TTE's 2009 NFL Mock Draft | Version 2.0 | Updated 3/12

2009 MOCK VERSION 2.0

1.Detroit Lions- Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
Previous: Matthew Stafford

By all indications, Daunte Culpepper is scheduled to be the starting quarterback for the Lions in 2009. Looking into the future, Detroit will select Stafford with the first overall pick and prepare him to lead the franchise by 2010. The Motor City is also in need of help on the offensive line, but equally important, they are in need of a face, which Stafford can provide. Even in the miserable years of Joey Harrington, Detroit was identified by a person. The 2008 Lions had no victories and no identity, and will look to establish both with the first pick. But keep in mind, when it comes to the overall pick in the NFL draft, it’s not always who you want or need, as much as it’s who you can sign. Tom Condon is the agent for Matthew Stafford, and his clients have often been troublesome and known for extended contract negotiations and player hold-outs.

2. St. Louis Rams- Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
Previous: Jason Smith

The obvious priority in St. Louis is at offensive tackle. For months, mock gurus had the name “Smith” penciled into the second position, and that name didn’t change, but the player did. Alabama’s Andre Smith was an early favorite to go second, but his downward spiral, combined with the postseason ascent of Baylor’s Jason Smith fills the same position with a different name. The recent release of Orlando Pace increases the priority to fill this position.

3. Kansas City Chiefs- Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
Previous: Aaron Curry

The recent acquisition of Matt Cassel from New England likely sent mock erasers quickly in motion. Many had Mark Sanchez set to lead the Chiefs, and that’s no longer the probability. It’s not a surprise move, knowing Scott Pioli’s track record with the Patriots. Also not surprising would be the selection of Aaron Curry to bolster the linebacking corps. If The Patriots under Pioli’s guidance were known for anything, it’s the passing of early round quarterbacks, and his focus on linebackers. Both are already evident, with the recent signings of both Mike Vrabel and Matt Cassel.

4. Seattle Seahawks- B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
Previous: B.J Raji

The acquisition of T.J Houshmandzadeh rapidly reduced the probability of the Seahawks drafting a first round receiver, which I could never see them doing to begin with, especially this high. Sitting in the 4th position, it would be difficult to pass on defensive tackle B.J. Raji, one of 2009’s draft jewels. Some were surprised with Seattle’s drafting of defensive end Lawrence Jackson in the first-round last year. It would hardly be surprising if they chose to go with a defensive tackle in this one.

5. Cleveland Browns- Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
Previous: Malcolm Jenkins

Cleveland recently unloaded Kellen Winslow to the Bucs, and No. 5 is too high to select any tight end in this year’s group. The Browns will address a need, while also going with the popular pick, by choosing Ohio State’s Malcolm Jenkins. Jenkins ran a poor 40-time at the NFL combine, but many had already speculated that he would play safety rather than corner in the NFL, anyway.

6. Cincinnati Bengals- Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
Previous: Andre Smith

Andre Smith was originally slotted here, but with each poor pre-draft performance, he appears more likely to play guard in the NFL than tackle. The Bengals will still draft their protection for Carson Palmer, but that person is now Eugene Monroe. As Smith is penalized for a poor work ethic, Monroe reaps the reward, with the increase in stock.

7. Oakland Raiders- Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
Previous: Michael Crabtree

Assuming the Raiders don’t trade out of the position, Al Davis’ draft trend will stay the course. In 2007, he drafted the biggest quarterback name of the class, Jamarcus Russell. In 2008, he selected the biggest running back name in the group, Darren McFadden. In 2009, he’ll complete the trifecta by adding the most publicized wide receiver to the Roster, Michael Crabtree. Injury concerns? Come on, we’re talking about Al Davis.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars- Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
Previous: Eugene Monroe

Jack Del Rio is at the end of his coaching rope in Jacksonville. He won’t be granted the time to allow a player to progress and become a force in three years. He needs a safe pick that can be an immediate impact player. By the draft odds, that pick is an offensive lineman, and the player is Michael Oher.

9. Green Bay Packers- Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas
Previous: Brian Orakpo

The Packers are switching to a 3-4 scheme, under new coordinator Dom Capers. They will select Brian Orakpo, a defensive end from Texas, and utilize his talent and athleticism as a stand up pass rusher.

10. San Francisco 49ers- Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
Previous: Mark Sanchez

The City by the bay has gone too long without a respectable quarterback. Since Jeff Garcia exited the franchise in 2003, there’s been little offensive punch. They made a mistake drafting Alex Smith in 2004, and it has yet to be corrected. Smith was actually their second option for the ’04 draft, going with plan "B", after Heisman Trophy winner, Matt Leinart, opted to return to USC for his senior year. This time a Trojan hurler will be available with the 10th selection, and the Niners will sweep him from the board. In doing so, San Francisco, the 6th largest Hispanic community in America, will welcome their new quarterback with open arms.

11. Buffalo Bills- Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
Previous: Brandon Pettigrew

12. Denver Broncos- Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
Previous: Rey Maualuga

13. Washington Redskins- Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
Previous: Everette Brown

14. New Orleans Saints- Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
Previous: Vontae Davis

15. Houston Texans- Brian Cushing, LB, USC
Previous: Brian Cushing

16. San Diego Chargers- Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU
Previous: Chris "Beanie" Wells

17. New York Jets- Darius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
Previous: Darius Heyward-Bey

18. Chicago Bears- William Beatty, OT, Connecticut
Previous: Michael Oher

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
Previous: Tyson Jackson

20. Detroit Lions- Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
Previous: Peria Jerry

21. Philadelphia Eagles- Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State
Previous: William Moore

22. Minnesota Vikings- Percy Harvin, WR, Florida
Previous: Jeremy Maclin

23. New England Patriots- Clay Matthews, LB, USC
Previous: Aaron Maybin

24. Atlanta Falcons- Jared Cook, TE, South Carolina
Previous: Jared Cook

25. Miami Dolphins- Sean Smith, CB, Utah
Previous: Sean Smith

26. Baltimore Ravens- James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State
Previous: James Laurinaitis

27. Indianapolis Colts- Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
Previous: Percy Harvin

28. Philadelphia Eagles- Louis Delmas, S, Western Michigan
Previous: Knowshon Moreno

29. New York Giants- Clint Sintim, LB, Virginia
Previous: Clay Matthews

30. Tennessee Titans- Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
Previous: Evander Hood

31. Arizona Cardinals-Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
Previous: LeSean McCoy

32. Pittsburgh Steelers- Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
Previous: William Beatty

Patriots deal Matt Cassel to the Kansas City Chiefs

The New England Patriots dealt quarterback Matt Cassel to the Chiefs on Saturday. Though many mock drafts had Mark Sanchez penciled to land in Kansas City with the third overall pick, I never saw the possibility or sense in it. Matt Cassel increased his value last season, guiding the Patriots to 11 wins as a replacement for the injured Tom Brady. He was franchise tagged by New England, guaranteeing a litte more than $14 million to play in 2009.

When Scott Pioli took over the decision making in Kansas City, it became more apparent that the Chiefs would not draft a first round quarterback. In all his years in New England's front office, the Patriots quarterbacks were selected in later rounds, including Brady in the 6th and Cassel in the 7th. Last year, Matt Ryan was selected third overall by the Atlanta Falcons, and the quarterback banked more than $35 million in guarantees. Acquiring Cassel appears as a discount, while also gaining a proven quarterback, instead of paying more for an unproven prospect.

There are no current details of the deal, but the franchise tag demands that teams acquiring Matt Cassel give the Patriots 2 first-round picks in return.

Update: The Chiefs received New England's second-round pick in the upcoming draft

Brian Cushing still battling steroid speculation

Depending on whom you ask, Brian Cushing can be described in many ways. I find him easiest to define as a tree trunk with vision and speed. He has the look of physical perfection, a product of many hours and years in the gym. But with every muscle defined, and his prowess on the football field, there has also been rumors and speculation that he was assisted in reaching his physical goals.

I first heard the rumor during Cushing’s freshman year at USC. It wasn’t much, and most took it as outsiders trying to damage the kid from New Jersey by linking him to steroid use. It surfaced and created a slight buzz, but without factual support, it failed to grow legs and travel.

In 2006, it was revealed that USC safety Brandon Ting tested positive for steroid use the prior winter. Brandon and his twin brother had already removed themselves from the team, before the announcement came. But fingers pointed again towards a player on the active roster, and again it was Brian Cushing.

Cushing became the topic of steroid conversations, even while testing clean, with other names testing dirty. He was the big fish with the big body, and some weren’t satisfied with the notion that he was a product of hard work alone. And now with his college career behind him, he finds the speculations and rumors are not. Stepping away from the amateur level, he’s greeted by the same questions on the road to the NFL.

At the recent Scout Combine, an NFL GM that refused to be name, spoke of the possible linkage between Cushing and steroid use. "We’ve been warned it is an issue and might have been one since high school”, he said. “We are considering that. As unpleasant as it is, this is an issue with this player that only a negative test here is going to clear up right now. It’s unfortunate, because no one wants to kill the kid, but the issue is a reality."

Cushing continues to insist he has nothing to hide, pointing out that he has tested clean with every test, yet the rumors continue to fly. All players attending the NFL combine are tested for steroid use. It takes at least two weeks for the final results. Cushing remains very confident that he will test negative, finally putting all rumors to rest. But for the next two weeks, his draft stock remains frozen without movement, as potential employers await the result.

Clay Matthews becomes a first-round name

It’s been quite a journey for Clay Matthews III. Despite his famous bloodline, he’s never been given a free football pass. His father and uncle are captured forever in the history of the school he attends, as both men are members of the USC Athletic Hall of Fame. His uncle, Bruce, also appears in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, as a 14-time Pro Bowl selection in a spectacular 19 year career. And after his father, Clay II, completed his time at Southern California, he also went on to appear in 4 Pro Bowls of his own. It’s a lineage of Trojans and success, as the elders paved a trail for the family’s youth to follow.

In 2004, trotting into the same stadium where his family first became household names, the newest Matthews did so without a scholarship, appearing as a walk-on. At this storied NFL football factory, a name has never made a player, but plenty of players were granted the opportunity to make a name. He selected a big school, with an even bigger program, and entered with enormous shoes to fill.

4 years later, he has established that name. Through hard work and dedication, “Matthews” is no longer a name solely reflective of football’s past, quickly becoming a popular name for football’s future. No Trojan has benefited more from the 2008 season than this “elephant” on the outside, and that includes Mark Sanchez.

So much is made of the line formed for quarterbacks and running backs at USC, but often overlooked is the number of linebackers and the shortage of opportunities to get on the field. In Matthews’ first year, the Trojans won a national championship, and among their linebackers were Lofa Tatupu, Matt Grootegoed, and Dallas Sartz. The group was replaced through the years with Keith Rivers, Thomas Williams, Brian Cushing, Kaluka Maiva, and Rey Maualuga. 5 of the 8 were drafted by the NFL, with the remainder appearing as prospects in this year’s class, and two projected in the first round. And thanks to an impressive senior season, Matthews can make it 3.

With the linebacking corps in tact for 2008, Pete Carroll’s staff worked Matthews onto the field, using him as a hybrid. He benefited greatly from his production in two highly publicized early season games, first at Virginia, and then Ohio State. And with the motor still running, he was a constant disruption in opposing backfields, finishing the season with 4.5 sacks and 9 tackles for losses. His name was finally out there, but it’s the occurrences after the scheduled games were complete that allowed that final push.

Matthews made his first impression with NFL scouts at the Senior Bowl. Originally walking in the shadow of Maualuga and Cushing, he left Mobile Alabama sharing the same light. The spotlight intensified at the NFL Scout combine in Indianapolis, where he finished among the top performers at his position.

His name is now being tossed around in discussions involving potential first round picks. Not bad for a former walk-on, huh? His story isn’t much different than his former teammate, Lofa Tatupu, who also came from an NFL bloodline, but played his freshman season as an unknown in Maine, before transferring to USC. Tatupu never reached that first round, likely because he appeared on the scout’s radar too late. In two months, Matthews will learn if he’s also penalized for his tardiness or rewarded for his closing performance. With the USC Pro-Day still to come, I believe Matthews will be off the board before April’s opening round comes to an end. And if not, someone will receive a gift in the second.