Big Dion's 2009 NFL Draft Preview

Big Dion
February 22, 2009
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Top 10 Players

10. Andre Smith, OT, Alabama – Rating offensive lineman is all about buzz. I personally don’t think Smith is all that impressive. He’s been getting a lot of comparisons to Orlando Pace, which are completely unfounded. He’s not Pace. He’s not good enough to be compared to Pace. He’s not even good enough to be compared to a guy pretending to be Pace. In all honesty, I don’t think he’s as good as Jake Long or Joe Thomas, who were the last two top tackle picks. Smith is, however, the highest rated left tackle in the draft, which makes him a hot commodity.

9. Victor “Macho” Harris, CB, Virginia Tech – I love this kid. He’s big, tall, fast, physical and a great cover corner who can tackle. He’s the all-around total package when it comes to defensive backs. He probably won’t be drafted that high, but his future is unbelievably bright.

8. B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College – Another MAB pick here. Raji is a beast. He weighs in at 334 lbs and has been manhandling offensive lineman in the ACC all season. He always gets double-teamed and often times even gets triple-teamed. Raji is the best DT in the draft from what I’ve seen. He’s not as athletic as Gerald McCoy from Oklahoma, but his presence and physical skills are much better.

7. Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina – I only watched him live once, in the Car Care Bowl, but I was unbelievably impressed with what I saw. He can make awe-inspiring catches and he runs spectacular routes. He reminds me of a smaller Randy Moss or Larry Fitzgerald.

6. Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio St. – Pure speed. Jenkins’ make-up speed is what the pro scouts are drooling over and he’s got plenty of it to go around. He’s not the biggest guys, but he’s been solid his entire collegiate career and he’s a solid tackler.

5. Brian Orackpo, DE, Texas – Orackpo is the first of my MAB (man among boys) picks for this year. He virtually disappeared in the Texas victory over Ohio State, which makes me rethink his stock a little bit, but he was absolutely brilliant against Oklahoma and their star left tackle who is also looking to be a first day, or possibly first round, pick. He’s basically owned every tackle he’s played against and he’s done it on pure athletic ability. If he gets an NFL coach who can teach him technique he can be an amazing NFL player.

4. Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC – He reminds me a lot of Patrick Willis with his combination of amazing physical gifts and play reading ability. Maualuga can play either linebacker in a 3-4 scheme or take over the middle of a 4-3. He is absolutely huge and if he can back those physical skills up with the mental capacity it takes to play in the NFL he could be the Troy Polamalu of LBs.

3. Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forrest – Everyone is talking about this guy. He’s the versatile 3-4, 4-3 LB that defensive coordinators dream about. He can read the run and play the pass and also rush the passer. Everybody is going crazy over this guy and he might pull a Mario Williams and be the first guy taken if his buzz keeps growing.

2. Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia – I honestly think he’s the next LT. He has amazing field-vision, he’s got spectacular moves, he’s got the power to pick up the extra yard and is the best back in the nation at catching passes out of the backfield. He’s the dual threat and third down back that teams are looking for now that it’s a must to have two great running backs. Watch him start to shoot up draft boards as the draft draws closer.

1. Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech – I think he’s hands down the best offensive player in the draft and without question the best receiver. He’s a game changer and he’s the best physical specimen in this year’s class. I think teams will be hesitant to take Crabtree this early because of his position and the fact that having a great wide receiver hasn’t exactly changed the fortunes of a lot of teams out there – see Detroit Lions – but this list is all about who’s the best, not who’ll get picked.

James Laurinitis, ILB, Ohio State – Somehow being an All-American three years in a row, being voted the best defensive player in the nation and being the best player at your position two years in a row don’t earn you first round draft status. Somehow. I think he’s the most polished defensive player in this year’s class.

Victor “Macho” Harris, DB, Virginia Tech – Amazing physical specimen. Amazing physical skills and size. Also, you can never overestimate the importance of an awesome nickname like Macho. First team All-American this year and very deserving. I think he might genuinely be better than Malcolm Jenkins and I think whoever gets him is going to get an absolute steal. I may move him onto my top 10 list in a week or so. I’ve watched him a couple times and he’s the kind of DB who could legitimately play corner or free safety, which makes him even more valuable. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him move into the first round once pro scouts really get a good look at him.

Javon Ringer, RB, Michigan State – What part of 100 yards in every game this season do scouts not get? He gets 100 yards every game, every single game. I think he’s better than Shonn Green and maybe better than James Davis. He’s not quite as good as Beanie Wells, but I definitely have him in my top 5 running backs this season.

Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina – It only took me one game of watching this guy to hop on his bandwagon. I think the only knock on him is his position, but if teams can get over that, they’ve got an absolute play maker on their hands. He’ll probably be the fourth or fifth WR taken (behind Maclin, Crabtree and Harvin who are certain to be taken before Nicks) and I think he could make an immediate impact. He reminds me a lot of Larry Fitzgerald and Randy Moss with his ability to catch the ball. He doesn’t have the height or the speed of those guys, but his ball skills are amazing and he’s a flat out competitor.

Most Recent Full First Round Mock

Detroit - Matt Stafford QB Georgia – Now that New England franchised Cassel and Philly is looking to give McNabb and extension, it appears the free agent quarterback class is slimming. The Lions resigned Culpepper, which is more a sign that they want a solid backup than that they won’t be taking Stafford. At this point, this pick is about as certain as Reggie Bush at number one in 2006, but this will actually happen.

St. Louis – Jason Smith OT, Baylor – For whatever reason Andre Smith’s stock is taking quite a hit. Jason Smith’s seems to be going through the roof. Like I said about Andre Smith, I don’t think Jason Smith is anywhere near what Orlando Pace or Joe Thomas are, but he’s a solid pick. Again, if they’re smart they will take BJ Raji, who is a monster. But, it all looks like Smith right now. The other possibility is Eugene Monroe OT from Virginia.

Kansas City – Aaron Curry, LB Wake Forrest – I think KC was praying that Sam Bradford would come out so they could get Stafford. If Detroit goes AWOL and does something crazy with the first pick, KC will no doubt grab him, but I don’t think the Chiefs want to spend this pick on USC QB Mark Sanchez. This pick gives KC a great inside/outside LB punch.

Seattle – Michael Crabtree WR, Texas Tech – He’s the best player in the draft. I think Seattle will recognize and get themselves a franchise receiver. They’ve needed one for quite some time.

Cleveland – Aaron Maybin LB/DE Penn State – He’s got the most buzz of any defensive player in the draft. Since Cleveland took 2009 Pro Bowl OT Joe Thomas at left tackle two years ago, they’re set for a top-notch lineman. The also need a prime-time player to complete that 3-4 and Maybin is it.

Cincinnati – Eugene Monroe, OT Virginia – Cincy needs so many things, Carson Palmer can barely move anymore so I suppose you might as well start at tackle. Right? They may also take BJ Raji if his stock continues to rise after the combine.

Oakland – Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri – Since Raiders owner Al Davis is an idiot, he’ll pick the overrated, undersized wide receiver from the school that inflates receiver’s numbers like no one else in college football. He may even go with Jermaine Gresham TE from OklahomaTE from Oklahoma, but that would actually be a good pick that no one sees coming, so I doubt it.

Jacksonville – Malcolm Jenkins, CB Ohio State – Jenkins’ stock is rising and it’s looking more and more like Jacksonville will have to draft a secondary guy two years in a row, even though they didn’t want to.

Green Bay – B.J. Raji DT, Boston College – With Raji still on the board, I think Green Bay will snatch him up. Between now and then I expect Raji’s stock to soar and Green Bay should jump at the chance to get him.

San Francisco – Brian Orackpo DE, Texas – Orackpo is the best DE in this year’s draft and I think he’ll prove it once team workouts get going. Right now he’s rated below Maybin and Everette Brown, but that will change. San Francisco still takes him here.

Buffalo – Andre Smith OT, Alabama – I think Cincinnati is pretty set on taking Monroe if St. Louis doesn’t take him, so that leave Andre Smith here. He’s the best player available at this point and Buffalo doesn’t have a stud at left tackle.

Denver – Chris “Beanie” Wells RB, Ohio State – The Broncos will be forever maligned for taking Wells over Knowshon Moreno, after Moreno turns into the league’s next LT, but Wells fits better into their system. Wells is a downhill, one-cut runner who can move the pile. He’s a fun-first offensive coordinator’s dream. There is a chance, now that Shanahan is gone, that the Broncs will go with the obviously superior Moreno, but as of now, my money is on Wells.

Washington – Brian Cushing OLB, USC – With Cushing still available, Washington will jump on him. I still say he reminds me a lot of Bobby “Waste of a draft pick” Carpenter, who the Cowboys drafted in 2005 when Green Bay took the obviously superior AJ Hawk the year they both came out of Ohio State. He’s never really looked like a backer who could shine on his own

New Orleans – Michael Oher OT, Miss. – The Saints would have loved for Beanie Wells to be here to replace Deuce McAllister, but the Broncos will have taken him and Moreno is a lot like Reggie Bush. Oher is a solid pick here and he should be a good lineman for years to come. They’ve also got a chance to get a big back in the later stages of the draft. Secretly, I think Oher’s better than Andre Smith, but don’t tell anyone.

Houston – Vontae Davis CB, Illinois – Now that Malcolm Jenkins is no longer available, Houston will go to the number two guy on their board. Davis is a great athlete and will no doubt be an asset to the Texans. I personally am a bigger fan of DJ Moore from Vanderbilt, but I think Davis has the rep to get the pick here.

San Diego – Rey Maualuga ILB, USC – With the Chargers having franchised Darren Sproles, the natural thing for them to do is go defense. The thought of Maualuga and Shawn Merriman in the same linebacker corps is one that has San Diego’s defensive coaching staff beside themselves with joy.

NY Jets – Hakeem Nicks WR, North Carolina – He’s not getting a lot of publicity, but he reminds me a lot of Randy Moss. The Jets could use the next Randy Moss. A lot of people think the Jets may take Mark Sanchez with this pick, because of the retirement of Bret Favre, but I think the J-E-T-S have confidence in Kellen Clemens. This could all change if Sanchez blows people away at the combine.

Chicago – Mark Sanchez QB, USC – Chicago will be thanking their lucky stars when Sanchez falls to them here. If Chicago brain farts again, Sanchez could fall as low as the middle of the second, but I doubt that. I don’t think Sanchez is necessarily ready to be an NFL quarterback, but then neither is Kyle Orton.

Tampa Bay – Percy Harvin WR, Florida – The Buccaneers need a playmaker badly. With Gruden out of the picture, I think the Bucs will try to take the team in a new direction starting with Harvin.

Detroit (from Dallas) –– Everette Brown DE, Florida State – It’s hard to tell how much the Buccaneers will change without Gruden. It’s a possibility that the Bucs will throw in the towel on Cadillac Williams and take Moreno instead of Percy Harvin, which would leave the Lions with the opportunity to take him, but not likely. Brown is a solid pick here.

Philadelphia – Peria Jerry, DT Miss. – Philly needs a speedy pass rush specialist and they would certainly have loved for Everette Brown not to have just been taken. However, Peria Jerry showed his stuff during the Senior Bowl and his name has been racing up the boards. The Eagles could definitely use a premier DT on their roster. He’s not the splash Brown would have been, but Andy Reid can stand to be low-key.

Minnesota – Brandon Pettigrew TE, OK St. – The Vikings need a tight end who can make plays and stretch the middle of the field. The Vikes should really draft a QB, but there won’t be any top-notch QBs left at this point and I doubt they’ll make the reach of going with Josh Freeman of Nate Davis here.

New England – DJ Moore CB, Vanderbilt – The Patriots recognize talent when they see it and they’ll take the best guy still on the board at this point. Who knows they may even take my favorite player in this year’s draft Victor “Macho” Harris.

Atlanta – Clay Mathews OLB, USC – Atlanta would love to have a tight end here. The question is whether they are willing to make the reach to get Florida’s Cornelius Ingram here or take the risk of trying to get him in the second round. My guess is the latter, so this will be the pick. I’m not tremendously high on Mathews here, but he’s certainly not a bad pick here.

Miami – Michael Johnson DE, Georgia Tech – He’s projected to be up in the top 10 on some people’s draft boards. I think the presence of Orackpo and Maybin will push him down and Bill Parcells will grab him quick, fast and in a hurry to replace Jason Taylor.

Baltimore – Tyson Jackson DE, LSU – Baltimore goes defense? Surprising I know. There’s a chance they look to get an interior lineman early on, but no guard is projected to be higher than a mid-first day pick, so that would be a waste here. Jackson is a big DE who can fit right into a 3-4 scheme.

Indianapolis – Larry English OLB, Northern Illinois – Indy would love to have Mathews here and may even look to trade up to snatch him before Baltimore gets a shot at him. I honestly think they’ll go in another direction, but English’s stock is rising and he may be the best looking player on the board at this point.

Philadelphia (from Carolina) – James Laurinitis LB, Ohio State – A great pickup for Philly, this guy will be a solid interior presence for years to come. It’s a shame someone else didn’t pick him up first. If they do get both Laurinitis and Jerry or possibly LeSean McCoy RB from Pittsburgh or Javon Ringer RB from Michigan State, they will have, hands down, the best first round of anyone in the draft.

NY Giants – Darrius Hayward-Bey WR, Maryland– I’m convinced that in this position the Giants would love to trade up or trade out, but if they are still here why not look for a guy to replace Plaxico Burress? Hayward-Bey is a big receiver who fancies himself a game changer and more than anything it sends the message that the Giants are done with Plax and are moving on. This could change if the Giants are not, in fact, done with Plax.

Tennessee – Alphonso Smith CB, Wake Forrest – Look for them to jump up and draft Percy Harvin. If they’re not thinking about having Johnson, LenDale White and Harvin together on the offense, someone needs to get slapped. Having said that if they stay here they’ll draft Smith who is the best playmaker on defense. This pick would make their defense RIDICULOUS.

Arizona – Alex Mack, C Arizona – I don’t care that he’s named after a Nickelodeon character who used to morph into goo and travel through drain pipes with her best friend Ray, Alex Mack is a good player and Arizona should consider themselves fortunate to get him.

Pittsburgh – Paul Kruger DE, Utah – Pittsburgh re-ups again on defense. Kruger’s been getting a lot of looks in the past couple weeks and that should cement him here.