Aven8
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Ok it's a little too earlly....but for all the people that think Crabtree is a "system" guy check it out.
It also looks like NE will beat us in the Superbowl. Yawn.
2009 Mock Draft
about 8 hours ago :: 213078 Views
Welcome to SI.com's second annual year-ahead mock draft. To simplify, we're assuming Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow will return to Florida, because projecting him into the NFL is too difficult.
I'm also breaking news of a major draft-day trade in April of 2009 -- the Falcons have the No. 1 overall spot but trade down.
1. Chiefs (via trade with Falcons) -- Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia * -- A quarterback has gone No. 1 overall six out of the past eight years, and Stafford looks like the most likely candidate to develop into that kind of elite QB. His numbers were mediocre last year, but he had no line or receivers. The Falcons will have the worst record, but be able to field trade offers because they don't need a QB.
2. Raiders -- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech * -- Plays in a big numbers system, but his size and speed still make him an elite receiver. And he will fit into the "Al Davis kind of player" category.
3. Lions -- Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State * -- Wells said he wants to stay four years at Ohio State, but an elite running back trying to save wear and tear on his body would be foolish not to go pro as soon as possible.
4. Falcons (via trade with Chiefs) -- Andre Smith, OT, Alabama * -- Smith doesn't get the publicity of Ole Miss offensive tackle Michael Oher, but we'll take a shot on a player many considered the top prospect in his high school class.
5. Rams -- James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State -- Could have been a top-15 pick this year. Goes higher than usual for an inside linebacker because of athleticism.
6. Dolphins -- Fili Moala, DT, USC -- Moala is one of the few dominant defensive tackles in this draft and will someday require double-teams in the NFL.
7. 49ers -- Michael Oher, Mississippi -- You'll see him in other mocks in the top three. Word from Oxford is that the coaching staff isn't thrilled with Oher's performance last year and work ethic. But he's still a huge natural talent.
8. Bengals -- C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson* -- Spiller, a standout at track as well, averaged 7.3 yards per carry last season and is a bona fide home run threat. His backfield partner, James Davis, could also be a top-45 pick.
9. Ravens -- Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma -- At 6-foot-8 and at least 350 pounds, Loadholt could draw some comparisons to Jonathan Ogden. He's not that good, but certainly grades as a first-rounder.
10. Bills -- Rey Maualuga, LB, USC -- I hate putting the Bills this low, but I don't have much confidence in their quarterbacks. Look for them to take one in the second round of the '09 draft (perhaps Hunter Cantwell or Graham Harrell).
11. Cardinals --Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU -- Jackson had a disappointing '07 campaign, but he still has impressive physical skills and he may go even higher if he bounces back this season.
12. Eagles (via Panthers) -- Travis Beckum, TE, Wisconsin -- One of two first-rounders for Eagles after a '08 draft-day trade with the Panthers. Beckham had 75 catches for 982 yards last season and should be a nice safety blanket Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb.
13. Jets -- Derrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland * -- Heyward-Bey is tall and fast, he'll have great combine numbers. The question: Is he physical enough to be a star in the NFL?
14. Packers -- Taylor Mays, S, USC * -- You have to love athletic USC safeties. Mays could follow in Troy Polamalu's and Ronnie Lott's footsteps and be a star in the NFL.
15. Broncos -- George Selvie, DE, South Florida * -- Selvie struggled toward the end of last season, but if he gets a little stronger he should get a lot of attention from the NFL.
16. Titans -- Lydon Murtha, OT, Nebraska -- This may be my one true darkhorse in the first round. Not on anyone's radar right now, but he was a huge recruit out of high school who runs a very fast 40 for a big man. If he can stay healthy, expect a breakout year.
17. Texans -- Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss -- Jerry gets overshadowed by defensive end Greg Hardy at Mississippi, but should have a strong enough season to vault up into the first round.
18. Bears -- Demetrius Byrd, WR, LSU -- I really want to give the Bears a quarterback, but I think most of the QBs in this draft are second-rounders. Look for them to grab the best available receiver. Byrd hasn't produced yet, but has blazing 40 speed.
19. Browns -- Greg Middleton, DE, Indiana * -- Middleton had 16 sacks last season and will be a nice complement to Kamerion Wimbley.
20. Buccaneers -- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State -- Others have projected him as a top-five pick, but there's buzz he won't be able to produce that kind of 40 time.
21. Commanders -- Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas -- Scouts like Orakpo's size and speed and the Skins would love to be able to pressure the QB more.
22. Vikings -- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida * -- He's not very big (5-foot-11, 185 pounds), but the Vikes will find a place for him.
23. Seahawks -- Alex Boone, LT, Ohio State -- He should be part of an outstanding offense at Ohio State that will make him look good.
24. Eagles -- Michael Jones, WR, ASU -- The Eagles are undoubtedly still trying to trade for a premiere receiver this offseason, but if they can't, watch out for Michael Jones. Jones had just 46 catches as a junior, but 10 of them were for touchdowns and those numbers will go up this year.
25. Saints -- Brian Cushing, LB, USC -- This is an optimistic place for the Saints, but I'll give them the edge over the Bucs in the watered-down NFC South.
26. Giants -- Myron Rolle, S, Florida State * -- Not related to Samari or Antrel, but we won't hold that against him. He could go even higher if he improves this season.
27. Steelers -- Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech -- A 6-7 DE/LB hybrid with great speed who should have a good season at Georgia Tech.
28. Jaguars -- Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn * -- After strengthening the ends in this year's draft, the Jags bolster the interior of the defensive line.
29. Chargers -- Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma -- With the recent emphasis on guards around the league, the massive Robinson will be a hot prospect.
30. Colts -- Javon Ringer, RB, Michigan State -- Colts will be eager to get back to a better running back tandem (sorry Kenton Keith).
31. Cowboys -- Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State -- Receivers Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn are getting old.
32. Patriots -- Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State -- His character issues may very well push him out of the first round (he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer this offseason), but the Patriots think they can fix talented players.
*Indicates underclassmen
It also looks like NE will beat us in the Superbowl. Yawn.
2009 Mock Draft
about 8 hours ago :: 213078 Views
Welcome to SI.com's second annual year-ahead mock draft. To simplify, we're assuming Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow will return to Florida, because projecting him into the NFL is too difficult.
I'm also breaking news of a major draft-day trade in April of 2009 -- the Falcons have the No. 1 overall spot but trade down.
1. Chiefs (via trade with Falcons) -- Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia * -- A quarterback has gone No. 1 overall six out of the past eight years, and Stafford looks like the most likely candidate to develop into that kind of elite QB. His numbers were mediocre last year, but he had no line or receivers. The Falcons will have the worst record, but be able to field trade offers because they don't need a QB.
2. Raiders -- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech * -- Plays in a big numbers system, but his size and speed still make him an elite receiver. And he will fit into the "Al Davis kind of player" category.
3. Lions -- Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State * -- Wells said he wants to stay four years at Ohio State, but an elite running back trying to save wear and tear on his body would be foolish not to go pro as soon as possible.
4. Falcons (via trade with Chiefs) -- Andre Smith, OT, Alabama * -- Smith doesn't get the publicity of Ole Miss offensive tackle Michael Oher, but we'll take a shot on a player many considered the top prospect in his high school class.
5. Rams -- James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State -- Could have been a top-15 pick this year. Goes higher than usual for an inside linebacker because of athleticism.
6. Dolphins -- Fili Moala, DT, USC -- Moala is one of the few dominant defensive tackles in this draft and will someday require double-teams in the NFL.
7. 49ers -- Michael Oher, Mississippi -- You'll see him in other mocks in the top three. Word from Oxford is that the coaching staff isn't thrilled with Oher's performance last year and work ethic. But he's still a huge natural talent.
8. Bengals -- C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson* -- Spiller, a standout at track as well, averaged 7.3 yards per carry last season and is a bona fide home run threat. His backfield partner, James Davis, could also be a top-45 pick.
9. Ravens -- Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma -- At 6-foot-8 and at least 350 pounds, Loadholt could draw some comparisons to Jonathan Ogden. He's not that good, but certainly grades as a first-rounder.
10. Bills -- Rey Maualuga, LB, USC -- I hate putting the Bills this low, but I don't have much confidence in their quarterbacks. Look for them to take one in the second round of the '09 draft (perhaps Hunter Cantwell or Graham Harrell).
11. Cardinals --Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU -- Jackson had a disappointing '07 campaign, but he still has impressive physical skills and he may go even higher if he bounces back this season.
12. Eagles (via Panthers) -- Travis Beckum, TE, Wisconsin -- One of two first-rounders for Eagles after a '08 draft-day trade with the Panthers. Beckham had 75 catches for 982 yards last season and should be a nice safety blanket Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb.
13. Jets -- Derrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland * -- Heyward-Bey is tall and fast, he'll have great combine numbers. The question: Is he physical enough to be a star in the NFL?
14. Packers -- Taylor Mays, S, USC * -- You have to love athletic USC safeties. Mays could follow in Troy Polamalu's and Ronnie Lott's footsteps and be a star in the NFL.
15. Broncos -- George Selvie, DE, South Florida * -- Selvie struggled toward the end of last season, but if he gets a little stronger he should get a lot of attention from the NFL.
16. Titans -- Lydon Murtha, OT, Nebraska -- This may be my one true darkhorse in the first round. Not on anyone's radar right now, but he was a huge recruit out of high school who runs a very fast 40 for a big man. If he can stay healthy, expect a breakout year.
17. Texans -- Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss -- Jerry gets overshadowed by defensive end Greg Hardy at Mississippi, but should have a strong enough season to vault up into the first round.
18. Bears -- Demetrius Byrd, WR, LSU -- I really want to give the Bears a quarterback, but I think most of the QBs in this draft are second-rounders. Look for them to grab the best available receiver. Byrd hasn't produced yet, but has blazing 40 speed.
19. Browns -- Greg Middleton, DE, Indiana * -- Middleton had 16 sacks last season and will be a nice complement to Kamerion Wimbley.
20. Buccaneers -- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State -- Others have projected him as a top-five pick, but there's buzz he won't be able to produce that kind of 40 time.
21. Commanders -- Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas -- Scouts like Orakpo's size and speed and the Skins would love to be able to pressure the QB more.
22. Vikings -- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida * -- He's not very big (5-foot-11, 185 pounds), but the Vikes will find a place for him.
23. Seahawks -- Alex Boone, LT, Ohio State -- He should be part of an outstanding offense at Ohio State that will make him look good.
24. Eagles -- Michael Jones, WR, ASU -- The Eagles are undoubtedly still trying to trade for a premiere receiver this offseason, but if they can't, watch out for Michael Jones. Jones had just 46 catches as a junior, but 10 of them were for touchdowns and those numbers will go up this year.
25. Saints -- Brian Cushing, LB, USC -- This is an optimistic place for the Saints, but I'll give them the edge over the Bucs in the watered-down NFC South.
26. Giants -- Myron Rolle, S, Florida State * -- Not related to Samari or Antrel, but we won't hold that against him. He could go even higher if he improves this season.
27. Steelers -- Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech -- A 6-7 DE/LB hybrid with great speed who should have a good season at Georgia Tech.
28. Jaguars -- Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn * -- After strengthening the ends in this year's draft, the Jags bolster the interior of the defensive line.
29. Chargers -- Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma -- With the recent emphasis on guards around the league, the massive Robinson will be a hot prospect.
30. Colts -- Javon Ringer, RB, Michigan State -- Colts will be eager to get back to a better running back tandem (sorry Kenton Keith).
31. Cowboys -- Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State -- Receivers Terrell Owens and Terry Glenn are getting old.
32. Patriots -- Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State -- His character issues may very well push him out of the first round (he was arrested for allegedly assaulting a police officer this offseason), but the Patriots think they can fix talented players.
*Indicates underclassmen
