Steven's 09 Mock Draft

I'm not a big mock draft guy myself because everybody's boards look different so there's really no knowing of what's going to happen. But, since so many people seem to like them, I figure I'll make my own. I will only do picks 1-12 because after that it's pretty much a complete toss up. These picks are the picks which I feel will happen based on how NFL teams have their boards ranked, NOT how the media ranks them. It is important to note that from the end of the college season to now peoples names have skyrocketed and dropped, not because of their workouts, but rather because their agents do all they can to hype their players up draft boards in hopes to make more money. Inside war-rooms however actual coaches stay almost immune to all these media-reports, so as the media's boards change, their boards do not. Here are my first 12 picks for the 2009 draft.

1. Detroit Lions - Matthew Stafford, QB Georgia

The Detroit Lions are in desperate need for a lot of positions, however the most important is a franchise quarterback. Stafford is the best quarterback in this draft and has the best possibility of becoming a good professional quarterback. Plus, the Lions have many picks, including another first rounder where they can pick up some o-line help.

2. St. Louis Rams - Jason Smith, LT Baylor

The Rams dumped their long time anchor at left tackle Orlando Pace to clear way for the best available left tackle in the draft. Luckily Stafford was chosen first overall and they will be able to land a great talent in Jason Smith. I am however a little wary of the fact that Smith never played with his hand on the ground because of the spread system they run at Baylor.

3. Kansas City Chiefs - Aaron Curry, LB Wake Forest

Many consider Curry to be the best player in the draft. I must admit I disagree with that as I was very unimpressed with his tapes. However, it seems to be a consensus around the nation that he is a great talent. The Chiefs get a long time starter here with Curry.

4. Seattle Seahawks - Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech

I consider Crabtree to be the most talented player in this years draft. The Seahawks do have a need at QB, but that need is not immediate and with a chance to land a player like Crabtree, there is no chance they pass him up.

5. Cleveland Browns - Everette Brown, DE Florida State

Brown is an extremely talented pass-rusher. At times he was literally unstoppable. Recently, people have had Brown dropping down draft boards, however make no doubt about it Brown is a top 5 talent. The Browns will add a solid pass rusher to help out their defensive front here.

6. Cincinatti Bengals - Eugene Monroe, LT Virginia

The Bengals can use help protecting palmer and strengthening their run game. Eugene Monroe is the second best tackle in this draft and will be a great addition to the Bengals offensive line.

7. Oakland Raiders - Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri

Al Davis has made it very clear that he will not be taking an o-lineman at this spot, nor will he trade it. With that said, Davis loves to draft players with speed and are in need of a WR. Look for the Raiders to draft Maclin even if Crabtree is still available as I believe MAclin is number 1 on their draft board.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars - Andre Smith, LT Alabama

After Smith's debacle at the scouting combine, a lot of people dropped him out of the top 10. However, make no mistake about it Andre Smith is an extremely talented LT and gave up only 1 sack last year in the vastly talented SEC. The Jaguars get a talented LT here who is a mauler and can also play RT given his size.

9. Green Bay Packers - Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB Texas

Orakpo is creeping up draft boards everywhere because of his ability to rush the passer. He is often compared to Demarcus Ware of the Dallas Cowboys. Orakpo goes high because of how hard it is to find good pass rushers in this league.

10. San Francisco 49ers - B.J. Raji, DT Boston College

The 49ers are finally able to land a great nose tackle for their 3-4 scheme. Raji has a big body, plays very physical, and will fit in well with the attitude Singletary is instilling in San Francisco. Additionaly, Raji has a great attitude and personality. Raji is impressive in the middle with 42 tackles and 7.5 sacks. Look for Raji to not make a huge impact his first year, but will develop into a great talent as he picks up the pro game.

11. Buffalo Bills - Michael Oher, LT Mississippi

Michael Oher is considered a top 10 draft prospect but I have him falling just outside of that. Here the Bills get a great player in Oher who has a great determination and skill-set. Oher is a great addition to protect the Bills young core so Edwards can get the ball to his dynamic receiving corps. 

12. Denver Broncos - Mark Sanchez, QB USC

There is no doubt that the Broncos need a new quarterback. Look for the 49ers at #10 to attempt to persuade the Broncos that they are interested in Sanchez to get the Broncos to trade up into their spot. At #12, the 49ers would probably be able to get their guy, and the Broncos would get the second rated QB in the draft.