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NFL Mock Draft: V2.0 Top 30 Picks

January 21st 2009 20:24
Since my last attempt at a mock draft there have been a few changes - the very least being my former #1 overall pick deciding to stay in school for another year (That's a different story - but does he know how much he's risking by doing that? Ask Matt Leinart. Not to mention that the NFL is VERY close to capping rookie contracts. Anyway, I digress...). The following mock draft is my second attempt at a mock, and this time I have a little more to work with in terms of a (almost) complete draft order and a few senior bowl workouts. Enjoy!

#1 Detroit Lions

Team Needs: QB, DL, OL


With Bradford staying in school and the other QB options not showing they are worth the #1 selection at this point, Detroit opts for protection and hopes to follow Miami's turn-around success with a similar selection.

(Previous Pick: Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma)

Pick: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

#2 St. Louis Rams

Team Needs: OL, DB, WR

The recent hiring of new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur brings the West Coast offense to St. Louis. The Rams are in desperate need of protection even more now. With Smith off the boards, look for them to grab the next best performing OL. Right now, that pick comes out of Virginia.

(Previous Pick: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama)

Pick: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

#3 Kansas City Chiefs

Team Needs: OL, LB, QB

I still think the Chiefs are more then a #3 pick overall away from beginning to turn things around. If they can turn this pick into a mid first-rounder and a few more picks (or young talent) - I say they pull the trigger. However, with the top two linemen off the boards - if they do pick here - they grab a LB whose stock is currently skyrocketing.


(Previous Pick: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi)

Pick: Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest

#4 Seattle Seahawks

Team Needs: WR, OL, QB

No other team was decimated by injuries (especially to a single position) as much as Seattle was last year. There is an outside possibility that Seattle trades out of this pick to continue the rebuild mode they seem to be in - but with the #1 WR still on the boards he doesn't get by this pick.

(Previous Pick: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech)

Pick: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

#5 Cleveland Browns

Team Needs: LB, DB, WR

With previous pick, Rey Maualuga's stock in question, I can't see him currently being taken at this point. They still need to fill some defensive holes up front, however, and putting pressure on opposing QB's should still be the main goal.

(Previous Pick: Rey Maualuga, LB, USC)

Pick: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State

#6 Cincinnati Bengals

Team Needs: WR, QB, RB

It's looking more and more likely that the Bengals retain both Houshmandzadeh and Ocho Cinco at this point. It also appears that Carson Palmer is on track to make a full recovery without major surgery. This means the Bengals either trust Cedric Benson to handle running back duties - or they don't.

(Previous Pick: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri)

Pick: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

#7 Oakland Raiders

Team Needs: OL, WR, DL

Al Davis is virtually impossible to predict in a draft - even more so in a mock draft. OL should be their main target here - but no one ever really knows. With their previous pick, Eugene Monroe, moving up the boards and not many top-tier OL left - you have to assume they take the next best performing OL here.

(Previous Pick: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia)

Pick: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

#8 Jacksonville Jaguars

Team Needs: LB, DT, DE

Still in need of something on the defensive side of the ball to return the Jaguars to a top defensive unit, this pick is most certainly on that side of the ball. As a team, I think they would prefer pressure on the QB over a run-stopper - and their previous pick is currently being outshined in workouts.

(Previous Pick: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State)

Pick: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

#9 Green Bay Packers

Team Needs: DE, DT, WR

If Orakpo would have fallen to the Packers, I think they would have snapped him up. Next best scenario I can see for them has something to do with shoring up the run defense. Someone not getting a lot of hype, but performing very well in workouts at this point is rewarded for his efforts by going in the top ten picks.

(Previous Pick: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas)

Pick: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

#10 San Francisco 49ers

Team Needs: QB, WR, CB

With Mark Sanchez leaving school early to enter the NFL draft, the 49ers have a tough decision to make between Stafford and Sanchez. It could very well come down to a last minute decision, but the most likely pick at this point is someone who is most NFL ready and has experience in an NFL-like system. Sanchez stays on the West Coast.

(Previous Pick: Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia)

Pick: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

#11 Buffalo Bills

Team Needs: CB, WR, QB

My first run at this mock draft I had the Bills taking a CB, and I took some criticism for it (warranted or unwarranted - depends on who you ask I suppose). This time with a top tier WR still on the board - and last year's 2nd round pick James Hardy laid up with a bum ACL - they can't pass him up.

(Previous Pick: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois)

Pick: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

#12 Denver Broncos

Team Needs: LB, DT, CB

With the Broncos most likely switching to the 3-4 defense this year with the hiring of defensive line coach Wayne Nunnely (from San Diego where he taught solely the 3-4), they need to get some size up front. In this case, that trumps the need for a LB at this pick. You can't get much bigger then Tyson Jackson - who is listed at 6'7", 270 lbs.

(Previous Pick: Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest)

Pick: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

#13 Washington Redskins

Team Needs: OL, DE, DB

For Jim Zorn to give his young QB a chance, they need to get someone on the OL that will give the team time to develop some of the intricate plays and down field shots. With a top-tier OL still on the board (due to slipping a little in the workouts) at this point they can't afford to let him slip by.

(Previous Pick: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor)

Pick: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

#14 New Orleans Saints

Offensively, the Saints seem to be as sound as any team in the league - if not the hands down best offensive unit. Still needing to stop teams from scoring points, and with a better CB selection on the board for their choosing - they gladly take the first CB of the draft here.

(Previous Pick: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest)

Pick: Malcom Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

#15 Houston Texans

Team Needs: LB, DB, OL

With the way the USC LB's have performed so far in the workouts and Houston's need for a defensive leader - the choice may come down to a pick between college teammates. As of right now, Cushing has the slight edge as Maualuga has some nagging injury concerns.

(Previous Pick: James Laurinaitis, MLB, Ohio State)

Pick: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

#16 San Diego Chargers

Team Needs: DL, WR, DE

Offense or defense - this pick could go either way for the Chargers here. Looking at my mock board and not being sold on Merriman's return to form, I say they pull the trigger on a DE that is perhaps on my board too long.

(Previous Pick: Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama)

Pick: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

#17 New York Jets

Team Needs: RB, CB, DL

With Brett Favre's future up in the air, the Jets would be wise to get his replacement here - regardless of his eventual status (because we all know waiting for Favre to decide is pointless). Even if Favre stays it would only benefit a young gun slinger by learning from one of the best gun slingers of all time.

(Previous Pick: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia)

Pick: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

#18 Chicago Bears

Team Needs: DB, WR, DL

Yes, the defense is getting older - but it's still competitive enough to play at a top level. Again, looking at my mock board and the Bears roster - I can't help thinking what it would be like for that offense (and special teams) to have both Devin Hester and Percy Harvin. If he's there, I bet the Chicago brass feel the same way.

(Previous Pick: William Moore, FS, Missouri)

Pick: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

#19 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Team Needs: RB, QB, WR

There are just too many questions on the offensive side of the ball for the Buccaneers to not fill one here. In my opinion, the smartest bet would be to fill the RB spot first - as I think that needs the most attention.

(Previous Pick: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State)

Pick: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State

#20 Detroit Lions

Team Needs: DL, OL, TE

With as far away as the Lions are from turning things around, I'd be very surprised if they held onto this pick - as it is their second of the first round. For the purposes of this mock draft, however, I'll assume that they keep the pick. In taking an OL earlier, I'm saying they go defense here.

(Previous Pick: Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma)

Pick: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

#21 Philadelphia Eagles

Team Needs: TE, WR, CB

With a deep run into the playoffs this year the Eagles proved they are a very talented team. More so, Donovan McNabb proved he still has plenty left in the tank. Getting him a weapon that can make an immediate impact would be a wise choice here.

Pick: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

#22 Minnesota Vikings

Team Needs: DB, LB, WR

Offensively, the Vikings are pretty set. Defensively, the Vikings are pretty set. At this point in the draft the Vikings will probably look for the best available and give him time to develop. In this mock, it just so happens that a CB is probably next up - and if anything - that could be a need.

Pick: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

#23 New England Patriots

Team Needs: RB, DB, LB

Again, the Patriots seem pretty set and don't seem to have any glaring needs - as evidenced by making a playoff run after losing Tom Brady and enduring a lack of a consistent running game due to injuries. The Patriots are probably looking at the best available in this spot - and it's a toss up, but I think they go defense over offense and pair another LB with the youngster Mayo.

Pick: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State

#24 Atlanta Falcons

Team Needs: DT, DB, DE

Drafting QB Matt Ryan was an absolute home run for the Falcons in last year's draft. Having pick #24 makes the chances of that happening again a little harder. Getting a big body on the line to stop the run should help the defense get off the field and put Ryan and Turner back on it.

Pick: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

#25 Miami Dolphins

Team Needs: LB, DL, TE

After completing on of the greatest single season turn-arounds in NFL history, the Dolphins suddenly don't look that far away from becoming a serious contender. First and foremost, they need to get somebody to anchor the defense.

Pick: Clint Sintim, OLB, Viginia

#26 Baltimore Ravens

Team Needs: WR, RB, TE

Rookie QB Joe Flacco proved he was worth the pick and made several team kick themselves all season for not grabbing him when they had the chance. I believe that with a threat at WR, the Ravens can take the pressure of the RB's and keep them healthy for an entire year.

Pick: Hakeen Nicks, WR, North Carolina

#27 Indianapolis Colts

Team Needs: LB, WR, OL

Needing a LB is obvious for the Colts, however, there isn't one left on the board worth taking a risk on with a first round pick. With Marvin Harrison losing steps faster and faster, it's taking its toll on Reggie Wayne - they take some pressure off by picking up a WR.

Pick: Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU

#28 Philadelphia Eagles

Team Needs: TE, WR, CB

Filling their TE hole at pick #21, the Eagles should fill another hole here on the defensive side of the ball. With Lito Sheppard's status unclear, the Eagles need to fill a hole in the secondary - but have time to let a youngster develop with some talent in front of him.

Pick: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

#29 New York Giants

Team Needs: WR, DB, DT

After a disappointing early exit in the playoffs, the Giants look to use their pick to fill what hurt them. What hurt them the most was the loss of the big target and play-maker, Plaxico Burress. Grabbing a WR here with similar size and ability should be the play.

Pick: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

#30 Tennessee Titans

Team Needs: DB, WR, DL

After a surprise start, it all came crashing back down for the Titans in disappointing fashion this season in the playoffs. Getting arguably the best safety out of last year's draft, the Titans might grab a young talent at CB to combine and take away a good portion of the secondary.

Pick: D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

Well, that wraps up attempt number two of my mock drafts. As always in things like this - there will be changes before all is said and done - so look for more as the time gets closer!
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Comments
7 Comments. [ Add A Comment ]

Comment by Fatphil32

January 27th 2009 19:14
Bad, bad Bengals picks and team needs. Our needs are:

#1. C
#2. LT
#3. DE
#4. LB
#5. RB
#6. DT
#7. CB
#8. FB
#9. P
#10. QB

Ohh, where's RB? Do we see WR even listed? Where's QB? No research done if you seriously think those are our top needs. And we expect Benson to be back and our starting RB. He'll need someone to go with him in rounds 2-4, but he'll be back. Our to priority will be protecting Carson with a new LT, and that would make Michael Oher the perfect pick.

Comment by jesse-podoll

January 27th 2009 19:29
I do agree with you in part - but I based that team need (WR) on the very real possibility of the Bengals losing TJ Houshmandzadeh. While you would still have Ocho Cinco (maybe) - he has a ton of talent - but would you really trust him to be your #1 (you one and only WR if that is the case)?

Also, just to be clear - you are OK with Cedric Benson being your feature back? Though he did have 2 great games to end the season (against the "tough" run defenses of Cleveland and KC) - he still ended the season with as many fumbles as he did TD's.

Personally, I agree you need to upgrade the line - as to most NFL teams - but with the #6 pick it will be hard to pass up a skill position player for your club. (Although Oher is available on that current mock and it was a honestly a pick 'em between the two).

Thanks for the feedback - look forward to hearing more in my upcoming versions.

Comment by Fatphil32

January 27th 2009 21:53
Yes, I trust Chad as our #1 and I don't see either leaving. If one leaves, it's TJ via FA or a trade. But, we just drafted two WR's in the top three rounds last year [Jerome Simpson and Andre Caldwell]. If we wanted to draft a WR high in '09, we wouldn't have drafted them. Not to mention Chris Henry's still in the mix and we have a solid slot in Antonio Chatman. Those five can get the job done. Plus, when you have a potentially elite QB, you can give him anything at WR and he'll make them good... but only if he has time in the pocket. We can definitely pass a skill player. You build from the lines to build a winning team and we've not done that so far and it shows. We have to start now and that starts with the most important part of the lines at LT.

And actually no, I think he's solid, but not a feature back. He does need someone to go with him. In my mock I just released a few minutes ago, I actually have us taking LeSean McCoy in the second, although we acquire another second via a trade to use on a DE, as well.

Comment by jesse-podoll

January 27th 2009 22:06
What about a DT? I almost went down that avenue as well - your guy there is pretty old for DT, yeah?

Comment by Fatphil32

January 28th 2009 05:14
Uhh no.. Our starting DT's are 24 and 23 years old.. We need someone to rotate with them, but that can be addressed in rounds three through six. The only way I'd accept a first round DT is if Michael Oher, Eugene Monroe, Jason Smith, and Aaron Curry were all off the board - which is highly unlikely.

Comment by Randy Inman

January 28th 2009 10:03
Hey Phil feel free to post the link to any of your drafts here in the comments. We are so happy to have people commenting on our stuff we will help ya get some traffic to yours.

Comment by Fatphil32

January 28th 2009 16:50
My mock is on the Bengals website, but it's not a full first round. I'll get a mock done sometime this week, since school's cancelled and send you a link to it.

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