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Published on 03/20/2009 at Fri Mar 20 08:49.
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This just in! Andre Smith is not the smartest guy out there. Smith’s range used to be 1-6 and now it would be stupid for a team to take him in the top 10. For the post-combine version check out this link.

 

Round 1

 

  1. Detroit Lions
    Eugene Monroe, T, Virginia
  2. The Lions made a mad dash for Jay Cutler. I don’t think they’re to thrilled to get Matt Stafford as a quarterback. Expect to see some quarterback be picked up in free agency and for them to protect him with Eugene Monroe or possibly Jason Smith.

    Previous: Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia.

     

  3. St. Louis Rams
    Jason Smith, T, Baylor
  4. Once again… Marc Bulger has been sacked 126 times over the past three seasons. Michael Crabtree needs to impress real well at his pro-day. Jason Smith is starting to emerge as the premier tackle of this draft class. Just check out his interview at NFL.com, he’s just overall a great person.

    Previous: Jason Smith, T, Baylor. 

  5. Kansas City Chiefs
    Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
  6. In the wake of a new 3-4 defense having a player that can play any of the four linebacking spots phenomenally is a good start.

    Previous: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest.

     

  7. Seattle Seahawks
    Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
  8. T.J. Houshmandzadeh is now a Seahawk so big money on Crabtree is unlikely. Matt Hasselbeck started only 7 games he was sacked 2.7 times a game, however Eugene Monroe and Jason Smith are off the board. Hasselbeck is 33, and his performance has been declining, but strangely enough his sponsorships have been increasing (EXPEDIA DOT COM!!). Matt Stafford is currently the best quarterback in the draft and giving him the time to sit behind a signal caller like Hasselbeck would be a great idea. Hasselbeck is one of the smartest quarterbacks in the league so Stafford could really benefit.

    Previous: Eugene Monroe, T, Virginia.

     

  9. Cleveland Browns
    Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas
  10. Cleveland is that almost team, they almost have a good QB in Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn, they almost have an elite receiver in Braylon Edwards, and they almost have a good defensive line in Shaun Rogers Cleveland only had 17 sacks total on the year, DeMarcus Ware had 22 himself. Shaun Rogers really wants to leave and if he does B.J. Raji could land here.

    Previous: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest.

     

  11. Cincinnati Bengals
    Micahel Oher, T, Ole Miss
  12. I don’t think Michael Oher is top 10 talent but Cincinnati really really really really needs a tackle. Andre Smith worth ethic and character issues are a serious problem so I’m expecting him to fall hard. Don’t expect Michael Crabtree seeing how Cincinnati drafted 3 recievers last year.

    Pre-Combine: Michael Oher, T, Ole Miss.

     

  13. Oakland Raiders
    Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
  14. Post-Combine: Michael Crabtree is a flashy playmaker, Al Davis loves flashy playmakers. JaMarcus needs all the help he can get. Oakland would probably be better suited taking nearly any other top player at any other position at this spot, but the crypt keeper won’t be able to contain himself.

    Previous: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech.

     

  15. Jacksonville Jaguars
    Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
  16. Vontae Davis has emerged as the top corner of this draft class. Davis didn’t run the 40 he wanted but expect him to be faster come his pro day. Despite the fact that Andre Smith is still on the board, Jacksonville won’t risk a high first round pick on such a flawed prospect. I know that it’s ironic that Vontae Davis is “non flawed” prospect, but his talent is high and his character is improving… so far.

    Previous: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois.

     

  17. Green Bay Packers
    B.J. Raji, NT, Boston College
  18. If Raji is still on the board here then Green Bay has found their new NT. Ryan Pickett is scheduled to move to the middle but a player like Raji is rare. B.J. absolutely blew up the combine and proved that he can physically get it done. Malcolm Jenkins has a really poor combine and didn’t really prove that he’s worth the 9th overall pick. I pray though that Green Bay doesn’t select Raji because I’m aching for him to be a Bronco.

    Previous: B.J. Raji, NT, Boston College.

     

  19. San Francisco 49ers
    Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State
  20. Last version I said that Shaun Hill isn’t that confident starter San Fran needs right now. I am going to retract that statement, Hill actually has a winning record as a starter at 7-3 and a career rating of 90.5. Mike Singletary probably doesn’t want to deal with a rookie QB headache and will focus on the defensive side of the ball, where his forte lies. Everette Brown is a dynamic player and will be the force at the outside linebacker spot that San Francisco desperately needs.

    Previous: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC.

     

  21. Buffalo Bills
    Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
  22. The Bills really need some help at the linebacking spot. Brian Cushing may be a reach at 11 but the Bills are not afraid to reach. In 2006 the Bills selected Donte Whitner at the 6th overall spot when they could have had Jay Cutler.

    Previous: Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State

     

  23. Denver Broncos
    Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
  24. I knew I would get a lot of flack for having Michael Johnson here previously, but it was an experiment. Johnson is an absolute physical beast, I said he’d run faster on his pro-day and he ran faster than I would have imagined at a 4.59. So for all of you who believe he won’t go in the first round need to digest that. However, I’m not too keen on this guy, I think he’s a workout warrior, he has the old adage, “Looks like Tarazan plays like Jane”, potentially written all over him. He’s Jarvis Moss 2.0.

    For all you Broncos fans worried about the defense I would rest at ease this round. Offense will most likely not be selected. The only positions that might require need are running back and wide receiver. At twelve I do not see McDaniels grabbing Maclin, Moreno, or Wells. The running game McDaniels employs involves using an array of decent backs. I am very excited for Peyton Hillis’ role this year, he will prove just how important he really is.

    I’ll wipe my tears away if Raji is gone and turn over to Tyson Jackson. Jackson has continued to rise on the draft boards this offseason. Denver really could use some depth on the defensive line. Having DEs like Marcus Thomas, Kenny Peterson and Jackson in the rotation would be a great foundation for improving the defense. If Raji is selected before Green Bay’s turn Jackson possibly could land there though. According to the New England draft theory Jackson is a typical pick. New England has spent first rounders on nearly all of their defensive line starters.

    Denver is holding private workouts for Raji and Jenkins, something is brewing up at Mile High, and things are going to come draft day. I don’t expect this pick to be traded down as much as I used to, but it’s still a strong possibility. 

    For fun I considered putting Mark Sanchez here to watch Bronco fans’ heads explode, but that would be too mean. Denver fans have been through too much QB drama already.

    Previous: Michael Johnson, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech.

     

  25. Washington Redskins
    Andre Smith, T, Alabama
  26. The Redskins really need to rejuvenate their offesnive line. Chris Samuels and Jon Jansen are insanely old. Andre Smith is a punk and most likely a bust due to the fact that he’s lazy. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the best measurable qualities at the combine (that he left without telling anyone) or pro day as long as you can play. The point with Smith is that he isn’t taking this seriously, he should be in much better shape. I’d rather have a player here that deserves it.

    Due to cap space I’m not sure if the Redskins will pick in this round. Signing Albert Haynesworth and DeAngelo Hall to monster contracts won’t allow a lot of first round money to be spent, besides Dan Synder doesn’t believe the draft.

    Previous: Andre Smith, T, Alabama.

     

  27. New Orleans Saints
    Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
  28. Drew Brees was pretty outspoken about his desire to have LaDanian Tomlinson in his backfield again. Even though a bit of that is sentiment that has to say something about the need for a new running back. Reggie Bush has yet to live up to his reputation and probably never will. Bush cannot run through the tackles and is destined to screen passes and punt returns. In his three seasons in the NFL Bush has more yards receiving than rushing. Chris Wells (prospectively) is everything Reggie Bush is not. The Saints offense can only benefit from taking the pressure off Drew Brees.

    Previous: Ohio State, CB/FS, Ohio State

     

  29. Houston Texans
    Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S, Ohio State
  30. The Texans could really use some help out there in the secondary. Malcolm Jenkins is a physical beast who needs to find his position on the field. Regardless of what position he ends up playing he will make an impact for the Texans.

    Previous: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC.

     

  31. San Diego Chargers
    Larry English, DE/OLB, NIU
  32. San Diego hope they could have landed Tyson Jackson, but he might be long gone at this point. Shawne Merriman is coming back from a bad injury and Jyles Tucker proved that he’s not that backup they’re exactly looking for. Larry English is an impact player in the 3-4 and will find his way into the linebacker rotation wherever he lands.

    Previous: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

     

  33. New York Jets
    Mark Sanchez, QB, Wake Forest
  34. It’s pretty obvious that quarterback is a need in New York. If Mark Sanchez is still on the board here the Jets will have to pounce on him. With the release of Laveranues Coles don’t be surprised if New York selects Jeremy Maclin here.

    Previous: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

     

  35. Chicago Bears
    Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State
  36. With Larry English off the board the Bears will have to look elsewhere for a pass rushing outside linebacker. Luckily for Chicago Aaron Maybin is on the board. Maybin is consistently improving his draft stock, some mocks even have him landing in Denver at the 12 spot.

    Previous: Larry English, DE/OLB, NIU

     

  37. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
  38. Darius Butler is considered to be one of the best cover corners of the draft, he notched a 43 inch vertical at the combine. Butler is a great fit for the Tampa’s Cover-2 scheme and they definitely need corners at this point.

    Previous: Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut

     

  39. Detroit Lions
    Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
  40. If the Lions do indeed take a tackle with their first round pick then they’ll focus on the other fundamental side of football, the defensive line. Peria Jerry is an explosive player and has made plays all year. Jerry would crack starting lines at several teams, but it’s a no brainer he’d make at Detroit.

    Previous: William Beatty, T, Connecticut

     

  41. Philadelphia Eagles
    Eben Britton, G, Arizona
  42. Like I said before, Donovan McNabb will cry if an offensive line position isn’t taken here. Taking a player like Eben Britton will allow the Eagles to King Dunlap to move the tackle position, and if he fails Britton take over.

    Previous: Eben Britton, G, Arizona

     

  43. Minnesota Vikings
    Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
  44. The Vikings have no real depth at receiver and unless they address that in free agency this pick could be a wideout. Maclin is the top prospect on the board and Minnesota could benefit from his explosiveness. 

    Previous: Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss

     

  45. New England Patriots
    Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC
  46. The Patriots would really like an outside linebacker here but all the top ones are off the board. You can never have enough solid linebackers in the 3-4, especially since Junior Seau is a billion years old. Jerod Mayo will need some help next to him. If the Patriots land Julius Peppers this linebacking core would be unbelievable. Their secondary has been patched with Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs playing next to Brandon Meriweather and Ellis Hobbs. The defensive line has always been solid with Richard Seymour, Ty Warren, Vincent Wilfork, and Jarvis Green. With the return of Tom Brady the Patriots would be ready for yet another Super Bowl run. This is scary.

    Previous: Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State

     

  47. Atlanta Falcons
    Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
  48. Matt Ryan needs a tight end to fully reach his potential as a quarterback. Brandon Pettigrew is the top tight end in the draft, he can block like no other, and he’ll be a great option when Roddy White is double teamed.

    Previous: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

     

  49. Miami Dolphins
    Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
  50. Opposite of Will Allen the Dolphins have no one at corner. Alphonso Smith is one of the top available corners on the board and it would either be him or D.J. Moore.

    Previous: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

     

  51. Baltimore Ravens
    Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
  52. Baltimore signed Matt Birk so the center position will not be address in the first round. This will open up room for a receiver which is something Joe Flacco will appreciate. Harvin had an extremely impressive pro day shining in his drills.

    Previous: Alex Mac, C, California

     

  53. Indianapolis Colts
    Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
  54. Sorry Colts fans, Maclin is off the board. Joseph Addai is a solid back but the offense could really use an upgrade. Moreno has great hands and slot experience at Georgia as well. Manning is getting up in age and he could use a solid running game like back in the days of Edgerrin James.

    Previous: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

     

  55. Philadelphia Eagles
    Sean Smith, CB/S, Utah
  56. Brian Dawkins is gone as well as Lito Sheppard. Obviously secondary is needed and Sean Smith is a beast. Smith measured in tall at 6’4, and big at 214 pounds and his 40 was pretty good at 4.53.

    Previous: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

     

  57. New York Giants
    D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
  58. New York’s secondary isn’t all that strong, but it’s hard to tell when you have players like Justin Tuck knocking down the passer all day long. The defensive line was highly invested in with adding Chris Canty and Rock Bernard. Osi Umenyiora will back next year so that part of the defense should be fine. The secondary could use an upgrade and D.J. Moore is a playmaker New York could use.

    Previous: Sean Smith, CB/S, Utah

     

  59. Tennessee Titans
    Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
  60. Robert Ayers!? But he’s a second rounder! Not if you’re Mike Mayock, who believes Ayers a top 15 prospect. I’ve said before, either the Titans are great at drafting or extremely lucky, with the departure of Haynesworth Ayers could be one of those guys. With Jason Jones and Ayers on the line the Titans could possibly pick up right where they left off. The league thought Tennessee was crazy for taking Chris Johnson so high last year but we all know how that turned out.

    Previous: D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

     

  61. Arizona Cardinals
    Michael Johnson, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech
  62. Michael Johnson ran a 4.59 at his pro day. Many people think Michael Johnson is a bust, including me, but his upside is too much to pass up. The Cardinals could really use a pass rusher with Bertland Berry in free agency. Walter Football explains that Johnson is the type of player that Arizona usually takes.

    Previous: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State

     

  63. Pittsburgh Steelers
    William Beatty, T, Connecticut
  64. Seriously, protect Big Ben. It’s scary to think that Pittsburgh has the potential to go back and win it again. If the offensive line is upgraded this could seriously become a reality.

    Previous: Evander ‘Ziggy’ Hood, DT, Missouri

     

As the offseason progresses I’ll be revising and drafting (no pun intended) up a new mock. A round two is very tempting but we’ll have to wait and see about that one. What do you think Bronco nation? Air it out!