**OFFICIAL** Bengalszone Mock Draft

[ArmyBengal]

With the first pick of the 2009 Bengalszone Mock Draft, the Detroit Lions take:

Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

While there has been talk about the Lions taking an OT with this pick, I just can't see the logic in it when there is no consensus top Offensive Tackle in this years draft. Stafford is the top QB in this draft and makes more sense seeing as how the OT position can be addressed with the #20 pick the Lions still hold.

Stafford has elite arm strength and while his accuracy has been questioned, you can also give some of that to the drops of an inexperienced WR corps at Georgia. His deep ball and comeback route accuracy are a thing of beauty to watch. He is a pretty big guy that has better than average straight line speed.

He was the team captain, a fierce competitor who demanded excellence, and 3 year starter for the Bulldogs who managed a 27-7 record in the SEC. In his three seasons, he threw for over 7700 yards and 51 touchdowns.

The drop off in talent from Stafford to who would likely be available at QB with the #20 pick would be significant. The drop off in OT talent from #1 to who would likely be available with the #20 pick isn't near as significant.

Guess what ?? The Lions also have the top pick in the 2nd round that will cetainly net them a defensive playmaker. They can take a CB, DE, or even LB

(I think CB) and come away from their first 3 picks in solid shape for the future.

[redsbengalsbucks]

With the second pick in the 2009 Bengalszone mock draft the St. Louis Rams pick:

Eugene Monroe OL

The Rams need OL help, tackle specifically, Monroe will give them the most versitile and surest bet to contirbute this coming season.

It is hard not to take Jason Smith, because of his upside, but his short arms and lack of pro style offense experience were to much for me to take him #2.

I looked at Curry because he is the consensus best Defensive player on the board, but think that OT is the Rams greatest need.

If Crabtree had not been hurt and his availability to start training camp right away put into jeopardy, I would have had to give him serious consideration as Tory Holt's replacement.

[jditty47]

With the third pick in the 2009 Bengalszone mock draft the Kansas City Chiefs pick:

Aaron Curry OLB, Wake Forest

Having addressed their quarterback need with the Matt Cassel trade, look for the Chiefs to go defense with the third overall pick. Linebacker remains their most pressing need on defense, besides defensive end.

Chiefs will look long and hard at Brian Orakpo because they definately need pass rushing, but they can't pass on all that Curry would bring to their defense.

The chiefs have declined to re-sign starting linebackers Rocky Boiman and Pat Thomas and have released veteran Donnie Edwards making them somewhat thin at the position. They have traded for Mike Vrabel, which would be a great mentor for Curry.

The Wake Forest product is an absolute must if the Chiefs plan to move to a 3-4 defense, Curry on one side and Derrick Johnson on the other would provide the necessary pass rushing personnel for a team that set the record for the least amount of sacks in a season.

With Curry's work ethic, durability, character, and ability, the chiefs quite possibly are receiving the steal of the draft having Curry fall to the third pick.

They may look at Crabtree or Orakpo, but I just don't see them passing on Curry.

[kurgan74]

With the 4th pick of the 2009 Bengalszone Mockdraft, the Seattle Seahawks select

QB Mark Sanchez -USC

Sanchez has all the tools that teams look for in a franchise QB. Seattle needs to select and groom the future replacement of Matt Hasselback. TheUSC pro day work out cemented the selction of Sanchez. He can make all of the throws and will have time to learn the system.

[HAPPYJAQ]

With the fifth pick in the 2009 Bengalszone mock draft the Cleveland Browns select:

Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech

The Cleveland Browns ranked next to last in the NFL in both total yards (249.1) and passing offense (148.8) last season. With the much anticipated QB battle between Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn scheduled to begin this Summer, the Browns desperately need playmakers on offense and more specifically, viable receiving options. The retirement of Joe Jurevicius, the legal issues (and very doubtful future) for last year's big free agent signing in Donte Stallworth and the Browns decision to move on from Kellen Winslow leave Cleveland very vulnerable in the passing game. Without question, they need another offensive threat to stop teams from putting eight-in-the box against an aging Jamal Lewis and doubling Braylon on every play, or the offense will be no better than last season

Enter Michael Crabtree, who is the best wide receiver available in this year's draft and will be an immediate starter in a Cleveland Browns offense that saw no wide receiver other than Braylon Edwards catch at least 20 balls last season. Crabtree is a big, physical wide receiver in the Anquan Boldin mold who will be a consistent possession receiver and red zone threat, with unique RAC ability. The Cleveland Browns find excellent value here in landing a player that many are calling the best skill position player in the draft and Crabtree should prevent defenses from keying on Braylon as much, who himself is coming off of a down season partially due to defenses rolling coverages to his side of the field. Crabtree may never be a league leader in any statistical category amongst receivers, but in time he should develop into one of the better all-around receivers in the NFL.

The Browns will resist the only real alternative to selecting Crabtree in Brian Orakpo, and will wait to see how the young and improving Kamerion Wimbley and Alex Hall adjust to Mangini's version of the 3-4 defense. They may target a conversion-type player like Northern Illinois' Larry English or Connor Barwin from UC at the top of the 2nd round to add competition at the OLB position.

[BengalszoneBilly]

With the 6th pick in the 2009 NFL draft, the Cincinnati Bengals select Andre Smith (OT).

He has been considered the best run blocker in college football of the past five years, and some experts described him as possibly the most dominating offensive lineman to enter college football since Orlando Pace.

**Note to Army...not trying to step on your toes, but I know you're dealing with a death in the family.**

[HairOnFire]

With the 7th pick in the 2009 Bengalzone draft the Oakland Raiders roll out of bed and select BJ Raji.

We do this even though it's 6:30 in the morning here and we haven't had our first cup of coffee yet. Nor have we wrestled with our Jedi masters yet. In fact, I haven't even taken my morning massive yet. Rather, the Raiders run defense sucks so badly we're pretty sure we made this selection from our sleep.

[BengalPimp]

With the 8th pick in the 2009 Bengalszone Mock Draft The Jacksonville Jaguars select:

Jeremy Maclin WR Missouri

With The release of troubled, and diappointing WR Matt Jones, as well as Jerry Porter, and the team having ABSOLUTELY ZERO interest in re-signing WR Reggie Williams, The Jags opt for the best receiver available in Maclin ( 6'1" 200 4.46 40 time). With QB David Garrard in the second year of a 6-year $60 million contract, the Jags desperately need to add weapons at receiver to help complement their running game. Maclin is an all-purpose receiver.

His 2008 stats?

102 receptions 1,260 yds 13 TD

40 rush attempts 275 yds 2 TD

23 punt returns 270yds 11.74 avg 1 TD

42 KO returns 1010yds 24.05 avg 1 TD

O-Line is also an option, however if Maclin or Crabtree are available, this is a no-brainer considering the top 2 receivers left on their roster are Troy (1st rd bust with Vikings) Williamson, and Dennis Northcut.

[Walrus]

With the 9th pick in the 2009 Bengalszone Mock Draft The Green Bay Packers select:

Everette Brown, DE - FSU

With the overhaul of their Defense, including a shift to a 3-4 base, the Packers are looking for players all along the front. If BJ Raji is available here, he would probably get the nod, but signing Brown to start at OLB opposite Aaron Kampman will be an acceptable alternative. Brown is quick as lightning and is known as probably the top pass rusher in the draft. His weakness shows when teams are able to double him up but with Kampman opposite him he should be in a good position to flourish. He may start out as a situational pass rusher as he is not known for being especially stout against the run. It is tempting to take a shot on Brian Orakpo here and the Packers may well do so if given the chance but after seeing how a very similar player in Gholston struggled to fit in the Jets 34 last season, I'm uneasy drafting him to play linebacker.

[Whur CHad At?]

With the 10th Overall Pick, the San Francisco 49ers pick:

Jason Smith, OT Baylor

For some reason the top tackle in the draft has slipped past teams with tackle needs. The 49ers need a tackle and were probably planning on Oher being at this spot but that are going crazy in San Fran knowing the top tackle falls to them. They just signed Marvel Smith, but he can't stay healthy. Joe Staley has given up a whopping 17.5 sacks in his two NFL seasons. Smith is very athletic and a exceptional pass blocker. His run blocking could use some work, but that will get better with coaching. I think the dropping of the pants can fix that.

[Thurmanation]

With the 11th overall pick in the 2009 Bengalszone Mock Draft, The Buffalo Bills select:

Brian Orakpo, DE, University Of Texas

The Bills get one of the best Defensive ends if not the best, in the 2009 NFL Draft. Him falling here would be a god sent after Schobal has been slacking and the need for a pass rush is vital for the team. They could go for CB as well with this spot but if if Orakpo is still here some how they wont let him slide. This to me is a no brainer and shouldn't even need an explanation.

[kingwilly]

With the 12th pick in the 2009 Bengalszone Mock NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos select...

Malcolm Jenkins

Denver has a weak secondary, that has shown a propensity for giving up big plays and getting hurt. Champ Bailey is on the decline.

Jenkins is a three-time first-team All-Big Ten pick and two-time All-American. He improved his overall consistency, winning the Thorpe Award as the nation's elite defensive back as a senior. A shutdown cornerback who intercepted 11 passes over the past three years, Jenkins was effective at cutting the field in half and sometimes moved him to free safety to generate big plays.

He will add versatility and experience to a much maligned Denver D that prevented them from winning more games.

[Baraka]

With the 13th pick in the nfl draft the washington redskins select:

Robert Ayers DE Tennesse

maybe the player who has helped himself the most in the off-season, and fills the hole left by the departure of jason taylor. he's got good size for a 4-3 end at 6'4 273 lbs. and still has room to improve. a solid 3 down end. needs to improve his variety of pass rush moves.

giving up their second round pick in this years draft and necessitating this pick, taylor really screwed the skins. they could also look at tyson jackson or one of the remaining tackles most likely oher, but de is a pressing need on this team because of the taylor debacle.

[Spor_tees]

With the 14th pick the New Orleans Saints select Aaron Maybin DE Penn St.

The saints have plenty of weapons on Offense so defense has to be the pick here. They have a couple good DE but one is going to probably get suspended for 4 games and the other is coming off a gun shot wound. How can you go wrong here with a guy that many believe is the 1B best DE in the draft as a close second to Orakapo.

[kentjett]

With the 15th pick in the 2009 Nfl draft the Houstan Texans select

Brian Cushing LB USC

The Texans are in desperate need of a strong side LB that can rush the passer. Cushing fits that bill and will become an immediate starter. He can help take some of the pressure off of Super Mario. This pick ended up being a no brainer w/ Maybin geting selected right before. Clay Matthews Jr. is a possibility because his uncle is a coach for the Texans but Cushing is to good to pass on.

[whizzo]

With the 16th pick in the 2009 NFL draft, the San Diego Chargers select

Rey Maualuga, LB, from USC

"Offense wins games, Defense wins championships." - The Chargers know this, and select the most dominating inside linebacker in the draft. Maualuga brings swagger and a whole load of sheer physicality to the San Diego defense. Pairing him up with the returning Shawne Merriman instantly makes the Chargers front seven better and more agressive. While Knowshon Moreno will be very tempting here, especially with Tomlinson and Sproles entering their final contract years, San Diego ultimately decides to go with the 6-2, 255lb winner of the Chuck Bednarik Award, given to the nation's best defensive player.

[Spor_tees]

With the 17th pick in the draft, the NY Jets select

Knowshon Moreno RB Georgia

With the top 2 QB's off the board and the sharp fall off to Freeman from K State, the Jets have to do whatever they can to take the pressure off current starter Kellen Clemens. The best way to do that is to have a strong running game. The Jets already have a good O-line and RB Thomas Jones, so bringing in Moreno to give the two-headed monster at RB would be ideal. Moreno also has nice hands and can be a receiving threat out of the backfield. A WR is also a need for the Jets, but with Crabtree and Macklin off the board there isn't really any other guy that is worthy of being the #16 pick that would have more value than Moreno. The Jets can hopefully get Freeman or maybe a good WR like Hakeem Nicks, Percy Harvin, or Kenny Britt in the second round. If they don't get Freeman in the second round Rhett Bomar could be a great mid round pick up.

[kingwilly]

With the 18th pick in the 2009 Bengalszone mock draft, Denver takes

Tyson Jackson, DE - LSU

Denver D needs lots of work... Jackson is proper in this spot and fills a big hole.

[COB]

Sorry to have delayed the proceedings, I was out of town for Easter.

With the 19th pick in the 2009 NFL draft, the Tampa Bay Bucaneers select Michael Oher.

A great OT who shouldn't have fallen this far.

Edited April 14, 2009 by Bengalszone Billy
Just trying to get this draft moving.

[ArmyBengal]

With the 20th pick in the 2009 Bengalszone Mock Draft, the Detroit Lions select:

VONTAE DAVIS, CB, ILLINOIS

If Oher had slipped, he would have been the clear pick for the Lions right here. Since he's gone, the Lions can look to go in a few different directions here and not be wrong. They brought in Julian Peterson to fill the vacancy at strongside linebacker and still have the top pick in the second round to address the o-line. The 20th pick doesn't provide much value at the OT position when Davis is still on the board. Davis is one of the most physically gifted athletes in the draft and widely considered the best pure CB in the draft as Jenkins was viewed more as a safety at the next level. Even though there are some concerns with Davis and his attitude, he backs it up on the field and the Lions will take the chance right here to provide some spark to a defense that just plain sucked.

Even though the Lions brought in some free agent help in the secondary, it's compared to bringing in the garbage as opposed to taking it out. Their secondary did nothing for them last season and Davis will provide the explosion they need at the position. Bottomline, they have to take quite possibly the best CB as opposed to the 5th best OT.

[Clackwoods]

With the 21st pick in the 2009 BENGALZONE MOCK DRAFT the Philadelphia Eagles select:

Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

Andy is shaking his head in Philly because he really wanted Knowshawn Moreno to drop to this spot, but he didn't get his wish. He doesn't want a power back to pair with Donovan so he isn't picking Beanie here either. He will wait until round 3 to get his RB of the future (Javon Ringer)

Andy also had to take the gun out of his mouth to make this pick after seeing Michael Oher go to the Bucs. He was going to trade up to get him, but Mr. Goodell shot down all his trade efforts.

After letting his previous Franchise player the injury prone L.J. Smith leave to be a backup in Baltimore Andy needs someone to help McNabb, Jackson, and Westbrook in the passing game. Pettigrew is a freak and at this point in the draft is BPA at a position of need.

[Kazkal]

Vikings select Eben Britton

Being the best Olinemen on the board at a position the vikings could upgrade seems like a reasonable pick....

I could see them going QB here but with Childress being in the hot seat I think he doesn't risk it and upgrades a alrdy strong viking trench.

[DesperateDerelict]

With the 23rd pick in the 2009 BENGALZONE MOCK DRAFT the New England Patriots select:

Connor Barwin, DE/OLB, Cincinnati

The Patriots had their lowest sack total in years in 2008. Also, they have 36-year-old Tedy Bruschi and 40-year-old Junior Seau getting major playing time at linebacker. Even with the selection of Jerod Mayo last year, the Patriots need help at linebacker.

Connor Barwin had an incredible performance at Cincinnati's Pro Day. He ran a 4.47 40 and notched a 41.5-inch vertical. Barwin is exactly what the Pats look for in a high draft pick - athleticism, versatility, football intelligence, and seems to have those great intangibles that the Patriots love.

Like Mayo last year, they'll get their man 'early', and possibly have a 2nd consecutive D-ROY.

Others considered: Larry English, Rashad Johnson, William Beatty, James Laurinaitis

[Bengals44]

With the 24th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select:

James Laurinaitus, LB, Ohio State

The Falcons have let Michael Boley and Keith Brooking walk this offseason, and have yet to find adequate replacements.

A year ago it seemed like Laurinaitus was a top-10 lock. Now, many have him exiting the first round. I don’t doubt that the guy was perhaps a product of the “hype machine” but it seems irresponsible to project such a distinct change in valuation in only a year’s time.

If Pettigrew was still available they may have been tempted, but they need help all over the defensive side of the ball. I would have gone DT here, but they like "big" DT's and everyone who fits this slot is at the 300pd range, not the 320+ they prefer.

[ArmyBengal]

After waiting more than 24 hours for them to make their pick:

With the 25th pick in the 2009 Bengalszone Mock Draft the Miami Dolphins select:

Clay Matthews Jr., LB, USC

There were a few different ways the Dolphins could have went here as well. Harvin would have been a playmaker for them and keeping him in his hometown state would have been a big draw to the Dolphins faithful, but his injuries still have given teams reason to be cautious. Jerry could have been a good fit on their D-line as well.

Matthews fills what most within the Dolphin organization feels is it's biggest need regardless of bringing back their players from last year. Matthews has a non-stop motor and is exactly the type of LB that Parcells covets. He's a great pass rusher and blitzer and will be a very nice addition to that LB Corps. He's smart and his work ethic has been noted as above comparison.