by Pete Dymeck

This three round mock may have some surprises along the way. This edition is fully updated with some moves and shakers, including Troy’s Sherrod Martin.

We are just twelve days away from the 2009 NFL Draft. There is still a lot of uncertainty regarding the direction teams will go in the draft. With so many holes to be addressed, we expect a lot of the same as usual since this is a copycat league.

Just as a reminder, our mock drafts pertain to the way we think the draft will pan out, not the way we think teams should draft.

Round 1

1. Detroit Lions - QB Matt Stafford (Georgia)
After another impressive workout with the Detroit Lions, Matt Stafford is apparently easing the decisive nature of having the first overall pick for the Detroit brass. While the risk is much greater than the reward with this selection, it still makes sense from a business standpoint, especially after the success rookie QBs Joe Flacco and Matt Ryan had in 2008.

2. St. Louis Rams - OT Jason Smith (Baylor)
From the 4/9/09 Update: Cemented into this position, we think that Jason Smith could be the next Duane Brown. Remember, Duane Brown was a surprise first round pick by the Houston Texans a year ago that blossomed into an every game starter at left tackle after converting to that position from tight end at Virginia Tech.

As we all know, Smith journeyed down a similar path as he converted from tight end to left tackle at Baylor.

3. Kansas City Chiefs - OT Eugene Monroe (Virginia)
From the 4/9/09 Update: Our first change at the top of the draft in weeks! Monroe played under HC Al Groh at Virginia. Al Groh worked with new Chiefs GM Scott Pioli and new Chiefs HC Todd Haley previously with the Jets. Let’s not forget that the Chiefs drafted OT Branden Albert, a Virginia product, last year in the first round. Are you connecting the dots?

Aaron Curry is being billed as a “can’t miss” prospect but that is a farce as their are no “can’t miss” prospects. It is being revealed that while this organization likes what they see in Curry, the safer pick is Eugene Monroe. Fundamentally-speaking, football games are won upfront.

4. Seattle Seahawks - QB Mark Sanchez (USC)
A plethora of front office personnel were on hand at the USC Pro Day to watch Mark Sanchez throw. If that is any indicator of the direction this franchise may go, especially with Eugene Monroe & Jason Smith off of the board, we have to ride with it.

5. Cleveland Browns - WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)
This is where things become hairy. KFFL is reporting that a deal is in place for the Cleveland Browns to trade Braylon Edwards to the New York Giants for presumably the Giants 2009 first rounder. The rumor was substantiated by USA Today.

Even though a pass rusher is the greatest need for the Browns, HC Eric Mangini has displayed great interest in Michael Crabtree and we speculate that they would be hard-pressed to pass on the former Texas Tech receiver with the 5th overall pick, as long as they acquire a second first rounder for Braylon Edwards.

6. Cincinnati Bengals - I/OLB Aaron Curry (Wake Forest)
Cincinnati strikes gold with this pick. Aaron Curry, deemed by most to be the top prospect in this draft, falls due to need and circumstance. This is a major shake-up on our end and we rarely have such a major shake-up like this before the draft but if the Kansas City Chiefs pass on Curry, it is a plausible scenario that Curry to the Bengals would be likely to happen.

7. Oakland Raiders - WR Jeremy Maclin (Missouri)
We were sold for a while on the fact that the wide receivers could slide in this draft but now it is looking like the defensive end’s could slide due to their value being weakened by the overabundance of talent at the position. Jeremy Maclin gives the Raiders someone who can stretch the field for either JaMarcus Russell or Jeff Garcia.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars - CB/S Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State)
From the 4/9/09 Update: We are 85% sure that the Jaguars will trade out of this pick. It is no secret that they do not want to pay anyone top ten dollars. Add in the fact that they have too many holes to fill and this spot gives draft analysts’ everywhere headaches. Still, considering that they have not traded this pick, they get the best long-term value with Jenkins, a guy who is ready to step in and play now.

9. Green Bay Packers - DT B.J. Raji (Boston College)
From the 4/9/09 Update: Justin Harrell, a former first round pick at DT, will be lucky to make the roster in 2009. The new 3-4 scheme will demand serious attention at nose tackle and Raji is capable of being “that” guy.

10. San Francisco 49ers - DE/OLB Brian Orakpo (Texas)
Ironically enough, the 49ers strike gold with this pick. Orakpo has top five talent but like Aaron Curry previously, he could slide down to ten. This would ease the stress in the 49ers’ War Room is Orakpo was still available come draft day.

11. Buffalo Bills - DE Robert Ayers (Tennessee)
From the 4/9/09 Update: This is an easy pick for the Bills, as long as they don’t screw it up. A pass rusher is needed and it is extremely important that they do not pass on our top pass rusher in this draft. (Pick switched from Everette Brown to Robert Ayers but the need is still there.)

12. Denver Broncos - OLB/DE Everette Brown (Florida State)
There are no guarantees for Denver in this draft. First, they need to build a defense and allow the offense to come back around. Secondly, they need to bring in at least three more linebackers. Lastly, Everette Brown would bring an intense pass rushing presense at the outside linebacker position in Denver’s new 3-4.

13. Washington Redskins - OT Andre Smith (Alabama)
In our minds, Andre Smith is not worth a first round selection but the Redskins will probably think they have a steal with this pick. He may not be a welcomed addition at left tackle immediately but he could ease the pain at right tackle or guard.

14. New Orleans Saints - RB Chris “Beanie” Wells (Ohio State)
The Saints need someone that can help out now. Deuce McAllister is no longer around and while Pierre Thomas looked formidable, he probably isn’t the long-term solution at RB the Saints are looking for. Wells would provide a confident complimentary role to RB Reggie Bush.

15. Houston Texans - OLB Brian Cushing (USC)
From the 4/9/09 Update: Houston adds another weapon to their defense, one which will be very exciting to watch in 2009. The added dimension of Cushing to this defense is necessary and addresses the biggest need for this growing franchise.

16. San Diego Chargers - DE Tyson Jackson (LSU)
A nice option at DE in the 3-4 falls right into their laps. San Diego is in no position to pass on this selection.

17. New York Jets - ILB Rey Maualuga (USC)
Rey Maualuga would toughen this defense up and be a great contributor alongside the other three linebackers in this 3-4: David Harris, Bart Scott, and Calvin Pace. Vernon Gholston, he is a huge question mark though.

18. Denver Broncos (From Chicago) - DT Peria Jerry (Ole Miss)
From the 4/9/2009 Update: First Everette Brown, second Peria Jerry. Jerry is my favorite defensive lineman prospect outside of Everette Brown. He plays with the smarts of Warren Sapp mixed in with the tenacity of Kevin Williams.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - QB Josh Freeman (Kansas State)
From the 4/9/2009 Update: No franchise is hungrier for a QB than the Bucs.

20. Detroit Lions (From Dallas) - DE/OLB Aaron Maybin (Penn State)
If anyone could fall in the first round, it could be Maybin, especially if the top two WRs get selected as high as we have them in this edition of the mock draft.

21. Philadelphia Eagles - OT Michael Oher (Ole Miss)
The Eagles are in a great position to draft the best player available and fill a gaping hole on the offensive line.

22. Minnesota Vikings - OT Eben Britton (Arizona)
The continuity of the ground game can really improve with a legitimate right tackle in Minnesota.

23. New England Patriots - DE/OLB Clay Matthews (USC)
In this mock, it is either Vontae Davis or Clay Matthews here for the Patriots.

24. Atlanta Falcons - TE Brandon Pettigrew (Oklahoma State)
From the 4/9/09 Update: The Falcons’ TEs caught only a small percentage of the passes thrown by Matt Ryan a year ago.

25. Miami Dolphins - CB Vontae Davis (Illinois)
Andre Goodman’s departure leaves a lot to be desired at cornerback for the Tuna.

26. Baltimore Ravens - WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Maryland)
Even though he is a little rough around the edges, some quality time with QB Joe Flacco would do him well.

27. Indianapolis Colts - RB Knowshon Moreno (Georgia)
Too many question marks here for the top defensive tackles remaining. With Marvin Harrison no longer around and medical issues popping up for Joseph Addai on a weekly in-season basis, Moreno would help lift the offense and give some gratification to QB Peyton Manning.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (From Carolina) - S/CB Sean Smith (Utah)
This is a best-case scenario for the Philadelphia Eagles. There is no prospect better suited to replace a future Hall of Famer like Brian Dawkins than Sean Smith.

29. New York Giants - OLB/DE Larry English (Northern Illinois)
This is just a band-aid pick. Something to put on the mock draft since it is looking more and more likely this pick could be used to acquire Cleveland WR Braylon Edwards. Since we are here though, the Giants could use this draft pick as a depth move.

30. Tennessee Titans - CB D.J. Moore (Vanderbilt)
Pairing this local product up with Cortland Finnegan would be a step in the right direction.

31. Arizona Cardinals - DE/OLB Michael Johnson (Georgia Tech)
His numbers improved his senior year and he is a workout warrior. Johnson is the real deal and for some unknown reason not receiving the type of appreciation a prospect of his stature should receive. Never mind his height, he could play linebacker in the pros.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers - DT/DE Jarron Gilbert (San Jose State)
Gilbert is a five-technique defensive lineman. He is versatile enough to play DE in the Steelers 3-4 scheme. While he may not start his rookie season, he would still see plenty of playing time.

Round Two

33. Detroit Lions - OT William Beatty (Connecticut)
34. New England Patriots (From Kansas City) - CB Darius Butler (Connecticut)
35. St. Louis Rams - WR Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina)
36. Cleveland Browns - RB Donald Brown (Connecticut)

37. Seattle Seahawks - DE/OLB Connor Barwin (Cincinnati)
38. Cincinnati Bengals - WR Percy Harvin (Florida)
39. Jacksonville Jaguars - DT Evander Hood (Missouri)
40. Oakland Raiders - DE Lawrence Sidbury (Richmond)

41. Green Bay Packers - OLB Clint Sintim (Virginia)
42. Buffalo Bills - OC Alex Mack (California)
43. San Francisco 49ers - OG/OC Max Unger (Oregon)
44. Miami Dolphins (From Washington) - WR Kenny Britt (Rutgers)

45. New York Giants (From New Orleans) - TE Jared Cook (South Carolina)
46. Houston Texans - S Louis Delmas (Western Michigan)
47. New England Patriots (From San Diego) - James Laurinaitis (Ohio State)
48. Denver Broncos - S Sherrod Martin (Troy)

49. Chicago Bears - OT Phil Loadholt (Oklahoma)
50. Cleveland Browns (From Tampa Bay) - CB Alphonso Smith (Wake Forest)
51. Dallas Cowboys - S William Moore (Missouri)
52. New York Jets - WR Brian Robiskie (Ohio State)

53. Philadelphia Eagles - OG Duke Robinson (Oklahoma)
54. Minnesota Vikings - CB Mike Mickens (Cincinnati)
55. Atlanta Falcons - DT Fili Moala (USC)
56. Miami Dolphins - DE Paul Kruger (Utah)

57. Baltimore Ravens - TE Shawn Nelson (Southern Miss)
58. New England Patriots - OT Jamon Meredith (South Carolina)
59. Carolina Panthers - DT Ron Brace (Boston College)
60. New York Giants - RB LeSean McCoy (Pittsburgh)

61. Indianapolis Colts - S Patrick Chung (Oregon)
62. Tennessee Titans - DE David Veikune (Hawaii)
63. Arizona Cardinals - OT Troy Kropog (Tulane)
64. Pittsburgh Steelers - CB Jairus Byrd (Oregon)

Round Three

65. Detroit Lions - S Rashad Johnson (Alabama)
66. St. Louis Rams - OG Herman Johnson (LSU)
67. Kansas City Chiefs - WR Juaquin Iglesias (Oklahoma)
68. Seattle Seahawks - CB Victor Harris (Virginia Tech)

69. Dallas Cowboys (From Cleveland) - I/OLB Gerald McRath (Southern Miss)
70. Cincinnati Bengals - OC Eric Wood (Louisville)
71. Oakland Raiders - S Chip Vaughn (Wake Forest)
72. Jacksonville Jaguars - OT Fenuki Tupou (Oregon)

73. Green Bay Packers - CB Coye Francies (San Jose State)
74. San Francisco 49ers - RB Andre Brown (North Carolina State)
75. Buffalo Bills - OLB Marcus Freeman (Ohio State)
76. New York Jets (From New Orleans) - OG Andy Levitre (Oregon State)

77. Houston Texans - RB Shonn Greene (Iowa)
78. San Diego Chargers - S Michael Hamlin (Clemson)
79. Denver Broncos - S David Bruton (Notre Dame)
80. Washington Redskins - DE Kyle Moore (USC)

81. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DT Sen’Derrick Marks (Auburn)
82. Detroit Lions (From Dallas) - TE Chase Coffman (Missouri)
83. Green Bay Packers (From New York Jets) - RB Rashad Jennings (Liberty)
84. Denver Broncos (From Chicago) - ILB Scott McKillop (Pittsburgh)

85. Philadelphia Eagles - TE James Casey (Rice)
86. Minnesota Vikings - DT Chris Baker (Hampton)
87. Miami Dolphins - OC/OG Jonathan Luigs (Arkansas)
88. Baltimore Ravens - CB Kevin Barnes (Maryland)

89. New England Patriots - TE Cornelius Ingram (Florida)
90. Atlanta Falcons - S Curtis Taylor (LSU)
91. New York Giants - OG Trevor Canfield (Cincinnati)
92. Indianapolis Colts - WR Derrick Williams (Penn State)

93. Carolina Panthers - QB Stephen McGee (Texas A&M)
94. Tennessee Titans - DT Alex Magee (Purdue)
95. Arizona Cardinals - RB Mike Goodson (Texas A&M)
96. Pittsburgh Steelers - OC/OG Antoine Caldwell (Alabama)