By Tony Pisano
March 13, 2009 11:52am CDT

Round 1

1. Detroit Lions
Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest

This pick just makes too much sense for them to go a different direction. The Lions absolutely cannot mess up this pick. Curry is widely considered the safest pick in the draft, can start from day one, and fills a major hole. Matthew Stafford seems to be the player most commonly seen with this pick, but I don't think it will happen. Detroit tried trading for both Matt Cassel and Jay Cutler, which tells me they may not be sold on Stafford. The Georgia quarterback is a huge risk as the first overall pick, and I can't see the Lions willing to take that chance. Jason Smith is another option, but that pick would require moving current left tackle Jeff Backus inside to guard.

2. St. Louis Rams
Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

I have yet to see a mock draft where the Rams draft a quarterback with this pick. Marc Bulger turns 32 in April and has played one 16-game season in his career. In his last 27 games, Bulger has thrown 22 TDs and 28 INTs. It's time for the Rams to move on and start rebuilding. Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe are also viable options at this pick. If you are looking for a surprise pick, don't rule out Michael Crabtree.

3. Kansas City Chiefs
Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

The Chiefs used a first-round pick on Branden Albert last season, but he didn't adjust well to left tackle as a rookie. Albert could easily slide to the right side, giving the Chiefs a pair of young offensive tackles that would protect newly acquired quarterback Matt Cassel. They invested a lot of money in Cassel and surrounding him with talent should be a top priority. Other options are Michael Crabtree, Brian Orakpo, or B.J. Raji.

4. Seattle Seahawks
Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

The Seahawks have to be crossing their fingers in hopes that either Jason Smith or Eugene Monroe fall to them at pick four. Wide receiver isn't as big of a need with the recent signing of T.J. Houshmandzadeh, so Michael Crabtree is not a likely option. Monroe is an outstanding pass blocker and would be able to step in and start from day one. If Smith and Monroe are both gone, I would expect B.J. Raji to be the pick.

5. Cleveland Browns
Brian Orakpo, OLB, Texas

The Browns desperately need a player who can put pressure on the quarterback consistently, and Orakpo can fill that void. Kamerion Wimbley has shown flashes of being an effective player, but he has been far from consistent in his three years as a pro. Michael Crabtree could be a surprise pick.

6. Cincinnati Bengals
B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

This should be an automatic selection for Cincinnati if the draft falls this way. Raji can step right in and start immediately for the porous Bengals defense. They need a lot of help on the D-Line and Raji can be a key piece to the puzzle. They can also use help at defensive end, but there isn't a pure 4-3 end worth taking with this pick. Another option would be for them to draft Malcolm Jenkins and move him to free safety.

7. Oakland Raiders
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

Many would call this pick a surprise, but it shouldn't be. Despite what you are seeing in many mock drafts, the Raiders will not select Michael Crabtree. When was the last time the Raiders drafted a player that didn't stand out at the combine or his pro day? The Raiders' last five first-round picks (Darren McFadden, JaMarcus Russell, Michael Huff, Fabian Washington, Robert Gallery) were all postseason workout warriors. Not only does Crabtree not have elite speed, but he isn't doing any postseason workouts. So why would the Raiders draft Heyward-Bey? He had the fastest 40-yard dash time of any receiver at the combine and also impressed in drills. If the Raiders take a wideout with their first pick, it will be Heyward-Bey.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars
Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

If the Jaguars take a receiver with their first pick, I'm going to start calling them the Lions of the AFC. They drafted Reggie Williams in 2004, Matt Jones in 2005, and Marcedes Lewis in 2006. None of those three pass catchers have met first-round expectations, making receiver a huge need still in Jacksonville. I think Crabtree has huge bust potential, and he actually reminds me of a smaller Reggie Williams. Crabtree is not an experienced route runner and struggles getting off the line of scrimmage. This would be the Jaguars' fourth receiver in six years, and I believe their fourth bust. Other options include Malcolm Jenkins and Andre Smith.

9. Green Bay Packers
Everette Brown, OLB, Florida St.

The Packers are making the switch to the 3-4 and need another pass rusher to play opposite Aaron Kampman. I have Everette Brown ranked ahead of Orakpo because I feel he is a more complete player and will more smoothly be able to transition to outside linebacker. Another option would be defensive end Tyson Jackson to help along the newly formed defensive line.

10. San Francisco 49ers
Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio St.

This is the hardest pick in the top 10 to predict. The 49ers have many holes and will also have many options at this pick. Do they feel that Mark Sanchez or Josh Freeman have franchise quarterback potential? If so, they could go that direction. They could also use offensive line help, so players like Andre Smith and Michael Oher are also options. With Everette Brown and Brian Orakpo off the board, would they reach on Aaron Maybin to bolster the pass rush? I believe they will take Jenkins if he is available. Jenkins can either complement Nate Clements, or start at free safety from day one. If you are looking for a surprise pick here, Chris Wells is a long shot, but not an impossibility.

11. Buffalo Bills
Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee

Ayers is seeing his stock rise due to the fact he is a natural 4-3 end. Some may see Ayers as a reach just outside the top 10, but he is a dying breed. It seems every year there are more 3-4 outside linebackers and fewer 4-3 defensive ends. Ayers is a fluid player that will not be a liability against the run. The addition of Terrell Owens rules out a wide receiver here, but tight end Brandon Pettigrew is also an option.

12. Denver Broncos
Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois

The Broncos need to replace recently released Dre Bly, as well as find an eventual replacement for Champ Bailey. Davis is in the same mold as Bly and would likely start from day one. He takes a lot of chances and gets beat often, but he also has big play potential. He would be a nice complement to the often avoided Bailey. I originally had the Broncos taking a running back here, but the slew of mediocre backs they recently signed is an indication they are going in a different direction. Rey Maualuga is also a serious option at this spot.

13. Washington Redskins
Andre Smith, OT, Alabama

I believe this is still way too high for the troubled tackle, and it has nothing to do with his combine antics. Smith is talented, but I doubt his ability to play left tackle at the next level. I feel he is better suited to play right tackle or even guard in the NFL and isn't worth a top-20 pick. I have Michael Oher, Eben Britton, and William Beatty all ranked ahead of Smith. Aaron Maybin is also an option since they chose not to bring Jason Taylor back.

14. New Orleans Saints
Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn St.

The Saints made some offseason moves that give us a hint of how they might draft. Jonathan Vilma being re-signed eliminated the possibility of Rey Maualuga. They locked up tackle Jon Stinchcomb, eliminating the possibility of Michael Oher. The addition of cornerback Jabari Greer should take that position out of the first-round mix, as well. They could use an upgrade over defensive end Bobby McCray, and Maybin could be that player. Maybin is a good pass rusher and would complement Will Smith very well. It might be a little early for outside linebacker Brian Cushing, but he is also an option here.

15. Houston Texans
Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan

I personally believe Delmas is a player that belongs in the top 10, so I would consider him a steal here. Delmas would immediately improve a secondary that is desperate for a playmaking center fielder. Another option for Houston is to complete their defensive line. They can draft a player like Ron Brace or Evander Hood to team up with Mario Williams, Amobi Okoye, and recently signed Antonio Smith to give them one of the best young defensive lines in the NFL.

16. San Diego Chargers
Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

The Chargers might be tempted to draft a running back to eventually replace LaDainian Tomlinson here, but I think they will focus on defense instead. There are a lot of mixed opinions on Maualuga, but I feel the Chargers would be a great fit for him. He is an aggressive, hard-hitting inside linebacker who could start immediately for San Diego. They recently lost Igor Olshansky, so Tyson Jackson is also a possibility here.

17. New York Jets
Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

The Jets may be tempted to take a quarterback like Mark Sanchez or Josh Freeman here, but I think they want to see what they have in Brett Ratliff and Kellen Clemens. Jackson would be able to team up with Kris Jenkins and Shaun Ellis to give the Jets one of the best 3-4 lines in the league. The team can go many different ways with this pick. They could take a running back like Chris Wells or Knowshon Moreno. They can even take a wide receiver like Jeremy Maclin or Kenny Britt. When all is said and done, I think they will select Jackson to solidify that defensive line.

18. Chicago Bears
Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers

The Bears seem happy with Kyle Orton, which eliminates the possibility of a quarterback with this pick. Britt would be a nice complement to the developing Devin Hester. The Bears would be very fortunate to have Britt fall to pick 18, but he's not their only option. They can also improve their secondary by taking a corner like Alphonso Smith or a safety like William Moore or Rashad Johnson. If you are looking for a surprise pick, don't rule out Michael Oher.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

I personally don't think Sanchez will be successful at the next level. He doesn't have an overly powerful arm like a Jay Cutler, he doesn't have elite accuracy like a Tom Brady, and he has a slower than average release. Tampa Bay is desperate for a quarterback and will likely use this pick to address the position. Don't be surprised to see Josh Freeman get drafted here instead of Mark Sanchez. Tampa Bay can also use help at corner and linebacker.

20. Detroit Lions (from DAL)
Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma St.

This pick may surprise some people, but it makes perfect sense. The only team drafting between this pick and pick 33 who could use a quarterback is the Minnesota Vikings. The Lions can wait to take Josh Freeman in the second round and use this pick to address another need. I have Pettigrew ranked as the seventh best player in the draft and he would be an absolute steal at pick 20. The Lions need a corner, but not as much as they did a couple weeks ago. They traded for Anthony Henry and signed Eric King and Phillip Buchanon to help out their weak secondary. They can go in many different directions with this pick. Michael Oher and Peria Jerry are also real possibilities.

21. Philadelphia Eagles
Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss

The Eagles can definitely use some offensive tackle help and would be very fortunate to see Oher fall to this pick. They already lost Tra Thomas and could lose Jon Runyan, as well, which would make Oher an immediate starter. The Eagles have this pick and pick 28, so they should be able to manipulate the draft to get two players they want. They could use this pick to take Chris Wells, but there is no need to, as none of the teams drafting from picks 22-27 needs a running back. If Kenny Britt falls to this pick, he is also an option, as they need a complement to DeSean Jackson. Jeremy Maclin is too similar to Jackson in style to be an option here.

22. Minnesota Vikings
Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri

Jeremy Maclin should be a decent slot receiver at the next level and complement Bernard Berrian and Sidney Rice very well. The Vikings adding offensive weapons is essential in the development of Tarvaris Jackson and the success of newly acquired Sage Rosenfels. Tight end Jared Cook may be a surprising pick here, but he shouldn't be ruled out. Whichever player they choose, I expect them to be an athletic offensive threat.

23. New England Patriots
Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

The Patriots have this pick and three second rounders to play with. Matthews is a perfect fit for New England's defense. He can play as a 3-4 outside linebacker and inside linebacker and can also play defensive end in a 4-3. Bill Belichick loves players that can move around and play different spots, and Matthews is in that mold. With four picks in the top 58, the Patriots could do a number of things with this choice. If the Pats decide to go with the best player available, Chris Wells may be a serious option.

24. Atlanta Falcons
Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

The Falcons lost both Michael Boley and Keith Brooking to the NFC East, so outside linebacker becomes a huge need. Cushing would start immediately and team up with Curtis Lofton to give the Falcons a young replacement for the departed veterans. They also lost Grady Jackson to Detroit, so a player like Ron Brace could also be an option with this pick.

25. Miami Dolphins
Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

Miami would love to see Clay Matthews fall to them with this pick, but if he's gone I expect them to address the cornerback position. The Dolphins need a replacement for Andre Goodman and Alphonso Smith could develop into a legit No. 1 corner at the next level. Smith would start from day one and probably be the team's best corner immediately. The Dolphins can also use a receiver to complement Ted Ginn, so don't be surprised to see Percy Harvin come off the board here.

26. Baltimore Ravens
James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio St.

The Ravens were able to retain Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs, but they lost Bart Scott. Laurinaitis couldn't ask for a better teacher than Lewis and he would eventually replace him as the heart and soul of the Ravens defense. Laurinaitis would be able to start next to Lewis for a couple of years while Ray winds down his career. The Ravens can also use help at wide receiver and cornerback, so Percy Harvin or D.J. Butler are also options.

27. Indianapolis Colts
Ron Brace, DT, Boston College

Brace would be an absolute dream fit for the Colts. He is the huge offensive line eater that the Colts so desperately need. He will make the jobs of Dwight Freeney, Robert Mathis, and the linebackers much easier. The Colts have been searching for a player like Brace for years and should not let him slip through their fingers. A wideout like Percy Harvin or Hakeem Nicks is also an option.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (from CAR)
Chris Wells, RB, Ohio St.

Finally, the first running back comes off the board, and he lands in a somewhat surprising place. Brian Westbrook will turn 30 in September and the Eagles also lost his backup Correll Buckhalter to the Broncos. Wells is the big back the Eagles have been looking for and would be an eventual full-time starter when Westbrook starts to wind down. Beanie would also be a nice option to have just in case Westbrook goes down with an injury. They may choose to address the running back position later, which would open up this pick. I wouldn't be surprised to see tight end Jared Cook come off the board here.

29. New York Giants
Peria Jerry, DT, Ole Miss

The Giants signed Chris Canty and Rocky Bernard to help bolster their defensive line, but they just don't have that many holes to fill. They can definitely use a wide receiver, but would Percy Harvin be that big of an upgrade over Steve Smith, Mario Manningham, Domenik Hixon or Sinorice Moss? They have plenty of young receivers that are developing; there is no need to draft another one. Jerry is probably the best player available at this point and would be serviceable in a rotating defensive line. He probably wouldn't start immediately but could make an immediate impact. A corner like D.J. Moore is also an option.

30. Tennessee Titans
Max Unger, C, Oregon

I think the Titans may be very tempted to draft Percy Harvin here, and it wouldn't be a bad choice. Harvin would team up with Chris Johnson to give the Titans two offensive weapons that can break it the distance every time they touch the ball. However, I do think they will resist temptation and continue to build the offensive line. Kevin Mawae is 38 years old and is coming off a major surgery to repair a torn tendon in his tricep. Unger could play both guard positions and right tackle, but he is best suited to be a center. Getting a player capable of backing up four positions and eventually take over for Mawae at center will be too much for Tennessee to ignore.

31. Arizona Cardinals
Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

The Cardinals lost Antonio Smith to the Texans and need to find a replacement for him. Johnson is a perfect fit to play in the Cardinals' hybrid defense. He can play both 4-3 defensive end and 3-4 outside linebacker naturally and get to the quarterback from both positions. Johnson is an athletic freak but is very inconsistent on the football field. It seems to be rather trendy to give the Cardinals a running back here, but I think they will wait until later in the draft to address the backfield.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers
Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

The Steelers desperately need to address the offensive line. Britton is a true left tackle that would likely be a top-15 pick if this draft wasn't so stacked at the position. He can play on the left or right side, making it easier for the Steelers to adjust their line to give Ben Roethlisberger max protection.

Round 2

33. Detroit Lions
William Beatty, OT, Connecticut

34. New England Patriots (from KC)
D.J. Moore, CB, Vanderbilt

35. St. Louis Rams
Evander Hood, DT, Missouri

36. Cleveland Browns
Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia

37. Seattle Seahawks
Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State

38. Cincinnati Bengals
Rashad Johnson, S, Alabama

39. Jacksonville Jaguars
Jamon Meredith, OT, South Carolina

40. Oakland Raiders
Alex Mack, C, California

41. Green Bay Packers
Jarron Gilbert, DE, San Jose St.

42. Buffalo Bills
Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina

43. San Francisco 49ers
Percy Harvin, WR, Florida

44. Miami Dolphins (from WAS)
Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina

45. New York Giants (from NO)
Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut

46. Houston Texans
Eric Wood, C, Louisville

47. New England Patriots (from SD)
Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut

48. Denver Broncos
Paul Kruger, DE, Utah

49. Chicago Bears
Sean Smith, CB, Utah

50. Cleveland Browns
Coye Francies, CB, San Jose St.

51. Dallas Cowboys
William Moore, S, Missouri

52. Philadelphia Eagles
Shawn Nelson, TE, Southern Mississippi

53. New York Jets
LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh

54. Minnesota Vikings
Sen'Derrick Marks, DT, Auburn

55. Atlanta Falcons
Clint Sintim, OLB, Virginia

56. Miami Dolphins
Connor Barwin, OLB, Cincinnati

57. Baltimore Ravens
James Casey, TE, Rice

58. New England Patriots
Patrick Chung, S, Oregon

59. Carolina Panthers
Larry English, DE, Northern Illinois

60. New York Giants
Kaluka Maiava, OLB, USC

61. Indianapolis Colts
Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio St.

62. Tennessee Titans
Nate Davis, QB, Ball St.

63. Arizona Cardinals
Shonn Greene, RB, Iowa

64. Pittsburgh Steelers
Duke Robinson, G, Oklahoma