Michael Abromowitz's 2009 NFL Mock Draft - 7 rounds
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2009 NFL Mock Draft - Round 1
by Gregory Cox
Senior Writer
4/21/09

Mark Sanchez	Eugene Monroe	Andre Smith

1. Detroit Lions – Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
Detroit Lions' Draft Needs
As an added bonus, if the NFL ever combines forces with skeet shooting he has demonstrated his ability to break plates with a football. I like Stafford as an NFL prospect. I do not believe he is the best quarterback in this draft and think he is likely to fail for the Lions.

2. St. Louis Rams – Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
St. Louis Rams' Draft Needs
I repeat. The position choice is fairly easy. They were unable to grab Jake Long last year and must draft a player to replace the disposed Orlando Pace. They could ponder Crabtree. However, top end speed is his kryptonite so they do not get the most “bang for their buck” because he would not stand out on their turf like a faster option (read: Maclin, Heyward-Bey) might. If they want a receiver the play is to trade down if at all possible and as we all know by now it’s going to be ridiculously difficult.

3. Kansas City Chiefs – B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
Kansas City Chiefs' Draft Needs
I have to stand firm. They are building a Ferrari and need to get parts. What is the hardest position to fill in a 3-4? The Chiefs are going to trade back on draft day, and get a front seven player. The rumored trading partner is the Jets. Rumors on Raji failing a drug test (rumored to be marijuana) have conjured up memories of Warren Sapp’s slight slip. The comparison will be on the field where Raji is going to be a huge factor.

4. Seattle Seahawks – Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
Seattle Seahawks' Draft Needs
Usually I avoid mentioning stuff like this, but I put Sanchez #1 overall when he first declared for the draft. While it is true their offensive line is struggling, this pick is with an eye on the future because Hasselbeck/Wallace will be handling this position in 2009 and possibly 2010. They will not be drafting this high next year and there is no guarantee a player of Sanchez’s ability will cross their path when they select in the 2010 first round.

5. Cleveland Browns – Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
Cleveland Browns' Draft Needs
Arguably the best and so-called safest defensive pick falls into their laps. I can justify the Chiefs (signing veterans) and Seahawks (too much money devoted to the position) passing, but as we move down the board it becomes exponentially harder to see him drop. It is all conjecture on our part as analysts trying to figure out if he will thrive best inside/outside or 3-4/4-3, but no one disagrees about his ability as a linebacker in general.

6. Cincinnati Bengals – Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Cincinnati Bengals' Draft Needs
They would love to have Curry as a player on the field and positive influence off of it. I said last time it was pass rusher unless one of the top two tackles tumbled. It happened because the ‘Hawks looked to the future (Sanchez) and the rival Browns went BPA (Curry). This is absolutely the right choice for them.

7. Oakland Raiders – Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
Oakland Raiders' Draft Needs
It seems like no one can decide what receiver to give the Raiders. How about none of the above? It’s too soon for the burner (DHB) not enough value for the return threat (Maclin) and question marks dog the consensus #1 (Crabtree). What to do then? Al Davis might be old, but even he remembers his famous quote about the quarterback going down hard. Burgess is in a contract year.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars – Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
Jacksonville Jaguars' Draft Needs
Having failed in the past with first rounders (Jones, Williams) trades (Williamson) and free agency (Porter) now they can cast their lot with the player everyone agrees is the best in this draft at his position. There will be issues to overcome such as running the NFL route tree and getting separation without top end speed.

9. Green Bay Packers – Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
Green Bay Packers' Draft Needs
Switching to a 3-4 means Raji is their only target at tackle. If he is around they run to the podium regardless of lingering rumors. It's too soon for any cornerback. Jackson’s stock has spiked late, probably because general managers realize very few players are suited to play defensive line in this draft.

10. San Francisco 49ers – Brian Cushing, LB, USC
San Francisco 49ers' Draft Needs
Mike Singletary would be getting a linebacker with an unlimited motor and the drive to have a long career in the NFL. SF is one of the tougher teams to read because it is possible they take a right tackle prospect even after signing Marvel Smith, or a different linebacker, or even Maclin to spark the offense. The emphasis is on defense and Cushing would not mind running up Singletary Hill.


11. Buffalo Bills – Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Buffalo Bills' Draft Needs
The Peters trade being finalized firms up this pick which I had already made in my last version. Character is the tricky question. It was not an issue with signing T.O. However, Lynch being suspended 3 games might give the team pause. If so, they could go in another direction entirely.

12. Denver Broncos – Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
Denver Broncos' Draft Needs
I will not be popular in Colorado with this version having launched both of their picks from my last version (Sanchez, Jackson) up the board and out of their grasp. The decision might be one of the remaining pair of Trojan linebackers. Ayers is a 3-4 prospect who can be shaped. He can potentially line up in different spots which can be scary, but also exciting.

13. Washington Redskins – Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
Washington Redskins' Draft Needs
It seems like pass rusher is the consensus top need and while I agree with that, the Redskins are in a bit of a pickle. They also need a top tackle and will not pick again until #80. I am not in love with their options and would personally be working the phones to trade down and decide 10-30 minutes later. Keeping the pick, it seems like the trend of teams coveting offensive tackles will continue. His feel good story has led to him being a part of the draft in person and while I know this is no guarantee he is picked in the top 15 or even top 20 something tells me he will not drop to the latter half of the round as some have suggested.

14. New Orleans Saints – Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
New Orleans Saints' Draft Needs
There is no reason for me to get too “cute” with this pick. I still think that aside from trading back there is no great option for them. Jenkins is the best shot to help their dismal secondary and many perceive him to be an excellent value here. I think this is just about right where he belongs and a slight value.

15. Houston Texans – Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
Houston Texans' Draft Needs
At first glance in this revision I made no change, keeping Matthews here to pair with Ryans at linebacker. However, I really wanted to find an earlier “home” for Wells who I believe can be a sledge hammer and chew up carries on first and second down. Pairing him with last year’s pick Slaton gives them the 1-2 punch seemingly every NFL team looks for.

16. San Diego Chargers – Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
San Diego Chargers' Draft Needs
I had projected this before and there are obvious reasons. Any team running a 3-4 wants to keep talented linebackers flowing in. He played nearby in LA and is a California native. The value is there and the Chargers aim for value. Seau, another former Trojan ‘backer, was beloved for years. It makes so much sense it will probably not happen.

17. New York Jets – Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
New York Jets' Draft Needs
Surprised? You shouldn't be. He's the blocking tight end to pair with last year's first round pick Dustin Keller. Together they each have their focus and are learning to excel in the other area. It's going to be a great combo for years to come. On draft day the Jets will be working the phones to trade into the #3 or #4 spot so they can draft Mark Sanchez. If they keep this position I would grab Pettigrew.

18. Denver Broncos (via CHI) – Clay Matthews, LB, USC
Denver Broncos' Draft Needs
This is like a puzzle with infinite solutions. Their defense is such a mess that any level can be addressed without fans or analysts objecting too much. I believe they intend to get involved in the pursuit of Sanchez. Freeman is not accurate enough to be in the equation although I am speaking from my perspective only. The team may decide otherwise and take him.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Draft Needs
No change here. I believe they are done at quarterback despite persistent chatter about being in love with Josh Freeman. It's either a receiver or defensive tackle and this is a better option.

20. Detroit Lions (via DAL) – Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
Detroit Lions' Draft Needs
Early in the process many looked at them picking twice (#1, #20) and immediately conjured up comparisons to Atlanta last year when they double dipped (#3, #21). The only problem is that Matthew Stafford is no Matt Ryan, and Eben Britton did not anchor USC’s highly recruited offensive line. We can debate their draft strategy for hours. In this scenario they have to grab the best tackle prospect and hope their line is not loaded up with right side players and no one to protect the quarterback’s blind side.


21. Philadelphia Eagles – Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Philadelphia Eagles' Draft Needs
Having found an earlier landing spot for Wells, the Eagles turn their attention to a player more suited to their current feature back Brian Westbrook. The offensive line has been shored up with the additions of another Andrews (free agency) and Peters (trade). This has been a sore spot for a few years and Moreno is highly regarded by a lot of analysts.

22. Minnesota Vikings – William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
Minnesota Vikings' Draft Needs
No change here. Tackles have a high success rate and therefore perceived value is often exceeded on draft day. He is a fringe first rounder by most accounts, but I have no doubt he lands close to this spot.

23. New England Patriots – Aaron Maybin, DE/LB, Penn State
New England Patriots' Draft Needs
Personally I think this guy jumped through too many hoops to prove he could do this or that. However, the Pats can get the most out of him. They can figure out a way to utilize him in such a way that he is not the focal point, but rather a situational threat.

24. Atlanta Falcons – Alex Mack, C, California
Atlanta Falcons' Draft Needs
Recent developments about McClure’s contract put this pick on my radar. He can take a long walk on a short pier as soon as they draft Mack who is the best center prospect in a long, long time. How many guys do you know who could lose three contributing players around him including left tackle (Tepper) yet still hold an offensive line together enough to help Jahvid Best lead the Pac-10 in rushing? He did this without any help from the passing game.

25. Miami Dolphins – Ron Brace, DT, Boston College
Miami Dolphins' Draft Needs
I’m keeping this on gut instinct. Once again, how hard is it to fill the 3-4 nose position? I expect Parcells will trade back a few spots first which will make this selection more palatable although he needs to be sure the Colts and Titans would not snatch him up. Perhaps their desire to do so will justify taking him here.

26. Baltimore Ravens – Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
Baltimore Ravens' Draft Needs
No change. I have resisted this for a while now because it was too "easy" considering he played college ball so close to the Ravens. However, they need help and he can run under those big Flacco bombs.

27. Indianapolis Colts – Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
Indianapolis Colts' Draft Needs
Last version I had a surprise pick (Moreno) and this is closer to reality. Known as "Ziggy" he has seen his stock zip up. The Colts are desperate to upgrade their defensive line. The only problem is that they usually mine the late rounds for talent in this area. So while analysts want to plug in a pick like this, and I include myself in that group, on draft day expect a surprise.


28. Buffalo Bills (via CAR/PHI) – Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
Buffalo Bills' Draft Needs
I did a mock draft way back in August and put him #3. Then his senior season was underwhelming. Then he looked great in shorts at the combine. He is a polarizing prospect to say the least and could go anywhere from the middle first (rumors of Tampa Bay being interested at #19) to early second. Great potential, size, speed, etc but the game tape does not add up. They need to rush the passer and he fits the 4-3 at end.

29. New York Giants – Max Unger, OL, Oregon
New York Giants' Draft Needs
As the kids say - “boom”. This is not their biggest need, clearly. However, his versatility is almost unheard of. He is a backup in three spots (center, guard and right tackle) immediately. New York’s offense will be bolstered at receiver by acquiring Edwards without parting with this pick. They still need to keep the running game going and that means making sure an injury on the offensive line does not cripple them.

30. Tennessee Titans – Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
Tennessee Titans' Draft Needs
Reality is that Freeman is going to be taken in the first round and probably sooner than this when someone overvalues him due to the dearth of top prospects at the position. I do not agree with it, but I'm not in charge of one team much less all 32. The Titans have to think past Kerry Collins because Vince Young's ship has sailed off the deep end.

31. Arizona Cardinals – Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida St.
Arizona Cardinals' Draft Needs
There are reports some teams list Brown as a fourth round pick on their board. I would say that is enough to drop his stock just a bit. All it takes is 1 of 32 teams to disagree and he could land higher than this. I’m hedging my bets a bit and calling this a debatable value for the Cards who use him at outside linebacker.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers – Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
Pittsburgh Steelers' Draft Needs
I could toy around with this pick, but with so many OL off the board and everyone expecting this talented receiving class to make up for last year (none in round 1) for the moment I will keep him here. Most importantly he can get the job done blocking and that is something the Steelers want in their receivers.


Gregory Cox is currently updating his 6 round mock draft.  To read his 6 round mock draft from 4/16/09 click here

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