2009 Mock NFL Draft: 1.0
NFL Mock Draft: | 1.0 |
Ending (January 22/09)
Total Pro Sports - Introducing the Total Pro Sports Mock Draft, version 1.0! It is our intention to add more, more, MORE to this section each week, making TPS your one stop shop for draft analysis. Rounds two and three are coming soon!
We will also be adding detailed and completely independent scouting reports on each first round prospect, in the coming weeks, giving you a better understanding of what NFL scouts are looking for while detailing the factors involved in player selection. Changing team needs, player workout results, in-depth film study, character assessments, and all the other "measurable" play significant roles in where players are drafted. As new information becomes available, watch as players move up or down the draft board, possibly landing on your favorite team's roster.
Leave your comments or questions below and share your thoughts with us, as well as other NFL fans around the globe. Let's talk talent!
Best Case - Refers to a player's "up-side". My view of what a player is likely to become in the NFL, in terms of production or equivalent talent, assuming that he reaches his full potential.
Worst Case - Refers to a player's "down-side" or "bust" potential. If you find a great NFL player's name used to describe a draftee's worst case scenario, then I am not concerned about a bust possibility, as is the case with Michael Crabtree.
Lets take a look at the 2009 Mock NFL Draft: 1.0
| Pos | Team | Player | Comments | Best Case/Worst Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  |
Andre Smith, Alabama, OT | A stout left tackle at 6'4', 330. He is equally good as a run blocker or in pass protection. Stafford is the popular pick here, but poses a risk that Detroit cannot afford to take. Smith is safe, and will be a force for the next decade. | B- Walter Jones
W- Leonard Davis |
| 2 |  |
Michael Oher, Ole Miss, OT | Orlando Pace is done, but Oher will provide the protection needed for the down field passing attack that St. Louis loves so much. Will enter camp at 6'6', 320--prototype dimensions. | B-Orlando Pace
W-D'Brickeshaw Furgeson |
| 3 |  |
Matt Stafford, Georgia, QB | Filling a desperate need, the Chiefs make a desperate decision in taking the biggest arm of the draft. They have their work cut out for them though, as he needs a lot of work from the neck up. Boom or bust. | B-Jay Cutler
W-Kyle Boller |
| 4 |  |
Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech, WR | The slam dunk of the draft. This guy has it all, and Seattle has nothing. Great place to start. | B-Michael Irvin
W-Larry Fitzgerald |
| 5 |  |
Aaron Curry, Wake Forrest, OLB | A one man army! Curry will be a beast pass rusher from jump in Cleveland's 3-4. Another no brainer for a team that needs a lot of help. | B-Demarcus Ware
W-Julian Peterson |
| 6 |  |
Jason Smith, Baylor, OT | Smith's stock has not yet matured. He is turning a lot of heads quickly, and could end up in the top three. The Bengals need to keep Carson Palmer healthy to have any shot. This player is special, and is not done growing! Huge upside, but needs strength. | B-Tony Boselli
W-Joe Staley |
| 7 |  |
Eugene Monroe, Virginia, OT | Al Davis will think about taking speedster Jeremy Maclin here, but will get better value with Monroe, who will protect Jamarcus Russell as he learns to read NFL defenses. | B-Chris Samuels
W-Jeff Backus |
| 8 |  |
Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State, CB | The best corner in the draft--period. Jacksonville has to deal with Reggie Wayne and Andre Johnson twice a year. With all the value tackles gone, this is the logical choice. | B-Champ Baily
W-Antoine Winfield |
| 9 |  |
BJ Raji, Boston College, DT | With the hiring of Dom Capers as the new DC, Green Bay needs a monster nose tackle to anchor its new 3-4 scheme. Look no further at 330 plus pounds. Raji's play during Senior Bowl week has made him a virtual top ten lock. | B-Kris Jenkins
W-Barry Cofield |
| 10 |  |
Mark Sanchez, USC, QB | Huge upside, but needs some polishing. Sanchez poses excellent value here, but will need to sit for a while as he develops his skills. As we approach the draft, it is becoming less likely that he'll be at ten. | B-Carson Palmer
W-Trent Edwards |
| 11 |  |
Brian Orakpo, Texas, DE | The best pure DE in the draft with enormous ability, Orakpo may not slide to eleven, but he will not get past the Bills. Buffalo desperately needs a pass rusher, and this guy is explosinve. | B-Julis Peppers
W-Justin Tuck |
| 12 |  |
Chris Wells, Ohio State, RB | Denver hasn't spent a first round pick on a running back since 1989. The need has never been greater though. There are two that they will have to choose from. Denver doesn't throw to their backs often, so Wells' better power makes him their guy. | B-Larry Johnson
W-Jamal Lewis |
| 13 |  |
Everett Brown, Florida State, DE | A need pick here. An aging group of ends has caused diminished productivity at that position. The Redskins will be considering the future with this decision. | B-Mario Williams
W-Jamaal Anderson |
| 14 |  |
Vontae Davis, Illinois, CB | In a weak draft for DB's, New Orleans takes the best one still on the board to sure up that porous pass defense. | B-Nnamdi Asomugha
W-Will Allen |
| 15 |  |
Jeremy Maclin, Missouri, WR | Finally, another threat to take pressure off of Andre Johnson. They are not the same team when he's hurt, which he often is. This pick could change all that. Huge threat in the return game, as an added bonus. | B-Santana Moss
W-Devin Hester |
| 16 |  |
Ray Maualuga, USC, ILB | His potential has no ceiling. He slides to 16 due to character and work ethic concerns. San Diego finally replaces legend Junior Seau with a guy who might be even better. | B-Junior Seau
W-Lavar Arrington |
| 17 |  |
James Laurinaitis, Ohio State, ILB | The Jets need some speed in the middle of that defense. Laurinaitis is the best player available that fits that description. A pick based on up-side. Laurinaitis is not the most physical backer in the world, and will need that to change to be successful. | B-Brian Urlacher
W-Andy Katzenmoyer |
| 18 |  |
Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech, DE | Pure speed and agility! A sack specialist, which the Bears have a great need for. Best player available considering the needs they have. | B-Javon Kearse
W-Gaines Adams |
| 19 |  |
Knowshon Moreno, Georgia, RB | It would be a shocker for Moreno to slide this far, considering his insane skill set. The depth of this draft could make this a reality, though. Tampa would be thrilled. | B-LaDainian Tomlinson
W-Brian Westbrook |
| 20 | |
Duke Robinson, Oklahoma, G | First, Detroit selected the best left tackle in the draft. They now have the chance to select the best guard, making that O-line one of the most talented young groups in football. | B-Shawn Andrews
W-Derrick Dockery |
| 21 |  |
Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State, TE | McNabb needs this for Philly to stay in the hunt. There are no wideouts available at 21 that pose good enough value to pass up the best TE in this draft. | B-Tony Gonzalez
W-Jason Witten |
| 22 |  |
DJ Moore, Vanderbilt, CB | Three glaring needs for the Viks: QB, WR, and DB. Moore is the best player available at those positions. | B-Asante Samuel
W-Kelvin Hayden |
| 23 |  |
Brian Cushing, USC, OLB | A fierce hitter with excellent speed from the edge. The Pats OLB's aren't the youngest group in the league. Cushing will fit well in the New England 3-4, and produce some much needed sacks. | B-Shawn Merriman
W-Manny Lawson |
| 24 |  |
Chase Coffman, Missouri, TE | Could be considered a "reach", but Coffman is the best receiving tight end in this draft, and Matt Ryan needs a security blanket on third downs. He will be huge in the red zone. | B-Antonio Gates
W-Dallas Clark |
| 25 |  |
William Moore, Missouri, S | Miami fills a need here rather than taking undersized pass rusher Aaron Maybin. Moore is a big kid and a big hitter, and will improve the secondary immediately. | B-LaRon Landry
W-Josh Bullocks |
| 26 |  |
Percy Harvin, Florida, WR | Baltimore has a few options at WR here, but elects to take the biggest big play threat of the bunch. Harvin has abundant speed, and will help out in the return game as well. | B-Steve Smith
W-Sinorice Moss |
| 27 |  |
Peria Jerry, Ole Miss, DT | The Colts have to get stronger at the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball. Best player available on either line. | B-Tommie Harris
W-Brodrick Bunkley |
| 28 | |
Alex Mack, California, C | The Eagles draft for the future here, but also immediately improves the O-line. Mack is one of the best center prospects ever, and the Eagles can't resist taking him at 28. | B-Andre Gurode
W-Matt Birk |
| 29 |  |
Kenny Britt, Rutgers, WR | Britt is 6'4" and highly athletic. If he runs in the 4.4 area at the combine, he could go higher. Britt will begin filling the void left by Plaxico Burress. | B-Plaxico Burress
W-Reggie Williams |
| 30 |  |
Derrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland, WR | Tennesse needs a deep threat receiver to complete their offense. Heyward-Bey is tall and fast, but raw. Boom or bust pick. | B-Santonio Holmes
W-Charles Rodgers |
| 31 |  |
LeSean McCoy, Pittsburg, RB | In Arizona's offense, this makes perfect sense. Edge James probably won't be coming back, leaving a big hole to fill. This becomes a two back system, with McCoy as "Dash". | B-Chris Johnson
W-Kevin Faulk |
| 32 |  |
Ebon Britton, Arizona, OT | Pittsburg is thrilled that Britton has slid to them. Since Roethlisburger won't get rid of the ball on time, they need guys to protect longer. Could be Phil Loadholt here if Britton goes sooner. | B-Jordan Gross
W-Ryan Diem |
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4 of the top 7 picks are OL unprecidented for sure. Hey Chad when you refer to best and worst case, for a guy like Crabtree you are refering to his huge upside right the fact that worst case he turns out to be a Larry Fitzgerald is not to shabby.
As far as Crabtree goes, you’re right. I don’t see a downside. He will need a second home in Hawaii in the near future. Worst case scenario, he doesn’t make the Hall of Fame right away. Hahaha. I don’t want to jynx him, but he is physical, polished, has great hands, and good speed. The only thing that could keep him out of Canton is injuries, which he has not had to this point.
The OL situation will change for sure, but I’m confident that at least three will go in the top ten. Linemen are safe, usually, and great ones always hold their draft value. I see some of those in this year’s group. Oher may slide some, but J. Smith may rise. We’ll find out as this process intensifies. I have not looked at enough film on tackles to be sure who the super-studs are just yet. This is how I have them ranked now, but more evaluation is needed. Keep your eyes on the board for weekly changes.
I love the 49ers, hopefully they can get Sanches at #10
Sanchez is unproven in cold weather, making him a slight risk for a cold weather team. He is perfect for San Fran, but may go earlier depending on what happens with Kyle Boller–oops, I mean Matt Stafford.
I like that Mock Draft alot actually, Andre Smith would be the best choice for the Lions moving forward, but i like to judge mock drafts after the combine is under way, but as of now one of the better mock drafts ive seen
The worst cases was werid. Larry Fitz is a worst case?
Second, new regime in Detriot… Stafford goes straight to Detriot. A lineman? LINEMEN DON”T SCORE POINTS. The more points=more wins.
its pretty good, i like the pats getting cushing
i hate it….there is no way the niners are ognna take a QB, please chage it to a DE
The Niners are not going to need to draft a DE because they are going to sign Julius Peppers, Alex Sanchez is the right guy in that spot, he played College Ball only a few hours away.
ahh O.K til i saw some of the best/worse cases Crabtree best case scenario Mike Irvin worst case Larry Fitzgerald?? if at the worst he can be is fitz 20 teams would be offerin my lions a ransom for #1 pick
Fitzgerald is one of the top five receivers in all of football, in my opinion. Michael Irvin is one of the top five receivers of all time—again, in my opinion. The fact that Crabtree will at best become one of the greatest ever, and at worst be one of the best in the game is a bold, but logical statement. TO CLARIFY, I DO NOT THINK FITZGERALD SUCKS! Please use this as a guideline to understand the best/worst case predictions.
Do you think the Colts will take Laurinaitis if he slides?
Canadian Colts…The Colts may actually be faced with that decision, but if Jerry is still on the board, they will not pass on him. ILB’s are typically guys that can be gotten later, and Gary Brackett is a pretty decent one in the Colts’ defense.
Orakpo’s best case scenario is being julius peppers and his worst is Justin Tuck, first team all pro Justin Tuck, leading vote getter at the defensive ed position Justin Tuck. His worst case scenario is ending up out of football that’s every ones worst case scenario.
that aint happenin…….the lions need a QB
Again, Orakpo poses little to no risk in my opinion. Tuck had a great 2008 season. Julius Peppers has done it for years. There’s the difference.
The Lions do need a quarterback, just like they needed one in 2002, when they drafted Joey Harrington. I’m not a believer in Stafford. Smith has little down side.
The Rench – Linemen are what the Lions need in order to have the opportunity to score points. That has been the problem for decades. They need to develop the Oline for the offense to be effective.
Also, I don’t want the 49ers to pick up Mark sanchez. We need a pass rusher and O line.
Thumbs up to those who agree.
I like that draft a lot. I just think Tampa Bay should take wide receiver at #19 or a tight end. Jerrami Stevens and Alex Smith aren’t good enough. They need linebacker help as well. i would also consider taking Rey Maulauga, Brian Cushing, or James Laurinaitis.
Sanchez seems to be a hot topic…Let me help cool some heads on that issue. Sanchez has little chance of actually going number ten. In a mock draft, however, we don’t account for trades. Someone will leapfrog the Niners, most likely, and they should get a quality pass rusher or o-lineman. Who’s gonna quarterback that team?
The Bucaneers need size at the defensive line, their downturn this season came when the run defense took december off. That defense has been built on speed for so many years it is time they look at some strength so that they don’t wear out later in season’s.
As for Sanchez the only reason he is so high in this draft in MY OPINION is that because the lack of quality quarterbacks that declared. The question is absolutly right who is gonna quarterback that team Sean Hill. Let’s be realistic they need a franchise guy and whether they want to try to pick one up this year or wait through another misarable season and take their chances next year it has to be done soon.
I agree with you, Mark. Mark Sanchez’s value is rising due to the lack of quality available quarterbacks. However, I believe that Sanchez will develop into an excellent quarterback in the coming years. If he had returned to USC for another season, where would he have gone in the 2010 draft? That is a question a lot of GM’s will be asking, and that’s why he will go before number 10.
The Bucs are in rebuilding mode…They just don’t know it yet. They need a lot of help due to poor drafts in recent history. They could go in a lot of directions. Defense is a strong possibility.
Nice mock draft. I think OT Andre Smith, WR Michael Crabtree, DE Michael Johnson, RB Knowshon Moreno, and ILB Ray Maualuga are locks to become NFL stars. Looking forward to your draft adjustments as D Day approaches.
I think Aaron Curry will be the best defensive player in this draft when it boils down to it. He played on one of the best defences in the country this past year but how many times did you hear his name, once…twice…I have to admit I did not watch Wake play all that much this year but man if you watch the clips of this guy there is not a play he cannot make. Open field tackles, pass rush (inside and outside), heavy hitter, ball hawk, and great vision. Definetly the total package and will fit in great in a 3-4 scheme, man one of those top 5 teams are going to be happy to have him.
Great observation. Every 3-4 team in the league would love to have him.
I was just pondering at the theory of the Lions deciding to pass on Matt Stafford. It is clear the team needs a quarterback, but let us just say they decide to go with a very good OL (in draft where there is plenty) maybe even take 2 great OL this draft. The team is rebuilding and I am expecting them to have another awful season, so what does that mean…Yes another lottery pick and next years quarterback class will include Sam “Yes I Can” Bradford and Colt “.45″ McCoy, Detroit take your pick.
Not a bad idea Detroit going OT then guard but lets be real this team needs at least 1 defensive stud in the 1st round. If they take a DT or LB with the 1st pick then a guard then its win win then go right back to defense and take a CB with the 33rd pick
They do not need to take a QB in this draft
Mark, once again you are right. Bradford is the answer to their prayers. They should do whatever it takes to draft him, as he will be the first overall pick. He is the key for Detroit to turn the corner from rebuilding to contending. McCoy is okay, but nothing like Bradford–no college quarterback has been for years. He is special!
Chris, the way you rebuild a team is from the “inside–out”. You have to start with both lines (offense and defense). Value is important to personnel people, though, and if there is no D-lineman available that represents the right value, they will not just take one anyway. At number one, there are no value D-lineman–everything would be a reach at that point. At number 20, there might be one player (Peria Jerry) of interest, but he may be gone already. A quality center or guard could be gotten at 33, if they had an opportunity to take Jerry at 20. Good insight!
One of the few mock drafts that I like because of the way you have things unfolding [aside from pick no.10] but all-in-all a pretty good job. Well done, indeed.
On a side note, do you see any chance of Aaron Curry going 1st overall? Sure it depends on what they do in free agency, but with Jim Schwartz now on board, could they pull a shocker on draft day?
Brawley…Curry is a great player–one of the most complete, polished, and talented OLB’s to come out in a while. A number one overall pick is unlikely, simply because he is a linebacker, and Schwartz won’t have much to say about it. If he did, I’m sure he’d agree with me on this anyway. I consider myself an offensive guy, but if a dominant defensive player posed more value than a dominant offensive one, I’d pick in favor of value. This year, the value is in Andre Smith.
That being said, I do see a scenario where Detroit could trade that top pick, and trade down a little to land Curry. I personally don’t think they can pass up one of the left tackles coming out this year, but anything is possible. Andre Smith seems to be the best of the bunch, but they’d still be happy with Jason Smith, Oher, or Monroe. I think they should trade down some, picking up more draft choices, and continue rebuilding aggressively over the next couple of years. Detroit has some good young talent on offense right now, and with an improved line, they could be competitive very quickly.
With so few quality quarterbacks available, Detroit should have lucritive offers to trade out of that spot, putting themselves in a position to load the board for next year, where they can get their quarterback of the future.
best mock yet love the way u did the best case n worst case scenario very very original and helpful please continue to do what you do and if you can add more rounds thanks ps please seahawks draft one of the elite OTs and/or crabtree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I can not belive you would pick Houston going after a WR on the 1st round? They were 3rd in offense in the NFL,and 22nd in defense, plus if you look at Andre Johnson’s record, he was hurt last year, and missed 7 games? How can you say he is hurt a lot?
i like most of it but the Houston pick makes no sense in my mind. Kevin Walter (899 yds) was the WR that played opposite Andre Johnson this year and together they amassed the most yards of any WR duo in the league (granted that Q was hurt for some of the games and he an Fitzgerald only lost by like a total of 4 yards to KW and AJ), also you point out that Johnson is hurt often when, and correct me if i’m wrong, he didn’t miss a game this year. last year is a different story but that was the only time in his career when hes missed any playing time to speak of.
the texans main needs are at S, DE, NT, OLB, and G and a RB to compliment Slaton later in the draft.
Dennis and Kyle…First of all, stop ignoring facts, please. Andre Johnson has missed 10 games in the last four years. More than two per season, on average. That is significant time, if you ask me! Who should they draft at number 15 that poses more VALUE than Jeremy Maclin? I don’t care if they had the third most yards in the NFL. They had the 17th ranked SCORING offense! That tells me that, excuse me, KEVIN WALTER?…is NOT the answer at the number two receiver spot. They need big plays to score points and Maclin will do that, especially with Johnson getting doubled on the other side. Be careful not to get too caught up in statistics–especially yardage numbers. Yardage typically reflects opportunities. Points reflects big plays, and thus, playMAKERS. Your biggest adversary is the Colts. Why do you think they’ve spanked you butts for years? They had Harrison and Wayne, and you could never cover both. You need another legitimate weapon at wideout to compete within your own division, and stop being the doormat.
Yes, your defense is lacking also, but VALUE is why I chose Maclin. Look at the roster. What do you need on defense, really? One of two things, in my opinion. Experience, #1, and scheme, #2. There is a lot of young talent on the Houston defense that needs time and coaching to develop. Give me a new DC in Houston and a couple of veteran free agents over another 22 year old any day. Taking Maclin makes a bigger impact than taking a linebacker, DB, or DL. VALUE, gentlemen. VALUE.
Detroit needs offensive linemen. True that offensive linemen dont score points, but they help the rest of the team score points. Take Andre Smith first, the take Duke Robinson at # 20. They will have one of the top offensive lines for yearts to come. Give Kitna a shot with an o-line and a run game. Take your franchise QB next year with a great player like Sam Bradford.