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.

Kellen Barton and Nick Bishop from Titan Sized and FanSided weigh in on what positions the Titans should be looking at in the upcoming 2009 NFL Draft.

Positions: WR, CB, DE, LB

In recent years, Tennessee Titans fans have clamored for a top-flight wide receiver. In 2007, the team selected safety Michael Griffin from the University of Texas. In 2008, they “reached” for the speedy running back Chris Johnson out of ECU. Fortunately, those picks have paid huge dividends thus far, as both have become Pro Bowlers in their first and second seasons, respectively. With all of that said, is this finally the year that the Titans draft an impact wideout? History says no, but if a WR is the highest player they have left on their draft board, then Titans fans will likely be welcoming a new one to the team.

WR: Tennessee has drafted eight wide receivers since 2005. Since you asked, those eight have been: Courtney Roby, Brandon Jones, Roydell Williams, Jonathan Orr, Paul Williams, Chris Davis, Joel Filani and Lavelle Hawkins. A few of those guys still have time to pan out, but none of them are currently in danger of being recognized on the street. And that doesn’t include the 1st round selection of Kevin Dyson in 1998, the 2nd round pick of Tyrone Calico in 2000, or the 2nd round choice of Ben Troupe in 2004 (yes, he was a TE, but he was also the team’s first pick in the draft that year). None of them are now Titans. Needless to say, that some of those choices may have affected future draft picks at this position. But if the Titans learned anything with the selection of “Twitch” in last year’s draft, it’s that having playmakers at skill positions is indispensable. If a WR like Percy Harvin or Hakeem Nicks are still hanging around, then Titans must strongly consider taking the leap they weren’t willing to last year when all of the top WR’s were still on the board.

CB: The Titans secondary was by far the most pleasant surprise of the 2008 season. Going back just two years to 2006, the Titans finished with the 27th ranked passing defense in the league. But since drafting CB Cortland Finnegan in 2006 (6th round), S Michael Griffin in 2007 and bringing in free agents S Chris Hope in 2006 and CB Nick Harper in 2007, the Titans have turned in top ten defensive units. Finnegan and Griffin will be cornerstones in the secondary for years to come, but Hope and Harper aren’t getting any younger, and Harper will become a free agent after next season. Look for the Titans to find his replacement in this year’s draft.

DE: Last year’s loss of 2004 second round picks Antwan Odom and Travis LaBoy coupled with the age and injury histories of Kyle Vanden Bosch and Jevon Kearse leaves defensive end as a position where Tennessee needs to get deeper and younger. Rookie Jason Jones played incredibly well this season, and while he’s listed as a DE, the majority of his playing time was at the tackle position. Jones adds to the depth of the interior line (which becomes especially important if Albert Haynesworth leaves via free agency), so expect Tennessee to look to bolster the DE position (and/or tackle depending on Haynesworth), possibly even finding a starter in the first few rounds.

LB: Keith Bulluck has unquestionably been the leader of the Tennessee Titans defense since being their 1st round selection in the 2000 draft. He has quite possibly been one of the most underrated players at his position since he came into the league (only one Pro Bowl in 2003). Unfortunately, Bulluck is on the north side of 30. Same goes for his linebacking bookend, David Thornton. The youngster, Stephen Tulloch looks to have a place in this corps for the future, as he has shown tons of promise, but he still lacks the consistency that is needed to lead this unit. Throw in the fact that there is very little depth here (unless you’re crazy about Stanford Keglar’s “upside”) and you almost have to think that the Titans will try and find another future starting linebacker in this draft.

If last year proved anything, it’s that Tennessee (like most disciplined teams) isn’t going to draft solely for need in the first round. The Titans might seem pretty stacked at offensive tackle, for instance, but if the top guy on their board when they pick at #30 is an OT, we’re probably looking at a new offensive lineman. This is not a bad thing. The Titans roster is littered with second day gems, and Tennessee has the luxury of having a season or two to groom this year’s draft picks before their impact is essential.

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

1. Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) Round Projection: First 5 Picks This is a once in a lifetime chance in my opinion. Even if he won’t be picked first, Crabtree is the most talented player available.

	2. Jeremy Maclin (Missouri) Round Projection: Middle 1st Possibly the best route runner in the draft, Maclin (4.33 40) also has killer speed too.
	3. Percy Harvin (Florida) Round Projection: Middle First It really depends on what the team is looking for when it comes down to Harvin vs. Bey for the #2 spot. Harvin can be used anywhere, but his 5 foot 11 inch height greatly hurts his draft stock.
	4. Derrius Heyward Bey (Maryland) Round Projection: Late 1st-2nd And already our fourth explosive receiver. I thought he could’ve had a more productive year so he would be the talk of the WR corp.
	5. Juaquin Iglesias (Oklahoma) Round Projection: 2nd His standout play in the Senior Bowl after the week of practice he had has convinced me that he is this year’s Eddie Royal The only things he’s lacking are great size and elite top-end speed.
	6. Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina) Round Projection: 2nd Nicks is similar to Iglesias, just not quite as polished. He brings everything to the table except elite height and speed.
	7. Kenny Britt (Rutgers) Round Projection: 2nd-3rd Britt has got great size and his college portfolio is impressive. We’re just not sure that he has that tremendous upside you look for in a WR prospect.
	8. Brian Robiskie (Ohio State) Round Projection: 2nd-5th Robiskie’s speed (4.53 40) is the only thing holding him back at this point. He puts up great numbers (55 receptions, 11 TDs) on one of the nation’s best teams.
	9. Derrick Williams (Penn State) Round Projection: 3rd-6th Here’s a guy that many teams will like because of his versatility. Want him to return kicks? No problem. Catch the football? No problem. His speed (4.38 40) makes him hard to tackle.
	10. Louis Murphy (Florida) Round Projection: 3rd-6th Just had a minor knee surgery that could affect his stock. Serious deep threat in the vertical passing game who needs to work on the rest of his game.