Looking at the 2009 NFL Draft

[WVUFootball29]

As the Free Agency period begins to pick up steam and teams wheel and deal to get themselves into position to select the recruits they believe will help them win the Super Bowl, I can’t help but think of how this draft is the exact type of draft class that Buffalo has been waiting for to rebuild and rearm. DE, LB, TE, C, OT are all areas the Bills could use help and should be able to find that help relatively easily. This draft will not only be the precedent by which Russ Brandon’s tenure in Buffalo is judged, but it could also be the very last class that Ralph Wilson selects to his team.

 

Looking at the first round, with the 11th pick in the draft, Buffalo is going to have plenty of good options to choose from that can make an immediate impact on game days. The question that remains, who and what position will be Buffalo’s 1st pick? All signs point to Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State

Just kidding, but let’s take a look at how the 1st round of the 2009 NFL Draft can pan out.

 

1. Detroit Lions select Matthew Stafford QB Georgia

While I don’t see Stafford as the best player in this draft, Detroit needs a new face of its franchise and there is no better face than a rookie QB on a rebuilding team. I did think about a trade down situation here, but one thing this draft does lack is a clear cut number 1 pick and that is why Detroit will stand pat and take Stafford here.

 

2. St. Louis Rams select Aaron Curry LB Wake Forest

The first shocker of the day since most have Jason Smith as the Rams pick. However, looking at the St. Louis defense really could use a playmaker like Curry in their front 7. Also, after spending big bucks on Jason Brown, I don’t see them spending all their cash on one side of the ball.

3. Kansas City Chiefs select Jason Smith OT Baylor

After going out and getting Matt Cassell as QB, you can bet that Scott Pioli and Co. are going to be protecting that $14 million asset. Smith is arguably the best OT in this draft. However, Coach Hailey might have a tough time passing up Michael Crabtree with this pick.

 

4. Seattle Seahawks select BJ Raji DT Boston College

I could see Crabtree being the selection here, but with the Houshmandzadeh (Championship!) signing I could easily see them looking to bolster their DL as well.

 

5. Cleveland Browns select Brian Orakpo DE/LB Texas

With Curry off the board Mangini will take the next best thing in Orakpo. A versatile athlete, Orakpo should cause plenty of headaches of OC’s and QB’s alike in the AFC North.

 

6. Cincinnati Bengals select Eugene Monroe OT Virginia

Trying to fill the void left by Stacy Andrews, Cincy will pick up Monroe in what might be the safest pick in the top 10.

 

7. Oakland Raiders select Michael Crabtree WR Texas Tech

We all know Al Davis can’t resist this pick here. Crabtree will give JaMarcus Russell a solid receiving threat, now if he can only hit him.

 

8. Jacksonville Jaguars select Rey Maualuga LB USC

Tough choice here because it’s possible to see the Jags go with a RB like Chris Wells to compliment Maurice Jones-Drew out of the backfield. Maualuga will give Del Rio the kind of leadership at LB he is looking for.

 

9. Green Bay Packers select Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State

Sorry Bills fans, but Jenkins will be off the board before 11. Green Bay needs some youthful talent in the secondary even though Brian Cushing is a very tempting target for the Pack.

 

10. San Francisco 49er’s select Mark Sanchez QB USC

Let’s face it; Shaun Hill will not be the starter for San Fran in 2009. If Kurt Warner does not get signed this would be the logical choice for the 49er’s.

 

11. Buffalo Bills select Aaron Maybin DE/LB Penn State

Tough choice here for the Bills, but Maybin gives them the most versatility of any remaining prospect. With the ability to rush from the DE or LB position, Maybin should be able to find a way to get to opposing QBs, especially with a healthy Schobel on the field. Pettigrew, Brown, and Jerry are all possibilities here and all of which would be good picks for the Bills

 

12. Denver Broncos select Brian Cushing LB USC

Denver is undergoing major cosmetic surgery in regards to personnel. Cushing would fill the void left by Jamie Winborn who was let go recently.

 

13. Washington Redskins select Andre Smith OT Alabama

First of all, I highly doubt the Redskins keep this pick with the amount of money they have spent on free agents so far. Look for them to trade out of the first round again this year.

 

14. New Orleans Saints select Chris Wells RB Ohio State

Passing on Vontae Davis here will be a shocker, but Reggie Bush is not a feature back in the NFL and the Saints will need a big strong runner like Wells to help him shoulder the load.

 

15. Houston Texans select Everette Brown DE/LB Florida State

The Texans need someone to take some pressure of Mario Williams and Brown should be able to do just that. Brown’s speed and quickness on the pass rush will make it hard for teams that look to double team Williams in passing situations.

 

16. San Diego Chargers select Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia

With Tomlinson’s future in question and Sproles not being able to shoulder the load as a feature back the Chargers will look to add depth at RB and Moreno should fit nicely into an LT clone mold.

 

17. New York Jets select Vontae Davis CB Illinois

While it’s possible to see Tyson Jackson or James Lauriniatis here, Vontae gives the Jets a playmaker across from Revis. Davis is also reminiscent of Samari Rolle in Ryan’s Baltimore defense.

 

18. Chicago Bears select Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri

The Bears really need a speedy target like Maclin to help Kyle Orton out and will be very happy to see him drop to the 18 spot.

 

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers select Peria Jerry DT Mississippi

So the Bucs lost out on Haynesworth, no big deal as they can cash in by selecting Jerry at 19. Now if only they had another lineman named Ben.

 

20. Detroit Lions (from Dallas) select Michael Oher OT Mississippi

Jumping back into the 1st round the Lions can now pick up some much needed protection for their investment in Matt Stafford. Oher could anchor the line in the Motor City for many years.

 

21. Philadelphia Eagles select Brandon Pettigrew TE Oklahoma State

If L.J. Smith does not return to Philly you can bet on the Eagles grabbing Pettigrew very quickly here.

 

22. Minnesota Vikings select Hakeem Nicks WR North Carolina

Minnesota can go many routes here and it all revolves around free agency. If Birk doesn’t come back, the Vikes may go after Mack here. I think they’ll take a WR to try to help out the passing game and Nicks is the best on the board in my opinion

 

23. New England Patriots select Alphonso Smith CB Wake Forest

I can easily see the Patriots going after Laurinaitis here, but with Smith still on the board this late they have to take him.

 

24. Atlanta Falcons select Tyson Jackson DE LSU

Hard to believe he falls this far, but Jackson becomes a victim of circumstance due to his lack of a pass rush. However, he can fill in all across the Atlanta defensive line and be effective.

 

25. Miami Dolphins select Percy Harvin WR Florida

This pick is a real tossup between Harvin and Clay Matthews. A trade is possible here as well, trading up with Washington to get Everette Brown, or trading down a few spots and grabbing a LB are possibilities.

 

26. Baltimore Ravens select James Laurinaitis LB Ohio State

Laurinaitis gives the Ravens some talent at MLB especially if Ray Lewis does not return.

 

27. Indianapolis Colts select Darrius Heyward-Bey WR Maryland

Size and blazing speed, Heyward-Bey would be too much to pass up for the Colts after cutting ties with Marvin Harrison.

 

28. Philadelphia Eagles (from Carolina) select Ebon Britton OT Arizona

Bringing some much needed youth to the Tackle position, Philly has really set the stage for some impressive offensive performances in 2009.

 

29. New York Giants select Kenny Britt WR Rutgers

New York has gone out and picked up 3 big players on defense and needs to even things up. Britt gives the Giants a big target for Eli Manning.

 

30. Tennessee Titans select DJ Moore CB Vanderbilt

This selection not only gets Tennessee a good coverage CB, but a KR/PR man as well.

 

31. Arizona Cardinals select LeSean McCoy RB Pittsburgh

Even though Edgerrin James is still on the roster, he turns 31 this year, is a $5 million cap hit, and was less than stellar in 2008. If he is not cut before the draft, he will be gone soon after this pick.

 

32. Pittsburgh Steelers select Max Unger OG/C Oregon

Unger’s versatility across the entire offensive line makes him a much more attractive prospect than Alex Mack to close out the 1st round.

 

Big names still on the board going into round 2: Alex Mack, Louis Delmas, Clay Matthews, Robert Ayers, Jared Cook

[thewildrabbit]

I hope the bills don't take Maybin expecting him to be anything but an OLB, the guy was 234 in collage and went up to 249 for the combine and stunk it up at a 15 LB heavier weight,the guy ran a 4.89. Mayock stating the heavier weight really hurt him and may drop him out of the first round,he was horrid in the 3 cone drill. Watch path to the draft on NFL network

 

Scout.com has him as the 27th rated player

Maybin is a playmaking defender who lacks the size necessary to be an every down DE, but he could become a tremendous force as a 3-4 OLB. He has a great frame, but has to add to add bulk to compete at the next level. He has a quick first step, uses his speed to his advantage and is able to harass the quarterback by using his long wingspan against a tackle. He moves well laterally and changes direction smoothly. - Chris Steuber, Scout.com

http://profootball.scout.com/a.z?s=127&amp...900&yr=2009

 

 

Just to give you some insight, Aaron Curry ran a 4.56 40

 

Maybin really had only one good year (one year wonder) at Penn st and could be a huge bust

Of course ESPN has Maybin at the 11th pick Mcshay and Kiper #10.

 

So we will see who really knows players and who doesn't

[clumping platelets]

I prefer Cushing

[lets_go_bills]

I'm not completely sold on any of the DEs. But Maybin is very intriguing and has a lot of upside. I want him to play DE, not OLB.

 

Perry Fewell talked about a situational rusher. I'm thinkin Maybin could come in and rush on passing downs in place of Kelsay as a rookie until he puts on more weight and gains experience.

 

Plus, with him being a Penn State guy you know he'd be loved in Buffalo.

[WVUFootball29]

I think Maybin fits as a pass rusher from both DE and LB and could be used accordingly. At this current point in time I believe he's going to do the most for the Bills with their first pick. However, as FA progresses, its always possible that we address DE/Pass rush elsewhere leaving the Bills open to picking another key need area

[H2o]

Pretty good overall, but I'd take Everett Brown before I took Maybin without a second thought. Brown seems to be a more complete package. He plays well enough against the run and is an excellent pass rusher with a variety of moves that he strings together well. Maybin seemed a little sluggish at 250lbs at the combine and 250 is nothing for a DE in the NFL. He truly seems like a guy that is suited for an OLB position in a 3-4 where he can play at his more comfortable weight of 230lbs or so.

[WVUFootball29]

Well with Cato June and Pat Thomas coming into town, I'm leaning towards the bills grabbing either Everette Brown or Peria Jerry at 11 if they sign a LB. Otherwise, I'm going to stand with Maybin for the time being

[Leonidas]

Maybin screams huge bust. I wanted them to take Orakpo but it doesn't look like he'll be available. DE is still top priority and Maybin isn't a DE; he's an OLB. Pass on him altogether. If you don't trade up for Orakpo, then take Everette Brown if he's available; if he's not, trade out of the pick. Don't reach for Maybin OR Pettigrew (or any other TE for that matter).

 

I also think Lawrence Sidbury, Jr. would be a good late-round pick as a pass rushing specialist.

[WVUFootball29]

Maybin screams huge bust. I wanted them to take Orakpo but it doesn't look like he'll be available. DE is still top priority and Maybin isn't a DE; he's an OLB. Pass on him altogether. If you don't trade up for Orakpo, then take Everette Brown if he's available; if he's not, trade out of the pick. Don't reach for Maybin OR Pettigrew (or any other TE for that matter).

 

I also think Lawrence Sidbury, Jr. would be a good late-round pick as a pass rushing specialist.

 

 

As a pure DE, yes there is a chance that Maybin will bust. But if he's moved around the field between the 2 DE spots and LB he would be a threat you would consistently have to watch and adjust to. Orakpo would be my ideal choice here, but just can't see him getting past Mangini and the Browns. Alot of this is contingent on who else Buffalo can get via Free Agency. If OLB gets adequately filled, I could see Buffalo going after Jerry or Brown instead. Also, there is the possibility of one of the big OTs falling if Cincy grabs a WR to replace TJ Houshmazilly instead of Eugene Monroe

 

A trade down is unlikely here, but there are 2 teams without 1st rounders this years Dallas and Carolina. The question is, what are we going to get from them that would make a trade worthwhile? More picks doesn't seem worth it to me at this point.

 

As FA progresses and Pro Day workouts are complete i will be updating this mock

[SuperKillerRobots]

As a pure DE, yes there is a chance that Maybin will bust. But if he's moved around the field between the 2 DE spots and LB he would be a threat you would consistently have to watch and adjust to. Orakpo would be my ideal choice here, but just can't see him getting past Mangini and the Browns. Alot of this is contingent on who else Buffalo can get via Free Agency. If OLB gets adequately filled, I could see Buffalo going after Jerry or Brown instead. Also, there is the possibility of one of the big OTs falling if Cincy grabs a WR to replace TJ Houshmazilly instead of Eugene Monroe

 

A trade down is unlikely here, but there are 2 teams without 1st rounders this years Dallas and Carolina. The question is, what are we going to get from them that would make a trade worthwhile? More picks doesn't seem worth it to me at this point.

 

As FA progresses and Pro Day workouts are complete i will be updating this mock

 

I was thinking along these lines as well. I like the idea of having a guy that can be legitimately moved around (not Kelsey and Copeland Bryant standing up at the LOS before the ball is snapped) on defense. I think it really gives an advantage based solely on the fact that it is at least another thing for the offense to account for. The problem I came to - and I am more of a supporter than most of the coaching staff - was that I am not sure that the coaching staff can effectively use him in that role. It seems like every time they talk about doing something like this, it's only training camp BS and they are the same old team on Sundays. Remember Whitner before last year was supposed to be this do-everything safety who was going to be put in positions to make all sorts of plays? That turned out like crap. They never really were able to do it (granted it probably had a lot to do with Ko sucking it up, but still...)

[WVUFootball29]

I was thinking along these lines as well. I like the idea of having a guy that can be legitimately moved around (not Kelsey and Copeland Bryant standing up at the LOS before the ball is snapped) on defense. I think it really gives an advantage based solely on the fact that it is at least another thing for the offense to account for. The problem I came to - and I am more of a supporter than most of the coaching staff - was that I am not sure that the coaching staff can effectively use him in that role. It seems like every time they talk about doing something like this, it's only training camp BS and they are the same old team on Sundays. Remember Whitner before last year was supposed to be this do-everything safety who was going to be put in positions to make all sorts of plays? That turned out like crap. They never really were able to do it (granted it probably had a lot to do with Ko sucking it up, but still...)

 

Injuries didn't help that plan either.

[satx_bills_fan]

Let's get some offense back. Sign Coles, draft Pettigrew. Go OL in round 2.

 

I really like Fred Jackson at RB, Reed is fine at WR3.

 

The defense will still have holes regardless of maybin, jerry, cushing, etc. We need excitement!

[Magox]

I'm not jumping on the bandwagon, But I've been saying for a while now that Maybin has got "buyer beware" all over him. that is not to say that he won't be a good pro, I just don't see him being a productive pro for at least a few years. I'd much rather go for a safer pick like Pettigrew, Mack or Raji. Even if we have to trade down to get Mack, I see him as a safe solid pick. If we were to take more of a risk, I'd go after Everett Brown and maybe Orapko. If I wanted a linebacker I would look to trade back into the latter half of the first round or early second round and get Matthews from USC.

[satx_bills_fan]

Maybin screams huge bust. I wanted them to take Orakpo but it doesn't look like he'll be available. DE is still top priority and Maybin isn't a DE; he's an OLB. Pass on him altogether. If you don't trade up for Orakpo, then take Everette Brown if he's available; if he's not, trade out of the pick. Don't reach for Maybin OR Pettigrew (or any other TE for that matter).

 

I also think Lawrence Sidbury, Jr. would be a good late-round pick as a pass rushing specialist.

 

please not maybin or brown, ie. another DE round 1 bust. erik flowers and john mccargo were bad enough.

[WVUFootball29]

I'm not jumping on the bandwagon, But I've been saying for a while now that Maybin has got "buyer beware" all over him. that is not to say that he won't be a good pro, I just don't see him being a productive pro for at least a few years. I'd much rather go for a safer pick like Pettigrew, Mack or Raji. Even if we have to trade down to get Mack, I see him as a safe solid pick. If we were to take more of a risk, I'd go after Everett Brown and maybe Orapko. If I wanted a linebacker I would look to trade back into the latter half of the first round or early second round and get Matthews from USC.

 

11 is too early for pettigrew IMO. Cook, Beckum, Coffman will all be available in rounds 2 and 3 and I think any of them can be just as effective.

[billsfan714]

Everett Brown intrgues me....go to youtube and check out his highlight reel. The guy has some quick moves and seems relentless. I know FSU DE bust history in the past, but this guy I think is different. Maybin worries me because hes either too small for DE or hes moves to LB where he doesnt have a lot of experience.

[billsfan714]

11 is too early for pettigrew IMO. Cook, Beckum, Coffman will all be available in rounds 2 and 3 and I think any of them can be just as effective.

 

For people who like Arakpo, didnt Pettigrew own him blocking in this years game? Seems like Pettigrew is strong in blocking and receiving.

[John from Riverside]

If Everette Brown is on the board and they pass on him I am going to be really PO'd

[Anzaloha]

9. Green Bay Packers select Malcolm Jenkins CB Ohio State

Sorry Bills fans, but Jenkins will be off the board before 11. Green Bay needs some youthful talent in the secondary even though Brian Cushing is a very tempting target for the Pack.

 

You need to rethink GB. They are now despearte for Dline help.

[Anzaloha]

please not maybin or brown, ie. another DE round 1 bust. erik flowers and john mccargo were bad enough.

McCargo is a DT, not DE. and let Flowers go...how long ago was that now??/