The always great NFLBlitz.com put out it's revised first round mock draft. I think it is alot more accurate of what you will see come draft day than Mel Kiper's take on the draft. They see Dirty Sanchez dropping to the Jets at 17th. Its pretty good-And because I dont' want to alienate all of my viewers, here's a shot of smoking hot Holly Weber, doing her best to look all Nudgette-ish.
NFLdraftblitz.com 2009 Mock First Round- Click Here
First Round:
1. Detroit Lions - *Matthew Stafford (QB) Georgia
- The debate will rage on until the draft as to whether the Lions should go QB or OT. And if they go QB…Stafford or Sanchez? In my opinion, they have to go QB. Andre Smith is more of a RT and you don’t take a RT number one when a franchise QB is staring you in the face. With Stafford’s physical gifts, he has tools to be great and he’ll immediately have one of the better arms in the NFL. Match that with Calvin Johnson’s deep skills and you have deadly combination. He may have to sit for part, or all, of 2009. But, what’s the rush when you’ve been this bad, this long?
2. St. Louis Rams - *Andre Smith (OT) Alabama
- I’ll refrain from going on and on about my disdain for Marc Bulger (I’ve done that enough). Andre Smith will be an upgrade at any spot on the offensive line, except LT, where Orlando Pace is rarely healthy anymore. Smith’s run blocking skills are elite and he has the feet to develop into a solid pass blocker on the right side. I don’t think he’d ever evolve into an elite LT in the NFL, but he’ll make this offense instantly better at RT.
3. Kansas City Chiefs - Brian Orakpo (DE) Texas
- The Chiefs were the worst pass rushing team in the NFL in 2008. They finished with 10 sacks on the year. That’s equal to or less than 12 individual players in 2008. And of that twelve, former Chief Jared Allen is included. Orakpo is a very disruptive player with a nonstop motor. He would allow Tamba Hali to move back to the left end spot that he excelled at earlier in his career.
4. Seattle Seahawks - **Michael Crabtree (WR) Texas Tech
- A trio of Deion Branch, Koren Robinson and Nate Burleson does not exactly scream elite receiving corps. If Jim Mora is going to succeed as the head coach in Seattle, he has to have players who can put points on the board. Michael Crabtree, immediately, would become the best talent on this offense and could help Matt Hasselbeck reach to top of his game again.
5. Cleveland Browns - Aaron Curry (OLB) Wake Forest
- Eric Mangini has been named head coach of the Browns, so we know they’ll be sticking with the 3-4 defense. Linebackers are the backbone of the 3-4 defense. Curry would provide the Browns with a solid, all-around player with the skills to be dominant. Kameron Wimbley should blossom with a talent like Curry on the other side.
6. Cincinnati Bengals - Eugene Monroe (OT) Virginia
- The once solid Bengals’ offensive line is now filled with holes. Levi Jones has battled knee injuries and his play has fallen off terribly and Stacey Andrews will be coming back from a season ending knee injury. Eugene Monroe is a natural left tackle who should be able to play right away. With Carson Palmer coming back from injury as well, the Bengals want to keep him clean.
7. Oakland Raiders - Michael Oher (OT) Mississippi
- The Raiders’ offense showed a lot of what it is capable of doing in the latter part of the season. But, there are still lingering protection issues for JaMarcus Russell. Kwame Harris and the entire offense would benefit from shifting Harris to the RT spot. Oher is a very well rounded LT who has the experience to step in and start right away.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars - Malcolm Jenkins (CB) Ohio State
- Rashean Mathis is a legit cover man. But his effectiveness is canceled out when his counterpart is a major liability. With the pass rushers the Jags drafted in last years draft, a top notch cover man like Jenkins would fit right in. Jenkins is a physically gifted, experienced Corner, who could help this defense get back to elite status.
9. Green Bay Packers - *Everette Brown (DE) Florida State
- The Packers and new defensive coordinator, Dom Capers, will be installing the 3-4 defense in Green Bay. This means that OLBs must be acquired to rush the passer. This could be a good thing…Brown and ILBs AJ Hawk and Nick Barnett are the makings of a talented, young group of linebackers for a 3-4 defense.
10. San Francisco 49ers - **Aaron Maybin (OLB) Penn State
- Manny Lawson has not become the top tier pass rusher the Niners thought they were getting when they drafted him, but he’s solid. Parys Haralson would be better as a backup. Maybin has the potential to be a dangerous edge rusher and could help elevate the game of Lawson in the long run.
11. Buffalo Bills -Brandon Pettigrew (TE) Oklahoma State
- The Bills have to provide QB Trent Edwards with a reliable tight end to maximize his abilities. Robert Royal is not a starting caliber tight end in the NFL and would be better suited as a #2. Pettigrew is every bit the blocker that Royal is, but he has great hands, a big frame and the athleticism to stretch the seam.
12. Denver Broncos - Rey Maualuga (MLB) USC
- The Broncos’ defense, in 2008, was as soft in the middle as any team in the NFL. They also displayed a disturbing passive streak, far too often. Rey Maualuga will provide this defense with physicality, toughness and attitude. He and DJ Williams could be a force in the same linebacker corps.
13. Washington Redskins - Jason Smith (OT) Baylor
- The Skins need to focus on the offensive and defensive lines in the 2009 draft. There’s no better place to start than with Smith. He’s big, agile and ascending. Chris Samuels is getting older and Jon Jansen is probably on his way out. Stephon Heyer has shown flashes but you can’t rely on him consistently. Smith could play on the right side initially and step in for Samuels when he’s out, eventually.
14. New Orleans Saints - *Chris "Beanie" Wells (RB) Ohio State
- Drew Brees had a monstrous year in 2008, but that’s not a formula for consistent winning in the NFL. The Saints have needs on the defensive side of the ball, but Wells fits both need and best player available. Pierre Thomas is a serviceable back but they’ll never get max production out of Reggie Bush without a power running threat.
15. Houston Texans - Michael Johnson (DE) Georgia Tech
- As good as Mario Williams his, he could be unstoppable if he ever gets a competent pass rusher across from him. If Michael Johnson’s potential ever meets his tangible output, he and Mario Williams could be the best set of defensive ends in the league. Then, maybe, this team can start winning games before they’re out of the playoff race.
16. San Diego Chargers - **Knowshon Moreno (RB) Georgia
- Whether the Chargers decide to keep L.T. in the fold or not, they’ll at least need a compliment (and eventual replacement) for him. Darren Sproles will likely be too expensive for the Chargers to keep. Moreno has a similar skill set to Tomlinson and would be a perfect fit here.
17. New York Jets - *Mark Sanchez (QB) USC
- So, it appears to be Sanchez’s turn to wait an eternity with his friends and family at the table on draft day. I’m a big believer that, while this hurts financially and internally, a QB is benefited by going later in the first round to a better team. Sanchez may go a lot higher than this come April, but if he gets past San Francisco at #10, let the sliding commence.
18. Chicago Bears - **Jeremy Maclin (WR) Missouri
- There is no way the Bears’ front office thinks Brandon Lloyd is the #1 receiver this team needs. Until this offense gets a legit weapon on the outside, defenses will pile on, and eventually wear down, Matt Forte. Maclin is dangerous with the ball in his hands and is improving as a route runner.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - B.J. Raji (DT) Boston College
- New head coach, Raheem Morris, will love this acquisition. Raji may not be available at 19 in April as his stock continues to rise. But, if he’s there, the Bucs should waste little time snatching him up. If they re-sign Antonio Bryant, it lessens the need for a first round WR dramatically.
20. Detroit Lions - *Vontae Davis (CB) Illinois
- Jim Schwartz would have loved to have Raji fall here and become his version of Albert Haynesworth, but Vontae Davis is not a bad consolation prize. Davis could be the most physically gifted player in the entire draft. He could be a cornerstone to a revamped Lions’ offense in a few years.
21. Philadelphia Eagles - *Eben Britton (OT) Arizona
- After a surprising run, deep in to the playoffs, the Eagles have to prepare for an upheaval at the offensive tackle spots. Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan are old and impending free agents. One or both could be gone. Britton is a fast rising player who shows top level athleticism and could develop into a very good LT.
22. Minnesota Vikings - *Percy Harvin (WR) Florida
- I have to think the Vikes will sign a veteran free agent at QB (Byron Leftwich, Kurt Warner, etc.) this off-season. There is no way they let the window close on a championship level defense with inconsistent quarterback play. Harvin would make plays all over the field for this offense and provide even more running space for Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor.
23. New England Patriots - *D.J. Moore (CB) Vanderbilt
- It has to be killing Bill Belichick that Deltha O’Neal is a starting cornerback for his defense. O’Neal was jettisoned from the Cincinnati Bengals of all places. DJ Moore is an instant upgrade and, despite his limited height (5-9), plays bigger and more physical than you’d think.
24. Atlanta Falcons - William Moore (S) Missouri
- Lawyer Milloy is 62 years old. And if you saw Anquan Boldin run away from Milloy with a busted hammy, you understand the need for a younger, more athletic strong safety. Moore is a playmaker and has the ability to be a game changer. The Falcons added young playmakers on offense last year, this year they start with the defense.
25. Miami Dolphins - James Laurinaitis (MLB) Ohio State
- We all know Bill Parcells likes linebackers. And we also know he likes them smart and tough. Smart and tough are personified by James Laurinaitis. Channing Crowder is a free agent and Akin Ayodele is not getting any younger. Laurinaitis fits well in South Beach.
26. Baltimore Ravens - *Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR) Maryland
- As much as Joe Flacco’s rookie year reminded me of Ben Roethlisberger’s initial campaign, one thing was different. Big Ben had Plaxico Burress and Hines Ward…Flacco has Derek Mason and Mark Clayton. And that was highlighted in the playoff loss to the Steelers. Heyward-Bey would add size and speed to that receiving corps. And the Ravens would save a ton on moving expenses for the local product.
27. Indianapolis Colts - Tyson Jackson (DE) LSU
- With Ron Meeks’ “resignation”, there appears to be a change in philosophy brewing in Indy. It seems there will be use of bigger, more versatile defensive linemen. Tyson Jackson is just that…big and versatile. He can play the base end as well as line up inside. He has good quickness for a big man and really good size for a quick guy…if that makes sense.
28. Philadelphia Eagles (From Carolina) - **LeSean McCoy (RB) Pittsburgh
- I’m guessing that the thought that his job may be on the line in 2009, Andy Reid makes some changes in his traditional draft strategy. Besides, Correll Buckhalter is an unrestricted free agent and the Eagles would be better served by moving on with the younger, more explosive McCoy. Chris Horwedel, wipe that smile off of your face, young man!!!!!
29. New York Giants - Brian Cushing (OLB) USC
- The Giants pride themselves on defense and being physical. Danny Clark and Chase Blackburn are, surely, prideful. They just are all that physically gifted. Brian Cushing could step in right away and add athleticism and pass rush ability. And with this, the Giants won’t have to shuttle Mathias Kiwanuka back to OLB and further stunt his development.
30. Tennessee Titans - *Jared Cook (TE) South Carolina
- Before all of you start calling me names we can even repeat on Blitz Cast, think for a minute, about what you thought when the Titans selected Chris Johnson late in round one last year. If Jared Cook comes out and posts solid numbers at the combine, his stock could soar similar to Dustin Keller’s did a year ago.
31. Arizona Cardinals - Alex Mack (OC) California
- The Cards’ surprising run to the Super Bowl is great…even for me (a Steelers fan). But there is no doubt that this offensive line could use a few upgrades. Lyle Sendelein is the obvious week link and adding Mack could do wonders for this group. Russ Grimm would love this pick as he is familiar with what a dominant center can do for an offense.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers - Duke Robinson (OG) Oklahoma
- There is no secret that the Steelers’ offensive line needs work now and will need even more after the season. There is a talent overhaul needed badly. Duke Robinson is the perfect player to begin with. He’s big, strong and athletic and should play a big role immediately in the Steel City.
