Since I have to follow the draft year round for the site I write at, I figured I might as well post my top ten projections since the draft is such a hot topic this year due to the Packers struggling and the potential great players in it.

1. Detroit Lions - Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

The Lions need to start from scratch. They don't have a franchise QB and it's time they get one. Sam Bradford has all the tools to be an excellent pro and his production the last two years have been unmatched.

2. St. Louis Rams - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

Andre Smith is the best offensive lineman in the draft. He is a great athlete for his size and should continue the recent trend of quality play by top three picks among offensive lineman.

3. Kansas City Chiefs - Matthew Stafford, QB, Georiga

Tyler Thigpen is a stop gap for the much more talented Matthew Stafford. Stafford possess similar traits that John Elway once had, but Stafford has underachieved at Georgia which is why he's not No. 1.

4. Seattle Seahawks - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

He might not be the fastest of players, but he does evereything else right. I think he's on par with Larry Fitzgerald as a prospect and I think he's the best player in the draft if he declares.

5. Cleveland Browns - Brian Orakpo, DE/LB, Texas

The Browns need to generate some sort of a pass rush if they're going to be a successful team. Brian Orakpo is the best pass rusher arguably in the draft and provides a boost to a defense that needs help.

6. Cincinnati Bengals - Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State

It's probably a reach, but Cincinnati's biggest need is at running back. The Bengals can't go into 2009 without some sort of running game to take the pressure off of their franchise QB Carson Palmer. I expect them to trade down, but if forced too, I think they'll reach for Wells.

7. Oakland Raiders - Malcom Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

The Raiders would be better off selecting Eugene Monroe because they need an offensive line to protect Jamarcus Russell and block for their platoon of backs, but Al Davis likes his athletes and Al Davis will take his athletes with this pick.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars - Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

Linebackers simply don't go in the top five unless they're special and Aaron Curry is special. A potential top five pick might slip due to a few underclassman such as Sam Bradford, Matthew Stafford, and Michael Crabtree declaring early. The Jags have a lot of solid player on their defense, but I don't see the impact player. That's what Curry would be if he ends up in Jacksonville.

9. Green Bay Packers - Everett Brown, DE, Florida State

The Packers need a pass rusher and Everette Brown pass rushing abilities rivals that of anyone in the draft. Brown very well could play LB in the 3-4, but with the Packers using Cullen Jenkins as their part time DE in running situations, Brown will fall into place as their pass rushing DE opposite of Aaron Kampman. Oh and and he's not Jamal Reynolds so don't panic Packer fans.

10. San Francisco 49ers - Aaron Maybin, DE/LB, Penn State

Aaron Maybin is much closer to a linebacker in the NFL than a defensive end due to his size. He's a great fit in the 3-4 scheme where he could hone his pass rushing abilities and be a DeMarcus Ware like player. He'll also be on the Browns radar at No. 5.

---

Porky:

What did they put in your trough this early am?

I'm firing you again. I think this is third time I have had to terminate your services.

Of course, I am totally kidding.

On a serious note, what about Michael Johnson? Did he die? (kidding, again)

Mind you, I personally do not want Michael Johnson at nine, but I don't want Everette Brown, either. I want to take my 1350 draft pick value chart points and trade back in a 1 for 3 deal, as this is a fantastic draft in depth for our needs, contrasted with extrordinary talent in say, the 9 hole.







(yes, I know there are "new" charts--I see no evidence of being used)
Link:
ESPN Draft-pick value chart 

Sorry to say, I have to disagree with that as the Packers Pick at #9. I don't want a 250 lb DE.

Still hard to look at a Mock until the under classmen declare

---

I don't think clevaland will draft Orakpo they will draft Aaron Curry, can't pass the best LB that's has the size and speed to make plays. Now here is the player the jags have been interested in according to some of my jag friends Rey Maualuga, apperantly his an imediate inpact to their defense and lays the big hits. Coming to green bay I think if Orakpo is on the board he shall be the pick, if not they will definentaly go with OT Monroe or Oher depending on who's on the board. Can't pass up the best players on DE - OL. I wouldn't want to draft anyone else either then Orakpo in the first round from the DE. Now I'd like to see us draft B.J. Raji 🙂

---

I'm doubting about the Chiefs and Bengals picks.

The Chiefs had put all of their effort into Brodie Croyle and, imo, he's not even close in talent to Thygpen. I see them trying to develop Thygpen alot more first, maybe taking an offensive lineman or something like that.

The Bengals got Cedric Benson, who has been ok, not great, but ok. I could see them going for another back, but with their passing game coming back next season with Palmer, I think they'd want to protect their QB and get their running game going in one, going for an O-lineman.

Ofcourse there aren't that many amazing O-liners in the draft, but I see Oher going to the Bengals or the Chiefs. Both teams can also use alot of help on defense, so I see Jenkins or Orakpo going to one of them aswell.

Just utting my thoughts out there, great mock draft though, I think you hit most of the picks right on the money, for as far as you can do that this early. ^^

The problem is most of the best pass rushers are undersized lineman whom are tweeners. Brown has the frame to add weight and not lose any athletic ability he has and that's why I would take him. I also think he's the No. 2 pass rusher in the draft. I wouldn't be shocked that he bulks up to 260 or 265 by the combine if and when he probably declares.

I also like Michael Johnson, but he needs motivations to play and after watching the coaches over the course of the season, I'm not sure they can do that.

---

Everette Brown might not even enter the draft this year. I definitely would not pick him over Michael Johnson anyway.

Now, I'm not so sure I wouldn't want Eugene Monroe or Michael Oher in the first round and going after BJ Raji in the 2nd round. Raji is projected to be a 2nd round draft pick anyway, and he's not even the top rated DT in the country. Here are the top 5 rated DTs in the country:

1. Peria Jerry - 6'3" 295 lbs (Mississippi)
2. Fili Moala - 6'5" 298 lbs (Southern Cal)
3. B.J. Raji - 6'1" 325 lbs (Boston College)
4. Evander Hood - 6'3" 295 lbs (Missouri)
5. Alex Magee - 6'3" 295 (Purdue)

---

Where are you getting your rankings from, gpg?

---

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/players.php?genpos=DT&draftyear=2009&sortorder=tsxpos&order=ASC 

You can look at any position.

---

Take a look at this one, also

drafttek positional