Mock First Round

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2009 NFL Mock Draft: Round 1

1. Detroit Lions: Sam Bradford QB, Oklahoma
After going 0-16 in 2008, the Lions need help at basically every position. With Millen now gone as GM, I think the only position that does not have a chance to be picked in round one is receiver. Look for Detroit to possibly trade down with this pick in order to acquire multiple players. But assuming they stay put, I believe Sam Bradford will be the pick. Even though I believe this is too high for Bradford or any other quarterback in this class to be taken, Detroit desperately needs to find a signal caller to run this offense.

2. St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe OT, Virginia

It's no surprise that the Rams will be looking for o-line help this off season, just as they were last year. However, last year they missed out on Jake Long and ended up selecting DE Chris Long instead. Again, St. Louis struggled mightily to protect the quarterback and create running holes. Add to the fact that Orlando Pace has been battling both age and injuries, and this becomes a glaring need. This years class looks to be one of the most deep and talented, in terms of o-linemen, that I have seen in years. I know most people would say Andre Smith or Micheal Oher are the two top prospects at the position, but Monroe has been quietly putting together one of the more impressive seasons of anyone in his class. Don't be surprised to see him climb up the boards on draft day.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Micheal Crabtree WR, Texas Tech

This was a very tough pick for me, and I am sure there will be many people who disagree with me. I know Kansas City has numerous holes to fill, and WR is definitely not a position of need with the already young and talented Dwayne Bowe. But, a player with Crabtree's talent and ability to change a game comes around only so often. Paired with Bowe, they could create a very exciting air attack in KC. Don't be surprised to see teams begin to copy the recent success of other great WR tandems such as those in Arizona and New England.

4. Seattle Seahawks: Malcom Jenkins CB, Ohio St.

In 2008, Seattle showed that they really lacked play-makers on the offensive side of the ball. At the same time, their secondary proved to be very inadequate. Crabtree, in my opinion, is the only offensive playmaker worthy of being taken this high; so if he is gone by this pick, look for Seattle to turn their attention to the secondary. Jenkins has blanketed receivers all throughout his college career, and looks to have all the physical attributes to start right away, and be one of the top DBs in the game someday. He should add a much needed boost to the Seattle D. Also, look for S Taylor Mays to get some consideration here as well.

5. Cleveland Browns: Aaron Curry LB, Wake Forest

Last season, Cleveland's defense ranked 28th against the run, and had a total of only 17 sacks. Those are terrible numbers for anyone who runs a 3-4 D. Talent is lacking at the LB position, especially with Willie McGinest getting closer to retirement. Aaron Curry is one of the more intriguing, and in my opinion, underrated talents in this draft. Watching film on him, you can see him making plays all over the field with his incredible speed and instincts. He sheds blocks better than any other LB I have seen in this class, and is a very sound tackler. He has the ability to play both inside and outside linebacker in either a 4-3 or a 3-4.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Smith OT, Alabama

The Bengals can proudly say they have one of the best QBs in all the NFL. Unfortunately for them, they have not been able to keep him, or his backups for that matter, on the field. As a result, what was, and what should have been, one of the top offenses in the league was ranked dead last in both yards per game and points per game in 2008. This team has tons of talent at the skill positions, so it is obvious that the needs start up front. Andre Smith is a mammoth of a man weighing in at around 340 pounds, but is also very light on his feet. The Bengals hope he can keep their franchise signal caller on his feet and open up holes for the ground game.

7. Oakland Raiders: Micheal Oher OT, Ole Miss

This one should be a no-brainer, but with Al Davis, you never know. This team also has major holes on defense to fill, but Oher will most likely be the best value on the board. The offense has potential and at times has shown flashes of whats to come. But the lack of an offense line has prevented super athletes JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden from showing their true potential. Oher has been simply dominant at the college level, especially in the run game. And he should add some much needed muscle to the Raider's front line.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brandon Spikes ILB, Florida

The Jags D did not quite look like their usual selves this season. A big part of that was due to the departure of DT Marcus Stroud. On top of that, the big acquisitions from last off season for the secondary never quite panned out, and LB Mike Peterson clashed with head coach Jack Del Rio. Brandon Spikes is an electrifying player with speed and burst, and should make this defense a lot more fun to watch. Also, Jacksonville has appeared to be very keen on taking players from the University of Florida the past few seasons. Spikes could make that another consecutive year.

9. Green Bay Packers: Eben Britton OT, Arizona

Although the Packers boasted one of the better offenses in the league last season, they have many concerns facing the o-line in 2009. Mark Tauscher probably will not be with the team next season, and Chad Clifton's play has been declining for a while now as he has been getting older and facing numerous injuries. Britton is long, quick, and extremely disciplined. He would make a good fit in the zone blocking scheme the Pack runs, and should effectively keep new prized QB Rodgers from hitting the turf so often.

10. San Francisco 49ers: Taylor Mays S, USC

Rarely has there ever been a safety with the combination of size and athleticism displayed in Taylor Mays. With the body of a linebacker and the speed of a cornerback, Mays is in a league of his own. He should add an interesting element to this already young and upcoming 49ers D.

11. Buffalo Bills: Brian Orakpo DE, Texas

Although Buffalo did a great job improving their defensive unit from the 2007 season to this season, there are still a few rough spots to smooth over. For example, they only had 24 sacks this year, good for 28th in the league. Although Schobel missed a few games, they could still use someone opposite him to generate some pressure. Orakpo is considered by many to be the top defensive lineman in this draft class. He does well against both the run and the pass, and plays with a good attitude and work ethic.

12. Denver Broncos: Rey Maualuga LB, USC

The Broncos may have secured a playoff berth and a division title had their defense been able to support their offense. Instead Denver ranked near the bottom in nearly every defensive category. As a result, San Diego slipped into the post-season in the final game of the season with a victory over Denver, and Mike Shanahan was canned. Maualuga is a tough, physical linebacker that knows how to lay the wood. He plugs running lanes just as well as he drops into coverage. His addition should help toughen up a very soft unit.

13. Washington Redskins: Micheal Johnson DE, Georgia Tech

The Jason Taylor acquisition did not quite work out the way Washington had hoped. He appears to be gone after this season, leaving the Redskins in the same predicament they were in last season. Micheal Johnson appears to be a bit of a risk as some scouts question his ability to play in the NFL. However, teams will fall in love with him based on his size (6'7", 260 lbs.), and his athleticism.

14. New Orleans Saints: Vontae Davis CB, Illinois

Although the majority of their moves last season were spent on improving the D, it still failed miserably and held back one of the most dynamic offenses in the league. Vontae Davis, the brother of 49ers TE Vernon Davis, is an incredible athlete and a workout warrior. No one questions if he has the physical tools to play in the NFL, but there are issues surrounding his character, a few linked to the behavior of his brother. Either way, it couldn't hurt the Saints to inject this type of talent into their secondary.

15. Houston Texans: William Moore S, Missouri

This may be a bit higher than most would project Moore to go after he failed to live up to expectations this past season. But Houston has been lacking talent in their secondary for as long as they've been around. Moore hits like a ton of bricks for his size, and plays faster than he actually is.

(Following Order not yet determined, just projected)

16. New York Jets: Matt Stafford QB, Georgia

The Brett Favre experiment didn't exactly deliver the results the Jets were hoping for. Numerous teammates and coaches of Favre have publicly placed the blame on him for not reaching the playoffs in 2008. So I think it is safe to say that Brett will be a Jet no more. Even if he does stick around for another year, their future at quarterback looks dim. Matt Stafford has a big arm and has played against quality competition in the SEC. I find it hard for them to pass on one of the top signal callers if one falls to them at this point.

17. Chicago Bears: Jeremy Maclin WR, Missouri

Say what you want of the season Kyle Orton had, but first look at the targets he had to throw to. Marty Booker has been past his prime for what seems like a decade now. Devin Hester may have world class speed and return ability, but he is not fooling anyone as a WR. Jeremy Maclin was one of the more explosive players in all of college football last year, and was a major part of Missouri's great success on offense. He should give the Bears some actual talent at the receiver position.

18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chris Wells RB, Ohio St.

It may come as a surprise to people to see Wells picked at this spot. But durability issues and previous team needs may all contribute to his fall down the charts. There are many questions surrounding the Buc's RB situation. Earnest Graham was injured during the season, Dunn is near the end of his career, and "Cadillac" Williams has not been able to stay healthy for most of his career thus far. In 2008, most scouts saw Wells as a Heisman winner and a top 5 pick. Although his draft stock has been slipping lately, someone is bound to pick him up at some point in the first round.

19. Detroit Lions (From Dallas): James Laurinaitis LB, Ohio St.

As I mentioned before, Detroit needs help everywhere. At this point, I see them taking the best player available. Laurinaitis is a great talent that solidified the Buckeyes' D for every season he played. Had he not entered the draft in such a deep LB class, he may have gone much higher. But at this point he comes as a good value to the Lions and adds an impact player as well as a leader for their D.

20. Minnesota Vikings: Hakeem Nicks WR, North Carolina

Ever since Minnesota sent Randy Moss packing, their passing game has been sub-par, leaving them with a one-dimensional offense centered around Adrian Peterson and the running game. Part of that blame should go to the lack of QB in town, but the Vikings have done a poor job finding quality talent at the receiver spot. Nicks had a tremendous season, and displayed great hands by making numerous highlight reel catches. His size and speed should make him a match-up problem for most defensive backs.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: Jermaine Gresham TE, Oklahoma

L.J. Smith has never really done much to warrant him being an NFL starter. I have a good feeling Smith will be gone next season. This would then open the door for Gresham, a tall, quick, and athletic tight end. Not only does he hold his own in the run game, but he has the athleticism to really stretch the field, adding the type of play-maker McNabb has been searching for. His hands and route-running need work, but he should still be the first TE taken.

22. New England Patriots: D.J. Moore CB, Vanderbilt

This team does not really have too many holes to fill, other than the secondary. The Pats tried a patchwork crew this season with journeymen free agents, and the results were not good. D.J. Moore is a rising prospect, and could very well slip into the first round.

23. Atlanta Falcons: B.J. Raji DT, Boston College

Although they made the post-season after a terrible 2007 season, they still need a lot of help on the defensive side of the ball. Raji has shown a good ability to penetrate gaps and hold his ground in the run game.

24. Miami Dolphins: Alphonso Smith CB, Wake Forest

The Dolphins may be reaching with this selection. But their secondary is definitely the Achilles heel on this team. Smith is the best d-back left on the board at this point. Although undersized, he put up great numbers and makes a lot of plays.

25. Indianapolis Colts: Brian Cushing LB, USC

The Colts' D appeared to take a step back in 08' and could use an upgrade at the outside-linebacker spots. Cushing had a productive four years at USC and may have been a bit overshadowed by some of his fellow teammates.

26. San Diego Chargers: Jason Smith OT, Baylor

Jason Smith has incredible technique and athleticism for a player his size. San Diego would be getting a steal if he falls to them this far.

27. Arizona Cardinals: Shonn Greene RB, Iowa

Edgerrin James has already said he will not be playing for the Cardinals next season as part of his frustration this season for his lack of production in the offense. Even if he did return next year, Arizona could still use a new back. Greene quietly put together a phenomenal season, and may be the best back in this draft.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (From Carolina): Duke Robinson G, Oklahoma

Age is starting to become a concern along the o-line in Philly. Robinson has great size and strength, and would be able to play either guard or tackle at the next level. A steal at this point for the Eagles.

29. Baltimore Ravens: Greg Hardy OLB/DE, Ole Miss

With Terrell Suggs hitting free agency, the Ravens look to find his eventual successor. Hardy appeared to have little trouble finding his way into opponents backfields, and has the ability, like Suggs, to play linebacker or end.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Alex Mack C: California

The Steelers o-line must do a better job keeping their franchise QB off the ground next season, as well as open a few more holes. Mack will make a great center, and could potentially move to guard at the next level.

31. New York Giants: Darius Heyward-Bey WR, Maryland

Plaxico Burress faces legal issues and Amani Toomer faces age. The G-Men will most likely have to replace at least one, if not both of their top two receivers next season. Heyward-Bey has great size and reportedly runs a 4.3 40.

32. Tennessee Titans: Percy Harvin WR, Florida

This team lacks a big play threat and talent at the receiver position. Harvin may be one of the quicker players you will ever see play the game. He should add a new element to the Titans offense.

This is the first one ive made. I wouldnt mind hearing opinions from others on what they think

[WAYSA]

Your order is off.

If SD does not make the SB they pick 17th.

[lpsevier]

I think many will disagree with Mays going that high.