NYC Bronco
01-07-2009, 03:07 PM
Linemen, linebackers a big part of 2009's first complete mock draft
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By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
Archive
1. Detroit Lions (Record: 0-16) -- Sam Bradford**, QB, Oklahoma
The Lions could have a tough choice here between Bradford and Georgia's Matthew Stafford. Bradford could use another year of experience and improved strength. There will also be concerns regarding his transition to the NFL from a shotgun-heavy offense at Oklahoma, where he is afforded the luxury of a first-class supporting cast. On the positive side, Bradford excels in the areas most critical to being a successful quarterback in the NFL: mental makeup, intangibles and accuracy.
If the Lions aren't sold on any of the available quarterbacks in the upcoming draft, selecting an elite offensive tackle like Andre Smith wouldn't be a bad option. Just ask the Dolphins how the Jake Long pick worked out.
2. St. Louis Rams (2-14) -- Andre Smith*, OT, Alabama
While his suspension for improper dealings with an agent is disappointing, it doesn't appear to point to a larger issue regarding Smith's character. Assuming those concerns are unfounded Smith should be the first offensive lineman taken off the board. He's not as polished as Long was coming out of Michigan, but Smith possesses better overall physical tools. It's no secret the Rams wanted Long badly last year so it's safe to assume Smith will be high on their wish list a few months from now.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14) -- Matthew Stafford*, QB, Georgia
Tyler Thigpen showed some promise as a fill-in starter this season, which gives the Chiefs some flexibility at No. 3. There are people inside the Chiefs organization that are very high on Stafford, and for good reason. He plays under center in something close to a pro-style offense at Georgia. He faced top competition in the SEC and did not have a great supporting cast around him. Stafford also has a rifle for an arm and is very accurate when is footwork is correct. His inconsistency and lapses in judgment are concerning, which is why we could have an interesting arms race between Stafford and Bradford if both are available for the upcoming draft.
4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12) -- Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
Seahawks fans would certainly second-guess passing on a potential game-breaker like WR Michael Crabtree. It doesn't take much research, however, to realize the risks of taking a receiver this early in the draft. Curry is emerging as the top overall linebacker in the 2009 class because of his combination of physical tools, toughness and leadership. Teams build defenses around high-intensity guys like Curry and the Seahawks could be in the market if Leroy Hill bolts via free agency.
5. Cleveland Browns (4-12) -- Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State
It remains to be seen who will be making the decisions and what schemes the Browns will be running in 2009. They could be in the market for a rush-linebacker with this pick and a playmaker like Crabtree would be intriguing as well. Jenkins makes the most sense right now, though. The local product is an experienced and versatile playmaker who would instantly upgrade the athleticism of the secondary and also brings special teams value.
6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1) -- Aaron Maybin**, DE/OLB, Penn State
Maybin is only a third-year sophomore and he could use another year in school to develop physically. Still, his explosive initial burst as a pass-rusher is hard to ignore. Maybin can turn the corner in a hurry and he displays a powerful upper body for his size. The Bengals need a sack artist like Maybin, even if he would serve as nothing more than a situational edge rusher early in his career.
7. Oakland Raiders (5-11) -- Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Although Crabtree won't wow anyone with his 40-yard dash time, it's not hard to imagine Raiders owner Al Davis pulling the trigger on the premier pass-catcher in this year's draft. Let's assume, though, that Oakland goes in a different direction and looks to find protection for its investments in QB JaMarcus Russell and RB Darren McFadden. With Smith off the board in this scenario, Monroe looks like the best available option. He's not quite as dominant as former teammate Brandon Albert (No. 15 overall to the Chiefs in 2008), but Monroe has the size and athleticism to protect Russell's blindside for many years.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11) -- Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
The Jaguars need to upgrade their offensive line and Smith is a fast-rising prospect who could figure into the top half of the first round. Smith needs to improve his bulk and strength but the former tight end displays impressive feet and size potential.
9. Green Bay Packers (6-10) -- Gerald McCoy**, DT, Oklahoma
The Packers need help in the trenches on both sides of the ball and they should find a slew of quality options at No. 9 overall. McCoy is a third-year sophomore and there's a good chance he will return to Oklahoma for another season. However, he possesses the disruptive skills to rocket up NFL draft boards should he leave early.
10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9) -- Michael Crabtree**, WR, Texas Tech
Teams are cooling on taking wide receivers early in the draft. Last year not one receiver was selected in the first round. The Niners would have to think long and hard about passing on Crabtree, though. This third-year sophomore appears to be an exception to the rule. Crabtree is a physical pass-catcher with the vision, hands, body control and run-after-catch ability to quickly emerge as a premier pass-catcher at the next level.
11. Buffalo Bills (7-9) -- Jermaine Gresham*, TE, Oklahoma
12. Denver Broncos (8-8) -- Chris Wells*, RB, Ohio State
13. Washington Redskins (8-8) -- Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
14. New Orleans Saints (8-8) -- Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
15. Houston Texans (8-8) -- Taylor Mays*, DS, USC
16. San Diego Chargers (8-8) -- B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
17. New York Jets (9-7) -- James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
18. Chicago Bears (9-7) -- Mark Sanchez*, QB, USC
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) -- Jeremy Maclin**, WR, Missouri
20. Detroit Lions (from 9-7 DAL) -- Vontae Davis*, CB, Illinois
21. Arizona Cardinals (9-7) -- Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
22. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) -- Russell Okung*, OT, Oklahoma State
23. Minnesota Vikings (10-6) -- D.J. Moore*, CB, Vanderbilt
24. New England Patriots (11-5) -- Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
25. Atlanta Falcons (11-5) -- Terrence Cody*, DT, Alabama
26. Miami Dolphins (11-5) -- Brandon Spikes*, ILB, Florida
27. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) -- Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
28. Philadelphia Eagles (from 12-4 CAR) -- Knowshon Moreno*, RB, Georgia
29. Indianapolis Colts (12-4) -- Sen'Derrick Marks*, DT, Auburn
30. New York Giants (12-4) -- Greg Hardy*, DE, Mississippi
31. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) -- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
32. Tennessee Titans (13-3) -- Percy Harvin*, WR, Florida
Top 10 remaining on the board
1. Trent Williams*, OT, Oklahoma
2. Everette Brown*, DE, Florida State
3. LeSean McCoy*, RB, Pitt
4. Jerry Hughes*, DE, TCU
5. Sean Smith*, CB, Utah
6. C.J. Spiller*, RB, Clemson
7. Darrius Heyward-Bey*, WR, Maryland
8. Mark Herzlich*, LB, Boston College
9. Jared Cook*, TE, South Carolina
10. Paul Kruger*, DE, Utah
Comment Email Print
By Todd McShay
Scouts Inc.
Archive
1. Detroit Lions (Record: 0-16) -- Sam Bradford**, QB, Oklahoma
The Lions could have a tough choice here between Bradford and Georgia's Matthew Stafford. Bradford could use another year of experience and improved strength. There will also be concerns regarding his transition to the NFL from a shotgun-heavy offense at Oklahoma, where he is afforded the luxury of a first-class supporting cast. On the positive side, Bradford excels in the areas most critical to being a successful quarterback in the NFL: mental makeup, intangibles and accuracy.
If the Lions aren't sold on any of the available quarterbacks in the upcoming draft, selecting an elite offensive tackle like Andre Smith wouldn't be a bad option. Just ask the Dolphins how the Jake Long pick worked out.
2. St. Louis Rams (2-14) -- Andre Smith*, OT, Alabama
While his suspension for improper dealings with an agent is disappointing, it doesn't appear to point to a larger issue regarding Smith's character. Assuming those concerns are unfounded Smith should be the first offensive lineman taken off the board. He's not as polished as Long was coming out of Michigan, but Smith possesses better overall physical tools. It's no secret the Rams wanted Long badly last year so it's safe to assume Smith will be high on their wish list a few months from now.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14) -- Matthew Stafford*, QB, Georgia
Tyler Thigpen showed some promise as a fill-in starter this season, which gives the Chiefs some flexibility at No. 3. There are people inside the Chiefs organization that are very high on Stafford, and for good reason. He plays under center in something close to a pro-style offense at Georgia. He faced top competition in the SEC and did not have a great supporting cast around him. Stafford also has a rifle for an arm and is very accurate when is footwork is correct. His inconsistency and lapses in judgment are concerning, which is why we could have an interesting arms race between Stafford and Bradford if both are available for the upcoming draft.
4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12) -- Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
Seahawks fans would certainly second-guess passing on a potential game-breaker like WR Michael Crabtree. It doesn't take much research, however, to realize the risks of taking a receiver this early in the draft. Curry is emerging as the top overall linebacker in the 2009 class because of his combination of physical tools, toughness and leadership. Teams build defenses around high-intensity guys like Curry and the Seahawks could be in the market if Leroy Hill bolts via free agency.
5. Cleveland Browns (4-12) -- Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State
It remains to be seen who will be making the decisions and what schemes the Browns will be running in 2009. They could be in the market for a rush-linebacker with this pick and a playmaker like Crabtree would be intriguing as well. Jenkins makes the most sense right now, though. The local product is an experienced and versatile playmaker who would instantly upgrade the athleticism of the secondary and also brings special teams value.
6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1) -- Aaron Maybin**, DE/OLB, Penn State
Maybin is only a third-year sophomore and he could use another year in school to develop physically. Still, his explosive initial burst as a pass-rusher is hard to ignore. Maybin can turn the corner in a hurry and he displays a powerful upper body for his size. The Bengals need a sack artist like Maybin, even if he would serve as nothing more than a situational edge rusher early in his career.
7. Oakland Raiders (5-11) -- Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Although Crabtree won't wow anyone with his 40-yard dash time, it's not hard to imagine Raiders owner Al Davis pulling the trigger on the premier pass-catcher in this year's draft. Let's assume, though, that Oakland goes in a different direction and looks to find protection for its investments in QB JaMarcus Russell and RB Darren McFadden. With Smith off the board in this scenario, Monroe looks like the best available option. He's not quite as dominant as former teammate Brandon Albert (No. 15 overall to the Chiefs in 2008), but Monroe has the size and athleticism to protect Russell's blindside for many years.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11) -- Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
The Jaguars need to upgrade their offensive line and Smith is a fast-rising prospect who could figure into the top half of the first round. Smith needs to improve his bulk and strength but the former tight end displays impressive feet and size potential.
9. Green Bay Packers (6-10) -- Gerald McCoy**, DT, Oklahoma
The Packers need help in the trenches on both sides of the ball and they should find a slew of quality options at No. 9 overall. McCoy is a third-year sophomore and there's a good chance he will return to Oklahoma for another season. However, he possesses the disruptive skills to rocket up NFL draft boards should he leave early.
10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9) -- Michael Crabtree**, WR, Texas Tech
Teams are cooling on taking wide receivers early in the draft. Last year not one receiver was selected in the first round. The Niners would have to think long and hard about passing on Crabtree, though. This third-year sophomore appears to be an exception to the rule. Crabtree is a physical pass-catcher with the vision, hands, body control and run-after-catch ability to quickly emerge as a premier pass-catcher at the next level.
11. Buffalo Bills (7-9) -- Jermaine Gresham*, TE, Oklahoma
12. Denver Broncos (8-8) -- Chris Wells*, RB, Ohio State
13. Washington Redskins (8-8) -- Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
14. New Orleans Saints (8-8) -- Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
15. Houston Texans (8-8) -- Taylor Mays*, DS, USC
16. San Diego Chargers (8-8) -- B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
17. New York Jets (9-7) -- James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
18. Chicago Bears (9-7) -- Mark Sanchez*, QB, USC
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) -- Jeremy Maclin**, WR, Missouri
20. Detroit Lions (from 9-7 DAL) -- Vontae Davis*, CB, Illinois
21. Arizona Cardinals (9-7) -- Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
22. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) -- Russell Okung*, OT, Oklahoma State
23. Minnesota Vikings (10-6) -- D.J. Moore*, CB, Vanderbilt
24. New England Patriots (11-5) -- Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
25. Atlanta Falcons (11-5) -- Terrence Cody*, DT, Alabama
26. Miami Dolphins (11-5) -- Brandon Spikes*, ILB, Florida
27. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) -- Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
28. Philadelphia Eagles (from 12-4 CAR) -- Knowshon Moreno*, RB, Georgia
29. Indianapolis Colts (12-4) -- Sen'Derrick Marks*, DT, Auburn
30. New York Giants (12-4) -- Greg Hardy*, DE, Mississippi
31. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) -- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
32. Tennessee Titans (13-3) -- Percy Harvin*, WR, Florida
Top 10 remaining on the board
1. Trent Williams*, OT, Oklahoma
2. Everette Brown*, DE, Florida State
3. LeSean McCoy*, RB, Pitt
4. Jerry Hughes*, DE, TCU
5. Sean Smith*, CB, Utah
6. C.J. Spiller*, RB, Clemson
7. Darrius Heyward-Bey*, WR, Maryland
8. Mark Herzlich*, LB, Boston College
9. Jared Cook*, TE, South Carolina
10. Paul Kruger*, DE, Utah