By Jim IngramFan Fanatic Sports Staff
Today, we'll continue our draft coverage by looking at each of the 32 teams and looking at what they'll be targeting in the 2009 NFL Draft. Don't forget to submit your Mock Drafts by the end of the day on Thursday for a chance to win a FFS prize pack.
(The order of teams are listed based on their first-round pick. Teams that don't have a first-round pick will come at the end)
1. Detroit Lions
Draft needs: QB, OT, DL.
Really, what don't they need besides a running back and wide receiver? Personally, I'd pass on QB Matthew Stafford, and draft a left tackle you can count on the next 10 years. There's too much risk drafting a QB this high and handing him a ton of cash. They'll most likely draft Stafford, but don't be surprised if they take Jason Smith. The Lions also have the 20th overall pick and will be looking to beef up their defensive line so watch out for Peria Jerry at this slot.
2. St. Louis Rams
Draft needs: LT, WR, DT, MLB, QB
By all accounts if Jason Smith is here, then the Rams will replace Orlando Pace at left tackle now that he's in Chicago. It's a no-brainer for them at the No. 2 spot. If, for some reason the Lions draft Smith, the Rams may go with Eugene Monroe. Steve Spagnuolo, the Rams first- year head coach, is also a defensive-minded coach and would love to see James Laurinaitis fall to the beginning of the 2nd round to help plug the middle for the ailing Rams defense.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
Draft needs: LB, DL, OL, S
Matt Cassell is the quarterback of the future so that's settled. After that they still need depth on the offensive line to help protect Cassell and still need to beef up their defense. KC's defense had a paltry number of sacks, only 10, last season. The odds on favorite for the No. 3 overall pick is Aaron Curry from Wake Forest. He should be a perfect complement to Mike Vrabel at the other OLB position and provide the outside pass rush they sorely miss. Scott Pioli, like Bill Belichick, believes in building a football team from the inside out, so look for Pioli to spend a few later round picks on offensive and defensive linemen.
4. Seattle Seahawks
Draft needs: QB, OL, CB, S, OLB
If Matthew Stafford is somehow on the board at #4, the Seahawks will have no choice but take their quarterback of the future. Even if he's gone, they'll still have a decision to make on Mark Sanchez, but may not want to take a QB that high. Before signing TJ Houshmandzedah, they had a huge need for WR, but that position should now be solidified even with Deion Branch still hurt. Euguene Monroe makes sense as well since Walter Jones is now 35 years old. Defense is also still a priority for them. They have two 30+ safeties, a shallow talent pool at corner and no real replacement for Julian Peterson at OLB. Cornerback Malcom Jenkins may be a stretch at No. 4, so they could wait until the 2nd round and pick up someone like Darius Butler or Alphonso Smith.
5. Cleveland Browns
Draft needs: LB, CB, OL, TE, S, WR
If it looks like they have a lot of needs, then it's because they do. Kellen Winslow is already gone, and Braylon Edwards is still rumored to go to the NY Giants. Eric Mangini is another Bill Belichick disciple so I wouldn't be surprised if they take BC's BJ Raji at No. 5. The consensus seems that Brian Orakpo, the hybrid defensive end from Texas, will land in Cleveland. He would step into a starters role now that Willie McGinest is no longer a Brown. The Browns only have 5 picks entering the draft, but 4 of those picks are in the top 104. If they pick wisely, they have a chance to improve the team in a very limited draft for them.
6. Cincinnati Bengals
Draft needs: DL, OL, RB, S, WR
What can I say about the Bungles that hasn't been said before. Nothing, really. They could be all over the board here. If Eugene Monroe is on the board, then they could take him. Same could be said about BJ Raji. Would they do what the Bengals do best and draft the troubled, but highly-talented tackle Andre Smith. I wouldn't be the least bit surprised given their history. They could also go for a wide receiver like Michael Crabtree or Jeremy Maclin, but I doubt it. It seems they've also targeted the likes of Eric Wood in the 2nd round, or could go with a running back like Donald Brown or Lesean McCoy.
7. Oakland Raiders
Draft Needs: WR, OT, DT, CB, S, LB
My pick here is Jeremy Maclin for the No. 7 spot. Al Davis may do something stupid and take Crabtree over Maclin, but I doubt it. Davis loves speed and may get a bit too enamored with Crabtree. They also are in desperate need of a defensive tackle. The could take their WR in the 1st round and take someone like Evander Hood or FFS's own Ron Brace in the 2nd. The Raiders are also in need of a good safety and a corner.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars
Draft needs: WR, CB, DT, QB, OL, DL
The Jaguars are another team that is a bit all over. They could draft Mark Sanchez to eventually replace Garrard, but they'll most likely spend the 8th overall pick on Michael Crabtree to pair up on the other side of recently signed Torry Holt. This should actually give the Jaguars their first legitimate pair of receivers since Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell. BJ Raji could fall to this spot as well, but I don't think he will. With more teams adapting the 3-4, too many teams need big men up front. The Jaguars should settle on a CB in the 2nd round. There is some good talent at the position in this round and could land Alphonso Smith or DJ Moore.
9. Green Bay Packers
Draft needs: DL, LB, OL, CB
This is the most likely landing spot for CB Malcom Jenkins. The Packers still have aging corners that can start for another year and allow Jenkins to get his feet wet in the NFL. The cornerback position is the hardest to pickup in the NFL. They're also making the transition to the 3-4 so hybrid DE/LB's like Connor Barwin and Larry English may look nice in the 2nd round. The offensive line is getting up in years, so don't be surprised if they pick another gem or two in later rounds.
10. San Francisco 49ers
Draft needs: QB, OL, S, RB
It's my belief Mark Sanchez will be drafted in this spot. That may mean the 49ers take him or trade the pick to the Broncos and move down in the draft. If they choose to forgo a QB, Michael Oher, the tackle from Mississippi, would be a good fit. He has the versatility to play at both the right and left positions. They would be wise to pick up a much needed safety in the 2nd round, and Louis Delmas would be the first off the board with that pick. If he's gone Rashad Johnson isn't that much of a drop off.
11. Buffalo Bills
Draft needs: OL, DL, TE, WR, RB
Is it me, or are the Buffalo Bills, the new Cincinatti Bengals when it comes to punks. Marshawn Lynch is suspended for the first three games of the season, and is injury prone. The Bills may look to a running back, but not early in the draft. Their biggest need is replacing tackle Jason Peters. Drafting Michael Oher would fill that position, but I doubt he'll be available. If he's gone, then the Bills will draft for defense. Everett Brown and Aaron Maybin are two defensive ends they've been targeting. If that scenario plays out, the Bills will most likely settle on Eben Britton, the tackle from Arizona. The Bills second 1st round pick is the 28th overall. If they miss out on Oher, then they would most certainly draft a tackle here.
12. Denver Broncos
Draft needs: QB, DT, DE, LB, OL
Josh McDaniels will do whatever it takes to get Mark Sanchez. There's no way you trade Jay Cutler, bring in Kyle Orton and don't take a QB in the first round. This alone will make for an interesting first round. Outside of that, the Broncos still need more depth in the offensive line, linebacker and defensive tackle. If Sanchez doesn't go to Denver, then look for them to quickly pickup BJ Raji if he's still available. If both are gone, then Tyson Jackson is also an option if they don't trade out of the spot. Thanks to the Jay Cutler trade, the Broncos have the 18th overall pick as well. This may be used to move up to draft Sanchez, but if he falls to them at 12th, look for McDaniels to add a defensive lineman. Everette Brown is a strong pass rusher who would fit well into the new system.
13. Washington Redskins
Draft needs: DL, OL, LB, CB
This is the time in the draft that things can get sketchy. If the following players are available, I wouldn't be surprised if they took any of them. Aaron Maybin, Tyson Jackson, Everette Brown and Robert Ayers. They could also go for Michael Oher at tackle as well. As usual, they only have 5 picks, so don't expect too much movement on the Redskins' part. Thanks to the Jay Cutler trade, the Broncos have the 18th overall pick as well. This may be used to move up to draft Sanchez, but if he falls to them at 12th, look for McDaniels to add a defensive lineman. Everette Brown is a strong pass rusher who would fit well into the new system.
14. New Orleans Saints
Draft needs: CB, OLB, RB, FS
If Malcom Jenkins is available, the Saints have no choice but to draft him. If not, then they could reach for Ohio States Beanie Wells to solidify the running back position or go for USC's Brian Cushing. They only have 4 picks, but 3 of them are in the top 118. After the 14th overall pick, they don't draft until the 4th round. They better get an impact player at 14, because they'll have plenty of time to relax after that.
15. Houston Texans
Draft needs: SS, DT, DE, CB, WR, RB
For some reason I always seem to root for the Texans. I can't really explain it. The 15th pick is too high for a safety, but not for either of the top two corners in Michael Jenkins or Vontae Davis. This is a no-brainer for the Texans who sorely need an upgrade at the position. They may also have their sights on the safeties like Louis Delmas, Rashad Johnson and William Moore in the 2nd round. They've had luck picking running backs later in the draft, so don't be surprised if they drafted a complimentary back for Steve Slaton.
16. San Diego Chargers
Draft needs: RB, DL, OL, S
It looks likely the Chargers will take a running back or a linebacker in the 1st round. Beanie Wells or Knowshon Moreno could be the Chargers' pick and eventually take over as the backup for either LT or Darren Sproles. USC's Rey Maualuga or Brian Cushing are likely candidates as well. Look for the Bolts to draft for the offensive and defensive rounds in later picks.
17. New York Jets
Draft needs: QB, WR, TE, DL
Ideally, the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets would land Mark Sanchez, but that isn't going to happen. Word is they would be more than happy to wind up with Kansas State's Josh Freeman. They simply can't go into the season with Kellen Clemens as their long term plan. After losing Laveranues Coles and Chris Baker, they have depth issues at both WR and TE. They could also look for Brandon Tate and Kenny Hicks to help fill the void at WR in the 2nd round.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Draft needs: QB, DT, OLB, RB
If Freeman is available, they Bucs may be forced to take him. If not, then USC's Brian Cushing will be their pick. He's a complete outside linebacker who can do it all and is also a smart, intuitive player. He's also the first of three USC linebackers to be drafted in the 1st round. WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, LB Clay Matthews and defensive tackle Peria Jerry are also options.
21. Philadelphia Eagles
Draft needs: RB, WR, TE, LB, CB
Now that the Eagles have traded for Jason Peters, they can concentrate on other positions. Knowshon Moreno or Beanie Wells will be drafted at the #20 spot. He should be a good compliment for Brian Westbrook. They're also in need of another tight end now that LJ Smith is no longer an Eagle. I love Cornelius Ingram (what a great last name) and would be a good fit in Philly in the 2nd round.
22. Minnesota Vikings
Draft needs: QB, OT, C, WR, CB
Darrius Heyward-Bey and Percy Harvin are two intriguing wide receivers for the Vikings. Both are speed burners who can help in the return game and help stretch the field to open up their ground based offense. If Josh Freeman falls to this spot, then the Vikings would have to take a look at him. I doubt they'd stretch for Eben Britton, but may try to land William Beatty or Phil Loadholt in the 2nd round.
23. New England Patriots
Draft needs: OLB, ILB, CB, S, RB
Realistically, no one knows what Bill Belichick is going to do in the draft. He could trade up or down. I agree with most experts and think the Pats will take Clay Matthews with the 23rd pick. He seems to epitomize the typical New England player due to his versatility and high football IQ. One would think the Patriots solved their depth issue at cornerback in the offseason, but wouldn't be surprised if they drafted another CB as they seem to like UConn's Darius Butler. They may also take a defensive tackle like Ron Brace, or a safety like Rashad Johnson. I plan on enjoying draft day and seeing what BB comes up with.
24. Atlanta Falcons
Draft needs: DT, OLB, S, TE
Brandon Pettigrew will likely be the first tight end drafted, and most experts think this is the spot. Pettigrew would add a nice stop gap for Matt Ryan at the tight end position. They also need to replace Lawyer Milloy at safety and add a big man up front at defensive tackle. Ron Brace and Jarron Gilbert would help up front. The Falcons may want to hold off to the 3rd round for a safety.
25. Miami Dolphins
Draft needs: CB, WR, DT, OL
The Dolphins desperately need an upgrade at the WR position and there's no shortage for potential first-round targets. Hakeen Nicks, Percy Harvin and Kenny Britt are three that come to mind. They're also in need of depth up front on both sides and at cornerback. They do have two 2nd-round picks and could pick up a CB, DE or DT with those picks. Like little Bill, the Tuna is a hard man to read on draft day.
26. Baltimore Ravens
Draft needs: WR, CB, ILB, DL, S
For once, the Ravens don't need to draft a QB. They do still need a WR and replace Bart Scott at inside linebacker. Much like the Dolphins, the Ravens will have their pick of a few WR's that are worthy of the 26th pick. They could also go for James Laurinaitis. Later on in the draft they need to pick up a safety to replace Jim Leonhard, who signed with the Jets.
27. Indianapolis Colts
Draft needs: WR, DT, OLB, RB
The Marvin Harrison era is gone, and now they need to replace his Hall of Fame production. They still have Reggie Wayne and Anthony Gonzalez, but Percy Harvin would look awfully nice in that offense. Darrius Heyward-Bey could also be an option. If they opt to draft defense, then Evander Hood or Ron Brace may be the pick. We love Ron Brace here at FFS, so we'd love to see him drafted in the 1st round.
29. New York Giants
Draft needs: WR, LB, OT, TE, RB
The Giants will most likely need to replace Plaxico Burress, but may do so with a trade for Braylon Edwards. If that doesn't happen, look for them to choose one of the remaining 1st- round WR prospects. There are a host of them I've mentioned in the past 5 or 6 picks. If they land Edwards, one would assume they gave up their 1st-round pick. If they still have that pick they may opt for Rey Maualuga.
30. Tennessee Titans
Draft needs: WR, DT, MLB, CB
If Rey Maualuga is here, then the Titans will pick him up. the Titans have a knack of picking the best player at the pick rather than for need. They do need a WR, and will look later in the draft. If Maualuga is gone, they may also take the best available wideout. They don't have a ton of needs and are in a great draft position to choose the best available player.
31. Arizona Cardinals
Draft needs: RB, OLB, DE, WR
Donald Brown, the RB from UConn, makes the most sense here. He's a very talented back who'll add a good 1-2 punch with Tim Hightower. If Boldin is traded this weekend, they could also use that additional 1st-rounder for a WR. They could also have their eyes on a few later round defensive ends like Brandon Williams.
32. Pittsburgh Steelers
Draft needs: OT, CB, DE, WR
Max Unger is by far the best center in the draft and could end up in Pittsburgh. The Steelers do love taking WR's in the 1st round and could go for a leftover, or the big tackle from UConn, William Beatty. At some point in the draft, they'll draft an outside linebacker. It's what they do best.
Carolina Panthers
Draft needs: DL, CB, WR, QB
The Panthers don't have a 1st-rounder, but may by the weekend if they trade Julius Peppers. They need to think about replacing Jake Delhomme sooner or later, but Josh Freeman will not fall into the 2nd round. Rhett Bromar may be a good fit, but he would still be available later in the draft. The Panthers may be targeting Michael Johnson, the athletic DE from Georgia Tech.
Chicago Bears
Draft needs: OL, WR, DL, S, CB
Jay Cutler really needs somebody to throw the ball to. He also needs linemen to keep him upright, but the Bears can do it with their current O-line. They may be old, but should be acceptable this season. They should concentrate on the likes of Brandon Tate and Derrick Williams with their 2nd-round pick. The Bears gave the Broncos their 1st-rounder in the Cutler trade.
Dallas Cowboys
Draft needs: S, OL, WR, DL
The Cowboys don't have a 1st-rounder, but Jerry Jones is known for being creative and moving up or down in the draft. If not, he may look to Patrick Chung or William Moore to help out at safety. Both should be able to contribute this year. The Cowboys also need to add depth to the WR position now that Terrell Owens is in Buffalo. Don't be surprised to see them take a chance on Pat White or look to Mohammed Massaquoi or Brian Robiskie in the 2nd or 3rd round at WR.
Well, there you go. Are you ready for the draft? I know I am now.
