Updated: April 17, 2009; Following the Jason Peters trade.
* Denotes Underclassman
FIRST ROUND
1. Detroit Lions — Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia*
6-2 | 225 lbs. | Junior
Dallas, TX
Both Jason Smith and Aaron Curry have the chance to dethrone Stafford from the top overall position. There will be talks between Jason Smith, Aaron Curry, and the Lions between here and next month week. However, the Lions will ultimately opt for the quarterback, Stafford. Detroit should not expect to turn things around as quick as the Miami Dolphins did this season. However, a Matthew Stafford-Calvin Johnson combination should give fans some optimism. A new identity is needed for the team that struggled so much in 2008. Stafford has the best arm in the draft, hands down. He could make any throw on the next level and can be the quarterback Detroit has lacked for so long. There is also an option out there that would allow the Lions to select an offensive tackle here and then a quarterback later in the draft (the Miami Dolphins method). However, that’s a bit too risky for a team that desperately needs a quarterback in order to move forward.

2. St. Louis Rams — Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
6-5 | 309 lbs. | Senior
Dallas, TX
Barring any surprise move by the Lions to select Jason Smith, this pick looks to be one of the surest in the entire draft. After releasing Orlando Pace, the Rams have a massive hole at the left tackle position. Jason Smith, who has done nothing to disappoint in the draft process, could fill that void left by Pace. As a former tight end, Jason Smith has all the necessary footwork to have success at the next level verses the top edge pass rusher. A few weeks ago, this was Andre Smith’s spot to lose. After a weak combine performance (or lack thereof), coupled with concerns about his true position at the next level, Andre Smith clearly lost out on this spot.
3. Kansas City Chiefs — Aaron Curry, OLB/ILB, Wake Forest
6-2 | 254 lbs. | Senior
Fayetteville, NC
Kansas City silenced all fans that clamored for a quarterback at this spot by going out and trading for Matt Cassel. This deal instantly means the Chiefs will not be an easy opponent for AFC foes. However, the team could still needs to address concerns on the defensive side of the football. All signs indicate that the Chiefs are moving to a 3-4, and Curry would be the ideal linebacker to have in a 3-4 defensive scheme. He is reminiscent of Adailus Thomas, alluding to the fact that he could play any linebacker position within the scheme. Furthermore, Curry gives the team a franchise player to build around the rest of the defense. He has all the tools to be a productive linebacker at the next level. Good size, and unbelievable athleticism allowed Curry to establish himself as the best defensive player in this draft class. Michael Crabtree is still an option here, but the team can’t resist Curry after an impressive combine performance. At this point, there seems to be no other viable option for the Chiefs.
4. Seattle Seahawks — Mark Sanchez, QB, USC*
6-2 | 227 lbs. | Junior
Mission Viejo, CA
The pairing of Mark Sanchez and the Seattle Seahawks is one that is ideal for both parties. Sanchez is a quarterback who would be best served to sit a year before taking over the reigns, and the Seahawks already have someone that can play an additional year or two. Eugene Monroe is an option, but now is the time for the Seahawks to address the future of the quarterback position.
5. Cleveland Browns — Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas
6-3 | 263 lbs. | Senior
Houston, TX
Brian Orakpo is a bit of a reach, but the team will most likely opt for his services over the other options. I’m still not completely sold on Eric Mangini selecting another 3-4 outside linebacker after the Vernon Gholston experience. However, there are limited options with this selection. Michael Crabtree would be an option should the Browns decide to deal Braylon Edwards. At this point, with Edwards still on the roster, the lack of depth among the linebacker position pushes Orakpo slightly over the top. Orakpo and Kamerion Wimbley could become a dynamic pass rushing that the Browns need in order to compete.
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