Sideline Scouting

The Sideline Scouting Mock Draft has been updated on March 4th.

We are back with an updated version of the mock draft. After some of the big signings in free agency, the picture is starting to clear up. Still, we do not have a consensus number one overall pick but when you read our reasoning behind the selection, you can only grin and nod in agreement.

1. Detroit Lions - QB Matt Stafford (Georgia)
The trade of backup Jon Kitna to Dallas signals one thing — The Lions will draft a quarterback. The question is when? With recent investigative journalism being done, it has been revealed that the curse of Bobby Layne expired in 2008 and that Matt Stafford hails from the same high school as Bobby Layne (Highland Park HS, Texas). Stafford also brought Highland Park HS its first state championship in football since Bobby Layne did it 48 years prior.

The bottom line is that the Lions are not in a position to win right away and they need a new face to their franchise. Stafford would serve them well as he gets one or maybe two years to develop in a dire situation. Being surrounded by WR Calvin Johnson & RB Kevin Smith is encouraging though.

2. St. Louis Rams - OLB Aaron Curry (Wake Forest)
Steve Spagnuolo is as defensive-minded of a coach as we will ever see. Like Detroit, the St. Louis Rams are not in a position to win today but could set themselves up to compete for the future and would do so boldly with this selection despite how desperate they appear to be on the offensive line.

3. Kansas City Chiefs - WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)
Offensively, the Chiefs need some playmakers. The offensive line is not as bad as it appears. The Chiefs gave up 37 sacks, an improvement on 55 sacks allowed in 2007. The offensive line could be bulked up but that should come later, even with Jason Smith and Eugene Monroe on the board.

Kansas City does roster Dwayne Bowe, a fabulous receiver that is entering his third year. After him, the depth on the roster is terrible at wide-out. Plus, the addition of Crabtree and QB Matt Cassel should keep RB Larry Johnson & TE Tony Gonzalez satisfied enough to stick around with new GM Scott Pioli and company. Like Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald before him, Crabtree could have a franchise-saving impact despite having surgery on his foot in the near future.

4. Seattle Seahawks - OT Jason Smith (Baylor)
We have said it for months now, the Seahawks will make a move to solidify the wide-out position in free agency and draft an offensive lineman to lock things up on the front line. Smith, the best prepared prospect in this draft is a former tight end but his skills in protecting the passer’s blind spot are tremendous. Add in the fact that OT Walter Jones is nearly done playing football and this is a no-brainer.

5. Cleveland Browns - OLB/DE Brian Orakpo (Texas)
Orakpo is a thrilling player to watch. In 2008 versus Oklahoma, he applied pressure to Heisman Trophy winner QB Sam Bradford for all four quarters as he blitzed past OT Phil Loadholt. Despite eyebrow-raising issues with his knee, this is the consensus pick for Cleveland, unless of course, Aaron Curry is still floating on the board.

6. Cincinnati Bengals - OT Eugene Monroe (Virginia)
This is the best-case scenario for Cincinnati. With Eugene Monroe still on the board, they can significantly upgrade their left tackle spot and put someone their with enough talent to protect QB Carson Palmer. Also, this leaves the Bengals without the option of taking a boom or bust prospect like DT B.J. Raji.

7. Oakland Raiders - WR Jeremy Maclin (Missouri)
Crazy or not, the Oakland Raiders need to get past the days of a washed up Jerry Rice, bummed out Randy Moss, and overpriced Javon Walker. With only Johnnie Lee Higgins and Chaz Schilens to throw the ball to, how can one expect JaMarcus Russell to progress? Still, the offensive line is weak but Maclin makes the most sense here for an organization that makes no sense whatsoever.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars - CB/S Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State)
Drayton Florence was a bust in Jacksonville and will likely head back to the west coast to rejoin the San Diego Chargers. S Reggie Nelson can’t do it all by himself. The Jaguars are in a sticky situation because they need help in plenty of areas but most importantly the secondary and offensive line. With Jenkins, they get not just the best player available but one that will confidently fill a need.

9. Green Bay Packers - DT B.J. Raji (Boston College)
Don’t expect a Warren Sapp-like impact immediately. Raji missed all of 2007 for controversial reasons. Once he becomes a millionaire, will he still have the intentions of playing at a high level? We can not doubt his skill set though. His greatest attribute is his tenacity.

10. San Francisco 49ers - DE/OLB Everette Brown (Florida State)
Sideline Scouting thinks that Everette Brown is the best pass rusher in this draft. He will do fine in stopping the run as well. Brown is a Mike Singletary kind of guy. The release of Tully Banta-Cain signifies the need to make some changes with the pass rushers. Brown would fill a void immediately.

11. Buffalo Bills - OLB/DE Aaron Maybin (Penn State)
In a strong faith of commitment to preparing for the NFL Draft, Maybin added 20 lbs. of weight to his frame. While this may still be considered a reach by some, the Buffalo Bills have proved that they will not hesitate to reach for a guy as they did in 2008 with CB Leodis McKelvin & in 2006 with S Donte Whitner. Buffalo needs to upgrade its defensive end and outside linebacker position. Brian Cushing is an option here as well.

12. Denver Broncos - ILB Rey Maualuga (USC)
Everybody is banking on the Denver Broncos going defense with this pick. While it makes sense due to the fact that they are transitioning from a 4-3 to a 3-4 and linebackers would be high in demand, we have an inside source telling us that one of the top two running backs could very easily be added to the stable in Denver.

13. Washington Redskins - QB Mark Sanchez (USC)
We are finally saying what everybody else wants to say. The quarterback situation in D.C. is becoming murkier day by day. Jason Campbell doesn’t seem to fit the Zorn offense and his play down the stretch arguably cost the Redskins a playoff berth.

Still, the Redskins do have problems on the offensive line but Campbell has plenty of experience and yet he is still miles behind the other quarterbacks in the NFC East. Campbell’s contract is up after 2009 and the Redskins’ GM, Mr. Vinny Cerrato has emphatically stated that they are not talking about a contract extension with Campbell. Like we said not too long ago either, Jason Campbell is a bust.

This pick will put the ‘Skins in a win-win situation, Jason Campbell too. If Campbell improves upon his very mediocre numbers, he will want to leave and the ‘Skins will be ready with Sanchez behind him. If not, the ‘Skins can dump Campbell and still be prepared to keep the ball moving at quarterback.

14. New Orleans Saints - OLB Brian Cushing (USC)
Amazingly enough, three former USC Trojans get drafted in three consecutive picks. What is still amazing is that we refuse to drink the kool-aid on this year’s crop of offensive linemen and still have Michael Oher and Andre Smith waiting to get drafted.

15. Houston Texans - CB Vontae Davis (Illinois)
The Houston Texans solidified their need for a defensive end by signing Antonio Smith, a free agent from NFC Champion Arizona. Their next largest need is in the secondary. Davis could actually end up playing safety too.

16. San Diego Chargers - OT Michael Oher (Ole Miss)
Starting right guard Mike Goff is a 33-year old free agent and the right tackle spot is up in the air. San Diego would get the ideal right tackle of this draft at a cheap price by our standards.

17. New York Jets - DE Tyson Jackson (LSU)
Fans in the Big Apple might boo this selection but it makes clear sense. The Jets need a defensive end for the 3-4, not an outside linebacker. Jackson, a big-bodied pass rusher would fit in well here as in a 4-3 he would be a defensive tackle most likely.

18. Chicago Bears - WR Darrius Heyward-Bey (Maryland)
The Bears are starving to improve their offensive line but they lost WR Marty Booker and have yet to sign any significant addition at wide receiver. Heyward-Bey is rough around the edges but the Chicago Bears’ offense has been rough around the edges for twenty years.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - DE Peria Jerry (Ole Miss)
Tampa Bay is starving for a quarterback but this may be a reach for Josh Freeman as he didn’t have the combine that most expected he would have and jump into the first round like Joe Flacco from a year ago. The Bucs are rebuilding their defense and what better way to start with the next Pat Williams.

20. Detroit Lions (via Dallas) - TE Brandon Pettigrew (Oklahoma State)
By drafting a tight end here, the Lions get a reliable blocker and a reliable receiving option for young QB Matt Stafford. Pettigrew reminds us of Dallas’ Jason Witten that is it making us scratch our heads as to why he wouldn’t be drafted higher. Matt Millen is gone now so Detroit needs to take baby steps. The defense is still an issue though.

21. Philadelphia Eagles - RB Knowshon Moreno (Georgia)
The city of Philadelphia is restless. They lost their leader S Brian Dawkins to free agency. QB Donovan McNabb wants roster upgrades and the front office appears to be reluctant to do so. RB Brian Westbrook appears to be on his last leg and the selection of Moreno would ease Westbrook’s role in the offense and make him much more effective. A stunning decision like this would boost morale in the city of brotherly love.

22. Minnesota Vikings - OT Andre Smith (Alabama)
Andre Smith’s actions are gut-wrenching. Still, Minnesota should be more than inclined to draft him since they desperately need an upgrade at right tackle. Smith is a viable right tackle prospect more so than he is at left tackle. Despite the growing pains he may bring along with him, this guy is still a top ten talent but has a mindset of a teenager.

23. New England Patriots - CB Alphonso Smith (Wake Forest)
Chris “Beanie” Wells was an option here until the Patriots signed RB Fred Taylor. After a tumultuous season where the secondary lagged behind most of the league, it is time to say good riddance and draft a true cornerback. Sure, Smith is undersized but he brings much more to the table than say, Deltha O’Neal.

24. Atlanta Falcons - S Louis Delmas (Western Michigan)
The brass in Atlanta seem to be fixated with this kid. Delmas is not quite a household name but Atlanta no longer needs one with QB Matt Ryan in the house. He would bring a lot to the table as a rookie and make the brass forget about the departed Lawyer Milloy much quickly.

25. Miami Dolphins - WR Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina)
The Dolphins have a guy that can stretch the field in Ted Ginn. Check. The Dolphins have a reliable underneath receiver in Davone Bess. Check. The Dolphins still need a possession receiver. Check. Nicks will not blow anyone away with his timed speed but he has the best hands in this draft and knows how to get open.

26. Baltimore Ravens - OLB/DE Larry English (Northern Illinois)
The Ravens defense will suffer tremendously in 2009 if they do not replace their lost linebackers. English would be better suited to play as a stand-up pass rusher in their defense. He brings a lot to the table in stopping the run as well.

27. Indianapolis Colts - RB Chris “Beanie” Wells (Ohio State)
Tagged with the one of the worst run defenses in the NFL, the Colts need to upgrade the interior of their line and have yet to do so in free agency. Still, the ground game was somewhat ineffective for the Colts last year and the year before. Joseph Addai has been dealing with nagging injuries while the passing game has suffered and become more predictable.

28. Philadelphia Eagles (via Carolina) - OG Duke Robinson (Oklahoma)
The signing of OT Stacy Andrews is a significant one for Philadelphia. It will allow them to move OG Todd Herremans to right tackle, opening up a space on the interior for Duke Robinson. If Herremans struggles on the outside, Robinson could then move there.

29. New York Giants - S William Moore (Missouri)
The Giants secured two of their biggest needs by signing DE Chris Canty & OLB Michael Boley. Now, they can rejuvenate the safety position. Kenny Phillips, last year’s first round pick as a cornerback, looks like a keeper but Michael Johnson struggled in his playing time while James Butler moved on to free agency.

30. Tennessee Titans - TE James Casey (Rice)
Don’t expect to see the Titans act shy about this selection. Head coach Jeff Fisher drafts who he wants, when he wants. Sure, the departure of DT Albert Haynesworth in free agency may appear to open up a large hole on the interior but while Haynesworth was injured last year, rookie DT Jason Jones stepped in and was effective in impressive fashion.

James Casey gives the Titans a viable option, one that they hoped to receive when they signed free agent TE Alge Crumpley last year.

31. Arizona Cardinals - OT Eben Britton (Arizona)
HC Ken Whisenhunt should stick to the local area and draft this former Wildcat. Left tackle Mike Gandy is overrated and played above his head last season. Right tackle Levi Brown may be better off where he is now and the selection of Britton would give the Cardinals more lee-way on the offensive line.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers - OT William Beatty (Connecticut)
The Steelers are usually inclined to drafting the best overall player. In this case, an offensive tackle worthy of a top 25-selection falls right into their lap. The tackle position in Pittsburgh is just average despite winning a Super Bowl with the guys upfront last year.

Second Round

33. Detroit Lions - DT Jarron Gilbert (San Jose State)

34. New England Patriots - OT Jamon Meredith (South Carolina)

35. St. Louis Rams - CB D.J. Moore (Vanderbilt)

36. Cleveland Browns - ILB James Laurinaitis (Ohio State)

37. Seattle Seahawks - QB Josh Freeman (Kansas State)

38. Cincinnati Bengals - RB LeSean McCoy (Pittsburgh)

39. Jacksonville Jaguars - OT Troy Kropog (Tulane)

40. Oakland Raiders - DE Michael Johnson (Georgia Tech)

41. Green Bay Packers - DE/OLB Clay Matthews (USC)

42. Buffalo Bills - OC/OG Max Unger (Oregon)

43. San Francisco 49ers - WR Percy Harvin (Florida)

44. Miami Dolphins - DE Robert Ayers (Tennessee)

45. New York Giants - WR Kenny Britt (Rutgers)

46. Houston Texans - OLB Clint Sintim (Virginia)

47. New England Patriots - O/ILB Tyrone McKenzie (South Florida)

48. Denver Broncos - RB Donald Brown (Connecticut)

49. Chicago Bears - OT Phil Loadholt (Oklahoma)

50. Tampa Bay Buccaneers - CB/S Sean Smith (Utah)

51. Dallas Cowboys - OG Herman Johnson (LSU)

52. Philadelphia Eagles - TE Shawn Nelson (Southern Miss)

53. New York Jets - CB Victor Harris (Virginia Tech)

54. Minnesota Vikings - CB Darius Butler (Connecticut)

55. Atlanta Falcons - DE Connor Barwin (Cincinnati)

56. Miami Dolphins - OC/OG Alex Mack (California)

57. Baltimore Ravens - WR Brian Robiskie (Ohio State)

58. New England Patriots - TE Cornelius Ingram (Florida)

59. Carolina Panthers - QB Nate Davis (Ball State)

60. New York Giants - DT Fili Moala (USC)

61. Indianapolis Colts - DT Ron Brace (Boston College)

62. Tennessee Titans - CB Coye Francies (San Jose State)

63. Arizona Cardinals - DE Paul Kruger (Utah)

64. Pittsburgh Steelers - DT/DE Mitch King (Iowa)

Pete Dymeck is a writer for Sideline Scouting. The official Mock Draft page can be found here.

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