I’m pretty sure that throughout his USC career the one thing Sanchez did have more than anything was confidence. In the Rose Bowl against USC it showed as his precision passes and pinpoint accuracy helped his NFL stock sky rocket into a potential top ten player.

When he announced he was leaving Southern California, even at the dislike of his head coach Pete Carroll, he sat at the podium with tons of confidence. Carroll told Sanchez he was making a mistake and that NFL teams needed more time to evaluate him before he went pro.

His young quarterback smiled and claimed he was ready.

Now I think Sanchez is hearing Carroll’s thoughts over and over as nightmares of a Aaron Rodgers type drop through the first round spirals through his head. On Monday he declined on the chance to go to New York for the draft. I have a feeling that his decision has a lot to do with his fear of falling out of the top ten and having to wait in the green room for hours while waiting to be selected.

He has publicly stated through his brother that he has elected to spend the day with friends and family. This may be the complete truth, but I know that if I was in Sanchez’s shoes I’d be worried about taking a free fall.

Nine players are going to New York, including Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman. Most mock drafts have Freeman going in round two, which makes his invite a little surprising. Brian Cushing, Brian Orakpo, Matthew Stafford, Aaron Curry, Jason Smith, Michael Oher, Eugene Monroe, and Michael Crabtree all are also going.

The main questions dealing with the NFL Draft at this moment are these:

• Will the Lions take Matthew Stafford #1 overall?
• If the Lions don’t take Stafford what happens to Stafford & Sanchez?
• In what order will Michael Crabtree & Jeremy Maclin go?
• Where will X-factor Andre Smith end up?

Here’s my best guess:

1. Detroit Lions: QB Matthew Stafford (Georgia)
The Lions need their franchise quarterback and Stafford (on paper at least) appears to be the guy that fit that profile. Aaron Curry is another option here, but in the past the Lions seem to always go for the flashy, best player on the board type player and they usually get burned.

2. St. Louis Rams: OT Jason Smith (Baylor)
Last year the Rams got Chris Long, the defensive end from Virginia, instead of Jake Long to fortify their offensive line. Now they can get their offensive tackle as well. Smith has passed both Eugene Monroe, Michael Oher, and the other offensive tackles on most draft boards.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: LB Aaron Curry (Wake Forest)
How many times does the team with the third pick get the best player in the draft? Not very often. The Chiefs could also take Crabtree but this might be too good to pass up. Curry is going to be very good for years to come.

4. Seattle Seahawks: WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)
This pick scares me because it makes too much sense to be true. Why wouldn’t the Seahawks get arguably the best player in the draft (aside from injuries) and their go to receiver?

5. Cleveland Browns: LB/DE Brian Orakpo (Texas)
This one also looks to make sense.  Everyone thinks Orakpo should go to the Browns. The Texas defensive end would certainly give the Browns a pass rush, something that was completely missing in 2008.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: OT Eugene Monroe (Virginia)
The Bengals would be ecstatic if this scenario played out. Without having to move up at all they could get arguably the best offensive lineman in this entire draft. Monroe would solidify an offensive line needing a lot of help.

7. Oakland Raiders: WR Jeremy Maclin (Missouri)
Do I think Maclin is this good? No, I really don’t but we all know how Al Davis is. Maclin would be an all around playmaker for the Raiders and his selection would give Oakland a young QB, young RB, and a young WR all drafted in the last three years.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: DT B. J. Raji (Boston College)
We’ve all heard about Raji’s drug test (which he didn’t fail) and his up and down draft stock. Some believe he can go as high as #4 to Seattle, while others seem him going towards the bottom of the top ten.

9. Green Bay Packers: DE Everett Brown (Florida State)
This is the first really hard position to choose in the mock draft. Brown is one of the most athletic players in this draft out of Florida State and he gets the nod over Maybin and Tyson Jackson.

10. San Francisco 49ers: QB Mark Sanchez (USC)
This looks like the landing spot for Sanchez unless a team jumps ahead of the 49ers. Sanchez isn’t as experienced as most teams like their franchise quarterback to be but at this point San Francisco has to take a chance.

11. Buffalo Bills: DE Aaron Maybin (Penn State)
All these defensive ends are really a toss up. In my estimation Maybin is the third best available behind both Orakpo and Brown.

12. Denver Broncos: DE Tyson Jackson (LSU)
Jackson has been harassing SEC quarterbacks for years and now he moves onto the NFL. The Broncos (like the Browns) can use any defensive help they can get. Adding Jackson would help by getting some pressure on the opposing quarterback, something Denver has lacked recently.

13. Washington Redskins: DE Robert Ayers (Tennessee)
Defensive ends and offensive tackles are always the most picked players in the first round of the NFL Draft. I still don’t know if I’ve ever seen five defensive ends go this fast in a draft. Washington has multiple options here but in my opinion they elect to take Ayers, who is flying up draft boards quicker than any other player.

14. New Orleans Saints: LB Brian Cushing (USC)
Cushing has actually passed his teammate Ray Mauluaga on most draft boards (rated off overall, not position since OLB & MLBs are completely different positions). Cushing seems to ALWAYS be in the right place at the right time. He tracks the football like a wild animal.

15. Houston Texans: CB Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State)
Secondary help in the AFC South? Imagine that. There’s probably a good chance this pick has a lot to do with Peyton Manning. Jenkins is the top corner in this draft and has the tools to become a shutdown cornerback in the NFL. That’s exactly what Houston needs.

16. San Diego Chargers: OT Andre Smith (Alabama)
A couple of weeks ago I never would’ve thought Smith could fall this far in the draft. He might not, but at this point he’s the biggest question mark in the draft. San Diego elects to go best available and takes Smith who has all of the talent in the world for an offensive lineman.

17. New York Jets: RB Knowshon Moreno (Georgia)
Moreno is a very versatile running back that can cut on a dime and has an explosive step once he gets into the open field. The Jets already have a running back that can make plays, Leon Washington, but they are lacking a guy who can make big plays every down.

18. Denver Broncos: LB Ray Maualuga (USC)
During college football season I could’ve seen Maualuga going in the top five of the NFL Draft. The teams at the top do not need a middle linebacker and it has affected his draft stock. Even with that there’s no doubt this would be a steal at #18 overall.

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: QB Josh Freeman (Kansas State)
I don’t think Freeman is worth a first round pick but the NFL is a copycat league. The Buccaneers need a quarterback and Freeman is the last one available until much later rounds. Tampa Bay takes Freeman here and begins a rebuilding project.

20. Detroit Lions: OT Michael Oher (Mississippi)
There was a point in time where Oher was the top rated draft prospect in this entire draft. Now the Lions could get him at #20 overall. If you are the Lions right here you’ve got to consider what could happen if you don’t take Stafford #1 overall. Is there any way you could get Curry and then trade up for Sanchez? It’s just something to think about. For now I think Detroit gets a big lineman to protect their franchise quarterback, Stafford.

21. Philadelphia Eagles: RB Chris Wells (Ohio State)
This is just a gut feeling. If you’re Philadelphia you’ve got a great running back in Brian Westbrook that makes more plays in the passing game (due to Andy Reid’s play calling) than in the running game. Wells would give Philadelphia a third down back and a great goaline back at least. If he developed into more (like he should) it would be a fantastic pick.

22. Minnesota Vikings: WR Derrius Heyward Bey (Maryland)
Everyone keeps leaving out Heyward Bey when they discuss this year’s best receivers. He’s extremely talent and will be a great NFL wide receiver. The Vikings should take him over Percy Harvin (who I love) so it’s hard for me to say that.

23. New England Patriots: LB Clay Matthews (USC)
How about three USC linebackers going in the top 23 picks in this draft? Is it just me or does Matthews seem like the kind of guy New England always drafts? He’s going to play well and be in the right place at the right time to make plays more times than naught.

24. Atlanta Falcons: TE Brandon Pettigrew (Oklahoma State)
Pettigrew is the only tight end worth a first round pick in this years draft. He’s a dynamic playmaker and would give Matt Ryan another receiver to throw the ball to.

25. Miami Dolphins: WR Percy Harvin (Florida)
Once again this pick just makes too much sense to me. Miami loves running the “Wildcat” offense and Harvin is the ultimate wildcat. Plus you can give Harvin, who played football in the same state, and add Miami fans in the process.

26. Baltimore Ravens: WR Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina)
It seems like Nick’s crazy catch against West Virginia has helped launch him into the first round. There’s no doubt that he can be a very effective wide receiver and Baltimore would be getting great value here. A year after taking Joe Flacco they could add a potential star receiver for him to throw to.

27. Indianapolis Colts: DT Peria Jerry (Mississippi)
It seems like most of us mock draft ‘experts’ agree that this pick will either be Jerry or Evander Hood from Missouri. Jerry would help seal up the middle of the defensive line and plug up a big hole for Indy.

28. Philadelphia Eagles: OT Eben Britton (Arizona)
Britton would be a steal this last in round one and it seems that Philadelphia loves taking lineman in the first round of the draft. After taking Wells earlier it would only make sense (based off of the Eagles past drafts) for them to go back to the line with their second pick.

29. New York Giants: LB James Laurinaitis (Ohio State)
This is another best player available pick. Laurinaitis’ stock has fallen this offseason but he’s what Mel Kiper Jr. would call a “football player”. Basically that means he’s willing to do whatever it takes to win, including sacrificing his body.

30. Tennessee Titans: CB Vontae Davis (Illinois)
A couple of months ago Davis looked like a potential top 15 pick. Now he’s just hoping to be taken at the end of round one. Davis is another corner that has the chance to be a shutdown defensive back in the NFL. The Titans don’t have many holes and adding someone to your secondary is never a bad choice.

31. Arizona Cardinals: RB LeSean McCoy (Pittsburgh)
I’ve had Arizona taking a running back since last offseason. The Cardinals need someone to help open up the passing game. If they could they’d throw it every down, but as we know the passing game starts with the running game.

32. Pittsburgh Steelers: C Alex Mack (California)
Another pick that makes too much sense. He’s already visited with Pittsburgh and this is really the only glaring hole for the defending world champions.

QB | RB | WR | TE | T | G/C | DT | DE | LB | CB | S | K | P

RANK	TEAM	POSITION	PLAYER
1		OLB/ILB	Aaron Curry
2		ILB	Rey Maualuga
3		OLB	Brian Cushing
4		ILB	James Laurinaitis
5		OLB	Aaron Maybin

1) The order is done by the current NFL standings. This probably would not be the exact order if the draft took place today (coin flips & playoffs would have to be complete) but it’s a pretty good estimation of what it would look like.

2) I do these weekly but only here at NFLmocks.com so make sure you check back often for updates.

3) Make sure you leave comments below but to remember it is only early October. Right now it is hard to tell what each teams needs.

Early Trends:

Where Are The Quarterbacks? I have two quarterbacks going in this mock draft, thanks to the hunch I have about Mark Sanchez. Even Matthew Stafford is not a sure first round pick at this point. The 2009 NFL Draft could be a sad draft day for teams needing a quarterback for the future (Kansas City).

Offensive Tackle Heavy: Every team seems to love offensive lineman in the first round of the NFL Draft. Both Michael Oher and Andre Smith look like for sure top ten picks.

Where’s Tebow: As a Florida fan I had a tough time doing it but I removed Tebow, Percy Harvin, and even linebacker Brandon Spikes from the first round of this draft. All three could easily go in round one but at this point I don’t see it for any of them. Spikes has been fantastic and will still probably go in round one but I just didn’t find a spot for him this time around.

Without further adu, here’s the latest NFL Mock Draft:

#	Team		Pick	Thoughts
1		St. Louis Rams	OT Michael Oher Ole Miss	Easily the best player in the entire draft class, Oher will be a great selection for any team.
2		Detroit Lions	LB Ray Mauluaga USC	The best pure player in the draft this year. The Lions would absolutely love to have him.
3		Cincinnati Bengals	OT Andre Smith Alabama	Andre Smith has been a force since he went to Tuscaloosa, and he will be great in the NFL also.
4		Houston Texans	CB Malcolm Jenkins Ohio State	Jenkins would be the shut down corner Houston needs. Playing Peyton Manning twice a year is tough.
5		Oakland Raiders	LB James Laurinaitis Ohio State	Al Davis likes defense and he takes the Ohio State star here, hoping he can anchor a struggling team.
6		Kansas City Chiefs	QB Matthew Stafford* Georgia	Everyone knows the Chiefs need a quarterback, why not the young Georgia signal caller?
7		Cleveland Browns	DE Michael Johnson Georgia Tech	Johnson would be a great pass rusher in the AFC North, with Big Ben and Caron Palmer in their prime.
8		Seattle Seahawks	WR Derrius Heyward Bey Maryland	Heyward Bey has actually passed Michael Crabtree (for now) as the top receiver in this class.
9		San Francisco 49ers	DE Tyson Jackson LSU Senior	Jackson would help a 49ers defensivee line that needs some help up front.
10		Philadelphia Eagles	OT Eugene Monroe Virginia	Monroe is quickly becoming one of the top prospects in this draft. He would be a steal right here.
11		New Orleans Saints	DE Brian Orakpo Texas	Here’s another guy flying up the draft sheets right now. Orakpo would be a top 20 pick right now.
12		Minnesota Vikings	QB Mark Sanchez USC	What Sanchez this high? Call this a hunch. I’ve seen the guy play and I think he will be a NFL QB.
13		Green Bay Packers	CB Vontae Davis* Illinois	Davis is easily the top cornerback prospect int he draft. Green Bay would love to draft him at #13.
14		San Diego Chargers	WR Michael Crabtree* Texas Tech	As you all know by now I love this guy. I think Crabtree is a can’t miss prospect.
15		Jacksonville Jaguars	S William Moore Missouri	Moore would help sure up the secondary. He’s a great playmaker and would add scary speed to the D.
16		Indianapolis Colts	LB Brian Cushing USC	The Colts have got to find a way to stop the run, and Cushing would definitely help in that area.
17		Miami Dolphins	DE George Selvie South Florida	Selvie is everywhere on draft boards but he’d be a great replacement for Jason Taylor.
18		Baltimore Ravens	CB Darius Butler Connecticut	The Ravens really need help on offense but with no wide receivers available here they help their great D.
19		Atlanta Falcons	CB Alphonso Smith Wake Forest	Want to know how good of a cornerback Smith is? He likely saved the game for WF against Clemson.
20		Tampa Bay Buccaneers	DT Terrence Cody* Alabama	Cody has risen up draft boards faster than anybody. He’s huge and would be a great first day starter.
21		Arizona Cardinals	RB Javon Ringer Michigan State	Ringer is the hard nosed runner than Arizona has lacked for years. I’d love this selection.
22		New York Jets	LB Aaron Curry Wake Forest	Curry would be the aggressive playmaker that the Jets lack on defense.
23		Philadelphia Eagles (Via trade with Carolina)	DT Terrence Taylor Michigan	The Eagles like taking lineman in the first two rounds, and Taylor is a big force on the D line.
24		Buffalo Bills	S Taylor Mays* USC	Mays is my favorite safety in this entire draft because of his size.
25		Denver Broncos	S Patrick Chung Oregon	Chung is one of the top rated safeties in this entire draft. He will go middle first to late second.
26		Dallas Cowboys	WR Jeremy Maclin* Missouri	Maclin would be a speedster (sort of like DeSean Jackson) and would make TO even more open.
27		Pittsburgh Steelers	CB Mike Mickens Cincinnati	Mickens can shut down big receivers and would be a great late round pick.
28		Chicago Bears	OT Ciron Black LSU	The one thing this draft has is a lot of great offensive tackles. Black is one of them.
29		Washington Redskins	DE Greg Hardy Ole Miss	Now that Hardy is back the Ole Miss front line is dominant again. He’d be a great replacement for Taylor.
30		New England Patriots	CB Victor Harris Virginia Tech	For some reason the Patriots secondary/defense isn’t playing well this year. Harris would add athleticism.
31		New York Giants	LB Darry Beckwith LSU	The Giants would really like to sure up their D-line, but this is a best available pick.
32		Tennessee Titans	WR Brian Robiskie Ohio State	The Titans need a young receiver and Robiskie sort of fits the Titans mold.