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2009 Updated Two Round Mock Draft Print E-mail
Written by Rob Tribbett   
Mar 12, 2009 at 08:18 AM
Article Index
2009 Updated Two Round Mock Draft
Picks 17-32
Round 2
Boston College DT B.J. Raji
Credit: Icon SMI
 
Is Boston College DT B.J. Raji a Top Three Pick?
 
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.

3. Kansas City Chiefs - B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

New GM Scott Pioli has been aggressive in retooling the Chiefs, adding Matt Cassel. However, now the Chiefs are left with just one pick in the first 66 picks, so they must make this pick count. Many are pointing towards Wake Forest LB Aaron Curry, who is the best defensive player in the draft and possess the type of versatility that Pioli craves. However, the Chiefs have a huge hole in their front line. 2008 first rounder Glenn Dorsey disappointed and is not the type of two gap defensive tackle that the Chiefs defense needs. Boston College DT B.J. Raji has outstanding bulk and can be an anchor versus the run. The Patriots defense was long build on a strong front three, and the Chiefs need to take advantage of the opportunity to selection Raji here. True nose tackles are almost impossible to find and one as productive as Raji should be the selection.

4. Seattle Seahawks - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia


The signing of T.J. Houshmandzadeh likely takes Michael Crabtree out of the running for this selection. Walter Jones, the long time stalwart at left tackle for the Seahawks is in his mid thirties and coming off micro fracture surgery. Eugene Monroe is the most NFL ready of the offensive tackles in the draft and is equally adept at run and pass blocking. If the Seahawks take Monroe they can move Jones to the right tackle spot and solidify their entire line. Monroe may lack the upside of Jason Smith, Andre Smith, or Michael Oher, but he comes with a lot less risk. Remember, this is the player that kept 2008 1st round pick Branden Albert at guard while at Virginia. If the Seahawks do not take an offensive tackle, watch out for them to consider adding to their defensive line with Brian Orakpo, despite the presence of star Patrick Kerney.

5. Cleveland Browns - Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest


New head coach Eric Mangini takes over one of the most disappointing teams from the 2008 season and faces the daunting task of rebuilding a defense that struggled greatly versus the run. The Browns investment in their front three did not pay off as expected last year, largely due to ineffective linebacking play. The Browns are hopefully that Alex Hall can develop into a pass rushing threat and still have Kamerion Wimbley, but will be unable to pass on Aaron Curry, the most complete linebacking prospect seen since Lavar Arrington. Curry has the flexibility to play both inside and outside in the Browns scheme and has the type of work ethic to endear him to Mangini. If Curry is gone, look for the Browns to address their linebacking corps with Brian Orakpo, as they simply must improve their defense.

6. Cincinnati Bengals - Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

The Bengals could manage only 17 sacks all of last year and lack a true starter at the defensive end position. Brian Orakpo is a tremendous athlete who has elite strength and put up 11.5 sacks in 2008 for the Longhorns. He uses his strength well to play versus the run as well as the pass, and is the type of high character player that the Bengals need. Some feel that Orakpo could translate to a 3-4 outside linebacker position, but his stiffness means he is likely to be a better player as a traditional defensive end. If B.J. Raji is on the board, the Bengals will have to look hard at the interior linemen, but they must find a way to improve their front four. After losing Stacy Andrews, the Bengals may be tempted to grab an offensive tackle, but hopefully have learned their lessons in regard to character and pass on Andre Smith.

7. Oakland Raiders - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri


Always the wildcard in the draft, the Raiders are in a unique position. They really need to add a wide receiver, as their top receiver had just 22 catches in 2008. Javon Walker is returning at a reduced salary, but the other options are not encouraging. Many will automatically point Texas Tech star Michael Crabtree here, but Al Davis' fascination with speed is well documented. Not only will we not have a forty yard dash time for Michael Crabtree, but his game tape shows that while he has adequate speed, he is not the typical burner that the Raidres crave. Jeremy Maclin ran a 4.40 flat on the slow surface in Indianapolis and is the type of deep threat that Oakland would love to add for JaMarcus Russell. It may seem that this is a shock pick, but it is hard to ignore the Raiders history. Crabtree is still an option if the Raiders want a more complete receiver, but never doubt Al Davis.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech


The signing of Tra Thomas gives the Jaguars added flexibility with this selection. Prior to his signing, it was almost a given that the Jags would have to address offensive tackle here, as they had no viable starter on the left side after cutting ties with Khalif Barnes. The Jaguars have needed a true number one since the days of Jimmy Smith and despite multiple attempts in both the draft and free agency, have yet to find a solid option. Matt Jones finally showed some flashes last year but he is too unreliable to count on for long. Crabtree is a reliable target with sure hands and a great work ethic. His foot injury could turn out to be to the Jaguars gain. The Jags still could consider a left tackle here, if Monroe or Jason Smith happens to fall, but the ability to select Crabtree would make too much sense. If Oakland does the right thing and takes Crabtree, the Jaguars may opt for Maclin or Darius Heyward Bey.

9. Green Bay Packers - Everette Brown, DE/LB, Penn State


The Packers are installing a 3-4 defense under new coordinator Dom Capers and have tentatively penciled in Aaron Kampman as the starter on one side, but need to find a reliable player opposite. Some are down on Florida State defensive end Everette Brown, but his explosive first step and ability in space make him an intriguing prospect for the Packers. Brown was dominate at Florida State, finishing with 21.5 tackles for a loss and 13.5 sacks as his speed was too much for opposing tackles to handle. The Packers would likely use him in a rotation and give him time to develop. Green Bay would ideally like to select B.J. Raji here if he was to fall and Tyson Jackson could get some consideration as the Packers try to improve their front three. The other options for pass rushers, such as Clay Matthews, seem to be a bit high here and Packers GM Ted Thompson is known to strive for value.

10. San Francisco 49ers - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama


The 49ers are trying to implement a run first mentality under head coach Mike Singletary. Andre Smith is a dominating run blocker who could immediately step into the starting lineup. Former first round pick Joe Staley showed flashes in 2008 and is likely to anchor the left side, but Smith would be a huge asset at right tackle. Singeltary is known to be the type of coach who is willing to take a chance on a player and he is likely to feel that he can control Andre Smith. Smith disappointed at the combine by showing up out of shape, but it is important to remember what a dominant player he was at Alabama. Ole Miss OT Michael Oher is a similar player that Singeltary could take a chance on and Mark Sanchez is going to be awfully tempting to a team that goes into 2009 with Alex Smith and Shaun Hill at the top of the depth chart.

11. Buffalo Bills - Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State


In the past two drafts, The Bills have shown then understand their weaknesses and attack them aggressively. In 2007 the Bills needed a RB and LB and grabbed Marshawn Lynch and Paul Posluszny, before grabbing a CB and RB in the 2008 draft. This year the Bills need to address the defensive end and tight end positions. After Aaron Schobel suffered an injury early in the 2008 season, the Bills really struggled to get to the QB. Aaron Maybin's stock has been tumbling in recent weeks, but his ability to get to the QB is not in question. The Bills run a Cover 2 scheme, so having an undersized defensive end such as Maybin is not the biggest concern. The Bills could looks at Tyson Jackson or Robert Ayers here if they want a more robust defensive end, or opt for Brandon Pettigrew to address their need at tight end.

12. Denver Broncos - Brian Cushing, OLB, USC


The Broncos recognized their defensive problems and have just about purged their entire 2008 starting lineup. They have added Ronnie Fields to their front and have Marcus Thomas and Kenny Peterson returning, so they are likely to look at a pass rusher or nose tackle here. Brian Cushing is the type of versatile linebacker that new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan craves. Cushing can play both inside and outside and his strength at the point of attack makes him a great fit for a 3-4 scheme. Cushing keeps himself in top shape and played a variety of positions for the Trojans. The Broncos would love to add B.J. Raji here, but he is unlikely to fall. Tyson Jackson would be a consideration but as previously mentioned, the Broncos seem to be set at defensive end. Cushing's college teammates Clay Matthews and Rey Maualuga are possibilities here as well.

13. Washington Redskins - Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi


The Redskins tried to replace former Pro Bowl right tackle Jon Jansen prior to the 2008 season, but Stephen Heyer was unable to take the position. Ole Miss OT Michael Oher is as talented as any offensive tackle in the draft, but concerns about his work ethic and a strong offensive tackle class are likely to push him down the board some. The Skins would likely use Chris Samuels on the left side in 2009 while having Oher take over the right side as he gains experience. Oher is the type of high upside player that the Redskins typically target and would make a lot of sense here. The Skins could also use a defensive end after releasing Jason Taylor, which would make Tyson Jackson and Robert Ayers intriguing, but they should be in a great position to select either Michael Oher or Andre Smith at 13.

14. New Orleans Saints - Malcolm Jenkins, CB/S, Ohio State


Josh Bullocks flashed potential for the Saints but has struggled in pass coverage and has signed with the Bears. The Saints looked at adding a free agent safety but have yet to find a match. Malcolm Jenkins has faced some concerns about his long speed and ability to play corner at the NFL level. However his ball skills and play recognition make him an intriguing fit for a free safety role. There are no pure safeties in the draft worth this spot, but Jenkins should handle the role easily. If the Saints do not opt to select Jenkins, it would appear they would target another position, because a pure cornerback is not a need with the depth they have following the signing of Jabari Greer and strong play from 2008 rookie Tracy Porter. The Saints could be tempted to add Chris Wells here or upgrade at outside linebacker. However if Jenkins falls to them, they would be foolish to pass on him.

15. Houston Texans - Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois


The Texans smartly addressed their main need by signing defensive end Antonio Smith away from the Cardinals. They now have a lot of flexibility with their first round pick. Some are pointing towards Chris Wells to join the Texans to pair with 2008 rookie standout Steve Slaton, which may make sense given the depth the Texans have a many positions. However, the Texans were forced to slap the franchise tag on Dunta Robinson and the depth behind him is uninspiring. Fred Bennett had a strong rookie season in 2007 but struggled in 2008 and lost his starting role to Dallas cast off Jacques Reeves. The Texans are skilled at recognizing talent and Vontae Davis is the most talented corner in the draft. He was a bit inconsistent this year at Illinois and was even benched for a bit. The Texans may not need him to step right into the starting lineup, but he has Pro Bowl caliber talent and is worth a pick here for a team with few immediate needs.

16. San Diego Chargers - Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU


Chargers GM A.J. Smith is typically aggressive in filling needs and the Chargers lack a replacement for the recently departed Igor Olshanksy up front. San Diego made no efforts to retain him and would be fortunate to find Tyson Jackson available here. The LSU standout is intriguing because his size and strength combination make him a great fit to play end in a 3-4 scheme. He is a more disruptive player than often given credit for and is likely to be a top twenty pick. Since San Diego was able to rework LaDainian Tomlinson's deal, they will probably pass on a running back here. Rey Maualuga may be enticing to play inside at linebacker in their 3-4 scheme, but the Chargers must find a replacement for Olshanksy. San Diego does not pick again until the third round so they must decide which of their needs is the most pressing here.



Last Updated ( Mar 12, 2009 at 08:53 AM )

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