Updated: January 12, 2010; Minor changes made later in the day on 1/12/10 as listed (see: ATL, GB, and NOLA picks).

* Denotes Underclassman

FIRST ROUND

1. St. Louis Rams:
Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma*

Sorry to all the Rams fans who just had flashbacks of the Greatest Show on Turf after looking at the above picture. Reminder: the Rams started Keith Null in final four games of the 2009 season, not to be confused with Kurt Warner in his prime. Marc Bulger might have played his last game in a St. Louis Rams uniform. Furthermore, with needs across the board, the Rams will look to solidify the quarterback position for the future by taking Bradford over Ndamukong Suh. Pretty much every team that has to build from the ground up does it by selecting a franchise quarterback at the top of the draft.

2. Detroit Lions:
Ndamukong Suh, DT, Nebraska

After the Rams passed on Suh, the Lions waste no time in selecting an anchor for their defense. As the best player in the draft, Suh will improve a defense that closely resembles Gilbert Arenas’ bullet-ridden locker (and swiss cheese for that matter). Suh will be the dominate force that the Lions have lacked since trading Shaun Rogers.

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Eric Berry, S, Tennessee*

Given time, the Buccanneers offense will improve under young quarterback Josh Freeman. There once was a time when the Bucs could rely on their defense to win games, despite a lackluster offensive unit. That time is all but gone, and the Bucs look to return to the good ole’ days by drafting Eric Berry (re-signing Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, and Mike Alstott wouldn’t hurt either).

4. Washington Redskins:
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame*

How does Daniel Snyder not take the big name quarterback out of Notre Dame? Seriously though, this is the dream scenario for the Redskins owner who always is looking to throw money at big name players. Jason Campbell has tried to be forced out of Washington more times than most political officials, so the acquisition of a quarterback isn’t exactly a surprise.

5. Kansas City Chiefs:
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma St.

Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson enjoyed success in the two-thousands due to one of the best offensive line units in football. Russell Okung is the best offensive tackle in the draft and will help the Chiefs return to the era of offensive line greatness. Imagine how good Jamaal Charles could be with the caliber of offensive line that Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson played behind.

6. Seattle Seahawks:
Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers*

Looking at the Seahawks roster, they have talent at all positions so it’s not wonder Jim Mora got fired. New coach Pete Carroll will look avoid the same fate that brought Mora to the end of his tenure as head coach of the Seahawks. Anthony Davis is a big tackle who left a year early after a successful career at Rutgers. Expect him to come off the draft board early.

7. Cleveland Browns:
Rolando McClain, ILB, Alabama*

Offense is probably a higher priority for the Browns, but adding a weapon with less than adequate quarterback play would prove to be pointless. As a result, the Browns could win now by relying on superb defensive play paired with a dangerous rushing attack. The team will hope the addition of McClain will propel the defense to new heights and give the team a chance to win now.

8. Oakland Raiders:
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma*

JaMarcus Russell. Tom Cable. Al Davis. Hard to imagine why the team can’t win despite the trifecta. A franchise really runs on a quarterback, head coach, and owner. The Raiders could very well have the worst at all three positions. Regardless of how dysfunctional the franchise operates, predicting a player has become relatively easy since the organization only looks at forty-times. However, it’s hard to evaluate who the Raiders will pick before the combine, so slotting best available player Gerald McCoy made sense (to us, not necessarily to the Raiders).

9. Buffalo Bills:
Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa*

Finding a replacement for Jason Peters has not been easy for the Bills, but this pick gives them the opportunity to finally fill the void. Bulaga left Iowa early and will be a highly touted prospect in the draft. Aside from Marshawn Lynch occasionally keeping fans entertained with thefts of $20, there’s not a lot of promise for the Bills.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars:
Tim Tebow, QB, Florida

Tim Tebow does not warrant top ten selection. However, the Jaguars are having difficulty trying to warrant having a team in Jacksonville. Tebow will be drafted to fill seats in Jacksonville. Simple as that. Many will argue if he has any place being selected in the first round, and he doesn’t, but the Jaguars are more concerned about selling tickets and avoiding local blackouts.

11. Denver Broncos (f/CHI):
Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma St.*

Josh McDaniels has successfully turned football’s most explosive passing attack into something that includes Kyle Orton. There’s only a matter of time until Brandon Marshall is exported out of Denver, which means a wide receiver is in order. Dez Bryant is definitely being overlooked early in the draft process. He has the talent and skill set of a top fifteen selection, and I’d even go further and call it the talent of a top ten selection. However, many discount his presence in the draft after NCAA loopholes prevented him playing playing in 2009.

12. Miami Dolphins:
Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois*

If the Dolphins want Chad Henne to enjoy sustained success, they need to surround him with quality talent at the wide receiver position. Arrelious Benn marks the second wide receiver off the board in this mock draft, but at first glance doesn’t have the numbers to justify a top fifteen selection. However, one needs to take into consideration the quarterback play during his last year. Juice Williams disappointed me, among others, with his lack of growth as a player throughout the years.

13. San Francisco 49ers:
Joe Haden, CB, Florida*

Joe Haden falling to the 49ers here should be considered a gift. Mike Singletary has long preached that he wants winners playing for his team, and Haden has certainly done plenty of winning at Florida. Should Haden fall to San Francisco, it would be the second straight year that the 49ers get a highly rated prospect several spots after he is projected to be picked (Michael Crabtree in 2009). Which is usually a formula for a successful draft.

14. Seattle Seahawks (f/DEN):
C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

Pete Carroll failed to recruit C.J. Spiller to play at USC back in 2006. Or the school failed to throw enough SUV’s or money in Spiller’s direction. Either way, Carroll gets a second opportunity to get the electrifying C.J. Spiller. Don’t be surprised if Carroll looks to add a couple of his former USC Trojans to the Seahawks roster. Should the Seahawks happen to pass on Spiller here, Carroll might grab former USC running back Joe McKnight in the second round.

15. New York Giants:
Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech*

Time for a quick story. In the championship week for my fantasy football team, the decision to start the Giants defense was made and it almost cost me a fantasy football championship. I squeaked out the win by a mere 3 points, despite the Giants defense providing me with -5 points and causing me to age several years in the process. What does this have to do with the Giants picking Derrick Morgan? Probably next to nothing, but let me say it would take a lot for me not to slot a defensive player to the Giants in the first round. And second. And probably third. Morgan has the talent of a top ten pick, and the Giants pick the best available defensive guy even with two solid ends.

16. San Francisco 49ers (f/CAR):
Taylor Mays, S, USC

At 6-foot-4, Taylor Mays stands taller than most safeties in professional football. His presence on the football field is unmatched and should immediately help the 49ers defense particularly paired with the selection of Joe Haden. Mays would have been a top prospect in the 2009 draft, but his stock did not really take much of a hit by waiting a year.

17. Tennessee Titans:
Greg Hardy, DE, Ole Miss*

Kyle Vanden Bosch is a free agent this offseason, and defensive end would remain a priority for the Titans regardless. Dominate defensive line play is the primary catalyst that separates the 2008 Titans from the 2009 Titans. With the improving play of Vince Young, an emerging wide receiver in Kenny Britt, and a rushing attack led by Chris Johnson, the Titans have an offense set for the future.

18. Pittsburgh Steelers:
Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland*

The Pittsburgh Steelers have needed offensive line help for as long as I could remember. Bruce Campbell is a mammoth of an offensive tackle that should transition flawlessly into the Steelers system. Ben Roethlisberger is as tough as nails, but he needs the offensive line help to sustain a long career in the NFL.

19. Atlanta Falcons:
Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida St.

Atlanta seems to have its offensive cast for the future built around Matt Ryan. This selection will be aimed at improving the defense, primary adding another cover guy. The selection here comes down to either Patrick Robinson, Donovan Warren, or Javier Arenas, and you can never go wrong with someone with dreads. In all seriousness, Warren could have benefited from another year in school and Arenas may be too small to garner first round attention.
Previous Mock Draft Projection: Brian Price, DT, UCLA

20. Houston Texans:
Earl Thomas, S, Texas*

The Texans have the offensive aspect of football figured out, led by Matt Schaub’s passing attack. Defense, on the other hand, the team needs to do some work. Earl Thomas is the right man for the Texans here at this spot, especially with a void in the secondary considering Dunta Robinson is hitting free agency. Perhaps running back is an option here to solidify the position, but the team should be fine at that position once Steve Slaton figures out his fumbling woos.

21. Cincinnati Bengals:
Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

Chad Ochocinco may be creative, but lets see him come up with a way to create as good as a pass catching tight end as Jermaine Gresham. The Bengals philosophy largely changed this past season, but the need for another option in the passing game could not be higher following the tragic death of Chris Henry. Gresham got hurt this past season, but his draft stock remains high.

22. New England Patriots:
Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida

Apparently Wes Welker means so much to the Patriots that he actually impacts how they play defense. At any rate, the defensive play by the Patriots against the Ravens was poor to be polite. Vast improvements are needed to the defensive unit if they hope to be competitive in the future. Particularly, the Patriots need to inject youth into the defense. Brandon Spikes and Jerod Mayo could solidify to two inside linebacker positions for years to come.

23. Green Bay Packers:
Donovan Warren, CB, Michigan*

After letting up 51 points to the Arizona Cardinals in the first round of the playoffs, the Packers almost have to go defense with this selection. We’ve been talking about finding successors to Charles Woodson and Al Harris since we started the website five years ago. It’s about time the Packers turn our suggestion into reality.
Previous Mock Draft Projection: Patrick Robinson, CB, Florida State

24. Philadelphia Eagles:
Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida*

Philadelphia’s latest two bloodbaths against the Dallas Cowboys exemplified the need for bigger and more physical line play. The team was uncharacteristically outmatched along both the offensive and defensive lines. If only Andy Reid got a Super Bowl ring for every first round pick he’s spent on a lineman. Certainly fans would be a lot happier. Dunlap enters the draft with some character question marks but not too many could question his talent.

25. Baltimore Ravens:
Golden Tate, WR, Notre Dame*

Is there a better Notre Dame football name than Golden Tate? The kid was born destined to play for the Irish. Not to mention his production with the Irish wasn’t too shabby either. Twenty-five touchdowns in the last two seasons is certainly attractive to any NFL team. Without a true number one target for Joe Flacco, the Ravens will likely turn to a wide receiver early in the draft and hope to strike gold (no pun intended).

26. New York Jets:
Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama

Defense carried the Jets this season, but Kris Jenkins gets hurt way too much to be a dependable nose tackle. Going offense here would not be out of the question, but there are talented pieces on offense that should develop the unit in further years. In addition, a talented prospect like Cody cannot go unnoticed. Not to mention Terrence Cody gives Rex Ryan a run for being the biggest guy on the field.

27. Arizona Cardinals:
Sergio Kindle, OLB/DE, Texas

Sergio Kindle is certainly one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2010 draft and will certainly prove to be a hot commodity to teams like the Arizona Cardinals that play a 3-4 scheme. Coming out of the same system in Texas, Kindle’s stock will only be positively affected by the success of Brian Orakpo in Washington. Look for the Cardinals to go defense here, enter next season with Matt Leinart as the starting quarterback, then waste three years of the career’s of Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin while the team slowly realizes Leinart’s not an elite quarterback. Commence new quarterback search three years later.

28. Dallas Cowboys:
Corey Wootton, DE, Northwestern

After rolling over team Philadelphia in two consecutive weeks, the Dallas Cowboys appear flawless. Hopefully the Cowboys show some signs of weakness soon for the sake of making a mock draft. Corey Wootton is a perfect fit as an end in the 3-4 defensive scheme and would provide the Cowboys with significant depth across the defensive line. Drafting for depth along the offensive line is also an option for the team that plays home to everyone’s favorite oversized scoreboard.

29. Minnesota Vikings:
Colt McCoy, QB, Texas

This pick is under the assumption that The Great Brett Favre has not taken full control of the Vikings day-to-day upper management operations by this point. After Brett Favre retires (realistically we’re talking 5 years from now) the future of the quarterback position for the Vikings is in question. Colt McCoy is a reach at this spot, even with his all his collegiate accolades. That’s just the beauty of the NFL draft.

30. San Diego Chargers:
Jahvid Best, RB, Cal*

Sadly, LaDainian Tomlinson’s days suiting up as a San Diego Charger appear to be numbered. LDT was arguably the most exciting player of the past decade and consistently put up double-digit touchdown seasons even in his later years. Darren Sproles doesn’t have the type of size required to be an every down back, and becoming an every down back would actually take away his biggest attribute of being a change of pace back. Jahvid Best could definitely step in and become a regular back.

31. New Orleans Saints:
Brian Price, DT, UCLA*

The biggest shortcoming for the New Orleans Saints is their ability to stop the run. While Sedrick Ellis is a promising player, he alone cannot determine the fate of the Saints run defense. Adding a tackle like Brian Price here makes too much sense. Maybe a bit low for Price here at the bottom of the first round, but stranger things have happened in the draft.
Previous Mock Draft Projection: Dan Williams, DT, Tennessee

32. Indianapolis Colts:
Mike Iupati, OG, Idaho

Despite almost going undefeated in the regular season, the Colts rushing attack has been abysmal. In fact, Indianapolis was ranked 32nd in the NFL in terms of yards per game. Joseph Addai and Donald Brown are both very talented backs, so the problem is within the offensive line. Mike Iupati reigns from a small school, but nonetheless his presence is felt almost immediately in football games. Also helping protect number 18 doesn’t hurt either, as he turns 34-years old in March.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers–The defending champions have the best pass rush in the A.F.C., led by James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley. In addition, Superbowl MVP Santonio Holmes is poised to have a terrific year. However, obvious off-field issues with Ben Roethlisberger may distract the quarterback and the organization has done little to improve an already suspect offensive line.

2. New England Patriots–Tom Brady’s health is going to dictate where the Patriots finish this season. New England comes close to the top spot, but I would like to see Brady perform on the field before making anything official. The cornerback spot opposite Leigh Bodden is an area to watch.

3. Philadelphia Eagles–Vast improvements on the offensive side of the football means that Donovan McNabb and Andy Reid have perhaps one last chance to win it all. However, health is always a question for the league’s most underrated player, Brian Westbrook.

4. New York Giants–Arguably the last team in the league’s top tier, the Giants have the best defensive line in football. This defensive line not only consists of a healthy Osi Umenyiora, but also newly acquired Chris Canty. The loss of Plaxico Burress should not be overlooked, but there are several wide receivers ready for prime time: S. Smith, D. Hixon, H. Nicks, and M. Manningham.

5. Indianapolis Colts–With Peyton Manning at quarterback, the Colts will again be a team to contend this season. Maybe not as untouchable as in years past, but Indianapolis should at least cruise to a division title. Also, keep an eye on Donald Brown this season. He was high on my draft board this past April, so the Colts got a steal grabbing him late in the first round. Don’t be surprised to see him get a bulk of the carries if Joseph Addai continues to struggle.
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(The Top 5)

1. Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech*
6-1 | 215 lbs. | Sophomore (RS)
Dallas, TX

2. Aaron Curry, OLB/ILB, Wake Forest
6-2 | 254 lbs. | Senior
Fayetteville, NC

3. Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia*
6-2 | 225 lbs. | Junior
Dallas, TX

4. Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas
6-3 | 263 lbs. | Senior
Houston, TX

5. Mark Sanchez, QB, USC*
6-2 | 227 lbs. | Junior
Mission Viejo, CA

6. Eugene Monroe, OLT, Virginia
6-5 | 309 lbs. | Senior
Plainfield, NJ

7. B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
6-2 | 337 lbs. | Senior
Washington Twp., NJ

8. Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
6-5 | 309 lbs. | Senior
Dallas, TX

9. Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State
6-0 | 204 lbs. | Senior
Piscataway, NJ

10. Andre Smith, OT, Alabama*
6-4 | 332 lbs. | Junior
Birmingham, AL

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Updated: January 29, 2009

* Denotes Underclassman

FIRST ROUND

1. Detroit Lions — Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia*
6-3 | 237 lbs. | Junior
Tampa Bay, FL

Sam Bradford made the right decision by returning to school for another season. Bradford did not exactly light up the field during the BCS Championship verses Florida. However, he still remains a talented prospect for the 2010 draft. The Lions 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 to be honest, he probably should have been slotted at the top spot a couple weeks ago. There is an option out there that would allow the Lions to select an offensive tackle here and then a quarterback at No. 20. However, that’s a bit too risky for a team that despartely needs a franchise quarterback.

2. St. Louis Rams — Andre Smith, OLT, Alabama*
6-4 | 341 lbs. | Junior
Birmingham, AL

Jake Long was probably going to become a member of the St. Louis Rams at the 2008 draft, had the Dolphins not snatch him up with the first overall pick. Furthermore, with that being said, the team has done little to improve at either tackle position. Andre Smith could step in for Orlando Pace or become the team’s starting right tackle in 2009. Smith was high on my list before the season started, and he has performed well against fierce SEC competition. There is no question the team should start to get the running game rolling again, and Smith is arguably the best run-blocker in the draft.

3. Kansas City Chiefs — Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
6-3 | 247 lbs. | Senior
Fayetteville, NC

This is a tough spot for the Chiefs considering how significantly Brian Orakpo recently lowered his stock. Kansas City despartely needs to add a pass rusher to their defensive unit. However, reaching for Everette Brown or Aaron Maybin would be a huge reach, one that would be too significant for a new front office. Aaron Curry 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. While Curry does not fix the pass rush, he would serve as a fixture in the defense for years to come.

4. Seattle Seahawks — Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech*
6-3 | 214 lbs. | Sophomore (RS)
Dallas, TX

In this scenario, Seattle would select Crabtree here with little debate in the war room. The only two prospects Seattle would take over Crabtree (Stafford, Curry) are already off the board. Mark Sanchez here is an option, but this still might be a bit high for him at this point. Crabtree, with his combination of size, speed, and productivity, is clearly the best wide receiver in this draft class.

5. Cleveland Browns — Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
6-1 | 201 lbs. | Senior
Piscataway, NJ

This particular mock draft leaves the Browns with their worst case scenario. The team would love to grab Aaron Curry at this spot, however the Chiefs do not appear they are going to pass him up. Instead, Malcolm Jenkins is still a fantastic cornerback prospect. One could argue that pass defense was one of the reasons why Eric Mangini got fired in New York. While Cleveland has a better pass defense, there’s no doubt that last year still resonates in Mangini’s mind. Jenkins would be the lockdown corner the Browns need. He has been a fixture in the Ohio State secondary, and opposing quarterbacks always will have to know where he is on the field. Considering the amount of underclassmen that are expected to be in this year’s draft, Jenkins should be widely considered one of the safer selections. He was the 2008 winner of the Jim Thorpe Award, previously won by Charles Woodson, Antonine Winfield, Terence Newman, Carlos Rogers, and Aaron Ross. Not so bad company.

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There has been a lot of publicity in the media over the past few days of the Philadelphia 76ers snagging Elton Brand away from the dysfunctional franchise that is the Los Angeles Clippers. This led me on a search to find the team most comparable team to the L.A. Clippers in the NFL. This is difficult because there is not one team that matches the full criteria, which will be explored in further detail below, of having a poor organization from top to bottom. There are a number of different teams that have the potential to have the not-so-infamous honor—the Browns, Cardinals, Falcons, Jets, Lions, and Raiders all come to mind. 

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Note: Order is the reverse order of the USA Today’s Power Rankings.

1. Atlanta Falcons — Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
6′3″ | Sophomore | Wide Receiver
Dallas, TX

Atlanta needs another wide receiver, across Roddy White for the Matt Ryan era. The Falcons have a lot of solid young wide receivers, but none have the potential to be an elite wide receiver which Crabtree does. Crabtree is going to surprise a lot of people that follow the draft because he comes from a spread offense. However, there’s no wide receiver in college football that has this kid’s combination of size, speed, and productivity. Nearly 135 receptions last season for close to 2,000 yards, it doesn’t matter what kind of offense you’re playing in, and this kid is doing it in the Big XII. Played Oklahoma last season and recorded 14 receptions for 237 yards and three touchdowns, against the likes of Reggie Smith and Curtis Lofton on the defense.

2. Miami Dolphins — Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State
6′1″ | Senior | Cornerback
Piscataway, NJ

Jenkins surprised me by not declaring for the 2008 draft, but it worked out for him considering how strong of a cornerback class it turned out to be. This is one of the few ranking spots I disagree with for the USA Today Power Rankings I’m using (the other disagreements come toward the end), but for the most part they’re good enough. It’s unlikely that Miami will go tackle for a second straight year, unless Vernon Carey doesn’t work out on the right side. Former first-round pick Jason Allen as been slow to live up to the expectations he had when Nick Saben drafted him. Putting Jenkins in the secondary with Allen could only help his development as a player. Jenkins’ versatility should help him on draft day.

3. Oakland Raiders — Andre Smith, Alabama
6′4″ | Junior | Offensive Tackle
Birmingham, AL

The Raiders could make themselves look really bad, and mess themselves up for the future, if they don’t address some offensive line issues. They got the big name quarterback, and the big name running back, now they just need to give them some blockers to perform behind. The team has a lot of money tied up in the backfield, and early on this looks like it will be a key pick for them. Andre Smith has caught my attention ever since he was a high school kid. Look out for him this year for Alabama. This pick is contingent on him living up to my expectations, which are pretty high for him.

4. Kansas City Chiefs — Matthew Stafford, Georgia
6′3″ | Junior | Quarterback
Tampa Bay, FL

This pick is (obviously) under the assumption that Brodie Croyle doesn’t step out onto the field and break out into the Brodie Croyle which Herm Edwards expects him to become. The Chiefs have a good foundation to build their future on, they have some very valuable pieces such as Dwayne Bowe, Larry Johnson, Glenn Dorsey, Derrick Johnson, and Branden Albert. Matthew Stafford impressed me with his performance over the past two seasons, making myself believe he is ready to emerge as a Heisman candidate this season and elevate his draft stock. He has a fine arm, and can use his legs when he needs to avoid the rush. Add that to the fact he comes with limitless potential, and he’s been playing in the SEC.

5. San Francisco 49ers — James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
6′3″ | Senior | Linebacker
Hamel, MN

Picturing James Laurinaitis and Patrick Willis paired on the same defense must be scary for NFC West teams. The two players can be the infrastructure of a dominate San Francisco defense for years to come already with Willis, Kentwan Balmer, Manny Lawson, Nate Clements, and Reggie Smith. Don’t sleep on a quarterback here if Alex Smith struggles, but this still may be a little high for Curtis Painter of Purdue.

6. Baltimore Ravens — Michael Oher, Mississippi
6′6″ | Senior | Offensive Tackle
Memphis, TN

Baltimore needs an offensive tackle to be the successor to Jonathan Ogden. Oher is a guy who almost declared last year, but stayed out probably because of the projected strong tackle group. Entering last year he was a mid-first round pick, but this year he could easily crack the top five. Darrius Heyward-Bey is an option here, but I think the Ravens would prefer to get a proven wide receiver for Joe Flacco.

7. Detroit Lions — Chris “Beanie” Wells, Ohio State
6′1″ | Junior | Running Back
Akron, OH

Detroit passed on Rashard Mendenhall last season, but there’s no chance they could even think about passing on Beanie Wells if he’s there. He would add another dimension to the Lions offense, a power running attack. Wells could go top five, with his running style, but, rightfully so or not, there might be question marks that will loom over his speed.

8. Cincinnati Bengals — Rey Maualuga, USC
6′2″ | Senior | Linebacker
Eureka, CA

After adding Keith Rivers in 2008, the Bengals could look for Rivers’ teammate in Maualuga in 2009. Ahmad Brooks, the team’s starting linebacker this season, is unproven and could be replaced if he doesn’t look too good this year. Maualuga was going to declare for the 2008 draft, but thought otherwise along with potential top fifteen inside linebacker James Laurinatis.

9. New York Jets — Knowshon Moreno, Georgia
5′11″ | Sophomore | Running Back
Belford, NJ

The Jets failed to land Darren McFadden last year, and running back may prove to be a bigger need than originally thought. If Thomas Jones only reaches the end zone once this year, as he did last year, the Jets could go running back considering the upgrades they made to the offensive line. Moreno is an exceptionally talented back, who uses his quickness to elude tackles in the very talented SEC. LeSean McCoy is also an option here, my opinion is that Moreno is just a bit better.

10. St. Louis Rams — Brian Cushing, USC
6′4″ | Senior | Linebacker
Park Ridge, NJ

Rams continue to build upon their front seven, already with Adam Carriker and Chris Long added in the two previous drafts. Cushing was a part of some very talented USC teams in the past, and should be a top ten pick along with his teammate Rey Maualuga.

11. Chicago Bears — Curtis Painter, Purdue
6′4″ | Senior | Quarterback
Washington Court House, OH

Need there be any explanation for this? The Bears didn’t address their quarterback needs during the 2008 draft, and they need to upgrade Rex Grossman. Painter is an underrated passer who has put up nearly 4,000 yards in each of the last two seasons for the Purdue Boilermakers. He has good size, and could make his way up the draft boards with a good campaign this year.

12. Buffalo Bills — Alex Boone, Ohio State
6′8″ | Junior | Offensive Tackle
Lakewood, OH

The Bills have a lot of their future held within Marshawn Lynch and Trent Edwards. They need to make sure that the two have every opportunity to be productive by putting an offensive line up which they can perform behind. Boone has a huge frame (6-8, 313 lbs.) and has been the starter at left tackle for Ohio State for quiet some time now.

13. Denver Broncos — Fili Moala, USC
6′5″ | Senior | Defensive Tackle
Buena Park, CA

Character issues may follow Moala up to the 2009 draft. The Broncos have shown in the past that character concerns will not affect their draft process, making Moala an easy pick here. He’s going to be the best defensive tackle entering the 2009 draft. He may remind many of his cousin, Haloti Ngata.

14. Philadelphia Eagles (f/CAR)— Taylor Mays, USC
6′4″ | Junior | Safety
Seattle, WA

Philadelphia loves upgrading the secondary, and this pick will follow in that trend. Brian Dawkins may not be around for much longer, and the Eagles need to start thinking about the future of the free safety position. Mays is huge for a free safety (6-4, 225 lbs.), and Jim Johnson will have a lot of fun moving him around his defense. Mays has the potential to enter in the top ten with a good year.

15. Washington Redskins — Michael Johnson, Georgia Tech
6′7″ | Senior | Defensive End
Selma, AL

I’d say the Redskins did enough to upgrade the offense through the 2008 draft. However, they did little to upgrade the defensive line. Michael Johnson could be the elite pass rusher who emerges out of this 2009 group of guys. He has the ability to play in the 3-4 outside linebacker mold, something I expect him to get drafted as at the next level.

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