Yawkey's 2009 Mock Draft Installment #1

[Yawkey Way]

2009 NFL Draft Round One

This is my first try at a mock draft. The draft is one of my favorite parts of the entire NFL year, and i read a lot of them. I saw Leftwich's and thought i should give them a try. I would appreciate it if you could give me some feedback on my mistakes.

1st Overall Pick:

Selection: QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma

Detroit has problems everywhere. The defense was bad, the offense was worse. Daunte Culpepper, Dan Orlovsky, your not going to cut it. Yes, the Lions do need offensive line help badly, but they have another first round pick. They need to go quarterback here, and Sam Bradford needs to be their man. Yes, Matt Stafford ran out of the pro style offense but he was inconsistent. That may be the only consistent thing about Stafford, the fact he never follows through with any sort of consistency. Sam Bradford has amazing accuracy with a good arm. He had maybe the best competition out of anyone this season, being a quarterback in the Big12, and he led his team to the National Championship game. Bradford to the Lions is the best fit.

2nd Overall Pick:

Selection: QB Mathew Stafford,Georgia

A bit of a surprise here seeing as the Rams still have Marc Bulger. Bulger has been battling the injury bug the past two seasons, and he's on the decline anyways. The Rams aren't going anywhere anytime soon, as this is the second season with the 2nd overall pick. Matt Stafford has all the tools that you can dream off for an NFL quarterback. Strong arm, good body, and he plays in a pro style offense. He does battle spells of inconsistency, but Stafford could excel in St.Louis under Marc Bulger's veteran presence.

3rd Overall pick:

Selection:OT Andre Smith, Alabama

Now the Chiefs may have more pressing needs, but the best two quarterbacks are already off the board here, and Andre Smith is the best player available. They do have a young LT in Branden Albert, but he could be moved to the right side to make room for Smith, which would continue the Chiefs effort to revamp a once dominant offensive line. He is a very strong run blocker, and stays square against the strong bull rushers. Smith would be add another comfort zone for whatever young QB starts next year in KC, whether it is Brodie Croyle or Tyler Thigpen.

4th Overall Pick:

Selection: WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech

The Seahawks were arguably the biggest let down of this season. Mike Holmgren was in his last year as a coach, and this was supposed to be the one last run for the 'Hawks. But injuries and inconsistency derailed Seattle and they now sit with the fourth pick. They could go OLB here with Aaron Curry, but I see them taking Crabtree. He's a dynamic playmaker at Wide Receiver who can go make every catch. Deion Branch has been less than stellar, Bobby Ingram is old, and Nate Burleson just continues to prove why he was not worth the money. Now is the time you give Matt Hasselbeck a go to guy in a division that they can contend in year after year.

5th Overall Pick:

Selection: CB Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State

No brainer here. Most agree on Cleveland going with Jenkins here, as their biggest need is definitely CB. Eric Wright and Malcolm Jenkins will be a strong young duo for years to come, and Jenkins can go to a team that is only a couple players away from the 10-6 record of two years ago. Jenkins is the perfect package physically, the size and speed combo will make him the perfect lockdown corner.

6th Overall Pick:

Selection: OT Eugene Monroe, Virginia.

Cincinnati does have Levi Jones, but stalwart Willie Anderson is gone and now the Bengals need to rebuild on the offensive line. Carson Palmer will be back next season, and if they retain Chad "Ocho Cinco" the passing attack will be there. Palmer will just need time, and Eugene Monroe will be able to provide protection. Monroe stays low on his targets, and normally takes good angles to the guys he wants to hit. With Monroe and Jones on the line, the Bengals could take a step in the right direction.

7th Overall Pick:

Selection: LB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest

Now I know this may not fit the Al Davis style.(Drafting big name guys that have bust labeled all over them) But he is the best player available right now, and he can finish out the trio of stud linebackers. Kirk Morrison and Thomas Howard are good linebackers, and the addition of Curry will bolster the run defense. He runs like a safety but is very versatile, and he has 4 years of experience at Wake. Al Davis should go Curry here, because he is a steal at the 7th spot.

8th Overall Pick:

Selection: OT Michael Oher, Ole Miss
Defense may be a factor for Jacksonville, but after wasting a pick last season on Derrick Harvey the Jags do not want to go DE again. The o-line this season was decimated by injuries and Jason Smith could be the perfect RT with Khalif Barnes on the left side. Oher is a good size at 325 pounds, and he uses his physical strength to be a force in the running game. If Oher can shake off his bouts of inconsistency, he may be the best OL out of this years draft.

9th Overall Pick:

Selection: DE Brian Orakpo, Texas

The Packers need someone to keep offensive lines honest opposite of Aaron Kampman, and Orakpo is a monster. He is a work out warrior who just uses brute strength to get to the quarterback. He slips blocks easily, and you almost never see him out of position here. With Orakpo, Green Bay fans could see a lot of green and yellow swallowing up the neckbeard.

10th Overall Pick:

Selection: S Taylor Mays, USC

Mays is the perfect Mike Singletary player. He weighs in at 225 pounds but can run and cover like a cornerback. The best part about Mays is that if he lines you up, he can level you like a linebacker. Mays would be an instant upgrade over either safety the Niners have to offer. This team is only a few players away from contending again.

11th Overall Pick:

Selection: DE Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech

Michael Johnson is the equivalent to a freak. He stands at 6'7 260lbs, and is commonly mistaken for a basketball player. With Schobel out, the Bills only amassed 24 sacks all season, and need to generate some kind of pass rush. Johnson has the speed to get around the end, but the strength to come at you right up the middle. He can also get up in the air and bat down passes. He is a good fit here for Buffalo.

12th Overall Pick:

Selection: MLB Rey Maualuga, USC

What a surprise. The Denver Broncos ranked 29th in the league in rush defense, and they give up 50+ points in a must win game. Sounds like the Broncos that we know and love. Defense is their biggest weakness, and is what ultimately cost Mike Shanahan his job after he refused to fire his Defensive Coordinator. Maualuga is a stopper in the middle, and would be an immediate improvement in Denver. A bit of a reach here, but with the new coach in town, maybe Denver takes a solid RB in Chris Wells.

13th Overall Pick:

Selection: OT Jason Smith, Baylor

The Redskins have needs along both lines, but an aging offensive line could benefit from a youthful Jason Smith. He could take over for Jon Jansen on the right side, a move that would be welcomed by both Jason Campbell and Clinton Portis. Smith is slightly undersized, but makes up for it with his work ethic, his smarts, and his speed. He rarely takes a bad angle on a block and his quick footwork stop speed rushers in their tracks.

14th Overall Pick:

Selection: CB Vontae Davis, Illinois

The Saints defense was so bad this season it caused the team a playoff spot. Every good thing the offense did was overshadowed by the defense mistakes. Jason David and Randall Gay were failures in New Orleans, and Mike Mckenzie is on his last leg. Davis has good size and can run with everyone. He is a strong playmaker, and plays the ball well when its in the air. Davis would be a step in the right direction for the Saints.

15th Overall Pick:

Selection: DE Everette Brown, Florida State

Brown is often compared to Dwight Freeney when he came out of college, and rightfully so. Brown was 3rd in the nation with 12.5 sacks, and second with 20.5 tackles for loss. With Mario Williams on one side, Brown will be able to get a lot of one on one options. A pairing with Williams will create a lot of pass rush, and help out a suspect secondary. Watch out Peyton Manning.

16th Overall Pick:

Selection: LB, Brandon Spikes, Florida

With Shawne Merriman coming back next season and Stephen Cooper on the other side, the Chargers can form the most dominating linebacking corps in the league. Spikes is a 245lb bowling ball with explosive speed. He is a great tackler, and will stuff the run in San Diego. Spikes has the ability to drop into coverage, and is an all around playmaker.
​

 

[Yawkey Way]

17th Overall Pick:

Selection: MLB James Laurinitis, Ohio State

Vernon Gholston was a complete bust from last season, and with their 3-4 scheme the Jets could benefit from James. He would pair well with David Harris, and the Jets would be a strong run stopping defense. If the Jets change to a 4-3 depending on the new coach coming in, you could see them go Aaron Maybin from Penn State.

18th Overall Pick:

Selection: WR Jeremy Maclin, Missouri

Ok Devin Hester fan boys, he is not the answer at WR. Not only did he do almost nothing this season, but it hurt his special teams performance as well. The Bears will finally get a playmaker in Maclin that can catch, but also run out of the backfield out of reverses and maybe the Wildcat. The Neckbeard will finally feel comfortable in the pocket with Maclin split out wide, and Hester sometimes in the slot. Rush will have fun watching these guys on Sunday's.

19th Overall Pick:

Selection: HB Chris "Beanie" Wells, Ohio State

The third Ohio State player drafted so far, Wells is a rare blend of power and speed. He may not be around at the 19th pick anymore after watching him run over Texas, but the Bucs would love to see him here. Cadillac Williams can't stay healthy, and the inconsistency out of the running back position has hurt the Bucs considerably the past few seasons. Wells is anotehr health risk, but you can't pass up his talent here.


20th Overall Pick:

(From Dallas)
Selection: DE/OLB Aaron Maybin, Penn State.

Maybin could go either way depending on the defense. He will excel as either a DE or OLB. The one common thing between the two positions is that Maybin will wreak havoc in the backfield either way. Maybin needs to add size if he wants to be an every down defensive lineman, but his quickness benefits him greatly.

21st Overall Pick:

Selection: HB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia

Edgerrin James can complain all he wants about his situation in Arizona, but he isn't great anyways. The Cardinals need a back to make this team three dimensional again. Moreno is quick, and with teams having to respect the passing attack Moreno will be able to pick up good chunks of yardage. Pairing him up with the bruiser Tim Hightower could lead to an above average running attack, something Arizona isn't used too.

22nd Overall Pick:

Selection: TE Jermaine Gresham, Oklahoma

Gresham looked good in the National Championship game, and the Eagles need a TE for McNabb. They finally have the WR in Curtis and Jackson, and Gresham would be a great upgrade over L.J Smith. He doesn't drop passes, and he is a match up nightmare for any linebacker. The Eagles could go LB or S here, but Gresham is the best talent available.

23rd Overall Pick:

Selection: OT Ciron Black, LSU

The Vikings have needs at WR as well as maybe quarterback depending on how you look at it, but i think Black would fill in nicely at RT. He is a huge body, and is a good run blocker. He is equally good at pass blocking, because he possesses a great base as well as long arms. The Vikings give Adrian Peterson another ugly to run behind.

24th Overall Pick:

Selection: CB D.J Moore, Vanderbilt

The Patriots need help and youth on defense, and they need it now. They could go linebacker here, but with the top ILB's gone and Brian Cushing being inconsistent, the Patriots need to go DB. Moore is not the biggest guy, but is an upgrade over Deltha O'Neal or Terrence Wheatley. Wheatley would play the nickel, and Moore can run with any wide receiver. He may be one of the most athletic people in the draft, and is immediate help in the secondary.

25th Overall Pick:

Selection: DT Terrence Cody, Alabama

This guy is an animal. At 370 pounds, he would command a double team every time the ball is snapped. Cody is surprisingly athletic and quick for someone his size, and creates problems in the run game. Grady Jackson is on his last legs in Atlanta, and Mount Cody as he was deemed in Alabama would be an upgrade.

26th Overall Pick:

Selection: DT B.J Raji, Boston College

Raji is another monster up front, who also needs to be double teamed. He is the best run stuffer in the draft, and is quick to penetrate the line of scrimmage. He has done a good job getting into shape from 2 seasons ago, as he went into this year 25 pounds less. He is also very durable, as he almost never missed a game.

27th Overall Pick:

Selection: WR Darrius Heyward-Bey

Now that everyone is wacco for Flacco, he's going to need some targets to throw too. Derrick Mason has the intangibles, but he's not young and he's not an explosive play maker. Mark Clayton has been inconsistent, and with a target like Heyward Bey Flacco will be able to throw the ball around more. Bey picks up good yac because of his size, and will be a welcomed addition to a good Baltimore team.

28th Overall Pick:

(From Carolina)
Selection: S William Moore, Missouri

The Eagles could of went o-line here, but it would have been a bit of a reach. Moore is a strong hitter who can pair up with Brian Dawkins in the Eagles secondary. Moore is best known for being a play maker in coverage, as he can run with almost any WR if they stay in front of him. Closing speed is an issue with him as well as keeping up down the field with receivers such as Steve Smith or Santana Moss. If he sheds some weight he will be a steal at the 28th spot.

29th Overall Pick:

SelectionT Sen'Derrick Marks, Auburn

The Colts need a big body in the middle every so badly. You all saw Darren Sproles carve them up in the run game, and without a dominating interior D-Lineman, Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis' pass rushing ability go to waste. Marks is a good north to south penetrator, and a perfect cover 2 DT. The Colts are mainly a cover 2 team, and this is a match made in heaven for both sides.

30th Overall Pick:

Selection: OG Duke Robinson, Oklahoma

Robinson is a mauler up front, and played on a strong Oklahoma front line. It's amazing Big Ben isn't split into two this season after the o-line played so miserably. 3 starters are free agents, and front 5 did not meet expectations. Look for Robinson to fill the Alan Faneca role that was vacated when he bolted for New York.

31st Overall Pick:

Selection: OLB Clint Sintim, Virginia

The Giants are a solid football team all the way around. The only concern is that the linebacking corps aren't getting any younger. Sintim is a great pass rusher in the 4-3, and he plays with a high motor. Sintim can drop into coverage as well, and is always playing with a certain mean streak that coaches love to see.

32nd Overall Pick:

Selection: WR Percy Harvin, Florida

Harvin is fast, and the Titans love exciting fast players. Harvin is a decent wide receiver, but an amazing play maker once the ball is in his hands. He is tough to tackle because of how elusive he is, and never takes a hit head on.​

 

[Yawkey Way]

they have no playmakers on the offensive side of the ball besides hester, who wasn't consistent at the WR position. Maclin can do a lot on offense and finally gives Orton a receiver

 

[BonesMahoney95]

Props for putting together a mock. Don't like the Bucs pick though. Like I said in the chatbox, why draft an Injury prone RB to fill in for an Injury prone RB?

 

[Yawkey Way]

i wasn't sure on that pick. I think the Bucs with a steady run game would definitely win the south, but yeah your right he does have durability issues. I may change that in my next mock.

 

[Buzzman]

1st Overall Pick:

Selection: QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma

Detroit has problems everywhere. The defense was bad, the offense was worse. Daunte Culpepper, Dan Orlovsky, your not going to cut it. Yes, the Lions do need offensive line help badly, but they have another first round pick. They need to go quarterback here, and Sam Bradford needs to be their man. Yes, Matt Stafford ran out of the pro style offense but he was inconsistent. That may be the only consistent thing about Stafford, the fact he never follows through with any sort of consistency. Sam Bradford has amazing accuracy with a good arm. He had maybe the best competition out of anyone this season, being a quarterback in the Big12, and he led his team to the National Championship game. Bradford to the Lions is the best fit.

That statement made me stop reading, how could you honestly think the offense was worse then the defense. Despite having 4 diff QBs, they still managed to stay in a lot of games, thent he defense did what they always did and let up and get pushed around. Bradofrd showed his true colors in the cahmpionship. He is nothing mroe then a product.

The Lions wont take a QB #1 overall, they are not going to pay a guy that much money, they've been saying a lot there taking Taylor Mays the saftey from USC. Then with there 2nd 1st rounder, theres talk of Sanchez if he comes out.

 

[j.hen]

Sounds good for the Falcons.

 

[Yawkey Way]

That statement made me stop reading, how could you honestly think the offense was worse then the defense. Despite having 4 diff QBs, they still managed to stay in a lot of games, thent he defense did what they always did and let up and get pushed around. Bradofrd showed his true colors in the cahmpionship. He is nothing mroe then a product.

The Lions wont take a QB #1 overall, they are not going to pay a guy that much money, they've been saying a lot there taking Taylor Mays the saftey from USC. Then with there 2nd 1st rounder, theres talk of Sanchez if he comes out.

that statement right there made me stop reading. Taylor Mays #1 overall? Are you serious.

If you think the Lions are going to waste the #1 overall pick on Taylor Mays, when there are two good quarterbacks available, your crazy. And even if they don't draft a QB, they should take an OT

 

[TxHustler512]

i would go crazy if the titans got harvey. hes a huge playmaker

 

[T.Dot]

This is terrible.
Rams picking Stafford?
Chiefs picking Smith?

 

[Yawkey Way]

the stafford pick i was iffy about, but you don't see the Chiefs rebuilding the offensive line?

 

[T.Dot]

uhh...
I could see them trading down or picking a tackle later but with so many other pressing needs at other poisitions and having just drafted an OT in the 1st round last year I'd think they'd go for a a linebacker, safety or possibly a QB.

 

[Yawkey Way]

no linebacker or safety that good this early, and i personally agree about trading down but i'm not going to do that because that hasn't happened IRL. They can always move Albert over because Andre Smith is a very good prospect.

 

[T.Dot]

is Smith leaving?

 

[Yawkey Way]

i believe so..or he was leaning towards leaving i know that.

 

[Chadman]

I agree with most of the picks. Dont like the saints getting a corner when they found one in tracy porter and have bigger needs at safety and lb.

 

[Yawkey Way]

thanks chad, i thought it made the most sense out of the remaining teams. Maybe the Jets at 17 could take Vontae and pair him with Revis

 

[BonesMahoney95]

I agree with most of the picks. Dont like the saints getting a corner when they found one in tracy porter and have bigger needs at safety and lb.

Yeah, Porter was a beast before he got hurt.

 

[Buzzman]

that statement right there made me stop reading. Taylor Mays #1 overall? Are you serious.

If you think the Lions are going to waste the #1 overall pick on Taylor Mays, when there are two good quarterbacks available, your crazy. And even if they don't draft a QB, they should take an OT

They say they take him because hes the player that helps them most and he will make 30 Million less then a QB taken #1 overall.

And the 2 QBs are not even close to bein worth the #1 pick. Just because you have a strong arm doesnt make you a good QB, and Bradford is a product of the sytem hes ni. Almost all QBs are setup for success in that system.

 

[LC AAU]

I agree with my Texans pick. Weaver aint that good on the other end of Mario, if we got him we'd have a beast D-Line.