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.

Stafford will is leaving the Georgia after his junior season, and could be taken as high as first in the 2009 draft by the Detroit Lions.

What scouts love about this naturally gifted signal signal caller is his compact delivery, which allows him to get the ball off quickly and in tight situations. He has great zip and has shown that he can put the ball on the money fiveteen yards or deeper. Stafford can read defenses well, whether it be a blitzing or coverage scheme.

Knowshon Moreno is considered one of, if not the best running backs to enter the draft. Alongside Ohio State’s Chris Wells, Moreno should be a early to mid round pick in the first round.

Moreno became the first Georgia running back since Herschel Walker to run for over 1,00 yards in two straight seasons.

Scouts love Moreno’s all-around ability. He has the ability to run it up the gut, break it outside, and is even a pretty good receiver out of the backfield. What makes him special is his combination of speed and size. Moreno is a red shirt Sophomore.

Because the NFL is calling, and both are likely to be top 20 picks in the NFL Draft if they choose to leave college early.

The alternative is playing for a team was preseason #1 and then underachieved for another season. Does wearing black uniforms and battling Florida for the SEC East title mean more than having the rest of your life set up? For some players (like Tim Tebow) I’d say stay in school, work on your game and enjoy playing on a national powerhouse.

While Georgia is no slouch, I can’t go to the extremes of calling them a powerhouse in college football either. A powerhouse starts the season #1 and ends it #1.

But this isn’t about Georgia at all. If Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno elect to return next season the Bulldogs will once again be a top 10 team with a shot at a national championship. If they leave then the Bulldogs must rebuild.

They should leave.

Stafford will be one of the top two quarterbacks taken alongside Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford. Moreno is in the same boat, fighting for the top spot with Ohio State’s Chris Wells.

When Moreno scored the game closing touchdown I have already mentioned I turned to the people in the room with me and said, “That’s it. He’s done with college.” I’m not sure if it had more to do with his small celebration and the look on his face or whether it was just a feeling I had.

But I think both Moreno and Stafford are gone, and they should be. Take the money and run boys.

1. Tim Tebow (QB, Florida): Well he did win the Heisman and that means he’s the best player in college football. He could win it again this year although I don’t think he will because the Gators have many other options. Also just to note, both lists began with a quarterback.

2. Michael Crabtree (WR, Texas Tech): I don’t care what offense he plays in because this guy would be dominant no matter where he played. He’s a super athlete and could score 25 TDs this year.

3. James Laurinatius (LB, Ohio State): The Ohio State linebacker is one of the best players in the country. He has a great nose for the football and is easily a top 20 college player.

4. Michael Oher (OT, Ole Miss): Oher is the one player that everyone agrees will be a top 10 pick in next year’s NFL Draft. He stars on a Mississippi team that continues to struggle in the SEC.

5. Ray Maualuga (LB, USC): He really shined last season in the Rose Bowl against Illinois and is not an unquestioned top player at the college level. He likes making hard tackles and big plays at big moments.

6. Michael Johnson (DE, Georgia Tech): He really hasn’t had a chance to prove how great he can be yet because of injuries but there’s no doubt that he’s the best defensive lineman in college football. Expect him to wreak havok all year long.

7. Knowshon Moreno (RB, Georgia): Moreno is a great running back but I have to believe defenses are going to figure him out this season. He will be fantastic no matter what defenses throw at him though.

8. Chris Wells (RB, Ohio State): Wells leads the Buckeyes offense and has developed into one of the better running backs in college. He’s already played in two national championship games.

9. Jeremy Maclin (WR, Missouri): Maclin can change a game in many ways. He’s very quick and can return kicks and punts for touchdowns at any moment.

10. Andre Smith (OT, Alabama): Smith is a great college football player and has really been the main man on the Crimson Tide’s offensive line since the day they signed him.

11. Noel Devine (RB, West Virgnia): I’m sure I will get a lot of complaints about this one but believe me Noel Devine is going to be amazing for the Mountaineers. Just wait.

12. Malcolm Jenkins (CB, Ohio State): Jenkins is the best cornerback in college football in my estimation and yes for those counting that is now three Ohio State players in the top 12. I better not any hear any complaints from Buckeye fans.

13. Vontae Davis (CB, Illinois): Back to back cornerbacks on the list as Davis gets my #13 spot. I love this kid, he has a knack for making the big play with Illinois needs it most.

14. Myron Rolle (S, Florida State): Rolle is very talented, and amazingly he’s the first ACC player on this list. Now I know where I’m going to get my complaints from…..

15. Derius Heyward Bey (WR, Maryland): Heyward Bey is an amazing talent. He has breakaway speed and is the #1 wide receiver prospect for the 2009 NFL Draft.

16. Matthew Stafford (QB, Georgia): I believe that Stafford is the only franchise quaterback available in the 2009 NFL Draft (if he decides to leave UGA) but he’s #16 here because he’s been overshadowed by Tebow and Moreno so far.

17. Percy Harvin (WR, Florida): Harvin has amazing speed and is a nightmare when he’s paired on an offense with Tebow and Chris Rainey. He might finish in the top 5 for the Heisman this year.

18. Fili Moala (DT, USC): I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Moala ends up going in the top five in the 2009 NFL Draft, and he’s a great hole filler for the Trojans on the defensive line.

19. George Selvie (DE, South Florida): I know a few guys that are higher on Selvie than I am. He’s very talented but I think I have him ranked about right.

20. Tyson Jackson (DE, LSU): Back to back defensive ends to finish off the list as I give some love to the defending national champions. LSU’s defensive line might just be the best in the nation AGAIN this year.

On my big board of the best players in the draft I have used every player that is eligible to enter the draft and five of my top 10 can return to school next fall.

The decisions of guys like Michael Crabtree, Matthew Stafford, Percy Harvin, Tim Tebow, Knowshon Moreno and Andre Smith will be important for the 2009 draft. If they return to school then Florida will have another national title run in them, as will Georgia, and the Crimson Tide and Red Raiders will keep their most talented player for another season.

If these guys decide to enter the draft then NFL teams will have some extremely talented guys to choose from. Here’s the VERY early lowdown on what I think these guys will decide:

Michael Crabtree: NFL–I really think he is the most talented receiver to come out in years. He’s electric and extremely fast. He has a huge body and he reminds me of Terrell Owens. I think once NFL teams realize his true potential that he will decide to leave. Please note he was a redshirt freshman so he is eligible to leave as a sophomore.

Percy Harvin: College–Once Tebow (read below for more) decides to return I don’t think Harvin will leave. He’s very very quick but probably needs to work on proving he has the size to be an elite NFL receiver and not just a playmaker on kick returns and quick passes.

Tim Tebow: College–If this guy leaves then I don’t see anybody returning. He loves the University of Florida way too much to leave. He might be going for his third Heisman Trophy by then as well, and maybe even his third national title in four years.

Knowshon Moreno: College–The Georgia running back showed his extreme talent at the end of last season, and he was also redshirted as a freshman. I don’t think he plays as well as he did last year, although he will be great, and will stay until his Junior season.

Andre Smith: NFL–The Alabama offensive tackle has been amazing since he signed with the Crimson Tide. I think he’s got to go, he’s been fantastic and will be great on a NFL offensive line. If he returns a lot of Crimson Tide fans will be very happy next season.

Matthew Stafford: NFL–Stafford has a very strong arm and looks like he can be a franchise type quarterback in the NFL. I have watched many videos on him and although he has to work on his decision making, I believe he will be just fine if he decides to leave.

Others whose decisions will affect the 2009 NFL Draft are:
Jeremy Maclin, Sam Bradford, Brandon Spikes, Myron Rolle, Gregg Middleton