Todd McShay's Mock

[bradjock]

The college all-star games have come and gone, and NFL prospects and teams are looking toward the upcoming combine. Individual workouts and combine showings certainly will affect the stock of many top prospects over the next few weeks, but enough questions have been answered for Scouts Inc. to present its first two-round mock draft of 2009. Here's how we see things shaking down at this point:

 

 

Note: * denotes junior; ** denotes draft-eligible third-year sophomore

 

 

 

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

Yes, his inconsistency can be frustrating, his footwork needs polishing and he must learn to take some heat off his fastball when throwing underneath. But after studying the game tape of the entire 2009 quarterback class, it's clear to us that Stafford is the top dog. His combination of accuracy, arm strength, surprising mobility and experience in a pro-style offense (in the SEC) is second to none.

 

Here's the catch-22 for the Lions, though: Although they need a franchise quarterback and there isn't enough depth in this year's class to feel good about the chances of finding one 19 picks later, Stafford does not grade out as highly as Matt Ryan did a year ago, and eight of the past 11 underclassman quarterbacks drafted in the first round have either failed to meet expectations or been outright busts. This is the type of franchise-defining decision that could make or break the career of new general manager Martin Mayhew.

 

 

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

The Rams desperately need to upgrade their offensive front, and Jason Smith, Andre Smith and Eugene Monroe will be in the discussion. Don't be surprised if the senior from Baylor wins out on potential. He is a converted tight end and has the best feet of the group.

 

 

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

Tyler Thigpen might not be the long-term answer at quarterback for the Chiefs, but it's hard to imagine new GM Scott Pioli veering from the "Patriot way" he learned during his time in New England. Drafting a defensive lineman such as DE Everette Brown or DT B.J. Raji is a possibility, and beefing up the offensive line isn't out of the question, either. But the Chiefs spent a pair of first-round picks on those spots last year, and Pioli hit a home run with the first-round pick of linebacker Jerod Mayo in New England last season. Plus, Curry has the versatility Pioli looks for, and he fits an area of need.

 

 

4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12): B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

Michael Crabtree appears to be the obvious selection for a Seahawks team in desperate need of a playmaker at wide receiver, but Raji's stock is soaring after his dominant showing at the Senior Bowl, and a top priority for the Seahawks this offseason is to find a difference-maker at defensive tackle.

 

 

5. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Everette Brown*, DE, Florida State

Brown's pass-rushing skills would be a welcome addition to a Cleveland defense that notched only 17 sacks in 2008.

 

 

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

The Bengals need to solidify their offensive line. RT Stacy Andrews took a step backward before his knee injury, and Smith is a good fit to step in immediately as a starter on the right side.

 

 

7. Oakland Raiders (5-11): Michael Crabtree**, WR, Texas Tech

Crabtree has Larry Fitzgerald-type potential. Although his 40-yard dash time might not excite owner Al Davis, even Davis is capable of recognizing the opportunity to select the best athlete in the draft at No. 7.

 

 

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

WR/RS Jeremy Maclin's speed and game-breaking skills would be enticing here. However, the Jags need to find an upgrade over Khalif Barnes at left tackle, and Monroe has the feet and pass-blocking skills to eventually provide that.

 

 

9. Green Bay Packers (6-10): Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State

The Packers' secondary is aging. Jenkins isn't an ideal fit from a man-to-man cover corner perspective, but his versatility and playmaking skills make him the most complete defensive back in the 2009 class.

 

 

10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9): Jeremy Maclin**, WR/RS, Missouri

QB Mark Sanchez will be in the discussion, but can the 49ers afford to spend another high first-round pick on a quarterback who has only 16 collegiate starts under his belt? That's just not good business. Assuming they go in a different direction, Maclin would be high on the list because he's one of only a few individuals in this year's draft capable of providing the home-run-hitting ability the Niners lack on the perimeter.

 

 

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

TE Brandon Pettigrew is an obvious possibility, but the Bills are looking to improve the edges of their defensive front, and Maybin's upside as a pass-rusher is huge. In the Bills' 4-3 defense, Maybin would fit best at SAM linebacker but also could serve as a situational edge rusher, help that DEs Chris Kelsay and Aaron Schobel need.

 

 

12. Denver Broncos (8-8): Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

The Broncos need to beef up their run defense after finishing 30th in the NFL in 2007 and 27th in 2008. Maualuga plays out of control at times, but there isn't a linebacker in the 2009 class with a better size-speed combo, and he loves setting the tone physically.

 

 

13. Washington Redskins (8-8): Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas

The Redskins could use this pick on an offensive lineman if the right one falls this far, but in this scenario Orakpo makes the most sense because he can provide some youth at defensive end or outside linebacker. Most importantly, he has the burst and athleticism to make an immediate impact rushing the passer, which is critical in the NFC East.

 

 

14. New Orleans Saints (8-8): Vontae Davis*, CB, Illinois

The Saints should continue to focus on defense this year. Davis is a bit of a risk, considering he comes with a reputation for inconsistency and questionable work habits. However, there isn't a cornerback in this year's class with better pure man-to-man cover skills. That's a gamble New Orleans might be willing to make at No. 14, especially after watching its defense surrender 53 plays of 20-plus yards last season.

 

 

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

Cushing is a gifted athlete with a reckless approach. He flies around looking to make the big hit, and he also provides a lot of versatility in the passing game. He eventually could develop into an upgrade over Zac Diles at SAM linebacker, and initially he could help boost a pass rush that ranked 27th in the league last season with 25 sacks.

 

 

16. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Chris Wells*, RB, Ohio State

Let's preface this by saying we would take Knowshon Moreno (Georgia) over Wells if presented with the choice. However, we understand that's a minority opinion. Plus, in San Diego's situation, Wells appears to be a better complement to pint-size scatback Darren Sproles. Remember, though, that the team has some tough de

17. New York Jets (9-7): Mark Sanchez*, QB, USC

There's a lot of drama yet to play out in the Jets' organization between now and the draft. But with or without QB Brett Favre, it's obvious the Jets are not particularly high on backup Kellen Clemens as the future of the franchise. So if Sanchez falls all the way to No. 17, they would have to think long and hard before passing on the talented but inexperienced signal-caller.

 

 

 

18. Chicago Bears (9-7): Percy Harvin*, WR, Florida

It will be interesting to see whether the Bears pull the trigger on Sanchez if he slips one more spot. In this scenario, though, they face a tough decision. They obviously need playmakers on offense, and nobody can break a game open more quickly than Harvin. Despite injuries and increased time spent at running back in 2008, Harvin is clearly a much more experienced pass-catcher than current starter Devin Hester was coming out of college. But Harvin's skills are similar to those of Hester otherwise, and with no other receiver worthy of the 18th overall pick, this would be a tough call.

 

 

 

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7): Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

The Bucs need to square away their quarterback situation, but reaching for Kansas State's Josh Freeman here doesn't seem like the right answer. Bucs LDE Kevin Carter is running out of time, so Jackson could provide some much-needed depth as a rookie. Jackson is not an elite edge rusher, but he can provide good size and strength versus the run and could move inside to rush the quarterback on obvious passing downs.

 

 

 

20. Detroit Lions (from 9-7 DAL) (0-16): D.J. Moore*, CB, Vanderbilt

Moore lacks ideal size, but he's a flat-out playmaker with great athleticism and instincts. He's also a high-character player with intelligence and a strong work ethic, which would be helpful to new coach Jim Schwartz during what could be a long rebuilding process.

 

 

 

21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1): Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

Offensive tackle is the biggest priority for the Eagles, but there's much more depth at that position than there is at tight end this year. Pettigrew is a complete prospect with excellent blocking skills, good athleticism and soft hands. He's the only tight end in the 2009 class worthy of a first-round pick, so it would be tough for Philly to pass on him if he falls this far.

 

 

 

22. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

The Vikings are in the market for an upgrade at right tackle, and Oher is a good candidate this late in the first round. He needs some polishing but clearly possesses the size and feet to develop into a solid starter in the NFL.

 

 

 

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

Matthews' draft stock continues to soar. He's an instinctive playmaker who always seems to be in on the action. Most importantly for the Patriots, he is versatile enough to play multiple roles on defense, and he is a special-teams demon, as well.

 

 

 

24. Atlanta Falcons (11-5): Larry English, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois

The team is preparing for some turnover at linebacker, and it also needs to ramp up its pass rush. English, an undersized college end who projects as a SAM or rush linebacker in the NFL, could help on both fronts. The Falcons will need to look for better values in later rounds at their other positions of need, such as nose tackle and safety.

 

 

 

25. Miami Dolphins (11-5): James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State

Inside linebacker is one of a few spots -- including wide receiver and offensive line -- that Miami is likely to target early in the draft. Laurinaitis has some physical limitations that will keep him out of the top half of the first round, but he fits well with the Dolphins because he's a high-motor player with good instincts, quickness and toughness.

 

 

 

26. Baltimore Ravens (11-5): Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

The Ravens' lack of depth at cornerback became evident in their playoff loss to Pittsburgh. Smith lacks ideal top-end speed and size, but he's an instinctive cover corner with elite playmaking skills. He is ready to contribute as a sub package defender right now.

 

 

 

27. Indianapolis Colts (12-4): Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

Jerry's disruptive tendencies are a perfect match for the Colts' version of the Tampa 2 defense.

 

 

 

28. Philadelphia Eagles (from 12-4 CAR) (9-6-1): Knowshon Moreno**, RB, Georgia

The Eagles would prefer an offensive tackle of value here, but adding the best all-around running back prospect in the 2009 class wouldn't be such a bad option, especially this late in the first round. Moreno could help take some of the burden off Brian Westbrook's shoulders early in his career before eventually maturing into the starting role.

 

 

 

29. New York Giants (13-3): Hakeem Nicks*, WR, North Carolina

Nicks is one of the few receivers in this year's class who appears ready to contribute immediately in the NFL. QB Eli Manning would certainly welcome such a physical receiver, as the Giants presumably look to move forward without troubled Plaxico Burress.

 

 

 

30. Tennessee Titans (13-3): Darrius Heyward-Bey*, WR, Maryland

Heyward-Bey is a bit overrated in our eyes, but his ability to stretch the field vertically will be enticing to a team like Tennessee, which is in need of exactly that kind of weapon.

 

 

 

31. Arizona Cardinals (9-7): LeSean McCoy**, RB, Pittsburgh

Adding McCoy is obviously a luxury pick here. He is versatile playmaker who would serve as a nice complement to the Cardinals' bruising backfield tandem of Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower.

 

 

 

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Alex Mack, C, California

The Steelers would like to boost their offensive front, and Mack is this year's top interior prospect.

 

Mock Second Round

Pick Player Position School

33. Detroit Clint Sintim OLB Virginia

34. Kansas City Josh Freeman* QB Kansas State

35. St. Louis Rashad Johnson S Alabama

36. Cleveland Sean Smith* CB Utah

37. Seattle Kenny Britt* WR Rutgers

38. Cincinnati Paul Kruger* DE Utah

39. Jacksonville Ron Brace DT Boston College

40. Oakland Eben Britton* OT Arizona

41. Green Bay Robert Ayers DE Tennessee

42. Buffalo Cornelius Ingram TE Florida

43. San Francisco Louis Delmas S Western Michigan

44. Miami (from WAS) Patrick Chung S Oregon

45. New York Giants (from NOR) Fili Moala DT USC

46. Houston William Moore S Missouri

47. New England (from SDG) Darius Butler CB Connecticut

48. Denver Michael Johnson DE Georgia Tech

49. Chicago Max Unger C/G Oregon

50. Tampa Bay Evander Hood DE Missouri

51. Dallas Phil Loadholt* OT Oklahoma

52. New York Jets Asher Allen* CB Georgia

53. Philadelphia Carey Harris CB USC

54. Minnesota Jairus Byrd* CB Oregon

55. Atlanta Shawn Nelson TE Southern Miss

56. Miami Jamon Meredith OT South Carolina

57. Baltimore Connor Barwin OLB Cincinnati

58. New England William Beatty OT Connecticut

59. Carolina Ricky Jean-Francois* DT LSU

60. New York Giants Shonn Greene* RB Iowa

61. Indianapolis Brandon Tate WR North Carolina

62. Tennessee Duke Robinson G Oklahoma

63. Arizona David Veikune OLB Hawaii

64. Pittsburgh Victor Harris CB Virginia Tech

[BearSox]

There's no point in even reading it. McShay is worthless as a draft expert and talent scout.

[Ed Hochuli 3:16]

I would shoot myself in the face if those were our first 2 picks.

 

LOL Veikune in the 2nd? He'll be lucky to go in the 5th.

[AZ54]

If, as shown, Oher is still on the board when we pick I say we take him and park him at RT. Grab a WR in the second round.

[bowlingtwig]

If, as shown, Oher is still on the board when we pick I say we take him and park him at RT. Grab a WR in the second round.

 

 

Your right. This guy doesn't know a whole lot obviously. Sanchez will go in the top 10, however if he slips and is still on the board I would take him. He would be a real steal at 18. Most mocks I have seen has Percy Harvin going late 1st to early 2nd. So I won't read to much into this one. Thanks for sharing though.