The 2009 NBA Draft is less than a month away. While this mock draft is sure to change quite over the next few weeks, here’s a look at a mock draft of the first round of the 2009 draft.

1. Los Angeles Clippers - Blake Griffin

2. Memphis Grizzlies - Hasheem Thabeet

3. Oklahoma City Thunder - Ricky Rubio

4. Sacramento Kings - James Harden

5. Washington Wizards - Jordan Hill

6. Minnesota Timberwolves - Tyreke Evans

7. Golden State Warriors - Brandon Jennings

8. New York Knicks - Stephen Curry

9. Toronto Raptors - Jrue Holiday

10. Milwaukee Bucks - Earl Clark

11. New Jersey Nets - DeMar DeRozan

12. Charlotte Bobcats - DeJuan Blair

13. Indiana Pacers - James Johnson

14. Phoenix Suns - Jonny Flynn

15. Detroit Pistons - Jeff Teague

16. Chicago Bulls - Austin Daye

17. Philadelphia 76ers - Ty Lawson

18. Minnesota Timberwolves - Eric Maynor

19. Atlanta Hawks - Gerald Henderson

20. Utah Jazz - Tyler Hansbrough

21. New Orleans Hornets - B.J. Mullens

22. Dallas Mavericks - Terrence Williams

23. Sacramento Kings - Chase Budinger

24. Portland Trail Blazers - Victor Claver

25. Oklahoma City Thunder - Gani Lawal

26. Chicago Bulls - Danny Green

27. Memphis Grizzlies - Darren Collison

28. Minnesota Timberwolves - Sam Young

29. Los Angeles Lakers - Omri Casspi

30. Cleveland Cavaliers - Marcus Thornton

Watch the 2009 NBA Draft on June 25th on ESPN.

The 2009 NBA Draft will take place at the end of June. However, if you are playing dynasty fantasy basketball, it’s never too early to take a look at the top prospects.

1. Blake Griffin, Oklahoma
Griffin will go number one overall. This athletic bigman has a chance to be a double-double machine.

2. Ricky Rubio, Spain
One of the most hyped players from Europe of all-time, Rubio already has a lot of fans in the United States.

3. Hasheem Thabeet, Connecticut
A big shot-blocking center, Hasheem Thabeet will tempt teams with his huge size and wingspan.

4. James Harden, Arizona State
Every team could use more scoring and Harden is the best shooting guard in the draft.

5. Jordan Hill, Arizona
A great athlete, Hill has a huge amount of potential in the NBA.

6. Stephen Curry, Davidson
Dell’s son is a fantastic shooter who can spread defenses right away.

7. Brandon Jennings, Lottomatica Roma
He struggled in Europe but scouts were high enough on him that he won’t drop too far.

8. Demar DeRozan, USC
Coming into this year, DeRozan was a top-flight prospect. While not as hot, he’ll get picked near the top.

9. Earl Clark, Louisville
Clark has the type of body that will allow him to be a multi-purpose player in the next level.

10. Ty Lawson, North Carolina
Lawson was the best player on the best team in the nation. His speed will seduce.

1. Brandon Pettigrew, Oklahoma St.
As of right now, Brandon Pettigrew looks like the only tight end in the 2009 NFL Draft that has a very good chance of being taken in the first round. Although he didn’t have a touchdown grab in his final season at Oklahoma St., his great size and limitless potential make him a worthwhile prospect.

2. Jared Cook, South Carolina
At 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, Jared Cook is the size that NFL teams love to see for tight end prospects. At South Carolina as a junior, Cook had 573 yards and three touchdown grabs. His improvement throughout his college career is a good sign.

3. Shawn Nelson, So. Mississippi
In the past four season, Shawn Nelson has been one of the most impressive tight ends in college football. His consistency is very impressive and he has a few big games under his belt. This season against Auburn, Nelson had 12 catches for 118 yards and two touchdowns.

4. Chase Coffman, Missouri
Although a few NFL scouts wonder if his skills will translate to the professional level, there is no denying Chase Coffman’s amazing stats while at Missouri. In his senior season, Coffman had 90 catches for 987 yards and ten touchdowns.

5. James Casey, Rice
Rice had a deceptively powerful offensive attack in their 2008 campaign, with James Casey deserving much of that credit. This Texas native had 111 catches for 1329 yards and 13 touchdowns in only his sophomore year. Although he’s still raw, his talent gives him the potential to be a game-changer.

1. Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
Entering the 2008 college football season, Michael Crabtree was a hot prospect. After another very good season, he’s the top wide receiving prospect in the 2009 NFL Draft. At Texas Tech, Crabtree was instrumental in turning their offense into a well-oiled machine.

2. Jeremy Maclin, Missouri
Following Jeremy Maclin’s amazing season at Missouri, he’s risen up into the top half of the first round of the draft. Maclin finished his 2008 campaign with 102 catches, 1260 yards and 13 touchdowns. As a possession receiver, he should be able to step in and play right away on the NFL level.

3. Percy Harvin, Florida
When the Florida Gators won the National Championship, Percy Harvin’s stock rose tremendously. Although he doesn’t possess great size, he’s fast and is a playmaker with good hands. With pro teams always looking for a difference maker, Harvin should be a hot property come draft day.

4. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Maryland
At Maryland, Darrius Heyward-Bey’s stats weren’t overwhelming, however his potential is undeniable. He’s a big target who can run and who becomes especially dangerous near the end zone. In the NFL, Heyward-Bay should put up even better stats than he did at Maryland.

5. Hakeem Nicks, North Carolina
In his junior season, Hakeem Nicks had 1222 yards and 12 touchdowns. In the NFL, he translates into a wide receiver with big play capabilities. Even though he’s somewhat raw, Nicks is showing good improvement year to year.

1. Knowshon Moreno, Georgia
Entering the season, Knowshon Moreno was regarded as a great running back prospect. After doing nothing to harm that reputation, it wouldn’t surprise many if the RB from Georgia is the first running back off the board in the 2009 NFL Draft.

2. Beanie Wells, Ohio State
If there is anyone who could knock Moreno off his perch, it’d be Beanie Wells. Wells is extremely talented and could step in and help an NFL team right away. In each of his three seasons at Ohio State, Wells has averaged at least 5.5 yards per carry in each season.

3. LeSean McCoy, Pittsburgh
After an impressive freshman season, LeSean McCoy exploded in his sophomore season. The 5-foot-11, 210 pound McCoy had nearly 1500 rushing yards to go with 21 touchdowns. He had at least one touchdown in all but one game this season for Pittsburgh.

4. Shonn Greene, Iowa
Shonn Greene didn’t do much in his first two seasons at Iowa. However, in his junior season, Green went from anonymity to the Heisman conversation. Green finished the season with over 1800 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns.

5. Donald Brown, Connecticut
Although he didn’t get much publicity, Donald Brown of Connecticut had an amazing season in his junior campaign which put definitely caught the attention of NFL scouts. He finished the year with 18 touchdowns and more than 2000 rushing yards.

1) Matthew Stafford - Georgia
With the Detroit Lions having the top pick, Matthew Stafford could possibly hear his name called first overall. After seeing how Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco played in their rookie seasons, the Lions may hope that Stafford could have similar success. Although inconsistent at Georgia, Stafford’s potential is undeniable.

2) Mark Sanchez - USC
USC has become Quarterback University in recent years. Even Matt Cassel, who was a backup at USC, proved he could be an NFL starting QB. Mark Sanchez will likely need a few years to gain experience before he’s ready to start but he could be the best of his class down the road.

3) Josh Freeman - Kansas St.
Although some NFL scouts wonder if he’s capable of making the transition to the professional game, his tools are very impressive. He has great size at almost 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds. He has a good arm and also seems to be very coachable.

4) Pat White - West Virginia
Not too long ago, Pat White’s stock was higher. But after a lukewarm senior season, he’s on the outside of the top three quarterback prospects. Depending on his workouts and his results at the scouting combine, White could still potentially move up the board.

5) Nate Davis - Ball St.
Ball St. was undefeated in the regular season in large part due to Nate Davis’ play. Although he’d be a bit of a boom or bust pick for an NFL, Davis could surprise. In his last two seasons at Ball St., Davis had more than 7,000 passing yards and 56 touchdowns.

1. James Laurinaitis, LB
Laurinaitis has all the tools to be a superstar linebacker in the NFL. While linebackers weren’t too common high in the 2008 NFL Draft, that could change in 2009.

2. Malcolm Jenkins, CB
Out of Ohio State like Laurinaitis, Jenkins has a chance to be a lockdown cornerback on the NFL level. He’s easily the best cornerback prospect right now.

3. Michael Oher, OT
Oher is a big, strong lineman who could be sturdy piece to build upon in the NFL. Oher is also the type of player who already has an NFL work ethic.

4. Percy Harvin, WR
Harvin doesn’t have great size for wide receiver, however he’s a great talent with loads of natural ability.

5. Curtis Painter, QB
Painter is the best quarterback prospect at this point when looking ahead to the 2009 NFL Draft. He has franchise level ability and he’s already a good leader.

Let’s take a look at the fantasy football prospects drafted in the first round of the 2008 NFL Draft:

3) Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan was obviously the best quarterback in the 2008 draft. However, don’t expect much out of him in the 2008 fantasy football season. Rookie quarterbacks are usually slow to figure things out and on top of that, the Falcons don’t have many offensive weapons.

4) Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders
Expect Darren McFadden and Justin Fargas to split carries early in the 2008 season. As the season progresses, McFadden could show the coaching staff that he should get the bigger load. Overall, this was a good place for McFadden to land in terms of his fantasy football projections. He should be drafted within the first three rounds in fantasy football.

13) Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers
With DeShaun Foster out of the picture, the Panthers drafted Jonathan Stewart to fill that role. In 2008, expect Stewart and DeAngelo Williams to split carries. While that’s good news for the Panthers, it will hurt the fantasy football projections of both players. This appears to be a running back by committee that should be avoided.

18) Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens
Like Ryan, Joe Flacco is a very good prospect. However, also like Ryan, don’t expect Flacco to do much of anything in his rookie season. The Ravens don’t have many offensive weapons and they will likely let Kyle Boller play quarterback for much of the season. Flacco is a long-term pick.

22) Felix Jones, Dallas Cowboys
Exit Julius Jones. Enter Felix Jones. Felix Jones will team with Marion Barber to form a dynamic one-two punch. Jones is a speedster who will look to make big plays for the Cowboys. Since Barber will be the goal line back, Jones’ fantasy football projections won’t be too fantastic.

23) Rashard Mendenhall, Pittsburgh Steelers
With Willie Parker on the mend, the Steelers decided to bring in Rashard Mendenhall for insurance. It’ll be interesting to see how Parker and Mendenhall split carries in 2008. Parker should get more carries but Mendenhall could become the goal line back. If that’s the case, neither will be especially valuable in the 2008 fantasy football season.

24) Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans
Chris Johnson will likely team with LenDale White to form a thunder and lightning type backfield. White is the thunder who can gain the tough yards, while Johnson’s world class speed make him a big play candidate each time he touches the ball. Johnson, at least for his rookie season, should be viewed as White’s handcuff.

30) Dustin Keller, New York Jets
The Jets like to look at their tight ends near the endzone, so if Dustin Keller can win a starting job he could have a big season. He’s a bit of a raw prospect but he could be a good tight end for a long time. He’s definitely a receiving tight end who will look to use his speed to get open.

Get more information about the 2008 NFL Draft from Squib Kick and Every Morning Quarterback.

Here is my updated 2008 NFL mock draft. With the 2008 NFL Draft this weekend, the draft is starting to shape up. While there is bound to be surprises, here is how I see the draft playing out right now:

1. Miami Dolphins
Jake Long

2. St. Louis Rams
Glenn Dorsey

3. Atlanta Falcons
Matt Ryan

4. Oakland Raiders
Vernon Gholston

5. Kansas City Chiefs
Chris Long

6. New York Jets
Darren McFadden

7. New England Patriots
Sedrick Ellis

8. Baltimore Ravens
Branden Albert

9. Cincinnati Bengals
Rashard Mendenhall

10. New Orleans Saints
Keith Rivers

11. Buffalo Bills
Devin Thomas

12. Denver Broncos
Derrick Harvey

13. Carolina Panthers
Ryan Clady

14. Chicago Bears
Chris Williams

15. Detroit Lions
Jeff Otah

NFL Mock Draft Video:

With the first pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins have selected Jake Long out of the University of Michigan. The Dolphins made it official by signing him to a five-year, $58 million deal – of which approximately $30 million is guaranteed.

While a lot of other players appeared to be in the mix about a month ago, Long had become the team’s first option in the last few weeks. After agreeing to a deal, the suspense was over.

Long will help the team’s offense immensely. He’ll start right away and he’s already regarded as an above average left tackle. Look for Miami’s offense to improve and for running backs to find space on his side of the line.

How will the rest of the 2008 NFL Draft shape up? First of all, the St. Louis Rams, who have the second pick, don’t like this news. Long would have been their choice if he were available at number two. The Rams will no look for a defensive player, quite possibly Glenn Dorsey.

With the third pick, the Atlanta Falcons will be tempted to take the top quarterback (Matt Ryan). However, a defensive player such as Chris Long also makes a lot of sense. At four, the Oakland Raiders will likely draft Chris Long (son of Raider legend Howie Long) or go with Darren McFadden.

You can watch the 2008 NFL Draft beginning on Saturday, April 26th on ESPN.