johnson is a great athlete with tremendous upside, which is enough to convince Al Davis that he will be of great benefit to the Raiders. How he will fit in the Raiders defensive scheme can come later.
41. Green Bay Packers – Ron Brace, DT, Boston College
Colin Cole isn’t the answer at nose tackle. Green Bay need a guy who’s going to demand the double team up front. Ron Brace and BJ Raji were an interior lineman’s worst nightmare while at BC, and Brace can be a great pickup to play nose.
42. Buffalo Bills – Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma
After letting Dockery walk to Washington, the Bills focus on the offensive line. Now TO is in town Edwards needs to remain upright. The huge Robinson is clearly the best guard in the draft and drafting him nearly half way into the second round represents outstanding value.
43. San Francisco 49ers – Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma
With Mark Sanchez learning the system in San Francisco, the Niners need to build up their offensive line right now so when Sanchez is ready to play, he’s well protected. I’m not totally sold on Robinson, but he can be a real solid pick for San Fran.
44. Miami Dolphins – Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State
Robiske is a Bill Parcells kind of receiver. A hard worker dedicated to his craft. A strong combine has seen him leap into people’s thoughts as a legitimate first day pick. The Dolphins need a strong, dependable receiver and Robiske fits the bill perfectly.
45. New York Giants – William Moore, S, Missouri
The Giants go back to Mizzou and take William Moore. He had a disappointing senior year, but the talent is there, and the Giants will love him as a project player to eventually play alongside Kenny Phillips.
46. Houston Texans – Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan
The second round in 2009 is likely to be awash with safeties being grabbed off the board. The Texans are vey average at centre and need to upgrade. Delmas provides an instant upgrade.
 47. New England Patriots – Victor Harris, CB, Virginia Tech
New England is probably the best fit out of all 32 teams for Victor Harris, and the Patriots get what I think will end up a steal. Harris is a ball hawk who is best suited to a zone defense. Look for him to impress in New England.
48. Denver Broncos – Clint Sintim, DE/LB, Virginia
Josh McDaniel’s reign in Denver has been dogged from start to finish thus far with controversy. Even his move to a 3-4 defence has been questioned. There’s no doubt that he needs personnel in who can fit into this scheme. Sintim offers him someone who can contribute immediately from the OLB position.
49. Chicago Bears – Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
Hard to believe Josh Freeman falls this far, but if he does, the Bears simply can’t pass him up. They’re about as happy as you can be with Kyle Orton starting, but Freeman could be good competition in 2010 for the starters job.
50. Cleveland Browns – Troy Kropog, OT, Tulane
After getting playmakers on both sides of the ball with their first two picks, the Browns take one of the most under-rated performers in the draft. Kropog can come in and play from day one. Opposite Joe Thomas the Browns could have two outstanding tackles.
51. Dallas Cowboys – Patrick Chung, S, Oregon
Now that the overrated Roy Williams has been cut, the Cowboys have to replace him. William Moore is gone, but Dallas will be very happy to take Patrick Chung. Chung can come in right away and make an impact in the defensive backfield.
52. New York Jets – Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama
The addition of Johnson gives the Jets a quality tandem of safeties. Add in Darrelle Revis and Lito Sheppard and the Jets secondary is fast becoming one of the best around.
 53. Philadelphia Eagles – Andy Levitre, G, Oregon State
The Eagles unbelievably passed on linemen in the first round, but with Andy Levitre available, there’s no way they do it again in the second round. With Shawn Andrews or Todd Herremans likely to kick outside to left tackle, Levitre comes in to take the vacated spot.
54. Minnesota Vikings – Jonathan Luigs, C, Arkansas
After letting Matt Birk test the market and end up in Baltimore, the Vikings needed some insurance in the middle of the line. Luigs is big, strong and good enough to help the impressive Vikings offensive line open up the gaps for Peterson.
55. Atlanta Falcons – Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
The Falcons were impressive getting to the quarterback last year, but could still do with some help inside. Ziggy Hood is an exciting prospect who fits well in Atlanta and could make the Falcons front 4 really tough to handle in 2009.
56. Miami Dolphins – Coye Francies, CB, San Jose State
Some people will consider this a bit of a reach. Alongside Will Allen the Dolphins haven’t really got a settled tandem at CB. Sparano and Parcells will see enough in Francies to convince them he could be that man.
57. Baltimore Ravens – Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina
Cook blew everyone’s socks off at the Combine, running a 4.50 40 yard dash. Todd Heap has been injury prone recently, and Joe Flacco could do with another target in the passing game in his second year.
58. New England Patriots – Connor Barwin, DE/LB, Cincinnati
Barwin is a great athlete with impressive speed, and who is smart. That will appeal to the patriots organisation who always look for players with this kind of work ethic. Under the tutelage of Belichick , Barwin has the ability to become an impact player in the NFL.
 59. Carolina Panthers – Nate Davis, QB, Ball State
Jake Delhomme almost solidified this pick himself with a dreadful showing in the NFC Divisional Round against the Cardinals. Davis will need a year or two to sit, but he’s a good long term answer for the Panthers. He throws a great deep ball which Steve Smith will fall in love with when his time comes.
60. New York Giants – Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri
Completing a clean sweep of three Mizzou boys in the first two rounds, the Giants grab a perfect complement to Kevin Boss. Coffman brings back the receiving threat from the tight end position that has been missing the last couple of years.
61. Indianapolis Colts – Sen’Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
The Colts run defense is abysmal, and they need an upgrade. They have to address this on Day 1, and Sen’Derrick Marks will likely be their answer. They like quick guys inside and Marks fits the bill.
62. Tennessee Titans – Darry Beckwith, LB, LSU
The middle linebacker position has never been a weakness for the Titans but has been one they could have got greater production from. Beckwith is big strong and tough with great instincts. He’ll need to bulk up a bit but he’ll fit right in the Tennessee linebacker corps.
63. Arizona Cardinals – Larry English, DE/LB, Northern Illinois
English is an intriguing prospect who will likely not be ready to start right away, but has huge upside. The Cards won’t be able to pass him up this far down, and need to replace Antonio Smith and Bertrand Berry.
64. Pittsburgh Steelers – Fili Moala, DE/DT, USC
The cousin of Haloti Ngata, Fili will give the Steelers much needed depth on the D-line, as whilst it remains impressive it is getting older in years. Moala will be one for the future.
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