2009 NFL Mock Draft

2009 MOCK VERSION 5.0 | Updated 4/23

1.Detroit Lions- Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

Previous: Matthew Stafford

By all indications, Daunte Culpepper is scheduled to be the starting quarterback for the Lions in 2009. Looking into the future, Detroit will select Stafford with the first overall pick and prepare him to lead the franchise by 2010.

2. St. Louis Rams- Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

Previous: Jason Smith

With the release of Orlando Pace, the obvious priority in St. Louis is at offensive tackle. Jason Smith will fill that need.

3. Kansas City Chiefs- Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

Previous: Aaron Curry

The recent acquisition of Matt Cassel from New England likely set erasers in motion. Many had Mark Sanchez set to lead the Chiefs, and that’s no longer the probability.  The Chiefs will select Aaron Curry, the most gifted athlete in this year’s class.

4. Seattle Seahawks- B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

Previous: B.J Raji

The acquisition of T.J Houshmandzadeh rapidly reduced the probability of the Seahawks drafting a first round receiver, which I could never see them doing to begin with, especially this high. Sitting in the 4th position, it would be difficult to pass on defensive tackle B.J. Raji, one of 2009’s draft jewels.

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

Previous: Michael Crabtree

The Browns unloaded Kellen Winslow to the Bucs, and Braylon Edwards currently sits on the trade block. Mangini was apparently turned off by the ego of Michael Crabtree (previously slotted here), so Orakpo appears the better fit for the staff and fills a defensive priority.

6. Cincinnati Bengals- Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

Previous: Andre Smith

Character issues have never deterred the Bengals from making any decisions. Andre Smith finds his home here.

7. Oakland Raiders- Michael Crabtree

Previous: Jeremy Maclin

The Raiders complete the draft trifecta, selecting the top QB in 2007, top running back in 2008, and now the biggest receiving name in 2009.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars- Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

Previous: Rey Maualuga

Mission: protect the quarterback and allow the newly acquired Torry Holt to make plays. (Watch for the Jets trading up to this spot to grab Mark Sanchez)

9. Green Bay Packers- Aaron Maybin, DE/OLB, Penn State

Previous: Brian Orakpo

The Packers are switching to a 3-4 scheme, under new coordinator Dom Capers. They’ll select the much needed hybrid to make the scheme effective.

10. San Francisco 49ers- Mark Sanchez, QB, Southern Cal

Previous: Mark Sanchez

This may not be the most popular choice among the Niners’ fans, but San Francisco doesn’t have their QB of the future on the current roster. Also, don’t be surprised if they trade out of this spot, possibly with Denver or Tampa Bay, depending on what they can gain in return.

11. Buffalo Bills- Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

Previous: Eugene Monroe

12. Denver Broncos- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

Previous: Brian Cushing

13. Washington Redskins- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

Previous: Aaron Maybin

14. New Orleans Saints- Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

Previous: Malcolm Jenkins

15. Houston Texans- Clay Matthews, LB, Southern Cal

Previous: Clay Matthews

16. San Diego Chargers- Chris “Beanie” Wells

Previous: Chris “Beanie” Wells

17. New York Jets- Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

Previous: Darius Heyward-Bey

18. Denver Broncos- Brian Cushing, LB, Southern Cal

Previous: Tyson Jackson

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Everette Brown, DE, Florida State

Previous: Josh Freeman

20. Detroit Lions- Rey Maualuga, LB, Southern Cal

Previous: Peria Jerry

21. Philadelphia Eagles- Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

Previous: Knowshon Moreno

22. Minnesota Vikings- Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

Previous: Percy Harvin

23. New England Patriots- James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State

Previous: James Laurinaitis

24. Atlanta Falcons-Larry English, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois

Previous: Jared Cook

25. Miami Dolphins- Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut

Previous: Everette Brown

26. Baltimore Ravens- Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

Previous: Hakeem Nicks

27. Indianapolis Colts- Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

Previous: Evander Hood

28. Buffalo Bills-Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

Previous: Brandon Pettigrew

29. New York Giants-Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

Previous: Larry English

30. Tennessee Titans- Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

Previous: Vontae Davis

31. Arizona Cardinals-Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut

Previous: Donald Brown

32. Pittsburgh Steelers- Alex Mack, OL, Cal

Previous: Alex Mack, OL, Cal