Chris' Top 10 NFL Mock Draft

1. Detroit Lions: QB Matthew Stafford (Georgia) - At this point, this projection is pretty safe as reports from both ESPN and Yahoo! have indicated that the Lions' talks are intensifying and that they are working on a contract to get Stafford locked up before the draft. Over the years, quarterback has been a position of need for the Lions, and after adding Cullpepper to attempt to fill in for various injuries, Lions' Front Office have seemingly realized that they need to fill this void once and for all with a stud quarterback who is projected to be NFL-ready material. He has great accuracy, pocket-presence, and arm strength, the only negative being his height (6'2.5"), although the average NFL height of a quarterback is 6'4" so I do not figure that to be too much of an issue. 

2. St. Louis Rams: LT Eugene Monroe (Virginia) - After having released Orlando Pace, its pretty clear that the Rams will be looking to replace him with a left tackle. An interesting thing to note is that in last year's draft, the Rams selected Chris Long, also from the University of Virginia, who started all 16 games. This could mean that the Rams trust their system for producing NFL-ready talent and in turn will look to grab Monroe over Jason Smith, who many believe to be "raw" at this point. Although he stands at 6'6", 315 lbs, he is known for his nimble feet and agility which, in my opinion, fits well with the Rams offense which probably will be pretty run-heavy going into the season.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: LT Jason Smith (Baylor) - Like Monroe, Smith is very agile as he previously was a TE in high school, however it is another one of the reasons why he is considered "raw", having spent all of his freshman season playing TE. Smith and Monroe are virtually a tossup  to me, so basically whoever is not picked above will be picked right after, in this case Jason Smith. The potential is huge, however he has to have the right coaching and system to develop into what he has the potential to be: a Pro Bowl left tackle in the NFL.

4. Seattle Seahawks: WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) - The Seahawks offense was crippled last year by the loss of QB Matt Hassleback and an injury to almost every healthy receiver on the roster.  Last years struggles revealed the weakness of the Seahawks receiving core: Deion Branch has failed to live up to expectations and fellow starter Bobby Engram has simply become too old to be considered a part of the future. While the Seahawks have a large quantity of young recievers, it appears that they have a serious lack of quality.  Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree was widely regarded as the most talented player in all of college football last year and his size, speed, and athleticism could provide a very needed boost to the ‘Hawks passing game. 

5. Cleveland Browns – LB Aaron Curry (Wake Forest) - While Curry may not be considered the ideal 3-4 linebacker, he is also arguably the most physically talented player in this years draft.  The Browns have tried to create a powerful linebacking corp in recent years (since 2006 3 of their first 4 draft picks have been LB’s).  Despite having added depth, the Browns have failed to find a true star Linebacker.  This year the Browns will be without veteran Willie McGinnest, whose retirement left the Browns with a big hole in their already porous defense.  Curry has true All-Pro potential and could be a long term solution in Cleveland.  New Head Coach Eric Mangini also took a physically talented LB last year and may be willing to take Curry, who, to say the least, is considered a more “sure” pick than Vernon Gholston.

6. Cincinnati Bengals – OT Andre Smith (Alabama) - The Bengals offensive line had been a big asset in the past, but in the last two years veteran tackles Willie Anderson and Stacy Andrews have both left.  The Bengals don’t lack weapons, but their offense will never click unless they can protect Carson Palmer.  Because of the recent departure of Andrews, the Bengals will take talented tackle Andre Smith.  Because of his “antics” at the combine and during college questions about Smith’s work ethic and character have become a large negative, however, the Bengals have repeatedly shown that such questions are unimportant in Cincinnati.  Smith is the definition of a “high risk, high reward” pick, and the Bengals, as they have done so many times in the past (Cedric Benson being the most recent example), are willing to take the risk.

7. Oakland Raiders – WR Jeremy Maclin (Missouri) - The Raiders have used the last two drafts to add talent to an offense that has been stagnant in the years since Rich Gannon’s departure.   This year the Raiders will add another physically gifted skill player to a group that already includes JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden.  Maclin possesses tremendous speed, a historic plus with owner Al Davis, and is also the best receiver left on the board at #7.  The need for Maclin is also increased by the failure of high-profile free-agent Javon Walker and the Raiders lack of any respectable pass catcher.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars – QB Mark Sanchez (USC) - While this pick does not address an immediate need, Sanchez is a young player who possesses Franchise Quarterback potential.  Sanchez would be able to sit on the bench during his first few seasons, eliminating any of the questions regarding his NFL readiness.  Current starter David Garrard struggled in 2008 after having success in 2007, however, even if Garrard is able to recapture some of his 2007 success, the Quarterback’s age makes him an unviable long-term solution.  The free agent signing of Tra Thomas and the makeup of the draft board at this point also partially force the Jaguars into this pick, if either Jeremy Maclin or Michael Crabtree were to fall to this pick the Jaguars would likely take a much needed Wide Receiver.

9. Green Bay Packers - DE Tyson Jackson (LSU) - As the Packers have just made the radical move to a 3-4 defense this offseason, it is expected for them to grab a DE or LB. I picked Jackson because of their need for an end exceeds that of a linebacker due to various injuries (Cullen Jenkins is coming off of a torn muscle) and lack of solid play at that position over the past two seasons. Standing at 6'4" and weighing 300 lbs, he figures to be perfect size-wise for a 3-4 and combined with his terrific bull-rushing skill will look to make his presence felt against opposing offenses. Overall, don't look for him to be a sack machine (most DE in a 3-4 aren't anyway). Many teams hope for Jackson to be "their Ryan Seymour", but only time can tell.

10. San Francisco 49ers - DE/OLB Brian Orakpo - The 49ers defense wasn't exactly great last season, and the addition of a passrushing-potential OLB beast such as Orakpo would be huge for them. He is an athletic freak who will be a force coming on the outside whether playing at end or at linebacker. However, many are concerned (after watching tape) that he won't be an every down type player, and might lose many battles against big time offensive lineman. For this reason, I have him dropping to ten to the 49ers, where he will hopefully make a nice addition to their lack-luster defense and provide a beastly tandem with Patrick Willis.