1. Detroit Lions - Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

Coming off the worst season in NFL history, the Lions have a potential franchise changing pick here. The options are numerous, as the Lions need help at virtually every position. 2008 first rounder Gosder Cherilus struggled and does not look like a future NFL left tackle, which would make Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe very enticing here. Aaron Curry just may be the best player in the draft and would finally solve the problem at middle linebacker for the Lions. However, in the end, look for the Lions, particularly Martin Mayhew to reach for the big splash - QB Matthew Stafford. The Lions off-season moves, jettisoning Jon Kitna and not re signing Dan Orvlosky, seems to point to them using this selection to find their new QB. While this may not be the right selection, as there were concerns over Stafford's mediocre collegiate production, his strong arm and outstanding intelligence will lead the Lions to place the faith of their franchise in him.

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

The Rams have needed to find the long term answer at left tackle for several drafts now and have been unable. They missed out on Jake Long last season and had to deal with even more injuries from Orlando Pace. Pace has since been released, causing a gaping hole at left tackle. Their line was dismal in 2008, allowing 45 sacks and forcing Marc Bulger to the sidelines. Jason Smith is an athletic, former tight end with Pro Bowl left tackle ability. Virginia's Eugene Monroe may be a bit more polished, but Smith's upside is hard to ignore here. The Rams may be enticed by Michael Crabtree, as Torry Holt and Drew Bennett will not be back. New head coach Steve Spagnuolo may covet the skill of linebacker Aaron Curry, but he will recognize that selecting Smith is the right thing to do, as the team must rebuild their offensive line to return to prominence.

 

 

The scouting combine is over and free agency is in full swing. Team needs and player values are becoming more clear, so the War Room Report provides our second mock draft of the season!

 

1. Detroit Lions - Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

Coming off the worst season in NFL history, the Lions have a potential franchise changing pick here. The options are numerous, as the Lions need help at virtually every position. 2008 first rounder Gosder Cherilus struggled and does not look like a future NFL left tackle, which would make Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe very enticing here. Aaron Curry just may be the best player in the draft and would finally solve the problem at middle linebacker for the Lions. However, in the end, look for the Lions, particularly Martin Mayhew to reach for the big splash - QB Matthew Stafford. The Lions off-season moves, jettisoning Jon Kitna and not re signing Dan Orvlosky, seems to point to them using this selection to find their new QB. While this may not be the right selection, as there were concerns over Stafford's mediocre collegiate production, his strong arm and outstanding intelligence will lead the Lions to place the faith of their franchise in him.

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

The Rams have needed to find the long term answer at left tackle for several drafts now and have been unable. They missed out on Jake Long last season and had to deal with even more injuries from Orlando Pace. Pace has since been released, causing a gaping hole at left tackle. Their line was dismal in 2008, allowing 45 sacks and forcing Marc Bulger to the sidelines. Jason Smith is an athletic, former tight end with Pro Bowl left tackle ability. Virginia's Eugene Monroe may be a bit more polished, but Smith's upside is hard to ignore here. The Rams may be enticed by Michael Crabtree, as it appears Torry Holt may not be back. New head coach Steve Spagnuolo may covet the skill of linebacker Aaron Curry, but he will recognize that selecting Smith is the right thing to do, as the team must rebuild their offensive line to return to prominence.

 

 

One of the most accurate and detailed mock drafts on the web makes its 2009 debut as Rob Tribbett previews the 2009 NFL Draft

 

1. Detroit Lions - Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

After the worst season in NFL history, to say the Lions need to hit on this pick would be an understatement. Despite 2008 first round selection Gosder Cherilus' struggles, it would seem unlikely that the Lions would select another offensive tackle in Round 1, which would rule out Andre Smith or Eugene Monroe. Despite the presence of All World WR Calvin Johnson, the Lions offense struggled, scoring less than 17 points per game. The Lions need to repair virtually every position on the team, but will be tempted to go for the big move, especially from a P.R. perspective and select the QB. Matthew Stafford has all the tools to be a successful NFL QB; however, scouts would have preferred to see better decision making and more consistency from the Georgia QB. The new management in Detroit may recognize that Cherilus is not a NFL Caliber OT and opt to select Smith or Monroe here, but look for them to select Stafford and anoint him the possible franchise savior.