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A ridiculously early look at the 2009 NFL Draft

From SI.com, here's an early early early early look at next years draft.  I know this won't hold much water come next April (and quite frankly i'm not sure how credible this writter is), but let's face it...we're fans and we enjoy this type of thing.  So here you go...Orakpo goes in the 1st.

Link:  http://fannation.com/blogs/post/185277

 

2009 Mock Draft

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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. Redskins -- 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

All comments, FanPosts, and FanShots are the views of the reader-authors who create them.

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Isn't Crabtree a soph next year?

If he wasn’t a freshman this year, then what happened to him last year?

--Horn Brain--

by Horn Brain on Apr 29, 2008 1:41 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I was about to say the same thing...

...thought for sure he was a freshman last year. Just checked the Texas Tech roster and he is listed as a sophomore.

I've been fuelin' my dreams eatin' greens and beans.

by 16thLonghorn on Apr 29, 2008 1:44 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I think

he’s a redshirt sophomore so he would be in a situation kinda like Jermichael Finley

by buitx on Apr 29, 2008 2:09 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

You're right

Redshirted 1st year there…next year would be his 3rd year removed

by Not Now Chief on Apr 29, 2008 2:11 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Crabtree

Next Fitzgerald or Charles Rogers? I actually LOVED Rogers at MSU and thought it was terrible that the Texans were stuck with Johnson instead of Rogers. Shows what I know. But I loved Fitzgerald too, and I think Crabtree has the potential to be better than both of them.

by jc25 on Apr 29, 2008 2:46 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Why the hell did he redshirt?

Must have been off-the-field something or other, because that kid can play.

--Horn Brain--

by Horn Brain on Apr 29, 2008 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Clearinghouse didn't certify him

Some of his records from high school were “lost”.

But if they could get Byron “perfect 0 GPA” Hanspard on the field, Crabtree couldn’t have been too much trouble.

(Yes, I know it was 10 years ago.No I’m not letting it go. Perfection should always be cherished. Besides, my family is full of Raiders and Ags)

by learned hand on Apr 29, 2008 5:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

re: Crabtree

I thought he played QB, and switched to WR his true freshman year…and supposedly he was a scout team star tearing up their defense

by vy til i die on Apr 30, 2008 12:08 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Another ridiculously premature scenario....

Given the rising number in Texas players foregoing their senior seasons to declare early for the NFL Draft, what juniors could we possibly see entering the 2009 NFL Draft?

I've been fuelin' my dreams eatin' greens and beans.

by 16thLonghorn on Apr 29, 2008 1:58 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Early entries

Off top of my head potentials: Vondrell if he has a big year as a feature back. Beasley if he becomes a shutdown corner. Whichever of the 3 LBs turns out to be the best. Lamarr Houston, who’s an absolute beast.

by jc25 on Apr 29, 2008 2:55 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

Todd McShay

Todd McShay has his ‘09 mock up as well (Insider).

He has USC’s Fili Moala going #1 overall. Some notables that differ:
- GT’s Michael Johnson at #2 (27 in Perloff’s)
- LSU’s Al Woods at #6 (NR)
- Tim Tebow at #7 (NR)
- Knowshon Moreno at #10 (who I like better than Wells…NR)
- No Beanie Wells (3) or CJ Spiller (8)
- Both OU linemen are there, as well as Auston English.
- No Orakpo or any other Texas player.

by jc25 on Apr 29, 2008 3:12 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

I'm going to blame/credit Will Muschamp for us having a defensive first rounder

Scheme Wise, Motivation Wise, I think our guys talent will show in ways that it didn’t last year. Actually, I’m not surprised after the defensive year we had last year that no one is listed on McShay’s mock. That will change by the time we get into conference play.

by learned hand on Apr 29, 2008 3:51 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Wow, Learned Hand you must be really old!

Weren’t you born shortly after the Civil War and a US District Judge during the Great Depression?

It's a Horns' world. Even Aggies play hoops with a burnt orange ball.
Is it football season YET?

by Speedway on Apr 30, 2008 7:27 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Thanks Brandon

No, it wasn’t supposed to be an inside joke. That’s just a unique name.

It's a Horns' world. Even Aggies play hoops with a burnt orange ball.
Is it football season YET?

by Speedway on Apr 30, 2008 9:40 AM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Not too old I hope

25.

Law school and jobs compel me to do a lot of research on tax and privacy law theory. After citing the guy a few hundred times, I figured he wouldn’t be upset if I borrowed his name for Burnt Orange Nation. Besides, even though he had a pretentious name, he was a down to earth guy…for the second circuit.

by learned hand on May 1, 2008 2:49 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

ESPN mock

First off don’t know about any of you but I trust McShay a lot more than Perloff when it comes to these sorts of things even though the ESPN bias makes me sick at times. Second, anyone notice who he has the the Titans picking at 11? VY’s sports weeine would probably go crazy if they could get that guy.

by Not Now Chief on Apr 29, 2008 3:57 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

I agree

The ESPN bias bothers me as well but I trust McShay. Lot of nerve to stand up to The Hair.

I like Crabtree and think what he did this past season we awesome, but I don’t know how happy VY would be. Crabtree is a slot receiver and VY needs deep threats (that can actually hold on to the ball). OTOH, I guess a good slot receiver would help the wide receivers coverage wise. More 1 on 1’s without safety help.

It’s all way too early. I think it’d be interesting to see this list updated in the middle of October. Lots of changes personnel wise and draft order of the teams.

by afaeguy on Apr 29, 2008 7:41 PM CDT up reply actions   0 recs

Yahoo has 4 guys from USC in the first round..

I really think these guys just go to USC and LSU’s roster and pick the first four names they recognize.

by the1austin on Apr 29, 2008 9:35 PM CDT reply actions   0 recs

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