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Author: BrentWarnken | Total views: 24 Comments: 0
Word Count: 657 Date: Sat, 7 Mar 2009 8:34 AM

NFL Tickets - Mock Top 10, Version 2.0

Now that the NFL combine has taken place, here is my second take on what the Top 10 picks in the 2009 NFL Draft could look like.

1. Detroit Lions - Matthew Stafford, Quarterback, Georgia: Stafford didn't throw at the combine, which is no surprise, but he did run a solid 40 time. I'm tempted to go with an offensive lineman here, but the Lions need to sell NFL tickets this upcoming season and to do that they need a new face of the franchise. There's a chance that they travel a similar route to the one Miami did last year, drafting an offensive tackle first overall and addressing the quarterback position later in the draft.

2. St. Louis Rams - Jason Smith, Offensive Tackle, Baylor: After a fantastic workout at the combine, Smith has become the consensus number one offensive tackle in a loaded draft class. He's a converted tight end, which has greatly helped his footwork and mobility, and he reminds me a lot of Buffalo's Jason Peters. His upside is huge and he's definitely got the potential to be a franchise tackle. The Rams need to shore up their offensive line and there are questions about how much Orlando Pace has left in the tank.

3. Kansas City Chiefs - Mark Sanchez, Quarterback, USC: Sanchez showed a lot of confidence by throwing at the combine instead of waiting until his pro day. While he performed well, it's his personality that's been turning heads. Sanchez is a born leader and has the kind of attitude that teams look for in a quarterback. The Chiefs have a new regime in place; look for them to draft a new face of the franchise.

4. Seattle Seahawks - Michael Crabtree, Wide Receiver, Texas Tech: Crabtree didn't run at the combine and measured smaller than expected, but the Seahawks would be crazy to pass on him here. He's the best offensive player in this draft and will be an impact player.

5. Cleveland Browns - Aaron Curry, Linebacker, Wake Forest: Curry had a fantastic workout at the combine and this selection seems to be the lowest he can fall. He's probably the safest pick in the draft and will be ready to contribute right away.

6. Cincinnati Bengals - Eugene Monroe, Offensive Tackle, Virginia: The Bengals need to protect Carson Palmer and Monroe is already an excellent pass blocker. If he's still on the board at number six, expect the Bengals to jump all over him.

7. Oakland Raiders - Brian Orakpo, Defensive End, Texas: If Jeremy Maclin had run a better 40 time at the combine, I would have put him here. While the Raiders need a receiver, they also need a pass rusher now that they look to be parting ways with Derrick Burgess.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars - Vontae Davis, Cornerback, Illinois: The Jaguars really want an offensive tackle, and they'd be thrilled if Monroe slipped to them, but neither Andre Smith nor Michael Oher is worth taking this early. Davis is still a bit of a reach, but the Jags need serious help at corner and he looks to be the best at the position now that it appears as though Malcolm Jenkins is better suited for safety.

9. Green Bay Packers - B.J. Raji, Defensive Tackle, Boston College: The Packers are making the switch to the 3-4 and Raji can be the guy they need to plug things up in the middle. He's been climbing draft boards since his great performance at the Senior Bowl and hasn't slipped after the combine.

10. San Francisco 49ers - Everette Brown, Defensive End/Outside Linebacker, Florida State: Mike Singletary is all about defense and will surely be looking to bolster the team's pass rush, an area where nobody has really stepped up for the Niners. Brown posted 13.5 sacks last season and would start from the get-go in San Fran.

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