draft2009expert

Last update: Monday, March 30, 2009.

This 2009 NFL Mock Draft was a collaboration between Scott Wright (DraftCountdown.com), Hunter Stewart (NewNFLDraft.com), Ryan McCrystal (DraftAce.com), Adam Allen, Eric Allen and Dan Mesday (Draft365.com), Matt McGuire and myself. We all took turns making picks in this 2009 NFL Mock Draft. Thanks to Adam for putting this together.

Detroit Lions: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
(Ryan McCrystal from DraftAce.com)

Yes, Matthew Stafford could be the next Matt Ryan. But what if he isn’t? Locking up that much money in a quarterback that turns into a bust will set the franchise back another three years at the minimum (just look at the 49ers). The bottom line is, no matter how much potential Stafford has, the Lions aren’t able to surround him with enough talent to allow him succeed. The Lions should rebuild from the trenches on out. Maybe next year they’ll be ready for Sam Bradford.
St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
(Walter Cherepinsky from WalterFootball.com)

The Rams surrendered 45 sacks in 2008 with Orlando Pace at left tackle. They recently released the future Hall-of-Famer, so they’ll need to find a franchise blindside protector to shield Marc Bulger – unless, of course, they want Bulger to keep getting knocked around. Not counting 2005 because he played just eight games, Bulger has taken at least 37 sacks every single season since 2003. I don’t know what the Rams were thinking in the past, but hopefully this new regime values Bulger’s health a bit more.
Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, ILB, Wake Forest
(Scott Wright from DraftCountdown.com)

Assuming Aaron Curry is still available this appears to be as close to a lock as it gets. Even with the trade for Mike Vrabel the Chiefs still need at least one more linebacker and not only is Curry a consensus Top 3 talent but he also possesses the top-notch intangibles that new General Manager Scott Pioli is looking for. Able to play outside or inside in either a 4-3 or 3-4 scheme, Curry will fit right in and play an integral role in Kansas City’s rebuilding project. Last year Pioli chose eventual Rookie of the Year Jerod Mayo in the Top 10 and he will try to recreate that magic with Curry. The runner-up was Brian Orakpo of Texas, who would help improve a pass rush that just set an all-time NFL record for fewest sacks in a season.
Seattle Seahawks: Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia
(Adam Allen from Draft365.com)

If your QB is bald, you have to start planning for the future. Sure, the Seahawks would likely entertain the thought of taken Smith, Monroe or Curry and will have a serious discussion about bringing in Michael Crabtree. But, with Stafford falling to them, it changes everything. Seattle, who is one year removed from the playoffs, may not have an opportunity to bring in a blue chip signal caller in the near future. Matt Hasselbeck hasn’t exactly lit it up over the last few years and he’s dealt with his fair share of injuries. Even if he bounces back this season, he doesn’t have a ton left in the tank. Stafford, who recently lit it up at his Pro Day, could be a special player at the next level.
Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas
(Matt McGuire from WalterFootball.com)

The Cleveland Browns are severely lacking a pass rush and by default Orakpo is the best pass rusher in the Draft. Everette Brown measures in at 6’1. Aaron Maybin looks sluggish at 249 pounds. Orakpo has a solid combine and is a no-brainer for the Cleveland Browns. Pass rushing is the key to consistently winning on the defensive side of the ball, and the Browns chose to pass up on Crabtree hoping Braylon Edwards steps up.
Cincinnati Bengals: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
(Hunter Stewart from NewNFLDraft.com)

I believe that the Bengals have a lot of needs and they could go after a Defensive End here like Everette Brown or an Offensive Tackle but the top 2 Tackles are gone. B.J. Raji did well at both the Senior Bowl and the Combine so I see him as being great value here and not falling out of the top 6.
Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
(Ryan McCrystal from DraftAce.com)

Prior to the signing of Khalif Barnes, I wouldn’t have wasted any time selecting an offensive tackle with this pick. However, with the left tackle position locked down the Raiders can now address other needs. JaMarcus Russell is quickly heading down the “bust” path, and if they don’t surround him with some playmakers soon, it could be too late.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
(Walter Cherepinsky from WalterFootball.com)

On Jacksonville’s behalf, I’d like to thank Hunter and Ryan for plucking B.J. Raji and Michael Crabtree off the board. With the inability to trade down in this mock, the Jaguars select Vontae Davis. Corner is a huge need for Jacksonville in the wake of the failed Drayton Florence experiment. Davis has a wide draft range, and this is pretty much the top. Jags fans will be praying for either Raji or Crabtree to fall on Draft Day.
Green Bay Packers: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
(Scott Wright from DraftCountdown.com)

Malcolm Jenkins is tempting but the Packers are shifting to a 3-4 defense and need to bring in some new personnel in the front seven so this choice comes down to Everette Brown, Aaron Maybin, and Tyson Jackson. Green Bay ranked 25th in the league in sacks last year so they need to find someone who can put some pressure on the quarterback. Aaron Kampman is making the transition to outside linebacker so he’ll fill one spot but they could use an upgrade on the other side and Everette Brown can rush the passer as well as anyone in this draft.
San Francisco 49ers: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
(Adam Allen from Draft365.com)

Since Mike Singeltary took over, you started to see that with some leadership, this team has more pieces to the puzzle than once believed. The defense was playing very well and the offense was starting to gain steam. However, their offensive potential has a low ceiling with their options at QB. The Niners would be wise to reel in this California native to add some life to a bad passing attack.
Buffalo Bills: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
(Matt McGuire from WalterFootball.com)

The Bills pass rush is anemic to say the least. Aaron Schobel seems to be past his prime. Ryan Denney and Chris Kelsay are backups at best in the league and this team needs to upgrade at least one of their end positions. Jackson is in some ways the prototypical left ends because he has a very good motor and the best bull rush I have seen on tape in this Draft class. Jackson immediately upgrades the rush defense as well and this team simply needs more talent on their defensive line if they really want to compete in the AFC East.
Denver Broncos: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
(Hunter Stewart from NewNFLDraft.com)

I believe that the Broncos need to help their run defense with their 2009 NFL Draft pick. Rey Maualuga is a great run stopper and a hard hitting linebacker. With the addition of him the Broncos can move Wilson back to the outside and I believe improve their defense greatly.
Washington Redskins: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
(Dan Mesday from Draft365.com)

HEY LOOK WHO’S AN “EXPERT”!!! Apparently I have some sort of credibility (something which I never claimed to have) so here I am making a pick. Dan Snyder spent a lot of money this off season on Albert Haynesworth and DeAngelo Hall, and a mid-first round pick will ensure he is spending a little more. Haynesworth shored up the defensive line and while defensive end could be a possibility (Aaron Maybin) but with Chris Samuels getting older and coming off of injury and the fact that Jon Jansen isn’t getting any younger either offensive tackle is the best way to go here. The best tackle left on the board is Michael Oher from Ole Miss and that should be the Redskins’ pick here. On the field this season he was a force and even impressed at the Senior Bowl and in his bowl game. 21 reps on the bench at the combine means that his strength will need to improve, but this is a guy who has all the tools and the talent to contribute very early in his career for Washington.
New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins, FS, Ohio State
(Ryan McCrystal from DraftAce.com)

It doesn’t get much easier than this. The Saints have tried to fix their secondary woes through trades and free agency and it just hasn’t worked. Mike McKenzie has done an adequate job, but Jason David and Randall Gay have been busts. Jenkins lacks the elite straight-line speed of a shutdown corner, but you can’t overlook his effectiveness in college. And even if you view Jenkins as a safety, this is still a great pick. He would be a major upgrade over at free safety over Kevin Kaesviharn and would help improve the league’s 23rd-ranked passing defense.
Houston Texans: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
(Walter Cherepinsky from WalterFootball.com)

The Texans are in the unfortunate position of either being forced to reach for a position of great need or take a player that fills a lesser need. I believe Houston will attempt to trade down like it did in the 2008 NFL Draft. If the team can’t, it’ll look at outside linebacker, particularly the two USC linebackers, Brian Cushing and Clay Matthews.
San Diego Chargers: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
(Scott Wright from DraftCountdown.com)

Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith does a double-take and can’t believe his luck when he sees Andre Smith still sitting on the board. San Diego doesn’t have many glaring needs but they could definitely use an upgrade over Jeromey Clary at right tackle and Andre Smith would give their 20th ranked running game a huge boost. Andre Smith is considered to be one of the Top 5 talents in this draft and while he may slip a bit due to character concerns there comes a point when the potential rewards begin to outweigh the risks. I will be surprised if Andre Smith actually lasts this long on Draft Day but if he does the Chargers will jump at the opportunity to solidify their offensive line.
New York Jets: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
(Adam Allen from Draft365.com)

The Jets could go a number of directions with this pick. Their glaring need is at QB, but I’m not sure Rex Ryan would reach for Josh Freeman at this spot. He will build this squad around a dominating defense and a tough running attack. While some top notch edge rushers are still on the board, it’s tough to write off Vernon Gholston already. With Thomas Jones making noise about his contract, and Leon Washington facing free agency next season, the Jets would be wise to hedge their bets at RB. Wells is a beast and has top 10 talent. He can flourish behind a very good, young offensive line for many years.
Chicago Bears: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
(Matt McGuire from WalterFootball.com)

Britt is the endzone target this offense currently lacks at wide receiver. He is the No. 2 receiver on my board and I feel like he is certainly being overlooked at this point. Britt’s ability to generate Y.A.C. and run precise routes makes him a lethal target considering his size. Kyle Orton needs more weapons offensively at receiver. I feel like wideout is a slightly bigger need at this point than defensive end, and that also came into consideration here.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
(Hunter Stewart from NewNFLDraft.com)

I think that Tampa Bay needs to get a QB for the future and Josh Freeman could very well be that guy. I have the Bucs taking Freeman here who is in the form of Joe Flacco from last years draft. Some other needs would be DT, WR and to add depth at CB.
Detroit Lions: Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois
(Eric Allen from Draft365.com)

The popular pick here would likely be defensive tackle with the loss of Corey Redding and the talent still out there. But there should be a quality player available at the #33 pick. Larry English is the most dynamic defensive playmaker left on the board. English provides a level of versatility to the Lions defense as he can rush the passer from both sides of the ball. While he looked good at linebacker in the Senior Bowl, I still think English is best served with his hand in the dirt. He has natural pass rush skills and is strong against the run. He isn’t the biggest guy but can put on a little weight and utilize his speed and explosiveness like Trent Cole and Dwight Freeney.
Philadelphia Eagles: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
(Ryan McCrystal from DraftAce.com)

With Chris Wells and the top four offensive linemen off the board, the Eagles need to turn their attention to the best available player. In this case it could be Maybin who also fits the Eagles draft strategy which seems to be: when in doubt, take a defensive lineman. Its a strategy that has worked well in recent years, an in Maybin’s case his versatility is an added benefit. He could quickly become their top pass rusher, as their leader in sacks in ’08, Darren Howard, turns 33 next season. The Eagles would also have the option of moving him to strong-side linebacker where he would compete with Chris Gocong for the starting job.
Minnesota Vikings: Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
(Walter Cherepinsky from WalterFootball.com)

Darius Butler makes a lot of sense for the Vikings. He’ll give them a weapon that they lack in the return game. Also, Minnesota needs a young corner because Antoine Winfield and Charles Gordon will see their contracts expire after the 2009 campaign. Winfield turns 32 in June and Gordon isn’t anything special.
New England Patriots: Clint Sintim, DE/OLB, Virginia
(Scott Wright from DraftCountdown.com)

Not only is long-time franchise stalwart Mike Vrabel gone but Adalius Thomas is going to be 32-years-old this fall and has not been the picture of health recently. Bill Belichick and Virginia coach Al Groh are both products of the Bill Parcells coaching tree and Groh has been giving Clint Sintim rave reviews to anyone who will listen. An added bonus with Sintim is that he actually played in a 3-4 scheme in college so it won’t be such a major adjustment for him. The runner-up here was Clay Matthews.
Atlanta Falcons: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
(Adam Allen from Draft365.com)

HC Mike Smith hit the lottery last season with Matt Ryan. But you know the former defensive coordinator is salivating at a chance to draft defense. While a WR or a TE makes sense, Smith knows the value of dominating defensive tackles (remember John Henderson and Marcus Stroud in Jacksonville?). Jerry is a steal at the #24 spot and some believe he will be gone in the top 15. He isn’t the biggest guy but his skills as a penetrater are tops in this class.
Miami Dolphins: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
(Matt McGuire from WalterFootball.com)

Miami could go a number of ways with this pick including Clay Matthews, Connor Barwin, or possibly even Ron Brace. However, this offense lacks a reliable possession receiver. Nicks has one of the best pairs of hands in the draft, runs crisp routes, changes speeds in and out of breaks, and has great concentration on the football when it is in the air. Chad Henne needs to develop chemistry with a receiver because he is the future of this organization at QB, but Chad Pennington also needs some help offensively.
Baltimore Ravens: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
(Hunter Stewart from NewNFLDraft.com)

Baltimore is getting older and older on their defense. Both of their corners are pretty old and Baltimore wins games through their defense. I believe that Smith is a great pick here because he is both a great athlete and a great work ethic. Look for him to thrive and help this defense in the 2009 season.
Indianapolis Colts: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
(Ryan McCrystal from DraftAce.com)

Defensive tackle has been a need in Indianapolis for a number of years now. They’ve found some stop-gaps from time to time, but no long term answers. Peria Jerry would be an ideal fit, but Hood isn’t far off the mark and could be worth reaching for. Without any other glaring needs this is the smart move for the Colts who need a guy like Hood who can help them immediately.
Philadelphia Eagles: Alex Mack, C, California
(Walter Cherepinsky from WalterFootball.com)

Andy Reid continues his tradition of drafting linemen in the first round and pissing off the fans. The Eagles will upgrade the center position if they get the chance in the 2009 NFL Draft.
New York Giants: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
(Scott Wright from DraftCountdown.com)

Even if Plaxico Burress is somehow able to skirt the three-and-a-half year minimum sentence on his gun charge he will likely be facing a lengthy suspension from the league and there is just no way the Giants can count on him short or long-term. With that being the case New York needs to find a capable replacement for Plax because their offense and Eli Manning just weren’t the same without him. Kenny Britt or Hakeem Nicks would be a better fit for the Giants here but Heyward-Bey is the top wideout on the board and a great value this late in round one.
Tennessee Titans: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
(Adam Allen from Draft365.com)

The Titans may need WR help more than anyone in the league. They rode their ferocious running attack and defense all last season, but when they needed to air it out they proved to be one dimensional. Harvin is the best receiver on the board at this point. He is a small guy but he has game changing ability from all over the field. He can make a DeSean Jackson type impact on this squad.
Arizona Cardinals: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
(Matt McGuire from WalterFootball.com)

This is an extremely easy pick. Moreno is underrated at this point and he falls because of lack of positional demand for running backs, but the Cardinals are desperate for that No. 1 back and cannot pass up on him at this point.
Pittsburgh Steelers: William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
(Hunter Stewart from NewNFLDraft.com)

Sorry I am not going to end with a flashy pick here. I have the Steelers ending the first round with an OT who has a ton of Potential. Beatty is both very athletic and could be a great LT for the Steelers in the near future. Another move they could make would be going with Duke Robinson here who is the top Guard in the 2009 NFL Draft.

2009 NFL Mock Draft – Updated 3/28

2009 NFL Pro Day Results – Updated 3/29

2010 NFL Mock Draft

NFL Picks

2009 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings

NFL Draft Links: