Updated: January 2, 2009

Note: This version includes the latest NFL draft order (excluding playoffs), which changed a couple of selections.

* Denotes Underclassman

1. Detroit Lions — Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma*
6-4 | 218 lbs. | Sophomore (RS)
Oklahoma City, OK

The Lions should not expect to turn things around as quick as the Miami Dolphins did this season. However, a Bradford-Calvin Johnson combination should give fans some optimism. A new identity is needed for the team that struggled so much in 2008. Bradford provides that identity, along with remarkable accuracy and a perfect overall build for a quarterback. Only a sophomore who redshirted a season, Bradford still has room to grow as a player.

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

Tyler Thigpen has actually performed well in his first season as a starter, an interesting twist of fate for a team that last year held Brodie Croyle as their future quarterback. Additionally, the cost of signing a quarterback like Matthew Stafford here would be overwhelming. Instead, Michael Crabtree gives the team a viable option to pair with Dwayne Bowe for the future. Crabtree, with his combination of size, speed, and productivity, is clearly the best wide receiver in this draft class.

4. Seattle Seahawks — Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia*
6-3 | 237 lbs. | Junior
Tampa Bay, FL

To say the least, this was a bad year for the Seahawks. After making the playoffs each of the past five seasons, Mike Holmgren does not get a chance to deliver a Super Bowl in his final season. This is the perfect time to start the development of a quarterback for the future, probably something that should have been done two or three years ago. Matthew Stafford has the ability to return this offense to the good ol’ days, when the Hawks were undisputed division champions. Stafford has an unbelivable arm and was productive in a tough defensive conference, something that fellow quarterback prospects Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez do not have in their scouting reports.

5. Cleveland Browns — Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
6-3 | 247 lbs. | Senior
Fayetteville, NC

Aaron Curry will be able to play any linebacker position for the Browns. Whether or not a new coach changes the defensive scheme, Curry will still be the selection for the Browns. Good size, and unbelievable athleticism allowed him to establish himself as the best defensive player in this draft class. However, do not sleep on Taylor Mays at this spot. If anyone is going to unseat Curry at this spot, it is going to be Mays, who will have NFL teams drooling over his combination of size and speed at the combine.

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Updated: December 26, 2008

Note: We’re using the draft order compiled by the people over at WalterFootball.com. So a special thanks to them, it saves us bunch of time.

* Denotes Underclassman

1. Detroit Lions — QB Sam Bradford, Oklahoma*
6-4 | 218 lbs. | Sophomore (RS)
Oklahoma City, OK

The Lions should not expect to turn things around as quick as the Miami Dolphins did this season. However, a Bradford-Calvin Johnson combination should give fans some optimism. A new identity is needed for the team that struggled so much in 2008. Bradford provides that identity, along with remarkable accuracy and a perfect overall build for a quarterback. Only a sophomore who redshirted a season, Bradford still has room to grow as a player.

2. St. Louis Rams — OLT Andre Smith, 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 — WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech*
6-3 | 214 lbs. | Sophomore (RS)
Dallas, TX

Tyler Thigpen has actually performed well in his first season as a starter, an interesting twist of fate for a team that last year held Brodie Croyle as their future quarterback. Additionally, the cost of signing a quarterback like Matthew Stafford here would be overwhelming. Instead, Michael Crabtree gives the team a viable option to pair with Dwayne Bowe for the future. Crabtree, with his combination of size, speed, and productivity, is clearly the best wide receiver in this draft class.

4. Cincinnati Bengals — OLT Eugene Monroe, Virginia
6-5 | 310 lbs. | Senior
Plainfield, NJ

Cincinnati struggled in all aspects on offense. T.J. Houshmandzadeh, a free agent-to-be, was the team’s lone bright spot on offense, and he too has not scored since the Philadelphia game over a month ago. This was an offense that was regarded as one of the league’s best only a year ago. The problem comes down to help needed on the offensive line. Eugene Monroe instantly fits into that offensive line and is even probably a better fit than Andre Smith, who goes two spots above him in this draft. The Bengals face at least six 3-4 defenses a year (Browns, Ravens, and Steelers), all equipped with a prolific edge rusher. Monroe is probably a little better, and more experienced, in dealing with these types of pass rushers. However, Smith has more room to improve given his athleticism.

5. Seattle Seahawks — QB Matthew Stafford, Georgia*
6-3 | 237 lbs. | Junior
Tampa Bay, FL

To say the least, this was a bad year for the Seahawks. After making the playoffs each of the past five seasons, Mike Holmgren does not get a chance to deliver a Super Bowl in his final season. This is the perfect time to start the development of a quarterback for the future, probably something that should have been done two or three years ago. Matthew Stafford has the ability to return this offense to the good ol’ days, when the Hawks were undisputed division champions. Stafford has an unbelivable arm and was productive in a tough defensive conference, something that fellow quarterback prospects Sam Bradford and Mark Sanchez do not have in their scouting reports.

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In honor of Mr. Bradford taking home the Heisman Trophy tonight, here are some highlights of Bradford’s freshman performance (difficult to find any high quality videos from this year).

Anyway, I’m planning on having either a mock draft or player rankings list by the end of the month, so stay tuned. Regardless, Bradford will most likely be the top quarterback on that list should he declare himself draft eligible. He has a lot of intangibles you look for in a quarterback, notably his unbelievably quick release to go along with unquestioned accuracy . In fact, he has eight times as many touchdowns (48) than interceptions (6). Great size at 6-4, but nothing is guaranteed here with the Lions bound to be picking at the top of the draft.

Bradford’s 2008 Stats: 302/442 (68.3%); 4464 yds; 48 TDs; 6 INTs