WalterFootball.com: 2009 NFL Mock Draft

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2009 Mock Draft (UPDATED 12/31): Round 1 /Round 2 /Round 3
Other 2009 Mock Drafts: Matt McGuire (12/27)/ Greg Haefner (7/19)
2010 Mock Draft (UPDATED 8/6)
2009 NFL Draft Prospects
(More links to previous years at the bottom of this page)

2009 NFL Mock Draft: Round One

Last update: Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2008. Next update: TBA.

Order now based on the real 2009 NFL Draft Order. Click here for Round 2 and here for Round 3.

Detroit Lions: Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia

DEC. 31 UPDATE: Still Matt Stafford. I've seen a few mocks with Sam Bradford on top, but I don't think Bradford is coming out. He's just a red-shirt sophomore, and Roger Goodell just announced that there won't be a pay decrease next year.

For more on the Stafford-offensive tackle debate, check out one of the past few entries from my 2009 NFL Draft Mailbag.

DEC. 25 UPDATE: Despite numerous e-mails from Lions fans insisting that the correct course of action would be drafting an offensive tackle, I'm still calling for a quarterback. Detroit needs a face for their franchise. They can't get a quarterback with Dallas' selection, but they'll be able to grab a tackle with that pick.

Also, Lions owner William Darth Clay Sidious Ford doesn't really care about winning. He just wants money. What brings in more money than a rookie signal caller? Everyone in Detroit will be lining up to buy the new Matt Stafford jersey, especially if he appears to be as promising as Matt Ryan.

PREVIOUS UPDATES: I've received even more e-mails from Lions fans who told me that they don't want a quarterback. Well, I'm not the GM. Some new guy is, and because there is a new regime in town, I believe a quarterback will chosen first overall.

I'm not saying a left tackle isn't a possibility, but like the Falcons last year, the Lions need a face for their franchise. Right now, that face is Matt Millen, even though he was fired a few months ago. When people think about the Detroit franchise, they think about how Millen helped ruin it.

Besides, Detroit can't go on with Daunte Culpepper and Dan Orlovsky. It's way too embarrassing and futile.

The Lions can get a quality tackle with Dallas' choice or in the No. 33 slot. Assuming most of the junior quarterbacks remain in school, they won't have the chance to secure a top-rated signal-caller in the 2009 NFL Draft.

NOTE: For the record, I do not have Sam Bradford, Tim Tebow, Mark Sanchez, Josh Freeman, Nate Davis or Colt McCoy declaring. If Tebow and McCoy come out early, they could be targeted at Dallas' choice.

St. Louis Rams: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

DEC. 31 UPDATE: Still Andre Smith. Smith was suspended for Alabama's winter practice game against Utah for talking to an agent. I guess that was Smith's announcement right there, huh? It'll be no surprise when Smith officially declares for the 2009 NFL Draft.

DEC. 25 UPDATE: It should be noted that if the Rams and Chiefs lose this Sunday, they would flip a coin to decide who drafts No. 2 overall.

Some mocks have Aaron Curry going this high. The Rams definitely need a strongside linebacker, but I can't see one going in the top three.

PREVIOUS UPDATES: Andre Smith over Michael Oher here because the Rams need an upgrade at right tackle until Orlando Pace moves on. At that point, Smith could shift over or just stay at his position.

If Sam Bradford declares for the 2009 NFL Draft, he and Matt Stafford could go to the Lions and Rams. Marc Bulger has inexplicably transformed into one of the worst starting quarterbacks in the NFL. He's playing like he doesn't care anymore. He has to go.

It's been widely publicized that the Rams were ready to pounce on Jake Long if he slipped past the Dolphins. That's understandable, as the injury-ridden Orlando Pace (yes, he's hurt again - what a surprise) will turn 34 during the early stages of the 2009 season, while oft-penalized Alex Barron looks like he's getting benched in favor of guard Jacob Bell, yet another bust acquisition by the Rams. St. Louis needs to draft an offensive tackle as early as possible.

I had the Rams taking a corner in one of my previous updates, but that's not going to happen if one of the elite quarterbacks or top-three tackle prospects drops into their lap.

Kansas City Chiefs: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Still Brian Orakpo. I've seen some mocks with a quarterback going here, but since I don't think Sam Bradford will declare, that's not really an option.

Not that it should be anyway - Tyler Thigpen has done a really remarkable job this year, commanding Kansas City's offense to 21.6 points per game ever since taking over as the full-time starter on Oct. 26. I know he's guilty of a lot of turnovers, but this was essentially his rookie year. He'll continue to get better.

Besides, if you have a lot of holes like the Chiefs do, why would you upgrade one of your strengths? It makes no sense, especially considering how bad the defense is. Kansas City had just 10 sacks on the year!

The Chiefs foolishly traded away Jared Allen prior to the 2008 Draft, while moving Tamba Hali to right end failed miserably. Hali, now back at left end, needs a dominant pass-rusher across from him to once again play at his 2007 level.

That man can be Brian Orakpo. In 11 games, Orakpo had 15.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks, as he's established himself as the premier defensive end in this draft class. Kansas City's young defense would greatly benefit from having him rushing the opposing quarterback.

By the way, I saw that one of ESPN's draft guys had Aaron Maybin, a defensive end from Penn State, going in this slot. That's great, except Maybin already told the media and coaching staff he's coming back for his redshirt junior year. Maybin could ultimately declare, and if he does, he'll go top five. For now, he won't be in my mock.

Seattle Seahawks: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

The Seahawks secondary is a mess. They need help at free safety and corner. Kelly Jennings and Brian Russell have been completely awful and need to be upgraded. That means Taylor Mays is a possibility if they're drafting out of the top five.

With that in mind, I don't think the Seahawks can justify taking a corner or safety at No. 5 with a player of Michael Crabtree's caliber on the board. Bobby Engram turns 36 in January, and who knows if he'll ever be the same after this injury-ridden campaign? Matt Hasselbeck needs a dominant weapon to work with. Crabtree undoubtedly fits that description.

I've received a few e-mails asking me why Michael Crabtree is still in my mock after he said he wasn't declaring. I'll tell you why - because that's not factually correct.

Five days ago, Crabtree told reporters, "I'm just going to make my decision after the bowl game. It will be easier for everybody. I know, but I'm not ready to say."

Sounds like he's making the jump to me.

Cleveland Browns: Aaron Curry, OLB/ILB, Wake Forest

The Browns need help almost everywhere on defense. My former roommate Dennis was at the Philadelphia-Cleveland game, and he told me the crowd was laughing at the Browns because they pressured with just three people, yet every Eagles receiver/tight end was open downfield.

Jamal Lewis sucks too - I've never seen a slower running back in my entire life - but Cleveland needs to address its defense, first and foremost.

I think this Aaron Curry selection makes a lot of sense. Curry, one of the hottest prospects in the draft right now, is versatile, and can play inside linebacker in the 3-4 defense. But if Cleveland's new head coach changes to a 4-3 scheme, Curry can simply slide out to strongside linebacker.

Cincinnati Bengals: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss

I find it remarkable that the Bengals finished the year on a 4-3-1 run. With Ryan Fitzpatrick, Cedric Benson and an inept offensive line that allowed 51 sacks running the show, how did the Bengals win more than two games? Marvin Lewis - Coach of the Year!

In all seriousness, the Bengals need to improve their pass protection if they want to contend next year. With Carson Palmer coming back from his elbow injury, Cincinnati cannot afford to have him get hurt again.

Oakland Raiders: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

What was up with the Raiders this year? One week, they look completely horrible. The next, they're debacling playoff-caliber squads like Tampa Bay. What gives?

JaMarcus Russell has been really inconsistent this year. Some may blame that on his work ethic, but I'll give him the benefit of the doubt, and suggest that his receivers suck, while his offensive line couldn't block a couple of kids running toward an ice cream truck.

I argued Taylor Mays earlier, and he's still an option because of his 40 time and Al Davis' penchant for drafting defensive backs. Dating back to the 1998, he has gone that route six times with his first selection. Also, remember that Michael Huff has been benched this year.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

David Garrard's interception total has soared from three to 13 in just one year. But don't blame him. He was knocked down more than any other quarterback this season. And according to the sacks totals allowed by NFL left tackles, Khalif Barnes was one of the league's worst, surrendering 7.5 sacks.

Jacksonville needs to take care of its franchise quarterback. The team desperately needs to upgrade Garrard's blind side.

Pick change; previously Malcolm Jenkins, CB

Green Bay Packers: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

If there's one thing we learned about Packers GM Ted Thompson, it's that he loves to take the best player available, no matter what position he plays. Luckily for Thompson, that strategy matches up with a position of need - and not another signal caller.

Green Bay has major problems in its secondary. Charles Woodson had to move to safety this season, and it appears as though he's staying there. Meanwhile, Al Harris, who's owed $5 million next year, probably won't be back. Tramon Williams played well, but the Packers don't really have anything else at corner, unless you want to count Patrick Lee, who couldn't even get on to the field in 2008.

Pick change; previously Michael Johnson, DE

San Francisco 49ers: Taylor Mays, S, USC

San Francisco's line can't pass block to save its life. But if the top tackles are off the board, they may look at Taylor Mays.

Mark Roman, whose contract expires after the 2009 season, has been awful this year. Perhaps more disappointing is that second-year Dashon Goldson hasn't been able to leapfrog him on the depth chart. Taylor Mays, whose combine workout will cement him as a top-10 prospect, would be a tremendous upgrade for the 49ers.

Buffalo Bills: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

After such a hot start, who would have thought that the Bills would once again end up with the No. 11 pick? It's not a good time to be a Buffalo fan right now.

One of the team's huge weaknesses this year was its lacking pass rush. Buffalo finished with 24 sacks on the year, and no player had more than four. I know Aaron Schobel missed most of the year, but they had similar problems even when he was in the lineup.

Denver Broncos: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State

Mike Shanahan was fired, and Wade Phillips wasn't? What's going on here?

Shanahan is a brilliant coach, but his front-office mistakes cost him. He didn't focus enough on defense, which is what the Broncos will do here.

Shanahan's plan to have Niko Koutouvides start at middle linebacker went awry after Nate Webster beat him out in the preseason. OK, maybe the firing isn't so shocking.

Washington Redskins: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

The Redskins have major problems at right tackle. Jon Jansen, who turns 33 in January, is playing on his last legs. Eben Britton would fit in well on the right side, and could potentially slide over to the blind side once Samuels' time is up.

New Orleans Saints: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

New Orleans' defense is a complete mess, especially with Mike McKenzie and Tracy Porter out for the year. However, things began poorly when the team didn't find upgrades at outside linebacker, save for Dan Morgan, who unceremoniously retired prior to the beginning of the regular season.

With the addition of Rey Maualuga, the Saints would be able to replace Jonathan Vilma. If they extend Vilma, New Orleans will have to forfeit this selection. The Saints can always let him go into free agency and then re-sign him in March. If they do that, they can kick Vilma out to weakside linebacker.

Houston Texans: William Moore, S, Missouri

Defensive end is definitely an option here, but Houston's secondary has been an abomination for years and has always missed a ball-hawking leader. William Moore can be that guy. Michael Johnson is also a huge option, as is Vontae Davis if Dunta Robinson is let go.

San Diego Chargers: Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma

LaDainian Tomlinson has been hurt this year, but another reason why he hasn't been as productive is because of San Diego's pedestrian blocking. The Chargers need upgrades up front, and Duke Robinson is the best lineman available. He's a late-teen to early-20s prospect, so this area makes sense for him.

Pick change; previously Chris Wells, RB

New York Jets: Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida

The Jets have collapsed defensively late in the year, so they could be looking for the best player available at any level. That would be Brandon Spikes, who would form a lethal combination with David Harris at inside linebacker.

Chicago Bears: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

The Bears really need help at receiver, and with mega-talents like Jeremy Maclin and Percy Harvin on the board, choosing one of them is a possibility. But I doubt Chicago does that. The Bears will upgrade their strengths - the offensive line and defense - before anything else.

It sounds weird to say this, but the Bears need help at defensive end. Prior to playing the Rams, who count more as a Big XII team than an NFL squad, starters Alex Brown and Adewale Ogunleye had just five combined sacks in 10 games. Mark Anderson, meanwhile, just recorded his first sack. Chicago needs to upgrade its pass rush.

Everyone talks about Michael Johnson not performing up to his physical talents, but the athletic end recorded 15 tackles for loss, seven sacks and seven passes broken up.

Pick change; previously George Selvie, DE

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

When Cadillac Williams went down with yet another injury, I immediately thought of giving the Buccaneers a running back at No. 19. With Earnest Graham coming off injury, Warrick Dunn turning 34 and Cadillac a virtual unknown, Tampa Bay really needs help at running back.

Knowshon Moreno is a steal here. He and Chris Wells would be top-10 prospects if the need for running backs hadn't diminished.

Pick change; previously Percy Harvin, WR

Detroit Lions: Ciron Black, OT, LSU

See, Lions fans? Waiting until No. 20 to draft an offensive tackle isn't THAT bad. If Detroit goes tackle No. 1 overall, and no junior quarterbacks declare, the team will once again be stuck with Jon Kitna, Daunte Culpepper, Drew Henson, Dan Orlovsky and Mike McMahon.

The Lions surrendered 52 sacks in 2008. They desperately need a dominant left tackle, allowing Jeff Backus to slide inside.

Pick change; previously Jason Smith, OT

Arizona Cardinals: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State

The Cardinals have nothing at running back. Edgerrin James is a few years away from needing a cane, while Tim Hightower does way too much dancing instead of just hitting the hole. Arizona's inability to run the ball will be exposed in the Doggone Playoff.

Besides, when a top-10 prospect like Chris Wells falls to you, it's a no-brainer to take him, right?

Pick change; previously Knowshon Moreno, RB

Philadelphia Eagles: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

According to 610 WIP, the Eagles tried to deal for Kellen Winslow Jr. prior to the trade deadline. If they're so desperate for a tight end, they have to take one early in the 2009 NFL Draft, right?

It's no surprise the Eagles wanted Winslow so bad; L.J. Smith dropped five passes (two of which were touchdowns) and was whistled for a false start against the Rams. After that, he got hurt. I have no idea why Andy Reid kept this guy around.

Pick change; previously Ciron Black, OT

Minnesota Vikings: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

I really want to give the Vikings an offensive tackle, but with all of the top-tier players at that position off the board, Minnesota could look to address its second greatest need, which is cornerback. Cedric Griffin has had an up-and-down season, and Minnesota simply needs more consistency in its defensive backfield.

Pick change; previously Eben Britton, OT

New England Patriots: D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

It looks like the public and media is finally starting to catch on to something I harped about since November 2007 - New England's secondary sucks, and signing bums like Jason Webster, Fernando Bryant, Lewis Sanders and Deltha O'Neal doesn't work. Wow, I'm shocked that players who run 8.9 40s can't defend anyone.

The Patriots, who just allowed Seneca Wallace to throw all over them, need someone of D.J. Moore's caliber.

Atlanta Falcons: Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama

Atlanta has done an incredible job rebounding off its disastrous 2007 season. The team barely has any holes left on its roster, but one glaring one is at nose tackle, which is the main reason why they couldn't contain Pierre Thomas, prompting Chris Berman to debacle us with his abysmal French accent. The Falcons are 28th against the run, giving up 4.9 yards per carry.

Miami Dolphins: Victor Harris, CB, Virginia Tech

Miami has gotten better against the pass recently. In fact, prior to the Chiefs game, they hadn't given up a touchdown in three weeks. But that doesn't mean that the Dolphins don't need an upgrade at corner; they still rank 19th versus opposing aerial strikes.

Victor Harris would be an excellent upgrade for a secondary that needs help everywhere.

Baltimore Ravens: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

Mark Clayton has started playing really well lately, but with Derrick Mason, 35 on Jan. 17, a year away from hitting free agency, it's time the Ravens begin developing their next No. 1 receiver for Joe Flacco.

Indianapolis Colts: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss

Indianapolis had given up 100 rushing yards to six different running backs at the halfway point of the season. The Colts are so bad, they had to use four linebackers against the Titans just to keep Chris Johnson and LenDale "touchdown vulture" (or touchdown hippopotamus to be more spherically correct) White in check. The Colts are way too thin at defensive tackle in the wake of the Ed Johnson marijuana scandal. They can't even stop the run when Bob Sanders is in the lineup.

Philadelphia Eagles: Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma

Is this a reach? Absolutely. But there are three things to consider here:

1. The Eagles really need help at offensive tackle. William Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan will both be hitting the market after this season, so the probability that the Eagles don't go offensive lineman with one of their top picks is highly unlikely.

2. Andy Reid loves taking offensive linemen. Fact.

3. Andy Reid loves large offensive linemen more than smaller offensive linemen. Of Philadelphia's current starters, Todd Herremans is the lightest at 321 pounds. Everyone else weighs 330 or more.

Because of all of these factors, Phil Loadholt seems like a natural fit, even if he can't actually fit into an Eagles jersey.

Pick change; previously Brandon Pettigrew, TE

Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Mack, C, California

The fact that the top guards and tackles are off the board shouldn't deter the Steelers from drafting a lineman. They need all the help up front that they can get.

Alex Mack, whom many consider to be one of the top center prospects in a very long time, could be next in the line of great centers who have played in Pittsburgh.

Pick change; previously Duke Robinson, G

New York Giants: Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss

This pick really depends on what the Giants do with Mathias Kiwanuka once Osi Umenyiora comes back. If they bring Kiwanuka back to strongside linebacker, they'll likely take a defensive end in Round 1. If they keep Kiwanuka up front, they'll choose a linebacker like Clint Sintim or Brian Cushing. Wide receiver is also an option.

Tennessee Titans: Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky

Next season will be Nick Harper's final year on the Titans. Harper is currently 34 years old, so Tennessee will need to find another corner to take his place pretty soon. Trevard Lindley is one of the best players available at this spot.

2009 NFL Mock Draft - Round 2

2009 NFL Mock Draft - Round 3

2009 NFL Draft Prospects

2009 NFL Mock Draft Database - 98 mocks listed!

Week 18 NFL Picks

2013: Emmitt on the Brink

NFL Draft Links:

2003 Mock Draft / 2003 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded 6/8/08)
2004 Mock Draft/ 2004 NFL Draft Prospects/ 2004 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded 6/6/08)
2005 Mock Draft
2005 NFL Draft Prospects
2005 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded 6/4/08)
2006 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28)
2006 NFL Draft Prospects (UPDATED 4/28)
2006 NFL Draft Grades (Re-graded on 7/3)
My 2007 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/28): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3/ Round 4/ Round 5/ Round 6/ Round 7
Other 2007 Mock Drafts: Super Mock/ Fred Cimino (4/27)/John Walters (4/11)/April Fools
2007 NFL Draft Prospects (UPDATED 4/24)/Kenny Ortiz's Top 40 Prospects
2007 NFL Combine and Pro Day Results
2007 NFL Draft Grades
2008 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/26): Round 1 / Round 2/ Round 3/Round 4/Round 5/Round 6/Round 7
Alternative 2008 Mock Draft (UPDATED 4/7): Round 1 /Round 2
2008 NFL Re-Draft - Round 3 (UPDATED 4/27)
2008 NFL Draft Prospects (UPDATED 8/5)
Other 2008 Mock Drafts: Matt McGuire (4/25)/ Craig Smith (4/22)/ Emmitt Smith (4/21)/ Matt McGuire Shocker (4/21)/ Matt McGuire Backwards (4/19)/ Forum Mock (4/15)/ April Fools (4/1)
2009 Mock Draft (UPDATED 12/31): Round 1 /Round 2 /Round 3
Other 2009 Mock Drafts: Matt McGuire (12/27)/ Greg Haefner (7/19)
2010 Mock Draft (UPDATED 8/6)