Atomic Punk
Footballguy
2009 Atomic Punk Mock Draft
As I do every year, this mock will include projected trades. Sure they are hard to predict and many will say “there is no way in hell that will happen” … whatever … a mock with trades is just a lot more fun. After taking care of Mrs. Punk, this is the best way I could think of to spend my day off. Enjoy and fire away!
1. Detroit – Matt Stafford QB, Georgia
It is hard to argue with the notion that you win in the trenches and also hard to argue that the Lions are exceptionally devoid of talent in the trenches, but you do not pass up a franchise QB when your team has not had one in decades. The Lions have another first round pick to shore up either of their lines and they cannot be that delusional to think they can compete this year.
2. St. Louis Rams – Jason Smith OT, Baylor
The Rams luck out since their biggest need is also the best player available. They badly need to concentrate on the run game. Smith not only has the goods to protect Bulger’s blind side, but also open up holes for Jackson.
3. Kansas City – Aaron Curry LB, Wake Forrest
Another slam dunk pick where BPA meets major need. KC had the worst pass and porous run defense. Curry is not known for his pass rush skills, but his football smarts and overall versatility make this an easy pick for the Chiefs.
4. Seattle – Eugene Monroe OL, Virginia
The Seahawks are not as bad as their record indicates and should compete this year. However they still need to think long term and lock up an anchor at LT. Monroe could easily have gone first overall and is a steal for the Hawks.
5. Cleveland – Michael Crabtree WR, Texas Tech
Call this one a hunch. Mangini may be a “defense first” kind of guy, but it was their offence that really suffered last year. With Winslow traded to the Bucs and Edwards fighting the dropsies, the Browns could use a sure handed WR like Crabtree.
6. Denver – BJ Raji DT, Boston College
(To DEN #6 and #142 / To CIN - #12 and #48)
The Broncos need to give all of their draft attention to their defense since that was obviously their Achilles heel last year. They need to make sure they get their man by jumping ahead of Oakland and Seattle.
7. Green Bay – Andre Smith OT, Alabama
(To GB - #7 / To OAK - #9 and #83)
Green Bay uses the extra third they got from the Jets for Favre and get the OT they desperately need. Smith has some question marks, but game film doesn’t lie.
8. Jacksonville – Chris Wells RB, Ohio St.
Rumors have them interested in Sanchez, but I’m not buying that they have given up on Garrard just yet. This may seem like a strange pick, but we have seen these before and I can’t see a run first team going into the season with Jones-Drew alone. I could also see a trade down another team eyeballing Sanchez (Jets?).
9. Oakland – Jeremy Maclin WR, Missouri
(To OAK - #9 and #83 / To GB - #9)
The first few times I saw Maclin being picked in mocks for the Raiders, I was not all that thrilled as a Raider fan. The more I read about him and see him on film, the more I am getting used to the idea and think it is the right move, especially if they can pick up an extra third from the Pack.
10. San Francisco – Brian Orakpo OLB, Texas
He may be slipping on some boards, but I can see Singletary taking a liking to him and believing that he can turn him into a stud.
11. Buffalo – Everette Brown DE, Florida St.
The Bills are another team that may be tempted to trade down by a team that is high on Sanchez, but I think they will stand pat and improve their poor pass rush.
12. Cincinnati – Peria Jerry DT, Mississippi
(To CIN - #12 and #48 / To DEN #6 and #142)
The Bengals didn’t want to take a chance on Raji and felt confident they would still be able to fill their DT need by moving down and adding another first day pick from the Broncos.
13. Washington – Tyson Jackson DE, LSU
They may have some interest in Sanchez, but I’ll take the front office at their word for now that Campbell is their man. Jackson is a good fit for the Skins defense since they tend to use their ends to occupy blockers rather than pass rush.
14. New York Jets – Mark Sanchez QB, USC
(To NYJ - #14 / To NO - #17 and #76)
The Jets are worried about other teams (TB and Denver) jumping ahead of them and stealing Sanchez. Last year the Jets went for the aged vet in Favre, this year they go in the completely opposite direction and get the one year starter from USC.
15. Houston – Malcolm Jenkins CB/S, Ohio St.
The Texans need help all through their back seven and Jenkins should be considered a steal at the mid way point of the first round.
16. San Diego – Michael Oher OT, Mississippi
Hard not to give the Chargers Rey Maualuga, but they really need to get back to basics, which mean the run game and basic pass protection.
17. New Orleans – Clay Matthews LB, USC
(To NO - #17 and #76 / To NYJ - #14)
The Saints have not had decent LB play for some time and are choosing pedigree and intangibles over other highly skilled players at LB and CB.
18. Denver – Rey Maualuga LB, USC
If things fall this way, this draft could not have worked out any better for the Broncos. This would give them the much needed infusion of talent up the middle of their defense.
19. Arizona – Knowshon Moreno RB, Georgia
(To ARI - #19 / To TB - #31 and #63)
Arizona has to believe they are pretty close being in the Super Bowl and all, but they need to improve their running game if they intend on making it back.
20. Detroit – Brian Cushing LB, USC
The Lions really couldn’t screw this up, especially with Millen gone, but I think they would get their biggest bang for the buck with an improvement at LB.
21. New England – Aaron Maybin DE/OLB, Penn State
(To NE - #21 / To PHI - #47 and #58)
The Patriots like to maneuver up and down the draft board for the players they want and they are targeting certain players to shore up their back seven.
22. Minnesota – Alphonso Smith CB, Wake Forrest
Minny doesn’t have a lot of holes in their roster, but needs depth. Smith is a playmaker on defense, something the Vikes can use in the defensive backfield.
23. New England – James Laurinaitis LB, Ohio State
Teamed up with Mayo, this can be a fantastic inside linebacker duo. Linebackers back to back may be strange but there is a definite need.
24. Cincinnati – Eben Britton OT, Arizona
(To CIN - #24 / To ATL - #38 and #70)
The Bengals need help on the o-line almost as bad as any other team in the league and can afford to make the move with the extra pick obtained from the Broncos.
25. Miami – Vontae Davis CB, Illinois
The Dolphins cold use some help at WR and Harvin and Heyward-Bey are options, but I just can’t see Parcells pulling the trigger on a wideout.
26. Baltimore – Conner Barwin OLB/DE
Maybe a bit of a reach, but he seems to be a hot commodity and rising up a lot of draft boards.
27. Indianapolis – Ziggy Hood DT, Missouri
Many mocks have the colts going wide receiver, and that is a distinct possibility, but I think they need to keep trying to shore up the middle of the defense.
28. Philadelphia – Donald Brown RB, UConn
I know, I know, the Eagles don’t draft skill players in the first round. I think they cannot afford not to this year.
29. New York Giants – Darrius Heyward-Bey WR, Maryland
With Shockey, Burress and Toomer all long gone, the Giants need to add some playmakers on offense.
30. Tennessee - Brandon Pettigrew TE, Oklahoma State
Wide receiver is also a possibility, but the Titans rely on the tight end more than most. With Scaife a free agent, Crumpler is not the answer long term.
31. Tampa Bay – Josh Freeman QB, Kansas State
(To TB - #31 and #63 / To ARI - #19)
The Bucs trade down and still get their QB of the future and an additional pick.
32. Pittsburgh – Robert Ayers DE, Tennessee
Almost went for Mack, but some depth at DE is needed.
As I do every year, this mock will include projected trades. Sure they are hard to predict and many will say “there is no way in hell that will happen” … whatever … a mock with trades is just a lot more fun. After taking care of Mrs. Punk, this is the best way I could think of to spend my day off. Enjoy and fire away!
1. Detroit – Matt Stafford QB, Georgia
It is hard to argue with the notion that you win in the trenches and also hard to argue that the Lions are exceptionally devoid of talent in the trenches, but you do not pass up a franchise QB when your team has not had one in decades. The Lions have another first round pick to shore up either of their lines and they cannot be that delusional to think they can compete this year.
2. St. Louis Rams – Jason Smith OT, Baylor
The Rams luck out since their biggest need is also the best player available. They badly need to concentrate on the run game. Smith not only has the goods to protect Bulger’s blind side, but also open up holes for Jackson.
3. Kansas City – Aaron Curry LB, Wake Forrest
Another slam dunk pick where BPA meets major need. KC had the worst pass and porous run defense. Curry is not known for his pass rush skills, but his football smarts and overall versatility make this an easy pick for the Chiefs.
4. Seattle – Eugene Monroe OL, Virginia
The Seahawks are not as bad as their record indicates and should compete this year. However they still need to think long term and lock up an anchor at LT. Monroe could easily have gone first overall and is a steal for the Hawks.
5. Cleveland – Michael Crabtree WR, Texas Tech
Call this one a hunch. Mangini may be a “defense first” kind of guy, but it was their offence that really suffered last year. With Winslow traded to the Bucs and Edwards fighting the dropsies, the Browns could use a sure handed WR like Crabtree.
6. Denver – BJ Raji DT, Boston College
(To DEN #6 and #142 / To CIN - #12 and #48)
The Broncos need to give all of their draft attention to their defense since that was obviously their Achilles heel last year. They need to make sure they get their man by jumping ahead of Oakland and Seattle.
7. Green Bay – Andre Smith OT, Alabama
(To GB - #7 / To OAK - #9 and #83)
Green Bay uses the extra third they got from the Jets for Favre and get the OT they desperately need. Smith has some question marks, but game film doesn’t lie.
8. Jacksonville – Chris Wells RB, Ohio St.
Rumors have them interested in Sanchez, but I’m not buying that they have given up on Garrard just yet. This may seem like a strange pick, but we have seen these before and I can’t see a run first team going into the season with Jones-Drew alone. I could also see a trade down another team eyeballing Sanchez (Jets?).
9. Oakland – Jeremy Maclin WR, Missouri
(To OAK - #9 and #83 / To GB - #9)
The first few times I saw Maclin being picked in mocks for the Raiders, I was not all that thrilled as a Raider fan. The more I read about him and see him on film, the more I am getting used to the idea and think it is the right move, especially if they can pick up an extra third from the Pack.
10. San Francisco – Brian Orakpo OLB, Texas
He may be slipping on some boards, but I can see Singletary taking a liking to him and believing that he can turn him into a stud.
11. Buffalo – Everette Brown DE, Florida St.
The Bills are another team that may be tempted to trade down by a team that is high on Sanchez, but I think they will stand pat and improve their poor pass rush.
12. Cincinnati – Peria Jerry DT, Mississippi
(To CIN - #12 and #48 / To DEN #6 and #142)
The Bengals didn’t want to take a chance on Raji and felt confident they would still be able to fill their DT need by moving down and adding another first day pick from the Broncos.
13. Washington – Tyson Jackson DE, LSU
They may have some interest in Sanchez, but I’ll take the front office at their word for now that Campbell is their man. Jackson is a good fit for the Skins defense since they tend to use their ends to occupy blockers rather than pass rush.
14. New York Jets – Mark Sanchez QB, USC
(To NYJ - #14 / To NO - #17 and #76)
The Jets are worried about other teams (TB and Denver) jumping ahead of them and stealing Sanchez. Last year the Jets went for the aged vet in Favre, this year they go in the completely opposite direction and get the one year starter from USC.
15. Houston – Malcolm Jenkins CB/S, Ohio St.
The Texans need help all through their back seven and Jenkins should be considered a steal at the mid way point of the first round.
16. San Diego – Michael Oher OT, Mississippi
Hard not to give the Chargers Rey Maualuga, but they really need to get back to basics, which mean the run game and basic pass protection.
17. New Orleans – Clay Matthews LB, USC
(To NO - #17 and #76 / To NYJ - #14)
The Saints have not had decent LB play for some time and are choosing pedigree and intangibles over other highly skilled players at LB and CB.
18. Denver – Rey Maualuga LB, USC
If things fall this way, this draft could not have worked out any better for the Broncos. This would give them the much needed infusion of talent up the middle of their defense.
19. Arizona – Knowshon Moreno RB, Georgia
(To ARI - #19 / To TB - #31 and #63)
Arizona has to believe they are pretty close being in the Super Bowl and all, but they need to improve their running game if they intend on making it back.
20. Detroit – Brian Cushing LB, USC
The Lions really couldn’t screw this up, especially with Millen gone, but I think they would get their biggest bang for the buck with an improvement at LB.
21. New England – Aaron Maybin DE/OLB, Penn State
(To NE - #21 / To PHI - #47 and #58)
The Patriots like to maneuver up and down the draft board for the players they want and they are targeting certain players to shore up their back seven.
22. Minnesota – Alphonso Smith CB, Wake Forrest
Minny doesn’t have a lot of holes in their roster, but needs depth. Smith is a playmaker on defense, something the Vikes can use in the defensive backfield.
23. New England – James Laurinaitis LB, Ohio State
Teamed up with Mayo, this can be a fantastic inside linebacker duo. Linebackers back to back may be strange but there is a definite need.
24. Cincinnati – Eben Britton OT, Arizona
(To CIN - #24 / To ATL - #38 and #70)
The Bengals need help on the o-line almost as bad as any other team in the league and can afford to make the move with the extra pick obtained from the Broncos.
25. Miami – Vontae Davis CB, Illinois
The Dolphins cold use some help at WR and Harvin and Heyward-Bey are options, but I just can’t see Parcells pulling the trigger on a wideout.
26. Baltimore – Conner Barwin OLB/DE
Maybe a bit of a reach, but he seems to be a hot commodity and rising up a lot of draft boards.
27. Indianapolis – Ziggy Hood DT, Missouri
Many mocks have the colts going wide receiver, and that is a distinct possibility, but I think they need to keep trying to shore up the middle of the defense.
28. Philadelphia – Donald Brown RB, UConn
I know, I know, the Eagles don’t draft skill players in the first round. I think they cannot afford not to this year.
29. New York Giants – Darrius Heyward-Bey WR, Maryland
With Shockey, Burress and Toomer all long gone, the Giants need to add some playmakers on offense.
30. Tennessee - Brandon Pettigrew TE, Oklahoma State
Wide receiver is also a possibility, but the Titans rely on the tight end more than most. With Scaife a free agent, Crumpler is not the answer long term.
31. Tampa Bay – Josh Freeman QB, Kansas State
(To TB - #31 and #63 / To ARI - #19)
The Bucs trade down and still get their QB of the future and an additional pick.
32. Pittsburgh – Robert Ayers DE, Tennessee
Almost went for Mack, but some depth at DE is needed.
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Nice mock Atomic Punk, love the fact you put yourself out there and have tried to predict trades because they will happen in the first round, I sure you will nail at least one trade.Personally I don't see Green Bay passing on their defensive needs for an OT since the cupboard looks so bare with their move to the 3-4.Love your call on Crabtree to the Browns, that one is making more and more sense to me.I think a Denver trade is almost a certainty, how they make those moves though I really am not sure. Your defensive choices also make a lot of sense to me though if they moved up the ensure they got Sanchez, that wouldn't surprise me either.The Arizona trade up to get ahead of Philly & San Diego makes a lot of sense especially if another RB goes early.Edit to add, I hope your wrong on the Niners pick and they take Michael Oher at 10
