We‘re only a week removed from the 2008 NFL Draft, and the 2008 college football season is still a little less than four months away, but it‘s never too early to get a start on 2009 draft coverage - starting with my first 2009 mock draft.
The draft order is a rough estimate of where I think teams will finish in the 2008 season, though if you ask me a few months from now, there‘s a fair chance this order won‘t be the same.
1. Atlanta Falcons - Michael Oher, OT, Ole Miss
The Falcons did trade up to draft Sam Baker in the first round, but their offensive line still has holes. Oher declared for the 2008 NFL Draft, but changed his mind at the last minute, and barring injury or a subpar senior season, it should prove to be a great decision.
2. Oakland Raiders - Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
Not a lot sticks out to me when it comes to the targets that JaMarcus Russell will have in 2008. There is Javon Walker, who could still be good for a big year if he can stay healthy, and Ronald Curry is pretty good, but if you have a chance to get Michael Crabtree, you don‘t pass on it.
3. Miami Dolphins - George Selvie, DE/OLB, South Florida
Selvie‘s home is in the backfield - out of his 59 tackles as a sophomore, 31.5 were for loss, and 14.5 were sacks. It doesn‘t seem like Jason Taylor will be in Miami much longer, and Selvie could take his spot at right end or slot in at outside linebacker. And then, in 10 years, he‘ll be on Dancing With the Stars, showing off that fancy footwork that will have helped him make plenty of plays in the NFL.
4. San Francisco 49ers - Michael Johnson, DE/OLB, Georgia Tech
This is a position where the 49ers have a need, but didn‘t address it until the late rounds this year. Johnson hasn‘t been an every-down guy yet, but he‘s a game-changer when he‘s in there, with the ultimate combination of size (6‘7, 250) and speed.
5. New York Jets - Chris Wells, RB, Ohio St.
They missed out on Darren McFadden, but they shouldn‘t miss on the top back in the 2009 class in Wells, who has the size and speed to be a star in the NFL.
6. St. Louis Rams - Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
Alex Barron hasn‘t quite panned out as the Rams would have hoped thus far, and if that remains the case, then getting a tackle early will be imperative. If Smith comes out after his junior season, he could easily be a top-10 pick.
7. Detroit Lions - William Moore, S, Missouri
Strong safety is a position where the Lions could use an upgrade, and Moore is an all-around playmaker - 117 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 8 interceptions, 6 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles in an All-American season in 2007. Could he go this high? Another season like that and the chances