Because we believe we would do a better job, the Clarion editors decided to collide their brains to produce a fresh version of the 2009 NFL Draft. Here is our mock draft of the first 10 picks. The NFL Draft is held on April 25 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. The first and second rounds are scheduled for the first day and rounds three through seven occur on the following day.
1. Detroit Lions – Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia (Kamari Stevens, news editor)
With the first pick in the draft, the Lions have an opportunity to draft a franchise changing quarterback. But, with no offensive line that QB could turn into another David Carr. It’s not like the Lions need to win now, they just need the pieces to be able to win.
2. St. Louis Rams – Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest (Rusty Pate, editor)
Close your eyes and throw a dart. The Rams have so many holes that any new blood would be an improvement. The Butkus Award (top collegiate LB) winner could make an immediate impact.
3. Kansas City Chiefs – Jason Smith, OT, Baylor (Joseph Stueve, assistant editor)
How Jason Smith fell past the Rams is beyond me. The Chiefs gladly pluck the best offensive line prospect and possibly the best athlete in the 2009 class.
4. Seattle Seahawks – Michael Crabtree, WR, Seattle (KS)
I think it would be stupid to miss out on taking a stud in Crabtree, who could potentially come in this season and make an impact.
5. Cleveland Browns – B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College (RP)
The Browns ranked 28th against the run last season. Raji missed one season at B.C. due to academic problems and his character issues might cause the Browns to pass, but his talent deserves a top-five pick.
6. Cincinnati Bengals – Andre Smith, OT, Alabama (JS)
With all the off-the-field drama Smith has brought on himself before the draft, he should blend in well with the delinquent attitudes of the Bengals.
7. Oakland Raiders – Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State (KS)
The Crypt Keeper (Al Davis) will most likely take a wide receiver with this pick, but it would be in Davis’ best interest to take Maybin. In a division with each team having or building good offensive lines, the Raiders will be in need of a player, like Maybin, that’s quick off the ball.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars – Jeremy Macklin, WR, Missouri (RP)
Maclin’s electricity cannot be denied. The Jags desperately need a receiver that could stretch the field and Macklin definitely does that. Even if he doesn’t immediately crack the starting lineup, his special team skills make him a no-brainer for Jacksonville.
9. Green Bay Packers – Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas (JS)
Orakpo fits well into the new 3-4 scheme the Packers are putting into place for the 2009 season. Imagine Orakpo and All-Pro Aaron Kampman coming off both edges on every down. Scary.
10. San Francisco 49ers – Mark Sanchez, QB, Southern California (KS)
Sanchez and 49ers would be a match made in heaven. Sanchez is a California kid and I think the Niners aren’t in a rush to throw him in front of the headlights. Sanchez will work his tail off to be this franchise’s saving grace in the upcoming years.