2009 NFL Draft v7 ( Three Rounds )

Three key issues will make this one of the most notable NFL drafts in quite some time:

1) The slew of new coaching hires that have taken place in the past few weeks will impact the decisions on the type of personnel selected in the '09 draft.

2) The above normal amount of talented free agent quarterbacks that will be available contrasted against the small amount of top-caliber collegiate signal callers that will be on the Big Board in April.

3) The high number of underclassmen that are listed ahead of senior players available could have been the highest ever, but even with the decision by many to stay put, it's still a pretty strong group.

It will be interesting to see if those current player rankings hold up through pro day workouts and the combine in Indianapolis.

With all that said, the first pick of the NFL draft in 2009 is a very interesting one in its own right. The moribund Lions have an opportunity to begin the rebuilding process following a precedent-setting winless season in Detroit.

They have a wealth of available talent to choose from with their two first round picks, but keep in mind the type of money they will have to shell out for those two picks.

Detroit - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech - I'm of the mind that the Lions can make a play for one of the many young free agent QB's that will be available this off-season especially considering that Stafford or Sanchez wouldn't be enough to turn the Lions around while dodging incoming pro defensive pass rushers. Upgrades on the offensive and defensive lines are needed, and that means draft picks are need.

With two picks in the first round, the Lions will have to bankroll both of those #1 signings - especially prior to the start of training camp - and also sign any potential free agent at QB. That's a big cap strain, so it might be enough to force the Lions to take Crabtree #1 and then trade him in order to gain more in later rounds. If not, the Lions will go with the safe pick at OT.

St. Louis - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia- The Rams need to bolster the line (among so many other things) and are awaiting word on who will lead this team in 2009 from the sidelines. Until the coaching philosophy is decided upon, I'll take the safe pick here as well. However, Michael Crabtree could be the selection although the Rams have so many needs on defense.

Kansas City - Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest - Much will depend on which direction the post-Peterson era GM will want this team to move in. Personally, I think Thigpen halts the need for an absolute 1st round QB selection (but maybe not another QB pick later in the day) and the Chiefs get an offensive tackle, pass rusher or LB, and they need all of those in this draft. The Chiefs defense has the makings of a young, up and coming force, and Curry could be one of new guys to help solidify that potential. Another OT pick wouldn't be stunning.

Seattle - Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi - Once again, the decisions and direction of new coach - Mora Jr. - will determine the overall strategy of the Seahawk draft. There is no question the Hawks need to enhance their running game and it is imperative that a wideout is selected soon. The obvious pick is Crabtree, but the 'Hawks can't pass on a big talent like Oher.

Cleveland - Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas. - If Wells isn't taken by this point, the Browns might try and steal him with their first pick. Otherwise the Browns go unconventional and will try and use Orakpo as an OLB/DE in their 3-4 in order to get more pressure on opposing QB's. He's the best available for this type of utilization, with more speed than either Laurinaitis or Maulauga. If Curry is still here at this pick, Aaron Curry will get the nod.

Cincinnati - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama - The Bengals begin the turnaround at the ground level on offensive line. Without better pass protection or run blocking, the Bengals offense cannot sustain drives and Carson Palmer on the sidelines with an injury does the Bengals no good at all.

Oakland - Jason Smith, OT, Baylor - The Black Hole fans anxiously await which direction Al Davis will want to move in for 2009. The most glaring need is the offensive line, which means he'll probably select Jeremy Maclin, Everette Brown or Malcom Jenkins.

Jacksonville - Everette Brown, DE, Florida - The Jags are looking for an OLB for their 3-4 defense, but how can you pass on such a disruptive force like Everette Brown. Could be utilized late for a trade that allows Jacksonville get a linebacker or wideout they need more.

Green Bay - Malcom Jenkins, CB, Ohio St - With the Packer defense floundering at critical times this season, Green Bay will start with either a pass rusher or pass defender. If Everette Brown is here, they'll go with him first.

San Francisco - Knowshown Moreno, RB, Georgia - There will be a ton of pressure on first-year headcoach Mike Singletary to draft Mark Sanchez or Matt Stafford at QB. He will politely refrain from doing so and begin instituting more of the running game. In this era, that means a tandem running back attack.

Buffalo - Percy Harvin, WR, Florida - The Bills need some offensive weapons and TE Pettigrew was my first choice a few months back. With Percy Harvin now declared, I think he can be a difference-maker and allow Buffalo to go TE in round two or three, while filling in their defensive needs at DE and LB. Harvin's speed can open up the underneath and middle routes for Evans and Reed, and if Hardy can pick it up in '09, the wideout position is set.

Denver - BJ Raji, DT, Boston College - With biggest needs at DT,CB,DE, OT and S - pretty much all over the defense, the Broncos could go in any direction. Hard to imagine their defense not being the prime focus for any new coach, so look for a DE or DT pick with the Broncos first selection. Of course with new coach Josh McDaniels aboard, the pick could go RB.

Washington - Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech - A tall, quick and disruptive force on the edge is just what the Skins need for their defense. The combine and pro day workouts will be very interesting to see if Johnson is the actual pick or if the Skins will have a chance at another big need: Offensive Left Tackle.

New Orleans - James Laurinitis, OLB, Ohio St. - The Saints need defensive personnel that make an immediate impact. DJ Moore is a possibility here, but with the re-signing of Vilma still up in the air, injured defensive lineman trying to heal and come back to play at a top level, this draft will make or break the chance for a Super Bowl run in the near-term.

Houston - Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi - This will be a very intersting pick if the draft falls as I have it laid out. Moreno and Wells still available, as well as two solid LB's and a couple of good wideouts to compliment Johnson. The Texans go with a serious need instead, tapping Peria Jerry.

San Diego - Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC - The Chargers defense gets a boost with the wildman from USC joining an already tough defense. With Merriman coming back from injury and help in the secondary in the latter rounds of the draft, San Diego can rely on the defense once again.

NY Jets - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri - Doubtful the Jets would go QB here unless Favre calls it quits (for real this time) and take a shot on a rookie. The Jets can use another offensive weapon like Heyward-Bey, Percy Harvin or Jeremy Maclin, but need help on defense too.

Chicago - Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland - For Chicago to help take the pressure off of its defense, the Bears need a top wideout. Whether it will ultimately be Kyle Orton or someone else, the QB is limited in being able to utilize the passing game. Having a guy like Bey will also add some years to the legs of Matt Forte.

Tampa Bay - Matt Stafford, QB, Georgia - The Bucs add a QB that will probably not start immediately, but will be given the task of being the future franchise QB. With new coach Raheem Morris and player personnel GM Mark Dominik now with the Bucs this pick could go in any direction.

Detroit(from Dallas) - William Beatty, OT, UConn - The Lions begin putting together the offensive line and may opt to select CB or LB here. One thing is certain and that is the Lions have options available by trading out of the first pick which will impact this selection even more.

Arizona - Eben Britton, OT, Arizona - Help along the offensive line is a top need, but there's also a chance the Cards go with Rey Maualuga, CB Vontae Davis or Center Max Unger.

Philadelphia - Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St. - In a too-good-an-opportunity-to-pass-up pick, the Eagles add Brandon Pettigrew to the offense and hope he will be able to give McNabb (or whoever it will be at QB) a solid safety blanket.

Minnesota - Mark Sanchez, QB, USC - The Vikes could go in any direction here, but after seeing Tavaris Jackson crumble in the playoffs, I doubt Minnesota can afford to wait around any longer - though I think a QB in FA would be a better way to go. That said, Sanchez is available and if it weren't for the sizeable amount of FA quarterbacks in the off-season, he certainly could've been higher. Minnesota is "there" and on the threshold of going to a Super Bowl and might be looking at Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco as prime examples.

New England - LeSean McCoy, RB, Pitt - The Patriot running game isn't quite as effective as it has been in recent years, so they bring in someone to push Maroney, Morris and Jordan....one of which will be gone by the end of camp.

Atlanta - Fili Moala, DT, USC - Filling a need in the middle of the interior defensive line. The Falcons need help at CB too, but are much better off taking Moala here to help plug up the middle and allow the D-ends to tee off even more on opposing QB's.

Miami - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois - One of the weakest links remaining on the team, CB is addressed with a solid prospect from the Big Ten. At 6-0 and running a 4.42 unofficial 40, Davis has the size and speed to match up with some of the bigger, faster wideouts in the league.

Baltimore - D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt - The Ravens need to start addressing their secondary and Moore is a perfect player for the Ravens. Considered the SEC's top cover corner, Moore could reinforce an already solid group of veterans in the Baltimore secondary. Moore can also return kicks.

Philadelphia (from Carolina) - Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest - Philly uses its second pick in the first round to address a need in the secondary. Smith is quick and fluid and should be a solid shot in the arm for the Eagles.

Indianapolis - Brian Cushing, OLB, USC - Not what the Colts need exactly, but a guy that - if available at that selection - cannot be passed. Indy needs a DT, WR and RB but will go with best available here no matter the position.

Pittsburgh - Max Unger, C, Oregon - Secondary help is needed but the Steelers will make a slight reach here for a much-needed offensive lineman and Unger is versatile. That versatility could allow the Steelers to move Olineman around for a better fit and utilize later draft picks in other areas.

NY Giants - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn St. - If the Giants allow Plax to return then wideout becomes less of a burning need. However, if he isn't returning to the Gmen in '09, New York might be forced to reach a little here and select Kenny Britt from Rutgers. Assuming that won't be necessary, the Giants reach a bit for young DE Aaron Maybin.

Tennessee - Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina - Tennessee can ill-afford to be without top targets downfield and get one in Nicks. The only knock on Nicks (?) is that he might not be the speedster necessary to break away from DB's and pick up extra yardage.


ROUND TWO (picks 33-65)


Detroit - Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia - For the Lions, defense is the name of the draft here on out.

St. Louis - Sean Smith, CB, Utah - St. Louis gets a steal in the second round with the big corner.

Kansas City - Paul Kruger, DE, Utah - The pass rush for KC has been lacking since the loss of their top sacker last year to free agency.

Cincinnati - Connor Barwin, DE, Cincinnati - Local college product now plays on Sunday.

Seattle - Brandon LaFell, WR, LSU - The depleted wideout position for the Seahawks gets some help.

Oakland - Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers - Risk/reward selection for the Raiders. Britt is a prospect and Al Davis can't refuse the temptation.

Cleveland - Shonne Green, RB, Iowa - The Browns look to amp up their running attack.

Jacksonville - Duke Robinson, OG, Oklahoma - The Jags offensive line gets a boost.

San Francisco - Troy Kropog, OT, Tulane - The 49ers get a solid, stout end to help along the offensive line.

Green Bay - Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU - Not the DE they were targeting, but the Packers take the best player available to fit a pressing need.

NE (from San Diego) - Larry English, OLB, Northern Illinois - With aging vets still holding down spots, English is added for the future.

Buffalo - Herman Johnson, OG, LSU - The Bills get a steal with this versatile lineman.

Miami (From Wash) - Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinatti - Fins add a quick, hard-hitting CB for depth.

NY Giants (from NO) - Clay Matthews, LB, USC - Beefing up the depth at linebacker with a son of a top NFL player.

Houston - Derek Peques, FS, Mississippi St. - Peques will help reinforce the Texan deep secondary.

Denver - Patrick Chung, SS, Oregon - Good size, strength and added depth for the Bronco secondary.

Chicago - Jonathan Luigs, C, Arkansas - Bears offensive line needs some work and Luigs adds depth as Kreutz is getting long in the tooth.

Arizona - Chris Wells, RB, Ohio St. - Wells injury prone reputation sends him down the Big Board for now - that could all change post-combine. For now, the Cards get a perfect compliment for Hightower.

Dallas - Victor Harris, CB, Virginia Tech - After the Pac Man blunder, the Cowboys retool with Harris coming to the Lone Star state.

Philadelphia - Jarius Byrd, CB, Oregon - Philly gets a speedy defender who can defend well and return kicks if needed.

Tampa Bay - Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn - The Bucs get a solid DT to shore up the defensive line.

NY Jets - Donald Brown, RB, UConn - Jets can't pass on a top area prospect with lots of upside

New England - Tyrone McKenzie, OLB, S. Florida - The Patriots reach a bit to take Tyrone McKenzie before another team latches on.

Minnesota - Evander Hood, DT, Missouri - Depth for the defensive line which will allow Allen, Edwards and Robinson to attack with yet more abandon at times.
Miami - Darry Beckwith, ILB, LSU - Miami continues to bolster a solid defensive group with more youth and physicality.

Atlanta - Michael Hamlin, SS, Clemson - The Dirty Birds add size, speed and a good tackler to the safety position.

Baltimore - Derrick Williams, WR, Penn St. - Productive wideout for the Nittany Lions gives Flacco another potential target.

Indianapolis - Ramses Barden, WR, CalPoly - The Colts reach a tad for a wideout they hope will transition into an immediate threat from anywhere on the field.

Pittsburgh - Phil Loadholt, OT, Oklahoma - The Steelers can't pass on a huge Olineman which will help shore up their front five.

NY Giants - Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina - An offensive lineman to start the process of replacing the older veterans.

Carolina - Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas St. - Pending the decisions on Peppers and Gross, the Panthers will need talent at DE, DT and CB. But after Jake's meltdown in the playoffs, they get a future talent at QB here.

Tennessee - Keenan Lewis, CB, Oregon - Help needed in the secondary for the Titans and Lewis is a good-sized defender with speed.



ROUND THREE (picks 65-96)

Detroit - Alex MaGee, DT, Purdue - Can play anywhere along the DLine and has good speed for a big guy.

St. Louis - Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina - Trying to find another option for the Rams offensive attack.

Kansas City - Javon Ringer, RB, Michigan St. - Not the biggest need, but too good a talent to pass on.

Cincinnati - Marcus Freeman, OLB, Ohio St. - Another Buckeye rounding out the defense.

Seattle - Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee - Help for the middle of the D-line.

Oakland - Allen Asher, CB, Georgia - Oakland has a pretty good secondary but can always use more help.

Cleveland - Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio St. - Good sized wideout that can relieve some pressure on Edwards, Winslow.

Jacksonville - Louis Delmas, FS, W. Michigan - Could be one of the diamonds in the rough for the third round.

San Francisco - Louis Murphy, WR, Florida - The 49ers add a WR to help stretch opposing defenses.

Green Bay - Mitch King, DE, Iowa - Packers get some much needed help for their pass rush.

San Diego - Trevor Canfield, G, Cincinatti - Big body that will allow Oakland to shape up their offensive line.

Washington - Kraig Urbik, OG, Wisconsin - The Skins add some help up front on offense.

New Orleans - Dominique Johnson, CB, Jackson St. - Big, lightning-quick corner is perfect match for Saints needs in the secondary.

Houston - Jarron Gilbert, DE, San Jose St. - Reinforcements along the defensive line is top priority for the Texans. Mario smiles broadly.

Denver - Cody Brown, OLB, UConn - Denver needs to beef up their 'backer strength.

Chicago - Brandon Williams, DE, Texas Tech - The Bears get a pass rusher later in the draft than anticipated, but he's a solid prospect.

Arizona - Scott McKillop, ILB, Pittsburgh - Excellent 3rd round pickup for the Cards.

Dallas - Vance Walker, DT, Georgia Tech - Remember those gaping holes on D against Baltimore?

Philadelphia - Fenuki Tupou, OT, Oregon - Big offensive lineman that Andy Reid is tickled to have at this point.

Tampa Bay - Coye Francies, CB, San Jose St. - The Buc secondary gets younger and faster.

NY Jets - Emanuel Cook, SS, So. Carolina - More depth added for the Jets secondary.

New England - Eric Wood, OG, Louisville - Patriots use the pick to increase depth on the offensive line.

Minnesota - Rashad Johnson, FS, Alabama - Secondary help is one of the areas the Vikes need to draft for depth.

Miami - Sherrod Martin, FS, Troy - Third defensive pick of the draft for the Dolphins.

Atlanta - Andy Levitre, OG, Oregon St. - The Falcons use this pick to find a future right guard.

Baltimore - Zack Follet, OLB, California - The linebacker position picks up a little youth.

Indianapolis - Ron Brace, DT, Boston College - The Colts finally get a presence in the middle of the defensive line.

Pittsburgh - DeAngelo Smith, CB, Cincinnati - Without a bevy of desperate needs, the Steelers go for depth at corner.

NY Giants - Ricky Jean-Francios, DT, LSU - A big plugger in the middle to rotate for depth on the D line.

Carolina - Dorell Scott, DT, Clemson - The defensive line needs some improvement and Scott could be a big boost up front.

Tennessee - Rhett Bomar, QB, Sam Houston St. - Coach Jeff Fisher wants backup in case VY fizzles and Collins can't repeat his '08 output.