draft2009greg

Last update: Saturday, July 19, 2008. Next Update: TBA.
WALT’S 2009 NFL MOCK DRAFT| MATT’S 2009 NFL MOCK DRAFT
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Atlanta Falcons: Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
The Falcons need a line to protect Matt Ryan. And yes, they traded up to get Sam Baker this year, but Michael Oher is the best tackle prospect to come along (in my opinion) since Orlando Pace, and simply cannot be passed on. With promising building blocks like Baker and Justin Blalock, the addition of a guy like Oher could really make the Falcons line something special.
Miami Dolphins: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
I’m sticking to my guns with this one. I think that Michael Crabtree could be that No. 1 receiver Miami foolishly traded away (Chris Chambers) this past season. A phenomenal physical specimen at 6-3, 210 with a 4.46 40 time, Crabtree has all the makings of a top receiver in the league. Chad Henne and/or John Beck would be licking their chops with this pick.
San Francisco 49ers: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
Originally I had a stand-up rusher going here with either George Selvie or Michael Johnson, but the 49ers are working with Justin Smith as a 3-4 rush linebacker and seem pretty content. That leaves a void next to Patrick Willis in the middle of that linebacking corps. Derek Smith left for San Diego and Jeff Ulbrich at the top of the depth chart means disaster in San Francisco. James Laurinaitis would team up with Willis to form quite possibly the most intimidating inside linebacker combo in the entire league.
Kansas City Chiefs: Phillip Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma
Phil Loadholt reminds me a lot of Willie Roaf, and I don’t need to tell Chiefs fans how much they miss that guy. Regardless of which tackle spot he plays, Loadholt is going to absolutely maul opposing ends with his 6-8, 350-pound frame. Teaming up with Branden Albert, Loadholt can make the Kansas City line intimidating again, even once Brian Waters retires, a move which would probably slide Albert back inside to guard if the Chiefs try him at tackle this year.
St. Louis Rams: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
St. Louis has an interesting situation this year. Taking John Greco in the third round was a great choice, as I feel his potential is limitless. So does that mean he is the designated replacement for Orlando Pace? I don’t know. But what I do know is that this year is a make-or-break year for Alex Barron. Can Barron prove that he is who the Rams thought he was when they made him the No. 19 overall pick in 2005? Or will he simply slip further into mediocrity this year? That will ultimately decide where the Rams go with this selection. If Barron doesn’t pan out, Andre Smith will more than make up for it, as he is a terrific prospect who may be able to start right away when he comes into the league.
Detroit Lions: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
Detroit added Leigh Bodden this offseason, which is a move that I cannot praise enough. Bodden is just about to enter his prime and after the promise he showed this past season, he was an absolute steal from Cleveland. That being said, the Lions also didn’t draft a single corner this year. Does Matt Millen know they’re supposed to start two of those guys? A corner tandem of Malcolm Jenkins and Bodden is flat-out terrifying.
Oakland Raiders: Michael Johnson, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech
It’s going to be a battle between Michael Johnson and George Selvie here. In the end, I think Johnson gets the nod because he is an absolute freak athletically. He is 6-7, 250, and runs a 4.63 40. Al Davis doesn’t even need to pop a Viagra to get excited about this guy. He’ll help Derrick Burgess get some pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and should make that defense even scarier. A pass rush of Johnson and Burgess, combined with a secondary of Nnamdi Asomugha, Gibril Wilson, Michael Huff and DeAngelo Hall? Now that sounds more like the Raiders defense of old.
Baltimore Ravens: Ciron Black, OT, LSU
Jonathan Ogden is officially gone, and the Ravens need his replacment. It’s still unclear whether Jared Gaither is better suited for right or left tackle, and Ciron Black is a guy who would give them options. Black could also project to either tackle spot, with his 6-5, 314-pound body giving him the luxury of being able to handle the right tackle spot; he also has the athleticism to man the all-important left tackle position. Either way, the Ravens would have a pair of solid bookends to build around.
Chicago Bears: Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia
Rex Grossman. Kyle Orton. That’s just about all the explaining this pick needs. The running game is also a big concern, especially in the wake of the Cedric Benson release, so a guy like Knowshon Moreno would be very tempting, but a quarterback is just too vital to a team’s success.
Denver Broncos: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
D.J. Williams can finally move back to outside now, since somehow the Broncos’ front office passed over Dan Connor for Eddie Royal in the second round. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not trying to bash Royal; just saying that Dan Connor was there and clearly was a better value that filled a more imperative need. Regardless, Rey Maualuga will really help this group of linebackers. After surprising some by returning for his senior year, Maualuga will still be battling James Laurinaitis for the top inside linebacking spot in the 2009 NFL Draft. Whichever one the Broncos get, they really can’t go wrong.
New York Jets: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
If the Kellen Clemens/Chad Pennington experiment falters this year, then guys like Matt Stafford, Curtis Painter or Tim Tebow could get some consideration here, but Chris Wells is an outstanding running back who has a real bright future ahead of him. He can instantly revitalize a Jets running game that saw Thomas Jones rack up a total of one touchdown on a 3.6 yards-per-carry average.
Cincinnati Bengals: Fili Moala, DT, USC
The Bengals missed out on Sedrick Ellis in this past draft, but now they have a chance to grab his running mate, who may be an equally good prospect. Fili Moala is a great run stuffer, and not a bad pass rusher either. With 2.5 sacks and 5.5 tackles for loss last year, Moala proved he has a burst coming off the line and can do whatever is asked of him at the next level. Plus, teaming him up with Domata Peko gives Cincinnati the pair of defensive tackles with the absolute coolest names in the league. Hands down.
Arizona Cardinals: George Selvie, DE, South Florida
Calvin Pace bolted to the Jets in free agency, and his replacement is still unknown. Locking up Karlos Dansby on the other side seems to be imminent, which is good move, but he can’t do it on his own. George Selvie is a great value at 13, as he has the production (14.5 sacks, 31.5 tackles for Loss, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 blocked kick in 2007) and frame (6-4, 242) to be a good stand-up rusher for the Cardinals’ 3-4 scheme.
Philadelphia Eagles: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
The Eagles wanted to get a tackle in last year’s draft, and the word around the league was that they coveted Chris Williams from Vanderbilt. Once Chicago pulled him off the board, the Eagles were more than willing to deal their first-round pick to the Panthers so that Carolina could grab Jeff Otah. William “Tra” Thomas and Jon Runyan have been solid players throughout their careers, but are now 33 and 34, respectively. Winston Justice is even a question mark after last season. He started one game for Philadelphia. It just so happened that contest was also the game in which Osi Umenyiora racked up a ridiculous six sacks. Coincidence? You decide for yourself. The fact is, the Eagles need another solid offensive tackle, and Eugene Monroe fits the bill after he stepped into the mammoth shoes of D’Brickashaw Ferguson and performed extraordinarily well at Virginia.
Washington Redskins: Taylor Mays, SS, USC
As tragic as Sean Taylor’s death was, the fact remains that the Redskins need someone to take his place. Enter Taylor Mays. An absolutely dominant safety, the only thing standing in his way of NFL greatness is a couple minor character concerns. Those aside, he would fit perfectly next to LaRon Landry for Washington. A freakish athlete who somehow runs a 4.42 despite being 6-4 and weighing 225 pounds, Mays has recorded four interceptions and 127 tackles over his first two years for the Trojans. If he can continue his success during his junior year, he could be the best USC safety since Troy Polamalu.
Tennessee Titans: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
The Titans lack a true No. 1 receiver, and "DHB" can be just that. After drafting Chris Johnson this past year, the Titans proved that there actually may be a team out there whose draft stupidity rivals that of the Oakland Raiders. Darrius Heyward-Bay would provide a huge speed dimension (4.33 40-yard dash) and he also has the size (6-2, 205) to go up and get the ball over smaller corners when he needs to. He would be a great addition in Tennessee, and would make Vince Young extremely happy.
Houston Texans: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Houston has been looking for a real stud running back since Domanick Williams/Davis went down with his injury in 2005 and never came back. Knowshon Moreno is absolutely dominant. As a redshirt freshman, he racked up 1,334 yards and 14 touchdowns on a 5.4 yards-per-carry average. He'll be three years removed from high school next year and if he declares, he should be a sure-fire first-round pick. If there we more teams with a running back need, he would be a lock to go top-15 or even top-10. Chris Brown, Ahman Green, and Ron Dayne just don't cut it. Steve Slaton was a solid pickup in the draft, and a tough, hard-nosed guy like Knowshon Moreno would be perfect to complement him, like thunder and lightning, if you will.
Minnesota Vikings: Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma
The Vikings could really use an upgrade at right tackle or quarterback. Unfortunately, the best of both positions are long gone. Max Unger is still available, but he is more of a prototype left tackle, as his main asset is his mobility. He doesn't have the strength to lock down the right tackle spot, and so he falls out of favor. Right guard is a position that could also use an upgrade in Minnesota, and Duke Robinson is also the best player available at this spot. He is an absolute mauler, and would help shore up that right side very nicely, leaving the Vikings one solid right tackle short from the best offensive line the NFL has seen in a long time.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
The Buccaneers really don't have any glaring needs. Defensive end is still a need, though, as Gaines Adams is the only cemented starter on either end. Greg White is good, but may be better suited for a rotational role, and when a guy like Tyson Jackson falls to Tampa Bay, they simply can't afford to pass on him. Jackson was overshadowed last year because he played next to some guy named Glenn Dorsey, but Jackson still quietly racked up five tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He is going to have a stud season this year, and would instantly upgrade the defensive end situation for the Bucs.
Buffalo Bills: Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss
The Bills picked up a good pass-rush guy in Chris Ellis in the third round of this year's draft, as Aaron Schobel won't be around forever, and Chris Kelsay's 4-year, $23 million contract was an absolute waste. Greg Hardy's production at Ole Miss can't be denied, as he had ten sacks with 18.5 tackles for loss in 2007. He's also caught three passes for three touchdowns in his two years at Ole Miss, so maybe he could help the Bills with their tight end situation�
Philadelphia Eagles: Myron Rolle, SS, Florida State
Myron Rolle is a terrific talent who could play either safety position in the NFL. Contrary to popular belief by Eagles fans, Brian Dawkins isn't immortal. That means he'll need a protege to learn under him before he retires. Myron Rolle would be perfect for that.
Seattle Seahawks: Alex Boone, OT, Ohio State
Walter Jones is going to be 35 when the 2009 draft rolls around and the Seahawks need to find someone to take his spot on the line. Alex Boone can be that guy. At 6-8 and 312 pounds, Boone has the versatility to play either tackle spot, and could take Jones' spot at left tackle when he calls it quits. The Seahawks sorely missed Steve Hutchinson when he left, and cannot afford to go through the same thing when Walter Jones departs.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
The Steelers could go a number of ways with this pick. The offensive line gave up six sacks to the Jaguars in the playoffs last year, and Alana Faneca just left. Tackle might be an option, but all the first-round talents at that position are already off the board. That leaves safety and corner. With Myron Rolle just being picked and Vontae Davis still on the board, the choice is already made for Pittsburgh.
Cleveland Browns: Maurice Evans, DE/OLB, Penn State
With Willie McGinest stating that he'll retire after 2008, the Browns need to find his replacement. Maurice Evans fits this role perfectly, and would provide a great rush off the edge opposite Kamerion Wimbley. With Evans, Wimbley, D'Qwell Jackson, and either Andra Davis or Leon Williams manning the linebacker spots, the Browns are starting to look like they have a really good � and young � defense.
New Orleans Saints: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
It's extremely difficult to believe that Brian Cushing can possibly fall this far, but with a very solid group of linebackers at the top this year and a number of teams running a 3-4 and looking for more hybrid-type players, Cushing slides to No. 25 and the Saints couldn't be happier. It's possible that Cushing goes as high as No. 12 to the Bengals, or No. 18 to the Vikings. If he slides here, the Saints will be all over him.
Dallas Cowboys: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
The Cowboys have an interesting situation. With no real glaring needs, they can opt for a depth pick here, and add a receiver to a group that needs to start thinking about life after Terry Glenn, who is 33 and missed all of last year to an injury. Terrell Owens is 34, but his physical condition will probably allow him to play till 40, much like Jerry Rice did (retired at age 42). Jeremy Maclin would bring a great talent to pair with promising receiver Patrick Crayton.
Green Bay Packers: Greg Middleton, DE, Indiana
Green Bay isn't looking for any new starters, but a guy like Greg Middleton is just perfect for them. Someone they can groom behind Kabeer Gbaja-Biamila to eventually take his spot across from stud pass-rusher Aaron Kampman. Middleton could be a rotational guy his rookie year, and eventually a solid starter for this Green Bay team.
Indianapolis Colts: Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
The Colts found a gem in Ed Johnson last year and are going to try their luck with Quinn Pitcock taking over for Booger McFarland, but I don't see Pitcock being more than a rotational guy. Sen'Derrick Marks could come in and make for a very formidable four-man rotation up front, with he, Johnson, Pitcock, and Raheem Brock all rotating in on different situations.
New England Patriots: D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
Terrence Wheatley, Jason Webster and Fernando Bryant. These are the guys they expect to replace Asante Samuel? Really? D.J. Moore is a much better option, and it should probably be between him and Victor Harris for this pick.
San Diego Chargers: Herman Johnson, G, LSU
Mike Goff will be 33 when the draft comes around, and Herman Johnson could greatly benefit from learning under him. He will sit for a year or two while studying from members of an offensive line which collectively may be the best in the league.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Al Woods, DT, LSU
The loss of Marcus Stroud leaves a really big gap next to John Henderson. This situation reminds me a lot of what the Bills went through after the 2004 season. With a dominant defensive tackle tandem consisting of Pat Williams and Sam Adams, the Bills elected to let Williams leave in free agency, thinking that Adams could handle playing next to Ron Edwards. They were wrong. Just like Jacksonville is wrong if they think John Henderson can form the same tandem playing next to Tony McDaniel, Derek Landri or Jimmy Kennedy. Al Woods will fit nicely next to Henderson between newly acquired pass-rushers Derrick Harvey and Quentin Groves.
New York Giants: William Moore, S, Missouri
Sammy Knight is not the answer at strong safety. Giants fans, players and coaches will all realize that early in the upcoming season. William Moore, on the other hand, could be. Moore is a combo safety who is comfortable at either spot, and has the range and physicality to play both effectively. Moore logged eight interceptions and 115 tackles last year alone. That's a true ball-hawk.

Round 2 of Greg Haefner's 2009 NFL Mock Draft

Walt's 2009 NFL Mock Draft

Matt McGuire's 2009 NFL Mock Draft

2009 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings

2009 NFL Mock Draft Database

Send Greg an e-mail here: [email protected]
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