NFL Mock Draft 09

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>20</label> DETROIT LIONS (f/DAL): MICHAEL OHER, OT, OLE MISS

Scouting Report

Last year the Falcons landed two franchise cornerstones on Draft Day by selecting quarterback Matt Ryan early and then tabbing Sam Baker to play left tackle later in round one and the Lions might follow that same blueprint. Michael Oher could very well be gone by this point but he isn’t the elite prospect that some have made him out to be and there are plenty of scouts who have serious reservations about him. It wouldn’t be a total shock if Oher was selected in the Top 10 overall but he could just as easily slide to the latter part of the first round as well. The addition of Oher would give the Lions a young blindside protector and allow them to move Jeff Backus inside to guard, killing two birds with one stone and shoring up their offensive line. If for some reason Detroit didn’t take Matthew Stafford with the #1 overall pick they could try to land Josh Freeman here but there is no guarantee he will still be available. The Lions could also target a defensive end or a linebacker with this pick but one way or another they'll come out of the first round with two starters.

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>21</label> PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: BRANDON PETTIGREW, TE, OKLAHOMA ST.

Scouting Report

With two first round picks the Eagles can probably afford to play around a bit with one of them but in this case they look to address a need. Philly wasn’t interested in bringing back free agent L.J. Smith, who they franchised last offseason, but now they have a hole to fill at tight end. They are said to be high on Brent Celek but he is far from an established front-line guy and they could probably do better at the position. Brandon Pettigrew is the consensus top tight end in this draft and while he isn’t a dynamic receiving threat like Kellen Winslow or Vernon Davis he is a very good all-around player who excels as both a pass catcher and blocker. There are some who feel Pettigrew could go earlier than this but his lack of speed may keep him out of the Top 20. Philadelphia also needs to find a long-term solution at left tackle and they could conceivably try to package their two #1 picks to move into the Top 10 for Andre Smith. They could also be in the market for a running back or wide receiver here.

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>22</label> MINNESOTA VIKINGS: EBEN BRITTON, OT, ARIZONA

Scouting Report

The Vikings were gearing up to make a run at Jordan Gross and Vernon Carey in free agency before they re-signed with their respective teams, which is a clear indication of just how serious they are about upgrading the right tackle position. In some ways Eben Britton is a bit overhyped but even though he isn’t the stud left tackle prospect that some have made him out to be he could excel on the right side at the next level. Most seem to feel that Britton is the clear-cut #5 offensive tackle in this draft and he will almost assuredly come off the board somewhere in that 20-32 range. Keep an eye on Max Unger here too because not only would he be a potential replacement for Matt Birk at center but he also has the ability to play right tackle and guard. After the way they aggressively pursued T.J. Houshmandzadeh in free agency it’s obvious that Minnesota wouldn’t mind bringing in another top wide receiver so that could be a possibility as well. The Vikes might also be in the market for some help at cornerback and at the very least they could use some more quality depth behind starters Antoine Winfield, who is now well into his thirties, and Cedric Griffin.

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>23</label> NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: CLINT SINTIM, LB, VIRGINIA

Scouting Report

There are other linebackers who get more attention and publicity but Clint Sintim is a legit first round talent and there are other factors that could lead to him being selected higher than most think. What factors you ask? Sintim was coached by Al Groh at Virginia, who has extensive ties to the Bill Parcells / Bill Belichick coaching tree, and he has been singing his former players praises to anybody who will listen. When a close friend vouches for a player like that people tend to listen. Sintim is an intriguing prospect on a number of levels and the fact that he played in a 3-4 defense in college is certainly a feather in his cap. A versatile player who could project outside or inside at the next level, Sintim plays both the run and the pass effectively and is also a great pass rusher. With Mike Vrabel now gone, Adalius Thomas set to turn 32-years-old and Tedy Bruschi at the end of his career Sintim would represent a welcomed infusion of youth in New England’s linebacking corps. Guys like Clay Matthews, Larry English and James Laurinaitis could all be possibilities as well and don’t rule out a cornerback either. Also keep in mind that the Patriots have four selections in the Top 58 picks so they are in terrific position to trade up for someone if they want to.

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>24</label> ATLANTA FALCONS: LARRY ENGLISH, DE-OLB, NORTHERN ILLINOIS

Scouting Report

Nobody expected the Falcons to win 11 games and make the playoffs in 2008 but they are just the latest example of how one good offseason can completely turn around the fortunes of a franchise. With that said Atlanta still has plenty of holes they need to address and thus could go in a number of different directions with this pick. While a tight end like Brandon Pettigrew could be a possibility it seems as though the Falcons will look defense in round one, with the focus being on the front seven. John Abraham is coming off the best season of his career but former #8 overall pick Jamaal Anderson has been a bust and they need to bring in another pass rusher. Larry English is a bit of a ‘tweener and even though he played defensive end in college many feel his best fit at the next level will come as an outside linebacker in a 3-4 scheme. Regardless of where he lines up English just knows how to get after the quarterback and he could help the Falcons up front or maybe even at linebacker, where they just lost both of their starters. Robert Ayers, Brian Cushing, Clay Matthews, and Clint Sintim are all possibilities at defensive end and outside linebacker as well. Atlanta could also use a defensive tackle so Peria Jerry and perhaps even Ron Brace could be in the mix for them in round one. It might be a slight reach but keep an eye on Louis Delmas as a potential replacement for Lawyer Milloy at strong safety too.

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>25</label> MIAMI DOLPHINS: CLAY MATTHEWS, OLB, USC

Scouting Report

When it comes right down to it wide receiver is probably the Dolphins #1 need but you know Bill Parcells isn’t taking one in the first round. With that being the case The Tuna sets his sights on the defense, where Miami has holes to fill at both outside linebacker and cornerback. When doing mock drafts it’s important to look at a decision makers history and it’s no secret that Parcells loves linebackers and has used first round picks on them everywhere he has been. Joey Porter just had the best season of his career but he isn’t getting any younger and they could certainly do better than Matt Roth on the other side. There will likely be a number of good 3-4 linebacker prospects for the Dolphins to choose from here but Clay Matthews appears to be a perfect fit. A self-made player who went from a walk-on / special teamer at Southern Cal to a probable first round pick, Matthews is exactly the type of intense, hard working, gritty football player that Parcells covets. The Dolphins also need a corner since Andre Goodman bolted as a free agent and Will Allen is due to hit the open market next offseason but there should be value in round two.

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>26</label> BALTIMORE RAVENS: VONTAE DAVIS, CB, ILLINOIS

Scouting Report

When a talented player unexpectedly falls into the Ravens lap on Draft Day Ozzie Newsome almost always takes advantage and this may be yet another classic example. Vontae Davis is an impressive physical specimen with an ideal blend of size and speed, just like his brother Vernon. In fact, based on pure talent Davis might be one of the Top 10 players in this entire draft but concerns about his character and intangibles will likely cause him to drop a bit. Davis may not fall quite this far but it’s certainly not out of the realm of possibility and if he did the Ravens would probably pounce. Domonique Foxworth was signed as a free agent to replace Chris McAlister but Baltimore still needs to bolster their depth at cornerback, especially since Fabian Washington is set to hit the open market a year from now. Alphonso Smith, Darius Butler and D.J. Moore could also be possibilities if Davis is off the board. Other areas the Ravens could look to address in round one are wide receiver, linebacker, offensive tackle, tight end and the defensive line but by and large Newsome stays true to his draft board and they'll likely opt for the "best player available".

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>27</label> INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: PERIA JERRY, DT, OLE MISS

Scouting Report

Defensive tackle just might occupy the top two spots on Indy’s list of needs. It’s not like the Colts had any studs in the middle of their d-line to begin with but when Quinn Pitcock unexpectedly retired last summer their depth took a hit and when starter Ed Johnson ran into trouble off-the-field and was released the situation became critical. Not only did Indianapolis rank 24th in the league against the run in 2008 but they only got two sacks from all of their defensive tackles combined, both by Darrell Reid who is now a Denver Bronco. There is a chance Peria Jerry will be gone by this point but if he is available this would be a match made in NFL Draft Heaven. Athletic and quick with great strength and a terrific motor, Jerry needs to stay healthy but he has the ability to be an outstanding one-gapper in the NFL. The Colts also need a wide receiver to replace Marvin Harrison so Percy Harvin or Darrius Heyward-Bey would be options if they fell this far. Outside linebacker might be a possibility if free agent Freddy Keiaho isn't brought back but other than that Indy is in pretty good shape and they will basically be looking to supplement their roster and add depth.

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>28</label> PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: CHRIS "BEANIE" WELLS, RB, OHIO ST.

Scouting Report

Some may view this as a luxury pick but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Brian Westbrook will turn 30-years-old next season and his health seems to be a constant issue, with some going so far as to nickname him “Mr. Questionable” since his availability is often a gametime decision. At the absolute least Philly needs to bring in a dependable backup to replace Correll Buckhalter, who left as a free agent, and it may be time to start thinking about Westbrook’s long-term replacement. Chris “Beanie” Wells isn’t in the same class as Adrian Peterson or Darren McFadden as a prospect but he should still come off the board much earlier than this. However, there is a good chance the top running backs will slip on Draft Day simply because there aren’t many teams with a glaring need at the position. The 6-1, 235 pound Wells would give Philadelphia a potent “Thunder & Lightning” attack while also serving as an insurance policy for Westbrook and solving their short-yardage / goaline issues once and for all. Knowshon Moreno, Donald Brown and LeSean McCoy could all be possibilities here as well. The Iggles might also look at a wide receiver such as Hakeem Nicks or Kenny Britt, a left tackle like William Beatty or maybe even a safety since they just lost both Brian Dawkins and Sean Considine.

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>29</label> NEW YORK GIANTS: HAKEEM NICKS, WR, NORTH CAROLINA

Scouting Report

Following a very successful foray into free agency the Giants depth chart is looking awfully impressive, with one notable exception. Even if the Giants are willing to take Plaxico Burress back they may not have that option because he is facing significant jail time after shooting himself in the leg and being charged with illegal gun possession. At the very least Burress is facing a lengthy suspension from the NFL and it was clear down the stretch last year that their offense just isn’t the same without him. Hakeem Nicks is a guy who is generating a lot of momentum around the league as the draft approaches and his combination of size, aggressiveness, hands and ball skills would make him a perfect fit for the G-Men. Local product Kenny Britt would be an intriguing option here as well. Other than that New York appears to be in excellent shape and will basically be looking to bolster their depth, although it probably wouldn’t hurt to bring in a young offensive tackle at some point. There are no sure-things but at this point it is hard to imagine the Giants going anywhere other than wideout in round one because that need just sticks out like a sore thumb.

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>30</label> TENNESSEE TITANS: D.J. MOORE, CB, VANDERBILT

Scouting Report

The Titans still probably need a true #1 wide receiver but since they signed Nate Washington as a free agent it doesn’t look as though they’ll go that route in round one. You have to question the wisdom of signing a competitors #3 wideout and expecting him to be your go-to-guy… Tennessee also has some issues at cornerback, where Nick Harper will be 35-years-old next season and the depth is pretty shaky. Local product D.J. Moore doesn’t have the ideal size you look for but he plays bigger and is an outstanding athlete with great speed. A playmaker in the secondary who even saw some action at wide receiver for the Commodores, Moore is also a terrific return man and could help replace Chris Carr in that capacity. Losing Albert Haynesworth was a huge blow for the Titans defense and they could look to replace him with a guy like Ron Brace, whose massive 334 pound frame would serve as a stark contrast to guys like Tony Brown, Jason Jones and Jovan Haye, who all check in at well under 300 pounds. Keep an eye on defensive end as well because Jevon Kearse isn’t the player he once was and Kyle Vanden Bosch missed six games with an injury last year. Don’t rule out a wild card here either because the Titans essentially surprised everyone when they selected Michael Griffin and Chris Johnson the past two years.

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>31</label> ARIZONA CARDINALS: KNOWSHON MORENO, RB, GEORGIA

Scouting Report

The Cardinals might be the only team in the league that counts running back as one of their top Draft Day priorities but that could work out well for them as there should be some excellent options on the board here. There is certainly a chance that Knowshon Moreno will be long gone by this point but running backs do tend to slide a bit and unless a team goes against the grain and takes one even though it’s not a glaring need, a la Pittsburgh with Rashard Mendenhall last year, he could still be available late in round one. There are some who feel Moreno is one of the ten best players in this entire draft and in some ways he is similar to Cadillac Williams in that he doesn’t have elite size or speed but makes up for it with outstanding instincts and vision. If Wells and Moreno are both gone Arizona could turn their attention to Donald Brown or LeSean McCoy. The Cardinals could also use an upgrade at center and after the way James Harrison abused Mike Gandy in the Super Bowl they have to at least consider bringing in a new left tackle as well. Keep an eye on outside linebacker here too because even though the Cards have some solid options like Travis LaBoy and Chike Okeafor they really don’t have that impact pass rusher at the position.

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>32</label> PITTSBURGH STEELERS: ALPHONSO SMITH, CB, WAKE FOREST

Scouting Report

It seems like everyone has had an offensive lineman penciled in here for months but since the Steelers were able to retain Max Starks and Chris Kemoeatu that is no longer such a pressing need. On the other they lost Bryant McFadden as a free agent and cornerback is now a concern in the Steel City. If Alphonso Smith were a couple inches taller he would probably be gone by this point but he makes up for his lack of ideal height with outstanding instincts and is a true playmaker in the secondary. At the very least Smith would be an outstanding nickel corner for Pittsburgh as a rookie and he could eventually replace the soon to be 34-year-old Deshea Townsend in the starting lineup opposite Ike Taylor. An offensive lineman like Max Unger, who can play center, guard and tackle, would still make some sense for the Steelers and with all three of their starters as well as the top two backups all over 30-years-old it’s probably time to bring in an infusion of youth along the defensive line. It may be a bit of a stretch but don’t rule out a wide receiver either, especially if they don’t feel like last year's second round pick Limas Sweed is up to the task of replacing Nate Washington.

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

Round 2

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>33</label> DETROIT LIONS: JAMES LAURINAITIS, ILB, OHIO ST. Scouting Report

A great value pick and this is right around where they landed Chris Spielman in 1988.
 

<label>34</label> NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (f/KC): LOUIS DELMAS, S, WESTERN MICHIGAN Scouting Report

Team leader with top intangibles who is a force against the run as well as in coverage.

<label>35</label> ST. LOUIS RAMS: KENNY BRITT, WR, RUTGERS Scouting Report

Big, tough, physical wideout to team with Donnie Avery and help replace Torry Holt.

<label>36</label> CLEVELAND BROWNS: DONALD BROWN, RB, CONNECTICUT Scouting Report

Jamal Lewis will be 30-years-old next year and he has a ton of mileage on those tires.
 

<label>37</label> SEATTLE SEAHAWKS: ROBERT AYERS, DL, TENNESSEE Scouting Report

Patrick Kerney isn't getting any younger and this guy could even play some d - tackle.

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>38</label> CINCINNATI BENGALS: ALEX MACK, C, CALIFORNIA Scouting Report

The best pure center in this draft would really be a huge step up from Eric Ghiaciuc.


<label>39</label> JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: RON BRACE, DT, BOSTON COLLEGE Scouting Report

They finally bring in somebody to replace Marcus Stroud alongside John Henderson.
 

<label>40</label> OAKLAND RAIDERS: MICHAEL JOHNSON, DE, GEORGIA TECH Scouting Report

A underachieving physical freak with great athleticism. That's right up Al Davis' ally.
 

<label>41</label> GREEN BAY PACKERS: WILLIAM BEATTY, OT, CONNECTICUT Scouting Report

An extremely athletic left tackle who will be a great fit in their zone blocking scheme.
 

<label>42</label> BUFFALO BILLS: SHAWN NELSON, TE, SOUTHERN MISS Scouting Report

A terrific athlete who would be the weapon in the passing game Robert Royal wasn't.

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>43</label> SAN FRANCISCO 49'ERS: PHIL LOADHOLT, OT, OKLAHOMA Scouting Report

No team gave up more sacks than the Niners did last season. 55!!! Need I say more?

<label>44</label> MIAMI DOLPHINS (f/WAS): DARIUS BUTLER, CB, CONNECTICUT Scouting Report

Andre Goodman is already gone and Will Allen's contract is up after the 2009 season.

<label>45</label> NEW YORK GIANTS (f/NO): MAX UNGER, OL, OREGON Scouting Report

Extremely versatile blocker who will add valuable depth at center, guard and tackle.
 

<label>46</label> HOUSTON TEXANS: WILLIAM MOORE, S, MISSOURI Scouting Report

Stock has fallen but might be the stud safety that this franchise has been looking for.

<label>47</label> NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (f/SD): BRIAN ROBISKIE, WR, OHIO ST. Scouting Report

Classic possession type who is a terrific all-around player and will bolster their depth.

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>48</label> DENVER BRONCOS: EVANDER "ZIGGY" HOOD, DE, MISSOURI Scouting Report

Pretty versatile defensive lineman with a non-stop motor and top-notch intangibles.

<label>49</label> CHICAGO BEARS: DUKE ROBINSON, OL, OKLAHOMA Scouting Report

A massive widebody who could help out at either guard or perhaps even right tackle.
 

<label>50</label> CLEVELAND BROWNS (f/TB): JARED COOK, TE, SOUTH CAROLINA Scouting Report

Another Workout Warrior tight end for Mangini, who drafted Dustin Keller last year.
 

<label>51</label> DALLAS COWBOYS: RASHAD JOHNSON, S, ALABAMA Scouting Report

A playmaking free safety with excellent intangibles and the coverage skills they need.
 

<label>52</label> PHILADELPHIA EAGLES: JAMON MEREDITH, OT, SOUTH CAROLINA Scouting Report

Versatile, athletic blocker who'll compete with Winston Justice for the left tackle job.

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>53</label> NEW YORK JETS: LESEAN MCCOY, RB, PITTSBURGH Scouting Report

Thomas Jones recently turned 30 and Leon Washington is coming up on free agency.
 

<label>54</label> MINNESOTA VIKINGS: SEAN SMITH, CB, UTAH Scouting Report

The depth behind their starters Antoine Winfield and Cedric Griffin is awfully sketchy.

<label>55</label> ATLANTA FALCONS: PATRICK CHUNG, S, OREGON Scouting Report

A physical in-the-box type and team leader to replace Lawyer Milloy at strong safety.
 

<label>56</label> MIAMI DOLPHINS: PAT WHITE, QB-WR, WEST VIRGINIA Scouting Report

Will take the "Wildcat" to a new level and also contribute as a wideout / return man.
 

<label>57</label> BALTIMORE RAVENS: CORNELIUS INGRAM, TE, FLORIDA Scouting Report

Todd Heap sure isn't getting any younger and he has never been the picture of health.

Johniblayze · Apr 12, 2009

<label>58</label> NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: JAIRUS BYRD, CB, OREGON Scouting Report

Gil Byrd's son has pretty good size (6-0, 205) and is a real balhawk in the secondary.

<label>59</label> CAROLINA PANTHERS: SEN'DERRICK MARKS, DT, AUBURN Scouting Report

They desperately need some more depth behind Ma'ake Kemoeatu & Damione Lewis.
 

<label>60</label> NEW YORK GIANTS: CHASE COFFMAN, TE, MISSOURI Scouting Report

Kevin Boss did a terrific job of replacing Jeremy Shockey but if he were to get hurt ...
 

<label>61</label> INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: DERRICK WILLIAMS, WR, PENN ST. Scouting Report

Would give the Colts a speedy vertical threat and can also contribute as a return man.
 

<label>62</label> TENNESSEE TITANS: PAUL KRUGER, DE, UTAH Scouting Report

Excellent pass rusher who racked up 16.5 TFL and 7.5 Sacks last season for the Utes.
 

<label>63</label> ARIZONA CARDINALS: ERIC WOOD, C, LOUISVILLE Scouting Report

Al Johnson was a huge free agent bust and Lyle Sendlein isn't the long-term answer.
 

<label>64</label> PITTSBURGH STEELERS: JARRON GILBERT, DE, SAN JOSE ST. Scouting Report

Aaron Smith, Brett Keisel and Travis Kirschke will all be over 30-years-old in 2009.