draft2009greg_2

Last update: Saturday, July 19, 2008. Next Update: TBA.
GO TO WALT’S 2009 NFL MOCK DRAFT| GO TO MATT’S 2009 NFL MOCK DRAFT
Send Greg an e-mail here: [email protected]
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]

Atlanta Falcons: Vince Oghobaase, DT, Duke
The Falcons passed on Glenn Dorsey for Matt Ryan in this year’s draft, and while I won’t knock them for that pick, the fact remains that they still need someone to play in between John Abraham and Jamaal Anderson. They didn’t draft a single defensive tackle last year after cutting Grady Jackson mid-season and Rod Coleman in the offseason. Vince Oghobaase fits that bill. In 12 games for the Blue Devils last season, Oghobaase racked up 12.0 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks. He is also a rare physical specimen, measuring in at 6-6, weighing 310 pounds, and running a 5.0-flat. Combine physical numbers with production and scouts will be drooling over him. He may break into Round 1 with a solid year in 2008.
Miami Dolphins: Victor Harris, CB, Virginia Tech
Victor Harris is an extremely talented and versatile player who could help a Miami secondary in desperate need. Last season, Harris notched five picks in 14 games, taking one of them to the house. He also is a good return man, who averaged an impressive 34.7 yards per kickoff return with one of them going for a touchdown. Harris would be a welcome addition to a secondary that is starting Will Allen and Michael Lehan as their corners.
San Francisco 49ers: Max Unger, OT, Oregon
San Francisco needs some help at the tackle spot. Jonas Jennings is a good player, but has played only 21 games in his three years with the 49ers. He’s only 30, but his injury history may force him out of a job, and ultimately to retire early or be delegated to a backup role. Barry Sims isn’t the answer either. Max Unger could come in and play the right tackle spot immediately.
Kansas City Chiefs: Curtis Painter, QB, Purdue
The Chiefs opted for an offensive tackle in Round 1 in an attempt to shore up the line around Brodie Croyle. That having been said, they can’t ignore the opportunity presented when a talent like Curtis Painter falls into their lap. The lack of need around the league for a quarterback in this draft allows Painter to slip to Round 2, and if he is still here at No. 36, the Chiefs shouldn’t hesitate to pull the trigger on him. Best case scenario, Croyle pans out and Painter turns into Kansas City’s Matt Schaub (minus the Michael Vick drama). Worst case, Croyle gets benched and Painter steps in as a solid option.
St. Louis Rams: Alex Mack, C, California
St. Louis has trouble at center. With Brett Romberg being injured (like the rest of their line), Andy McCollum became their starter. He’s no longer on the roster. Alex Mack could come in and solidify that spot. The clear-cut best center in this year’s class, Mack has been an All Pac-10 first-teamer in each of the past two seasons. He may go in Round 1, but if he slips to this spot, you better believe the Rams will jump at the opportunity to scoop him up.
Detroit Lions: Louis Vasquez, OG, Texas Tech
With a middle-of-the-road at best offensive line, Detroit will need to find someone to play with Dominic Raiola, Jeff Backus and rookie Gosder Cherilus. Louis Vasquez has started 22 consecutive games, and didn’t allow any sacks in 2007 on his way to being named a member of the all Big-12 First Team. He will be a valuable asset to this Detroit line for years to come. You may even see a guard tandem of Vasquez and his old Texas Tech teammate Manuel Ramirez (drafted by the Lions last year) in the future.
Oakland Raiders: Adam Ulatoski, OT, Texas
With Robert Gallery making a successful move to guard last year, the Raiders now have a gap to fill at tackle across from the newly acquired Kwame Harris. Enter Adam Ulatoski, a mammoth tackle (6-8, 310) from Texas who has also played at guard. His versatility and dominant run-blocking would make him an asset to any team, especially the Raiders. He could really help Darren McFadden dominate this league.
Baltimore Ravens: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
Percy Harvin is an extremely intriguing prospect, and the Ravens need some receiving help. Mark Clayton didn’t record a single touchdown last year, and while Yamon Figurs has blazing speed and is a solid return man, he also has hands of stone, notching only one reception and four fumbles last year. Derrick Mason was the lone bright spot with 1,087 yards and five touchdowns in 16 games, but he is also going to be 35 when this draft occurs. Percy Harvin may not have had outstanding numbers as a receiver last year (59 receptions, 858 yards, 4 TDs), but he showed his amazing versatility by also logging 764 rushing yards on 83 carries with 6 rushing touchdowns. His pure talent is enough to help the Ravens drastically. He may remind many of Yamon Figurs, but his hands are much much better and his skill is undeniable.
Chicago Bears: LeSean McCoy, RB, Pittsburgh
If LeSean McCoy slips this far, the Bears should be charged with grand theft. However, the lack of need for a running back in this year’s draft allows him to slide to the second round. I�m not going to say the Bears made a mistake by releasing Cedric Benson. I think it was a terrific move. Signing Kevin Jones could be a great steal, but I�m not banking on it. This is a two-back league and if the Bears have the opportunity to add a guy like McCoy to their roster, it should be a no-hesitation move.
Denver Broncos: Mark Parson, CB, Ohio
The Broncos need corner depth, and Mark Parson is a perfect fit. Parson has made his name in college football by being one of a very rare and dying breed: a true lock-down cover corner. Entering his senior season, Parson ranks third in the nation in career pass breakups with 26, which breaks the Ohio University record. He also has never been beat for a touchdown or a reception of more than 30 yards in his career. Now that�s impressive. If you watch him on film, he is eerily similar to Champ Bailey, and if he had the chance to learn under Bailey, he could develop into a truly special corner at the next level. He�ll cement his status as a first-day pick when Ohio University matches up with Ohio State on Sept. 6. He�ll have the task of covering stud Ohio State receiver Brian Robiskie, whose name you will see shortly in this mock, and will draw the inevitable comparisons to this year�s top corner prospect, Malcolm Jenkins, who will be playing on the other side. Look for Parson to shine in that game.
New York Jets: Kam Chancellor, S, Virginia Tech
The Jets’ defense is looking solid. With a front seven consisting of Shaun Ellis, Kenyon Coleman and Kris Jenkins on the line, as well as Calvin Pace, David Harris, Eric Barton and Vernon Gholston, their secondary probably won’t have too much pressure put on them. Even if they do, there is enough talent to take care of it with Kerry Rhodes at safety and Darelle Revis, Justin Miller, and Dwight Lowery at corner. However, Kerry Rhodes still needs a running mate across from his at the other safety spot. Kam Chancellor could come in and be an instant upgrade over Abram Elam and Eric Smith, who both started some games at that spot last year.
Cincinnati Bengals: Anthony Heygood, OLB, Purdue
David Pollack retired and Landon Johnson bolted to Carolina this offseason. That means the Bengals need two new starters at outside linebacker. They drafted Keith Rivers, which was an extremely smart choice, but they need someone on the other side of Ahmad Brooks. That’s where Anthony Heygood comes in. After beginning his career as a running back his first two years at Purdue, Heygood burst onto the scene as a linebacker last year, recording 80 tackles, 14 of them for loss, one sack, and three forced fumbles. If he continues to progress this season, he should lock up his spot as a second- or even possibly late first-round pick. He would complete a solid young group of linebackers in Cincinnati.
Arizona Cardinals: Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida
The Cardinals drafted Buster Davis out of Florida State in the third round last year, only to cut him during training camp. That doesn’t make much sense to me, but the fact remains that the Cardinals need someone to groom under Clark Haggans before he retires. Brandon Spikes could do that perfectly, and could team up well with Gerald Hayes in the near future.
Carolina Panthers: Al Woods, DT, LSU
The Panthers lost Kris Jenkins this offseason, which isn’t surprising considering how clear he made it that he was unhappy in Carolina, paired with the fact that he has been constantly on the trade block for the past few years. The additions of Ian Scott and Darwin Walker may help, but a guy like Al Woods is too good to pass up. Woods was overshadowed by Glenn Dorsey in 2007, registering only 12 tackles and two sacks, but look for his numbers to improve this year when he gets more playing time and a better opportunity to showcase his talent.
Washington Redskins: Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest
The Redskins have been looking for corners ever since Fred Smoot and Champ Bailey left. Yes, Smoot is back, but he is also not the player he was in his first go-around with Washington. His combined four interceptions his last three years (two with Minnesota, one with Washington) are less than the five he had his rookie year. Carlos Rogers hasn’t played a full season yet, and Shawn Springs is going to be 34 by the time we get to the 2009 NFL Draft. That means the Skins need to start looking at some new blood. Alphonso Smith is the definition of a ball-hawking corner, racking up eight picks last year, three of which he returned for touchdowns. He would really help out in Washington.
Tennessee Titans: Trevard Lindley, CB, Kentucky
The Titans need depth at corner. Nick Harper is going to be 34 at the start of this season, and while Cortland Finnegan performed admirably last year, Tennessee needs someone to join Reynaldo Hill as their depth. Trevard Lindley could push Hill out of the nickel role right away, and could most likely take over for Harper when he retires.
Houston Texans: Patrick Chung, S, Oregon
The Texans need help in the secondary. With the drafting of Antwaun Molden, corner becomes less of a need than safety. Will Demps was a good signing last year, and Nick Ferguson can team up with him for this season, but that's about it. Dominique Barber could be a sixth-round gem in my opinion, but regardless of that, there is still a need. The addition of a guy like Patrick Chung would greatly help out Houston's secondary. Chung notched two picks and 117 tackles last season for the Ducks, and could project to either safety spot at the next level.
Minnesota Vikings: Mike Mickens, CB, Cincinnati
Minnesota can afford to add depth and go with the best player available at this spot. Mike Mickens is a solid corner who could go as high as late Round 1 or early Round 2 with a solid senior campaign. Antoine Winfield is starting to enter the twilight of his career, as he will be 31 at the start of the 2008 season. Mickens, Marcus McCauley and Cedric Griffin give the Vikings a very formidable group of corners going into the future.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Vidal Hazelton, WR, USC
The Bucs have been looking for a possession receiver since Michael Clayton hit his sophomore slump and never bounced back. Vidal Hazelton is the definition of a possession receiver, grabbing 50 passes last season with four touchdowns. He will continue to progress and shine again this year, and down in Tampa Bay he would be welcomed with open arms.
Buffalo Bills: Jonathan Luigs, C, Arkansas
Melvin Fowler simply doesn't cut it. Jonathan Luigs paved the way for Darren McFadden and Felix Jones to both have 1,000-plus yard seasons last year, and was named the nation�s top center. He would be a welcome addition to a Buffalo line that's looking better than it has in years.
Philadelphia Eagles: Darry Beckwith, ILB, Louisiana State
The Eagles suddenly find themselves in desperate need of linebacking help after releasing Jeremiah Trotter last year, and Takeo Spikes earlier this offseason. Darry Beckwith can come in and start right away. He is on the rise down on the bayou, and with a solid junior campaign, he should lock up a spot in the second round in 2009.
Seattle Seahawks: Derek Pegues, S, Mississippi State
The Seahawks need some help at the safety position, and Derek Pegues is exactly that. The signing of undrafted rookie free agent Jamar Adams could turn out to be a great pickup for them, but the versatility and talent of Pegues is too much to pass on. Pegues logged 50 tackles, five interceptions, and a touchdown on defense, as well as 812 total return yards to go with one punt return touchdown. He can help immediately on special teams, and could project to either safety position.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Dallas Reynolds, OT, BYU
The Steelers get some offensive line help here for a unit that gave up six sacks to Jacksonville in the playoffs and has to cope with the loss of Alan Faneca. With Willie Colon rumored to be moving to guard, the Steelers need to fill his void at tackle, and do so with the amazingly consistent and versatile Dallas Reynolds. Reynolds has played every position except center, and has 37 consecutive starts entering this season. He could help the Steelers in a number of ways no matter what position they ask him to play.
Cleveland Browns: C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson
The Browns need someone to complement Jamal Lewis. No one in this draft is more perfect for that than C.J. Spiller. Lewis is a hard-nosed, grind-it-out type of back, while Spiller is a true scat-back with blazing 4.3 speed. Teaming those two up would be a dream come true down in Cleveland.
New Orleans Saints: DeAndre Wright, CB, New Mexico
After grabbing their tight end in Round 1, the Saints can focus on addressing an abysmal secondary in Round 2. The Saints added Tracy Porter through the draft and Randall Gay via free agency, but Mike McKenzie won�t be around forever, as he'll be 33 when this draft takes place. Gay is better suited for a nickel spot, but can be a spot-starter while DeAndre Wright learns the ropes down in the Big Easy. I�m referring to the Saints' secondary with that name, not the city.
Dallas Cowboys: Kraig Urbik, G, Wisconsin
Dallas is a team that can afford to go with the best player available strategy at just about every pick. Kraig Urbik is a guy who may be able to start for them right away. The Cowboys are sporting solid starters across their offensive line with Flozell Adams (4-time Pro-Bowler) at left tackle, Andre Gurode (2-time Pro-Bowler) at center, Leonard Davis (1-time Pro-Bowler) at right guard, and the solid Marc Colombo at right tackle. That leaves left guard, where Kyle Kosier is currently starting. Urbik would be a massive upgrade over Kosier. A Cowboys line with Adams and Urbik on the left side, Gurode at center, and Davis and Colombo on the right side? That�s scary.
Green Bay Packers: Gerald McRath, OLB, Southern Miss
The Packers can just add depth at this spot, and Gerald McRath is also a great value here. McRath has some extremely impressive production at Southern Miss over his two years as a starter, with 243 tackles, 22.5 of them for a loss, six sacks and three forced fumbles. He�d be a great addition to this Green Bay defense.
Indianapolis Colts: Brian Robiskie, WR, Ohio State
The Colts need to start thinking about life after Marvin Harrison, and late in the second round is a perfect spot to find the guy to groom under him for a few years. Brian Robiskie notched 55 catches and 935 yards to go with his 11 touchdowns last season, and should only improve on those numbers this year. His slow 40 time may keep him out of the first round, but he'll be successful for the right team in the NFL. He could pair up nicely with former Buckeye teammate Anthony Gonzalez, who currently serves as the Colts' slot receiver.
New England Patriots: Michael Hamlin, S, Clemson
The Patriots go with the best player available here, and it just so happens that player also fits a need for them. Eugene Wilson left, and Rodney Harrison is aging quickly. New England needs someone to play next to Brandon Meriweather in the future, and Michael Hamlin has been very productive in his time at Clemson. Over his two seasons as a starter, Hamlin has 143 tackles and six interceptions. He can be tutored by Harrison for about a year and then take over his spot, much like what the Patriots did with Meriweather under Eugene Wilson.
New England Patriots: James Davis, RB, Clemson
The Patriots land a younger complement to Laurence Maroney here. This is no knock on Maroney's ability as a starting running back; only on the age of his backups. Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk are both going to be 32 when the season starts. Davis has split time with C.J. Spiller over his career, and won't be unhappy with a complementary role in New England.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Greg Carr, WR, Florida State
Greg Carr is somewhat of a mystery. Last season, he notched 794 yards and 4 touchdowns on 45 catches. That was with Florida State�s horrible quarterback situation. With David Garrard throwing to him, the possibilities are endless. The guy is a physical freak (6-6, 211) and could be a red-zone terror, much like James Hardy was considered in the 2008 NFL Draft. A solid senior season and a 40 time faster than 4.5 would secure his spot in the second round.
New York Giants: William Moore, S, Missouri
The "other" Ohio State linebacker, Marcus Freeman often gets overlooked because he plays next to James Laurinaitis. Despite playing next to such a superstar, Freeman accumulated some nice stats for himself last year with 109 tackles, 9.5 for loss, 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. He could easily fill the void left by Kawika Mitchell's departure.

Round 1 of Greg Haefner's 2009 NFL Mock Draft

Walt's 2009 NFL Mock Draft

Matt McGuire's 2009 NFL Mock Draft

2009 NFL Draft Prospect Rankings

2009 NFL Mock Draft Database

Send Greg an e-mail here: [email protected]
All other e-mail, including advertising and link proposals, send to: [email protected]

NFL Draft Links: