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 NCAA Scouting
Rob Staton’s 2009 1st & 2nd Round Mock Draft V3.0
Updated 16th April
by Rob Staton
16/4/2009
1 Detroit Lions – Matt Stafford (QB, Georgia)
Nothing has changed here as far as I’m concerned. I’ve had Stafford pinned here from day one and still believe this is the direction Detroit will go. They need to build from the ground up and that means finding a franchise quuarter back to kick things off.
2 St Louis Rams – Jason Smith (OT, Baylor)
Almost as much of a lock as the Stafford pick for me. Steve Spagnuolo wants to mould his Rams offense to mimic the Giants. That means a dominant ground game. Smith has the nasty edge and determination to get into the second level which will make life easier for Steven Jackson.
3 Kansas City Chiefs – Eugene Monroe (OT, Virginia)
I’ve had Aaron Curry here for a while and that could be possible. However, they may also draft an offensive lineman to help protect Matt Cassel – with Branden Albert kicking inside to guard. There’s a premium on good offensive lineman in the NFL, whilst teams don’t often draft linebackers this high.
4 Seattle Seahawks – Michael Crabtree (WR, Texas Tech)
In this position Seattle has some good options. Crabtree and Curry are still on the board if they want that ‘instant’ impact, whilst Mark Sanchez offers the more long term thinking. In reality they could go with any of the three, but Crabtree offers the dynamic playmaking weapon they need on offense. With a much improved passing game in 2009, this could take pressure off the offensive line and open up the running game – providing the kind of balance Greg Knapp craves.
5 Cleveland Browns – Aaron Curry (LB, Wake Forest)
If Curry makes it out of the top four, I don’t expect him to fall too far. The Browns are heading into a new era under Eric Mangini and it’s difficult to judge just how he plans to re-shape this team. Mark Sanchez could be a shock choice if they trade Brady Quinn or Derek Anderson.
 6 Cincinnati Bengals – Chris ‘Beanie’ Wells (RB, Ohio State)
Wells’ stock has risen recently and is starting to warrant consideration in the top ten picks. The Bengals would love Eugene Monroe to fall here to offer that pure pass-protection for Carson Palmer. However, Andre Smith isn’t a left tackle and I don’t think they’ll take Michael Oher. The Ohio State prospect would offer a much needed PR boost to this franchise, as a local hero with great character and talent.
7 Oakland Raiders – B.J. Raji (DT, Boston College)
Raji has some character concerns but one guy who won’t care about that is Al Davis. He’ll love Raji’s nasty streak and ability to dominate the opposition’s offensive line. Raji has the big body to improve Oakland’s poor rush defense, but is also capable of getting to the quarter back.
8 Jacksonville Jaguars – Andre Smith (OT, Alabama)
The Jaguars could take Mark Sanchez, but they only gave David Garrard a big contract last year. Instead they may look to take pressure off Garrard by building a dominant running game with Andre Smith leading from the front. They could also draft a big running back later on to compliment Maurice Jones-Drew.
9 Green Bay Packers – Brian Orakpo (DE, Texas)
Suggestions have been made recently that Orakpo’s stock is falling and this could mean a bit of a drop on draft day. If the board falls this way, the Packers might be in a good position to move down with a team looking to grab Mark Sanchez. They could move out of the top ten and still land Orakpo.
10 San Francisco 49ers – Mark Sanchez (QB, USC)
I had a tough time placing Sanchez in this mock. His stock is very high right now but there are legitimate concerns about the number of starts he made, the competition he faced and potential character red flags from the past. I don’t think the 49ers are particularly thinking QB here, but if Sanchez falls they may take him for value. Part of me thinks if he makes it this far – someone will trade up to get him before San Francisco are on the clock.
11 Buffalo Bills – Michael Oher (OT, Ole Miss)
With the premium on offensive tackles in the NFL, Oher won’t fall too far. The Bills might look to trade Jason Peters on draft day to get another first round pick, leaving a hole for Oher to start at left tackle. Even if Peters remains, he gave up 11.5 sacks after a holdout in 2008 – a league high.
 12 Denver Broncos – Tyson Jackson (DE, LSU)
Jackson’s stock is so high right now, I wouldn’t be surprised if he sneaks into the top 10 with 3-4 teams like Green Bay and San Francisco likely to be interested. I don’t think Denver will trade up for Mark Sanchez, instead using both first round picks to rebuild their defense.
13 Washington Redskins – Brian Cushing (LB, USC)
The Redskins have four picks in the 2009 draft so they have to hit with this one. They could go offense and make a surprise choice like Knowshon Moreno or Eben Britton, but with Cushing on the board they continue to add to their defense.
14 New Orleans Saints – Malcolm Jenkins (CB, Ohio State)
Jenkins’ recovery speed has been a big talking point during the off season. If it’s enough of a concern for teams, he could fall down the board. Nobody will take a project safety this early. However, a team like New Orleans could take a chance on Jenkins knowing if it works out they’ll have a great player on their roster.
15 Houston Texans – Clay Matthews Jr. (LB, USC)
I understand that the Texans will almost certainly take a defensive prospect in the first round and that they are very high on Matthews Jr.
16 San Diego Chargers – Jeremy Maclin (WR, Missouri)
Chris Chambers is in a contract year and will be 31, whilst Vincent Jackson was recently arrested for DUI. Wide receiver isn’t the greatest need for San Diego, but Maclin could be too good to pass here.
17 New York Jets – Josh Freeman (QB, Kansas State)
I’m not 100% sold that Freeman goes here, like Sanchez he’s difficult to place. The Jets situation at quarter back leads me to think they’ll consider taking Freeman, but would anyone be surprised if they went in another direction?
18 Denver Broncos – Rey Maualuga (LB USC)
The Broncos are switching to a 3-4 defense with Mike Nolan organizing things. Maualuga offers great value here and is a perfect fit.
19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Everette Brown (DE, Florida State)
Call this one a hunch. With Brown falling a little bit due to his lack of size, the Buccs might go for value. Pairing Brown with Gaines Adams would give Raheem Morris a great pass rush tandem.
20 Detroit Lions – Peria Jerry (DT, Ole Miss)
The Lions traded Cory Redding to the Seahawks and need to add to their defensive line via the draft. Jerry had a good Senior Bowl and scored a touchdown in the game. The depth at defensive tackle isn’t that deep in 2009, so the Lions could pull the trigger on Jerry with this pick.
 21 Philadelphia Eagles – Knowshon Moreno (RB, Georgia)
If Moreno is on the board here, I don’t think the Eagles will waste much time making their selection. Alongside Brian Westbrook, this would be a formidable partnership in the backfield for Philly and could push them towards the NFC East title.
22 Minnesota Vikings – Eben Britton (OT, Arizona)
The top offensive lineman in this draft won’t drop too far and I wouldn’t be surprised if Britton went earlier than this. Has performed at both left and right tackle for Arizona and this would be good value for the Vikings.
23 New England Patriots – Donald Brown (RB, Connecticut)
The Patriots are notoriously difficult to figure out when it comes to drafting, but they aren’t afraid to pull the trigger on someone they like. They might move down a few spots before making this pick, but are believed to be high on Brown.
24 Atlanta Falcons – Larry English (OLB, Northern Illinois)
The Falcons have lost starters on defense and are well set on offense. Getting an outside rush from someone like English would be a good move.
25 Miami Dolphins – Aaron Maybin (DE/OLB Penn State)
Question marks about his size could lead to a drop on draft day, but I expect Maybin to remain a first round selection. He would make a good fit in Miami’s 3-4 at OLB.
26 Baltimore Ravens – Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR, Maryland)
Heyward-Bey is all about speed so he needs to play for a team that has a QB with a huge arm. His production at college was poor – he didn’t rank amongst the top 100 receivers. That’ll put a lot of teams off, but in Joe Flacco the Ravens have a quarter back whose arm can make Heyward-Bey a star.
27 Indianapolis Colts – Robert Ayers (DE, Tennessee)
This guy’s stock is starting to rise so don’t be surprised if he makes it into the top 20 picks. The Colts could look at the depth at receiver, but Ayers would offer a solid pass rush to their defensive line.
 28 Philadelphia Eagles – William Beatty (OT, Connecticut)
Brandon Pettigrew could be the pick here, but once again we have to consider how much teams value the top offensive line talent. If the Bills are serious about trading Jason Peters, then the Eagles may use this pick to get him. If they stay put, Beatty would be an alternative option.
29 New York Giants – Kenny Britt (WR, Rutgers)
The Giants might look at the receivers on the board and ‘take their pick’ now they have cut the problematic Plaxico Burress. I’ve heard rumors they might try to trade for Braylon Edwards – using their two second round picks.
30 Tennessee Titans – Evander Hood (DT, Missouri)
As with Trevor Laws (Notre Dame) last year, I wouldn’t be surprised if Hood slipped into the second round. I’m not sure the Titans would be so strict to draft a need like this, but after losing Albert Haynesworth they could use some strength up front.
31 Arizona Cardinals – Alex Mack (C/G, California)
I expect the Cardinals to look for the best value when they’re on the board at 31. Mack could go earlier than this – he’s a very intelligent, strong, versatile interior lineman.
32 Pittsburgh Steelers – Percy Harvin (WR, Florida)
The Steelers never reach for needs and will take whoever tops their big board. Rashard Mendenhall wasn’t a big need in 2008, but they took him. They might feel the same way about Harvin.
Second round picks
33 Detroit Lions – James Laurinaitis (LB, Ohio State)
Not the most eye catching physical specimen, but he offers valuable leadership and would become the quarter back on defense.
34 New England Patriots – Darrius Butler (CB, Connecticut)
They might take Alphonso Smith here, but Butler offers the better value as the Patriots take a pair of Huskies.
35 St Louis Rams – Louis Delmas (FS, Western Michigan)
Delmas is the best safety in the 2009 draft and the Rams could take him to improve their secondary.
 36 Cleveland Browns – Brandon Pettigrew (TE, Oklahoma State)
After trading Kellen Winslow to the Buccs, the Browns will be delighted if Pettigrew falls to them in round two.
37 Seattle Seahawks – Sean Smith (CB/S, Utah)
The Seahawks could look at their offensive line with Max Unger, Eric Wood and Jamon Meredith still on the board, but Smith has the size and speed Seattle would like to add to it’s secondary. He could play safety – an area of need.
38 Cincinnati Bengals – Eric Wood (C/G, Louisville)
Don’t be surprised if Wood goes higher than this – teams at the bottom of round one are said to rate him quite highly. The Bengals need to add to their offensive line after taking Chris Wells in round one.
39 Jacksonville Jaguars – Ron Brace (DT, Boston College)
Looking for help up front, the Jaguars take the this big defensive tackle.
40 Oakland Raiders – Vontae Davis (CB, Illinois)
If Davis falls this far, it won’t be due to a lack of talent. However, his character issues might put some people off. Al Davis loves to draft defensive backs and would surely take Davis if he falls here.
41 Green Bay Packers – Jamon Meredith (OT, South Carolina)
Solid pick here for the Packers who would like to add an offensive lineman.
42 Buffalo Bills – Michael Johnson (DE, Georgia Tech)
On pure potential alone Johnson could go a lot higher than this and surprise a few people on April 25th. If teams aren’t sold on his consistency, he drops into round two. The Bills, needing a better pass rush, might feel the gamble is minimal 42nd overall.
43 San Francisco – Clint Sintim (DE/OLB, Virginia)
Looking for a pass rushing addition to their 3-4 defense, the 49ers will be happy if Sintim is still on the board because he’s the perfect fit. Connor Barwin could also be a possibility.
 44 Miami Dolphins – Alphonso Smith (CB, Wake Forest)
I’ve heard reports that suggest division rivals New England are showing interest in Smith. The Dolphins need to add to their secondary.
45 New York Giants – Max Unger (C/G, Oregon)
Not the biggest need for New York and rumors suggest they might use their two second round picks to trade for Braylon Edwards. Unger is versatile enough to be moved around the offensive line, offering solid depth immediately and becoming a starter eventually.
46 Houston Texans – D.J. Moore (CB, Vanderbilt)
Continuing to add to their defense, the Texans add a corner back with the exciting D.J. Moore.
47 New England Patriots – Connor Barwin (DE/OLB, Cincinnati)
Will he make it this far? I’m not sure. He’s done enough to improve his stock recently and I have to think he might go earlier than this. If he’s still on the board at 47 then the Patriots will draft Mike Vrabel mark II.
48 Denver Broncos – Jarron Gilbert (DE, San Jose State)
Will they use their first three picks on defense? It’s possible.
49 Chicago Bears – Hakeem Nicks (WR, North Carolina)
This is a dramatic fall for Nicks, but it could happen. His stock has taken a hit recently. The Bears would like to add a wide receiver to give Jay Cutler another weapon.
 50 Cleveland Browns – Brian Robiskie (WR, Ohio State)
Looking close to home for a receiver, the Browns take Brian Robiskie. He’s a prospect who could go a bit higher in round two, but with teams focusing on needs elsewhere he might drop to this point.
51 Dallas Cowboys – Patrick Chung (SS, Oregon)
This pick just makes sense. Great fit for the Cowboys who are looking for safety help. With only one first day pick, Dallas will be happy to land Chung here.
52 New York Jets – Derrick Williams (WR, Penn State)
I recently conducted a seven round mock draft (article on this will be published later in the week) and Williams fell to the fourth round. Can’t see it happening, even if he failed to show the ‘wow’ factor in recent work outs.
53 Philadelphia Eagles – Jared Cook (TE, South Carolina)
I’m not completely sure the Eagles will draft a tight end this early. Brent Celek did a good job down the stretch in 2008. If they do want to draft at the position, this is good value.
54 Minnesota Vikings – Victor Harris (CB, Virginia Tech)
The Vikings need to add a young corner back to their secondary.
55 Atlanta Falcons – William Moore (OLB/SS, Missouri)
Despite taking Larry English in round one, the Falcons defense could still use some additions. Moore played a lot at OLB for Missou, but is predominantly known as a safety. Both areas of need, he could be used as a nickel linebacker and a strong safety.
56 Miami Dolphins – LeSean McCoy (RB, Pittsburgh)
What’s more surprising, McCoy still being here or the Dolphins taking him? It could happen in both cases.
57 Baltimore Ravens – Fili Moala (DT, USC)
Rated by Todd McShay as a potential ‘number one overall pick’ a year ago, Moala never lived up to the billing. With most of the top corners off the board, Baltimore may look to add to their defensive line.
58 New England Patriots – James Casey (TE, Rice)
The Patriots lost Daniel Graham before the 2008 season and Ben Watson hasn’t really taken on the baton.
 59 Carolina Panthers – Paul Kruger (DE, Utah)
I’m a fan of Kruger’s and think he could go earlier than this. Having said that, I’ve seen mock drafts with him tumbling into round three.
60 New York Giants – Cornelius Ingram (TE, Florida)
Kevin Boss has done a good job for the Giants, but they might look for a greater receiving threat from the position.
61 Indianapolis Colts – Pat White (QB, West Virginia)
The Colts could find ways to get White involved early on as a receiver, but he could also be trained up as a better back-up option to Peyton Manning.
62 Tennessee Titans – Jonathan Luigs (C, Arkansas)
Not a need pick, but I’ve seen Luigs stock rising and I wouldn’t be surprised if he went earlier than this.
63 Arizona Cardinals – Andre Brown (RB, North Carolina State)
The Cardinals could take a running back even later than this with Rashad Jennings, Shonn Greene and Javon Ringer still on the board. Brown is the best bet here though and this would allow Arizona to move on from Edgerrin James.
64 Pittsburgh Steelers – Phil Loadholt (OT, Oklahoma)
I have my reservations about Loadholt and if teams feel the same, he might not be a day one pick. The consensus is that Pittsburgh needs to add something to their offensive line, but they won a Super Bowl with the current starters.
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