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Internet Sensation- C-Nut's first NFL Mock Draft

McShay Who? Nudge in-house Draft Guru C-Nut thinks Detroit should pick Eugene Monroe with the first pick.


Here is my first Mock Draft. Obviously this mock will change multiple times prior to the real NFL Draft depending on how the prospects perform at the combine, college pro days, and the signing of Free Agents. In this mock, I refrain from making trades and I also have the QB’s slipping due to teams outside of the top 3 not needing a QB. However, I highly doubt that both of the QB’s will fall out of the top 5, let alone the top 10. But due to team needs that’s exactly how this mock shakes out. So without further delay, here is my first mock draft………..

1- Detroit- Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia
Here’s the short and sweet version, Detroit Sucks! Not only were they one of the worst teams in NFL history last year, but they have no impact players on their roster (outside of Calvin Johnson). This pick goes against most experts picks of Stafford here at #1 overall. The Lions want out of this pick so bad, but nobody wants to trade up for it. So, look for the Lions to draft the Best LT available and sign a veteran stop gap QB for this season. There is a deeper crop of QB coming out next year anyway and you never know, if Mark Sanchez slips out of the top 10 and Detroit rates him high enough look for them to trade up from #20 and snag him.

2- St. Louis- Andre Smith, OT Alabama
The team has a new defensive minded coach. However, any good coach knows that the game is won in the trenches. Look for Spagnoulo to pick the big mauler out of Bama to sure up his O Line and grab players for his defense with later picks. (If Crabtree runs in the 4.4 forty range at the combine, this pick will be sought after by teams looking to trade up to get him)

3- Kansas City- Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech
This is just a hunch feeling here, but look for new coach Haley, the former Arizona Cardinals OC, to draft the #1 rated prospect available to pair with Dwayne Bowe. This coach made a name for himself in the desert with Fitz and Boldin, why wouldn’t he try to recreate that magic in Arrowhead. (Look for KC to trade Larry Johnson on Draft Day. Maybe to Arizona for Boldin)

4- Seattle- B.J. Raji, DT Boston College
The Hawks said their prayers and took their vitamins just like the Hulk told them to do, however they pick just one spot too late in this mock. Pick #4 is too high to draft Maclin and the Hawks ponder the thought of drafting Stafford, to groom behind Hasselback, but play it safe and draft the rising DT out of B.C. (Could also pick OT)

5- Cleveland- Aaron Curry, OLB Wake Forrest
I think terrorist have infected the water at the Patriots football facilities with a rare weight gaining virus. Look at the coaches that have come from Belichek’s staff for proof (Belichek, Weiss, Crennel, and now Mangini). Look for Man-genius today, Man-goneious tomorrow to add some playmakers to the Browns lack luster defense.

6- Cincinnati- Jason Smith, OT Baylor
Ok, it’s still too early for Maclin, however Cincinnati will be in dire need of a WR once T.J. Houshyourmama leaves via free agency and he is the next best WR available. In this mock no QB has been drafted yet, so come draft day this spot would be where a team like S.F. or Buffalo would be using a lot of their free night and weekend minutes phoning Cincinnati for a chance to move up and grab a QB. Cincinnati still lands the O Line help they desperately need. (Carson Palmer does a back flip and Cincinnatians’ hate you Taylor Mays)

7- Oakland- Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri
The Raiders are on the long road to nowhere, lead by a new coach Tom Cable and a bumbling idiot of an owner Al Davis. The new Coach will want to have some input on this pick, but we all know that will not be the case here. Al Davis chooses who ever runs the fastest out of Malcolm Jenkins, Vontae Davis and Jeremy Maclin.

8- Jacksonville- Malcolm Jenkins, CB Ohio State
The Jags recently released free agent busts Jerry Porter (WR) and Drayton Florence (CB) as well as 11 year vet Fred Taylor (RB). It’s too early in the Draft to pick the next available WR, Percy Harvin, and no team wants to log jam the amount of $$ it will cost the #8 pick to pick RB Knowshon Moreno, to split time with Maurice Jones-Drew. So I have the Jags picking the over rated Jenkins over the better prospect Vontae Davis.

9- Green Bay- Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB Penn State
The Packers will be switching to a 3-4 defense with new DC Dom Capers. They will need to pick up a space eating NT either via free agency or at some point in the draft. They could also look at getting younger at the CB position with Davis. However, I went with Maybin here to give them that 3-4 rush linebacker. Dom Capers will have flash backs to his days in Carolina, as the head coach of the Panthers, with the unstoppable Kevin Greene rushing the passer.

10- San Francisco- Mathew Stafford, QB Georgia
In all likelihood Stafford will be long gone by now. However, he is available in this mock and Mike Singletary wastes no time in acquiring his Franchise QB for the future.

11- Buffalo- Knowshon Moreno, RB Georgia
It seems like yesterday that Buffalo used a top 15 pick on a RB. However with the recent arrest of Marshawn Lynch for Gun Possession charges, the RB position becomes an immediate need for the Bills. This is Lynch’s second run in with the Law Dogs, after he was arrested last year for leaving the scene of an accident with a pedestrian. Look for the NFL to suspend Lynch and for the team to possibly cut ties with their former 1st rd pick.

12- Denver- Rey Maualuga, LB USC
The Broncos run defense is pathetic. Their Linebackers outside of OLB D.J. Williams can’t tackle. Maualuga will be the band aid to cover the massive hole in the middle of the Broncos Defense.

13- Washington- Michael Oher, OT Mississippi
If it was up to team owner Daniel Snyder, Chad Johnson would have been a Redskin last year and Cincinnati would have been picking in this spot and for Washington again in 2010. It’s too bad that the Bungles are too poorly run to have cut ties with Johnson. So, due to Snyder being allergic to draft picks and enchanted by veterans the Skins only have 2 picks through rd 4 (Rd1 and Rd 3 picks). Look for the skins to provide depth and a future starter for their aging Offensive Tackles.

14- New Orleans- Vontae Davis, CB Illinois
For years the Saints have been overpaying below average cornerbacks for their meager defense and it has shown. The Saints get a steal here if Davis lives up to his potential.

15- Houston- Mark Sanchez, QB USC
The Texans traded the farm a few years ago to pry Matt Schaub away from the Falcons. Since then, Schaub has not lived up to his contract and hasn’t been healthy. In a low risk, high reward pick here I have Houston picking Sanchez. Sanchez being picked outside the top 10 wouldn’t cost the Texans an arm and a leg contractually. Hopefully this either lights a fire under Schaub’s ass or helps ship it out of town.

16- San Diego- Chris Wells, RB Ohio State
With Darren Sproles becoming a free agent and hints that Charger GM A.J. Smith might cut LT, running back becomes a priority for the Bolts. Wells is a big bodied back with speed who would fit nicely platooning with either of the previously mentioned backs. He shouldn’t break down sharing the load.

17- NY Jets- William Moore, S Missouri
This pick is the hardest to peg down. The Jets need upgrades at QB, WR, CB, S, DE, and RB (depth). However no one left in the draft at this point is a guaranteed “step right on the field and play” type player. Also, there are a lot of rumors of Ravens players defecting from Baltimore to join ex DC Rex Ryan over in the Garden State. Moore would make a nice tandem with Kerry Rhodes, even though he had a bad senior bowl and his stock is falling.

18- Chicago- Brian Orakpo, DE Texas
Orakpo is an over rated pass rusher that is a little inconsistent. The Bears upgrade their D Line with a young pass rushing end, that most mocks have being drafted in the top 15.

19- Tampa Bay- Lesean McCoy, RB Pittsburgh
Tampa thought they were locking down the RB position for the foreseeable future when the drafted Cadillac Williams a few years ago. However, since an outstanding Rookie season, the wheels have fallen off. Williams tore knee ligaments 2 years ago and again tore ligaments in the opposite knee at the end of this past season. With Williams probably in an ambulance out of town, why not take a shot at McCoy. He could very well turn out to be the best back in this draft.

20- Detroit- Everette Brown, DE Florida State
With their first pick they solidified the O Line. Now with their second pick of RD 1 they sure up the D Line with a good edge rusher in Brown. (if Sanchez/Stafford makes it out of the top 10, look for Detroit to package this pick in a trade up for him).

21- Philadelphia- Brandon Pettigrew, TE Oklahoma State
L.J “Hands of Stone” Smith will have his one way ticket out of town. Pettigrew is the pass catching TE that Smith should have been.

22- Minnesota- Josh Freeman, QB Kansas State
Minnesota is hurt the most by McCoy, Bradford, and Tebow heading back to school. They will not even catch a whiff of the top 2 QB’s. Josh Freeman makes sense here, although Coach Childress doesn’t have much time left in the Big Minn if he doesn’t start winning soon. Freeman is a project that Childress will probably not be around to see if he blossoms. (CB D.J. Moore or Alphonso Smith possibility here too)

23- New England- Brian Cushing, LB USC
Cushing is too good for the Pats to pass up. He showed good versatility at USC lining up at multiple positions. The Pats linebackers, besides Jerod Mayo, are up there in age and Cushing could play inside or outside in the 3-4 defense.

24- Atlanta- Peria Jerry, DT Ole Miss
Hotlanta used a DT by committee scheme last year and DT is their biggest need heading into the off season. Unfortunately, I think Jerry is over rated and his stats were a product of playing next to a great DE in college.

25- Miami- Larry English, DE/OLB Northern Illinois
Bill Parcells drafts defense like its going out of style. Also, Joey Porter is about 400 years old. Outside Linebacker or Corner is probably their biggest need, but if I’m Parcells, I look to Bring back the Sunshine State’s own Percy Harvin to pair with Teddy Ginn. Please, someone tell me how you cover that speed?

26- Baltimore- Tyson Jackson, DE LSU
This pick like the Jets pick is shrouded with mystery. You wont know until the dust of free agency settles what the Ravens needs are. They already cut CB McCalister and could potentially lose Ray Lewis, Bart Scott and Terrell Suggs. If they lose 1 or more LB’s look for Laurinaitis here.

27- Indianapolis- Percy Harvin, WR Florida
The Colts biggest need the past 2 years has been DT. However, the 2 big DT are off the board and the Colts could always reach for DT Senderrick Marks. However, they also might make Marvin Harrison a cap casualty. Anthony Gonzalez could move over to the 2 receiver, leaving Harvin to play the slot.

28- Philadelphia- Eben Britton, OT Arizona
Andy Reid can’t resist taking at least one offensive lineman in the first round. Nuff Said!

29- NY Giants- James Laurinaitis, LB Ohio State
The GMEN need to upgrade their line backing core due to Antonio Pierce getting up their in age and their OLB’s aren’t too impressive. Also look for a CB if a LB is not available, with the GMEN possible shifting Terrell Thomas to Safety.

30- Tennessee- D.J. Moore, CB Vanderbilt
The Titans should draft Hakeem Nicks here, but for some reason without fail they never spend a 1st round pick on a WR. They instead turn to the defense to upgrade another position of need and select the next available CB.

31- Arizona- Hakeem Nicks, WR North Carolina
With the top RB off the board the Cards turn to the WR position. Anquan Boldin wants out of the Desert and the addition of Nicks could help accommodate that.

32- Pittsburgh- Alex Mack, C California
The Super Bowl Champs draft the best interior lineman available to help keep Big Ben on his feet.

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Mike Mayock's Draft Rankings from NFL.Com



Quarterbacks

1 --*Matthew Stafford Georgia
2 --*Mark Sanchez Southern California
3 --*Josh Freeman Kansas State
4 --Nate Davis Ball State
5 --Rhett Bomar Sam Houston State


Running backs

1 --*Chris Wells Ohio State
2 --*Knowshon Moreno Georgia
3 --*LeSean McCoy Pittsburgh
4 --*Donald Brown Connecticut
5 --*Shonn Green Iowa

Fullback

1 --Tony Fiammetta Syracuase
2 --Quinn Johnson LSU
3 --Brannan Southerland Georgia

Wide receivers

1 --*Michael Crabtree Texas Tech
2 --*Jeremy Maclin Missouri
3 --*Darrius Heyward-Bey Maryland
4 --*Kenny Britt Rutgers
5 --*Percy Harvin Florida

Tight ends

1 --Brandon Pettigrew Oklahoma State
2 --Cornelius Ingram Florida
3 --*James Casey Rice
4 --Travis Beckum Wisconsin
5 --Shawn Nelson Southern Mississippi

Centers

1 --Eric Wood Louisville
2 --Max Unger Oregon
3 --Alex Mack California
4 --A.Q. Shipley Penn State
5 --Jonathan Luigs Arkansas

Guards

1 --Andy Levitre Oregon State
2 --Duke Robinson Oklahoma
3 --Kraig Urbik Wisconsin
4 --Herman Johnson LSU
5 --Tyronne Green Auburn

Offensive tackles

1 --Jason Smith Baylor
2 --Eugene Monroe Virginia
3 --*Andre Smith Alabama
4 --Michael Oher Mississippi
5 --*Eben Britton Arizona

Defensive ends


1 --Brian Orakpo (can play OLB in 3-4) Texas
2 --*Everette Brown (OLB) Florida State
3 --Tyson Jackson LSU
4 --*Aaron Maybin (OLB) Penn State
5 --Larry English (OLB) Northern Illinois

Defensive tackles

1 --B.J. Raji Boston College
2 --Peria Jerry Mississippi
3 --Ron Brace Boston College
4 --Fili Moala Southern California
5 --Evander 'Ziggy' Hood Missouri

Inside linebackers

1 --Rey Maualuga Southern California
2 --James Laurinaitis Ohio State
3 --Darry Beckwith LSU
4 --Dannell Ellerbe Georgia
5 --Jason Phillips Texas Christian

Outside linebackers

1 --Aaron Curry Wake Forest
2 --Brian Cushing Southern California
3 --Clay Matthews Southern California
4 --Clint Sintim Virginia
5 --Marcus Freeman Ohio State

Safeties

1 --Rashad Johnson Alabama
2 --Patrick Chung Oregon
3 --Louis Delmas Western Michigan
4 --Michael Hamlin Clemson
5 --William Moore Missouri

Cornerbacks

1 --Malcolm Jenkins Ohio State
2 --*Vontae Davis Illinois
3 --Alphonso Smith Wake Forest
4 --*D.J. Moore Vanderbilt
5 --*Sean Smith Utah

NFL.COM- Click Here
Mike Mayock's Top 20 Senior Prospects for the 2009 NFL Draft

1. --Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

2. --Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

3. --Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

4. --Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

5. --Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

6. --Brian Orakpo, DE/LB, Texas

7. --Rey Maualuga, LB, USC

8. --B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

9. --Brian Cushing, LB, USC

10. --Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

11. --Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss

12. --Larry English, DE/LB, Northern Illinois

13. --James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State

14. --William Moore, S, Missouri

15. --Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia

16. --Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

17. --Max Unger, OL, Oregon

18. --Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama

19. --Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

20. --Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan


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NFLBlitz.com 2009 Mock First Round Draft

The always great NFLBlitz.com put out it's revised first round mock draft. I think it is alot more accurate of what you will see come draft day than Mel Kiper's take on the draft. They see Dirty Sanchez dropping to the Jets at 17th. Its pretty good-

And because I dont' want to alienate all of my viewers, here's a shot of smoking hot Holly Weber, doing her best to look all Nudgette-ish.





NFLdraftblitz.com 2009 Mock First Round- Click Here


First Round:

1. Detroit Lions - *Matthew Stafford (QB) Georgia
- The debate will rage on until the draft as to whether the Lions should go QB or OT. And if they go QB…Stafford or Sanchez? In my opinion, they have to go QB. Andre Smith is more of a RT and you don’t take a RT number one when a franchise QB is staring you in the face. With Stafford’s physical gifts, he has tools to be great and he’ll immediately have one of the better arms in the NFL. Match that with Calvin Johnson’s deep skills and you have deadly combination. He may have to sit for part, or all, of 2009. But, what’s the rush when you’ve been this bad, this long?

2. St. Louis Rams - *Andre Smith (OT) Alabama
- I’ll refrain from going on and on about my disdain for Marc Bulger (I’ve done that enough). Andre Smith will be an upgrade at any spot on the offensive line, except LT, where Orlando Pace is rarely healthy anymore. Smith’s run blocking skills are elite and he has the feet to develop into a solid pass blocker on the right side. I don’t think he’d ever evolve into an elite LT in the NFL, but he’ll make this offense instantly better at RT.

3. Kansas City Chiefs - Brian Orakpo (DE) Texas
- The Chiefs were the worst pass rushing team in the NFL in 2008. They finished with 10 sacks on the year. That’s equal to or less than 12 individual players in 2008. And of that twelve, former Chief Jared Allen is included. Orakpo is a very disruptive player with a nonstop motor. He would allow Tamba Hali to move back to the left end spot that he excelled at earlier in his career.

4. Seattle Seahawks - **Michael Crabtree (WR) Texas Tech
- A trio of Deion Branch, Koren Robinson and Nate Burleson does not exactly scream elite receiving corps. If Jim Mora is going to succeed as the head coach in Seattle, he has to have players who can put points on the board. Michael Crabtree, immediately, would become the best talent on this offense and could help Matt Hasselbeck reach to top of his game again.

5. Cleveland Browns - Aaron Curry (OLB) Wake Forest
- Eric Mangini has been named head coach of the Browns, so we know they’ll be sticking with the 3-4 defense. Linebackers are the backbone of the 3-4 defense. Curry would provide the Browns with a solid, all-around player with the skills to be dominant. Kameron Wimbley should blossom with a talent like Curry on the other side.

6. Cincinnati Bengals - Eugene Monroe (OT) Virginia
- The once solid Bengals’ offensive line is now filled with holes. Levi Jones has battled knee injuries and his play has fallen off terribly and Stacey Andrews will be coming back from a season ending knee injury. Eugene Monroe is a natural left tackle who should be able to play right away. With Carson Palmer coming back from injury as well, the Bengals want to keep him clean.

7. Oakland Raiders - Michael Oher (OT) Mississippi
- The Raiders’ offense showed a lot of what it is capable of doing in the latter part of the season. But, there are still lingering protection issues for JaMarcus Russell. Kwame Harris and the entire offense would benefit from shifting Harris to the RT spot. Oher is a very well rounded LT who has the experience to step in and start right away.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars - Malcolm Jenkins (CB) Ohio State
- Rashean Mathis is a legit cover man. But his effectiveness is canceled out when his counterpart is a major liability. With the pass rushers the Jags drafted in last years draft, a top notch cover man like Jenkins would fit right in. Jenkins is a physically gifted, experienced Corner, who could help this defense get back to elite status.

9. Green Bay Packers - *Everette Brown (DE) Florida State
- The Packers and new defensive coordinator, Dom Capers, will be installing the 3-4 defense in Green Bay. This means that OLBs must be acquired to rush the passer. This could be a good thing…Brown and ILBs AJ Hawk and Nick Barnett are the makings of a talented, young group of linebackers for a 3-4 defense.

10. San Francisco 49ers - **Aaron Maybin (OLB) Penn State
- Manny Lawson has not become the top tier pass rusher the Niners thought they were getting when they drafted him, but he’s solid. Parys Haralson would be better as a backup. Maybin has the potential to be a dangerous edge rusher and could help elevate the game of Lawson in the long run.

11. Buffalo Bills -Brandon Pettigrew (TE) Oklahoma State
- The Bills have to provide QB Trent Edwards with a reliable tight end to maximize his abilities. Robert Royal is not a starting caliber tight end in the NFL and would be better suited as a #2. Pettigrew is every bit the blocker that Royal is, but he has great hands, a big frame and the athleticism to stretch the seam.

12. Denver Broncos - Rey Maualuga (MLB) USC
- The Broncos’ defense, in 2008, was as soft in the middle as any team in the NFL. They also displayed a disturbing passive streak, far too often. Rey Maualuga will provide this defense with physicality, toughness and attitude. He and DJ Williams could be a force in the same linebacker corps.

13. Washington Redskins - Jason Smith (OT) Baylor
- The Skins need to focus on the offensive and defensive lines in the 2009 draft. There’s no better place to start than with Smith. He’s big, agile and ascending. Chris Samuels is getting older and Jon Jansen is probably on his way out. Stephon Heyer has shown flashes but you can’t rely on him consistently. Smith could play on the right side initially and step in for Samuels when he’s out, eventually.

14. New Orleans Saints - *Chris "Beanie" Wells (RB) Ohio State
- Drew Brees had a monstrous year in 2008, but that’s not a formula for consistent winning in the NFL. The Saints have needs on the defensive side of the ball, but Wells fits both need and best player available. Pierre Thomas is a serviceable back but they’ll never get max production out of Reggie Bush without a power running threat.

15. Houston Texans - Michael Johnson (DE) Georgia Tech
- As good as Mario Williams his, he could be unstoppable if he ever gets a competent pass rusher across from him. If Michael Johnson’s potential ever meets his tangible output, he and Mario Williams could be the best set of defensive ends in the league. Then, maybe, this team can start winning games before they’re out of the playoff race.

16. San Diego Chargers - **Knowshon Moreno (RB) Georgia
- Whether the Chargers decide to keep L.T. in the fold or not, they’ll at least need a compliment (and eventual replacement) for him. Darren Sproles will likely be too expensive for the Chargers to keep. Moreno has a similar skill set to Tomlinson and would be a perfect fit here.

17. New York Jets - *Mark Sanchez (QB) USC
- So, it appears to be Sanchez’s turn to wait an eternity with his friends and family at the table on draft day. I’m a big believer that, while this hurts financially and internally, a QB is benefited by going later in the first round to a better team. Sanchez may go a lot higher than this come April, but if he gets past San Francisco at #10, let the sliding commence.

18. Chicago Bears - **Jeremy Maclin (WR) Missouri
- There is no way the Bears’ front office thinks Brandon Lloyd is the #1 receiver this team needs. Until this offense gets a legit weapon on the outside, defenses will pile on, and eventually wear down, Matt Forte. Maclin is dangerous with the ball in his hands and is improving as a route runner.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - B.J. Raji (DT) Boston College
- New head coach, Raheem Morris, will love this acquisition. Raji may not be available at 19 in April as his stock continues to rise. But, if he’s there, the Bucs should waste little time snatching him up. If they re-sign Antonio Bryant, it lessens the need for a first round WR dramatically.

20. Detroit Lions - *Vontae Davis (CB) Illinois
- Jim Schwartz would have loved to have Raji fall here and become his version of Albert Haynesworth, but Vontae Davis is not a bad consolation prize. Davis could be the most physically gifted player in the entire draft. He could be a cornerstone to a revamped Lions’ offense in a few years.

21. Philadelphia Eagles - *Eben Britton (OT) Arizona
- After a surprising run, deep in to the playoffs, the Eagles have to prepare for an upheaval at the offensive tackle spots. Tra Thomas and Jon Runyan are old and impending free agents. One or both could be gone. Britton is a fast rising player who shows top level athleticism and could develop into a very good LT.

22. Minnesota Vikings - *Percy Harvin (WR) Florida
- I have to think the Vikes will sign a veteran free agent at QB (Byron Leftwich, Kurt Warner, etc.) this off-season. There is no way they let the window close on a championship level defense with inconsistent quarterback play. Harvin would make plays all over the field for this offense and provide even more running space for Adrian Peterson and Chester Taylor.

23. New England Patriots - *D.J. Moore (CB) Vanderbilt
- It has to be killing Bill Belichick that Deltha O’Neal is a starting cornerback for his defense. O’Neal was jettisoned from the Cincinnati Bengals of all places. DJ Moore is an instant upgrade and, despite his limited height (5-9), plays bigger and more physical than you’d think.

24. Atlanta Falcons - William Moore (S) Missouri
- Lawyer Milloy is 62 years old. And if you saw Anquan Boldin run away from Milloy with a busted hammy, you understand the need for a younger, more athletic strong safety. Moore is a playmaker and has the ability to be a game changer. The Falcons added young playmakers on offense last year, this year they start with the defense.

25. Miami Dolphins - James Laurinaitis (MLB) Ohio State
- We all know Bill Parcells likes linebackers. And we also know he likes them smart and tough. Smart and tough are personified by James Laurinaitis. Channing Crowder is a free agent and Akin Ayodele is not getting any younger. Laurinaitis fits well in South Beach.

26. Baltimore Ravens - *Darrius Heyward-Bey (WR) Maryland
- As much as Joe Flacco’s rookie year reminded me of Ben Roethlisberger’s initial campaign, one thing was different. Big Ben had Plaxico Burress and Hines Ward…Flacco has Derek Mason and Mark Clayton. And that was highlighted in the playoff loss to the Steelers. Heyward-Bey would add size and speed to that receiving corps. And the Ravens would save a ton on moving expenses for the local product.

27. Indianapolis Colts - Tyson Jackson (DE) LSU
- With Ron Meeks’ “resignation”, there appears to be a change in philosophy brewing in Indy. It seems there will be use of bigger, more versatile defensive linemen. Tyson Jackson is just that…big and versatile. He can play the base end as well as line up inside. He has good quickness for a big man and really good size for a quick guy…if that makes sense.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (From Carolina) - **LeSean McCoy (RB) Pittsburgh
- I’m guessing that the thought that his job may be on the line in 2009, Andy Reid makes some changes in his traditional draft strategy. Besides, Correll Buckhalter is an unrestricted free agent and the Eagles would be better served by moving on with the younger, more explosive McCoy. Chris Horwedel, wipe that smile off of your face, young man!!!!!

29. New York Giants - Brian Cushing (OLB) USC
- The Giants pride themselves on defense and being physical. Danny Clark and Chase Blackburn are, surely, prideful. They just are all that physically gifted. Brian Cushing could step in right away and add athleticism and pass rush ability. And with this, the Giants won’t have to shuttle Mathias Kiwanuka back to OLB and further stunt his development.

30. Tennessee Titans - *Jared Cook (TE) South Carolina
- Before all of you start calling me names we can even repeat on Blitz Cast, think for a minute, about what you thought when the Titans selected Chris Johnson late in round one last year. If Jared Cook comes out and posts solid numbers at the combine, his stock could soar similar to Dustin Keller’s did a year ago.

31. Arizona Cardinals - Alex Mack (OC) California
- The Cards’ surprising run to the Super Bowl is great…even for me (a Steelers fan). But there is no doubt that this offensive line could use a few upgrades. Lyle Sendelein is the obvious week link and adding Mack could do wonders for this group. Russ Grimm would love this pick as he is familiar with what a dominant center can do for an offense.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers - Duke Robinson (OG) Oklahoma
- There is no secret that the Steelers’ offensive line needs work now and will need even more after the season. There is a talent overhaul needed badly. Duke Robinson is the perfect player to begin with. He’s big, strong and athletic and should play a big role immediately in the Steel City.


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Todd McShay's 2009 Mock First Round

Be the first on your block to check out Todd McShay's 2009 Mock First Round taken straight from him after the 2008 Draft. #


Right after the 2008 NFL Draft, Todd McShay released his view of what the 2009 NFL Draft would look like. Here it is:




The 2008 NFL draft is in the books, so now it's time to look ahead to
2009.Obviously, there are plenty of variables here, starting with the draft
order. Scouts Inc.'s NFL team looked at 2008 schedules, draft order and
personnel -- including 2008 draft classes and free-agent moves -- and put
together its initial 2008 power rankings to determine the order of this mock
draft.As for the prospects, the talent pool includes every draft-eligible
player. Yes, we know some of the top '08 juniors might not come out early, but
if they're technically eligible for the draft, they're definitely eligible for
the 2009 mock draft.

An asterisk denotes draft-eligible underclassmen, including those who
redshirted or spent a year in prep school.So, with the first pick of the 2009
NFL Mock Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select …




1. Atlanta Falcons -- Fili Moala, DT, USCAtlanta finally gets its
playmaking interior defensive lineman. Moala has flown under the radar to this
point but he should emerge from the shadow of 2008 No. 7 overall pick Sedrick
Ellis and become one of the elite defenders in college football this fall.





2. Detroit Lions -- Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia TechCoach Rod
Marinelli's defense is predicated on speed up front, and Johnson is blessed with
plenty of that. Johnson was overlooked while playing in a rotation last season,
but it won't take long for the rangy edge-rusher to make his mark in 2008.





3. Kansas City Chiefs -- Matt Stafford*, QB, GeorgiaAnother
injury-plagued and disappointing season out of fragile QB Brodie Croyle will
force the Chiefs to address the position with this high draft pick in 2009. If
the supremely talented Stafford continues to progress as he did last fall, he
could easily emerge as a top-five pick next April.




4. Miami Dolphins -- Al Woods, DT, LSUAt 6-foot-4 and 320 pounds, Woods is
a physically imposing defensive tackle with enough size and strength to anchor
the middle of a 3-4 defense.


5. Cincinnati Bengals -- Sen'Derrick Marks*, DT, AuburnThe Bengals got shut
out in their pursuit of an elite defensive tackle in this year's draft, but 2009
will be more kind. Marks is an undersized playmaker with the first-step
quickness to disrupt as a 3-technique tackle, which is exactly what Marvin
Lewis' defense needs along its front.


6. Oakland Raiders -- Andre Smith*, OT, AlabamaSmith stepped in immediately
as the Tide's starting left tackle and continues to improve with more coaching
and game experience. The Raiders could enlist a player with his kind of skills
to take care of their most recent first-round investments in QB JaMarcus Russell
and RB Darren McFadden.


7. Chicago Bears -- Tim Tebow*, QB, FloridaIt's almost certain that the
Bears will need a quarterback come next offseason. Unfortunately, next year's
crop of signal-callers does not look promising at this point. Bears fans won't
be thrilled if the team uses a high pick on another Gators quarterback following
the failed Rex Grossman experiment, but Tebow's unique blend of skills and rare
intangibles might be too good to pass up. Should Tebow elect to leave school
early, however, his uncommon skill set could make him the most difficult
prospect at any position to grade.




8. San Francisco 49ers -- Michael Oher, OT, MississippiOher, who possesses
the size and athletic ability to develop into an upper-echelon starting tackle
in the NFL, would make an ideal bookend opposite 2007 first-rounder Joe
Staley.

9. St. Louis Rams -- Rey Maualuga, ILB, USCMaualuga is the top senior
prospect on my 2009 draft board at this insanely early point in the process,
although he wouldn't be the first senior off the board. I've never seen a
defensive player take over a game the way Maualuga did versus Illinois in the
Rose Bowl, and his recognition skills are clearly catching up with his rare
physical tools.




10. New York Jets -- Knowshon Moreno*, RB, GeorgiaMoreno burst onto the
scene as a redshirt freshman in 2007 and he should build on that momentum as a
first-year starter behind a more mature offensive line during the upcoming
season. The Jets were not able to land McFadden in this year's draft but Moreno
would be worth the wait if he's available in 2009.




11. Tennessee Titans -- Michael Crabtree*, WR, Texas TechDo not pigeonhole
Crabtree; he's not just a product of coach Mike Leach's pass-crazy offense. The
tall, long-armed receiver could be the go-to-target QB Vince Young so
desperately needs.




12. Houston Texans -- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio StateJenkins made a wise
decision to return as a senior. He needs to improve his footwork and overall
man-to-man cover skills to prove to scouts he's capable of playing corner in any
scheme at the next level. Regardless, the Texans could use his ball-hawking
skills in their secondary, no matter whether it's at cornerback or safety.







13. Denver Broncos -- James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State Laurinaitis surprised
many NFL scouts when he elected to return to Columbus for his senior season.
Assuming he continues to make progress in 2008, there's no reason to believe he
will fall out of the top 20 picks in next year's draft. The instinctive,
high-motor inside linebacker would be a nice addition to a Denver defense in
search of more stout defenders up the middle.








14. Baltimore Ravens -- Vontae Davis, CB, IllinoisThe Ravens need an
upgrade at corner and a young playmaker like Davis, who possesses rare
athleticism for his size, would be an ideal fit.




15. Philadelphia Eagles (from CAR) -- Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, MarylandThe
Eagles failed to land a go-to-receiver in the 2008 draft (no, DeSean Jackson
does not qualify). Instead of going the free-agent route to land a weapon for
veteran QB Donovan McNabb, they might as well use one of two first-round picks
in '09 on a future primary target for future QB Kevin Kolb.




16. Arizona Cardinals -- LeSean McCoy*, RB, PittsburghAfter Arizona failed
to find a complement for Edgerrin James in this year's draft, the Cardinals'
need at running back will be far more pressing in the spring of '09. McCoy is a
supremely talented sophomore who is draft eligible after spending a year in prep
school, and he is reportedly already eyeing the 2009 draft.


17. Buffalo Bills -- Travis Beckum, TE, WisconsinBeckum could emerge as a
top-20 pick if he can add 10-15 pounds to his frame while maintaining his
big-play ability as a receiver during his senior season.




18. Philadelphia Eagles -- Phil Loadholt, OT, OklahomaAfter failing to land
one of the record-setting seven offensive tackles selected in the first round of
this year's draft, coach Andy Reid will be craving a big fella like Loadholt in
2009.




19. Washington Redskins -- Greg Hardy*, DE, MississippiHardy is flying
under the radar right now despite notching 10 solo sacks the past two seasons,
and the Redskins will be looking for a young pass-rushing threat after failing
to land one during the latest draft.

20. Minnesota Vikings -- Percy Harvin*, WR/RS, FloridaStaying healthy
for a full season would all but guarantee Harvin a spot in the first round of
the NFL draft, either next year or in 2010.






21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- Ciron Black, OT, LSUThe Bucs will be looking to
enlist the services of a talented left tackle prospect such as Black, who
displays quick feet for a 6-5, 315-pounder.


22. Green Bay Packers -- Max Unger, OT, OregonUnger, who projects as a
first-day pick in next year's draft, is the type of versatile lineman the
Packers typically covet.


23. Cleveland Browns -- Ricky Sapp, DE/OLB, ClemsonSapp is an up-and-coming
talent with outstanding speed and pass-rushing potential. He should fit
perfectly as a rush linebacker in a 3-4 scheme like the one employed in
Cleveland.


24. Seattle Seahawks -- Duke Robinson, G, OklahomaThe Seahawks are still
looking for a long-term solution at left guard, so why not use this pick on the
player who is at this point the top prospect at that position.




25. Pittsburgh Steelers -- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSUJackson is among the elite
senior defensive prospects right now but that might not hold up for 12 full
months, as he's simply not a great fit for every team's defensive scheme. At 6-5
and 290, Jackson is best suited to play defensive end in a three-man front like
the one employed in Pittsburgh.






26. New Orleans Saints -- Gerald McRath, OLB, Southern MissThe Saints will
be looking for an injection of youth and athleticism at linebacker and the
speedy, undersized McRath falls in line with that objective.




27. New York Giants -- Brandon Spikes, ILB, FloridaThe Giants could use a
quick and powerful tackling machine like Spikes after failing to address that
need early in the 2008 draft.




28. Jacksonville Jaguars -- William Moore, S, MissouriMoore emerged as a
playmaking machine in 2007, when he notched 114 tackles and eight interceptions.
At 6-1 and 215 pounds he could be the versatile strong safety Jacksonville needs
opposite FS Reggie Nelson.

29. Indianapolis Colts -- Vance Walker, DT/DE, Georgia TechWalker has
the right blend of tools to provide depth along the interior of Indianapolis'
quick-but-undersized defensive line.




30. San Diego Chargers -- Auston English, DE/OLB, OklahomaEnglish is an
instinctive, high-motor player with very good speed and fluid hips for a young
defensive end. He already has experience dropping into coverage on zone-blitz
looks within Oklahoma's complex defensive scheme.

31. Dallas Cowboys -- Demetrius Byrd, WR, LSUWide receiver is the one
area Dallas did not address during an otherwise promising 2008 draft. Byrd has a
lot to prove as a senior but he certainly has the blend of size and deep speed
it takes to emerge as a first-round draft pick.



32. New England Patriots -- Brian Cushing, OLB, USCThe Patriots continue a
recent trend of drafting linebackers by using this selection on the versatile
Cushing. The 6-5, 248-pounder has experience on the strong side and as a rush
linebacker, which will be attractive to a New England coaching staff that likes
versatility in its linebackers.


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