Mock drafts 2009

[loangod]

Lets get it going!

Draft Countdown - 2009 NFL Mock Draft

[loangod]

And another.....as for the Vikes, not sure where they will go. RT is most definitely a need, but WR is also. Should be interesting. Also, C is a concern with Birk gone.....Is Sullivan the answer or do they draft in the later rounds. I think they will.

2009 NFL Mock Draft

[rich_one]

anyone got Kiper's latest?

[Stealersrule]

The four round Mel Mock below:

. Detroit Lions (Record: 0-16)
Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia: Stafford is worthy of being the No. 1 overall pick, thanks to his overall skill set.

2. St. Louis Rams (2-14)
Jason Smith, OT, Baylor: The OT spot is strong at the top with Smith, a former tight end who is supremely athletic and exactly what you want in a left tackle: someone you can count on to protect the blind side of your quarterback.

3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14)
Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest: He's a complete OLB with great character and work ethic, which is why it was no surprise when he nailed his combine workout.

4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12)
Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia: Monroe is just a shade below Jason Smith in my opinion, but is a legit top-five pick.

5. Cleveland Browns (4-12)
Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: The stress fracture in his left foot shouldn't affect his draft status. He's a big-time player who should have a Larry Fitzgerald-type career in the NFL.

6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1)
Andre Smith, OT, Alabama: Smith has to manage his weight in order to remain on the left side. If he doesn't, he's a mauler at right tackle who could really assist the running game and do the job at that spot in pass protection. Hopefully, he'll maximize his skills in the NFL by paying more attention to detail. If he doesn't, you're looking at a major bust.

7. Oakland Raiders (5-11)
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri: Maclin will have to adjust to an NFL offense, but I really like his big-play capability and the fact that he's much more explosive with the pads on than his 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the combine would lead you to believe.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)
Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas: I view Orakpo as a 4-3 end with the ability to also play on his feet in a 3-4 as an attacking outside linebacker. He is super-athletic and incredibly strong, but there is concern about his durability.

9. Green Bay Packers (6-10)
B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College: Raji is the top defensive tackle in this draft.

10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9)
Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State: Maybin is another combo-type who is explosive out of the blocks and relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback.

11. Buffalo Bills (7-9)
Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee: Ayers enjoyed a solid season in the SEC and then was one of the standouts during Senior Bowl week. He ran the 40 in 4.80 at the combine, though, which could give some teams pause.

12. Denver Broncos (8-8)
Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU: Jackson would be ideal in a 3-4, thanks to his ability to shift inside in passing situations.

13. Washington Redskins (8-8)
Mark Sanchez, QB, USC: Sanchez definitely is one of the top five to eight players available in this draft, and getting him here would be a bit of a steal, because had he returned to USC for his senior season, he likely would have been the No. 1 overall pick.

14. New Orleans Saints (8-8)
Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State: Wells is a nice fit for the Saints after they let running back Deuce McAllister go in the offseason. He could be a perfect complement to Reggie Bush.

15. Houston Texans (8-8)
Brian Cushing, OLB, USC: Cushing's ability to fit both inside and outside is the reason I've always viewed him as a surefire first-rounder.

16. San Diego Chargers (8-8)
Rey Maualuga, LB, USC: Maualuga is capable of becoming a quality "Mike" linebacker in the NFL, but needs to use his hands better to ward off blocks and must be more consistent from week to week.

17. New York Jets (9-7)
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland: Heyward-Bey's awesome size-speed ratio should win out here and give the Jets the kind of receiver they need to open up the passing game.

18. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) (8-8)
Everette Brown, DE, Florida State: Brown could make an immediate impact in the Broncos' defense because of his strong skill set.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)
Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State: Freeman is an interesting prospect because he throws a great ball and has imposing size at nearly 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds. However, his inconsistent play puts him in the boom-or-bust category.

20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas) (0-16)
Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi: Oher is one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft. He's loaded with talent and can dominate the defense he's working against, but he also seems to have lapses in concentration when he struggles to keep his opponents at bay.

21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1)
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia: There isn't anything remotely close to the talent and depth at running back available in the draft last year, but Moreno is a good fit for the Eagles at this spot.

22. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers: Britt has a ton of talent and is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential.

23. New England Patriots (11-5)
Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut: Brown could end up being one of the more productive rookie backs in 2009 because of his all-around skills and tremendous character.

24. Atlanta Falcons (11-5)
Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State: Pettigrew remains the No. 1 tight end on the board and would be a help to young Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.

25. Miami Dolphins (11-5)
Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State: Jenkins has all the qualities you look for, with the exception of top-flight recovery speed, which is an obvious concern. Even so, he's too good an overall performer to pass up in the middle of the first round.

26. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois: Davis is an impressive physical specimen, but he lacked consistency with the Illini, not always performing at the elite level you would expect from a player with his natural talent and ability. He'll be a gamble.

27. Indianapolis Colts (12-4)
Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi: Jerry is a very underrated prospect, and would be a good fit in the Indianapolis scheme.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (from 12-4 CAR) (9-6-1)
Eben Britton, OT, Arizona: Britton could be a good fit for the Eagles' offensive line, although I would have liked to see him return for his senior year.

29. New York Giants (12-4)
Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina: Nicks won't wow you in a workout, but on game day he makes the tough catches and is the type of player who wants the ball thrown his way in clutch situations.

30. Tennessee Titans (13-3)
Percy Harvin, WR, Florida: Harvin reminds me of the Reggie Bush we now see with the Saints. You can utilize Harvin in a number of ways, and, like Bush, he's a scoreboard-changer. However, he also carries the same durability concerns as Bush.

31. Arizona Cardinals (9-7)
Larry English, LB, Northern Illinois: English set the all-time sack record at Northern Illinois, and could be an impact player in Arizona.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)
Eric Wood, C, Louisville: Wood has been a player on the rise of late, and with his size and skills he could find himself a Steeler for a very long time.
Second round
33. Detroit Lions: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio St.
34. New England Patriots (from KC) : Connor Barwin, DE/LB, Cincinnati
35. St. Louis Rams: Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut
36. Cleveland Browns: Clay Matthews, LB, USC
37. Seattle Seahawks: William Moore, S, Missouri
38. Cincinnati Bengals: Alex Mack, C, California
39. Jacksonville Jaguars: Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio St.
40. Oakland Raiders: Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma
41. Green Bay Packers: William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
42. Buffalo Bills: Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina
43. San Francisco 49ers: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
44. Miami Dolphins (from Washington): Jarron Gilbert, DL, San Jose St.
45. New York Giants (from New Orleans): Shawn Nelson, TE, So. Mississippi
46. Houston Texans: Ziggy Hood, DT, Missouri
47. New England Patriots (from San Diego): Sean Smith, CB, Utah
48. Denver Broncos: Ron Brace, DT, Boston College
49. Chicago Bears: Mohamed Massaquoi, WR, Georgia
50. Cleveland Browns (from Tampa Bay): LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh
51. Dallas Cowboys: Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan
52. New York Jets: Andre Brown, RB, North Carolina St.
53. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
54. Minnesota Vikings: Max Unger, C, Oregon
55. Atlanta Falcons: Sherrod Martin, DB, Troy
56. Miami Dolphins: Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia
57. Baltimore Ravens: Juaquin Iglesias, WR, Oklahoma
58. New England Patriots: Pat White, WR, West Virginia
59. Carolina Panthers: Roy Miller, DT, Texas
60. New York Giants: Kaluka Maiava, LB, USC
61. Indianapolis Colts: Derrick Williams, WR, Penn St.
62. Tennessee Titans: D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt
63. Arizona Cardinals: Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa
64. Pittsburgh Steelers: Jairus Byrd, CB, Oregon
Third round
65. Detroit: Patrick Chung, S, Oregon
66. St. Louis : Lawrence Sidbury, DE, Richmond
67. Kansas City: Andy Levitre, OL, Oregon St.
68. Seattle : Donald Washington, CB, Ohio St.
69. Dallas (from Cleveland): Ramses Barden, WR, Cal Poly
70. Cincinnati: Paul Kruger, DE, Utah
71. Oakland: Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama
72. Jacksonville: Bradley Fletcher, CB, Iowa
73. Green Bay: Cody Brown, LB, Connecticut
74. San Francisco: Darcel McBath, S, Texas Tech
75. Buffalo: T.J. Lang, OL, Eastern Michigan
76. New York Jets (from New Orleans): Richard Quinn, TE, North Carolina
77. Houston Texans: Keenan Lewis, CB, Oregon St.
78. San Diego: Jamon Meredith, OL, South Carolina
79. Denver: Asher Allen, CB, Georgia
80. Washington: Kyle Moore, DE, USC
81. Tampa Bay: Alex Magee , DT, Purdue
82. Detroit (from Dallas): Fili Moala, DT, USC
83. Green Bay (from New York Jets): Tony Fiammetta, FB, Syracuse
84. Denver (from Chicago): Louis Murphy, WR, Florida
85. Philadelphia: Deon Butler, WR, Penn St.
86. Minnesota: Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma
87. Miami: Cedric Peerman, RB, Virginia
88. Baltimore : Anthony Hill, TE, North Carolina St.
89. New England: Cornelius Ingram, TE, Florida
90. Atlanta: Antoine Caldwell, C, Alabama
91. New York Giants: Tyronne Green, OG, Auburn
92. Indianapolis : Jason Phillips, LB, TCU
93. Carolina: Kraig Urbik, OG, Wisconsin
94. Tennessee: Marcus Freeman, LB, Ohio St.
95. Arizona: Chase Coffman, TE, Missouri
96. Pittsburgh: Quinten Lawrence, WR, McNeese St.
97. New England (comp selection): Scott McKillop, LB, Pittsburgh
98. Cincinnati (comp selection): Rashad Jennings, RB, Liberty
99. Chicago (comp selection): Chris Clemons, S, Clemson
100. New York Giants (comp selection): Glen Coffee, RB, Alabama
Fourth round
101. Dallas (from Detroit): Ladarius Webb, DB, Nicholls St.
102. Kansas City : Dannell Ellerbe, LB, Georgia
103. St. Louis: Johnny Knox, WR, Abilene Christian
104. Cleveland : Coye Francies, CB, San Jose St.
105. Seattle: James Davis, RB, Clemson
106. Cincinnati: Quinn Johnson, FB, LSU
107. Jacksonville: Rhett Bomar, QB, Sam Houston St.
108. Miami (from Oakland): Brandon Tate, WR, North Carolina
109. Green Bay: Zack Follett, LB, California
110. Buffalo: Michael Hamlin, S, Clemson
111. San Francisco: Mike Goodson, RB, Texas A&M
112. Houston: David Veikune, DE, Hawaii
113. San Diego: Emanuel Cook, S, South Carolina
114. Denver: Chip Vaughn, S, Wake Forest
115. New York Jets (from Washington): Mitch King, DL, Iowa
116. New Orleans: Tyrone McKenzie, LB, South Florida
117. Dallas: Herman Johnson, OG, LSU
118. New Orleans (from N.Y. Jets): A.Q. Shipley, C, Penn St.
119. Chicago: Christopher Owens, CB, San Jose St.
120. Tampa Bay: Austin Collie, WR, BYU
121. Philadelphia: James Casey, TE, Rice
122. Houston (from Minnesota): Mike Thomas, WR, Arizona
123. Baltimore: Darry Beckwith, LB, LSU
124. New England: Dan Gay, OT, Baylor
125. Atlanta: Brandon Gibson, WR, Washington St.
126. Oakland (from Miami): Gerald Cadogan, OT, Penn St.
127. Indianapolis: Javon Ringer, RB, Michigan St.
128. Carolina : Mike Wallace, WR, Mississippi
129. New York Giants: Gregory Toler, CB, St. Paul's
130. Tennessee: Louis Vasquez, OG, Texas Tech
131. Arizona: Corvey Irvin, DT, Georgia
132. Pittsburgh: Sen'Derrick Marks, DL, Auburn
133. San Diego (comp selection): Ellis Lankster, CB, West Virginia
134. San Diego (comp selection): Dorell Scott, DT, Clemson
135. Tennessee (comp selection): Terrance Taylor, DT, Michigan
136. Indianapolis (comp selection): Jonathan Casillas, LB, Wisconsin

[GBGuy20]

whoa.~ sum1 has insider ~

thanks for pasting that greg, havent read anything anything past the first round until now.

if the packers waste a first day pick on a fullback i will have lost all hope

[rich_one]

well... technically, 3rd rounder is not a first day pick any longer... but I do get what you mean... that is still high for a FB, unless he has a fairly large role in your offense.

[GBGuy20]

Originally Posted by rich_one

well... technically, 3rd rounder is not a first day pick any longer... but I do get what you mean... that is still high for a FB, unless he has a fairly large role in your offense.

oh thats right they redid the draft. regardless, the only offense i want drafted during this entire draft is oline, the rest needs to be defense.

[Stealersrule]

from insider: Todd McShay 1 round mock dated 16 April 09

1. Detroit Lions (Record: 0-16): Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

Top three needs: QB, LOT, DE
Stafford is the very clear choice for Detroit. Among the three players the Lions have said they are negotiating with, Stafford is at the top, Jason Smith would be the next choice if negotiations with Stafford break down, and Curry is a long shot. The Lions definitely want a deal in place with the top pick before the draft, and they definitely hope it's with Stafford.


2. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

Top three needs: OT, WR, MLB
Smith has the athleticism and tenacity of a premiere starting left tackle, which is priority No. 1 for St. Louis after it parted ways with Orlando Pace during the offseason. If Smith is on the board, it's hard to imagine the Rams going in any other direction.


3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

Top three needs: Rush LB, DT, 3-4 DL
Here's where it starts to get interesting. Curry is without question the best available player, but does he fit what the Chiefs are looking to do defensively as they move to a 3-4 look? I think Curry is just as valuable inside in a 3-4 as he is outside in a 4-3, but the one thing they don't get for certain is an impact pass-rusher off the edge. I think Kansas City goes with the best available player in Curry, but if they go a different direction, it will be OT Eugene Monroe.


4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12): Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

Top three needs: OLB, OT, S
There's talk of Seattle taking QB Mark Sanchez here, and while I'm not ruing it out, current starter Matt Hasselbeck should have two or three more years left in him. Seattle has more pressing questions about LT Walter Jones, who is coming off a serious knee injury. Monroe is the best pure pass-blocker in the draft and would make a lot of sense here.


5. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

Top three needs: OLB, WR, CB
With rumors of the Browns trading Braylon Edwards to the Giants picking up steam, it's looking more and more like they will use this pick on the premier playmaking wideout in this draft. I'm not a huge fan of spending a top-five pick on a wide receiver, but Crabtree certainly appears to be the real deal. If the trade doesn't go through or they decide to go in a different direction, look for the Browns to target an edge rusher like Brian Orakpo.


6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1): Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

Top three needs: OT, C, RB
There's a lot of talk about Smith falling because of the debacle he made of the pre-draft process, but when all is said and done, he's one of top three offensive tackles and there are too many teams in the top 10 searching for his kind of talent for him to fall very far.


7. Oakland Raiders (5-11): Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

Top three needs: OT, WR, DT
It will be interesting if Crabtree and Maclin are both on the board here. Crabtree is the better all-around receiver but Al Davis' love for speed could give Maclin the nod. In this scenario, Maclin becomes the obvious choice. The only long shot would be reaching for Michael Oher to fill a need at offensive tackle.


8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

Top three needs: WR, CB, DT
Here's where I expect the first trade to happen, with a team that has eyes for Sanchez moving up to get ahead of other suitors. The Jaguars are said to be aggressively looking to trade back and get extra picks, and the Jets (No. 17 overall) look like the ideal partners. However, we don't project trades, so Raji becomes the pick. He is the best player on the board at this point and would help the Jags get back to their physical style of play up front.


9. Green Bay Packers (6-10): Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas

Top three needs: 3-4 OLB, 3-4 DL, OT
Raji would be the ideal choice here, but with him off the board in this scenario, Orakpo is the next-best option. Orakpo makes sense because of his ability to provide pressure off the edge, and in this scenario he makes sense because of his ability to pressure from the perimeter. I'm not convinced Orakpo is an ideal fit as a 3-4 OLB because he's a little stiff in drops. But he has experience in that role, and the Packers could tailor the D to make the primary goal be to get after the QB.


10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9): Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

Top three needs: ROT, QB, S
I think there's a better than 50-50 chance that Sanchez is off the board at this point, but if he falls to 10, I think one of two things happens: First, San Francisco can look to trade back to a team interested in moving up and can take advantage of the leverage Sanchez creates at this pick. Second, San Francisco can take Sanchez because he's best available player on the board. The only other possibility is the 49ers take the best available offensive tackle (Oher) or outside pass-rusher (Aaron Maybin).


11. Buffalo Bills (7-9): Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State

Top three needs: Rush DE, C/G, TE
The Bills' biggest need could be getting some help on the interior offensive line, but they are obviously not drafting a center or guard here. That's why I think they'll take advantage of the strong class of perimeter pass-rushers and take Maybin, who I believe is the best hybrid DE/OLB in the '09 class. He needs time to develop bulk and strength, but nobody has a quicker first step getting after the QB.


12. Denver Broncos (8-8): Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

Top three needs: QB, NT, 3-4 DE
The interesting thing with Denver is that on paper, they need a quarterback. But even if Sanchez were to fall to the Broncos here, I don't expect them to pull the trigger. This pick is all about the D-line for the Broncos. If Raji somehow slips, they'll cash in and grab him. If not, Denver will take the best five-technique DE (interior DE in a 3-4) in this year's class.


13. Washington Redskins (8-8): Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee

Top three needs: DE, ROT, strong side LB
There are three angles with the Redskins and this pick. One, if Sanchez falls, they take him. Two, they could mortgage their future and send draft picks to move up to take Sanchez. I'm not convinced they'll do it, but it certainly wouldn't be against Dan Snyder's style. Third, assuming Sanchez is gone, they go either with an offensive tackle or a defensive end. In this case, Ayers is the best value on the board among those two positions, and his combination of power and quickness would give the Redskins versatility at the position opposite Andre Carter.


14. New Orleans Saints (8-8): Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State

Top three needs: OLB, FS, RB
Defense is where New Orleans needs the most upgrades, but there's a lot of buzz about the Saints taking Wells, whose downhill, powerful running style would be an ideal complement to the more versatile and explosive Reggie Bush.


15. Houston Texans (8-8): Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

Top three needs: SS, NT, rush DE
There's a high-percentage chance that Houston could trade back. This could be where a team like Philadelphia moves up for an offensive tackle. However, if the Texans get stuck here, there's no one available to address their top needs -- strong safety and nose tackle -- and Cushing is the best fit because Houston would give DeMeco Ryans a partner in crime against the run at the strongside linebacker.


16. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

Top three needs: ROT, RG, SS
This is a luxury pick for the Chargers, and they certainly can use another playmaking presence in the secondary. Jenkins could serve a versatile role as a subpackage corner and ball-hawking safety next to Eric Weddle. He doesn't fit San Diego's top need of a right tackle, but Jenkins is a far better prospect than any tackle left on the board.



For the complete first-round projection, including what the Broncos do with the first-round pick they received from the Bears and what the Jets might do if they are unable to trade up, become an Insider today.


17. New York Jets (9-7): Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

Top three needs: QB, WR, TE
I would love to see the Jets package picks and move up for Sanchez. It would be the right move for the organization, but if it doesn't happen, the Jets would be smart to pass on QB Josh Freeman and go with a much-needed playmaking presence on the receiving end of the passing game. Heyward-Bey still has some developing to do, but he was the fastest player at the combine and can certainly stretch the field immediately.


18. Denver Broncos (from 9-7 CHI) (8-8): Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

Top three needs: QB, NT, 3-4 DE
The Broncos will look to continue to upgrade their defensive front seven with this pick, and Brown could help fill out the rotation of perimeter pass-rushers. The wild card here could be a running back. If Beanie Wells starts to fall, the Broncos could look to take advantage and snag the Ohio State RB because he's a perfect fit for Denver's zone-blocking scheme.


19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7): Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

Top three needs: QB, DT, OLB
We still can't rule out Freeman here, but with so many other needs, it just doesn't make a whole lot of sense to reach for Freeman after signing Byron Leftwich to be the starter. Here's the interesting part -- Jerry is worth the pick from a pure value standpoint, but Tampa Bay is also trying to get bigger and stronger along the defensive front and Jerry might not be exactly what the Bucs are looking for now. Jerry fits the old system in Tampa Bay a little bit better than the new system, but he's far and away the best DT on the board. Another possibility here, if the Bucs pass on Jerry, could be OLB Clay Matthews.


20. Detroit Lions (from 9-7 DAL) (0-16): Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

Top three needs: QB, LOT, DE
Detroit hopes it took care of its long-standing need for a QB with Stafford with its first pick. Now the Lions need to protect him. Oher has the physical tools, if developed properly, to emerge as a very good starting left tackle. Detroit could then move Jeff Backus to guard and really beef up its offensive line with this pick.


21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1): Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

Top three needs: OT, WR, RB
The Eagles can go three directions with these two picks: Offensive tackle seems to be priority No. 1, followed by running back and tight end. Thing is, Moreno is just such a better value that he could make them skip over OT here. Moreno's versatility makes him a good fit in Philly as the short-term complement to Brian Westbrook and long-term replacement for him.


22. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

Top three needs: QB, ROT, C
The Vikings would have to consider Freeman, but I'm just not sure he provides the upgrade they are looking for as a team that has a chance to win now. Freeman is at least two years away from playing at a good NFL starting QB level. I think the Vikings' philosophy is to take best available player on the board; at this point, the juice is worth the squeeze with Harvin, who could be a dynamic presence on offense and in the return game.


23. New England Patriots (11-5): Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

Top three needs: OLB, strongside ILB, CB
If Jenkins falls, don't be surprised to see the Patriots take advantage of that and select him. His versatility fits perfectly in New England. But if he's not there, Matthews has Patriots written all over him. Matthews' best football is still ahead of him, he has great NFL bloodlines, he can play multiple roles on defense, and he will be a special-teams demon from day one.


24. Atlanta Falcons (11-5): Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

Top three needs: DT/NT, OLB, S
Atlanta really wants to target defense with this draft, but there isn't a player close to Pettigrew's value at this point. Assuming the Falcons don't bring in a veteran between now and the draft, they have to go with the only first-round TE in this year's class if he's available.


25. Miami Dolphins (11-5): Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

Top three needs: CB, WR, NT
It will be interesting to see if Bill Parcells drafts an offensive skill player, which traditionally has not been his style. There is no arguing Miami's need for a wideout opposite Ted Ginn Jr., and Britt is climbing up a lot of draft boards with his combination of size, strong hands and better-than-expected top-end speed.


26. Baltimore Ravens (11-5): Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

Top three needs: WR, CB, ILB
Pettigrew and Britt would be perfect fits in Baltimore, but with them gone in this scenario, Maualuga becomes a great fallback plan. His lack of discipline is concerning, but what better way to start his NFL career than to play alongside Ray Lewis, who could help hone Maualuga's recognition skills and maximize his elite physical tools.


27. Indianapolis Colts (12-4): Evander Hood, DT, Missouri

Top three needs: DT, WR, OLB
The Colts are most likely to use this pick on a defensive tackle or wide receiver. WR Hakeem Nicks is worth the pick, but he might not have the type of speed that Indy looks for in its pass-catchers. If that's the case, Hood may be a bit of a reach for some teams, but his one-gap skills and quick first step make him more valuable for the Colts.


28. Philadelphia Eagles (from 12-4 CAR) (9-6-1): Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

Top three needs: OT, WR, RB
After locking in Moreno at No. 21, the Eagles can use this pick to take the best available offensive tackle. Britton has the size and good feet to fit well in Andy Reed's system.


29. New York Giants (12-4): Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

Top three needs: WR, strongside LB, OT
There's a lot of speculation about Braylon Edwards being traded to the Giants, which would cost New York this pick. But there hasn't been a deal yet, and if the Giants hold on to this pick and don't bring in a veteran, Nicks is a no-brainer. He's big, has exceptional hand-eye coordination and is ready to contribute for Eli Manning right now.


30. Tennessee Titans (13-3): Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

Top three needs: WR, DT, MLB
Tennessee's biggest need is at wide receiver, but that's been the Titans' biggest need for the last half-dozen years and they haven't used a first-round pick on a receiver yet, so why start now? Davis is a top-15 talent who, due to questionable work habits and some inconsistency, could fall this far and become a steal for the Titans.


31. Arizona Cardinals (9-7): Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut

Top three needs: RB, OLB, LOT
Brown lacks exceptional breakaway speed, but he's instinctive, tough and versatile enough to contribute on all three downs in the NFL right now. Arizona doesn't have to take a RB here, but it would be wise to take advantage of Brown being there, especially with an aging Edgerrin James and a still-unproven Tim Hightower as the only two backs on the roster.


32. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Max Unger, C, Oregon

Top three needs: OT, CB, 3-4 DE
Cornerback could be a possibility here, and Alphonso Smith, despite his lack of ideal size and top-end speed, has the playmaking skills and toughness to fit well in Pittsburgh. But this is the time for the Steelers to develop young talent along the offensive line, and Unger's size, strength and versatility are better-suited for what Pittsburgh looks for in an offensive lineman and give him a slight edge over Alex Mack and Eric Wood.

[rich_one]

Originally Posted by GBGuy20

oh thats right they redid the draft. regardless, the only offense i want drafted during this entire draft is oline, the rest needs to be defense.

well, while a 3rd rounder may be rather high, do not underestimate the need for a nice blocking FB or even receiving FB in an offense.

that said... you make a good point, as FBs can often be found after the draft anyway these days...

[rich_one]

thanks for the mock, Greg!