BoilerMacR's 2009 NFL Mock Draft v2

1. St. Louis - Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

Draft picks 2008: DE Chris Long, WR Donnie Avery, OT John Greco, CB Justin King, WR Keenan Burton, OG Roy Schuening, DB Chris Chamberlin, OLB David Vobora

Team Needs Outlook 2009: Where to begin with the St. Louis Rams, right? How about offensive line? One that actually protects the QB and helps out the running game. And let us narrow that down to offensive tackle. Then, and only then, might the Rams consider a QB selection. Bulger might be fine for the moment, but if the Rams are to move forward (with or without a new regime) they need a new young QB for the long term.
Aside from an infusion of talent along the offensive line, the Rams could stand to pick up Torry Holt's eventual replacement, and add more depth to the defense.



2. Cincinnati - Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

Draft picks 2008: LB Keith Rivers, WR Jerome Simpson, DT Pat Sims, WR Andre Caldwell, OT Anthony Collins, DT Jason Shirley, FS Corey Lynch, TE Matt Sherry, DE Angelo Craig, WR Mario Urrutia

Team Needs Outlook 2009: Though the season is still relatively young, the Bengals look like the team a collegiat player would LEAST want to go to in the draft. It's a close race between the Bengals,Chiefs, Raiders and Rams. I'm thinking that no amount of draft picks this coming year will help this organization until there is a complete overhaul of ownership and management. Since probably none of that will happen, let's look at prospects and needs.

I would suggest a fire-sale/trade/release of current players (like OchoCJ & TJ Housh) and bring in an influx of hungry FA's and drafted rookies who want to play ball. Start on the defensive side, add a running back, some wideouts and some big offensive lineman. This will help allow Carson Palmer to pick apart defenses little by little with some solid veteran FA wideouts.


3. Detroit - Malcom Jenkins, CB, Ohio St.

Draft picks 2008: OT Gosder Cherilus, OLB Jordon Dizon, RB Kevin Smith, DT Andre Fluellen, OLB Cliff Avril, WR Kenneth Moore, FB James Felton, DE Landon Cohen, S Caleb Campbell.

Team Needs Outlook 2009: So the firing finally came. Quite a few years too late, but it came nevertheless. Matt Millen is gone, let the rejoicing begin. And perhaps, finally, a good draft that will mean a turnaround. The offense has some good weapons, but the offensive line still needs work and the running game is on-again, off-again because of it. Gosder Cherilus is a rookie, so it's not completely his fault being thrown into the fire his first year. But he needs to produce soon. And the pass protection needs improvement as well. On defense, seems just about nothing is going right. Just about every team can tally around 30+ points.



4. Kansas City - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

Draft picks 2008: DT Glen Dorsey, OG Brandon Albert, CB Brandon Flowers, RB Jamaal Charles, TE Brad Cottam, S DaJuan Morgan, WR Will Franklin, CB Brandon Carr, OT Barry Richardson, WR Kevin Robinson, DE Brian Johnston, TE Mike Merritt

Team Needs Outlook 2009: Tremendous '08 draft - on paper - for the Chiefs. Unfortunately it looks like it may be awhile before it starts paying off. Currently only top pick Glen Dorsey is starting, as the others are either injured or 2nd or 3rd on the depth charts, including a disappointing showing from Jamaal Charles. 7th round pick Brian Johnston is a bright spot, helping the rotation depth at DE. '09 will have to be the year to begin turning the corner. If there is a killer DE lurking when KC is on the clock, look for them to make a move. If Croyle ends up with a terrific season, then the pressure will be off to make a pick at QB. If he struggles, that will be a #1 priority. The Chiefs also need to add to the offensive line (specifically left tackle), another wideout to help stretch the defense, maybe another RB in the later rounds and then one more linebacker and secondary pick.



5. Cleveland - Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State

Draft picks 2008: OLB Beau Bell, TE Martin Rucker, DT Ahtyba Rubin, WR Paul Hubbard, DE Alex Hall

Team Needs Outlook 2009: For a team that looked to have turned the corner, thus far this season it has been all about just how far they have yet to travel. But they do have the potential to breakout at some point in the near term. Whether or not Romeo Crennel will still be leading them is another story altogether, but the foundation has seemingly been set. One thing is painfully obvious, and that is the defense still needs impact players and the offense needs a consistent, more powerful running game.


6. Houston - James Davis, RB, Clemson

Draft picks 2008: OT Duane Brown, CB Antwaun Molden, RB Steve Slaton, LB Xavier Adibi, DT Frank Okam, FS Dominque Barber, QB Alex Brink

Team Needs Outlook 2009: Duane Brown was a good first step for the Texans along the offensive line. It looks as if there will be a need to add more to the line in order to get the optimum passing protection and then elevate the run blocking. I would also suggest that a RB would fit nicely into that plan, even with the addition last year of Steve Slaton. He's not an every down back but rather a jack-of-all-trades type for an offense. They also could use a deep threat at wideout with size to help draw away the doubles off Andre Johnson and allow him to roam a bit more easily and give Kevin Walter a chance to prosper as a slot guy. And the Texans need some more help at corner, because Jacques Reeves isn't a solid long-term solution there.


7. Oakland - Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

Draft picks 2008: RB Darren McFadden, CB Tyvon Branch, WR Arman Shields, DE Trevor Scott, WR Chaz Schilens

Team Needs Outlook 2009: No rookie has broken into the starting lineup for Oakland other than Darren McFadden from the 2008 Raider draft. So the Raiders need to continue completing the puzzle - mainly along both lines, which is of obvious importance on offense in order to protect JaMarcus Russell. Oakland needs to add a go-to wideout who is big, quick, won't get hurt every year and is under the age of 45. Well, okay, 30. Walker and Curry are running on fumes, and the backups aren't anyone to be excited about with the possible exception of Chaz Schilens. So add WR, offensive linemen, a backup QB and another tight end to the front lines in terms of needs.



8. Minnesota - James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State

Draft picks 2008: FS Tyrell Johnson, QB John David Booty, DT Leroy Guion, C John Sullivan, WR Jaymar Johnson

Team Needs Outlook 2009: I have an out-of-this-world idea for the Vikings for the 2009. Kinda like a one-time-good-deal sorta thing. That is, allow me to select for you in the draft just this one time, especially when it comes to quarterback and wide receiver, which should be two of your top needs - again - after having blown two of last year's picks. Not to mention the one on Tavaris Jackson. Deal? Good. I'll be waiting. Other than that and maybe some depth personnel for offensive line and defensive tackle, I think you're in solid shape.



9. Seattle - William Moore, FS, Missouri

Draft picks 2008: DE Lawrence Jackson, TE John Carlson, DT Red Bryant, FB Owen Schmitt, LS Tyler Schmitt, RB Justin Forsett, K Brandon Coutu

Team Needs Outlook 2009: Lets start at running back and work our way out. Maurice Morris, Julius Jones and even T.J. Duckett are okay, but the Seahawks need a game-changer along the lines of a Adrian Peterson or Marshawn Lynch. Even a rookie like Matt Forte in order to help propel this team into a long playoff run. I might be in the minority, but I thought the Hawks whiffed on their TE selection. Carlson might be tall, but he's not that physical which is needed when fighting for that extra yard or to go get an off-target pass in the red zone.

Perhaps he'll be fine, but I'm not quite sure just yet. The fact that he is #1 on the depth chart means the Seahawks need to at least look at depth at that position. And based on the injury-plagued wide receiving corps that Seattle had to battle early on, it's probably a good idea to add some youth (and size) to the postion. Grabbing an offensive lineman would be a prudent move as well, as well as more depth at safety and right defensive tackle.



10. Miami - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

Draft picks 2008: OT Jake Long, DE Phillip Merling, QB Chad Henne, DT Kendall Hampton, OT Shawn Murphy, RB Jalen Parmele, OG Donald Thomas, RB Lex Hilliard, DE Lionel Dotson

Team Needs Outlook 2009: Miami took a big step forward in rebuilding along the front lines on offense and defense, and there's no reason to think Parcells won't continue to do so if someone like Johnson or Other are sitting there for the first pick. Miami still needs a little bit of everything, but Parcells always leans towards the big, versatile, durable athletes.

After losing wideouts Chambers and Booker after the '07 season, this could be a target for the Dolphins, though not necessarily a priority first or second round pick. It looks like Miami has the two QB's it will need in Pennington and Henne, so that will allow them to focus on the BPA for defensive secondary, wideout, linebacker and tight end.



11. San Francisco - Greg Hardy, DE, Mississipi

Draft picks 2008: DE Kentwan Balmer, OG Chilo Rachal, DB Reggie Smith, OL Cody Wallace, WR Josh Morgan, OLB Larry Grant

Team Needs Outlook 2009: The 49ers still need a top wideout for that Martz offense in my opinion. Bruce is nice to have as a veteran with experience, but they need a young speedster who can put the fear of god into a secondary. DE is still a top need, as they moved rookie Kentwan Balmer (their top pick in '08) to the nose tackle position for added rotational depth. Unless Walter Curry turns out to be a sleeper at DE, this will still be a need. A solid #2 back behind Gore is still required, so this is a pivotal season for DeShaun Foster and Michael Robinson.



12. Green Bay - George Selvie, DE, South Florida

Draft picks 2008: WR Jordy Nelson, QB Brian Brohm, DB Patrick Lee, TE Jermichael Finley, DE Jeremy Thompson, OT Josh Sitton, OT Breno Giacomini, QB Matt Flynn, WR Brett Swain

Team Needs Outlook 2009: Solid ballclub with a lot of youth and talent at nearly every position. 2009 will be all about reinforcing it for years to come with depth at multiple positions. Like they usually do, the Pack will be selecting the best player available with each pick.

No need to scratch your head over what position will be targeted first - just deteremine who the best available player will be at the Packers pick, and you'll know who the name is to be called. There is one area where the fountain of youth isn't as deep, and that is at cornerback...but it is not a do or die pick for the first round if there isn't a solid option available.



13. NY Jets - Brian Cushing, LB, USC

Draft picks 2008: DE Vernon Gholston, TE Dustin Keller, CB Dwight Lowery, QB Erik Ainge, WR Marcus Henry, OT Nate Garner

Team Needs Outlook 2009: While the Jets continue the re-tooling of the offense as Brett Favre adjusts to the new playbook, it looks like a quality running back and big, tall wideout would do wonders for that side of the ball. On the defensive side, some additional depth at linebacker and the defensive line. Does anyone see Kellen Clemens as the future QB of this franchise after Brett retires at the end of this season or next? Neither do I. So if Clemens is not the answer and Ainge is a rather unknown commodity, is there a potential pre-draft trade possible?



14. Indianapolis - Terrence Cody, DT, Alabama

Draft picks 2008: OT Mike Pollak, OLB Phillip Wheeler, TE Jacob Tamme, OLB Marcus Howard, TE Tom Santi, C Steve Justice, RB Mike Hart, WR Pierre Garcon, OL Jamey RIchard

Team Needs Outlook 2009: There are two picks that should be glaringly obvious for the Colts to make with their first two picks in the 2009 draft. Defensive tackle, and defensive tackle. If you don't see that happen, expect riots to break out from Anderson to Terre Haute, Lafayette to Loogootee. Okay, well maybe not riots. But there will be a ton of people ticked off. The glaring void at DT was completely unexpected and the usually step-ahead Bill Polian got caught flat-footed when DT Quinn Pitcock suddenly retired at age 26, and then Ed Johnson was cut for hanging out with the chronic.

Suddenly, no DT's and no viable options available to plug the gap. On top of that, his linebacking corps were dropping like flies with injuries, so depth was non-existent for the Colts in that area. Make a long story short, defense will be the main focus. Specifically defensive linemen, cornerbacks and linebackers, with a possible selection of a wideout and left tackle.



15. Atlanta - Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

Draft picks 2008: QB Matt Ryan, OT Sam Baker, LB Curtis Lofton, CB Chevis Jackson, WR Harry Douglas, FS Thomas DeCoud, OLB Robert James, OLB Kroy Biermann, RB Thomas Brown, CB Wilrey Fontenot, TE Keith Zinger

Team Needs Outlook 2009: The Falcons wasted little time putting their #1 pick into the position of franchise saviour. We'll see how that works out. By the way, so far so good. Meantime, Atlanta still has some gaps to fill, but definitely filled some with their '08 draft. Look for the Falcons to add a big body at TE, where Hartsock won't cut it. There's also a need for Brooking's eventual replacement and maybe a taller presence at corner, with additional help body in the secondary and in the linebacking corps



16. New England - Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida

Draft picks 2008: OLB Jerod Mayo, CB Terrence Wheatley, OLB Shawn Crable, QB Kevin O'Connell,CB Jonathan Wilhite, WR Matt Slater, OLB Bo Ruud

Team Needs Outlook 2009: Even though the Pats have a pretty solid group of offensive linemen, there is always room for more depth to keep pushing the starting vets....especially after Tom Brady gets knocked out for the year. So target the offensive line and the safety position when figuring out who New England will target for the 2009 draft. Additionally, linebacker could be a depth pick once again, since Mayo cracked the starting rotation and Crable helped for depth. Izzo, Bruschi and Vrable aren't getting any younger, so getting at least one more backer will be important if the right player is available at the right pick. Don't be surprised if the Patriots land a running back to shake up the current rotation with Maroney, Faulk, Morris and Jordan.



17. San Diego - Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Draft picks 2008: CB Antoine Cason, FB Jacob Hester, RB Marcus Thomas, CB DeJuan Tribble, OT Corey Clark

Team Needs Outlook 2009: Defensive line and safety remain key additions for the Chargers to pursue in the 2009 draft. Merrimen's injuru was not factored into the '08 draft obviously, but the depth beyond the starters should have been addressed last year. Be certain it will this time around. And while Darrin Sproles has been fine in his backup role to LT, the age and injury bug might be catching up with Ladanian, so San Diego's emotionless GM could be engaging a long-term scenario where he considers drafting LT's (or Sproles) eventual replacement. Think LeGarrette Blount of Oregon - a Brandon Jacobs with speed type back - in a mid-round steal IF Blount comes out of college a year early.




18. Philadelphia (From Carolina) - Taylor Mays, S, USC

Draft picks 2008: DT Trevor Laws, WR DeSean Jackson, OLB Bryan Smith, OT Mike McGlynn, FS Quintin Demps, CB Jack Ikegwuonu, OT Mike Gibson, ILB Joe Mays, OLB Andy Studebaker, OT King Dunlap.

Team Needs Outlook 2009: Philly had a tremendous draft in 2008 and many of their selections are paying dividends in their rookie year already. If they cand do even half as well in 2009, McNabb & Co. could be the odds on favorite to make a run at the Super Bowl each of the next couple of years. That's assuming, of course, that both McNabb & Westbrook can stay healthy enough to get there with them. So the upcoming draft could be just as important as the one this past April.

Look for the Eagles to target a big play TE that can help to round out the offensive options for McNabb, and probably a safety or secondary player with versatility at any position. And really, it's not too early to target another multi-faceted running back to start learning the ropes from Westbrook, who along with Burkholder, are getting up in age for running backs. Could use some offensive line depth picks too as age is quickly catching up with Thomas and Runyan.




19. Arizona - Fili Moala, DT, USC

Draft picks 2008: CB, Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie, DE Calais Campbell, WR Early Doucet, DE Kenny Iwabema, RB Tim Hightower, DE Chris Harrington, OT Brandon Keith

Team Needs Outlook 2009: Arizona has one of the most prolific offenses in all of football, and their defense is getting better all the time. The 2009 draft could be the one that creates a recurring playoff team for Ken Whisenhut and the Cardinal faithful. Only the potential loss of Anquan Boldin to contract issues would cause a setback for this team. I also think they have to face reality and get a solid RB of the future to replace Edge at the end of the 2009 season. Hightower was a nice surprise, but he'll need a talented partner to tag team with in the running game and James is probably at the final leg of his career.

The type of linebackers for the Whisenhut defensive scheme are missing right now so look for him to target some linebackers and a safety, along with running back and wide receiver - depending on the Boldin situation. I won't go into the QB possibility right now, since there is still quite a bit of season left to play. But with an aging Warner and a disappoint Leinart, the Cardinals might be forced to use one of their picks on a prospect at that position.



20. Chicago - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

Draft picks 2008: OT Chris Williams, RB Matt Forte, WR Earl Bennett, DT Marcus Harrison, S Craig Steltz, CB Zachary Bowman, TE Kellen Davis, DE Ervin Baldwin, OG Chester Adams, OLB Joey LaRocque, OT Kirk Barton, WR Marcus Monk.

Team Needs Outlook 2009: I've seen many mocks for the Bears this year list a QB as the lead draft pick (again) for a team who still needs help along the offensive line and a big wideout who has speed. QB is quite a ways down the list on my draft sheet, and it certainly does not include Curtis Painter of Purdue as many mocks currently show. No, the Bears have many needs that would make this team a legitimate NFC Championship threat for the next four to five years, and QB isn't among the desperate needs at this point. Imagine Chicago with Marques Colston or Brandon Marshall.

There is no vertical game in Chicago, which allows opposing defenses to stack the box or go with continual blitz packages that force Orton or Grossman into quick, short passes while the rush batters them all day long. Beef up the offensive line. Chicago drafted three offensive lineman in 2008, kept two and one of those is on IR. Add wide receivers with speed and size, get rid of Olsen and find another solid TE that can hold onto the ball and the Bears will be set. Kellen Davis and Olsen have been huge disappointments at that position thus far. Oh, and there will be plenty of good QB's available in the later rounds.



21. New Orleans - Myrone Rolle, S, FSU

Draft picks 2008: DT Sedrick Ellis, CB Tracey Porter, DT DeMario Pressley, OT Carl Nicks, K Taylor Mehlhaff, WR Adrian Arrington.

Team Needs Outlook 2009: Defense, defense, defense. Then rinse and repeat. This should be the ONLY mantra for the Saints in the 2009 draft, with the exception of offensive line and a big running back to help rotate in and out for Deuce. Cornerback depth, linebacker depth and another DT for rotational depth should round out the rest of the draft.



22. Jacksonville - Alex Mack, C, California

Draft picks 2008: DE Derrick Harvey, DE Quentin Groves, OLB Thomas Williams, CB Trae Williams, RB Chauncey Washington

Team Needs Outlook 2009: The offensive line is still a need for Jacksonville, particularly at Center, so look for Jacksonville to target that area as well as safety with their one or two of their first few picks. Aside from that, the Jags are pretty well set at every position.



23. Denver - James Davis, RB, Clemson

Draft picks 2008: QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, OLB Tavares Gooden, FS Tom Zbikowski, OG Oniel Cousins, WR Marcus Smith, OT David Hale, FS Hanuki Nakamura, WR Justin Harper, RB Allen Patrick

Team Needs Outlook 2009: It is fascinating that the Ravens went from relatively major concern along the offensive to what has started to emerge as a very pleasant surprise. With Ogden's impending retirement, it looked as if the hole on the left side would be irreplaceable. And maybe the final answer isn't really there just yet, but David Hale and Oniel Cousins have made huge contributions as rookies thus far for the Ravens.

However, if they continue to play as well as they have thus far, Baltimore can start to focus in on some more defensive players to help rebuild youth into that side of the ball. I'd like to see them select a big wideout that can help stretch a defense a little more in order to open the running game for McGahee & Rice, while giving Flacco a young target he can develop with for the future.



24. Tampa Bay - Louis Murphy, WR, Florida

Draft picks 2008: CB Aqib Talib, WR Dexter Jackson, OG Jeremy Zuttah, DT Dre Moore, QB Josh Johnson, ILB Geno Hayes, RB Cory Boyd.

Team Needs Outlook 2009: If the Bucs and Jon Gruden want a trip back to the Super Bowl, they need to get their QB situation settled once and for all. Griese - or Jeff Garcia - or Josh Johnson isn't the answer. And while the defense is still tough, it is getting along in years at some key positions. At DE, I'm not sold on Greg White or Jimmy Wilkerson as suitable starters once Kevin Carter is finished with his career.

There also needs to be some more youth added to the backer corps - even though I will loathe the day we have to see Derrick Brooks retire. And the wideout position is still a need, as Michael Clayton is the lone big target without much help. Joey Galloway is ready for retirement, with Ike Hilliard soon to follow, while Bryant and Jackson are not sufficient.



25. Baltimore - Ciron Black, OT, LSU

Draft picks 2008: QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, OLB Tavares Gooden, FS Tom Zbikowski, OG Oniel Cousins, WR Marcus Smith, OT David Hale, FS Hanuki Nakamura, WR Justin Harper, RB Allen Patrick

Team Needs Outlook 2009: It is fascinating that the Ravens went from relatively major concern along the offensive to what has started to emerge as a very pleasant surprise. With Ogden's impending retirement, it looked as if the hole on the left side would be irreplaceable.

And maybe the final answer isn't really there just yet, but David Hale and Oniel Cousins have made huge contributions as rookies thus far for the Ravens. However, if they continue to play as well as they have thus far, Baltimore can start to focus in on some more defensive players to help rebuild youth into that side of the ball.

I know the Ravens already have Heap, but how about a huge safety blanket-type target for Joe Flacco to help move the changes or convert inside the redzone....wouldn't be stunned if they picked Brandon Pettigrew, the big 6-6 TE from Oklahoma St.



26. Dallas - Javon Ringer, RB, Michigan St.

Draft picks 2008: RB Felix Jones, CB Mike Jenkins, TE Martellus Bennett, RB Tashard Choice, CB Orlando Scandrick, DE Erik Walden

Team Needs Outlook 2009: Not very many holes on this team from top to bottom, so most all picks will be depth picks. With the emergence of Miles Austin, wideout isn't as high on the list as it once was....which is not to say it isn't still on the list. The secondary and linebacking corps can still be supplemented with rotational depth, and perhaps quarterback.

Why QB? Because Brook Bollinger isn't a good option, and while Brad Johnson is, his age precludes him from being in Big D for much longer anyhow. Might be a need to add a DE and SS to push the starters in next year's training camp and perhaps add some more aggressive youngsters to the pass rush, pass defense.



27. Pittsburgh - Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma
Draft picks 2008: RB Rashard Mendenhall, WR Limas Sweed, DE Bruce Davis, OT Tony Hills, QB Dennis Dixon, LB Mike Humpal, FS Ryan Mundy

Team Needs Outlook 2009: Gotta believe that the offensive line will get some attention in this year's draft, as well as cornerback and free safety depth. The Steelers added some young playmakers at the wideout position last draft, but I'm not sold that Nate Washington is the answer, so maybe one more big wideout in the later rounds would be warranted.

The Steelers may be looking at finding young replacements for Marvel Smith and Max Starks on the Oline once they go free agent at year's end. Trai Essex will also be a free agent, while Willie Colon becomes a restricted free agent. Guard Chris Kemoeatu will also be a free agent in 2009 and Therefore, two picks for the offensive tackle position, as well as guard, may be in order.


28. Carolina - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St.

Draft picks 2008: RB Jonathan Stewart, OT Jeff Otah, CB Charles Godfrey, OLB Dan Connor, TE Gary Barnidge, DT Nick Hayden, OLB Hilee Taylor, OL Geoff Schwartz, OG Mackenzy Bernadeau

Team Needs Outlook 2009: It looks as if the addition of Jonathan Stewart has given the Panthers the powerful duel running threat they have been seeking, which has allowed the passing game to become more effective. Beefing up the defensive line was a need in ''08 and looked to do the same again in '09, but thus far the DLine for Carolina has tallied 8 of the 10 sacks racked up by the Panthers through week 5 It also looked like Jake Delhomme was going to be an afterthought as Carolina QB coming into the season. Not anymore, but I do think selecting a backup QB in this draft would be wise.

All that said, can't pass on a huge target like Pettigrew. Imagine him on one side, with rookie Dante Rosario on the other side? 6-6 Pettigrew and 6-4 Rosario as the Ends, along with Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad at the wideouts, and Stewart or Williams out of the backfield.......looks intimidating, at least on paper. If Carolina passes on Pettigrew, Buffalo certainly won't.



29. Buffalo - Everette Brown, DE, Florida St.

Draft picks 2008: CB Leodis McKelvin, WR James Hardy, DE Chris Ellis, CB Reggie Corner, TE Derek Fine, OLB Alvin Bowen, RB Xavier Omon, OT Demetrius Bell, WR Steve Johnson, CB Kennard Cox

Team Needs Outlook 2009: Buffalo is poised to be a continual threat in the AFC for years to come following their past three drafts. If they can top it off in 2009 with some added talent at some key positions, the BIlls will be a true force. I still believe their TE position could be upgraded with a hybrid type that forces better mismatches in the middle of opposing defenses, giving Edwards additional check-down targets and creating multiple threats. Maybe Fine is "fine" for this role, but they need an immediate impact TE for the offense and I haven't seen that yet from Fine, though I know he's been injured and Royal is just okay.

In addition, I would add a left defensive end, give running back Marshawn Lynch another backup as I'm not completely certain Jackson or Oman are the candidates for that long-term role, but depth behind Lynch is critical. Defensively, left end would be a place I'd bolster in the '09 draft, along with safety behind Donte Whitner. I'm sure Bills fans are just elated there are no extremely huge holes that need filled on a team that has turned the corner.



30. Washington - Terrance Taylor, DT, Michigan

Draft picks 2008: WR Devin Thomas, TE Fred Davis, WR Malcolm Kelly, OT Chad Rinehart, CB Justin Tryon, P Durant Brooks, DB Kareem Moore, QB Colt Brennan, DE Rob Jackson, FS Chris Horton

Team Needs Outlook 2009: Washington made some great strides offensively in the '08 draft with a group of receivers that will ultimately help supercharge the offense. Other than some offensive line depth and a bulldozing running back to ultimately "try" to replace Mike Sellers, I think the offense is set. And there aren't too many glaring needs defensively, although defensive end and linebacker would be my initial targets in helping solidify the defense. The three main backers for the Skins are great, but some quality depth behind them would be beneficial. Same for the secondary in regards to depth.




31. Tennessee - Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma

Draft picks 2008: RB Chris Johnson, DE Jason Jones, TE Craig Stevens, DL William Hayes, WR Lavelle Hawkins, OLB Stanford Kelgar, CB Cary Williams

Team Needs Outlook 2009: Offensive line is a must. I was surprised they didn't draft anyone for the offensive line in '08, but l guess they just couldn't pass on those available at the time. So look for Tennessee to add to O-line. Wideout is still a need in my book, especially one that can get downfield and create trouble in the red zone.

A slot guy with speed would also be useful. McCareins, Jones and Williams are okay, but they need a playmaker to lift the Titans out of the lower half of the league in passing offense. That will also help increase the effectiveness of the run offense that is in the top portion of the league.



32. N.Y. Giants - Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn

Draft picks 2008: FS Kenny Phillips, CB Terrell Thomas, WR Mario Manningham, OLB Bryan Kehl, LB Jonathan Goff, QB Andre Woodson, DE Robert Henerson

Team Needs Outlook 2009: The defending Super Bowl champions have done remarkably well after losing so many key players from their title team. There are spots on the roster that can be bolstered, but it certainly doesn't look like the rebuilding project many were anticipating after the loss of some of those players earlier in the year. The 2009 draft for the Giants will mainly focus on anticipating future roster losses as they relate to contracts being signed or not signed. Otherwise, the talent pool on this roster is one of the more robust in the league and the Giants just tab the best player available with their selection.