Wanted to fit this in before April starts. I’ve been sucked into March Madness, which prevented me from getting any work done on the mock. This is the first 3-round mock draft of 2009 for S2S. (As always) comments and questions are welcomed.

Updated: March 26, 2009

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

The signing of T.J. Houshmandzadeh meant bad news for Michael Crabtree. Seattle seems unlikely to pull the trigger on Crabtree with this selection. The trade that sent Julian Peterson to Detroit in exchange for Cory Redding made Seattle’s ambitions clear. Simply put, the ‘Hawks are going to look to either bolster the offensive line or draft Aaron Curry. B.J. Raji is out of the conversation, and drafting Curry would be a bit difficult if he is not on the board. However, Eugene Monroe is a quality prospect who could solidify the offensive line in Seattle.

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 compeat.

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

Addressing the offensive line should be the first priority for the Bengals coming into the draft. Even with the loss of Housh, there are still a lot of proven play-makers on the offensive side of the football. Nobody in football can produce without an offensive line. However, there are no offensive linemen worthy of the no. 6 selection. Andre Smith would be considered, but one could question if he has the skills necessary to contain fast edge rushers at the next level. This is a particular problem for the Bengals because the team will face at least six 3-4 defenses a year (Browns, Ravens, and Steelers), all equipped with a prolific edge rusher. Drafting Smith in order to move him to right tackle would make him one of the highest paid right tackles in the league. On the other hand, the Bengals have lacked an anchor along the defensive line for quite some time. B.J. Raji has the tools to become that anchor that the team desperately needs. Raji had an unbelievable week at the Senior Bowl, and has positioned himself into the top 10.

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

This is the best case scenario for the Oakland Raiders. Throw all the variables out the window that deal with Al Davis drafting purely on speed because Michael Crabtree is a can’t miss pick. Crabtree gives JaMarcus Russell a legetimate wide receiver to throw to as he develops as a quarterback. In five years, this offense in Oakland could look scary with the likes of Russell, Crabtree, and Darren McFadden. Crabtree, with his combination of size, speed, and productivity, is clearly the best wide receiver in this draft class. Without question, the Raiders deserve to lose for the next five years if they pass on Michael Crabtree for Jeremy Maclin. That should not be taken as a slight to Jeremy Maclin, but as testament to the skill set of Michael Crabtree.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars — Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri*
6-0 | 198 lbs. | Sophomore (RS)
Kirkwood, MO

Maclin is a speedy wide receiver and a deep threat. In addition, Maclin possesses incendiary (possibily explosive) speed as a kick and punt returner. He could spread the field a little bit, and make it easier for the Jags to run the ball. Jacksonville has failed to provide adequate targets for David Garrard, who is already on the wrong side of 30-years old. Lately, I have seen a few mock drafts consider Mark Sanchez for the no. 8 spot. However, that selection seems unlikely considering the Jaguars were once considered Super Bowl contenders just over 6 months ago. The offensive line should be improved with the addition of Tre’ Thomas, so the Jaguars should look to add another weapon that could contribute immediately. That weapon could very well be Maclin.

9. Green Bay Packers — Everette Brown, DE/OLB, Florida State*
6-2 | 256 lbs. | Junior
Stantonsburg, NC

With Green Bay switching to a 3-4 defense, an outside pass rusher is a necessity. Everette Brown, who has all the tools to thrive as a 3-4 outside linebacker, could immediately step in become that prolific edge rusher. B.J. Raji would be the first choice for the Packers when considering how crucial a nose tackle is to a 3-4 defense. If Raji somehow falls to the Packers, expect the Pack to snatch him in the first then go after an edge rusher such as Larry English in the second. However, in this particular mock draft, selecting a nose tackle in the first round is not an option. Instead, the Packers will hope that Everette Brown will turn into their version of DeMarcus Ware or Terrell Suggs.

10. San Francisco 49ers — Andre Smith, OT, Alabama*
6-4 | 332 lbs. | Junior
Birmingham, AL

Even after Andre Smith’s performance at the combine, or lack thereof, his physical presence is tremendously wanted by the 49ers. There’s no question that Mike Singletary wants to get more physical on the offensive side of the football. By drafting Andre Smith, the 49ers instantly have one the most physical tackles in the entire draft. Mark Sanchez is an option here, but the staff in San Francisco seems committed to giving Alex Smith a second opportunity. That second opportunity will be with a better offensive line, which means a rejuvenated rushing attack.

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These are officially the post-combine position rankings. I have not had the opportunity to change the heights/weights of the prospects based on how he measured in at the combine. Hopefully that will be accomplished during the next mock update.

QUARTERBACKS

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

2. Mark Sanchez, USC*
6-3 | 225 lbs. | Junior
Mission Viejo, CA

3. Josh Freeman, Kansas State*
6-6 | 238 lbs. | Junior
Kansas City, MO

4. Pat White, West Virginia
6-0 | 190 lbs. | Senior
Daphne, AL

5. Rhett Bomar, Sam Houston St.
6-2 | 220 lbs. | Senior
Grand Prairie, OK

6. Nate Davis, Ball St.
6-2 | 225 lbs. | Senior
Bellaire, OH

7. Graham Harrell, Texas Tech
6-3 | 205 lbs. | Senior
Ennis, TX

8. Rudy Carpenter, Arizona St.
6-2 | 218lbs. | Senior
Westlake, CA

9. Stephen McGee, Texas A&M
6-3 | 225 lbs. | Senior
Burnet, TX

10. Curtis Painter, Purdue
6-3 | 225 lbs. | Senior
Vincennes, IN

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Updated: March 1, 2009; Post-combine

* Denotes Underclassman

FIRST ROUND

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

Both Jason Smith and Aaron Curry have the chance to dethrone Stafford from the top overall position. However, the Lions desperately need a quarterback. 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 could be the quarterback Detroit has lacked for so long. There is an option out there that would allow the Lions to select an offensive tackle here and then a quarterback at No. 20 (the Miami Dolphins method). However, that’s a bit too risky for a team that desperately needs a franchise quarterback, so they will opt for the alternative method of drafting a quarterback then offensive tackle (the Atlanta Falcons method).

2. St. Louis Rams — Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
6-5 | 305 lbs. | Senior
Dallas, TX

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. A few weeks ago, this was Andre Smith’s spot to lose. After a bad combine performance, coupled with concerns about his true position at the next level, that’s exactly what happened to Andre Smith. Contrarily, Jason Smith has done nothing but impress NFL teams since the point Andre Smith started to fall. Jason Smith has proved to be the prospect with the most potential in the draft, and a player the Rams cannot resist.

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

Kansas City silenced all fans that clamored for a quarterback at the third 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 reminds me a lot 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.

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

In this scenario, Seattle would select Crabtree with little debate in the war room. 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. Michael Crabtree’s foot injury should not alarm the Seahawks in any fashion. In fact, one could argue that the injury helps Crabtree fall to the Seahawks.

5. Cleveland Browns — Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas
6-4 | 260 lbs. | Senior
Houston, TX

It would be an understatement to say that Cleveland is drafting in a bad position, especially after Malcolm Jenkins stock slipped a bit. Brian Orakpo is a bit of a reach, but the team will most likely take the best available linebacker. I’m still not sold on Eric Mangini selecting another 3-4 outside linebacker after the Vernon Gholston experience. However, there’s no question the Browns have to find a way to put more pressure on the quarterback. Orakpo and Kamerion Wimbley could become a dynamic pass rushing that the Browns need.

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