NCAA Scouting
Paul Hopkins & Jody Jamieson's 1st & 2nd Round Mock Draft V2.0
Updated 25th April
by Paul Hopkins & Jody Jamieson
25/4/2009
 
1. Lions - Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia
 
It's official - Matt Stafford is the number one pick and the Lions will give him over $41 million in guaranteed money. With Stafford in place, the Lions can concentrate on suring up the rest of its roster with picks 20 and 33.
 
2. Rams – Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
 
Smith has established himself as the best tackle in the draft following Andre Smith's erratic behaviour. After releasing Pace the Rams need a tackle and need to protect Bulger better. This is the soundest pick in the draft.
 
3. Chiefs - Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
 
With Matt Cassel being acquired, there's no chance to they go with Mark Sanchez. They need defense badly, and Aaron Curry is not only the best defensive player on the board, but a perfect fit for the Chiefs new 3-4 defense. The Chiefs going 3-4 seems strange with the personnel they have, but Scott Pioli and Todd Haley are seemingly starting from scratch on defense. Aaron Curry is a great start.
 
4. Seahawks – Mark Sanchez, QB, Southern California
 
Sanchez has been skyrocketing up boards of late. The Seahawks need to look to the future with 34 year old Matt Hasselbeck's persistent back niggles and Sanchez's ability to run the WC offence tempts the Seahawks. Look out for a potential trade if the Hawks can trade out to allow someone to nab the USC QB.
 
5. Browns - Brian Orakpo, DE/LB, Texas
 
I very much doubt that Cleveland will be able to trade Braylon Edwards before making this pick. Crabtree is obviously a possibility, but the Browns need someone coming off the edge on a defense that still can't get to the quarterback. This is a toss up between Orakpo and Everette Brown, but Cleveland goes with Orakpo.
 
6. Bengals – Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
 
Monroe is the next in the conveyer belt of Virginia tackles and kept Brandon Albert out from being a tackle in college. The Bengals need to improve all over the field but finding someone to protect Carson palmer's blindside is top of the list.
 
7. Raiders - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
 
Al Davis will likely trade up into the first round to get Darrius Heyward-Bey if Crabtree is gone. After the Seahawks sign T.J. Houshmandzadeh and solidify their offensive line, Davis sprints to the front of the Radio City Music Hall with Michael Crabtree's name on a card before celebrating wildly.
 
8. Jaguars – Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
 
After a disastrous 2008, Jacksonville needs to rebuild their offensive line. Oher has a huge upside and is the kind of tough character Jack del Rio will love. He can anchor the Jaguars line for the next decade.
 
9. Packers - B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
 
Green Bay is another team switching to a 3-4 defense, despite not really having the personnel to cope with the switch. They need to go defense, and BJ Raji can be the non stop motor at nose tackle.
 
10. 49ers – Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State
 
Browns offers an immediate pass rushing threat the Niners defence in need of a shot in the arm.
 
11. Bills - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
 
Some will tell you Smith can't play left tackle. He doesn't have ideal feet for the position, but certainly will cope and cope well. After the trade of Jason Peters, the Bills make this pick confident of upgrading their centre or tight end position at pick number 28.
 
12. Broncos – Ray Maualuga, LB, Southern California
 
Everyone knows Denver must improve on defence, and at #12 comes a dependable tackling machine. Maualuga will come in and make an immediate impact for a Denver defence in desperate need of a new identity.
 
13. Redskins - Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
 
Jason Taylor was a massive disappointment in DC. Robert Ayers is the best pure 4-3 end in the draft who's making a major name for himself since shining at the Senior Bowl. The Redskins seem to be considering being on the other side of a major trade on Draft day (remember Ricky Williams?) but I doubt they're willing to give up the house for Sanchez. Certainly not when they have bigger issues.
 
14. Saints – Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
 
The Saints are perennially in need of support in the secondary and Davis offers an instant improvement. If for some reason Mauluga gets past the Broncos look for the Saints to bolster their linebacking corps with the USC man. He won't so they'll gamble on a guy who could become special rather than going for the safer option in Malcolm Jenkins.
 
15. Texans - Clay Matthews, LB, USC
 
Houston are likely to attempt to trade down. If they can't then defense is the way to go. Clay Matthews comes into this draft with a lot of question marks, but his talent is certainly unquestioned. Houston makes a smart pick here.
 
16. Chargers – Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
 
Now that L.T. is staying in San Diego, the Chargers can address their weak pass rush of last season. So assuming he's there, Jackson's size, strength and experience will be a valuable addition to the Chargers defensive line.
 
17. Jets - Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
 
Freeman is a classic boom or bust pick, but with Kellen Clemens and Brett Ratliff the current staff in New York, it's worth the risk. Freeman has talent but makes mistakes. Jets fans will either love him or hate him, but will likely boo the pick anyway. Why break the habit of a lifetime?
 
18. Broncos – Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
 
With their pick acquired this year for Jay Cutler, the Broncos remain focused on improving their defence. Maybin has great potential and in the new 3-4 he will have the chance to flourish.
 
19. Buccaneers - Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss
 
Tampa need to do something about their defensive line. After Jovan Haye left for Tennessee their already thin defensive tackle position became even thinner. Peria Jerry is a good solid pick at number 19 and the Bucs can slot him in right away.
 
20. Lions – William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
 
The Lions have more holes than a fishing net, and after taking their franchise QB at #1 they need someone to protect him. Beatty is under-rated in many mock drafts but has all the tools you need to play LT at the pro level.
 
21. Eagles - Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
 
The Eagles are looking for a long term replacement for Brian Westbrook, and with no backs off the board, Reid gets his pick of the runners. Wells may be the best fit as a one-two punch with Westbrook right now, but Moreno seems to be the way they want to go.
 
22. Vikings – Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
 
Some people consider Malcolm Jenkins the best cornerback in the draft and if he falls to #22 the Vikings will be all over him. They need some help in the position to help out Cedric Griffin. Jenkins will bring consistency from day one.
 
23. Patriots - Larry English, DE/LB, Northern Illinois
 
Mel Kiper made a fantastic point on PTI at the start of the week. He pointed out that coaches never get the blame when a player busts which is sometimes a miscarriage of justice. Bill Belichick is never one who makes mistakes, partly because he knows how to get the best out of his players. English is another boom or bust prospect, but his upside is high. If the Pats take him, don't be surprised if he ends up as a defensive rookie of the year candidate.
 
24. Falcons – Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
 
The Falcons need to improve their secondary and get an immediate contributor in Butler. They may consider Brandon Pettigrew at this point also.
 
25. Dolphins - Brian Cushing, LB, USC
 
Joey Porter had a marvellous season with the Dolphins, but they still need help at linebacker. Don't be surprised if they look closely at Sean Smith here, but we think they'll try to solidify their front seven with the third USC linebacker to go in the 3rd round.
 
26. Ravens – James Laurinatius, LB, Ohio State
 
The Ravens caught a glimpse this off-season of what a team without Ray Lewis would be like. Looking to that future day, they take Laurinatius. He's a combative, professional winner. Everything the Ravens would want.
 
27. Colts - Hakeem Nicks, WR, UNC
 
Even though it's pick number 27, this is almost the best fit of the first round. Reggie Wayne is the number 1 receiver, with Nicks at split end, and Anthony Gonzalez in the slot. Nicks is the solid, consistent receiver that compliments the dynamics of Wayne and the talent, but inconsistencies of Gonzalez.
 
28. Bills – Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
 
After using their initial pick to fill the hole left by Jason Peters, with their newly acquired pick the Bills add the best tight end in the draft to give Trent Edwards another option in the upgraded Bills offence.
 
29. Giants - Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
 
This pick either belongs to New York or Cleveland when all is said and done. Either team would be happy with a big target to help out their quarterbacks after the departures of Plaxico Burress (NY) or Braylon Edwards (CLE). It's only fair to try and fit this pick for both teams as this seems the most likely draft day trade right now.
 
30. Titans – Darius Heyward Bey, WR, Maryland
 
It seems like every year the Titans are crying out for a game-changing wide receiver and the best big play option in the draft falls into their lap at #30.
 
31. Cardinals - Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
 
Arizona might have bigger needs than a running back, but it's a need nonetheless. Wells is the best player available at this point and the Cards surely won't pass him up if he's there at 31. Wells is the replacement for Edgerrin James and is a better option going forward than Tim Hightower.
 
32. Steelers – Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
 
Despite clinching the Superbowl, the Steelers need to improve their offensive line. Britton has bags of potential to play in the NFL and getting a tackle with the ability to do so right at the end of the first round is a chance to good to pass up.
 
Round 2
 
33. Lions - Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
 
After taking their quarterback and left tackle for the future, the Lions go defense and try to stop the run for once. Ziggy Hood isn't going to be the greatest run stuffer of all time, but he'll be a 3 down DT who can play straight away.
 
34. Patriots – LeSean McCoy, RB, Cleveland
 
Bill Belichick loves to throw a curve ball on draft day, and after adding Fred Taylor the pats give a big play in waiting with McCoy. Maroney is as good as done and the Pats favoured running back by committee suddenly gets a whole lot more interesting.
 
35. Rams - Max Unger, C/G, Oregon
 
Last time we had Alex Mack here, but that was before St Louis signed Jason Brown from Baltimore. Unger projects nicely at guard and a future line with Smith-Unger-Brown projects well for the next few years.
 
36. Browns – Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
 
Jamal Lewis is slowly grinding towards the wall, if he's not already there so the Browns need to look to the future. Brown showed at Connecticut he can carry the load and deliver. Brown to the Browns makes perfect sense.
 
37. Seahawks - Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma
 
Seattle needs help in a lot of places, but with Hasselbeck very injury prone (Sanchez won't play for a year or two) it's time to protect him. Robinson can play guard on a team that likes to get rid of the ball quickly in the passing game.
 
38. Bengals – Alex Mack, C, California
 
Continuing their revamp of the offensive line, the Bengals grab someone with the ability to step in from day one. Mack is proven high quality and makes day one for the Bengals all about the O-line.
 
39. Jaguars - Sean Smith, CB/S, Utah
 
Sean Smith could easily be a first round pick, but if he falls there's no way the Jags pass over him. They ideally might be looking quarterback but there's really not a great option here. Seam Smith is a talent that can help out a decent, but certainly improvable secondary.
 
40. Raiders – Michael Johnson, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech
 
Johnson is a great athlete with tremendous upside, which is enough to convince Al Davis that he will be of great benefit to the Raiders. How he will fit in the Raiders defensive scheme can come later.
 
41. Packers - Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina
 
The Packers have a lot of needs, and with two ageing offensive tackles, now could be the time to sort that out. Meridith can come in and play guard if need bee and take over outside at a later date.
 
42. Bills – Conor Barwin, DE/OLB, Cincinnati
 
Completing a busy first day for the Bills, they again look to the defence, adding Barwin who is a great athlete with impressive speed, and who is smart. Barwin has the ability to become an impact player in the NFL.
 
43. 49ers - Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
 
Alphonso Smith could go in the first round, so if he falls this far, the Niners will be more than happy to take him. Their secondary could do with an upgrade.
 
44. Dolphins – Brian Robiske, WR, Ohio State
 
Robiske is a Bill Parcells kind of receiver. A hard worker dedicated to his craft. A strong combine has seen him leap into people's thoughts as a legitimate first day pick. The Dolphins need a strong, dependable receiver and Robiske fits the bill perfectly.
 
45. Giants - William Moore, S, Missouri
 
William Moore had a disappointing senior year, but the talent is there, and the Giants will love him as a project player to eventually play alongside Kenny Phillips.
 
46. Texans – Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan
 
The second round in 2009 is likely to be awash with safeties being grabbed off the board. The Texans are vey average at centre and need to upgrade. Delmas provides an instant upgrade.
 
47. Patriots - Victor Harris, CB, Virginia Tech
 
New England is probably the best fit out of all 32 teams for Victor Harris, and the Patriots get what I think will end up a steal. Harris is a ball hawk who is best suited to a zone defense. Look for him to impress in New England.
 
48. Broncos – DJ Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
 
Third pick in the first day, and third defensive player for the Broncos. Moore is a play maker at the CB position and playing opposite Champ Bailey will mean lots of balls come his way to demonstrate that.
 
49. Bears - Derrick Williams, WR, Penn State
 
In truth, the Bears will probably live to regret this pick, but it really wouldn't surprise me to see them go this way. Jeremy Maclin is too similar to Devin Hester, and the Bears need a target for Jay Cutler.
 
50. Browns - Fili Moala, DE/DT, Southern California
 
The cousin of Haloti Ngata, Fili will give the Browns a good option on the line. Moala will be one for the future
 
51. Cowboys - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
 
Dallas take one of the biggest Day 1 fallers and immediately give Roy Williams and Jason Witten a helping hand in the receiving game. Maclin has a lot to learn, but it would surprise me to see them take him here and then not start him in Week 1.
 
52. Jets – Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
 
The two play makers who see themselves tumble, after taking a gamble on their future QB, they grab the offensive playmaker they desperately need. Harvin's stock has been tumbling due to rumours about failed drug tests but he is a playmaker and a potential steal at this point.
 
53. Eagles - Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina
 
Philly needs a tight end here, and Andy Reid is likely to have been blown away by his combine numbers.
 
54. Vikings – Jonathan Luigs, C, Arkansas
 
After letting Matt Birk test the market and end up in Baltimore, the Vikings needed some insurance in the middle of the line. Luigs is big, strong and good enough to help the impressive Vikings offensive line open up the gaps for Peterson.
 
55. Falcons - Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma
 
Loadholt may not be a huge need, but it'll be hard to pass him up here. A solid right tackle who can play inside. Mike Smith will love the fit.
 
56. Dolphins – Coye Frances, CB, San Diego State
 
Some people will consider this a bit of a reach. Alongside Will Allen the Dolphins haven't really got a settled tandem at CB. Sparano and Parcells will see enough in Francies to convince them he could be that man.
 
57. Ravens – Ron Brace, DT, Boston College
 
An aging defense needs this youth unjection.
 
58. Patriots – Jarron Gilbert, DE, San Diego State
 
The You tube sensation has shot up draft boards. But underneath the attention the guy can play. The Patriots are masters at making the most of talent, and Gilbert is one that Belichick can mould.
 
59. Panthers - Nate Davis, QB, Ball State
 
Some beat writers believe Nate Davis can plummet as far as the seventh round, but in a year where genuine quarterback talent is scare, Davis is worth the risk.
 
60. Giants – Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri
 
Suddenly needing to improve their receiving corps the Giants grab a perfect complement to Kevin Boss. Coffman brings back the receiving threat from the tight end position that has been missing the last couple of years.
 
61. Colts - Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn
 
The Colts run defense is abysmal, and they need an upgrade. They have to address this on Day 1, and Sen'Derrick Marks will likely be their answer. They like quick guys inside and Marks fits the bill.
 
62. Titans – Darryl Beckwith, LB, LSU
 
The middle linebacker position has never been a weakness for the Titans but has been one they could have got greater production from. Beckwith is big strong and tough with great instincts. He'll need to bulk up a bit but he'll fit right in the Tennessee linebacker corps.
 
63. Cardinals - Pat White QB/WR, West Virginia
 
Someone is going to make this pick. Might aswell be the Cardinals. If they do end up dealing Anquan Boldin, Steve Breaston becomes their number 2. White can fit here as a wildcat quarterback and a part time slot receiver. If he works out as a quarterback, then he can compete with Matt Leinart.
 
64. Steelers – Andy Levitre, G, Oregon
 
Again looking to get some depth and youth on that shaky offensive line, the Steelers take a solid dependable guard who has bags of experience.