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2009 Mock Draft Last updated 3/12/2009
View round: 1 | 2
KEY » * Recently updated Position grade increased Position grade decreased
MOCK DRAFT: ROUND 1
PICK TEAM PLAYER POS SCHOOL
1 (1) Lions Mark Sanchez* QB USC
The Lions are debating whether to take a risk on a quarterback with the top pick. If they go that route, Sanchez should be the target because he shows all the talent to become an elite QB.
2 (2) Rams Jason Smith T Baylor
After cutting Orlando Pace, the Rams said they will move Alex Barron to left tackle. He has been a disappointment at right tackle and the Rams need another tackle anyway, so look for them to take one here. If Smith is on the board, they will jump on him.
3 (3) Chiefs B.J. Raji DT Boston Coll.
Though Aaron Curry is regarded as the better prospect by many, the Chiefs need a true nose tackle to make the switch to a 3-4 defense.
4 (4) Seahawks Eugene Monroe T Va.
LT Walter Jones is getting up in years and right tackle was a big problem for the Seahawks in 2008. Monroe solves the right tackle issue for 2009 and would be Jones' eventual replacement on the left side.
5 (5) Browns Everette Brown* DE Florida St.
Coach Eric Mangini thinks about drafting a quarterback but decides to grab Brown in the hope he can improve the pass rush off the edge. With Brown to play opposite Kamerion Wimbley, Wimbley could bounce back as a consistent pass rush threat.
6 (6) Bengals Brian Orakpo DE Texas
Although the Bengals have spent money on free-agent ends in recent years, they still struggle to pressure the quarterback. Orakpo is a rare athlete who can be dominant when he plays with passion and intensity.
7 (7) Raiders Aaron Curry OLB Wake For.
The Raiders go back and forth between WR Michael Crabtree and Curry, but they feel Curry has a better chance of becoming a special player and will be an impact starter as a rookie.
8 (8) Jaguars Michael Crabtree* WR Tex. Tech
Despite Crabtree's foot injury, the Jags feel the need to get a receiver�especially with Matt Jones' NFL future a question mark after he was arrested again.
9 (9) Packers Rey Maualuga ILB USC
The Packers, who are switching to a 3-4 scheme, will consider pass rusher Larry English, but they love the toughness, aggressiveness and attitude Maualuga brings to the field.
10 (10) 49ers Matthew Stafford* QB Georgia
Shaun Hill has a good record as a starter and Alex Smith has been retained, but the 49ers can't justify passing on a quarterback they feel can become an elite starter.
11 (11) Bills Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma St.
After signing Terrell Owens, the Bills continue to bring in weapons to give Trent Edwards the tools to become a productive quarterback. Pettigrew is an excellent blocker and good receiver for the offense.
12 (12) Broncos Larry English DE Northern Ill.
The Broncos are another team switching to a 3-4 defense, and English gives them a threat from the rush linebacker position that is vital to the scheme.
13 (13) Redskins Brian Cushing OLB USC
After cutting Marcus Washington, the Redskins need an outside linebacker.
14 (14) Saints Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio St.
Though Jenkins did not run a great 40 at the Combine, he is still the best cornerback in the draft and the Saints need a lot of secondary help. He would give them a player who can start at corner and slide to safety in certain schemes.
15 (15) Texans Alphonso Smith CB Wake For.
The Texans need a corner to play opposite Dunta Robinson. Although Smith did not blow up the Combine, he was excellent at the Senior Bowl and shows the talent to become a very good NFL corner.
16 (16) Chargers Chris Wells* RB Ohio St.
Though LaDainian Tomlinson is still the guy for 2009, the Chargers need a young back who can take over in 2010 or 2011. Wells is an elite talent who could become a star after learning from Tomlinson.
17 (17) Jets Josh Freeman* QB Kansas St.
The Jets can talk all they want about Kellen Clemens or Brett Ratliff being the 2009 starter, but Freeman is a special talent with great intangibles. He would give the Jets a big, strong, athletic quarterback to build around.
18 (18) Bears Jeremy Maclin* WR Missouri
The Bears' passing game continues to be a problem, so the chance to add a game-breaking playmaker makes way too much sense.
19 (19) Buccaneers Kenny Britt* WR Rutgers
The Bucs' only quality receiver is franchise player Antonio Bryant. Britt's tall, explosive playmaker�could take some focus off Bryant and give the team leverage in contract negotiations with Bryant.
20 (20) Lions Updated Evander 'Ziggy' Hood DT Missouri
The Lions need to shore up their run defense, and Hood is an athletic, strong and competitive player who has shot up draft boards with a great spring.
21 (21) Eagles William Beatty T UConn
Many would expect the Eagles to take a gamble on Andre Smith here. But why gamble when you can grab Beatty, who really showed his athleticism and talent at the Senior Bowl?
22 (22) Vikings Michael Oher T Ole Miss
The Vikings desperately need to shore up the right side of their line, which leads them to take a huge gamble on Oher.
23 (23) Patriots Knowshon Moreno* RB Georgia
Even after signing Fred Taylor, the Pats can't pass up the chance to add a potential franchise back like Moreno. His hands and receiving skills make him an ideal fit in the Pats' offense, which relies heavily on backs in the passing game.
24 (24) Falcons Louis Delmas S W. Michigan
The Falcons need to make a dramatic upgrade at safety, and Delmas has shown this spring that his dominance at Western Michigan was for real and that he has the talent to be a productive NFL player.
25 (25) Dolphins Updated Darrius Heyward-Bey* WR Maryland
The Dolphins need to bolster the receiving unit and develop a No. 1 wideout, so they jump on the tall, fast Heyward-Bey to upgrade the passing game.
26 (26) Ravens Vontae Davis* CB Illinois
Chris McAlister is gone and Samari Rolle is not getting any younger, so the Ravens grab the most physically gifted corner in the draft.
27 (27) Colts Percy Harvin* WR Florida
The Colts' offense struggled at times as Marvin Harrison slowed down. Now he's gone, and drafting Harvin gives them an elite playmaking replacement who can also return kicks.
28 (28) Eagles Jared Cook* TE S. Carolina
With L.J. Smith likely to leave as a free agent, the Eagles need to add a playmaking tight end. They gamble on Cook because he has the quickness, speed and explosiveness to be an impact receiver as a rookie.
29 (29) Giants Alex Mack C Cal
With Shaun O'Hara getting up there in years, the Giants grab his eventual replacement. With his athleticism, size and strength, Mack could start at guard as a rookie.
30 (30) Titans Hakeem Nicks* WR N. Carolina
Even though it looks like V. Young's days in Tennessee are over, the Titans still to need to add offensive weapons to give their offense a chance to cotribute as much as their defense.
31 (31) Cardinals LeSean McCoy* RB Pitt
The Cardinals realize Edgerrin James is nearly done and Tim Hightower is more of a backup, so they jump on McCoy, who would give their rushing attack a needed boost.
32 (32) Steelers Updated Duke Robinson G Oklahoma
The offensive line was the Steelers' biggest weakness last season, and they need to bring in strong, aggressive and tough linemen. Robinson definitely fits that mold.
2009 Mock Draft Last updated 3/12/2009
View round: 1 | 2
KEY » * Recently updated Position grade increased Position grade decreased
MOCK DRAFT: ROUND 2
PICK TEAM PLAYER POS SCHOOL
1 (33) Lions Peria Jerry DT Ole Miss
The Lions continue upgrading their defense by grabbing the very athletic and powerful Jerry, who should challenge for starting job as a rookie.
2 (34) Patriots D.J. Moore* CB Vandy
(from Kansas City for Matt Cassel) The Patriots tried to address the cornerback position last year, but they still need help. They jump on the very talented Moore, who was expected to be a first-rounder before struggling at the Combine.
3 (35) Rams James Laurinaitis ILB Ohio St.
The Rams have been talking about adding a physical presence at middle linebacker, and Laurinaitis definitely brings the great intangibles and production to the position that they desperately seek.
4 (36) Browns Vontae Davis* CB Illinois
The Browns need a lot of help at cornerback, and they gamble on Davis, the most physically gifted corner in the draft, despite questions about his maturity and work ethic.
5 (37) Seahawks Eben Britton* T Arizona
The Seahawks realize their right tackle spot was an issue in 2008, and left tackle Walter Jones is getting up there in years. Seattle jumps on the big and athletic Britton to hopefully start at right tackle in '09 and eventually replace Jones on the left side in a few seasons.
6 (38) Bengals Updated Michael Johnson DE Georgia Tech
The Bengals got their left tackle in the first round and now address their need for a top pass rusher by gambling on Johnson. Cincinnati hopes he gets back to playing like he did as a junior after a bad senior season.
7 (39) Jaguars Updated Duke Robinson G Oklahoma
The Jaguars' offensive line was inconsistent in 2008 and hindered the consistency of their ground game. Jacksonville grabs the big, strong and physical Robinson, who will immediately upgrade their inside rushing attack.
8 (40) Raiders Aaron Maybin* DE Penn State
The Raiders want pass-rush help, so they gamble on Maybin. He is a much better athlete than football player now, but he has the athletic tools with which Al Davis always seems to fall in love.
9 (41) Packers Tyson Jackson DE LSU
As the Packers continue their switch to the 3-4 defense, they grab Jackson, who is an ideal end in that scheme.
10 (42) Bills Eric Wood C Louisville
The Bills were not happy with Melvin Fowler or Duke Preston at center in 2008. Buffalo jumps at the chance to add Wood, who has the size, athleticism and competitiveness that they could not find a season ago.
11 (43) 49ers Robert Ayers DE Tennessee
With Manny Lawson still struggling to establish himself as a pass rusher, the 49ers need someone to pair with Parys Haralson. Ayers gives them a versatile pass rusher who should be able to help them pressure the QB more consistently.
12 (44) Dolphins Greg Isdaner* G W.Va.
(from Washington) After adding the tough and competitive Jake Grove to play center, the Dolphins continue upgrading their offensive line by drafting Isdaner, who brings a great attitude to the field.
13 (45) Giants Brandon Tate WR N. Carolina
(from New Orleans) After adding an impact tight end in the first round, the Giants are able to grab Tate, a strong and physical receiver who could help replace Plaxico Burress if legal issues prevent him from playing.
14 (46) Texans Marcus Freeman OLB Ohio St.
The Texans were able to address their defensive end need in free agency, so they jump at the chance to get Freeman, who likely would have been a late-first-round pick if his ankle had been healthy his senior season.
15 (47) Patriots Updated Paul Kruger DE Utah
(from San Diego) The Patriots continue making over their linebacking corps with the addition of the versatile Kruger, who can line up at ILB, OLB and even DE at times. He has the combination of size, athleticism, strength and intangibles that the Pats love.
16 (48) Broncos Donald Brown* RB UConn
While the Broncos have several running backs on their roster, none is proven. They take a shot at Brown, who once was expected to be a first-round pick.
17 (49) Bears Darius Butler CB UConn
The Bears need to upgrade their cornerback play for their defense to take the next step. Despite a slight frame, Butler has the elite athleticism, toughness and ball skills to be a top cornerback if he can stay healthy.
18 (50) Browns Clay Matthews Jr. OLB USC
(from Tampa Bay for Kellen Winslow) The Browns need a big, strong outside linebacker who can stop the run and rush the QB in their 3-4 scheme. Matthews fits what they are looking for perfectly.
19 (51) Cowboys Darcel McBath S Tex. Tech
With all the talk of Roy Williams not playing for Dallas in '09, the Cowboys need to upgrade their safety position. McBath brings the athleticism, instincts and hitting ability they want against the run and, more importantly, in pass coverage.
20 (52) Jets Shonn Greene* RB Iowa
The Jets realize that Thomas Jones is up there in years and that Leon Washington fits best in his current role, so they grab Greene, who can learn in '09 before taking over the starting job in 2010.
21 (53) Eagles Derek Pegues S Miss. St.
After searching for a safety to pair with Brian Dawkins for years, the Eagles now have to replace Dawkins. While Pegues lacks ideal size, he has everything else you could ask for in a safety -- and the versatility the Eagles want in their defensive backs.
22 (54) Vikings Jarius Byrd* CB Oregon
The Vikings have a stud in Antoine Winfield, but they want more production opposite him. Byrd has the elite ball skills few cornerbacks possess.
23 (55) Falcons Updated Sean Smith* CB Utah
After losing Domonique Foxworth in free agency, the Falcons need help at cornerback again. Smith is tall, physical and athletic, and he has all the tools to be a good starting cornerback except elite speed.
24 (56) Dolphins Hakeem Nicks* WR N. Carolina
With Davone Bess established as their best receiver and Ted Ginn Jr. looking like a bust, the Dolphins grab Nicks, whose size, strength and ability to fight through physical coverage are traits Parcells loves.
25 (57) Ravens Coye Francies CB San Jose St.
The Ravens let Chris McAlister go, and Samari Rolle is asking to get out of town, so Baltimore grabs Franceis. He looked like a first-rounder at the Senior Bowl but has slid down draft boards after a disappointing Combine.
26 (58) Patriots Updated Kraig Urbik G Wis.
The Patriots' offensive line is getting a little older, so they jump on Urbik, who competes and blocks with the aggressive attitude New England loves.
27 (59) Panthers Lawrence Sidbury Jr. DE Richmond
The Panthers still have not found a defensive end to replace Mike Rucker and play opposite Julius Peppers. Sidbury is a big, athletic end with the physical talent to be that player if he improves his technique and consistency.
28 (60) Giants Updated Antoine Caldwell C Alabama
Shaun O'Hara is not getting any younger, so the Giants grab his eventual replacement in Caldwell, who did not get enough attention this year because he was overshadowed by teammate Andre Smith.
29 (61) Colts Cody Brown OLB UConn
The Colts are not thrilled with their outside linebacker play, and Brown is an explosive athlete with the playing speed to make an impact all over the field. He also offers excellent pass-rush skills.
30 (62) Titans Rhett Bomar QB Sam Houston
By signing Kerry Collins to a two-year deal, the Titans basically acknowledged that Vince Young is not their future. They grab Bomar to begin developing him as Collins' replacement in two or three seasons.
31 (63) Cardinals Connor Barwin DE Cin.
After losing defensive end Antonio Smith in free agency, the Cardinals need to add an athletic pass rusher. Barwin is a very raw end who is still learning the tricks of the trade after moving to the position for his senior season.
32 (64) Steelers Emanuel Cook* S S. Carolina
The Steelers have one elite safety in Troy Polamalu and another good one in Ryan Clark. But Cook is very athletic safety who would be a good backup in '09 and should become a starter when Clark leaves as a free agent in a season or two.
View round: 1 | 2
KEY » * Recently updated Position grade increased Position grade decreased
MOCK DRAFT: ROUND 1
PICK TEAM PLAYER POS SCHOOL
1 (1) Lions Mark Sanchez* QB USC
The Lions are debating whether to take a risk on a quarterback with the top pick. If they go that route, Sanchez should be the target because he shows all the talent to become an elite QB.
2 (2) Rams Jason Smith T Baylor
After cutting Orlando Pace, the Rams said they will move Alex Barron to left tackle. He has been a disappointment at right tackle and the Rams need another tackle anyway, so look for them to take one here. If Smith is on the board, they will jump on him.
3 (3) Chiefs B.J. Raji DT Boston Coll.
Though Aaron Curry is regarded as the better prospect by many, the Chiefs need a true nose tackle to make the switch to a 3-4 defense.
4 (4) Seahawks Eugene Monroe T Va.
LT Walter Jones is getting up in years and right tackle was a big problem for the Seahawks in 2008. Monroe solves the right tackle issue for 2009 and would be Jones' eventual replacement on the left side.
5 (5) Browns Everette Brown* DE Florida St.
Coach Eric Mangini thinks about drafting a quarterback but decides to grab Brown in the hope he can improve the pass rush off the edge. With Brown to play opposite Kamerion Wimbley, Wimbley could bounce back as a consistent pass rush threat.
6 (6) Bengals Brian Orakpo DE Texas
Although the Bengals have spent money on free-agent ends in recent years, they still struggle to pressure the quarterback. Orakpo is a rare athlete who can be dominant when he plays with passion and intensity.
7 (7) Raiders Aaron Curry OLB Wake For.
The Raiders go back and forth between WR Michael Crabtree and Curry, but they feel Curry has a better chance of becoming a special player and will be an impact starter as a rookie.
8 (8) Jaguars Michael Crabtree* WR Tex. Tech
Despite Crabtree's foot injury, the Jags feel the need to get a receiver�especially with Matt Jones' NFL future a question mark after he was arrested again.
9 (9) Packers Rey Maualuga ILB USC
The Packers, who are switching to a 3-4 scheme, will consider pass rusher Larry English, but they love the toughness, aggressiveness and attitude Maualuga brings to the field.
10 (10) 49ers Matthew Stafford* QB Georgia
Shaun Hill has a good record as a starter and Alex Smith has been retained, but the 49ers can't justify passing on a quarterback they feel can become an elite starter.
11 (11) Bills Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma St.
After signing Terrell Owens, the Bills continue to bring in weapons to give Trent Edwards the tools to become a productive quarterback. Pettigrew is an excellent blocker and good receiver for the offense.
12 (12) Broncos Larry English DE Northern Ill.
The Broncos are another team switching to a 3-4 defense, and English gives them a threat from the rush linebacker position that is vital to the scheme.
13 (13) Redskins Brian Cushing OLB USC
After cutting Marcus Washington, the Redskins need an outside linebacker.
14 (14) Saints Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio St.
Though Jenkins did not run a great 40 at the Combine, he is still the best cornerback in the draft and the Saints need a lot of secondary help. He would give them a player who can start at corner and slide to safety in certain schemes.
15 (15) Texans Alphonso Smith CB Wake For.
The Texans need a corner to play opposite Dunta Robinson. Although Smith did not blow up the Combine, he was excellent at the Senior Bowl and shows the talent to become a very good NFL corner.
16 (16) Chargers Chris Wells* RB Ohio St.
Though LaDainian Tomlinson is still the guy for 2009, the Chargers need a young back who can take over in 2010 or 2011. Wells is an elite talent who could become a star after learning from Tomlinson.
17 (17) Jets Josh Freeman* QB Kansas St.
The Jets can talk all they want about Kellen Clemens or Brett Ratliff being the 2009 starter, but Freeman is a special talent with great intangibles. He would give the Jets a big, strong, athletic quarterback to build around.
18 (18) Bears Jeremy Maclin* WR Missouri
The Bears' passing game continues to be a problem, so the chance to add a game-breaking playmaker makes way too much sense.
19 (19) Buccaneers Kenny Britt* WR Rutgers
The Bucs' only quality receiver is franchise player Antonio Bryant. Britt's tall, explosive playmaker�could take some focus off Bryant and give the team leverage in contract negotiations with Bryant.
20 (20) Lions Updated Evander 'Ziggy' Hood DT Missouri
The Lions need to shore up their run defense, and Hood is an athletic, strong and competitive player who has shot up draft boards with a great spring.
21 (21) Eagles William Beatty T UConn
Many would expect the Eagles to take a gamble on Andre Smith here. But why gamble when you can grab Beatty, who really showed his athleticism and talent at the Senior Bowl?
22 (22) Vikings Michael Oher T Ole Miss
The Vikings desperately need to shore up the right side of their line, which leads them to take a huge gamble on Oher.
23 (23) Patriots Knowshon Moreno* RB Georgia
Even after signing Fred Taylor, the Pats can't pass up the chance to add a potential franchise back like Moreno. His hands and receiving skills make him an ideal fit in the Pats' offense, which relies heavily on backs in the passing game.
24 (24) Falcons Louis Delmas S W. Michigan
The Falcons need to make a dramatic upgrade at safety, and Delmas has shown this spring that his dominance at Western Michigan was for real and that he has the talent to be a productive NFL player.
25 (25) Dolphins Updated Darrius Heyward-Bey* WR Maryland
The Dolphins need to bolster the receiving unit and develop a No. 1 wideout, so they jump on the tall, fast Heyward-Bey to upgrade the passing game.
26 (26) Ravens Vontae Davis* CB Illinois
Chris McAlister is gone and Samari Rolle is not getting any younger, so the Ravens grab the most physically gifted corner in the draft.
27 (27) Colts Percy Harvin* WR Florida
The Colts' offense struggled at times as Marvin Harrison slowed down. Now he's gone, and drafting Harvin gives them an elite playmaking replacement who can also return kicks.
28 (28) Eagles Jared Cook* TE S. Carolina
With L.J. Smith likely to leave as a free agent, the Eagles need to add a playmaking tight end. They gamble on Cook because he has the quickness, speed and explosiveness to be an impact receiver as a rookie.
29 (29) Giants Alex Mack C Cal
With Shaun O'Hara getting up there in years, the Giants grab his eventual replacement. With his athleticism, size and strength, Mack could start at guard as a rookie.
30 (30) Titans Hakeem Nicks* WR N. Carolina
Even though it looks like V. Young's days in Tennessee are over, the Titans still to need to add offensive weapons to give their offense a chance to cotribute as much as their defense.
31 (31) Cardinals LeSean McCoy* RB Pitt
The Cardinals realize Edgerrin James is nearly done and Tim Hightower is more of a backup, so they jump on McCoy, who would give their rushing attack a needed boost.
32 (32) Steelers Updated Duke Robinson G Oklahoma
The offensive line was the Steelers' biggest weakness last season, and they need to bring in strong, aggressive and tough linemen. Robinson definitely fits that mold.
2009 Mock Draft Last updated 3/12/2009
View round: 1 | 2
KEY » * Recently updated Position grade increased Position grade decreased
MOCK DRAFT: ROUND 2
PICK TEAM PLAYER POS SCHOOL
1 (33) Lions Peria Jerry DT Ole Miss
The Lions continue upgrading their defense by grabbing the very athletic and powerful Jerry, who should challenge for starting job as a rookie.
2 (34) Patriots D.J. Moore* CB Vandy
(from Kansas City for Matt Cassel) The Patriots tried to address the cornerback position last year, but they still need help. They jump on the very talented Moore, who was expected to be a first-rounder before struggling at the Combine.
3 (35) Rams James Laurinaitis ILB Ohio St.
The Rams have been talking about adding a physical presence at middle linebacker, and Laurinaitis definitely brings the great intangibles and production to the position that they desperately seek.
4 (36) Browns Vontae Davis* CB Illinois
The Browns need a lot of help at cornerback, and they gamble on Davis, the most physically gifted corner in the draft, despite questions about his maturity and work ethic.
5 (37) Seahawks Eben Britton* T Arizona
The Seahawks realize their right tackle spot was an issue in 2008, and left tackle Walter Jones is getting up there in years. Seattle jumps on the big and athletic Britton to hopefully start at right tackle in '09 and eventually replace Jones on the left side in a few seasons.
6 (38) Bengals Updated Michael Johnson DE Georgia Tech
The Bengals got their left tackle in the first round and now address their need for a top pass rusher by gambling on Johnson. Cincinnati hopes he gets back to playing like he did as a junior after a bad senior season.
7 (39) Jaguars Updated Duke Robinson G Oklahoma
The Jaguars' offensive line was inconsistent in 2008 and hindered the consistency of their ground game. Jacksonville grabs the big, strong and physical Robinson, who will immediately upgrade their inside rushing attack.
8 (40) Raiders Aaron Maybin* DE Penn State
The Raiders want pass-rush help, so they gamble on Maybin. He is a much better athlete than football player now, but he has the athletic tools with which Al Davis always seems to fall in love.
9 (41) Packers Tyson Jackson DE LSU
As the Packers continue their switch to the 3-4 defense, they grab Jackson, who is an ideal end in that scheme.
10 (42) Bills Eric Wood C Louisville
The Bills were not happy with Melvin Fowler or Duke Preston at center in 2008. Buffalo jumps at the chance to add Wood, who has the size, athleticism and competitiveness that they could not find a season ago.
11 (43) 49ers Robert Ayers DE Tennessee
With Manny Lawson still struggling to establish himself as a pass rusher, the 49ers need someone to pair with Parys Haralson. Ayers gives them a versatile pass rusher who should be able to help them pressure the QB more consistently.
12 (44) Dolphins Greg Isdaner* G W.Va.
(from Washington) After adding the tough and competitive Jake Grove to play center, the Dolphins continue upgrading their offensive line by drafting Isdaner, who brings a great attitude to the field.
13 (45) Giants Brandon Tate WR N. Carolina
(from New Orleans) After adding an impact tight end in the first round, the Giants are able to grab Tate, a strong and physical receiver who could help replace Plaxico Burress if legal issues prevent him from playing.
14 (46) Texans Marcus Freeman OLB Ohio St.
The Texans were able to address their defensive end need in free agency, so they jump at the chance to get Freeman, who likely would have been a late-first-round pick if his ankle had been healthy his senior season.
15 (47) Patriots Updated Paul Kruger DE Utah
(from San Diego) The Patriots continue making over their linebacking corps with the addition of the versatile Kruger, who can line up at ILB, OLB and even DE at times. He has the combination of size, athleticism, strength and intangibles that the Pats love.
16 (48) Broncos Donald Brown* RB UConn
While the Broncos have several running backs on their roster, none is proven. They take a shot at Brown, who once was expected to be a first-round pick.
17 (49) Bears Darius Butler CB UConn
The Bears need to upgrade their cornerback play for their defense to take the next step. Despite a slight frame, Butler has the elite athleticism, toughness and ball skills to be a top cornerback if he can stay healthy.
18 (50) Browns Clay Matthews Jr. OLB USC
(from Tampa Bay for Kellen Winslow) The Browns need a big, strong outside linebacker who can stop the run and rush the QB in their 3-4 scheme. Matthews fits what they are looking for perfectly.
19 (51) Cowboys Darcel McBath S Tex. Tech
With all the talk of Roy Williams not playing for Dallas in '09, the Cowboys need to upgrade their safety position. McBath brings the athleticism, instincts and hitting ability they want against the run and, more importantly, in pass coverage.
20 (52) Jets Shonn Greene* RB Iowa
The Jets realize that Thomas Jones is up there in years and that Leon Washington fits best in his current role, so they grab Greene, who can learn in '09 before taking over the starting job in 2010.
21 (53) Eagles Derek Pegues S Miss. St.
After searching for a safety to pair with Brian Dawkins for years, the Eagles now have to replace Dawkins. While Pegues lacks ideal size, he has everything else you could ask for in a safety -- and the versatility the Eagles want in their defensive backs.
22 (54) Vikings Jarius Byrd* CB Oregon
The Vikings have a stud in Antoine Winfield, but they want more production opposite him. Byrd has the elite ball skills few cornerbacks possess.
23 (55) Falcons Updated Sean Smith* CB Utah
After losing Domonique Foxworth in free agency, the Falcons need help at cornerback again. Smith is tall, physical and athletic, and he has all the tools to be a good starting cornerback except elite speed.
24 (56) Dolphins Hakeem Nicks* WR N. Carolina
With Davone Bess established as their best receiver and Ted Ginn Jr. looking like a bust, the Dolphins grab Nicks, whose size, strength and ability to fight through physical coverage are traits Parcells loves.
25 (57) Ravens Coye Francies CB San Jose St.
The Ravens let Chris McAlister go, and Samari Rolle is asking to get out of town, so Baltimore grabs Franceis. He looked like a first-rounder at the Senior Bowl but has slid down draft boards after a disappointing Combine.
26 (58) Patriots Updated Kraig Urbik G Wis.
The Patriots' offensive line is getting a little older, so they jump on Urbik, who competes and blocks with the aggressive attitude New England loves.
27 (59) Panthers Lawrence Sidbury Jr. DE Richmond
The Panthers still have not found a defensive end to replace Mike Rucker and play opposite Julius Peppers. Sidbury is a big, athletic end with the physical talent to be that player if he improves his technique and consistency.
28 (60) Giants Updated Antoine Caldwell C Alabama
Shaun O'Hara is not getting any younger, so the Giants grab his eventual replacement in Caldwell, who did not get enough attention this year because he was overshadowed by teammate Andre Smith.
29 (61) Colts Cody Brown OLB UConn
The Colts are not thrilled with their outside linebacker play, and Brown is an explosive athlete with the playing speed to make an impact all over the field. He also offers excellent pass-rush skills.
30 (62) Titans Rhett Bomar QB Sam Houston
By signing Kerry Collins to a two-year deal, the Titans basically acknowledged that Vince Young is not their future. They grab Bomar to begin developing him as Collins' replacement in two or three seasons.
31 (63) Cardinals Connor Barwin DE Cin.
After losing defensive end Antonio Smith in free agency, the Cardinals need to add an athletic pass rusher. Barwin is a very raw end who is still learning the tricks of the trade after moving to the position for his senior season.
32 (64) Steelers Emanuel Cook* S S. Carolina
The Steelers have one elite safety in Troy Polamalu and another good one in Ryan Clark. But Cook is very athletic safety who would be a good backup in '09 and should become a starter when Clark leaves as a free agent in a season or two.
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