VanFulpen’s Mock Draft 2.0

With the Jay Cutler trade now done, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signing Byron Leftwich here is the latest Mock Draft:

1. Lions: QB Matt Stafford, Georgia
Lions want a franchise quarterback and get one with Stafford. Now they hope he isn’t the next Joey Harrington.

2. Rams: OT Jason Smith, Baylor
They cut Orlando Pace and now they have a replacement with Smith.

3. Chiefs: OT Eugene Monroe, Virginia
This gives the Chiefs bookend tackles as the reunite Monroe with Brandon Albert.

4. Seahawks: LB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
Curry is possible the best player in the draft and he'll replace Julian Peterson.

5. Browns: WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
The Browns are looking to trade Braylon Edwards to the New York Giants and Crabtree would be the perfect replacement.

6. Bengals: OT Andre Smith, Alabama
The Bengals need help in the offensive line and Smith gives that to them.

7. Raiders: WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland
Al Davis loves speed and Heyward-Bey was the fastest wide receiver at the NFL Scouting Combine.

8. Jacksonville: DT B.J. Raji, Boston College
Raji gives the Jaguars a player to team with John Henderson on the inside of the defensive line.

9. Packers: OLB Brian Orakpo, Texas
Orakpo teams up with Aaron Kampman to give the Packers two great outside pass rushers.

10. 49ers: OT Michael Oher, Ole Miss
The 49ers could go with quarterback Mark Sanchez here as well.

11. Bills: OLB Everette Brown, Florida State
Brown gives the Bills the pass rusher they are looking for.

12. Broncos: QB Mark Sanchez, USC
Sanchez is the replacement for quarterback Jay Cutler now in Chicago.

13. Redskins: DE Robert Ayers, Tennessee
The Redskins cut Jason Taylor and use their first round pick to replace him.

14. Saints: CB Vontae Davis, Illinois
The Saints cut Mike McKenzie, Davis will take his place.

15. Texans: LB Clay Matthews, USC
Matthews' name is huge in Houston with his uncle Bruce now part of the organization and the Texans are looking to upgrade the linebacker core.

16. Chargers: LB Brian Cushing, USC
Cushing is a perfect fit for the 3-4 scheme, with the potential to play inside or outside.

17. Jets: WR Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
Maclin is a replacement for Laveranues Coles who is now with the Bengals.

18. Broncos: OLB Aaron Maybin, Penn State
Maybin helps them in their switch to the 3-4 defense.

19. Buccaneers: QB Josh Freeman, Kansas State
Yes the Buc’s signed Leftwich, but Freeman is their quarterback of the future.

20. Lions: LB Rey Maualuga, USC
Maualuga starts from day one in the middle for the Lions.

21. Eagles: RB Chris Wells, Ohio State
Wells is the big back that the Eagles lack.

22. Vikings: WR Percy Harvin, Florida
Harvin play-making skills will go perfect with Adrian Peterson.

23. Patriots: CB Darius Butler, Connecticut
Patriots need help in the secondary and Butler might turn out to be the best one.

24. Falcons: TE Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma State
Pettigrew would give Matt Ryan a big target, but they might not draft him if they can pull the trade off for Tony Gonzalez.

25. Dolphins: CB Malcolm Jenkins, OSU
Jenkins is the kind of big physical cornerback that the Dolphins like.

26. Ravens: OLB James Laurinaitis, Ohio State
Laurinaitis starts from day one next to Ray Lewis, and when Lewis is done takes over for him.

27. Colts: DT Evander Hood, Missouri
Hood is a perfect fit for the Tampa Two defense the Colts run.

28. Eagles: OT Eben Britton, Arizona
Britton give the Eagles help on the offensive line.

29. Giants: RB Donald Brown, UConn
This pick could be the Browns if they make the trade for Braylon Edwards.

30. Titans: DT Peria Jerry, Mississippi
The Titans start to try to replace Albert Haynesworth.

31. Cardinals: RB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia
Moreno in, Edge out in Arizona.

32. Steelers: DE Tyson Jackson, LSU
The best defense in the league gets better with Jackson.

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media, College Press Box

On The Clock: No. 4 Seattle Seahawks

Record: 4-12, 3rd In the NFC North
General Manager: Tim Ruskell, Head Coach: Jim Mora (1st Year/2nd Year With Seattle), Offensive Coordinator: Greg Knapp (1st Year), Defensive Coordinator: Casey Bradley (1st Year)

Offense Rankings: No. 28 Overall, No. 25 Scoring, No. 29 Passing, No. 19 Rushing
Defense Rankings: No. 30 Overall, No. 25 Scoring, No. 32 Passing, No. 18 Rushing

Last Five Years: 21-59; Last Playoff Appearance: 2007; Last Playoff Victory: 2007 (35-14 Over the Washington Redskins)

2008 Draft: (1-28) DE Lawrence Jackson, (2-38) TE John Carlson, (4-121) DT Red Bryant, (5-163) FB Owen Schmitt, (6-189) LB Tyler Schmitt, (7-233) RB Justin Forsett, (7-235) K Brandon Coutu

Top Picks Last Five Years:
2008 – (1-28) DE Lawrence Jackson, USC
2007 – (2-55) CB Josh Wilson, Maryland
2006 – (1-31) CB Kelly Jennings, Miami
2005 – (1-26) C Chris Spencer, Ole Miss
2004 – (1-23) DT Marcus Tubbs, Texas

Booms: Lofa Tatupu (2nd Round) Leroy Hill (3rd Round 2005), Brandon Mebane (3rd Round 2007), John Carlson (2nd Round 2008),

Busts: Marcus Tubbs (1st Round 2004), Michael Boulware (2nd Round 2004), Chris Spencer (1st Round 2005), David Greene (3rd Round 2005), Kelly Jennings (1st Round 2006)

Additions:
DT Colin Cole (Free Agent)
WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh (Free Agent)
TE John Owens (Free Agent)

Subtractions:
DT Rocky Bernard (FA-New York/NFC)
RB Maurice Morris (FA-Detroit)

Keepers:
LB Leroy Hill (Franchised)
OT Ray Willis

2009 Picks:
Round 1, Selection 4
Round 2, Selection 5
Round 3, Selection 4
Round 4, Selection 5
Round 6, Selection 5
Round 7, Selection 4

Team Needs – Players of Interest (Day One):
1. Free Safety: Luis Delmus, Western Michigan
2. Offensive Tackle: Jason Smith, Baylor; Eugene Monroe, Virginia; Eben Britton, Arizona; William Beatty, UConn
3. Cornerback: Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State; Jairus Byrd, Oregon; D.J. Moore, Vanderbilt; Darius Butler, UConn; Sean Smith, Utah
4. Quarterback: Matthew Stafford, Georgia; Mark Sanchez, USC; Josh Freeman, Kansas St.
5. Running Back: Andre Brown, North Carolina St.; Shonn Greene, Iowa
6. Defensive Tackle: B.J. Raji, Boston College; Ron Brace, Boston College; Jarron Gilbert, San Jose St.; Sen’Derrick Marks, Auburn
7. Wide Receiver: Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech; Darrius Hayward-Bey, Maryland; Kenny Britt, Rutgers; Brian Robiskie, Ohio St.; Hakeem Nicks, UNC

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Baylor, Notre Dame)

On The Clock: No. 3 Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 2-14, 4th In the AFC West
General Manager: Scott Pioli, Head Coach: Todd Haley (1st Year), Offensive Coordinator: Chan Gailey (2nd Year), Defensive Coordinator: Clancy Pendergast (1st Year)

Offense Rankings: No. 24 Overall, No. 26 Scoring, No. 20 Passing, No. 16 Rushing
Defense Rankings: No. 31 Overall, No. 29 Scoring, No. 28 Passing, No. 30 Rushing

Last Five Years: 32-48; Last Playoff Appearance: 2006; Last Playoff Victory: 1993 (28-20 Over the Houston Oliers)

2008 Draft: (1-5) DT Glenn Dorsey, (1-15) Brandon Albert, (2-35), CB Brandon Flowers, (3-73), RB Jamaal Charles, (3-76) TE Brad Cottam, (3-82) S DaJuan Morgan, (4-105) WR Will Franklin, (5-140) DB Brandon Carr, (6-170) OT Barry Richardson, (6-182) WR Kevin Robinson, (7-210) DE Brian Johnston, (7-239) TE Mike Merritt

Top Picks Last Five Years:
2008 – (1-5) DT Glenn Dorsey, LSU & (1-15) Brandon Albert, Virginia
2007 – (1-23) WR Dwayne Bowe, LSU
2006 – (1-20) DE Tamba Hali, Penn St.
2005 – (1-15) LB Derrick Johnson, Texas
2004 – (2-36) DT Junior Siavii, Oregon

Booms: Jared Allen (4th Round, 2004), Derrick Johnson (1st Round 2005), Dwayne Bowe (1st Round 2007)

Busts: Junior Saiavii (2nd Round 2004), Samie Parker (4th Round 2004), Craphonso Thorpe (4th Round 2005), Brodie Croyle (3rd Round 2006), Justin Medlock (5th Round 2007)

Additions:
QB Matt Cassel (Trade)
WR C.J. Jones (Free Agent)
LB Darrell Robertson (Free Agent)
LB Mike Vrabel (Trade)

Subtractions:
LB Donnie Edwards (Released)
QB Damon Huard (Released)
CB Patrick Surtain (Released)

Keepers:
S Jon McGraw

2009 Picks:
Round 1, Selection 3
Round 3, Selection 3
Round 4, Selection 2
Round 5, Selection 3
Round 6, Selection 2
Round 7, Selection 3

Team Needs – Players of Interest (Day One):
1. Linebackers: Aaron Curry, Wake Forest; Rey Maualuga, USC
2. Offensive Tackle: Jason Smith, Baylor; Eugene Monroe, Virginia
3. Guard: None
4. Wide Receivers: Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
5. Running Back: None
6. Defensive End: Brian Orakpo, Texas; Everette Brown, FSU

Photo Credit: SEC Sports Media, Brian Westerholt of Sports on Film

On The Clock: No. 2 St. Louis Rams

Record: 2-14, 4th In the NFC West
General Manager: Billy Devaney, Head Coach: Steve Spagnuolo (1st Year), Offensive Coordinator: Pat Shurmur (1st Year), Defensive Coordinator: Ken Flajole (1st Year)

Offense Rankings: No. 27 Overall, No. 30 Scoring, No. 26 Passing, No. 25 Rushing
Defense Rankings: No. 28 Overall, No. 31 Scoring, No. 19 Passing, No. 29 Rushing

Last Five Years: 27-53; Last Playoff Appearance: 2004; Last Playoff Victory: 2004 (27-20 Over the Seattle Seahawks)

2008 Draft: (1-2) DE Chris Long, (2-33), WR Donnie Avery, (3-65), OT John Greco, (4-101) CB Justin King, (4-128) WR Keenan Burton, (5-157) OG Roy Schuening, (7-228) DB Chris Chamberlain, (7-252) David Vobora

Top Picks Last Five Years:
2008 – (1-2) DE Chris Long, Virginia
2007 – (1-13) DE Adam Carriker, Nebraska
2006 – (1-15) Tye Hill, Clemson
2005 – (1-19) OT Alex Barron, Florida St.
2004 – (1-24) RB Stephen Jackson, Oregon St.

Booms: RB Steven Jackson (1st Round 2004), S Oshiomogho "O.J." Atogwe (3rd Round 2005), C/G Richie Incognito (3rd Round 2005), Donnie Avery (2nd Round 2008)

Busts: Alex Barron (1st Round 2005), Tye Hill (1st Round 2006) Joe Klopfenstein (2nd Round 2006), Claude Wroten (3rd Round 2006), Jon Alston (3rd Round 2006), Dominique Byrd (3rd Round 2006)

Other Busts of Note: S Adam Archuleta (1st Round 2001), QB/WR Eric Crouch (3rd Round 2002), Jimmy Kennedy (1st Round 2003)

Additions:
C Jason Brown (Free Agent)

Subtractions:
S Corey Chavous (Released)
QB Trent Green (Released)
WR Drew Bennett (Released)

Keepers:
CB Ron Bartell
S Oshiomogho Atogwe (Franchised)

2009 Picks:
Round 1, Selection 2
Round 2, Selection 3
Round 3, Selection 2
Round 4, Selection 3
Round 5, Selection 2
Round 6, Selection 3
Round 7, Selection 2

Team Needs – Players of Interest:
1. Offensive Tackle: Jason Smith, Baylor; Eugene Monroe, Virginia; Eben Britton, Arizona; Jamon Meredith, South Carolina; William Beatty, UConn
2. Defensive Tackle: B,J. Raji, Boston College; Jarron Gilbert, San Jose St.; Sen’Derrick Marks, Auburn
3. Cornerback: Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State; Jairus Byrd, Oregon; D.J. Moore, Vanderbilt; Darius Butler, UConn; Sean Smith, Utah
4. Wide Receivers: Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech; Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland; Kenny Britt, Rutgers; Hakeem Nicks, UNC; Brian Robiskie, OSU
5. Linebackers: Aaron Curry, Wake Forest; James Laurinaitis, Ohio State; Marcus Freeman, Ohio St.

Photo Credit: College Press Box (Virginia)

Combine Results: Broad Jump - OL

1. Antoine Caldwell, Alabama, C - 9'3"
Xavier Fulton, Illinois, OT - 9'3"
3. Eugene Monroe, Virginia, OT - 9'2"
Matt Slauson, Nebraska, OG - 9'2"
Lydon Murtha, Nebraska, OT – 9'2"
6. Brandon Walker, Oklahoma, OG - 9'1"
Joel Bell, Furman, OT - 9'1"
8. Travis Bright, OG, BYU - 9'0"
9. William Beatty, UConn, OT - 8'11"
10. Jon Cooper, Oklahoma, C - 8'9"
Jamon Meredith, South Carolina, OT - 9'9"

Senior Bowl - Players to Watch in Mobile

By John Murphy - Next Level Scouting

A one-hour flight carried me from Houston to Mobile, Ala., earlier today for the NFL’s version of a corporate convention.

According to a Senior Bowl official, more than 500 credentials are expected to be distributed by the time the weigh-in begins Monday. However, a number of potential first-round prospects are not expected to be in attendance. Players I have confirmed who are not expected to play: Virginia OT Eugene Monroe, Ohio State CB Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio State LB James Laurinaitis, Wake Forest OLB Aaron Curry and Missouri TE Chase Coffman.

Which players could catch the attention of scouts this week? Here are a few worth watching:

Liberty U. RB Rashad Jennings, Cal Poly WR Ramses Barden, Connecticut OT William Beatty, Boston College DT Ron Brace, Ole Miss LB Ashlee Palmer, Oregon State CB Keenan Lewis and Western Michigan S Louis Delmas.

Photo Credit: Collegiate Images, GS Photo

Senior Spotlight: Atlantic Coast Conference

VIRGINIA CAVALIERS @ WAKE FOREST DEMON DEACONS – 3:30 ON ESPNU

LB Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
This Demon Deacon displayed his playmaking skills as a freshman, breaking into the backfield, knocking down passes and even blocking a punt. Aaron Curry has played in every game since his red-shirt freshman season, placing him among the most experienced players in the country with 45 career starts on his resume. At 6’3” and 247 pounds, Curry possesses prototypical size and length. His size and wingspan allow him to do battle on the line of scrimmage and while he hasn’t matched his three interception returns for touchdowns (226 return yards) of last season, this senior linebacker remains one of the nation’s top playmakers. The North Carolina native leads Wake Forest with 72 tackles, which ranks him third in the Atlantic Coast Conference. The Demon Deacon’s nine tackles for a loss leads the team and ranks him among the league leaders in the conference. He has 1.5 sacks, one interception, two passes defended and one fumble recovery. Curry can cover and when asked, rush the passer. He is at his best with all of the action in front of him and when he is able to attack straight ahead, as he possesses exceptional straight-line speed. He has a good head on his shoulders, deciding to attend Wake Forest due in part to their academic prowess. Curry is the complete package.

2008: 72 Tackles, 1.5 Sacks, One Interception

OT Eugene Monroe, Virginia
The New Jersey product has prototypical length and bulk for a left tackle, checking in at 6’6” and 315 pounds, with a very strong base. His long arms allow him to excel in pass protection. He also regularly records knockdown blocks, displaying the ability to dominate the opposition. Monroe has excellent footwork and a great understanding of positioning, which allows him to maintain his balance. Monroe is known for playing hard and he is also an above average natural athlete. He does need to be a little bit more aggressive and attack defenders rather than waiting for them to come to him. He also must do a better job of maintaining his blocks. As a run blocker, there are some questions regarding his speed heading up-field and his agility when asked to go after linebackers, which is something to watch for this Saturday. Many wondered why 2007 first round pick Branden Albert (Kansas City Chiefs) played guard instead of tackle? The reason was Monroe, who was handling left tackle just fine, often grading out as the Cavs’ top lineman, which has carried over into his senior campaign. He possesses prototypical size and if he can improve his strength/technique, he could follow in Albert’s footsteps. Monroe is a surefire All-ACC selection and he should be an All-America candidate.

2008: Virginia 10 Sacks Against (Loss of 89 yards)

DT B. J. RAJI, BOSTON COLLEGE
Short and stout, he's the prototypical inside clogger who can eat up space. He has bulk, girth, and plays with a chip on his shoulder. With B. J. Raji manning the middle it should come as no surprise that the Boston College Eagles possess the ACC’s second best run defense, allowing a mere 106.2 yards game and 3.2 yards per carry. Despite his size (334 lbs), Raji is agile enough to get into the backfield and cause disruption, which is why he strengthened the Eagles’ defensive unit up front with his return. His strength is playing against the run but he has displayed some flashes as a pass rusher. Of his six tackles for a loss, four are sacks, to go along with two quarterback hurries. When he doesn’t get all the way to the quarterback, Raji gets his hands up (three pass breakups). Raji is a sure tackler and possesses good instincts and awareness.

BOSTON COLLEGE HOSTS NOTRE DAME THIS SATURDAY – 8:00 PM ON ESPN

Photo Credit: Brian Westerholt of Sports on Film (Wake Forest)