The NFL Draft: Round 1

By Andres Castillo | April 26 2009

The most anticipated event in the NFL calendar is finally here: The NFL draft. This year’s class shows superb talent at almost every position and contains a very deep defensive class. Many of these players are NFL ready and can contribute right away while others need time to be groomed to their full potential. Here’s a look at this year’s 1st round:

1.   Detroit Lions - QB Matt Stafford (UGA)

I really like what the Detroit Lions did here with selecting and signing Matt Stafford. Before the NFL draft he agreed to a 6 year $78 million dollar deal, with a record $41.7 million dollars in guaranteed money for a rookie coming out of the draft. This guy can make every throw with amazing strength and accuracy. Here the Lions address one of their biggest needs in an extremely talented and elite athlete, and can address their second highest need with their later first round pick (20th pick).

2.   St. Louis Rams - LT Jason Smith (Baylor)

The St. Louis Rams finally address the position they were looking to solidify with Jake Long from Michigan before he was snatched by the Miami Dolphins. The Rams get lucky, and draft one of the most talented Left Tackles I’ve seen in years. The great thing about tackles is that they’re so versatile on the line. If they’re not a Left Tackle, you can move them to Right Tackle. If they’re not suited for that, you can move them to any of the guard positions. At 6′5″ 309 lbs, he has amazing footwork, great height, elite arm strength to drive any force to the ground trying to get to the quarterback as well as replacing their all-pro LT Orlando Pace.

3.   Kansas City Chiefs - DE Tyson Tackson (LSU)

The Chiefs select a monstrous 6′4″ end with an amazing ability to get to the quarterback. They fill one of their greatest needs, and paired up with DT Glenn Dorsey (last year’s 4th overall), I can’t even imagine the destruction the Chiefs are going to cause down the middle.

4.   Seattle Seahawks -OLB Aaron Curry (Wake Forest)

The Seahawks get lucky to snatch the best player in this year’s draft. Here they pair up Aaron Curry with Lofa Tatupu and Julian Peterson to have one of the strongest linebacker units in the league. He can get to the Quarterback at will and displays excellent quickness to get to the defender to break up passes or stuff the runner.

5.   New York Jets - QB Mark Sanchez (USC)

Ex-Jets coach Eric Mangini and present Jets coach Rex Ryan made a trade for Mark Sanchez. He gets his opportunity with the New York Jets after they traded their 1^st round pick (17^th overall), a 2009 2^nd round pick, DE Kenyon Coleman, QB Brett Ratliff, and DB Abra Elam to move up to the 5^th overall pick owned by Cleveland. At 6′2″ he has an amazing throw on the run, and shows a cannon of arm strength and accuracy in the long ball. He’s extremely dynamic and crafty and an overall excellent pick for the Jets.

6.   Cincinnati Bengals - OT Andre Smith (Alabama)

Andre Smith was once considered the top prospect before his off-field issues. The recipient of the Outland Trophy award (given to the league’s best interior lineman) has great strength and is a true Left Tackle that the Bengals have needed for a while. With this pick, they can finally protect their most prized possession, Carson Palmer, without getting injured… Or as fast at least…

7.   Oakland Raiders - WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (North Carolina State)                            

What!? Of course knowing Al Davis, he likes his players to be fast and that’s all that really matters. He chose Heyward-Bey over Michael Crabtree who is, in my opinion, the best receiver in the draft. However, this guy ran the fastest 40 in this year’s NFL Draft Combine, but hopefully it works out for the Raiders and for Jamarcus Russell. Nonetheless, they get a gifted WR but I don’t think he was worthy of a top-10 pick. See you again next year in the top 10 pick Raiders.                     

8.   Jacksonville Jaguars - OT Eugene Monroe (University of Virginia)

Eugene Monroe was the winner of the 2008 Jacobs Award (The best blocker in the ACC) and shows excellent promise as a lineman. This guy’s a beast on the line. The Jaguars let Crabtree slip by them, and go with a safer pick in a tackle.

9.   Green Bay Packers - DT B.J. Raji (Boston College)

The Packers selected Raji as their Nose Tackle in their newly installed 3-4 defense. At 337 lbs., he can stuff any hole and has tremendous leverage and athletic ability to take on any block. At the combine he displayed 33 reps of 225lbs with ease and can toss opponents at will. He dominates every time he’s on the field and can play in any defensive scheme. With a look at value, the Packers get a Top-5 talent, at 9 overall. Perfect fit for the Packers.          

10.  San Francisco 49ers - WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)

This guy can do it all. As a freshman he won the most outstanding WR in college, and won it again his sophomore year. Although his speed is not elite, he can shake defenders at will and can catch any ball thrown to him. The 49ers get an amazing value in Crabtree because he slipped past the Raiders, Jaguars, and Packers. Crabtree in my opinion is the most gifted offensive player in the draft and perhaps since Calvin Johnson. Without a true starting quarterback, I doubt Crabtree is going to have that great of an effect this year until the 49ers can get a guy that can put the ball in his hands.

11.  Buffalo Bills - Aaron Maybin (Penn State)

Aaron Maybin is a fast, prototypical 3-4 Linebacker that can get to the quarterback to disrupt plays. Because he’s only played a full season for Joe Paterno at Linebacker U, it’s hard to say how his career can plan out, but his potential is off the charts. He can play end in a 4-3 or an outside linebacker in a 3-4. Look for him to alter his AFC East foe’s playbooks to run plays opposite of him.

12.  Denver Broncos - RB Knowshown Moreno (UGA)

With the opportunity, the Broncos snag the top RB in this year’s class, with excellent athleticism and hands to catch the ball on flat route. He likes to run between the tackles but also has the ability and quickness to get to the outside and dive for the TD. High rookie running backs usually have an immediate impact in their offense so don’t be surprised if he tears it up just like Matt Forte did last year as a rookie.

13.  Washington Redskins - DE Brian Orakpo (Texas)

The Redskins didn’t waste anytime in picking their selection. They get the 2008 Nagurski Trophy winner (top defensive player) with the 13^th overall pick. With the departure of Jason Taylor, they need a pass rushing threat and they get that with Orakpo. With Albert Haynesworth in the middle, Orakpo is going to be a nightmare for the OT’s.

14.  New Orleans Saints - CB/FS Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State)

Not a great man to man coverage guy, but has excellent ball hawking skills and can play the free safety position. The Saints begin to rebuild their defense and get a smart zone coverage CB/FS that can win a jump ball to break up a pass or pick it off.

15.  Houston Texans - LB Brian Cushing (USC)

Brian Cushing has a high-end motor and never stops until he gets to the QB. He disrupts plays and demands extra attention play by play. He’s probably the most versatile true linebacker in this year’s draft because he can play any of the linebacker positions.

16.  San Diego Chargers -LB Larry English (Northern Illinois)

Wow. Surprise.  Larry English dominated his conference and has an incredible motor but I don’t think he was worthy of a mid-1^st round pick. He’s a 3-4 outside linebacker that I felt was going to be a late first round pick or an early 2^nd rounder. He can compliment Shawn Merriman, especially when he’s not healthy and provide the strength and force on his opposite side. They reached for him, but got the guy they wanted.

17.  Tampa Bay Buccaneers - QB Josh Freeman (Kansas State)

The Browns gave up their traded 17^th overall pick to the Bucs for their 19^th overall pick and their 2009 6^th round pick. In my opinion Josh Freeman is an extremely intriguing QB at an amazing height of 6′6″ 250 lbs. He resembles a Joe Flacco type QB. He has great mobility with a cannon of an arm. He can swing out of the pocket and can make the throws you want to see. However, he sometimes has bad decisions and is inconsistent but I think he has the ability to have an excellent career in the NFL.

18.  Denver Broncos - DE Robert Ayers (Tennessee)

Looking to take Tyson Jackson with the 12^th pick, they get their DE in Robert Ayers with the 18^th overall pick. Ayers is a 3-4 outside linebacker that played DE in college. He’s athletic, quick, and shows excellent technique in getting to the QB. 

19.  Philadelphia Eagles - WR Jeremy Maclin (Missouri)

Maclin is a one of the most dynamic players and provides Donovan Mcnabb another threat. Alongside Desean Jackson, the Eagles have 2 speedy WR’s that are really going to stretch the field. He also has excellent burst and can be used in the return game.

20.  Detroit Lions - TE Brandon Pettigrew (Oklahoma State)

Pettigrew is one of the most complete tight ends. He’s fast and has great hands and provides Stafford with a target and cushion if he can’t find Calvin Johnson downfield. The Lions had so many options and needs with this pick because they could’ve gotten their LT in Oher, their linebacker and face of the Lion defense in Rey Maulaga, or another receiving threat.

21.  Cleveland Browns - C Alex Mack (California)

This guy can play any of the interior line positions and is the best center coming out of college in a long time. At 6′4″ 311 lbs, he can make all of the blocks and guard against the biggest defensive tackles.

22.  Minnesota Vikings - WR Percy Harvin (Florida)

Perhaps the most explosive player in the draft, he can stretch the field with ease and is extremely versatile in the running and passing game. He’s a speed burner that is an excellent game changer.

23.  Baltimore Ravens -OT Michael Oher (Ole Miss)

Michael Oher has excellent vision and can pick up a defender in a split of a second. He has the drive to be the best on his team and is an extremely tough and hardworking athlete. Oher will be an excellent asset for Joe Flacco and has great character to be a leader in this Ravens offense.

24.  Atlanta Falcons - DT Peria Jerry (Ole Miss)

Peria Jerry had a bunch of TFL’s (tackle for losses) in Ole Miss and look for him to disrupt the NFC south in both the passing and running game. They were ranked 24^th in defense, and chose their DT to improve their line.

25.  Miami Dolphins - CB Vontae Davis (Illinois)

Vontae Davis is arguably the best man to man cornerback with excellent catch up speed. He has the hands and vision to disrupt any pass. Here the Dolphins get Vernon Davis’ little brother who fills a huge need for their secondary. He’s a physical corner who has amazing toughness, ability, and great instincts. Perfect pick for Miami.

26.  Green Bay Packers - LB Clay Matthews (USC)

The New England Patriots trade away their first rounder and accumulate more picks from the Packers. The second USC linebacker is an outstanding athlete and was the leader in the pass rush in the USC defense last year. He has pedigree as his father played in the NFL. As a walk-on, he really established himself in as an excellent pass rusher. Great pick and trade for the Packers as they established their defense with B.J. Raji and Clay Matthews.

27.  Indianapolis Colts -RB Donald Brown (Connecticut)

I don’t know why you’d pick up Donald Brown over Chris “Beanie” Wells who is an absolute bruiser and agile running back. However, Donald Brown is an excellent prospect and dominated the running game in the Big East. He’s a great blocker with excellent hands and displays great vision as a runner, as he lead the NCAA in rushing yards this year. The Colts bolster their 31^st ranked running offense with this young kid.

28.  Buffalo Bills - C Eric Wood (Louisville)

A four year starter in Louisville, Eric Wood was the anchor in the Louisville Offensive line and looks to do the same with Bills. The Bills grab the 2^nd highest rated interior lineman and look to block against the massive 3-4 nose tackles in the AFC East.

29.  New York Giants -WR Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina)

Clearly a need for the Giants after the departure of Plaxico Burress, Nicks is probably one of the most NFL ready WR with arguably the best hands in the draft. He has the ability to get up and win any jump ball. Great pick.

30.  Tennessee Titans - WR Kenny Britt (Rutgers)

Great Possesion Receiver with polished route running ability. He has great speed for his height and provides Kerry Collins or Vince Young a true receiver to stretch the field. Finally, they draft a WR.

31.  Arizona Cardinals -RB Chris “Beanie” Wells (Ohio State)

Chris “Beanie” Wells is a big, physical running back that run over a defender or run around the defender. Has excellent speed and explosiveness. Beanie Wells will give the Cardinals more options in their offense taking much of the attention given to Larry Fitzgerald to the running game to open up the passing game even more. However, his toughness and durability is a question but overall a smart pick for the Cardinals to replace aging Edgerrin James.

32.  Pittsburgh Steelers - DT Ziggy Hood (Missouri)

Great Defensive Tackle that gives his maximum effort to break up plays and get to the ball. He had 34 reps of 225 lbs., and is a strong DT that gets through the line. The Steelers needed to get younger in the front three and did so in this pick. I do believe Ziggy is more of a 4-3 DT but he’ll be fine in the Steelers 3-4 defense. This addition is only going to make the their defense even more dreadful to face for years to come.

What do you think of the NFL Draft? Have your say in the comments section below!