2009 NFL Mock Draft

MIA: Mathew Stafford, QB, Georgia (Junior)
The 2006 draft continues to haunt the Dolphins. If their season goes as expected, the lack of talent and leadership at the QB position will overshadow any improvement the team might show on the field. Stafford is a superior athlete blessed with one of the most powerful arms in football. He has shown flashes of stardom, and if he puts together a solid season, there's not a chance Miami will pass on the chance to grab another potential franchise QB.

DET: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State
The Lions need to grab an impact offensive player, such as a franchise type QB and RB. They could look at Curtis Painter here, but as of today he is too risky to select with the No. 2 overall pick. Wells is a proven commodity with loads of talent. He can run outside and inside, plus he is an above average pass receiver and blocker. He has the potential to give Detroit their first true franchise back since Barry Sanders ran wild in the 1990s.

ATL: James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
The Falcons are in the same spot as last year, but with one big difference: their franchise now seems to be heading in the right direction. The Falcons will follow their offensive-oriented 2008 draft with a defensive one in 2009. Who better to lead Atlanta's rebuilding defense than the best middle line backer in this class? The Ohio State product can do everything on the field. Aggressive and instinctive, he is in the same mold of the 49ers' Patrick Willis. They couldn't ask for a better fit here.

STL: Michael Oher, OL, Mississippi
Since the Rams didn't address their offensive line needs last year, they will have to do it in this draft. Oher is just a notch below Jake Long in terms of consistency, but he is a better overall athlete. He has an unparallel work effort and has an opportunity to become one of the best O-lineman.

OAK: Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
The Raiders drafted impact offensive players in their last two drafts, this time the defense gets the top pick. Maualuga is a top ten talent that only needs more consistency. But his talent level is superior to any other LB in this draft. He displayed those talents in the Trojans' 2008 Rose Bowl rout of Illinois. If he can put together a complete season, he could rise to the top of the chart.

SF: Darrious Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland (Junior)
The 49ers keep looking for impact wide receivers in the middle of the draft and they always come out missing on them. It's time to grab an impact WR early, and Heyward-Bey is just that. He is the vertical threat the team sorely need. Plus, he is a willing blocker and kick returner. A total package.

KC: Curtis Painter, QB, Purdue (Junior)
The Chiefs are in a bind. They do not believe Painter deserves this high of a grade, but they badly need a playmaker at QB. Painter is very talented with above average arm strength. The only concern about him is his accuracy, but if he improves it, there are high hopes he could sneak into the top ten. Nevertheless, this pick carries a high burst/bust ratio.

CHI: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois (Junior)
The Bears could look at RB with this pick, it all depends on how well Matt Forte develops. If they're confident with him, Chicago will likely go for a defensive back. Davis is one of the most complete defensive backs to come out of college in years. Aside from his outstanding talent, he possesses the toughness and desire needed to develop into a Pro Bowl-type of player.

BAL: Darry Beckwith, LB, LSU
The Ravens will try to inject youth to its defensive unit. The process starts at linebacker where age and injuries are catching up with the incumbents. There's no denying Beckwith's talent, the only question is his past injuries. He has a chance to contribute immediately for Baltimore.

NYJ: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia (Junior)
The Jets coveted a playmaker on offense and the Georgia product could give them that and more. Although he is not widely known now, Moreno is, talent-wise, head above any other back in this draft. He is home run threat as well as a true number one RB. He needs more coaching, but could emerge as one of the best picks of this draft.

BUF: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
Buffalo did not go for an impact WR in 2008; they would do it in 2009. Crabtree is a rare physical specimen who has the talent to become a great player. There are some questions about his maturity and desire, but the Bills would put those aside and concentrate on taking the draft's best WR.

CLE: Malcom Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
The second best DB goes to a team in dire need of defensive help. Cleveland has demonstrated its ability to score points consistently, it's their porous defense that had hindered the team's progress. Jenkins is as big as many NFL safeties, but has better cover ability. He could be moved to either safety spot later on his career. As of today, he could develop into a shutdown corner NFL teams' so desperately desire.

TEN: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
There are hesitations in taking a Florida WR this high, but Harvin is worth the pick. He is not the biggest or strongest of WRs, but he is a big play-type of player who could score from any position on the field. The Titans need to address their wide receiver corps. in this draft and Harvin is the first step toward that goal. He could start immediately for the depleted Titan's WR corps.

DEN: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech
The Broncos need help at linebacker and safety, but if the ultra-talented Johnson is still available, they will be hard pressed to pass on him. This is a sleeper pick, but had the chance to pan out very well for Denver. He is an explosive end rusher who could be moved to outside linebacker.

CIN: Brandon Spikes, LB, Florida (Junior)
A great pick for a desperate defensive unit. With River and now Spikes, the Bengals are molding an athletic, young defense. Spikes is a fluid player who likes to hit. Plus, he is very good on pass coverage.

ARI: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
A big target for QB Matt Leinart. The Cardinals' offense is set at WR, QB and along the O-line, it could use a franchise RB but with Moreno and Wells gone, there's no one that fill that bill. Pettigrew is a massive TE who can catch with the best of them. He could develop into a star.