1. Detroit: Aaron Curry, LB Wake Forest- After his performance in Indy, the Lions would be foolish not to take the best prospect in the draft. A linebacker hasn’t been taken since 1988, but the Lions have already commited to Daunte Culpepper in 2009.
2. St. Louis: Jason Smith, T Baylor- Smith became the most coveted offensive lineman in the draft and can be inserted right away to the weak Rams front line. The converted tight end could be the key to getting Steven Jackson back to 1,500 yards a season.
3. Kansas City: Matt Stafford, QB Georgia- The Chiefs would have loved to add Aaron Curry to their defense, but will settle for the next best thing. Stafford would most likely start right away, as a new staff looks to bring in their own players.
4. Seattle: Michael Crabtree, WR Texas Tech- Despite injury, Crabtree is still a top five prospect. The Seahawks really need a playmaker. Crabtree will be a good addition once he is healthy. Matt Hasselbeck will be happy to have a top playmaker for the first time as a Seahawk.
5. Cleveland: Rey Maualuga, LB USC- The Browns desperately need linebacker help and despite seeing Aaron Curry off the board, Cleveland will reach a bit to fill their need. Malcom Jenkins could also be an option here.
6. Cincinatti: Eugene Monroe, T Virginia- Monroe doesn’t have the highest cieling, but what he does have is a solid foundation that gives him the lowest basement of any lineman. Despite needing a running back and wide reciever, the Bengals should still go this route, hoping for a Shonn Greene
7. Oakland: Jeremy Maclin, WR Missouri- Maclin is the favorite right now, but whoever arises as the premiere offensive player will be Al Davis’s weapon of choice.
8. Jacksonville: Mark Sanchez, QB USC- The Jags weren’t too happy with David Garrard’s performance in 2008. Sanchez brings competition and a quarterback of the future. According to Don Banks of Sports Illustrated, the Jags rate Sanchez higher than Stafford if both were available.
9. Green Bay: Malcom Jenkins, CB Ohio State- What is older than the fine cheese tradition? Possibly the Green Bay secondary. Jenkins brings some fresh legs and a future shut down corner to the 12th ranked pass defense in 2008.
10. San Francisco: Aaron Maybin, DE Penn State- Mike Singletary would have loved to add Stafford or Sanchez to the quarterback mix, but with both off the board, the defensive minded coach will look to add to the defensive line. Brian Orakpo is still available, but Maybin has more power and raw talent when it comes to getting to the quarterback.
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