Mock Draft One

1. DET- Aaron Curry, LB  WAKE FOREST- With a new coach that comes from Tennessee where linebackers play a huge role, the Lions can’t pass on the best player available in the draft.

2. STL- Eugene Monroe, T VIRGINIA- The team appears to be upset with Alex Barron and he might be replaced. Also Orlando Pace, the future Hall of Famer, is getting older and has problems staying healthy.

3. KC- B.J. Raji, DT BOSTON COLLEGE-  The team must acquire good players and Raji is the best player available. The team must make the transition to the 3-4 and they don’t currently have a definite nose tackle on the roster.

4. SEA- Everette Brown, LB FLORIDA STATE- Linebacker Leroy Hill has had problems with the law and could be replaced. The team really needs defensive line help here but Brown will make a solid core of linebackers with Julian Peterson and Lofa Tatupu.

5. CLE- Jason Smith, T BAYLOR- Joe Thomas is a beast at one tackle position but the other side is not so solid. Smith can come in and provide immediate support.

6. CIN- Brian Orakpo, DE TEXAS- The team needs a lot of pass rushing help so the top picks in the secondary can perform at a higher level. Orakpo has elite athleticism and can get to the quarterback.

7. OAK- Michael Crabtree, WR TEXAS TECH- Crabtree is a legit prospect and simply put the film doesn’t lie. Getting Russell some talent at receiver will help out the offense and the team will really have a solid group of young players.

8. JAC- Matthew Stafford, QB GEORGIA- I really like David Garrard but the team feels obligated to upgrade the passing game. The offensive line was aided with the signing of Tra Thomas.

9. GB- Aaron Maybin, LB PENN STATE- The team could go with Malcolm Jenkins to bolster the secondary but the transition to the 3-4 allignment requires more linebackers and Maybin fits the bill.

10. SF- Malcolm Jenkins, DB OHIO STATE- The 49ers could use a little help at several positions but Jenkins ranks the highest here and could play safety or corner in San Fran.

11. BUF- Michael Oher, T OLE MISS- Jason Peters is angry over contract negotiations and could be traded. Langston Walker is nothing  more than solid on the other side. Oher has problems with a lack of intensity so teams might shy away some.

12. DEN- Rey Maualuga, LB USC- He is a safe pick despite looking slow and getting hurt at the combine. The film shows a solid linebacker who simply is a solid tackler. With the 3-4 being implemented, he will start right away.

13. WAS- Andre Smith, T ALABAMA- The Redskins still need o-line help and Smith is crazy talented despite possibly being a head-case. If he can get his mind in the right place, he will excel.

14 NO- Chris Wells, RB OHIO STATE- The Saints need some help in the secondary but have already invested in several young players including Tracy Porter and Usama Young who could contribute. Reggie Bush cannot pound the ball up the middle and Deuce McAllister is off the roster. Wells can fill in and still gain some occasional outside yards because of his athleticism.

15. HOU- Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR MARYLAND- Andre Johnson can get double-teamed and needs a compliment. This guy tore up the combine and can stretch the field.

16. SD- Peria Jerry, DT MISSISSIPPI- This guy has really rose up the charts recently and can eventually replace Jamal Williams in the middle of the 3-4.

17. NYJ- Mark Sanchez, QB USC- The Jets are praying for one of the QBs to fall to them and could possibly trade up. Kellen Clemons might be the answer but he might not be. At least he is a veteran.

18. CHI- Eben Britton, T ARIZONA- The Bears are in desperate need of tackles. First round pick Chris Williams  from a year ago is essentially a rookie because of an injury and Britton would make a good tandem with him.

19. TB- Jeremy Maclin, WR MISSOURI- The team is in real need of some speed with the departure of Joey Galloway. Maclin is real explosive and can contribute with his speed.

20. DET- William Beatty- T CONNECTICUT- The team needs some offensive line upgrades because they want to dominate upfront. Beatty will provide great blocks for emerging running back Kevin Smith.

21. PHI- Sean Smith, DB UTAH- Replacing Brian Dawkins is a tough task but Smith is athletic enough to make plays. He could also contribute as the nickel back if need be.

22. MIN- Percy Harvin, WR FLORIDA- The team was interested in adding free agent receivers despite already having Bernard Berrian, Sidney Rice and the likes. They were unable to sign anyone so Harvin might be there guy.

23. NE- Clay Matthews, LB USC- This guy blew up at the combine by showing off his athleticism. The 3-4 defense needs athletes, especially in New England where Mike Vrabel is gone and Teddy Bruschi is aging.

24. ATL- Brian Cushing, LB USC- The team has emerging linebacker Curtis Lofton and just signed Mike Peterson. Adding Cushing makes this a dominant core. The secondary might also get upgraded with this pick.

25. MIA- James Laurinitis, LB OHIO STATE- The team is also running a 3-4 and needs linebackers to make plays. This guy is just a solid player that really understands the game.

26. BAL- Alphonso Smith, DB WAKE FOREST- A lack of healthy defensive backs cost the team a Super Bowl trip last season. The team will have Fabian Washington and Dominique Foxworth as starters and Smith can develop as the nickel.

27. IND- KNOWSHON MORENO, RB GEORGIA- This might be a surprise pick but Joseph Addai can’t stay healthy and two back systems are in right now. Moreno can uses his talents to keep the Indy offense at an elite level.

28. PHI- Brandon Pettigrew, TE OKLAHOMA STATE- The team needs a talented tight end to help out as L.J. Smith might not be back. This guy can’t run overly fast but he has good hands and is a talented blocker.

29. NYG- D.J. Moore, DB VANDERBILT- The team needs to continue to add some youth in the secondary and Moore has the talent to play zone or man.

30. TEN- Ron Brace, DT BOSTON COLLEGE- Losing Albert Haynesworth was bad and getting a replacement is important to the keep the defense playing at a high level.

31. ARI- Robert Ayers, DE TENNESSEE- They lost Antonio Smith in free agency and need to add some youth upfront. Ayers has risen considerably with a strong senior year.

32. PIT- Hakeem Nicks, WR NORTH CAROLINA- Hines Ward looked slow in the playoffs and is getting older. Nicks runs solid routes and can make a big impact early on.