Ask The Commish.com - 2009 NFL Mock Draft

The Lions are on the clock after a miserable 0-16 season. They have needs at nearly every position, with their strongest needs on defense. The good news is that this year's draft class offer's the deepest pool of LB's in a long time. So why do I have them selecting two offensive players in the first round? Read on to find out...

If you're interested to know what your teams needs are and who they may draft, check out my 2009 NFL Mock Draft below. Be sure to come back and check out our 7 round Computer Generated Mock Draft, my blog, and Al's blog as well.

Round One

Lions (0-16), Player: QB *Matthew Stafford (Georgia)

Team Needs: MLB, QB, DL, OL, DB
The Lions might be best suited for playing it safely and drafting a sure thing. With that said, I could see them selecting OT Jason Smith to round out their offensive line or Aaron Curry as he might be the best bet in the draft. The issue at hand is that both of those positions are fairly deep in this draft, meaning that the Lions could use a later pick on those positions. Therefore, I am projecting that the Lions will select Stafford here as he has a big arm that will come in handy to get the ball to Calvin Johnson after getting a year to watch from the bench. Also, don't forget that Stafford went to the same High School as Bobby Layne, the Lions last great QB.

Rams (2-14), Player: OT Jason Smith (Baylor)

Team Needs: OL, WR, CB, LB, DT
The Rams desperately need help along their offensive line to protect Bulger and get the running game going. Jason Smith should be a good fit because of his athleticism (he's a former TE), his size and his strength.

Chiefs (2-14), Player: LB Aaron Curry (Wake Forest)

Team Needs: DB, OL, DL, WR, LB
While LB isn't a major need for the Chiefs, I have Curry graded out as the best player in the draft. The Chiefs would be wise to add him to their LB corps to upgrade their defense. Also, you should not forget that Pioli hit a gold mine in the first round for the Pats by selecting Mayo at LB last year.

Seahawks (4-12), Player: QB *Mark Sanchez (USC)

Team Needs: DL, OL, S, CB, RB
Seattle has many needs on both sides of the ball. The good news is that they pick in the top 5 and should be able to fill some major holes. I could see the Seahawks looking for an OT here or even selecting Orakpo or Raji. However, there is a school of thought that they are concerned about Hasselbeck's long-term future and are in love with Sanchez's potential.

Browns (4-12), Player: DE Brian Orakpo (Texas)

Team Needs: CB, DL, LB, RB, OL
The Browns pass defense was downright awful last year. They are in desperate need of corner help, but pass defense is also improved by rushing the passer, where they are also seriously in need of help. Of course, B.J. Raji might also draw a long look, but with Orakpo available I can see the Browns trying to focus on upgrading their pass rush.

Bengals (4-12), Player: OT Eugene Monroe (Virginia)

Team Needs: DL, OL, RB, LB, DB
The Bengals would love to find some help in the trenches, whether along the OL or the DL. Being that the Bengals have struggled to stop their opponent's running game the last few years, Raji would likely give their defensive line some inside toughness, but a LT with the skills like Eugene Monroe might be too much to pass on.

Raiders (5-11), Player: WR *Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)

Team Needs: WR, OL, DL, LB, CB
If the draft unfolds this way the Raiders will be left with a tough decision. Crabtree or Maclin? With Crabtree dealing with a broken foot I could easily see Al Davis being tempted to go with Maclin as his pick as he runs a 4.4 40 and isn't dealing with a foot injury. In the end, I expect that the Raiders will go with the WR that most project as the best in the draft.

Jaguars (5-11), Player: WR *Jeremy Maclin (Missouri)

Team Needs: WR, DL, DB, OL, LB
For all of the ribbing that those around the NFL have given the Lions for their lack of first round pass catchers working out, perhaps the Jags are even in worse shape. Reggie Williams and Matt Jones have been very disappointing to date, have come across off-field trouble and are no longer with the team. Furthermore, Marcedes Lewis hasn't been as good as advertised. Lest we also not forget that they signed Jerry Porter last year (another first round pick) who barely played. This all means that the Jags will be in the market for another first round pass catcher.

Packers (6-10), Player: DT B.J. Raji (Boston College)

Team Needs: DE, DT, DB, LB, OL
The Packers need to generate a pass rush as the only guy that seemed to play in their opponents backfield was Aaron Kampman. Because of this, Kampman had to deal with a lot of double-teams last year. Now the Packers are projected to switch to a 3-4 defense which means that they'll need help along their front seven. If Raji is available, his size and skill along the DL might be just what the Packers ordered.

49ers (7-9), Player: DE *Aaron Maybin (Penn State)

Team Needs: QB,WR, LB, OL, DL
San Francisco doesn't appear to be overly excited about drafting a QB in the first round this year after Alex Smith's troubles. However, they don't appear to be fixated on Shaun Hill as a long-term answer either. That means that they might do themselves well to land Sanchez as their future signal caller if he were available. Otherwise they'll turn their attention to finding help along the OL, at WR, or the best defender available. In this case, I have Maybin as the best defender available. Being an undersized DE, Maybin might be able to foot that billing.

Bills (7-9), Player: TE Brandon Pettigrew (Oklahoma State)

Team Needs: OL, DE, DB, LB, DT
While the the Bills could surely use some help along the OL (Andre Smith?) and they may be in the market for a DE (perhaps Robert Ayers) to generate a better pass rush, I have them projected for adding more offense. I think that the Bills might see more value in selecting Pettigrew, the huge TE target with pretty soft hands. While Pettigrew is not a field-stretching TE, his size and ability to settle in an open spot in a zone should help the Bills matriculate the ball down the field.

Broncos (8-8), Player: DE Tyson Jackson (LSU)

Team Needs: DL, LB, QB, OL, DB
Denver has been the busiest team with regard to adding free agents. They have plugged many gaps through free agency, but their treatment and subsequent trade of Cutler means that they opened a hole at QB. Meanwhile, a shift to a 3-4 defense leaves many needs in their front seven. I could see the Broncos settling in on taking what most experts figure to be the best 3-4 DE available in the draft in Tyson Jackson. Jackson's size should allow him to hold well against the run, and his skill should allow him to pressure the QB even in a 3-4.

Redskins (8-8), Player: OT Andre Smith (Alabama)

Team Needs: OT, DE, LB, S, WR
The Redskins might be willing to stop Andre Smith's free fall. At one point Smith was possibly projected as the best player in the draft and had a decent shot at being a top 3 pick. We all know that the Redskins and Dan Snyder like the big name players and of course Smith does have a ton of potential if they could get his head on straight he might be able to fill that potential. DE Robert Ayers may also draw some consideration here.

Saints (8-8), Player: CB Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State)

Team Needs: CB, DL, LB, OL, RB
To me Jenkins is a top 15 player, but his less than eye-popping 40 time might cause him to fall in the draft a bit. The Saints could be looking at a RB here, but they should be more than happy to scoop Jenkins up as their first round pick as his size and skill would be a nice addition to their secondary.

Texans (8-8), Player: RB *Knowshon Moreno (Georgia)

Team Needs: S, CB, DL, LB, OL
It appears that the Texans primary concern is their secondary in this draft. However, I could see them trying to draft a complement to Slaton in the backfield. I am going against the grain here, in terms of other's predictions and forecasting that the Texans take Moreno at RB, looking to add secondary help later in the draft when they can get better value.

Chargers (8-8), Player: LB *Rey Maualuga (USC)

Team Needs: CB, S, DL, OL, RB
I have gone back and forth on this pick between RB and LB. There are only two RBs projected as first round picks (Moreno and Wells), but their is great depth at LB. If Everette Brown is available the Chargers might be tempted to call his name to help pressure the QB if they aren't confident that Merriman will return to form. I look for the Chargers to continue with Tomlinson and Sproles at RB and go with a LB here. Maualuga who played at USC will remind many of Seau and should be able to step in and help against the run.

Jets (9-7), Player: QB *Josh Freeman (Kansas State)

Team Needs: QB, WR, S, DL, RB
The Jets would love to be able to draft a QB or WR here, but I also wouldn't put it past them to draft a RB as Thomas Jones can't go on forever. In terms of QB help, the options are quite limited in this draft with 3 QBs projected as first rounders and really no one else expected to hear their name called until at least round 3. Freeman's size and big arm might be too much to pass on, pardon the pun.

Broncos (8-8), Player: DE/LB *Everette Brown (Florida State)

Team Needs: DL, LB, QB, OL, DB
A stud pass-rushing LB would be an excellent choice here. While many drarftniks are worried that Everette Brown will turn out to be a bust like so many of those quick-twitch pass rushing DEs from Florida State, I feel his best position would be as a 3-4 OLB. In fact, I compare Brown to DeMarcus Ware with his ability to get after the passer.

Buccaneers (9-7), Player: DT Peria Jerry (Mississippi)

Team Needs: WR, LB, DL, DB, OL
Tampa Bay could easily look towards grabbing one of those top flight LBs here and needs help at WR, but a WR might not be great value here. As a result, I have them selecting help for their soon to be remodeled defense and waiting on a WR, or trying to find one via free agency. DT Peria Jerry should be able to provide the Bucs a boost in their front seven.

Lions (0-16), Player: LB James Lauranitis (Ohio State)

Team Needs: MLB, QB, DL, OL, DB
After getting a look at the Lions in a mini-camp, word out of Detroit is that Jim Schwartz is extremely concerned about his defense. He has a right to be. The Lions were attrocious on defense. While Detroit could use a new starting LT, they would be much better off plugging their most gaping holes. In fact, according to comments that I've read, it looks like the Lions are most concerned about their MLB position. I just can't see them getting out of the first round chalk full of talented LBs without selecting one of them. As for Lauranitis, well, everyone knocks the guy for his lack of speed, he has improved his productivity every year and makes tackles. With a resume as impressive as his, who cares if he can't outrun a WR?

Eagles (9-7), Player: RB *Chris 'Beanie' Wells (Ohio State)

Team Needs: S, OL, RB, DL, CB
The Eagles lost long-time Westbrook running mate, Correll Buckhalter, to free agency, so they'll be looking for a RB to partner with Westbrook this year. Wells should be a good option as a power back that can help the Eagles boost their play in the red zone and their efficiency in the goal line running game.

Vikings (10-6), Player: OT Michael Oher (Mississippi)

Team Needs: WR, OC, OT, DT, DB
While the Vikings need to replace Center Matt Birk, their glaring weakness is at WR. That means that they might be eyeing a WR in round one, however, if the draft unfolds this way, I could see them finding a new starting RT in Michael Oher. Oher is a bit of an enigma. At some points he can look like a top 5 pick, but lapses in concentration hurt him a bit. A move to RT might suit him well.

Patriots (11-5), Player: LB Brian Cushing (USC)

Team Needs: S, CB, LB, WR, DE
Cushing is a very talented LB and being that the Pats need to replace Mike Vrabel, he should be a great fit playing with future Pro Bowl LB, Mayo. The Patriots should easily be able to re-tool through the draft.

Falcons (11-5), Player: DE Robert Ayers (Tennessee)

Team Needs: LB, CB, S, DL, OL
The Falcons could use some help at LB and Cushing might be very high on their draft list. With him gone, Ayers may be too good of a DL for them to pass on. They'll likely look to rotate him at DE, giving them a feared pass rush.

Dolphins (11-5), Player: CB *Vontae Davis (Illinois)

Team Needs: WR, DL, LB, DB, OL
The Dolphins may be looking at a WR or a pass-rushing OLB here to bookend with Porter. However, I have them going for best available player and Davis' cover skills may come in handy in a division with T.O. and Moss.

Ravens (11-5), Player: WR *Percy Harvin (Florida)

Team Needs: OL, CB, S, LB, WR
The Ravens could surely use some help at CB after losing some key players there, however, Percy Harvin might give their offense one heck of a boost in that he's a threat to score any time he touches the football. The Ravens could definitely use some depth at WR and a boost in play-making.

Colts (12-4), Player: DT Evander Hood (Missouri)

Team Needs: DT, LB, WR, OL, DB
The Colts need to bolster the middle of their defense and stop the run. That starts with finding some run stuffing DTs like Jerry or Hood. They could also be looking to replace Harrison or even find help at LB if not interested in a run stuffing DT.

Eagles (9-7), Player: C Alex Mack (California)

Team Needs: OL, DE, DB, LB, DT
The Bills desperately need help along the offensive line. While their most pressing need appears to be at OT, Alex Mack appears as if he should have a long successful career ahead of him. He would be the best OL available here as a Center or possibly an OG.

Giants (12-4), Player: WR *Darrius Heyward-Bey (Maryland)

Team Needs: WR, CB, S, TE, LB
Heyward-Bey has good size and great speed, but he's not extremely polished in terms of route running and catching the ball away from his body. Those are teachable aspects of the game that the Giants could try to work on in order to develop a WR. Keeping in mind that the Giants desperately missed Plaxico Burress down the stretch last year so a WR should be able to help them convert third downs and score in the red zone.

Titans (13-3), Player: WR *Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina)

Team Needs: WR, LB, OL, DL, DB
Remember that the Titans made it as far as they did last year with very little production from their WRs. However, they likely won't be able to over-power people with just a running game again this year. They will need to upgrade their situation at WR and Nicks at least has potential to be a solid #2 NFL WR.x

Cardinals (9-7), Player: RB Donald Brown (Connecticut)

Team Needs: RB, CB, DL, LB, OL
The jury is still out as to whether the Cards are expected to have Edgerrin James back in the mix for the 2009 season. Either way, being that JJ Arrington left for Denver and Hightower looks more like a RBBC type back. The Cards could be interested in finding out what Brown can do for them.

Steelers (12-4), Player: OT *Eben Britton (Arizona)

Team Needs: OL, CB, S, LB, DE
One thing is for certain, the Steelers weakness the last few years has been their OL. While their OL was good enough to win a Super Bowl this year, they need more help. If Mack is available I think that the Steelers would be happy to snap him up being that he's my top rated interior OL. However, under this scenario he's already been selected, therefore, the Steelers might turn their attention to OT. Britton looks like a solid late first round or early second round addition.

* Denotes Underclassmen

Check out the Second Round of my Mock Draft in my Blog!

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