Six months till the '09 Draft/ My first mock.

[Kinsm]

I'm sure the actual draft will look nothing like my proposed first mock, but it's never too early to start one. So here it is (based on current draft order), any feedback is welcome.

1. Detroit Lions - Jenkins, Malcolm, CB Ohio State
Just one of many teams with alot of needs. Last year they drafted a DE, ILB, T, QB, RB all high, so I think they'll go to their next pressing need CB. Maualuga, Oher, Wells, and Bradford wouldn't be out of the question though.

2. Cincinnati Bengals - Moreno, Knowshon, RB Georgia
Have needs all over, but RB is a must in '09. With the weak senior class this is a tossup between Moreno and Wells. I expect both to enter the draft.

3. Kansas City Chiefs - Bradford, Sam, QB Oklahoma
Croyle and Thigpen are not the answer. Bradford being so young will probably do best learning behind an experienced QB, I would expect KC to add one through FA...i.e. Grossman or Losman till Bradford is ready.

4. San Francisco 49ers - Maualuga, Rey, ILB USC
31 yr. old Takeo Spikes has had to start for the 49'ers due to their being no depth at the position. Maualuga could step in immediately. Crabtree and Bradford could be the pick here as well.

5. Oakland Raiders - Crabtree, Michael, WR Texas Tech
Other than Zach Miller (TE) there really isn't anyone on this team for Russell to throw to. Higgins their returner might be their best reciever.

6. Seattle Seahawks - Oher, Michael, OT Ole Miss
There is no question that due to their Wideout injuries they could use one here, but with Crabtree gone already I think Maclin is the next best but this might be a little early for him. Therefor, starting T Walter Jones is 34 yrs. old the Seahawks have to get a replacement soon.

7. St. Louis Rams - Johnson, Michael, DE Georgia Tech
The Rams need to find the future replacements for S Corey Chavous and DE Leonard Little, Michael Johnson will fill at least one of those needs.

8. San Diego Chargers - Laurinaitis, James, ILB Ohio State
The secondary needs improvement but there simply put isn't anyone worthy of taking here. Therefor I'm going with the next best pick.

9. Houston Texans - Maclin, Jeremy, WR Missouri
They could definitely use an OG, but there aren't any worthy of this pick so unless they take a tackle and start him at guard, I don't think they'll use this pick on the o-line. Why not give Matt Schaub another target?

10. Minnesota Vikings - Tebow, Tim, QB Florida
The Vikings definitely need a QB, Mark Sanchez is a possibility but I'm not sold on him just yet, plus I think he'll stay in school. Stafford could go in this slot as well.

11. Cleveland Browns - Wells, Chris, RB Ohio State
Jamal Lewis is getting up there in age, Wells will be a good replacement for an already good offense centered around Edwards, Winslow, and the future Quinn.

12. Miami Dolphins - Moore, William, S Missouri
Their defense is pretty solid as it is, but adding the best safety in the draft will make it one of the best.

13. Indianapolis Colts - Monroe, Eugene, OT Virginia
Ryan Diem is 31 yrs. old, it's hard to tell how much he's got left in the tank. Addai could definitely use more protection in front of him.

14. Jacksonville Jaguars - Stafford, Matt, QB Georgia
David Garrard is a FA, so unless he signs an extension in the next couple of weeks, you have to believe QB is their pick.

15. New Orleans Saints - Cushing, Brian, OLB USC
Tracy Porter will be back next year so that should definitely help out their secondary. Fujita, Shanley, and Simoneau are all starting to show their age, a good OLB would be a safe pick here. Taylor Mays (S) Cushing's teammate might not be a bad pick either.

16. New York Jets - Smith, Andre, OT Alabama
Brett Favre can't play forever, or can he? Mark Sanchez would be a possibility here if he declares early and the Jets are sold on him. Damien Woody is 31, quickly approaching that break down date, adding Smith would give the Jets one of the best O-lines in the league.

17. Green Bay Packers - Moala, Fili, DT USC
Rush defense should be their number one focus. All three of their active roster DT's could be replaced. DT is one of the weakest positions in this draft so the Packers might be reaching a little here but they almost have to.

18. Denver Broncos - Mays, Taylor, S USC
Calvin Lowry has been a major disappointment, safety either through the draft or FA is a must.

19. Baltimore Ravens - Coffman, Chase, TE Missouri
Derrick Mason and Todd Heap are both nearing the end. Another WR for Flacco to throw too would be great but their aren't any worthy of this pick. Coffman, Gresham, Pettigrew, and Beckum are all possibilities. Some really good players on their D are entering FA, but I expect them to be resigned.

20. Atlanta Falcons - Taylor, Terrance, DT Michigan
Again with the lack of depth at the position this might be a bit of a reach, but it definitely fills a need.

21. Chicago Bears - Robinson, Duke, OG Oklahoma
The Bears will likely take best player available. Robert Garza is getting up there in age, another first round pick on an olineman would definitely assist Matt Forte in making a name for himself. Herman Johnson would be a good pick also.

22. Philadelphia Eagles - Boone, Alex, OT Ohio State
Starting LT Tra Thomas is 33, a replacement would be nice. Jason Smith of Baylor would be a good pick as well.

23. Arizona Cardinals - McCoy, LeSean, RB Pittsburgh
J.J. Arrington is a FA, Edge is done, and Tim Hightower averages under 3 ypc. This is a passing team, at least it is as long as Warner is in control, but they still need another RB. Javon Ringer would be a good pick as well.

24. Detroit Lions - Mack, Alex, C California
Roy Williams is gone, McDonald is a FA...can the lions take another WR in the first round? Again they could go with anything here; but if Stanton or whomever takes over as QB they'll need better protection up front - they currently only average 75 ypg on the ground.

25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Ringer, Javon, RB Michigan State
Fairly sound defensive team, they need a QB to replace Garcia (but there aren't any worthy of this pick) they could use a WR as well - Ike Hilliard isn't getting any younger...and Michael Clayton is a FA. If TJ isn't franchise tagged I could see TampaBay beating down his door. But in all honesty I don't think this team is sold on Earnest Graham an undrafted rb about to turn 29 who is still splitting carries with Warrick Dunn, that is why I'm going with Ringer...this is a running team.

26. New England Patriots - Smith, Jason, OT Baylor
Matt Cassell has been sacked 28 times, alot of that is inexperience but some of it is an aging line as well. Heman Johnson would be an okay pick here as well.

27. Buffalo Bills - Loadholt, Phil, OT Oklahoma
Oline is aging, and the Bills are barely accumelating 100 ypg on the ground. A beefed up oline would help. OG Johnson could go here as well.

28. Pittsburgh Steelers - Johnson, Herman, OG LSU
Big Ben has been sacked 23 times already, losing Faneca has definitely hurt. He still needs to be replaced.

29. Philadelphia Eagles - Beckum, Travis, TE Wisconsin
It appears that L.J. Smith is on the down side of his career, McNabb could use another underneath threat here. Pettigrew and Gresham would be okay here as well.

30. Washington Redskins - Orakpo, Brian, DE Texas
The Question is can Jason Taylor play forever? I'm going with no on that question. Tyson Jackson and George Selvie could go here in place of Orakpo.

31. New York Giants - Curry, Aaron, OLB Wake Forest
Brian Kehl has taken over the WLB position, but it wouldn't hurt to get someone to replace Danny Clark. If Coughlin doesn't think Boss is the heir appearant to Shockey they could take Pettigrew or Gresham here.

32. Tennessee Titans - Smith, Alphonso, CB Wake Forest
Is Vince Young ever going to take the field again? It's pretty sad he lost his job to Kerry Collins. They could go after a WR (like Iglesias or Harvin) or they could find a replacement for Nick Harper at CB (Smith, Davis or Butler), he is about 40 now. Or they could go with a DE (Jackson) or OLB (Freeman) to get younger at the position. I'm going to go with a Corner...Harper can't play forever.

Have at it!

[cubuffsman78]

Like you said, early to do a mock. I'm working on one myself for release following Week 10. Everyone will scream it doesn't matter, but it's all about discussion and you have to start somewhere in your rankings and mocks.

I don't feel Jenkins as the first overall pick. I'd say differently if this mock didn't have underclassmen. Once underclassmen are figured into the equation, many would argue Jenkins isn't even the best at his position. Vontae Davis is getting lots of love. For Detroit, I think if Bradford comes out, he's the obvious pick right now.

I like Moreno going No. 2, but I disagree it's between him and Wells. I think Knowshon is easily the better prospect. He's more athletic and is a tough runner. Plus, he doesn't have the injury history Beanie has. That's really going to hurt his draft stock.

Again, I don't mind you having Maualuga to the Niners. I just don't like your reasoning. 31 is not old for MLB. There are several quality starting LBs well over that age. I think San Fran would look Crabtree if he's available. That's assuming Martz is still there. Crabtree would go to a system where he already runs similar routes at Tech. His numbers would be ridiculous.

I'm personally not a huge Michael Johnson fan. Size is great, production is limited. Although, he is having his best season. His sophomore and junior years weren't that impressive. Still, I prefer Brian Orakpo to Johnson.

You have William Moore going just four picks after you say no DB is worth taking at No. 8 by SD. I think Moore is definitely worthy as is Taylor Mays.

Again, 31 is not old for an OL. Lots of great veterans play past that age. 30 is old for a RB and that's really it. I think that's often blown out of proportion as well. I'm not fond of Monroe either, although he has been a part of Virginia's recent turnaround. I definitely think Andre Smith is the better player. He could be a Top 10 pick and might end up projecting higher than Oher.

On the age thing again, Scott Shanle is 28. Fujita is 29. Simoneau is 31. If you want to say the talent of these guys don't cut it and the Saints need an upgrade, then fine. But to call them old? Not so much.

Terrance Taylor is the most overrated defender int he draft process right now. Sen'Darrick Marks is much, much, much better than Taylor. So is Evander Hood and Terrence Cody.

Alex Boone looks more like a third round pick to me.

I like Alex Mack a lot. More than I ever liked Nick Mangold, who is a good center. That said, I dont' think Mack is a mid-first round pick.

I think you have too many OTs in the first round. I like both Smith and Loadholt and I'm really pulling for Smith to be a first round pick. Loadholt is a good pick for Buffalo's scheme tho.

Orakpo will not be available that late. He's a Top 10 pick.

Percy Harvin not in the first round? I think the Titans would trample each other running to the phone trying to make that call. He's too much of a playmaker not to go.

[porky88]

How can the Lions pass on Sam Bradford if they get the top pick? They have the receiver and back in place. If they grab a young QB like Bradford to develop, they'll have a trio of their own in place. If they don't go with a QB, then I think they'll address their offensive line or defensive line. This team really needs to get a franchise QB. They can't be continuing to reach for draft picks like Malcom Jenkins going No. 1 and passing on a QB. Signing another veteran, sets the team back IMO. They need to look forward. Then again it's the Lions.

I think the Packers need at DT isn't as drastic as people think. They've played better two out of the last three weeks. Ryan Pickett isn't a bad player by any stretch. In fact, I thought he was deserving of a Pro Bowl last year. Cole is decent and Jolly is very talented, although he might be released due to legal troubles. Harrell is finally back so we'll see what he finally can do.

Not saying they won't take a DT, but I think pass rush is their biggest concern. Nobody on their defensive line can consistently get to the QB except for Aaron Kampman. That's not good for a team that either gets pressure with their front four or doesn't get pressure at all.

Beckum broke his leg. Not sure if he'll go in round 1. He needed to add weight in the off season anyways and now he has a broken leg. I think he'll be solid as a pro, but he'll probably drop.

[bdc02]

I think Lions have to go QB with the #1 pick, maybe now that they have a new GM they will go that route.

I like Stafford as my top QB at this point. He has a bigger arm than Bradford and more upside IMO.

I doubt Andre Smith falls that far, he is arguably the #1 OT. At least top 10 pick IMO.

I agree with the above statement that Alex Boone isn't a 1st rounder. 2nd to 3rd IMO.

Don't a huge fan of Mack to the Lions. Dominic Raiola is still locked into a contract and is one of the better lineman the Lions have. OT, DE or MLB is a better choice at that spot.

Pretty good IMO for a 1st mock.

[kevmvp]

I dont really have a lot of opinions right now so i'll just comment on the Jets.

They wont go O-Line in the first round unless a freak injury happens. I think they will look QB but I dont know right now if they think Kellen Clemens is the answer. I'm going to guess that they dont think he is though so I see them going QB with that pick.

If the Jets win this division I see Favre coming back another year. New York has grown on him and I know that he really likes the group of players he is playing with on the Jets right now. However you never know with Favre. So either way I see the Jets going QB. It's the smart move with Favre at the end of his career.

[mrdv1]

there's a way the lions don't go qb...

Detroit Lions sign QB Matt Cassell to a 3 year, 22 million dollar deal.

Watch it happen.

[Plugs22]

Lions go QB with the 1st pick, I would almost bet on it, they signed Culpepper to a 2 yr deal, for the rest of this year and to start next yr in front of a rookie QB who will take over the next season, i am thinking thats the plan, unless the new GM hires Josh McDaniels as the new Lions coach and they do sign Matt Cassel.

Other than that no real comments, pretty good for a first mock, I think the Packers def go O or D Line first round (if ted even makes a pick and doesn't trade his first round pick for a 3rd and 2 6th rounders)

[mrdv1]

The lions do have the cowboys pick later in round one, so another possible scenario is them taking Andre Smith, who I believe will emerge as by far the best offensive tackle in the draft (this opinion being based off watching a lot of him on film), and then taking Tebow later in round one. I could see it happening, as I beleive Tebow will rank out to be from picks 18-25, which is where the cowboys will probably pick.

[Saint33]

Originally Posted by mrdv1 there's a way the lions don't go qb... Detroit Lions sign QB Matt Cassell to a 3 year, 22 million dollar deal. Watch it happen.

Why would Cassel choose a horrible Detroit team when Minnesota will be offering a better team and probably more money (knowing the way Wilfe goes after big name FAs).

[kc5950]

Matt Cassel, whether he goes to Detroit or not, will get something comparable to Matt Schaub. Schaub got a 6 year, $48M contract.

Schaub had thrown 161 career NFL passes, all in relief of Mike Vick.

Cassel on the other hand has started for essentially a full season, in a much tougher AFC East, and has thrown over 500 passes.

I imagine Cassel will get something between the 6 year, $48M that Schaub got and the 6 year, $60M contract that Drew Brees got from the Saints.