My Favorite Mock Draft Links

Here are some of my favorite Mock Draft Links. If you wish to exchange links with me, please Email me at the location listed below.

1. Football's Future
2. Walter Football
3. DC Pro Sports Report Mock Database
4. The Football Expert
5. Hail Redskins Mock Database
6. NFL Draft Experts

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Mock Draft (3-21)

1. Detroit Lions: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia. With the guaranteed money tied up to the number one pick, the Lions can't afford to take a risk on a junior QB. The odds of finding success are much slimmer, not to mention that a premiere left tackle can have nearly the same impact. With a change in GMs, the Lions finally decide to shy away from the flashy selection to build the franchise the right way, from the front.

2. St. Louis Rams: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia. For the first time in over a decade, Hall of Fame LT Orlando Pace will not be with the Rams. With Alex Barron set to take over on the left side, the Rams decide to go out on a limb with the selection. Though only partially his fault, soon to be 32 year old Marc Bulger has been only a shadow of himself recently. With Holt and Pace gone, it's time the Rams reboot their franchise at the top, with a quarterback who can lead them to great places once again.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest. The Chiefs have spent several picks adding key offensive pieces over the last several offseasons. On the defensive side of the ball, GM Scott Pioli won't be hesitant to build up the front 7. Aaron Curry is a special linebacker with no kinks in his armor. He's a great athlete who has shown the ability to get off of blocks. Last year's first round draft selection, Glenn Dorsey will help contribute to an immediate turnaround up front.

4. Seattle Seahawks: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor. A surprising pick here could easily be Ohio State's Chris Wells who contributions could be felt immediately. Still, Smith seems to be the safer selection, a theme we should see echoing throughout the draft. He's the elite pass protector in the draft with footwork that doesn't come around too often. Smith won't be the immediate spark to turn around a gloomy 2008 season, but that's where the Seahawks will bank on their key free agent acquisitions.

5. Cleveland Browns: Brian Orakpo, OLB, Texas. It comes as no surprise that the Browns are looking to solidify their defense with their top draft selection. New head coach Eric Mangini, is a defensive minded coach who adopts a team who finished 2nd from the bottom in defensive sacks and in the bottom ten in completion percentage. Even though Orakpo has been likened to Vernon Gholston, Mangini's top draft pick last year, expect quicker contributions with this selection. Rak is a more polished player with a better all-around game as a rookie.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State. Though this may come as a bit of a shocker, Beanie's recent performance at the OSU pro day may have been just enough to put him back inside the top ten. The hometown selection could be just enough to turn around a fluttering Bengals offense looking for some new tires to run on. Wells can alleviate pressure off of the quarterback situation and help the offensive line gain some much needed confidence.

7. Oakland Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech. The myth of Al Davis and 40 times will be debunked once and for all this April. Even this senile GM isn't crazy enough to opt for the 4.3 40 over the most polished receiver to come out in years. He may not have the tools of a Calvin Johnson or Larry Fitzgerald, but he should be the frontrunner for OROY because of his exquisite route running and strong hands.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland. If you watched Heyward-Bey close enough at college, you'll realize that he's more than just a 4.2 40 time. He's a receiver who wasn't utilized to the best of his abilities. Bey is far more a football player than your average track star. I firmly believe that the Jags are only a lightning quick wideout away from having one of the best all-around offenses in the league.

9. Green Bay Packers: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College. There isn't a more solid pick for the Packers than Raji. He's a senior with all the God-given talent in the world. He carries his weight well and is one of the quickest players in the draft in comparison to his mass. Raji is a bull that can be the central cog of the Packers new 3-4 defense. Ryan Pickett has everything needed to be that nose tackle, expect the stamina. That's where Raji steps in.

10. San Francisco 49ers: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama. The sexy pick appears to be a quarterback here, but truth be told, there isn't a quarterback that's worthy of a top ten selection. Smith's stock may have dipped a bit, but he was never the "sexy in shorts" player. The only question I needed to see answered this offseason was his arm length. At 6'4 with 35 3/8" arms, Smith not only has the leverage, but also the length advantage on the outside. His character concerns have been blown out of proportion and if ever he needs a swift kick in the rear, San Francisco has a firm-minded Head Coach who isn't afraid to do just that.

11. Buffalo Bills: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State. Weighing in at over 250 pounds at his Pro Day and running a 40 time in the 4.5's, Maybin just may have solidified a spot in the first fifteen selections. Though the flashy 40 time may not have been there at the Combine, the rest of his numbers tested off the charts among defensive ends. His explosive first step and great length are assets that will allow him to be that dangerous pass rusher opposite Aaron Schobel, who was considered one of the game's elite not long ago.

12. Denver Broncos: Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU. The Broncos defense is bad and new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan has some work to do to make it all work. There isn't a player more likely to do his job week in and week out than Tyson Jackson. Any 3-4 expert will tell you that the defense starts with the front three and while the Broncos missed out on Raji, Jackson should help to solve the linebacker problems directly behind him.

13. Washington Redskins: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State. Brown has the build, strength, and speed of a 4-3 defensive end. With the marquee acquisition of Albert Haynesworth, any defensive linemen at this selection should help Dan Snyder look like a genius. Brown has enormous upside that will start to look more and more like the right selection a year or two down the line.

14. New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins, CB/FS, Ohio State. The Saints couldn't come away with a bigger steal at this selection. Jenkins' 40 time might be just enough to push him down right into their laps. His talent, production, and instincts have destined for greatness, but the only question that's yet to be answered is whether he has the quickness and long speed to play cornerback. Luckily, the Saints have a pressing need at safety and lesser need at corner, so it won't take them long to place him at the right position.

15. Houston Texans: Brian Cushing, OLB, USC. The Texans are primed for their breakout season and if good health plays into their fortunes, this could be the year they finally make the playoffs. Their young investments are starting to pay off as a result of the underrated coaching staff. While the Texans have a band of underrated linebackers, Cushing is the type of athlete that can step up as a Pro Bowler, something they lack alongside DeMeco Ryans. The Texans are a team that tends to forsake a little bit of production for a lot of measureables and upside. In every sense, this seems to be the logical selection.

16. San Diego Chargers: Ziggy Hood, DE, Missouri. While all signs point to an offensive tackle or Rey Maualuga, Hood might just be the best fit for the Chargers. After losing Olshanksy because of some minor motivational issues, the Charges quickly pursue his replacement. Hood is, bar none, the most underrated and unknown athletes of the draft. His KEI (Kirwan Explosion Index) that I mentioned in an earlier post beats even Jarron Gilbert, the freakish 5-tech. Surprisingly, he's also one of the players whose motor, work ethic, and production match his skill set.

17. New York Jets: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State. Don't expect the Jets to hesitate to take their quarterback if he's still available. The team's free agent spending of a year ago would have completely paid off had it not been for Favre's late season collapse. Right now, they're unsure of whether their next quarterback is on the roster, but they need to make sure they don't suffer a setback because of poor perpetual quarterback play. Freeman has arm and frame to be this year's Joe Flacco. Like Flacco at Delaware, Freeman was also relegated to throwing to midget receivers for his final season, which hampered his production.

18. Chicago Bears: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri. The Bears could go in a number of directions with this selection, including USC quarterback Mark Sanchez. Maclin is in the process of riding a wave closer to the top of the draft. The speed, quickness, and production of Maclin is difficult to mask and far too difficult to pass up in the middle of the first round. Because of the weak QB crop, the Bears decide to give their guys one more shot and spend a pick on a more likely success story down the line.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC. With Jon Gruden out, a new quarterback is in. I still really love developmental prospect Josh Johnson, but it never hurts to have multiple capable quarterbacks on the roster. Sanchez is the perfect West Coast offense with all of the tools to succeed in the NFL. Experience is my striking concern, but if the Bucs think they can allow Sanchez a season on the bench, this is the intelligent decision.

20. Detroit Lions (f/DAL): Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC. Lions fans, don't fret because you didn't find a quarterback. With the low success rate of junior quarterbacks, the odds are that 2/3 won't turn out to be the studs they're expected to be. Linebackers in Detroit are going to have a different mantra this year: Stop the run!! Adding another fiery and ferocious downhill thumper alongside the emotional Ernie Sims will bring a new breed of defense to town.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia. Rather than wait for the great Brian Westbrook to deteriorate, the Eagles can afford to spend one of their two first round draft picks to improve the shelf-life of their stud running back. After losing the reliable Correll Buckhalter, the Eagles are left with a bigger need than one might expect. Moreno also adds the downhill mentality, refusing to fall upon first contact.

22. Minnesota Vikings: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi. The Vikings were hot in pursuit of possible free agent Jordan Gross, so it comes as no surprise that they're looking in that direction. Oher has consistency issues, but he ranks among the elite in the class in talent. As long as he can keep his weight down, Oher has the potential to be a four position linemen in the league.

23. New England Patriots: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois. Davis slips far too long and the Patriots, year after year, manage to find that type of prospect. With the loss of Asante Samuel, they lost a playmaker on defense. In a year or two, Davis will turn into their top corner and the closer down the stretch.

24. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State. Pettigrew reminds me a lot of Alge Crumpler in his prime. They both have the build and strength to play like the 6th linemen, but are good enough receivers to become that extra threat out wide. Pettigrew looks his best as a receiver when split out wide and with how well he uses his body, he'd be a difficult assignment to draw on defense. More importantly, he fits the Falcons run-first philosophy perfectly.

25. Miami Dolphins: Michael Johnson, OLB, Georgia Tech. The biggest myth in the draft is that Michael Johnson takes plays off. Ask any Yellow Jackets fan and they'll tell you that's far from the truth. Johnson plays too hard on too many plays and has been working with a nutritionist this offseason to improve his stamina. Johnson has the freakish athleticism and length to excel at outside linebacker for the Tuna.

26. Baltimore Ravens: Percy Harvin, WR, Florida. The Ravens have an offense in place, but they really lack the explosiveness on the outside to stretch the defense. After looking good running the route tree at Florida's Pro Day, Harvin seems like the logical selection if he's miraculously still around. Harvin is a gadget receiver who could be the home run threat at WR, RB, or Wildcat with as few as 10 touches a game.

27. Indianapolis Colts: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi. I've had Jerry in this slot for as long as I can't remember. It's one of those picks that just fits. Jerry is the ultimate Tampa 2 DT. He has the quickness and first step to be a great penetrator, but also the stoutness to play the run. He's not the largest DT by any means, but he fits Head Coach Jim Caldwell's pledge to get bigger in the interior.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (f/CAR): William Beatty, OT, Connecticut. If the Eagles miraculously decide to stay in the first round for two shots, an offensive tackle could be the selection here. Under Andy Reid, the Eagles have shown a tendency to add depth and talent in the trenches year after year. Beatty is an intriguing prospect because he has the athleticism and talent to look like an All-Pro one play and bull-rushed into the backfield the next. With a year in the weight room, he should be the long-term solution at left tackle.

29. New York Giants: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers. Through free agency, the Giants have done an outstanding job adding depth throughout the roster. They enter the draft with only one gaping hole from becoming the preseason Super Bowl favorites: the void (that may be) left by Plaxico Burress. Britt is the most complete receiver in this draft. He comes from a pro-style offense, has the large frame, route running, and downfield blocking. The only reason he falls this far is because no one knows whether or not he'll be able to separate from corners in the NFL. At this point, the Giants could find the biggest steal in the draft, or just another one of those busting tall receivers.

30. Tennessee Titans: Jarron Gilbert, DL, San Jose State. The Titans certainly have some depth along the defensive line even after losing Haynesworth, but there's something about Gilbert that reminds me of Big Al. Both are unique physical specimens that play an aggressive game. It may take a year or two, but the Titans should be able to forget the loss of Haynesworth due to their excellent depth.

31. Arizona Cardinals: Connor Barwin, DE/OLB, Cincinnati. Barwin is a physical specimen through and through. No matter what the Cardinals choose to do on defense, Barwin should have a position to play. He's a hard-working young man who will give it everything play after play. After showing the courage to select unpolished CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie last April, we know the Cards won't be afraid to do so again. This will be as much a selection in faith of the coaching staff as it will be in this young talent. Two other options here are LeSean McCoy and Donald Brown.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona. Let's not try and complicate things more than we need to. After watching Big Ben take a constant pounding throughout last season, even some of the diehard Ravens fans must have found it in them to feel bad for him. The Steelers desperately need to find help up front. Britton isn't an elite athlete, but he's as solid and ready a RT prospect as you'll find at the bottom of the first round.

Combine Numbers

Here are the full numbers from the 2009 NFL Scouting Combine. Click pictures to enlarge.

Quarterbacks:


Running Backs:


Fullbacks:


Tight Ends:


Wide Receivers:


Offensive Tackles:


Offensive Guards:


Centers:


Defensive Tackles:


Defensive Ends:


Tweeners:


Outside Linebackers:


Inside Linebackers:

Cornerbacks:


Safeties:


Special Teams:

Combine: Finding the Right Numbers

Each year, the Combine goes and passes as fans follow on NFL Network. They focus on the 40 yard dash and while that remains the most enjoyable event to watch, it's hardly the most crucial. Of all things at the Combine, I'd even go out on a limb and say that is actually the least important number to follow. Here's what I think are the most important numbers at the Combine:

1. Arm Length: Of all numbers, there's a reason I listed arm length with few numbers on the big board. It's a number you have to do a little number to find (NFL.com and NFLDraftScout do not carry these numbers), but they're worth the find. For several positions, they're virtually useless (QB, RB, etc.), but these numbers can carry a crucial weight. Along the offensive line, arm length can go a long way in determining position for "in between" prospects. A long reach can go a long way in predicting success among offensive tackles.
2. 10 Yard Split: Only for WRs and CBs should the 40 yard dash time even be analyzed. You hear all the time that they should be scrapped, but what should you use a replacement? The first 10 yards, known as the 10 yard split, is a far more important number. This shows how quickly a player can get off the line of scrimmage. It doesn't factor in top speed, but shows burst and acceleration, universally important measures.
3. Short Shuttle: The short shuttle asks players to redirect. While the 10 Yard and 40 Yard numbers measure straight-line speed, the short shuttle does a good job of testing how players will react on the field with a change in direction. Linebackers are consistently forced to read plays and change direction throughout just a single play.
4. KEI: Better known as the Kirwan Explosion Index. This is a formula developed by Pat Kirwan to filter out the weight room warriors and the guys with great explosion who can't deliver a blow once they get there. This is a raw number that you find by Bench Press Reps + Vertical Jump + Broad Jump. A score above 70 is a good number.
5. Speed & Quickness: This is another raw number developed by Pat Kirwan that measures change-of-direction. This number is the 40 Yard Dash - Short Shuttle. The better number is found by the higher positive discrepancy.
6. Cone Drill: The cone drill is a good measure of a player's fluidity. It also factors in some of the attributes measured by the Short Shuttle and S&Q.

I'll post these full 2009 Combine numbers over the next few days and provide a little more detailed analysis by the position.

Lions: Cutler or Stafford?

After an 0-16 season, the Lions sit atop the draft order with the number one overall pick...and they need to make it count. The best way to do that? Find your franchise quarterback and use pick #20 and #33 elsewhere. With each new development in the Jay Cutler saga, there rift between Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels and quarterback Jay Cutler seems to widen. Cutler has demanded a trade and if the Broncos cave in to his demands, a likely trading partner and destination for young, strong-armed quarterback could be Detroit. With the first pick in the draft, should the Lions be eager to give it up if it means landing Jay Cutler? Here's a breakdown of Georgia's gunslinger.


Height: 6'2 1/4 Weight: 225 Hand: 10" 10 Yard: 1.65 Shuttle: 4.47
2006 Stats: 135/256, 1749 yards, 52.7%, 6.83 YPA, 7 TD, 13 INT
2007 Stats: 194/348, 2523 yards, 55.7%, 7.35 YPA, 19 TD, 10 INT
2008 Stats: 235/383, 3459 yards, 61.4%, 9.03 YPA, 25 TD, 10 INT

Pros: There's no denying the cannon right arm of Matthew Stafford, which will immediately join a select few of elite arms that can make every imaginable throw on a weekly basis. What separates him from Josh Freeman in the rarity of his arm, is that Stafford has the confidence and willingness to fit the ball into tight windows on a regular basis. He's a true gunslinger, for better or worse. This will help him at the next level with tightening windows and when receivers are never college wide open. Time and time again, he showed the willingness to step up in the face of the blitz to complete the pass. With his muscle and thickness, durability has never been a concern. Combining his lively arm with a quick release and sound mechanics, could spell greatness at the NFL. He has a solid build and has deceptive athleticism for a pocket quarterback. Contrary to popular belief, Stafford is a winner with top-shelf intangibles. Going 27-7 as a starter (11-5 vs. ranked teams) and sweeping his team's 3 bowl games. Stafford's an intense competitor, a hard worker between games, with all of the characteristics of a Super Bowl quarterback. Stafford is the most NFL-ready of this year's class because of his film study and pre-snap reads of the defense. Equally as impressive was the higher number of passes he attempted wide receivers, which may have been partially responsible for a low competition percentage. While it would probably be asking too much of him to replicate the rookie season of Matt Ryan, a Joe Flacco-like season is within grasp. On the right team, Stafford could be an excellent quarterback from day one.

Cons: Consistent accuracy has never been the forte of Stafford. He has the ability to make every throw, but it peculiarly, he tends to miss a lot of simple throws. Like Favre in his very early NFL days, Stafford bullets every pass. He needs to learn to take a little off the ball on short passes, making it easier for receivers to run after the catch. Stafford also has below average ball placement. Receivers tend to have to adjust to the ball, which was partially responsible for a inexcusable number of drops from the Bulldogs receiving squad. Typically, these inadequacies in college don't tend to improve in the pros, which could spell disaster. As mentioned, he's a classic gunslinger, a double-edged sword. He tends to force throws even when they're not there and makes few too many careless decisions with the football.

Overview: Stafford grades out as an elite quarterback prospect this year, but will still be too big a risk to take early in the top 10. In a perfect world, you could burn the pick and not invest too much money in the early years. However, with Matt Ryan inking a 6 year, $72 million deal last year with $34.75 million guaranteed, that will surely be too much to invest in Stafford. The bust rate of junior quarterbacks is very high and those odds increase even more with a career completion rate below 60%. A very high risk, very high reward prospect, especially the higher the he is selected.

Back to the Lions dilemma between Stafford and Cutler, if it becomes a possible option. Jay Cutler, the same type of quarterback, has compiled 8000 yards and 45 TD's over the past two seasons. He has 3 years left on his contract with about $19.3 million owed over the span. That includes a $12 million dollar roster bonus to be owed in his final season in which his team has the option to re-sign him to a long term deal or release him with few cap ramifications. If I were the Lions GM, I'd be doing more than just paying my due diligence to put Jay Cutler into the Motor City. After being proven the laughing stock of the NFL for many years, the Lions don't have room to miss on this number one overall selection. The best way to do that is to not make the selection and trade it away from a proven franchise quarterback with no ceiling.

Big Board -- Top 32 Prospects

With no weight attached to positions or team needs, here are my top 32 prospects in order. Enjoy!

Name (Position, College, Height, Weight, Arm Length, 40 Yard Dash)

1. Aaron Curry (OLB, Wake Forest, 6'2, 254, 32 5/8, 4.52) - Bluntly speaking, Curry is the best football player and the safest pick in the draft. There are virtually no question marks associated with him and he has the versatility to play a position(s) in any scheme. Safer and more polished than even AJ Hawk coming out of Ohio State.
2. B.J. Raji (DT, Boston College, 6'2, 337, 32, 5.12) - There are questions with B.J. Raji (i.e. being academically ineligible for a season, arm length, weight fluctuations). That said, I feel he's one of the soundest prospects this year. He carries his weight well and is quite nimble for his size. He could step in and be one of the premiere nose tackles in the game in either the 4-3 or the 3-4 defense.
3. Brian Orakpo (DE/OLB, Texas, 6'3, 263, 33 1/2, 4.63) - Rak is a freakish athlete with the strength and length to play the 4-3 defensive end or 3-4 rush outside linebacker. His ideal position would be with a hand on the ground because of some stiffness concerns, but that doesn't mean he can't play the latter. Orakpo has shown more polish than Vernon Gholston last year, but also comes with some durability concerns.
4. Eugene Monroe (OT, Virginia, 6'5, 309, 33 7/8, 5.18) - Monroe heads a deep and talented offensive tackle class. Monroe has footwork and hand use that's rarely found in draft prospects. He doesn't display the explosiveness in the run game, but his frame and skill set translate well to the money position on the offensive line.
5. Michael Crabtree** (WR, Texas Tech, 6'1, 215, 34 1/4, 4.5est.) - Crabtree is more polished than Larry Fitzgerald coming out of college. That came straight from the mouth of the NFL's best wideout. At this point, Crabtree has to be the favorite to win OROY in the upcoming season. His hands are as good as any collegiate receiver and his route running is very efficient. The only knocks on him are his incomplete route tree at TT and his lack of elite physical tools.
6. Matthew Stafford* (QB, Georgia, 6'2, 225, 33 1/4, 4.81) - Stafford is not the safest franchise quarterback to come out and compares favorably to Jay Cutler as a prospect. His accuracy is far from perfect, but there are so few legit question marks with Stafford. He's easier to evaluate than any prospect. Coming from a pro style offense, throwing an abnormally high percentage of passes to wide receivers, and playing three years in a powerhouse SEC program, it's all on tape. It's hard not to fall in love with the potential of Stafford.
7. Andre Smith* (OT, Alabama, 6'4, 332, 35 3/8, 5.30) - Sure, the 40 yard dash may have kept you up at night, but that's Smith. Despite all the knocks on work ethic and intelligence, Andre Smith has been brutally honest throughout the entire process. To expect anything different from Andre than a big rack and lousy workout numbers, was setting the bar too high. Ten times out of ten, I'll take the player who dazzles me on the field over the one who simply dazzles me in shorts.
8. Jason Smith (OT, Baylor, 6'5, 309, 33 3/4, 5.09) - Smith is a legitimate left tackle prospect. His pass blocking is excellent and his athleticism...spectacular. Smith is a less polished version of Chris Williams last year. With the NFL transforming into a pass-happy league, there are numerous teams searching for the left tackle to keep their quarterback upright. Jason will do that for you for the next ten years.
9. Everette Brown* (OLB, Florida State, 6'2, 256, 33, 4.66) - Brown's workout numbers were generally disappointing, but his tape doesn't lie. His hand use is the best in the class and Brown really has the fluidity and athleticism to play the 3-4 glamour position.
10. Malcolm Jenkins (CB/FS, Ohio State, 6'0, 204, 32 1/2, 4.51) - Here's another kid that looks much better on the field than in shorts. He didn't run a blazing 40, as expected, but more disappointing was the little stiffness in his hips that showed at both the Combine and Pro Day. This makes me believe he may be a slightly better fit at free safety, but regardless of where he plays, he'll get the job done.
11. Vontae Davis* (CB, Illinois, 5'11, 203, 30, 4.40) - Davis is an extremely gifted defensive back. Though exposed a few times this season, his struggles have been vastly blown out of proportion. Davis can be molded into the prototype cornerback.
12. Michael Johnson (DE/OLB, Georgia Tech, 6'7, 266, 34 3/8, 4.68) - Johnson had an excellent Combine as expect, yet still has felt no boost in his stock. I'm firmly a Johnson supporter. He will need a year before he's NFL ready, but he should be able to provide some good rotational duty as a rookie. He has the fluidity, first step, and length to play the 3-4 rush linebacker. If you ask any GT fan, they'll tell you his work ethic, motor, and desire is as good as any. Wrap that together with his physical skill set and you have the potential for an All-Pro end.
13. Knowshon Moreno** (RB, Georgia, 5'11, 217, 30 3/4, 4.58) - One of the most complete backs to come out over the last few years. He can block, catch, and most importantly run. Moreno has elite lateral movement and always falls forward upon contact.
14. Aaron Maybin* (OLB, Penn State, 6'4, 249, 35 1/4, 4.78) - Though he's very lean right now, Maybin has the length and the first step to play in the league for a long time. His arms are longer than Michael Johnson's and his 10 yard split is better than nearly every other tweener. Because of his size, Maybin is a high risk, high reward prospect.
15. Chris Wells* (RB, Ohio State, 6'1, 235, 33 5/8, 4.53) - A big back with a nasty stiff arm. Wells may not have the lateral ability of Moreno, but when he gets headed North-South, there's virtually no stopping him.
16. Kenny Britt* (WR, Rutgers, 6'3, 218, 34, 4.50) - The only question mark with Britt is whether he'll be quick enough to separate in the pros. It is a huge question mark, but if he can do that, there's nothing stopping him. He has the imposing physical size, the long speed, and the swagger. He ran a complete college route tree through constant double coverage and usually came away victorious.
17. Michael Oher (OT, Mississippi, 6'5, 309, 33 1/2, 5.34) - An athletic talent that displayed some consistency problems throughout his senior year. Right now, he's more of a product of hype rather than on-field domination, but still has the upside to play left tackle. At the worst, he should be able to kick inside.
18. Brandon Pettigrew (TE, Oklahoma State, 6'5, 263, 34 7/8, 4.80) - Though his Combine was slightly worse than expected, Pettigrew's resume in college speaks for itself. Scouts are incredibly high on his overall ability, but he may not have quite the fluidity and athleticism of a Jason Witten down the seam. Still, he's one of the best complete blocking tight ends to come out in years.
19. Darrius Heyward-Bey* (WR, Maryland, 6'2, 210, 33 5/8, 4.25) - Though underutilized at Maryland, Heyward-Bey has the talent and feel of an NFL wide receiver. His electrifying speed and solid build should give him some immediate opportunities as a rookie, but his true value is in the long run.
20. Peria Jerry (DT, Mississippi, 6'2, 299, 32 1/2, 5.0est.) - Jerry is this year's top UT for the 4-3 defense. He lacks the length to be the prototype 5-technique (3-4 DE), but he plays with great leverage. Jerry is stouter that most guys with his quickness, but unfortunately, his body looks maxed out at 299 pounds.
21. Jeremy Maclin* (WR, Missouri, 6'0, 198, 32 1/4, 4.46) - Maclin's stock is on the rise and has even been rumored to be the first wideout selected. My only concern with Maclin is his experience with the route tree. Missouri's offense limited his ability to display a wide array of route running.
22. Josh Freeman* (QB, Kansas State, 6'6, 248, 32 3/4, 4.94) - Possessing the stature and arm of a prototypical quarterback, Freeman has nearly everything that Stafford does. The only thing he's missing is the confidence and natural feel for the game. If that comes to him, look for Josh to be the steal of the 2009 draft.
23. Evander "Ziggy" Hood (DT, Missouri, 6'3, 300, 33 3/4, 4.88) - With workout numbers that went quietly unnoticed, Ziggy Hood is also shooting up draft boards. He has the frame and length for the position, but he may be too much of a penetrator (ala Corey Williams) to be elite at the position. Even though his value may be higher to 3-4 teams, he can also be an excellent, disruptive tackle in the 4-3 scheme and a perfect fit for the Tampa 2.
24. Jarron Gilbert (DT/DE, San Jose State, 6'6, 288, 36 3/4 4.81) - As a defensive tackle, Gilbert recorded 22 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. In Indy, his numbers across the board were equally impressive. He's still flirting around between the 1st and 2nd round, but he looks like he has the potential to be an elite 5-technique. My primary concern with Gilbert is that he may be a fit just in the 3-4. He plays too high to gain the leverage battle inside and doesn't have the brute strength to overcome that. However, if you kick him outside, the potential is endless.
25. William Beatty (OT, Connecticut, 6'6, 307, 34 3/4, 5.06) - Though still incredibly raw, there's far too much upside in Beatty to pass up 32 times. His footwork and athleticism is excellent, but still needs to continue to excel in the weight room before he can truly become a dominant left tackle.
26. Darius Butler (CB, Connecticut, 5'10, 183, 32 7/8, 4.41) - Forget Malcolm Jenkins and Vontae Davis. Darius Butler is the smoothest, most natural cornerback in the class. Though he still has much to learn with technique and efficiency, Butler has elite athleticism, leaping ability, instincts, and quickness to excel in the NFL. He'll need to focus in the weight room and learn to reroute receivers at the line of scrimmage and because of that, he may still be a year away from being NFL-ready.
27. Patrick Chung (S, Oregon, 5'11, 212, 32 1/2, 4.49) - I'm not sure if any safety is worth a first round pick this year, but the most qualified is Patrick Chung. Chung won't wow you in any department, but is an extremely solid football player in every aspect of the game. He's a superb in-the-box guy who has enough range to start at strong safety. Don't expect him to man up very often, but he has shown the ability to play some solid off-man coverage.
28. Alphonso Smith (CB, Wake Forest, 5'9, 193, 31 1/2, 4.47) - Smith has the best instincts and ball skills in this draft, bar none. Still, his size limitations and lack of elite athleticism will force him to play perfect football, whereas players such as Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie have the ability to rely a little on physical talent. We've also seen a number of gamblers make an early exit from the NFL and Smith could just as easily be one of them.
29. Percy Harvin (WR/RB, Florida, 5'11, 192, 31 5/8, 4.39) - An electrifying athlete who is wide receiver equivalent of Reggie Bush. He won't be a great runner, but should be one of the league's finest home run threats. Harvin already looks more willing to run in traffic than Bush does. Get him 10 touches a game and you'll have a true weapon on your hand. There is a higher bust rate with Harvin, who comes with the enigma of Florida receivers.
30. Tyson Jackson (DE/DT, LSU, 6'4, 296, 34 3/4, 4.94) - This draft is absolutely loaded with 5-technique candidates and with more teams making the switch, we should see more of them utilized in their correct positions. Jackson is another one of these players. He has the length and stoutness to play outside. He's as safe a pick at the position as you'll find.
31. Clay Matthews (OLB, USC, 6'3, 240, 32 1/4, 4.62) - If you ask scouts, which of the USC linebackers has impressed the most this offseason, you'll hear Matthews atop most lists. Rather than his 4.64 40, perhaps I should have posted his 1.49 10 yard split. To put that into reference here are some other times: Chris Wells (1.53), Jeremy Maclin (1.56), Aaron Curry (1.53), Alphonso Smith (1.50). Matthews will come with the risk of being just another Trojan aided by the immense talent playing alongside him. Still, I like him and his bloodlines enough to put him just inside the first round.
32. Brian Cushing (OLB, USC, 6'3, 243, 32 1/2, 4.68) - Cushing is another player with the big "P" word on his side (potential). His durability is a serious concern and his production never really equaled his workout numbers. This past season, he impressed me enough to place him on the cusp of the first round. For now, he makes the cut.

Just Missed (alphabetical order):
Connor Barwin (DE/OLB, Cincinnati, 6'4, 256, 33 3/4, 4.59)
James Laurinaitis (LB, Ohio State, 6'2, 244, 31 5/8, 4.78)
Alex Mack (C, California, 6'4, 311, 33, 5.1est.)
Rey Maualuga (ILB, USC, 6'2, 249, 31 3/4, 4.81)
D.J. Moore* (CB, Vanderbilt, 5'9, 192, 30 1/2, 4.56)
Mark Sanchez* (QB, USC, 6'2, 227, 33 1/2, 4.94)
Sean Smith* (CB/S, Utah, 6'4, 214, 34 5/8, 4.50)