kremenull
Footballguy
Here is a pre-Senior Bowl mock with some general commentary. Pretty much based this exercise on team needs as there still is a lot of player/prospect evaluation to be done. Have at it and comments welcomed/encouraged.
January 20, 2009
Draggin’s 2009 NFL Mock Draft (Pre-Senior Bowl)
1st ROUND
1. Detroit Lions Mark Sanchez QB 6’3” 225 USC
The Lions are desperately in need of generating some excitement to its long-suffering fan base. This is the primary reason that the QB is tabbed for this selection. IMO, an OT here is the way to go for them, but hey, it worked out for Atlanta last year so the Lions look to duplicate some of that success in going with a rookie QB. I believe Sanchez will get the nod over Stafford here based on his better accuracy. Neither guy excites me enough to warrant the top pick, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
.
2. St. Louis Rams Michael Oher OT 6’5” 320 Ole Miss
With a brand new coach on board with a tough, defensive mind-set, look for the Rams to set the tone for their future by drafting multiple interior players to add depth along both sides of the line of scrimmage. Oher brings great character and talent to a team in need of on-field leadership. Although Bulger’s days of being an upper-echelon QB appear to be in the past, adding a stud OT is the right way to go for them as it is just too risky to place such a huge investment in an underclassmen QB.
3. Kansas City Chiefs Everette Brown OLB/DE 6’4” 255 Florida St.
With new GM Scott Pioli calling the shots, the Chiefs will look to build with players blessed with versatility and smarts ala the NE Patriots. The ’08 Chiefs were last in the league in sacks and must get after the QB if their young team is to improve in ’09. After a nice haul from the ’08 draft, I would not be surprised to see the Chiefs try to move down, maybe even multiple times, and select Brown or a similar player a little further down. If they can find a trading partner that is truly enamored with Crabtree or Stafford, the Chiefs will move to acquire more, or even future, picks. But since this is a no trade mock, Brown is the pick here as he brings a nonstop motor with very good athleticism to immediately upgrade the speed off the edge for K.C.
4. Seattle Seahawks Aaron Curry LB 6’3” 250 Wake Forest
Virtually every mock I’ve seen is on auto-pick here with Crabtree as the selection. Sorry, but it simply ain’t going to happen…..Yes, the grammatical choice was intentional for emphasis. This pick makes sense for two reasons 1) Jim Mora is the new HC in Seattle and he is a defensive-minded coach, and 2) Curry is a flat-out beast. Blessed with very good size and a great all-around game, the kid is an every down player and would raise the level of any defense once he steps on the field. Not the sexiest of picks, but the Seahawks can land a WR or two in the latter rounds of the draft
.
5. Cleveland Browns Malcolm Jenkins CB 6’1” 205 Ohio St.
As he did with the Jets a few years ago in selecting Revis, Mangini begins his tenure in Cleveland addressing the defensive secondary. Jenkins has the potential to be a shutdown corner when few exist. Coming from a school that has produced some very good NFL corners, Jenkins should step right in as a starter from Day 1. The Browns may give some consideration to Crabtree here but in the end defense rules the day. Coming from a local, esteemed (and overrated….just thought I’d throw that one in there….) institution probably won’t hurt from a PR perspective either.
6. Cincinnati Bengals Andre Smith OT 6’4 ½” 330 Alabama
Aside from a couple of very good selections recently, the Bengals continue their trend of acquiring players with question marks surrounding them. Smith, although blessed with good talent/athleticism to handle NFL caliber pass-rushers, also has some weight and integrity concerns. This pick is one of the harder ones to call at the top of the draft as the Bengals have needs in abundance and there are multiple players available here to fill any of the team’s glaring deficiencies.
7. Oakland Raiders Eugene Monroe OT 6’6” 315 Virginia
As tempted as Al Davis may be to land an elite WR prospect with this selection, the Raiders would be better off drafting an O-lineman here to shore up one of their most glaring weaknesses over the past few years. Very good WRs can be had in free-agency or through a trade, can you say Anquan Boldin, but it’s almost impossible to land a stud OT through any avenue other than to draft one. Monroe is the guy who kept last year’s fast riser Branden Albert playing inside at UVA, so the talent is there for him to be an elite LT in the pros. My call here is that Al Davis does the right thing…….hopefully.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars Jeremy Maclin WR 6’1” 205 Missouri
The Jags continue their (seemingly) never-ending search for a top-flight WR. This time, they take a game-breaker in Maclin. Blessed with great speed and elusiveness, the smooth-striding Maclin has star potential in abundance. This guy effortlessly glides up, down, and across the field reminiscent of “The Freak”…that’s right, Randy Moss. Once he puts it all together, and it’s just a matter of time, watch out! Add in the return capability, and the Jaguars will boast two very dynamic, all-around talents in MJD and Maclin. A no-brainer pick, IMO.
9. Green Bay Packers Brian Orakpo DE 6’4” 260 Texas
The Packers defense fell off big-time in ’08 from the previous season, in large part due to the lack of heat on opposing QBs. Orakpo is a fine DE prospect who should find his way into the starting lineup at some point during his rookie campaign. The aging CBs in the Pack’s secondary won’t seem so old if the pass rush is better this coming season. Another possibility here is an o-lineman as there are some talented players still available.
10. San Francisco 49’ers Michael Crabtree WR 6’3” 210 Texas Tech
The 49’ers are ecstatic that a player of Crabtree’s stature is still available to them at #10, although consideration for a QB must be mentioned. Crabtree (hopefully) provides the 49’ers with a counter to Fitzgerald to present matchup problems on the outside to their opponents. Equipped with excellent hands, consistency, and competitiveness, Crabtree should fit in nicely as a complement to Frank Gore’s tough, inside running.
11. Buffalo Bills Aaron Maybin OLB/DE 6’4” 245 Penn St.
In need of adding speed of the edge to pressure QBs, the Bills fall back on their track record and get back to what they invariably do….draft players from big-time programs/conferences, and the Bills love drafting players from the Big 10…..Maybin is a talented edge rusher who is a bit of a ‘tweener but looks like he’ll at least initially have a role as a nickel/dime package rush end. If he can either bulk up or learn to play standing up, Maybin has the ability to be a special playmaker in the pros with his combination of quickness, closing speed, and high motor.
12. Denver Broncos Knowshon Moreno RB 5’11” 210 Georgia
Tired of playing musical chairs at the RB position, owner Pat Bowlen directs his young managing brass to select a top notch RB to provide some stability at the position. Moreno is considered to be just that by many, although I still have some reservations due to his lack of top-end burst and speed. However, he does possess very good instincts, vision, and the natural hands to excel at the next level similar to a Matt Forte, if utilized similarly. Other considerations here would be along the defensive front seven.
13. Washington Redskins Michael Johnson DE 6’7” 265 Georgia Tech
The ‘Skins defense lacks a premier pass rusher. Although Johnson’s stats don’t quite live up to his measurables, he still has a lot of upside due to his athleticism and condor-like wingspan. Maualuga should be considered here as well as London Fletcher indeed makes a lot of tackles, but they all seem to be at least 5-6 yards down the field. Johnson gets the nod here since the ‘Skins primary weakness is putting pressure on the QB.
14. New Orleans Saints Rey Maualuga LB 6’2” 260 USC
After striking it big with the selection of Sedrick Ellis last year, the Saints dip back into the Trojan pool of talent and tab the fierce, hard-hitting Maualuga. Vilma proved to be decent in the middle of the defense last season, but the Saints may not want to commit long-term to him and now an off-field issue hasn’t helped his case. Maualuga brings toughness to a team badly in need of it as many people consider the Saints to be soft.
15. Houston Texans William Moore S 6’1” 225 Missouri
Adding someone to patrol the middle of the secondary is something that the Texans have needed since their existence. Moore projects as a potential star safety in the mold of an Adrian Wilson. If he can become close to Wilson in terms of controlling the middle of the field, Texans’ opponents may have to think twice about venturing into his area, unlike previous years in Houston. Starting with this selection, adding one or two pieces here and there could propel the Texans into contention in ’09.
16. San Diego Chargers LeSean McCoy RB 5’11” 210 Pittsburgh
The Chargers are faced with the fact that the face of their franchise for the past 8 years is showing that he is a mere mortal, just like all of us. And faced with that reality, the Chargers have shown to be a franchise that is willing to make the necessary moves to keep pushing forward in the team’s best interest. I would not be the least bit surprised to see S.D. part ways with LT this offseason. A runner like McCoy has some similarities to a young LT and would be a pretty good selection here, IMO.
17. New York Jets Matt Stafford CB 6’3” 225 Georgia
The Jets have to find the future franchise QB soon, and selecting Stafford here with the hope to bring Favre back for one more run is their ideal scenario. But if they are faced with having to throw Stafford into the fire this year, it could also be disastrous as I believe he is at least a couple years away from any type of NFL readiness. However, they could find a stopgap type of QB in free-agency even if Favre decides to hang ‘em up for good.
18. Chicago Bears Duke Robinson OG 6’5” 330 Oklahoma
The Bears are probably one of only a few teams who would consider selecting a guard here, but it really is the right thing to do for their situation. Robinson is a player that can come in and make an immediate impact for them whereas a skill position player here will most likely not. The running game is immediately upgraded and Forte should find a little more space on his counters and traps inside with the massive Robinson leading the way.
19. Tampa Bay Bucs Chris “Beanie” Wells RB 6’1” 235 Ohio St.
“Chucky” is gone, so the Bucs may finally look to acquire a young RB, especially with Cadillac suffering another knee injury. If Wells is still available here, this is a no-brainer pick and quite possibly the steal of the draft. Although Wells has his detractors, if he holds up physically, he could produce some big-time numbers and help kill the clock at the end of games. Additionally, he could bring back memories of some of the old-school Buccaneer backs like Ricky Bell and James Wilder…..but potentially even better.
20. Detroit Lions Jason Smith OT 6’5” 305 Baylor
It’s time for the Lions organization to admit that the “Jeff Backus as Left Tackle Experiment” has been a failure. The Lions would do themselves well here by selecting an OT like Smith here and move Backus over to RT or inside to guard. And if they do opt for the QB at #1, then by all means follow-up with some protection up front for the youngster. It could also work out in reverse order if the Lions choose to select a top-notch OT at #1 and hope that one of the two young QBs fall to this spot (not all that unlikely). Or select Josh Freeman in Rd 2 and address their OL and DL with these two first rounders……Either way, J.Smith has the tools to be a future Pro Bowl LT.
21. Minnesota Vikings Percy Harvin WR/KR 5’10” 190 Florida
Harvin would be an ideal fit for the slot receiver position in Minnesota and could also find a prominent role in a ‘wildcat’ type of formation alongside Adrian Peterson. Blessed with tremendous playmaking ability, Harvin would add another dimension to a team gaining playmakers on both sides of the ball. If the Vikes are able to land a McNabb or another quality QB this off-season, this team just might have what it takes to reach the Big Game in ’09.
22. New England Patriots D.J. Moore CB 5’10” 185 Vanderbilt
A guy from Vandy should have some smarts, and indeed Moore not only possess the brains but also is blessed with the type of athleticism required to play the toughest position (outside of QB) on the field. Although not as physically gifted as Vontae Davis, Moore has the intangibles that a coach like Belichick values.
23. Atlanta Falcons B.J. Raji NT 6’2” 330 Boston Coll.
The Falcons made huge strides this past season and appear to be on the upswing. However, one of their most glaring weaknesses is still in stopping the run. Statistics aside, their personnel up front simply isn’t all that good in comparison to the much tougher teams they will invariably face in ’09 (scheduling upgrade). An immovable force like Raji would be an ideal fit for Mike Smith’s defense based on his schemes that he utilized when he was the DC in Jacksonville.
24. Miami Dolphins Tyson Jackson DE 6’5” 290 LSU
Given that the ‘Fins are in an up-and-coming division (AFC East), they must increase their overall talent level as they seriously over-achieved in ’08. Jackson will provide some much needed depth for their d-line rotation, which is vital in today’s NFL. Jackson would be miscast as an edge rusher, but would probably fit in nicely as a base end (LDE) in a 4-3 or as projected with the Dolphins, an end in their 3-4 base alignment. They also may look for a DB with this selection, such as the CB Davis out of Illinois.
25. Philadelphia Eagles Eben Britton OT 6’6” 315 Arizona
Another team possibly looking to replace a declining and injury-prone star RB, the Eagles may surprise us all with one of their firs round selections and tab a RB. However, first things first and the Eagles definitely have to address their o-line as their stalwart, bookend tackles are both getting long in the tooth. Britton is somewhat of a project but has the necessary feet and long frame to work with and he could develop into a very good NFL tackle.
26. Indianapolis Colts Peria Jerry DT 6’2” 290 Ole Miss
A pick based strictly on need, as the Colts are desperate for help up front, on both sides of the ball actually. But that front seven is simply not getting it done, especially in stopping the run. Bob Sanders has far too much responsibility in the run game for his smaller frame to hold up over the long haul and the Colts must immediately bring in some big boys up front to contain opposing ballcarriers.
27. New York Giants Kenny Britt WR 6’4” 215 Rutgers
Bye-bye Plaxico! I don’t see Plax playing another down for the Giants and this pick is made to turn the page on the situation. Britt immediately provides a reliable red-zone target for Eli and also brings the added dimension of being a very good blocker, in-line as well as out on the perimeter. The fast-rising Britt could develop into a Colston type of WR at the NFL level.
28. Tennessee Titans James Laurinaitis LB 6’3” 240 Ohio St.
Your typical BPA (best player available) selection here. Laurinaitis may not last until this selection, but sometimes need exceeds value and that’s one reason how players can fall in a draft. A tough, instinctive, and athletic player, Laurinaitis could push his way into the starting lineup early on in the Titans new scheme.
29. Philadelphia Eagles Vontae Davis CB 6’0” 200 Illinois
Although the Eagles have some other needs above CB, they are a team that highly values CB depth and it would not surprise me at all to see them tab Davis with this selection. Not only would it be a great value pick, as Davis is probably as talented as any player still on the board, but it would also give the Eagles the flexibility to trade either Lito Shephard or Sheldon Brown for a top-flight WR……Boldin? Braylon?....Either way, if Davis is available, he will not get past the Eagles here.
30. Baltimore Ravens Darius Heyward-Bey WR 6’2 ½” 205 Maryland
The Ravens once again showed that they can compete with any team in the league even without an explosive offense. But it is time to add a serious threat at the skill position and DHB would provide just that. Mason still probably has some value to them as a slot receiver only, and Clayton’s role should increase going forward, but neither warrants being the #1 WR on any team. DHB has the talent, explosiveness, and size to be a #1 with some seasoning. Initially, he should at least be the deep-threat who can get behind secondaries and run under those Flacco rockets. This pick tremendously enhances Flacco’s value and rank in NFL, as well as fantasy, circles.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers Alex Mack C 6’4” 310 California
The Steelers line continues to regress and needs an upgrade in several positions. Mack is probably the highest rated o-lineman still available and can play multiple interior positions. He should find a starting gig from Day 1 at either C or G for this team to the pleasure of Big Ben and the RBs.
32. Arizona Cardinals Clint Sintim LB 6’3” 255 Virginia
Sintim is an ideal selection here for the World Champion Arizona Cardinals….a little premature anointment, but we shall soon see….Playing for Al Groh in a 3-4 system, Sintim has shown that he can press the line of scrimmage at the point of attack and also come off the edge to apply heat on the QB. A great value pick here for the Cards.
2nd ROUND (At a Later Date)
January 20, 2009
Draggin’s 2009 NFL Mock Draft (Pre-Senior Bowl)
1st ROUND
1. Detroit Lions Mark Sanchez QB 6’3” 225 USC
The Lions are desperately in need of generating some excitement to its long-suffering fan base. This is the primary reason that the QB is tabbed for this selection. IMO, an OT here is the way to go for them, but hey, it worked out for Atlanta last year so the Lions look to duplicate some of that success in going with a rookie QB. I believe Sanchez will get the nod over Stafford here based on his better accuracy. Neither guy excites me enough to warrant the top pick, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
.
2. St. Louis Rams Michael Oher OT 6’5” 320 Ole Miss
With a brand new coach on board with a tough, defensive mind-set, look for the Rams to set the tone for their future by drafting multiple interior players to add depth along both sides of the line of scrimmage. Oher brings great character and talent to a team in need of on-field leadership. Although Bulger’s days of being an upper-echelon QB appear to be in the past, adding a stud OT is the right way to go for them as it is just too risky to place such a huge investment in an underclassmen QB.
3. Kansas City Chiefs Everette Brown OLB/DE 6’4” 255 Florida St.
With new GM Scott Pioli calling the shots, the Chiefs will look to build with players blessed with versatility and smarts ala the NE Patriots. The ’08 Chiefs were last in the league in sacks and must get after the QB if their young team is to improve in ’09. After a nice haul from the ’08 draft, I would not be surprised to see the Chiefs try to move down, maybe even multiple times, and select Brown or a similar player a little further down. If they can find a trading partner that is truly enamored with Crabtree or Stafford, the Chiefs will move to acquire more, or even future, picks. But since this is a no trade mock, Brown is the pick here as he brings a nonstop motor with very good athleticism to immediately upgrade the speed off the edge for K.C.
4. Seattle Seahawks Aaron Curry LB 6’3” 250 Wake Forest
Virtually every mock I’ve seen is on auto-pick here with Crabtree as the selection. Sorry, but it simply ain’t going to happen…..Yes, the grammatical choice was intentional for emphasis. This pick makes sense for two reasons 1) Jim Mora is the new HC in Seattle and he is a defensive-minded coach, and 2) Curry is a flat-out beast. Blessed with very good size and a great all-around game, the kid is an every down player and would raise the level of any defense once he steps on the field. Not the sexiest of picks, but the Seahawks can land a WR or two in the latter rounds of the draft
.
5. Cleveland Browns Malcolm Jenkins CB 6’1” 205 Ohio St.
As he did with the Jets a few years ago in selecting Revis, Mangini begins his tenure in Cleveland addressing the defensive secondary. Jenkins has the potential to be a shutdown corner when few exist. Coming from a school that has produced some very good NFL corners, Jenkins should step right in as a starter from Day 1. The Browns may give some consideration to Crabtree here but in the end defense rules the day. Coming from a local, esteemed (and overrated….just thought I’d throw that one in there….) institution probably won’t hurt from a PR perspective either.
6. Cincinnati Bengals Andre Smith OT 6’4 ½” 330 Alabama
Aside from a couple of very good selections recently, the Bengals continue their trend of acquiring players with question marks surrounding them. Smith, although blessed with good talent/athleticism to handle NFL caliber pass-rushers, also has some weight and integrity concerns. This pick is one of the harder ones to call at the top of the draft as the Bengals have needs in abundance and there are multiple players available here to fill any of the team’s glaring deficiencies.
7. Oakland Raiders Eugene Monroe OT 6’6” 315 Virginia
As tempted as Al Davis may be to land an elite WR prospect with this selection, the Raiders would be better off drafting an O-lineman here to shore up one of their most glaring weaknesses over the past few years. Very good WRs can be had in free-agency or through a trade, can you say Anquan Boldin, but it’s almost impossible to land a stud OT through any avenue other than to draft one. Monroe is the guy who kept last year’s fast riser Branden Albert playing inside at UVA, so the talent is there for him to be an elite LT in the pros. My call here is that Al Davis does the right thing…….hopefully.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars Jeremy Maclin WR 6’1” 205 Missouri
The Jags continue their (seemingly) never-ending search for a top-flight WR. This time, they take a game-breaker in Maclin. Blessed with great speed and elusiveness, the smooth-striding Maclin has star potential in abundance. This guy effortlessly glides up, down, and across the field reminiscent of “The Freak”…that’s right, Randy Moss. Once he puts it all together, and it’s just a matter of time, watch out! Add in the return capability, and the Jaguars will boast two very dynamic, all-around talents in MJD and Maclin. A no-brainer pick, IMO.
9. Green Bay Packers Brian Orakpo DE 6’4” 260 Texas
The Packers defense fell off big-time in ’08 from the previous season, in large part due to the lack of heat on opposing QBs. Orakpo is a fine DE prospect who should find his way into the starting lineup at some point during his rookie campaign. The aging CBs in the Pack’s secondary won’t seem so old if the pass rush is better this coming season. Another possibility here is an o-lineman as there are some talented players still available.
10. San Francisco 49’ers Michael Crabtree WR 6’3” 210 Texas Tech
The 49’ers are ecstatic that a player of Crabtree’s stature is still available to them at #10, although consideration for a QB must be mentioned. Crabtree (hopefully) provides the 49’ers with a counter to Fitzgerald to present matchup problems on the outside to their opponents. Equipped with excellent hands, consistency, and competitiveness, Crabtree should fit in nicely as a complement to Frank Gore’s tough, inside running.
11. Buffalo Bills Aaron Maybin OLB/DE 6’4” 245 Penn St.
In need of adding speed of the edge to pressure QBs, the Bills fall back on their track record and get back to what they invariably do….draft players from big-time programs/conferences, and the Bills love drafting players from the Big 10…..Maybin is a talented edge rusher who is a bit of a ‘tweener but looks like he’ll at least initially have a role as a nickel/dime package rush end. If he can either bulk up or learn to play standing up, Maybin has the ability to be a special playmaker in the pros with his combination of quickness, closing speed, and high motor.
12. Denver Broncos Knowshon Moreno RB 5’11” 210 Georgia
Tired of playing musical chairs at the RB position, owner Pat Bowlen directs his young managing brass to select a top notch RB to provide some stability at the position. Moreno is considered to be just that by many, although I still have some reservations due to his lack of top-end burst and speed. However, he does possess very good instincts, vision, and the natural hands to excel at the next level similar to a Matt Forte, if utilized similarly. Other considerations here would be along the defensive front seven.
13. Washington Redskins Michael Johnson DE 6’7” 265 Georgia Tech
The ‘Skins defense lacks a premier pass rusher. Although Johnson’s stats don’t quite live up to his measurables, he still has a lot of upside due to his athleticism and condor-like wingspan. Maualuga should be considered here as well as London Fletcher indeed makes a lot of tackles, but they all seem to be at least 5-6 yards down the field. Johnson gets the nod here since the ‘Skins primary weakness is putting pressure on the QB.
14. New Orleans Saints Rey Maualuga LB 6’2” 260 USC
After striking it big with the selection of Sedrick Ellis last year, the Saints dip back into the Trojan pool of talent and tab the fierce, hard-hitting Maualuga. Vilma proved to be decent in the middle of the defense last season, but the Saints may not want to commit long-term to him and now an off-field issue hasn’t helped his case. Maualuga brings toughness to a team badly in need of it as many people consider the Saints to be soft.
15. Houston Texans William Moore S 6’1” 225 Missouri
Adding someone to patrol the middle of the secondary is something that the Texans have needed since their existence. Moore projects as a potential star safety in the mold of an Adrian Wilson. If he can become close to Wilson in terms of controlling the middle of the field, Texans’ opponents may have to think twice about venturing into his area, unlike previous years in Houston. Starting with this selection, adding one or two pieces here and there could propel the Texans into contention in ’09.
16. San Diego Chargers LeSean McCoy RB 5’11” 210 Pittsburgh
The Chargers are faced with the fact that the face of their franchise for the past 8 years is showing that he is a mere mortal, just like all of us. And faced with that reality, the Chargers have shown to be a franchise that is willing to make the necessary moves to keep pushing forward in the team’s best interest. I would not be the least bit surprised to see S.D. part ways with LT this offseason. A runner like McCoy has some similarities to a young LT and would be a pretty good selection here, IMO.
17. New York Jets Matt Stafford CB 6’3” 225 Georgia
The Jets have to find the future franchise QB soon, and selecting Stafford here with the hope to bring Favre back for one more run is their ideal scenario. But if they are faced with having to throw Stafford into the fire this year, it could also be disastrous as I believe he is at least a couple years away from any type of NFL readiness. However, they could find a stopgap type of QB in free-agency even if Favre decides to hang ‘em up for good.
18. Chicago Bears Duke Robinson OG 6’5” 330 Oklahoma
The Bears are probably one of only a few teams who would consider selecting a guard here, but it really is the right thing to do for their situation. Robinson is a player that can come in and make an immediate impact for them whereas a skill position player here will most likely not. The running game is immediately upgraded and Forte should find a little more space on his counters and traps inside with the massive Robinson leading the way.
19. Tampa Bay Bucs Chris “Beanie” Wells RB 6’1” 235 Ohio St.
“Chucky” is gone, so the Bucs may finally look to acquire a young RB, especially with Cadillac suffering another knee injury. If Wells is still available here, this is a no-brainer pick and quite possibly the steal of the draft. Although Wells has his detractors, if he holds up physically, he could produce some big-time numbers and help kill the clock at the end of games. Additionally, he could bring back memories of some of the old-school Buccaneer backs like Ricky Bell and James Wilder…..but potentially even better.
20. Detroit Lions Jason Smith OT 6’5” 305 Baylor
It’s time for the Lions organization to admit that the “Jeff Backus as Left Tackle Experiment” has been a failure. The Lions would do themselves well here by selecting an OT like Smith here and move Backus over to RT or inside to guard. And if they do opt for the QB at #1, then by all means follow-up with some protection up front for the youngster. It could also work out in reverse order if the Lions choose to select a top-notch OT at #1 and hope that one of the two young QBs fall to this spot (not all that unlikely). Or select Josh Freeman in Rd 2 and address their OL and DL with these two first rounders……Either way, J.Smith has the tools to be a future Pro Bowl LT.
21. Minnesota Vikings Percy Harvin WR/KR 5’10” 190 Florida
Harvin would be an ideal fit for the slot receiver position in Minnesota and could also find a prominent role in a ‘wildcat’ type of formation alongside Adrian Peterson. Blessed with tremendous playmaking ability, Harvin would add another dimension to a team gaining playmakers on both sides of the ball. If the Vikes are able to land a McNabb or another quality QB this off-season, this team just might have what it takes to reach the Big Game in ’09.
22. New England Patriots D.J. Moore CB 5’10” 185 Vanderbilt
A guy from Vandy should have some smarts, and indeed Moore not only possess the brains but also is blessed with the type of athleticism required to play the toughest position (outside of QB) on the field. Although not as physically gifted as Vontae Davis, Moore has the intangibles that a coach like Belichick values.
23. Atlanta Falcons B.J. Raji NT 6’2” 330 Boston Coll.
The Falcons made huge strides this past season and appear to be on the upswing. However, one of their most glaring weaknesses is still in stopping the run. Statistics aside, their personnel up front simply isn’t all that good in comparison to the much tougher teams they will invariably face in ’09 (scheduling upgrade). An immovable force like Raji would be an ideal fit for Mike Smith’s defense based on his schemes that he utilized when he was the DC in Jacksonville.
24. Miami Dolphins Tyson Jackson DE 6’5” 290 LSU
Given that the ‘Fins are in an up-and-coming division (AFC East), they must increase their overall talent level as they seriously over-achieved in ’08. Jackson will provide some much needed depth for their d-line rotation, which is vital in today’s NFL. Jackson would be miscast as an edge rusher, but would probably fit in nicely as a base end (LDE) in a 4-3 or as projected with the Dolphins, an end in their 3-4 base alignment. They also may look for a DB with this selection, such as the CB Davis out of Illinois.
25. Philadelphia Eagles Eben Britton OT 6’6” 315 Arizona
Another team possibly looking to replace a declining and injury-prone star RB, the Eagles may surprise us all with one of their firs round selections and tab a RB. However, first things first and the Eagles definitely have to address their o-line as their stalwart, bookend tackles are both getting long in the tooth. Britton is somewhat of a project but has the necessary feet and long frame to work with and he could develop into a very good NFL tackle.
26. Indianapolis Colts Peria Jerry DT 6’2” 290 Ole Miss
A pick based strictly on need, as the Colts are desperate for help up front, on both sides of the ball actually. But that front seven is simply not getting it done, especially in stopping the run. Bob Sanders has far too much responsibility in the run game for his smaller frame to hold up over the long haul and the Colts must immediately bring in some big boys up front to contain opposing ballcarriers.
27. New York Giants Kenny Britt WR 6’4” 215 Rutgers
Bye-bye Plaxico! I don’t see Plax playing another down for the Giants and this pick is made to turn the page on the situation. Britt immediately provides a reliable red-zone target for Eli and also brings the added dimension of being a very good blocker, in-line as well as out on the perimeter. The fast-rising Britt could develop into a Colston type of WR at the NFL level.
28. Tennessee Titans James Laurinaitis LB 6’3” 240 Ohio St.
Your typical BPA (best player available) selection here. Laurinaitis may not last until this selection, but sometimes need exceeds value and that’s one reason how players can fall in a draft. A tough, instinctive, and athletic player, Laurinaitis could push his way into the starting lineup early on in the Titans new scheme.
29. Philadelphia Eagles Vontae Davis CB 6’0” 200 Illinois
Although the Eagles have some other needs above CB, they are a team that highly values CB depth and it would not surprise me at all to see them tab Davis with this selection. Not only would it be a great value pick, as Davis is probably as talented as any player still on the board, but it would also give the Eagles the flexibility to trade either Lito Shephard or Sheldon Brown for a top-flight WR……Boldin? Braylon?....Either way, if Davis is available, he will not get past the Eagles here.
30. Baltimore Ravens Darius Heyward-Bey WR 6’2 ½” 205 Maryland
The Ravens once again showed that they can compete with any team in the league even without an explosive offense. But it is time to add a serious threat at the skill position and DHB would provide just that. Mason still probably has some value to them as a slot receiver only, and Clayton’s role should increase going forward, but neither warrants being the #1 WR on any team. DHB has the talent, explosiveness, and size to be a #1 with some seasoning. Initially, he should at least be the deep-threat who can get behind secondaries and run under those Flacco rockets. This pick tremendously enhances Flacco’s value and rank in NFL, as well as fantasy, circles.
31. Pittsburgh Steelers Alex Mack C 6’4” 310 California
The Steelers line continues to regress and needs an upgrade in several positions. Mack is probably the highest rated o-lineman still available and can play multiple interior positions. He should find a starting gig from Day 1 at either C or G for this team to the pleasure of Big Ben and the RBs.
32. Arizona Cardinals Clint Sintim LB 6’3” 255 Virginia
Sintim is an ideal selection here for the World Champion Arizona Cardinals….a little premature anointment, but we shall soon see….Playing for Al Groh in a 3-4 system, Sintim has shown that he can press the line of scrimmage at the point of attack and also come off the edge to apply heat on the QB. A great value pick here for the Cards.
2nd ROUND (At a Later Date)
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