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Abromowitz's 2008 NFL Mock Draft - 3 Rounds
Gregory Cox's 2008 NFL Mock Draft - 7 Rounds
Paul Eide's 2008 NFL Mock Draft
Jared Donnelly's 2008 NFL Mock Draft
Joey Bure's 2008 NFL Mock Draft - 7 Rounds
Bure's Top 873 NFL Draft Prospects

2009 NFL Mock Draft
by Michael Abromowitz
NFL Draft Director
3/27/08

Because NFL fans are obsessive and I got nothing better to do than talk about the draft, I present my too early projection for the 2009 NFL Draft.  I chose to keep the 2008 NFL Draft order so fans wouldn't be sending me hate mail on how I am predicting their team to stink next season.

1.   Miami Dolphins – Tim Tebow, QB, Florida (underclassman)
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Chris Long, DE, Virginia

To make this happen, Tebow would have to to declare for the NFL Draft.  But if he indeeds wins a 2nd Heisman it would be difficult not to.  Critics may argue he plays in a non NFL style offense and won't be able to do at the next level.  Trust me, Timmy Tebow is special.  A few years back, I saw Tebow's sophomore high school football footage and back then he had a cannon for an arm.  His arm strength gets overlooked because of his amazing ability with his feet.  This pick also depends on how well John Beck does next year.  But Florida Gator fans would love for Tebow to stay in Florida.  Many Seminole fans would be happy too 

2.  St. Louis Rams – Michael Oher, G/OT, Ole. Miss
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State

The Rams' woes at offensive line last year were obvious.  If the Rams do indeed past on Jake Long (or if he is gone to Miami), an eventual replacement for Orlando Pace would be needed.  Michael Oher may best be known for the book The Blind Side.  Oher actually originally declared for the 2008 NFL Draft in which he was still projected as a first rounder before retracting his name.  Oher will be able to play either guard or tackle, but he is projected and is expected to be the infamous franchise left tackle. 

3.  Atlanta Falcons – Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Glenn Dorsey, DT, LSU

IThe Falcons will probably draft their future quarterback in the 2008 draft and with this am able to find the DeAngelo Hall replacement.  Jenkins was my top CB in THIS year's draft before he decided to stay in school.  Hopefully staying in school doesn't hurt his stock, but for now he looks to be a top 5 pick.

4.  Oakland Raiders – Fili Moala, DT, USC
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Darren McFadden, RB, Arkansas

The Raiders have a chance to draft a premier DT in either Dorsey and Ellis (assuming one is there), but if they do indeed past they could be looking for one in 2009.  Moala, at 6-5, 300 lbs has great size and just another great DT from USC.  He was arrested in March, but the District Attorney's office decined to file charges.  Seriously, if you saw Moala you would not want to charge him either.

5.  Kansas City Chiefs – Michael Crabtree (underclassman)
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Jake Long, OT, Michigan

Dwayne Bowe was a great draft pick for the Chiefs, but he needs a complement, and Michael Crabtree had an amazing college season last year as a REDSHIRT freshman with 125 receptions.  He also has great size at 6-3, 222 lbs.  He does play in a past happy offense, but he truly is special to watch, just ask Oklahoma.

6.  New York Jets – Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State (underclassman)
2008 Projected Draft Pick: 
Leodis McKelvin, CB, Troy

There is no doubt the Jets would jump on the chance to draft Darren McFadden.  However, assuming the Jets failed to get him they will have a chance at the top RB in the draft (if he declares) in Chris Wells.  Wells is a big, bruiser back at 6-1, 225 lbs., who can still break a run.  Against Michigan he ran the ball 39 times for 222 yards.  He seems to get better as the game wears on.

7.  San Francisco  – Percy Harvin, WR, Florida (underclassman)
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Quentin Groves, DE, Auburn

Harvin is a a wide receiver/running back/athlete. He just is fun to watch an has loads of talent.  Of course in the NFL he will play his natural position at receiver.  He is under 6 feet, but makes up for it with is quick feet.  The 49ers helped themselves by signing Bryant Johnson, but still need tons of help at the receiver position, that is unless Isaac Bruce finds the fountain of youth.

8.  Baltimore Ravens – Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois (underclassman)
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Matt Ryan, QB, Boston College

With an aging defensive back corps, the Ravens have a major need at the CB position.  They may address it in the 2008 NFL draft, but if not, one special underclassman is Vernon Davis' younger brother, Vontae.  Davis was a defensive machine for the Fighting Illini, and is extremely quick with 4.3 speed.

9.  Cincinnati Bengals – George Selvie, DE, South Florida (underclassman)
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Sedrick Ellis, DT, USC

The Bengals did a great signing with DE Antwan Odom, but getting a player as gifted as Selvie is too good to pass up.  Selvie was the BIG East Defensive Player of the Year last season in which he racked up 14.5 sacks, something the Bengals lacked last season.  If the Bengals do switch to a 3-4, he could also play OLB. 

10. New Orleans Saints – Al Woods, DT, LSU (underclassman)
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Keith Rivers, OLB, USC

At 6-5, 315 lbs, Woods is a monster where he could actually be a nose in a 3-4 defense.  Saints fans are very familiar with the LSU product and he would certainly beef up the interior of the defensive line.  Star DE Will Smith would certainly like that. 

11.  Buffalo Bills – Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland (underclassman)
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Domique Rodgers-Cromartie, CB, Tennessee St.

I swear its just a coincident that the 2008 and 2008 projjected picks both had hyphens in their last name.  If the Bills go defense in the first round in 2008, they may need to find Lee Evans' complement in 2009.  DHB has solid size at 6-2, but just like Evans is very quick with 4.37 speed.  By next April, DHB may surpass Crabtree and Harvin for the top receiver in the draft.

12.  Denver Broncos –
Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn (underclassman)
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Ryan Clady, OT, Boise St.

The Broncos rush defense last season was horrific and a lot of it had to do with its struggles at the defensive tackle position.  Marcus Thomas, the team's promising DT seems to get in trouble off the field more than Chris Henry.  I contemplated safety, but the team recently signed veterans Marquand Manuel and Marlon McCree. 

13.  Carolina Panthers – William Moore, FS, Missouri

2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Chris Williams, OT, Vanderbilt

Strong safety Chris Harris was a pleasant surprise last season, but Deke Cooper is not the long term answer for the Panthers.  The Panthers helped its OLB position by signing Landon Johnson in the off season, now they get the top FS in the draft to pair with Harris. 

14.  Chicago Bears –  C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
(underclassman)
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Chris Long, DE, Virginia

Cedric Benson so far has been a complete disappointment and may be finished in Chicago after next season.  Spiller is extremely fast with sub 4.40 speed, but yet maintains a nice frame of 5-11, 200 lbs.  His biggest knack is he splits time with another top running back in James Davis, but so did Darren McFadden and Felix Jones and it doesn't seem it will harm them.  Running back with great size and speed is a rarity and that makes Spiller a commodity.


15.  Detroit Lions – James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State
2008 Projected Draft Pick: 
Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois

The Lions right now are very weak at the MLB position with Paris Lenon currently as the starter an with Laurinaitis still on the board this pick just makes sense, unless the Lions like Rey Maualuga better.  The Lions could also look at OT Phil Loadholt, but valuewise Laurinaitis is too good to pass up.

16.  Arizona Cardinals ­– Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illinois

At 6-7, 250lbs and 4.70 speed, Michael Johnson is a physical specimen who can play in both a 4-3 and 3-4 defense.  If the Cardinals go to a 3-4 fulltime, he would be the ideal pass rusher at the OLB position.  He could easily be a top 10 draft pick by the end of 2008.

17.  Minnesota Vikings – Myron Rolle, S, Florida St. (underclassman)
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Phillip Merling, DE, Clemson

Darren Sharper probably has one or two years left and the Vikings will need a strong safety to pair up with its new free safety, Madieu Williams.  Rolle was one of the highest touted prospects out of high school and at 6'2, 220 has they physical size needed to be a strong safety.  I contemplated a quarterback here.

18.  Houston Texans – Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon

It seems like the Texans have yet to find its premier left tackle since its franchise inception.  Well, it stops here with the "load" at 6'8 and 350 lbs.  Loadholt is a freaking monster and it just fathoms me that Duke Robinson is also on that Oklahoma Sooner line.  Even I could get 100 yards a game. 

19.  Philadelphia Eagles – Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  DeSean Jackson, WR, California

The Eagles had a nice signing with Chris Clemons, but I think he is more of a rotational player.  Trent Cole had a Pro Bowl year, but with The Freak now gone, the Eagles are missing a strong stud opposite Cole.  By the draft, Jackson could easily be a top 15 pick.

20.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinnati
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Malcolm Kelly, WR, Oklahoma

Ronde Barber is getting up there in age and very well could join Tiki in television and the Buccaneers lack depth at the CB position.  Mickens is an exciting corner to watch where last season he had 6 INTs, and 2 of them were returned for a touchdown.  Quarterback such as Hunter Cantwell could be considered here.

21.  Washington Redskins ­– Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss. (underclassman)
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Limas Sweed, WR, Texas

If the Redskins fail to get their defensive end in this draft, one that will certainly be on their radar is the quick 6-5, 255 lbs Hardy.  Last season, Hardy had 10 sacks and is rumored to run in the 4.6s, amazing speed for a guy his size.  The Skins could also look at defensive back.

22.  Cleveland – Victor Harris, CB, Virginia Tech
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  None in the first three rounds

Macho Harris chose wisely and decided to stay in school and now could be a first round pick iin 2009.  With the Browns trading Leigh Bodden to the Lions, the Browns have a need opposite Eric Wright.  Harris is an impressive athlete who can also return kicks, however in Cleveland that would not happen with superstar returning Josh Cribbs.

23.  Pittsburgh Steelers – Rey
Maualuga, ILB, USC
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Branden Albert, G, Virginia

James Farrior is 33, but even with that seeing Maualuga still on the board the Steelers jump on him.  He is way too good to pass up.  Maualuga is a big LB at 6-3, 250 lbs who would be perfect for the Steelers in the 3-4 defense.  He also hits like a freight train. 

24.  Tennessee Titans – Terrance Taylor, DT, Michigan
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Devin Thomas, WR, Michigan
 
The Titans Randy Starks, Antwan Odom, and Travis LaBoy this offseason in free agency.  With that, they need to address their defensive line.  Also, Albert Haynesworth who is currently franchised right now very well could not be with the team in 2009.  Terrance Taylor has the body to be a nosetackle in this league and if Hayneworth is still there in 2009, the combo would be very nice.


25.  Seattle Seahawks – Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma
2008 Projected Draft Pick: 
Kentwan Balmer, DT, North Carolina

TE Travis Beckum makes sense here, but I doubt the Seahawks go through their entire 2008 NFL Draft and fail to get a tight end.  Chris Gray is 38 and he is close to being done. Duke Robison is the premier guard in this year;s draft.  At 6-5, 335 has a great frame. 

26.  Jacksonville Jaguars – Kam Chancellor, S, Virginia Tech
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Lawrence Jackson, DE, USC

Reggie Nelson was a great draft pick last year, now the Jags can get his safety partner with Chancellor who is considered a strong safety. At 6-3, 220 has a massive frame with solid speed.

27.  San Diego Chargers – Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida (underclassman)
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Gosder Cherilus, OT, Boston College

The Chargers are fine with their OLBs with Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips, but could definitely improve at the ILB position.  Spikes is a big backer at 6-3, 240 where his size would help in the 3-4 defense.  In 2007, Spikes amassed for 188 total tackles, proving he can cover the field. 

28.  Dallas Cowboys – Max Unger, OT, Oregon
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Mike Jenkins, CB, South Florida, Felix Jones, RB, Arkansas

Flozell Adams is getting up there in age, and guard Kyle Kosier coul be upgrade.  Unger is a versatile offensive lineman who can play all three positions on the offense.  He provides immediate depth for the Cowboys who should have a nice 2008 draft with their 2 first round picks.  A nosetackle for their 3-4 could be considered.

29.  Indianapolis Colts – Darry Beckwith, LB, LSU
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Chilo Rachel, G, USC (2nd round)

Beckwith actually may be an OLB in the NFL.  He has played MLB at LSU because of depth at the OLB position.  The Colts waived Rob Morris and with lack of depth at the LB position makes Beckwith's value immense.  He is a somewhat short at 6-1, but he makes it up with his 4.5 speed. 

30.  Green Bay Packers – Taylor Mays, S, USC (underclassman)
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Antoine Cason, CB, Arizona

The Packers current starters at safety are Atari Bigby and Nick Collins. Mays is a huge safety at 6-4, 225 and solid 4.5 speed.  He is a physical specimen who really is extremely physical that excels both in coverage and against the run.

31.  New England Patriots – Sean Lee, OLB, Penn State
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Derrick Harvey, DE/OLB, Florida

The Patriots are in a position every season where they don't need to draft for need.  In Lee, they get a backer who adds depth to an aging linebacking corps, but also iss the BPA.  Lee is another special backer from Linebacker U, with measurables of 6-2, 232, and 4.67 speed.  Just like his fellow Nittany Lions, not flashy, just a tackling machine.  

32.  New York Giants – Brian Cushing, OLB, USC
2008 Projected Draft Pick:  Kenny Phillips, S, Miami

The Giants lost LBs Kawika Mitchell and Reggie Torber in free agency.  Brian Cushing, who is 6-4, 245 lbs, is an amazing steal at 32.  He can also play the inside, and even has played on the defensive line at USC. He is just an amazing athlete who plays wherever is needed. Got to love those guys.