1. Matthew Stafford, Quarterback, Georgia to the Detroit Lions
2. Jason Smith, Offensive Tackle, Baylor to the St. Louis Rams
3. Tyson Jackson, Defensive Tackle, LSU to the Kansas City Chiefs
4. Aaron Curry, Linebacker, Wake Forest to the Seattle Seahawks
5. Mark Sanchez, Quarterback, USC to the New York Jets
6. Andre Smith, Offensive Tackle, Alabama to the Cincinnati Bengals
7. Darrius Heyward-Bey, Wide Receiver, Maryland to the Oakland Raiders
8. Eugene Monroe, Offensive Tackle, Virginia to the Jacksonville Jaguars
9. B.J. Raji, Defensive Tackle, Boston College to the Green Bay Packers
10. Michael Crabtree, Wide Receiver, Texas Tech to San Francisco

My thoughts on #6 through #10? Well, Andre Smith is a solid choice, but I definitely quest Darrius Heyward-Bey at #7. With Michael Crabtree still on the board? The Raiders are waaaaaay too concerned about 40 times. Actually, though, the Crabtree family seemed kind of relieved that he didn’t go to Oakland (I can’t blame them). San Francisco is a MUCH better place to play, though it stinks that he had to wait so long to be drafted. That’s gotta be nerve-wracking.

Monroe at eighth is good. I think he’ll fit in well at Jacksonville. And I’m glad that the whole drug thing didn’t hurt B.J. Raji. It stinks that someone made up that rumor. Crabtree at 10? That’s amazing value at #10. The stars didn’t align for him with needs and Oakland is stupid, but Crabtree really is a top three value.

I’m drafted-out for now. I love college football, but man, it starts to get boring after the top ten. I’m excited to see where Aaron Maybin ends up – he’s probably the best Penn State player up for draftin’ this year. That’s about it though. I’ll post the whole first round later today, so check back!

Post from: EveryJoe

2009 NFL Draft: Top Ten

Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions (Image: Newscom)

Out of the $72 million, about $42 million of the money is guaranteed. According to various reports, there is also $6 million in additional incentives over the life of the contract.

The selection of Stafford isn’t a surprise. Following the NFL’s first 0-16 season, the Lions needed a new face to the franchise. With the team also needing a quarterback, Stafford was a natural pick.

The only other players the Lions reportedly considered were Aaron Curry and Jason Smith. Curry is a linebacker out of Wake Forest, while Smith is a tackle out of Baylor.

The Lions will likely keep Stafford on the bench — at least to begin his rookie campaign. But most league experts expect him to get onto the field at some point during the 2009 NFL season.

Post from: EveryJoe

Detroit Lions to Select Matthew Stafford

Matthew Stafford (Image: Newscom)

1) Detroit Lions – Matthew Stafford, Georgia (Quarterback)
The Lions seem to be eyeing Stafford as their pick. However, they also want to agree to a contract with him before the draft. If that doesn’t happen, Detroit appears likely to move on.

2) St. Louis Rams – Jason Smith, Baylor (Offensive Tackle)
With Orlando Pace leaving the Rams for the Bears, the Rams need a new franchise level tackle. Smith has the size, strength and athleticism to be a great tackle for the next decade.

3) Kansas City Chiefs – Eugene Monroe, Virginia (Offensive Tackle)
This pick could very well be traded to a team that wants to draft Mark Sanchez. Although if the Chiefs keep the pick, expect them to select Monroe to upgrade their offensive line.

4) Seattle Seahawks – Mark Sanchez, USC (Quarterback)
Not long ago, Sanchez appeared to be going in the middle to the end of the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. However, after good workouts, the Seahawks are expected to draft him if he’s still on the board.

5) Cleveland Browns – Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech (Wide Receiver)
There are a lot of rumors that Braylon Edwards could be headed out of Cleveland. If that’s true, Crabtree would be a good replacement. He has a very high ceiling and his good hands could help the growth of the quarterbacks on the Browns.

Post from: EveryJoe

2009 NFL Draft – Mock Draft

Matthew Stafford, 2009 NFL Draft (Image: Newscom)

The number of players invited is an increase over previous seasons. Typically, the number of players invited is capped at around six. The NFL has decided to change its policy to bring more excitement to the 2009 NFL Draft, which will be held April 25th and April 26th.

Below is the an alphabetical list of players that have reportedly been invited to attend the 2009 NFL Draft:

Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech
Aaron Curry, Wake Forest
Brian Cushing, USC
Josh Freeman, Kansas State
Eugene Monroe, Virginia
Michael Oher, Ole Miss
Brian Orakpo, Texas
Mark Sanchez, USC
Jason Smith, Baylor
Matthew Stafford, Georgia

Out of those ten players, only Mark Sanchez has indicated that he might pass on the invitation to attend the 2009 NFL Draft.

Post from: EveryJoe

Stafford Among Players Invited to NFL Draft

I have no idea what this would have to do with football. Seriously, do you think other teams are going to use this as some kind of defensive strategy? I can just see it now. Stafford goes back to throw, has a man open, and someone yells, “Your mama is a divorced ‘ho!” and the ball goes completely out of bounds.

Or, he could think that talking about something so personal is none of a team’s business. Cuz guess what? It ain’t!

Image: Newscom.

Post from: EveryJoe

49ers Don’t Want QB Because of Divorce