2009 NFL Mock Draft – Top Ten Picks

I tried to hold out as long as I could to post my 2009 NFL Mock Draft just to see what I could see in terms of free agency. After the busy and hectic weekend, I have my first ten picks of the first round complete. Of course I will follow up with the remainder of the first round but I will post in increments of ten. My Mock Draft may include the most popular prospects, but I feel that I mix it up a bit. Take a look and tell me what you think.

1. Detroit Lions – Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia : After the Lions traded/released both Kitna and Orlovsky, I think they made room for another quarterback. They restructured Daunte Culpepper’s contract, which is interesting, but he is certainly not their future. Stafford is still a little raw to me but the Lions can’t pass him here. If they were too pass, they take Jason Smith and wait for next year’s QB class.
2. St. Louis Rams – Aaron Curry, ILB, Wake Forest : I know that a lot of Mocks have Jason Smith going to the Rams, which totally works, but I think new head coach Steve Spagnuolo is drooling over Curry. They could use more help protecting the QB but they signed center Jason Brown to do that AND the Super Bowl Champs allowed more sacks than the Rams last year. They take the best defensive prospect available.
3. Kansas City Chiefs – Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas : Kansas City only had 10 sacks last year and they HAVE to get pressure on the opposing quarterback. They may have gone after Mark Sanchez here but they did their trade for Matt Cassel and the position has been filled. I think it’s a no-brainer for Kansas City at this position to take a pass-rusher to accompany Glenn Dorsey.
4. Seattle Seahawks – Jason Smith, OT, Baylor : This guy is worthy of the first overall pick but will fall to Seattle based on team needs. Walter Jones is 35 and not getting any younger, plus the team has been trying to replace Steve Hutchinson ever since he left. Jason Smith is a fixture on the line for years to come. I would say Seattle takes Crabtree here but they already signed Houshmandzadeh and got their guy. Not to mention, this will allow for Crabtree to fall victim to his expected “drop” in the draft after not being able to run.
5. Cleveland Browns – Everette Brown, DE, FSU : Cleveland needs defense above all else. Crabtree is there but they are expecting production from Stallworth, Edwards, and Steptoe. The team had just 17 sacks last season and they allowed an atrocious 150 yards rushing per game. Brown will serve as a guy to get sacks and to deter opposing running backs from his side. Without Willie McGinest, the Browns can find their replacement with Everette Brown.
6. Cincinnati Bengals – Michael Crabtree, WR, TTU : The Bengals lost Housh and they’ll need a replacement. They were 30th in passing yards per game last year and Carson Palmer is due back. They already have middle-of-the-league defense but they need the points, Crabtree can open it up and help you do that. This will be that highly anticipated “drop” of Crabtree that everyone is talking about.
7. Oakland Raiders – Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri : What does Al Davis do right? Nothing, especially draft. I think they should take B.J. Raji at this position after a dismal performance by big-money Tommy Kelly last season. But instead, Al Davis will want a skilled position player (like always) to help JaMarcus Russell. Al Davis REACHES way over and takes Jeremy Maclin, bringing him to Wide Receiver Hell! They should also think about taking Eugene Monroe right here, they allowed the ninth most sacks in the league last year.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars – Eugene Monroe, OT, UVA : The Jaguars need an offensive lineman and Monroe is a GREAT option right here. Khalif Barnes disappeared after his rookie season and declared for free agency, so the Jags should bring in a better replacement. Monroe could block for Maurice Jones-Drew for many years in Jacksonville.
9. Green Bay Packers – Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU : B.J. Raji is a good option here but, after ranking in 25th in sacks, the Packers need a pass-rusher first. Tyson Jackson could be a freak and build with Kampman and Hawk very effectively. Again, I wouldn’t be surprised if Green Bay went with the ginormous Raji at this spot.
10. San Francisco 49er’s – Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss : This is a VERY difficult pick to predict. I would say Mark Sanchez here but the Niners seem to be close to signing Kurt Warner. Plus, Sanchez doesn’t really impress me all that much. San Francisco could also use a wide receiver at this position but they would be reaching to get Hakeem Nicks (in my opinion) and the team is all to familiar with Maryland studs who have impressive 40 times at the combine (Vernon Davis), so I would slightly dismiss Darrius Heyward-Bey. I think if Singletary sticks with Shaun Hill, who isn’t really that bad, Oher could come in and help block for him. I understand that the Niners allowed a LEAGUE-HIGH 55 sacks, but J.T. O’Sullivan held the ball longer than any quarterback I have ever seen. I would account a lot of the sacks to O’Sullivan’s extremely poor decision making and overall play. Nonetheless, they are forced to take an OT here.

Stay tuned for picks 11-20, they should be here shortly. Again, email me or leave a comment to let me know your thoughts.