by Michael Lombardi
March 25, 02009
FROM MICHAEL LOMBARDI:
The names are essentially the same, but the order has changed between my first mock draft almost two weeks ago and today’s projected first round. I still believe the Lions will begin their rebuilding with a quarterback, but offensive tackle is a critical position, and I have three going in the first six.
*Please note: this mock reflects a trade at #11 that I am PROJECTING.
1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford QB Georgia: A rebuilding team has to start by addressing the quarterback position.
2. St. Louis Rams: Aaron Curry OLB Wake Forest: The Rams could go in any direction. They need players
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Eugene Monroe LT Virginia: Can play right or left tackle, a perfect fit for the Chiefs.
4. Seattle Seahawks: Jason Smith LT Baylor: The Seahawks need to upgrade their offensive line.
5. Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo DE/OLB Texas: Sanchez may be a possibility here.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Smith OT Alabama: The Bengals never seem to care about character issues.
7. Oakland Raiders: B.J. Raji DT Boston College: The Raiders need to stop the run. What better way than by drafting a top-flight run defender.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Mark Sanchez QB Southern Cal: Sanchez will be the Jaguars’ quarterback of the future.
9. Green Bay Packers: Tyson Jackson DE LSU: Drafting a front-seven defensive player here is a must.
10. San Francisco 49ers: Aaron Maybin DE/OLB Penn State: The 49ers need to find somebody who can rush from the outside.
11. New York Jets (via trade): Josh Freeman QB Kansas State: The Jets trade up to address their need at quarterback.
12. Denver Broncos: Robert Ayers DE Tennessee: One of the best front-seven players in this year’s draft.
13. Washington Redskins: Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech: The Redskins need help along the offensive line, but they need a playmaker to pair with Santana Moss just as much.
14. New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State: A versatile player who can play inside and out.
15. Houston Texans: Peria Jerry DT Mississippi: The second best defensive tackle in the draft.
16. San Diego Chargers: Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia: The Chargers have depth at running back this year, but will they have it in 2010?
17. Buffalo Bills: Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State: The Bills need a tight end that can block as well as catch.
18. Chicago Bears: Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri: The Bears have to add a playmaker to this offense.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Everette Brown DE Florida State: The Bucs need a rusher from the edge to play wide in their new defense.
20. Detroit Lions: Eben Britton OT Arizona: The Lions have to draft a tackle and move Backus inside.
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Michael Oher OT Mississippi: He will be a project, but is the last top-tier offensive tackle available.
22. Minnesota Vikings: Percy Harvin WR Florida: Harvin can make plays in all phases of the game.
23. New England Patriots: Larry English DE Northern Illinois: Has the potential to be a real force off the edge.
24. Atlanta Falcons: Clay Matthews OLB Southern California: Has the capabilities to play all three downs.
25. Miami Dolphins: Brian Cushing OLB Southern California: A Jersey player for the Jersey boss.
26. Baltimore Ravens: Ziggy Hood DT Missouri: A young, athletic defensive lineman.
27. Indianapolis Colts: Jarron Gilbert DE San Jose State: A big, quick, athletic defensive lineman.
28. Philadelphia Eagles: Shawn Nelson TE Southern Mississippi: Nelson is an athletic tight end that can block. Something the Eagles have been missing.
29. New York Giants: Kenny Britt WR Rutgers: A size-speed wide out.
30. Tennessee Titans: Vontae Davis CB Illinois: An athletic corner who fills a need for the Titans.
31. Arizona Cardinals: Donald Brown RB Connecticut: A young, athletic running back that will fit the Cardinals offense.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Max Unger C Oregon: The Steelers need a young offensive lineman, and Unger can fill that void nicely.