View topic - Updated 2009 Mock Draft (Kiper/McShay)

[steelcitymetal Profile]

I can only see mock picks one through sixteen, because I'm not an ESPN Insider. Maybe someone else can post the rest...

http://insider.espn.go.com/nfl/draft09/insider/columns/story?id=3972427&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fnfl%2fdraft09%2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fid%3d3972427


1. Detroit Lions (Record: 0-16)

Kiper pick: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia -- Stafford is worthy of being the No. 1 overall pick, thanks to his overall skill set.
McShay pick: Stafford -- It appears the No. 1 pick is Stafford's to lose. The gun-slinging quarterback can seal the deal if he overwhelms the Lions during upcoming individual workouts, film sessions and interviews.

2. St. Louis Rams (2-14)

Kiper pick: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor -- The OT spot is strong at the top with Smith, a former tight end who is supremely athletic and exactly what you want in a left tackle: someone you can count on to protect the blind side of your quarterback.
McShay pick: Smith -- Smith has emerged as the top offensive lineman in the 2009 class. He possesses the agility, power and work ethic to solidify the left tackle spot for years to come in St. Louis.

3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14)

Kiper pick: Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest -- He's a complete OLB with great character and work ethic, which is why it was no surprise when he nailed his combine workout.
McShay pick: Curry -- The Chiefs choosing to beef up the defensive or offensive line isn't out of the question here, but Curry is the best defensive player in this year's draft and displays the versatility new GM Scott Pioli looks for in a draft pick.

4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12)

Kiper pick: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia -- Monroe is just a shade below Jason Smith in my opinion but is a legit top-five pick.
McShay pick: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College -- The Seahawks taking an offensive tackle is a strong possibility here, especially with their recent addition of free-agent DT Colin Cole. However, Raji is the only elite defensive tackle in this class, and the Seahawks, who finished 30th in total defense this past season, must think long and hard before passing on him.

5. Cleveland Browns (4-12)

Kiper pick: B.J. Raji -- Raji is the top defensive tackle in this draft. McShay pick: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas -- Orakpo left the combine as the top hybrid DE/OLB in the 2009 class. His pass-rushing skills would be a welcome addition to a Cleveland defense that notched just 17 sacks in 2008.

6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1)

Kiper pick: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech -- The stress fracture in his left foot shouldn't affect his draft status. He's a big-time player who should have a Larry Fitzgerald-type career in the NFL.
McShay pick: Eugene Monroe -- Crabtree certainly is a possibility here, but the Bengals need to solidify their offensive line, and Monroe clearly is the next-best option at offensive tackle. He's not a classic mauler by any means, but he is a fluid athlete for his size and would do an excellent job of protecting QB Carson Palmer.

7. Oakland Raiders (5-11)

Kiper pick: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri -- Maclin will have to adjust to an NFL offense, but I really like his big-play capability and the fact that he's much more explosive with the pads on than his 4.46-second clocking in the 40-yard dash at the combine would lead you to believe.
McShay pick: Maclin -- Speed will rule in the Oakland draft room as long as owner Al Davis is calling the shots.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)

Kiper pick: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC -- Sanchez definitely is one of the top five-to-eight players available in this draft, and getting him here would be a bit of a steal, because had he returned to USC for his senior season, he likely would have been the No. 1 overall pick.
McShay pick: Michael Crabtree -- The team has pressed all the wrong buttons at wide receiver for years now, but taking Crabtree would be a no-brainer.

9. Green Bay Packers (6-10)

Kiper pick: Brian Orakpo -- I view Orakpo as a 4-3 end with the ability to also play on his feet in a 3-4 as an attacking outside linebacker. He is super athletic and incredibly strong, but there is concern about his durability.
McShay pick: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State -- The Packers could use a young pass-rusher like Maybin to complement Aaron Kampman at outside linebacker in Dom Capers' newly implemented 3-4 scheme.

10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9)

Kiper pick: Aaron Maybin -- Maybin is another combo type who is explosive out of the blocks and relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback.
McShay pick: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama -- Smith's underwhelming pro day performance hardly shifted his negative momentum, but you can't overlook his combination of size and feet. The 49ers could use his services opposite LOT Joe Staley, especially as the offense transitions to a more physical, run-oriented scheme, and if anyone can keep Smith's fire lit, it is 49ers coach Mike Singletary.

11. Buffalo Bills (7-9)

Kiper pick: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State -- Pettigrew remains the No. 1 tight end on the board and would be a boost to the Buffalo passing attack.
McShay pick: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State -- Brown is undersized and might fit best as a strongside linebacker, which could work for the Bills. Whether he lands at defensive end or outside linebacker, the bottom line is that Brown knows how to get heat on opposing quarterbacks, and the Bills definitely are in the market for that kind of player.

12. Denver Broncos (8-8)

Kiper pick: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU -- Jackson would be ideal in a 3-4, thanks to his ability to shift inside in passing situations.
McShay pick: Jackson -- The Broncos need to bulk up along the defensive front in order to make a smooth transition to the 3-4 scheme. They could use this pick on a linebacker, but Jackson is the only elite five-technique in this draft class and would fit well in Denver.

13. Washington Redskins (8-8)

Kiper pick: Andre Smith -- Smith has to manage his weight in order to remain on the left side. If he doesn't, he's a mauler at right tackle who could really assist the running game and do the job at that spot in pass protection. Hopefully, he'll maximize his skills in the NFL by paying more attention to detail. If he doesn't, you are looking at a major bust.
McShay pick: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi -- The Redskins' offensive line is aging in a hurry, and offensive tackles who move like Oher do not last long on draft day, which is why it won't shock us if he's gone in the first half of the first round. Oher is inconsistent but extremely talented.

14. New Orleans Saints (8-8)

Kiper pick: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia -- There isn't anything remotely close to the talent and depth at running back available in the draft last year, but Moreno is a good fit for the Saints at this spot.
McShay pick: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State -- Jenkins could fall out of the top 10 following his subpar showing at the combine. He's an outstanding all-around defensive back, but his below-average speed and questionable burst out of his pedal might make him a better fit at free safety. However, the Saints will welcome his playmaking skills at either position if he falls in their laps.

15. Houston Texans (8-8)

Kiper pick: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC -- Cushing's ability to fit both inside and outside is the reason I've always viewed him as a surefire first-rounder.
McShay pick: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee -- Many think Knowshon Moreno or Chris "Beanie" Wells could be the choice here, but will coach Gary Kubiak really spend the 15th overall pick on a running back? It just doesn't fit his profile. Ayers is a one-hit wonder, but his upside is outstanding, and he could play a situational role early in his career on a young-but-talented Texans defensive line.

16. San Diego Chargers (8-8)

Kiper pick: Malcolm Jenkins -- Jenkins has all the qualities you look for, with the exception of top-flight recovery speed, which is an obvious concern. Even so, he's too good an overall performer to pass up in the middle of the first round.
McShay pick: Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC -- Maualuga's draft stock could hinge on the severity of the hamstring injury he suffered at the com

[BlackandGold10 Profile]

17. New York Jets (9-7)

Kiper pick: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida -- Harvin reminds me of the Reggie Bush we now see with the Saints. You can utilize Harvin in a number of ways, and, like Bush, he's a scoreboard-changer. However, he also carries the same durability concerns as Bush.
McShay pick: Mark Sanchez -- Sanchez should come off the board earlier than this, but it's difficult to pinpoint the exact spot right now. The Jags are a possibility at No. 7, but they certainly have more pressing needs. We don't expect the 49ers to use the 10th pick on a quarterback, either. If Sanchez does slip this far, the Jets should jump at the chance and cash in on their good fortune.

18. Chicago Bears (9-7)

Kiper pick: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland -- Heyward-Bey's awesome size-speed ratio should win out here and give the Bears the kind of wideout they need to open up the passing game.
McShay pick: Heyward-Bey -- The Bears need a receiver capable of stretching the field vertically. Heyward-Bey's combine-best 40 time (4.30 seconds) is all you need to know right here.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7)

Kiper pick: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State -- Freeman is an interesting prospect because he throws a great ball and has imposing size at nearly 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds. However, his inconsistent play puts him in the boom-or-bust category.
McShay pick: Freeman -- New coach Raheem Morris has a first-hand perspective on Freeman's enormous potential, having coached him at Kansas State in 2006. Freeman is a project, but the Bucs have time to develop him properly during their rebuilding phase.

20. Detroit Lions (from 9-7 DAL) (0-16)

Kiper pick: Robert Ayers -- Ayers enjoyed a solid season in the SEC and then was one of the standouts during Senior Bowl week. He ran the 40 in 4.80 at the combine, though, which could give some teams pause.
McShay pick: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi -- Jerry has the quick first step and upper-body power to provide the Lions with some much-needed playmaking skills along their defensive front.

21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1)

Kiper pick: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut -- Brown could end up being one of the more productive rookie backs in 2009 because of his all-around skills and tremendous character.
McShay pick: Knowshon Moreno -- Chris Wells would be a better complement to Brian Westbrook in the short term, but Moreno's versatility makes him a better fit to ultimately succeed Westbrook in the Eagles' pass-happy system. In the meantime, Moreno is fully capable of taking some of the load off Westbrook's shoulders.

22. Minnesota Vikings (10-6)

Kiper pick: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina -- Nicks won't wow you in a workout, but on game day, he makes the tough catches and is the type of player who wants the ball thrown his way in clutch situations.
McShay pick: Percy Harvin -- The Vikings have proved they will take the best available athlete. Harvin fits that description, and his game-breaking ability would be a nice addition to a passing attack that ranked 25th in the league in 2008.

23. New England Patriots (11-5)

Kiper pick: Clay Matthews, OLB, USC -- Matthews has enjoyed a monumental rise up the draft board since August. He is versatile and productive, has tremendous bloodlines and came through with an impressive showing at the combine.
McShay pick: Matthews -- Matthews has a non-stop motor, exceptional versatility and an NFL pedigree. Need we say more?

24. Atlanta Falcons (11-5)

Kiper pick: Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech -- Johnson is an enigma. He's blessed with a ton of ability and huge pass-rush potential, but he didn't come through with anything close to the dominating senior season most expected. If he steps up the intensity and plays a more physical brand of football, you could be looking at one heck of a player in the NFL.
McShay pick: Brandon Pettigrew -- Pettigrew isn't a burner, which is why he could slip. However, he is the most complete tight end in this class and would be a big, reliable target over the middle for QB Matt Ryan. If Pettigrew is off the board at this point, the Falcons could use this pick on a front-seven defender or even a safety like Western Michigan's Louis Delmas.

25. Miami Dolphins (11-5)

Kiper pick: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois -- Davis is an impressive physical specimen, but he lacked consistency with the Illini, not always performing at the elite level you would expect from a player with his natural talent and ability. He'll be a gamble.
McShay pick: Brian Cushing -- Miami has more pressing needs at cornerback and wide receiver, but Cushing is a steal this late in the first round and he fits well in the Dolphins' flexible scheme.

26. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)

Kiper pick: Rey Maualuga -- Maualuga is capable of becoming a quality "Mike" linebacker in the NFL but needs to use his hands better to ward off blocks and must be more consistent from week to week.
McShay pick: Vontae Davis -- Davis hasn't won over many scouts with his footwork or his attention to detail. Still, he's a talented cover corner with playmaking instincts. The Ravens certainly could use his services, should he slip this far.

27. Indianapolis Colts (12-4)

Kiper pick: Peria Jerry -- Jerry is a very underrated prospect and would be a good fit in the Indianapolis scheme.
McShay pick: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri -- Hood is a classic 3-technique with the quickness and athleticism to disrupt plays in the backfield. The Colts' defensive scheme would be a great match for the fast-rising prospect.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (from 12-4 CAR) (9-6-1)

Kiper pick: Michael Oher -- Oher is one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft. He is loaded with talent and can dominate the defense he's working against, but he also seems to have lapses in concentration when he struggles to keep his opponents at bay.
McShay pick: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona -- Britton has surprisingly quick feet for his size (6-foot-6, 309 pounds) and ultimately could develop into a better option than Winston Justice at the left tackle position vacated by Tre Thomas, who signed with the Jaguars.

29. New York Giants (12-4)

Kiper pick: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers -- Britt has a ton of talent and is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential.
McShay pick: James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State -- Laurinaitis has too many physical limitations to go in the first half of the first round, but he would be a solid value at this point.

30. Tennessee Titans (13-3)

Kiper pick: Everette Brown -- Brown should do well in the Tennessee defensive rotation because of his strong skill set.
McShay pick: Hakeem Nicks -- I think Nicks ultimately will emerge as the second- or third-best receiver from the 2009 class. Nicks does not have blazing speed, but he did run the 40 in the 4.4 range, and he's a sturdy pass-catcher with exceptional hands.

31. Arizona Cardinals (9-7)

Kiper pick: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State -- Wells is the second-best back in this draft behind Knowshon Moreno and could be a nice pickup for the Cardinals, who might lose Edgerrin James this offseason. McShay pick: Wells -- The Cardinals will be targeting a pass-rusher with this pick, but they won't be able to pass on the most naturally gifted back in the 2009 class.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

Kiper pick: Darius Butler, CB, Connecticut -- Butler might not be as good as Vontae Davis or Malcolm Jenkins, but he should be a good fit for the defending champs.
McShay pick: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest -- Offensive line no longer is the pressing need it once was for the Steelers, so they can address other needs. Smith lacks ideal size and elite top-end speed, but he's a physical corner with excellent instincts and ball skills.

[steelcitymetal Profile]

much appreciated, thanks!

[McLovin Profile]

If the Steelers draft Darius Butler I for one will puke. Sure the kid has all the speed measurables but after watching Prime U on NFL network a couple weeks back I completely lost interest in this kid. When I asked why he wasn't lifting by the Cards strength coach Butler arrogantly replied "because I don't lift." He also doesn't play physical or like to tackle. No wonder he was trained by Deion.

[stillchest Profile]

No thank's to Butler. The dude has a serious dislike for contact, Kenny Britt ate his lunch so Butler will have problems matching up against bigger WR's.

I would be ok with the Smith pick but only if Mack and Jackson are off the board.