Hasselbeck
Jus' bout dat action boss
At long last.. my final mock draft for the 2009 calendar year.. another fun year of speculation, smoke screens, and all that other draft related jargon will come to rest after the weekend.
If you've read my mocks leading up to this.. you know what to expect by now. Two round projection, trades mixed in.. without further ado.. the grand finale.
1. Detroit Lions - QB Matthew Stafford - Georgia
It seems more like a matter of when and no longer a matter of "if". The Lions potentially select the new face of their franchise and hopeful franchise quarterback.
2. St. Louis Rams - OT Eugene Monroe - Virginia
A last minute change, word is the Rams are higher on Monroe because he is more "pro ready" than Jason Smith.. and the Rams, with a shortage of players that look pro ready, can probably use that.
3. New York Jets (from Kansas City) - QB Mark Sanchez - USC
A sign of new times? Scott Pioli making a trade with the Jets? I think it actually has a realistic chance of happening. In my projected trade, the Jets send their 17th overall pick, their 3rd round pick (76th overall) and their 1st and 4th round picks from next season. By doing so, the Jets move up to get their coveted quarterback of the future, and the Chiefs move down and bring in more picks for the future.
4. Seattle Seahawks - WR Michael Crabtree - Texas Tech
This projected pick is half.. me really really wanting this to happen and half.. me thinking it actually will happen. Despite Aaron Curry and Jason Smith being on the board here, the Seahawks are looking for instant playmakers on offense and Michael Crabtree would be just that. It has been said by many close to the Seahawks organization that Jim Mora and Tim Ruskell are both very enamored with the young receiver, and with Deion Branch, TJ Houshmanzadeh and Nate Burleson already on board.. the pressure on Crabtree to contribute immediately would be much lower in Seattle than it would in Cleveland or Oakland.
5. Cleveland Browns - LB Aaron Curry - Wake Forest
Curry is easily the best defensive prospect in this draft, and the Browns would likely sprain a few ankles rushing the card up to the podium in the event Curry slides to them here.
6. Cincinnati Bengals - OT Jason Smith - Baylor
With the unexpected trade ahead of them, the Bengals get the fortunate break of having an absolute stud fall in their laps here. In my opinion Jason Smith is the best tackle in the draft by a wide margin and would immediately be the anchor on the Bengals offensive line for the next several years.
7. Oakland Raiders - WR Darrius Heyward-Bey - Maryland
I think this is a foolish pick, but it's the Raiders so what else is new. In the end, Al Davis will be too enamored with raw athleticism and potential (Heyward-Bey) over a safer bet (Maclin).
8. Jacksonville Jaguars - OT Andre Smith - Alabama
Despite signing Tra Thomas earlier this offseason, the Jags still can use a lot of help on its offensive line, and Andre Smith actually projects as a potential all-pro guard in addition to showing flashes at left tackle. I personally feel Smith would be a major bust at tackle, but a good guard.. and thats where he could wind up playing a majority of his time in Jacksonville.
9. Green Bay Packers - OLB/DE Brian Orakpo - Texas
I think the Packers would be a major candidate for a trade down, I just don't know who is enticing enough for someone to want to do so. With that said and the move to a 3-4 defense, the Packers take Brian Orakpo to be their speedy pass rusher off the edge, something the Packers desperately need. I think Raji would have been an option here, but red flags will cause Ted Thompson to pass.
10. San Francisco 49ers - OLB/DE Aaron Maybin - Penn State
Like the Packers, the 49ers would likely love to move down, and like the Packers I think the Niners take a pass rushing specialist since they will be unable to find a willing partner. Maybin should immediately be an upgrade over the recently drafted (and so far disappointment) Manny Lawson for Singletary's Niners.
11. Buffalo Bills - OT Michael Oher - Ole Miss
With Orakpo and Maybin off the board, the Bills look to address their sudden need at left tackle with Michael Oher.
12. Denver Broncos - DT B.J. Raji - Boston College
Raji would provide the Broncos with an outstanding anchor on their defensive line similar to what Casey Hampton brings to the Steelers 3-4 attack. Character concerns aside, Raji's talent is too much to overlook.
13. Washington Redskins - LB Brian Cushing - USC
The Redskins try desperately to land Mark Sanchez but do not have the ammo the Jets have, and with the 13th overall pick they address their defense by selecting Brian Cushing to fill a pretty heavy void at outside linebacker.
14. New Orleans Saints - RB Beanie Wells - Ohio State
I think while the Saints would be very interested in Malcolm Jenkins or Darius Butler here, that they cannot resist Beanie Wells in the end. Reggie Bush has shown he is not an every down back and there is not much behind Reggie in terms of a reliable back to split carries with. Wells could provide the Saints offense with the same dual threat they once enjoyed with a healthy Deuce McCalister during their run to the NFC Championship game.
15. Houston Texans - CB/S Malcolm Jenkins - Ohio State
The Texans have a glaring need at corner and at safety and Jenkins can fit both roles. In the meantime Jenkins would likely line up at corner, given the holdout by franchise player Dunta Robinson.
16. San Diego Chargers - RB Knowshon Moreno - Georgia
Running back is not the Chargers biggest need, but it is still a need and Moreno is too talented for the Bolts to pass up. LT is on the downslope of his career and it remains to be seen if Darren Sproles can be an every down back in the NFL. Moreno immediately alleviates both of these pending problems.
17. Kansas City Chiefs (from New York Jets) - DE Ty Jackson - LSU
The Chiefs are so high on Jackson they are considering taking him 3rd overall, if they were able to snag him with pick #17, they would be nothing short of ecstatic.
18. Denver Broncos - LB Rey Maualuga - USC
The Broncos desperately need playmakers across their defensive and Rey Maualuga is just that. Maualuga would provide the Broncos with a prototypical 3-4 ILB and be Mike Nolan's version of Patrick Willis.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - OLB/DE Larry English - Northern Illinois
Slight surprise pick here, but I really love English's versatility and Jim Bates tends to get a lot out of those types of players. English can play either upright at linebacker or down on the defensive line and in a sense is a poor mans version of DeMarcus Ware.
20. New York Giants (from Detroit through Dallas) - WR Jeremy Maclin - Missouri
Detroit moves down with the WR starved New York Giants here as the Giants quickly snatch up the talented Maclin. In my projected trade, the Giants give up their 28th overall pick and their 3rd round selection (91st overall). If Maclin winds up in Oakland, this same trade could happen for one Darrius Heyward-Bey.
21. Philadelphia Eagles - TE Brandon Pettigrew - Oklahoma State
While Brent Celek played very well last season, the Eagles still have a major void at tight end. Pettigrew is the best tight end in this draft by a wide margin and would be an instant threat for Andy Reid's offense. Darius Butler could also be a possibility here for the Eagles as well.
22. Minnesota Vikings - OT Eben Britton - Arizona
The right side of Minnesota's offensive line is a major concern, and Eben Britton is better suited at right tackle, where he started the past two seasons for the Wildcats, than at left tackle. Wide receiver and cornerback are also possibilities here but I think solidifying the right side of their line is something the Vikings cannot pass up.
23. New England Patriots - OLB/DE Everette Brown - Florida State
After trading Mike Vrabel to Kansas City, the Patriots are on the prowl for a replacement on the outside. Everette Brown would surely fit the bill.
24. Buffalo Bills (from Atlanta) - DE Robert Ayers - Tennessee
With the Bills needing a defensive end and the Dolphins licking their chops for Ayers, they trade into Atlanta's spot here to make sure they get their man. In my projected move, the Bills swap 1st rounders with the Falcons while giving Atlanta an extra 4th round pick in 2009 and they swap 5th round picks in 2010.
25. Miami Dolphins - WR Brian Robiskie - Ohio State
Call this a hunch pick. Robiskie screams "Parcells type player" to me. An Amani Toomer type receiver that is as humble and team oriented as he is sure handed. Robiskie would likely start on the outside for Miami allowing Ted Ginn to move to the slot where he is a much better fit.
26. Baltimore Ravens - WR Kenny Britt - Rutgers
With the Ravens unable to get Boldin (more on that later) they turn to a guy that has similar build and skillset as Boldin in Kenny Britt. Britt would give Joe Flacco a much needed weapon in the passing game and should not be a problem in the locker room given the amount of leadership on this Ravens roster.
27. Indianapolis Colts - DT Evander Hood - Missouri
The Colts need a penetrating defensive tackle for their defense and Ziggy Hood would provide just that. Other possibilities for the Colts here include a WR to replace Marvin Harrison or a running back like Donald Brown to split carries with Joseph Addai.
28. Atlanta Falcons (from Buffalo) - LB Clay Matthews - USC
The Falcons lost Michael Boley and Keith Brooking to free agency and suddenly found themselves with holes at both outside linebacking positions. Clay Matthews would be a good fit for the Falcons here, and fill one of those spots.
29. Detroit Lions (from New York Giants) - OT William Beatty - UConn
The Lions trade down with the Giants and land a very talented offensive lineman in William Beatty, giving the Lions their franchise QB and potential star left tackle in the same round... causing people to wonder if this is really the Lions making the picks.
30. Tennessee Titans - DT Ron Brace - Boston College
The Titans would likely be looking WR here, but I am projecting Anquan Boldin to be a Titan sometime Saturday thus allowing the Titans to make a modest reach here to fill Albert Haynesworth giant shoes (just ask Andre Gurode how big they are). Brace was overshadowed a bit by BJ Raji, but is still a force on the interior line and a natural fit for the Titans.
31. Arizona Cardinals - RB Donald Brown - UConn
Word that Edgerrin James will be released sometime after the draft, and I think this pick would basically seal that move. Donald Brown is a very underrated and often overlooked running back out of UConn, but arguably just as talented as the two big names in this draft - Knowshon Moreno and Beanie Wells.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers - OT Phil Loadholt - Oklahoma
The defending Super Bowl Champs have few weaknesses, but one of them can be found on the offensive line. Loadholt has amazing size (6-7, 334) and would provide much needed depth on the Steelers line.
SECOND ROUND
33. Detroit - LB James Laurinaitis - Ohio State
34. New England (from Kansas City) - CB Darius Butler - UConn
35. St. Louis - WR Hakeem Nicks - North Carolina
36. Cleveland - CB/S Sean Smith - Utah
37. Chicago (from Seattle) - WR Percy Harvin - Florida
*Projected Trade: CHI sends 2009 2nd round pick and 2010 3rd round pick to SEA for 2009 2nd Round Pick*
38. Cincinnati - C Alex Mack - Cal
39. Jacksonville - WR Ramses Barden - Cal Poly
40. Oakland - S Louie Delmas - Western Michigan
41. Green Bay - T Jamon Meredith - South Carolina
42. Buffalo - TE Jared Cook - South Carolina
43. San Francisco - QB Josh Freeman - Kansas State
44. Miami (from Washington) - CB Alphonso Smith - Wake Forest
45. New York Giants - LB Clint Sintim - Virginia
46. Houston - DT Fili Moala - USC
47. New England (from San Diego) - RB Andre Brown - NC State
48. Denver - CB Vontae Davis - Illinois
49. Seattle (from Chicago) - OC/OG Max Unger - Oregon
50. Cleveland (from Tampa Bay) - WR Mohamed Massaquoi - Georgia
51. Dallas - S Rashad Johnson - Alabama
52. New York Jets - WR Louis Murphy - Florida
53. Philadelphia - CB Donald Washington - Ohio State
54. Minnesota - WR Mike Thomas - Arizona
55. Atlanta - DE Michael Johnson - Georgia Tech
56. Miami - QB/WR Pat White - West Virginia
57. Baltimore - LB Jasper Brinkley - South Carolina
58. New England - S William Moore - Missouri
59. Carolina - DE Paul Kruger - Utah
60. New York Giants - RB LeSean McCoy - Pitt
61. Indianapolis Colts - WR Derrick Williams - Penn State
62. Arizona Cardinals (from Tennessee) - DE/DT Jarron Gilbert - San Jose State
*Projected trade sending WR Anquan Boldin to TEN in exchange for 2009 2nd round pick (62nd overall) and 2009 4th round pick (130th overall)*
63. Arizona Cardinals - LB Connor Barwin - Cincinnati
64. Pittsburgh Steelers - CB Jairus Byrd - Oregon
If you've read my mocks leading up to this.. you know what to expect by now. Two round projection, trades mixed in.. without further ado.. the grand finale.
1. Detroit Lions - QB Matthew Stafford - Georgia
It seems more like a matter of when and no longer a matter of "if". The Lions potentially select the new face of their franchise and hopeful franchise quarterback.
2. St. Louis Rams - OT Eugene Monroe - Virginia
A last minute change, word is the Rams are higher on Monroe because he is more "pro ready" than Jason Smith.. and the Rams, with a shortage of players that look pro ready, can probably use that.
3. New York Jets (from Kansas City) - QB Mark Sanchez - USC
A sign of new times? Scott Pioli making a trade with the Jets? I think it actually has a realistic chance of happening. In my projected trade, the Jets send their 17th overall pick, their 3rd round pick (76th overall) and their 1st and 4th round picks from next season. By doing so, the Jets move up to get their coveted quarterback of the future, and the Chiefs move down and bring in more picks for the future.
4. Seattle Seahawks - WR Michael Crabtree - Texas Tech
This projected pick is half.. me really really wanting this to happen and half.. me thinking it actually will happen. Despite Aaron Curry and Jason Smith being on the board here, the Seahawks are looking for instant playmakers on offense and Michael Crabtree would be just that. It has been said by many close to the Seahawks organization that Jim Mora and Tim Ruskell are both very enamored with the young receiver, and with Deion Branch, TJ Houshmanzadeh and Nate Burleson already on board.. the pressure on Crabtree to contribute immediately would be much lower in Seattle than it would in Cleveland or Oakland.
5. Cleveland Browns - LB Aaron Curry - Wake Forest
Curry is easily the best defensive prospect in this draft, and the Browns would likely sprain a few ankles rushing the card up to the podium in the event Curry slides to them here.
6. Cincinnati Bengals - OT Jason Smith - Baylor
With the unexpected trade ahead of them, the Bengals get the fortunate break of having an absolute stud fall in their laps here. In my opinion Jason Smith is the best tackle in the draft by a wide margin and would immediately be the anchor on the Bengals offensive line for the next several years.
7. Oakland Raiders - WR Darrius Heyward-Bey - Maryland
I think this is a foolish pick, but it's the Raiders so what else is new. In the end, Al Davis will be too enamored with raw athleticism and potential (Heyward-Bey) over a safer bet (Maclin).
8. Jacksonville Jaguars - OT Andre Smith - Alabama
Despite signing Tra Thomas earlier this offseason, the Jags still can use a lot of help on its offensive line, and Andre Smith actually projects as a potential all-pro guard in addition to showing flashes at left tackle. I personally feel Smith would be a major bust at tackle, but a good guard.. and thats where he could wind up playing a majority of his time in Jacksonville.
9. Green Bay Packers - OLB/DE Brian Orakpo - Texas
I think the Packers would be a major candidate for a trade down, I just don't know who is enticing enough for someone to want to do so. With that said and the move to a 3-4 defense, the Packers take Brian Orakpo to be their speedy pass rusher off the edge, something the Packers desperately need. I think Raji would have been an option here, but red flags will cause Ted Thompson to pass.
10. San Francisco 49ers - OLB/DE Aaron Maybin - Penn State
Like the Packers, the 49ers would likely love to move down, and like the Packers I think the Niners take a pass rushing specialist since they will be unable to find a willing partner. Maybin should immediately be an upgrade over the recently drafted (and so far disappointment) Manny Lawson for Singletary's Niners.
11. Buffalo Bills - OT Michael Oher - Ole Miss
With Orakpo and Maybin off the board, the Bills look to address their sudden need at left tackle with Michael Oher.
12. Denver Broncos - DT B.J. Raji - Boston College
Raji would provide the Broncos with an outstanding anchor on their defensive line similar to what Casey Hampton brings to the Steelers 3-4 attack. Character concerns aside, Raji's talent is too much to overlook.
13. Washington Redskins - LB Brian Cushing - USC
The Redskins try desperately to land Mark Sanchez but do not have the ammo the Jets have, and with the 13th overall pick they address their defense by selecting Brian Cushing to fill a pretty heavy void at outside linebacker.
14. New Orleans Saints - RB Beanie Wells - Ohio State
I think while the Saints would be very interested in Malcolm Jenkins or Darius Butler here, that they cannot resist Beanie Wells in the end. Reggie Bush has shown he is not an every down back and there is not much behind Reggie in terms of a reliable back to split carries with. Wells could provide the Saints offense with the same dual threat they once enjoyed with a healthy Deuce McCalister during their run to the NFC Championship game.
15. Houston Texans - CB/S Malcolm Jenkins - Ohio State
The Texans have a glaring need at corner and at safety and Jenkins can fit both roles. In the meantime Jenkins would likely line up at corner, given the holdout by franchise player Dunta Robinson.
16. San Diego Chargers - RB Knowshon Moreno - Georgia
Running back is not the Chargers biggest need, but it is still a need and Moreno is too talented for the Bolts to pass up. LT is on the downslope of his career and it remains to be seen if Darren Sproles can be an every down back in the NFL. Moreno immediately alleviates both of these pending problems.
17. Kansas City Chiefs (from New York Jets) - DE Ty Jackson - LSU
The Chiefs are so high on Jackson they are considering taking him 3rd overall, if they were able to snag him with pick #17, they would be nothing short of ecstatic.
18. Denver Broncos - LB Rey Maualuga - USC
The Broncos desperately need playmakers across their defensive and Rey Maualuga is just that. Maualuga would provide the Broncos with a prototypical 3-4 ILB and be Mike Nolan's version of Patrick Willis.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - OLB/DE Larry English - Northern Illinois
Slight surprise pick here, but I really love English's versatility and Jim Bates tends to get a lot out of those types of players. English can play either upright at linebacker or down on the defensive line and in a sense is a poor mans version of DeMarcus Ware.
20. New York Giants (from Detroit through Dallas) - WR Jeremy Maclin - Missouri
Detroit moves down with the WR starved New York Giants here as the Giants quickly snatch up the talented Maclin. In my projected trade, the Giants give up their 28th overall pick and their 3rd round selection (91st overall). If Maclin winds up in Oakland, this same trade could happen for one Darrius Heyward-Bey.
21. Philadelphia Eagles - TE Brandon Pettigrew - Oklahoma State
While Brent Celek played very well last season, the Eagles still have a major void at tight end. Pettigrew is the best tight end in this draft by a wide margin and would be an instant threat for Andy Reid's offense. Darius Butler could also be a possibility here for the Eagles as well.
22. Minnesota Vikings - OT Eben Britton - Arizona
The right side of Minnesota's offensive line is a major concern, and Eben Britton is better suited at right tackle, where he started the past two seasons for the Wildcats, than at left tackle. Wide receiver and cornerback are also possibilities here but I think solidifying the right side of their line is something the Vikings cannot pass up.
23. New England Patriots - OLB/DE Everette Brown - Florida State
After trading Mike Vrabel to Kansas City, the Patriots are on the prowl for a replacement on the outside. Everette Brown would surely fit the bill.
24. Buffalo Bills (from Atlanta) - DE Robert Ayers - Tennessee
With the Bills needing a defensive end and the Dolphins licking their chops for Ayers, they trade into Atlanta's spot here to make sure they get their man. In my projected move, the Bills swap 1st rounders with the Falcons while giving Atlanta an extra 4th round pick in 2009 and they swap 5th round picks in 2010.
25. Miami Dolphins - WR Brian Robiskie - Ohio State
Call this a hunch pick. Robiskie screams "Parcells type player" to me. An Amani Toomer type receiver that is as humble and team oriented as he is sure handed. Robiskie would likely start on the outside for Miami allowing Ted Ginn to move to the slot where he is a much better fit.
26. Baltimore Ravens - WR Kenny Britt - Rutgers
With the Ravens unable to get Boldin (more on that later) they turn to a guy that has similar build and skillset as Boldin in Kenny Britt. Britt would give Joe Flacco a much needed weapon in the passing game and should not be a problem in the locker room given the amount of leadership on this Ravens roster.
27. Indianapolis Colts - DT Evander Hood - Missouri
The Colts need a penetrating defensive tackle for their defense and Ziggy Hood would provide just that. Other possibilities for the Colts here include a WR to replace Marvin Harrison or a running back like Donald Brown to split carries with Joseph Addai.
28. Atlanta Falcons (from Buffalo) - LB Clay Matthews - USC
The Falcons lost Michael Boley and Keith Brooking to free agency and suddenly found themselves with holes at both outside linebacking positions. Clay Matthews would be a good fit for the Falcons here, and fill one of those spots.
29. Detroit Lions (from New York Giants) - OT William Beatty - UConn
The Lions trade down with the Giants and land a very talented offensive lineman in William Beatty, giving the Lions their franchise QB and potential star left tackle in the same round... causing people to wonder if this is really the Lions making the picks.
30. Tennessee Titans - DT Ron Brace - Boston College
The Titans would likely be looking WR here, but I am projecting Anquan Boldin to be a Titan sometime Saturday thus allowing the Titans to make a modest reach here to fill Albert Haynesworth giant shoes (just ask Andre Gurode how big they are). Brace was overshadowed a bit by BJ Raji, but is still a force on the interior line and a natural fit for the Titans.
31. Arizona Cardinals - RB Donald Brown - UConn
Word that Edgerrin James will be released sometime after the draft, and I think this pick would basically seal that move. Donald Brown is a very underrated and often overlooked running back out of UConn, but arguably just as talented as the two big names in this draft - Knowshon Moreno and Beanie Wells.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers - OT Phil Loadholt - Oklahoma
The defending Super Bowl Champs have few weaknesses, but one of them can be found on the offensive line. Loadholt has amazing size (6-7, 334) and would provide much needed depth on the Steelers line.
SECOND ROUND
33. Detroit - LB James Laurinaitis - Ohio State
34. New England (from Kansas City) - CB Darius Butler - UConn
35. St. Louis - WR Hakeem Nicks - North Carolina
36. Cleveland - CB/S Sean Smith - Utah
37. Chicago (from Seattle) - WR Percy Harvin - Florida
*Projected Trade: CHI sends 2009 2nd round pick and 2010 3rd round pick to SEA for 2009 2nd Round Pick*
38. Cincinnati - C Alex Mack - Cal
39. Jacksonville - WR Ramses Barden - Cal Poly
40. Oakland - S Louie Delmas - Western Michigan
41. Green Bay - T Jamon Meredith - South Carolina
42. Buffalo - TE Jared Cook - South Carolina
43. San Francisco - QB Josh Freeman - Kansas State
44. Miami (from Washington) - CB Alphonso Smith - Wake Forest
45. New York Giants - LB Clint Sintim - Virginia
46. Houston - DT Fili Moala - USC
47. New England (from San Diego) - RB Andre Brown - NC State
48. Denver - CB Vontae Davis - Illinois
49. Seattle (from Chicago) - OC/OG Max Unger - Oregon
50. Cleveland (from Tampa Bay) - WR Mohamed Massaquoi - Georgia
51. Dallas - S Rashad Johnson - Alabama
52. New York Jets - WR Louis Murphy - Florida
53. Philadelphia - CB Donald Washington - Ohio State
54. Minnesota - WR Mike Thomas - Arizona
55. Atlanta - DE Michael Johnson - Georgia Tech
56. Miami - QB/WR Pat White - West Virginia
57. Baltimore - LB Jasper Brinkley - South Carolina
58. New England - S William Moore - Missouri
59. Carolina - DE Paul Kruger - Utah
60. New York Giants - RB LeSean McCoy - Pitt
61. Indianapolis Colts - WR Derrick Williams - Penn State
62. Arizona Cardinals (from Tennessee) - DE/DT Jarron Gilbert - San Jose State
*Projected trade sending WR Anquan Boldin to TEN in exchange for 2009 2nd round pick (62nd overall) and 2009 4th round pick (130th overall)*
63. Arizona Cardinals - LB Connor Barwin - Cincinnati
64. Pittsburgh Steelers - CB Jairus Byrd - Oregon
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