1. Detroit Lions - Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
This team is a total mess, and may very well be known as the worst team of all time. The best way to fix it is a complete image makeover, and what better way than with a franchise quarterback. Stafford looks to be competing with Mark Sanchez as the top QB in the draft. The Lions received another first round pick with the Roy Williams' trade, and look for them to assess the LT, DE, or LB position with that pick. The NFL is a copycat league. If I were the Lions I would copy exactly what the Falcons did last year: take the QB and then the LT. This discussion now may actually be between Stafford and LB Aaron Curry. Curry may be the best overall prospect in the draft, but using the #1 pick on a LB is not likely. Critics against Stafford, mention that no quarterback can succeed without an offensive line. I totally agree with that statement, but also agree if you have a need at quarterback and you have a chance to draft a franchise quarterback, you must do it. Solid offensive line can be added later in the draft, but there are not too many quarterbacks that are considered "franchise" worthy.
2. St. Louis Rams - Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
The Rams made it pretty well known that they wanted Jake Long last year, but instead had to settle with Chris Long. The decision will come down to Jason Smith, and Eugene Monroe. Andre Smith's recent episodes have eliminated him from consideration. With Steve Spagnolo, the new head coach, the Rams could go defensive and draft LB Aaron Curry and NFL Combine winner, but the Rams add to where for so long they have struggled: the offensive line. Smith actually started his college career as a tight end, which explains his incredible athleticism. His biggest knack against him is he is less than 310 lbs. 3. Kansas City Chiefs - Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
I believe if the Chiefs feel that Mark Sanchez or Matthew Stafford, assuming he is available, is a franchise quarterback the Chiefs must draft him here. If the Chiefs do feel strongly about a quarterback that is available, this should and WILL be the pick. However, if the Chiefs don't grade the quarterbacks that highly, and believe Tyler Thigpen has "potential" to be the quarterback of the future, then the Chiefs can instead draft the top defensive player in the draft in Curry. Curry would team up with Derrick Johnson to help anchor a defense that got absolutely no pass rush. But, a defense with those two in addition to Glenn Dorsey, and Tamba Hali does show great promise. But more analysis on the QB: Chris Redman showed the similar potential for Atlanta as Thigpen did, and the Falcons still drafted a QB and that decision ended up being brilliant. In a weak year for quarterbacks, teams such as the Chiefs are going to have to draft their quarterback early. So really Scott Pioli and Todd Haley will have to decide this.
4. Seattle Seahawks - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
I think if this 2008 college football season has taught us anything it is that Michael Crabtree is by far the best college football player, an has easily earned himself a top 10 draft pick. At 6-3, 215 lbs, he has the size QB's dream of. A sure handed receiver, he has shown he is more than just a product of a system. The Seahawks have suffered from so many WR injuries this past season that a WR is needed, and only one deserving of a top 10 pick is Crabtree. OT Eugene Monroe is tempting with Walter Jones near the end of his career, but Michael Crabtree seems to be at the elite level of Larry Fitzgerald and Calvin Johnson, and it is hard to pass on that. Crabtree's recent injury will make the Seahawks hesitant to draft Crabtree, but Crabtree's potential to be the next Fitzgerald is too good to pass up. Rumor has it the Seahawks are not too excited with the OTs in the draft, saying none of them are near Walter Jones quality. Vote and discuss who the Seattle Seahawks will draft #4 5. Cleveland Browns - Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas
The Browns have many options they could look at, but I think the decision will come down to three defenders: Orakpo, Everette Brown, and Malcolm Jenkins. With Orakpo, the Browns would get the perfect 3-4 OLB to complement Kamerion Wimbley, and definitely improve that pass rush that Cleveland struggled with last year. Orakpo has the strength and speed you want for your outside pass rusher. Everette Brown seemed to be the favorite a few weeks ago, but with his measuring at under 6-2, and lacking the strength and speed that Orakpo has, I say the Browns take Sackpo. I also think the Browns may be hesitant to draft another FSU DE.
6. Cincinnati Bengals - Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
If Carson Palmer is making this pick, then this decision should take less than 5 seconds. Palmer has been banged up because of his struggling offensive line, and to make matters worse is RT Stacy Andrews, the current franchise player, could leave via free agency. Eugene Monroe is probably the best pass blocking OT in the draft. The Bengals are hoping one of the offensive tackles, Michael Crabtree, or Brian Orapo drops to them. If only one of them is available, it should be an easy decision. B.J. Raji is a possibility if they all are off the board.
7. Oakland Raiders - Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
The Raiders really need to bolster their OL and Oher would be the smart choice. But we all know Al Davis isn't very conventional with his choices and he loves the athletic specimens, so I am going to go in the mindset of Al Davis and say he takes the athletic, playmaking, speed demon Jeremy Maclin. Maclin would give JaMarcus Russell that go to receiver that he has yet to have. With Kwame Harris gone, Oher is that much more needed, but Maclin is the athlete, and Al loves athletes.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars - Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss.
David Garrard got beat up last year, mostly due to injuries on the offensive line. LT Khalif Barnes may not be back, and even if he is the Jags could definitely upgrade with Oher. Oher brings versatility as he also could play guard, another position the Jaguars need to address. The Jags probably know Oher better than the other 31 NFL teams as they coached him in the Senior Bowl. The Jags probably will try to trade down as they could get Oher a little lower.
9. Green Bay Packers - B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
If you could give a trophy to a player at the end of Senior Bowl week it would have gone to B.J. Raji. Raji, not only solidified himself as the top and premier tackle in the draft, but a top 12 draft pick. With so many teams such as Green Bay and Denver transitioning to a 3-4 defense, Raji's stock only seems to be rising as so many teams are in demand of a nosetackle to anchor their 3-4 system. Well with the Pack on the clock, they take Raji to do just that. Everette Brown is tempting as he would be an ideal OLB, however, for any 3-4 defense to be successful, you need a great nosetackle. Malcolm Jenkins is also a possibility, but as I mentioned before, a 3-4, needs a great nosetackle.
10. San Francisco 49ers - Malcolm Jenkins, CB/FS, Ohio State
Mark Sanchez is still available with the 49ers on the clock, they should definitely grab him! Well, not if Mike Singletary and his new coaching staff has anything to do with it. Singletary is a defensive guy, and he just hired an offensive coordinator that prefers to run the football. And with that in mind, I don't think the 49ers want to draft a quarterback with only 1 full year of experience when they could add to their defense or offensive line. The 49ers have an option between Jenkins and Everette Brown. With the depth at 3-4 OLBs in this draft, I believe the 49ers go instead with Jenkins, who will be able to play either cornerback or safety, both positions of need. Jenkins could immediately start at free safety.
