Atlanta Falcons: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
The Falcons could be a team to contend for the No. 1 pick this year, and even if they took Sam Baker in the first round
last year, Michael Oher is simply too good to pass up. He is the best tackle prospect since Orlando Pace, and I fully expect a
big season from this highly athletic football player: 6-5, 335, and he runs a 5-flat in the 40. Scary potential.
Oher committed to the 2008 Draft, then de-committed. Check out my blog for my thoughts on that decision.
To learn more about Oher the person, I suggest you pick up "The Blind Side" by Michael Lewis. Great read.
San Francisco 49ers: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
Hard to see the 49ers go anywhere else at this pick. Too high for an inside linebacker or safety. Michael Crabtree is a big-time play-maker
who reminds me a lot of Larry Fitzgerald. I like his ball skills, size and burst. He needs to improve route running,
technique and balance.
Detroit Lions: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
This is a very high upside football player with big-time athleticism. Michael Johnson is a Simeon Rice clone - but will he
live up to all the hype in his junior season? He's 6-7, 255, and he times in the 4.6 range. He didn't start last year
but still managed to get four sacks as a sophomore. He's very impressive in my book; I have high expectations for Johnson
next season. Rod Marinelli (provided he isn't fired after next season) couldn't pass up on him at No. 3.
Miami Dolphins: George Selvie, DE/OLB, South Florida
The Dolphins passed up on Chris Long and Vernon Gholston (mistake), but they would love to have George Selvie at this pick
because he has a natural feel for getting to the quarterback. Oh yeah, and 4.55 speed is pretty good off the edge. He
should remind Parcells of L.T.
Chicago Bears: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
The Bears went offensive in the 2008 Draft, but I think the defense could use a make over in 2009. Corner is a position
of big need for this team down the road, and you can't go wrong with Malcolm Jenkins here. He's a solid fit in the Tampa-2 and
is a big play-maker.
Arizona Cardinals: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Knowshon Moreno runs with anger ... he just hates to go down. He's such a fun back to watch, but that love for contact could
wear down on his frame. It did for Cadillac Williams (an extremely similar player). Moreno will succeed Edge who
has seen his career decline ever since he left Peyton Manning and that outstanding offensive line in Indy.
St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
The Rams would have liked to grab Jake Long at No. 2 in the recent draft, and tackle still is a need if Alex Barron
doesn't step up. Monroe is the reason why Brandon Albert played guard. He was a blue-chip recruit and has every
bit lived up to his potential in Virginia. I like his athleticism and hand placement. Monroe's a very tough, physical player.
New York Jets: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
Chris Wells is an enormously big tailback (6-1, 230) with a lot of speed. He can turn the corner and go. I think he can
run a 4.4 forty, which is pretty scary. He rarely goes down on the first hit - he ironically throws linebackers
to the ground. I see a young Jamal Lewis in Wells.
Kansas City Chiefs: Ciron Black, OT, LSU
A month ago, there was no way I was thinking that the Chiefs would end up with Glenn Dorsey. Wow, what a steal. The
great draft the Chiefs had moves them on my mock draft from No. 1 to No. 9. On to the pick.
They go with another LSU Tiger in the first round, as Black can hold his own at right tackle. He was dominant against
Vernon Gholston in the National Championship game. A highly productive and consistent player since his freshman year, Black has
only gotten better. Black is one of my favorite players to watch on film because he rarely makes mistakes, yet flashes a ton
of ability.
Philadelphia Eagles: Myron Rolle, FS/SS, Florida State This pick was acquired in the 2008 Draft from the Carolina Panthers.
Brian Dawkins is getting in his mid 30s, and Myron Rolle would be a big upgrade over Quentin Mikell. I think it's
time to rejuvenate the safety position in Philly. Rolle has a ton of range, and he hits hard and maintains solid speed. I think he's the top safety in the college game.
Denver Broncos: William Moore, SS/FS, Missouri
William Moore is a highly productive player (115 tackles, 8 interceptions) with great size at 6'1, 225. He can play up in the box
or he can drop back in cover-2. He has elite ball skills. He doesn't have much versatility (pure strong safety)
and I question his speed.
Cincinnati Bengals: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
The Bengals could really use a bookend player, and Tyson Jackson is the prototype 4-3 left defensive end. He has great size
at 6-5, 292, but I want to see him get to the quarterback at a more consistent level in his senior year.
Oakland Raiders: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
I was highly skeptical of Percy Harvin going into his sophomore season, but he proved me wrong, showing very consistent receiving skills.
I like his route running and hands, and he also has an elite second gear. He simply blows by everyone on the field, and there is no
way that Al Davis passes up on Harvin at 13.
Tennessee Titans: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
I have Rey Maualuga as the top inside backer in this draft class. He's very athletic and has great sideline-to-sideline range.
He's a tough hitter and brings it on the blitz. He plays with a Ray Lewis-esque mentality. Also, he's from USC and Jeff
Fisher loves his Trojans (Norm Chow, LenDale White, Mike Williams).
Washington Redskins: Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss
The Redskins need to get more athletic off the edge of their defense, and I envision Greg Hardy as a Jarvis Moss type prospect.
He has great initial quickness, but needs to increase his pass-rush repetoir. When all is said and done, Hardy could be a top-five prospect next April with Oher.
Houston Texans: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
My jaw dropped when Vontae Davis easily tracked down All-Universe recruit USC running back Joe McKnight in the Rose Bowl earlier this
year. Davis' speed is insane and he figures to be one of the first corners off the board in the 2009 Draft. Jacques Reeves
could work out in Houston, but he could also bust. Kind of hard to predict exactly what the Texans' needs will be a year
in advance, but corner could be on that list. Also factor in this is more of a value pick than anything.
New Orleans Saints: Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma
Duke Robinson is one of the best guard prospects in years (includes Branden Albert) and I think he's on the level of Steve Hutchinson.
He's a great pass protector and he's very athletic for his size, but not quite like Albert in this area. He's smart, efficient and very
powerful. I think the Saints could use an upgrade on the interior of their offensive line.
Seattle Seahawks: Alex Boone, OT, Ohio State
I like Alex Boone's size (6-7, 320) and he has underrated athleticism and plays the game with a tough demeanor. I think he has
the feet to play left tackle, and he would be developed under Walter Jones for a season or two (provided Jones doesn't retire
after 2008).
Baltimore Ravens: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
The Ravens simply need a speedy threat at receiver and a true difference-maker. They go with the local "DHB" who is looking to have a spectacular
junior season for the Terps. Can he grow on his physical ability at 6-2, 210 and 4.3, and turn it into pure production? We shall see.
Philadelphia Eagles: Dace Richardson, OT, Iowa
Dace Ricardson will likely make it for the second year in a row as part of my college football All-Underrated Team.
I have been a big fan of his for a while. He has a very good kick step and quick feet. Kirk Ferentz is a very good offensive line coach with a solid
track record for producing pro prospects: Ross Verba, Mike Goff, Eric Steinbach, Robert Gallery (not Ferentz's fault)
and Marshal Yanda. Dace has high upside. He is an under-the-radar prospect to keep your (Hawk)eye on this season.
Buffalo Bills: Greg Middleton, DE, Indiana
I like the pick of Chris Ellis, but I don't think Buffalo is done yet with its pass rush. Greg Middleton is a quick-twitch athlete who exercises natural pass-rushing skills, and the overlooked ability to play the run. Middleton will dominate the Big Ten again next season. However, can he top 16 sacks? George Selvie gets all the hype, but Middleton
is every bit as productive. The only knock is he doesn't have elite athleticism.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cullen Harper, QB, Clemson
Josh Johnson has good athleticism and mechanics, but he simply doesn't have the arm strength. He can be a great backup
quarterback, but I don't see him as a starter.
Cullen Harper, on the other hand, has a very solid arm, great accuracy and touch, and was very consistent last year for Clemson.
Until Matt Stafford becomes a more polished quarterback, Harper is my No. 1 quarterback for the 2009 Draft class.
Jacksonville Jaguars: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
Mike Peterson got injured last season and he is getting up there in age. James Laurinaitis' talent and youth would be welcomed to this defense
at inside linebacker.
Why does he fall in my mock? There is simply a total lack of demand for this position in the NFL today. Most teams are set at this position,
and I think either Laurinaitis or Rey Maualuga could fall in the first round a little bit.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Mack, C, California
Alex Mack is one of the best centers to come out in years - probably the best since Damien Woody (not that he was any
good as a center in the NFL). Mack is powerful, smart, blue-collar, and he doesn't make mistakes. Think Nick Mangold
but with better size.
Minnesota Vikings: Jeff Owens, DT, Georgia
Pat Williams isn't getting any younger, so bringing in a highly athletic and energetic defensive tackle
would be a smart move. Jeff Owens will be more statistically productive in his junior year, as he has major upside.
Clevleand Browns: Victor Harris, CB, Virginia Tech
The Browns brought in Eric Wright in the second round of the 2007 Draft, but they will need to add another corner opposite of him.
"Macho" Harris would be a great place to start. He has great instincts and explosiveness.
New England Patriots: Taylor Mays, FS/SS, USC
Taylor Mays is a very intriguing prospect. There simply aren't many free safeties in the NFL who are 6-4 and can
run a 4.4. He needs to refine his technique and be more physical, but he is a likely first-round pick.
Indianapolis Colts: Aaron Kelly, WR, Clemson
Marvin Harrison will be 37 in 2009, and this is looking like a need for the Colts. Aaron Kelly can be a possession receiver
in this offense. He has an impressive vertical and 6-5 size, and I think his skills are perfect for what the Colts do
offensively.
Green Bay Packers: Rashad Johnson, FS, Alabama
Rashad Johnson is a player who doesn't get talked about as much as he should. He is a complete ballhawk, and loves to
come up in the box and hit. Reminds me of Tanard Jackson.
Dallas Cowboys: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
Jeremy Maclin brings the speed the Cowboys are lacking at receiver, and he would truly open up the vertical game for
Tony Romo.
New York Giants: Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky
I know the Giants just drafted Terrell Thomas, but he can also play safety, and there are questions whether he has the speed
to play corner. Trevard Lindley is one of the best pure cover corners in the country. He's a complete play-maker, creating turnovers,
whether it's causing fumbles or making interceptions. Draft Lindley, move Thomas over to strong safety, and you have an elite defensive
backfield.
San Diego Chargers: Jeremy Perry, G, Oregon State
The Chargers need to come back in 2009 and address their offensive line again. Jeremy Perry is a highly athletic player who shows
great awareness in pass protection. He's a nasty run blocker as well.