Top 5 2009 NFL Draft Classes

1. Cincinnati Bengals- The Bengals got their new franchise LT in Andre Smith in the first round, which they surprisingly took over LT Eugene Monroe who went to the Jacksonville Jaguars two picks later. They obviously were just too impressed with his film and collegiate dominance and favored that over his questionable work ethic. He could end up being a steal for them after originally being pinned as a potential top overall pick before his horrendous off-season.

They then found ILB Rey Maualuga fall into their hands at the beginning of the second round. The sure-fire first rounder had inconsistent tackling at USC, displayed subpar speed at the combine and his pro day, and needs to work on his pass defense which is what allowed him to slip into the second round, surprising many. While Rey was certainly upset about it, the Bengals sure weren't. He will be now reunited with his former USC linebacker teammate Keith Rivers.

In the third round they decided to take a chance on the Georgia Tech DE Michael Johnson. His combination of 6'7" 270 lb. size and 4.68 speed could turn him into an all-pro, but his inconsistent motor could turn him into a nobody. His athletic prowess and motivational concerns are very similar to DE/OLB Vernon Gholston who struggled mightily with the Jets his rookie year. I think experts have been too critical and he will be an impact player in the NFL for many years to come. They then snagged Missouri TE Chase Coffman later in the third round and Arkansas C Jonathan Luigs in the fourth round. They each were given awards deeming the best player at their respective positions in college football last year. Both should become impact players and will help fill vital needs on this team.


2. Detroit Lions- The Lions picked Georgia QB Matt Stafford to be the new face of their franchise with the first overall pick, something they desperately needed in their rebuilding efforts. While many considered this to be the wrong move and that they are following the formula for failure, including myself previously, he has all the physical tools to be a franchise all-pro quarterback. Also, although he declared for the draft early, his mental prowess is also very impressive and he possesses a great work ethic and passion for the game. He will have many aerial weapons at his disposal in Detroit, including WR Calvin Johnson, but the Lions will most likely sit him this year to learn from veteran QB Daunte Culpepper which is probably the right thing to do. They will certainly need to get him an LT in the draft next year if they hope for him to step in as the starter in 2010 though. Time will tell to see how this pick ends up for the Lions.

With the twentieth pick in the first round, the Lions selected Oklahoma State TE Brandon Pettigrew. Most considered him a top 10 talent in the draft so this was a great selection for them. He will be a receiving option for QB Matt Stafford for years to come, and will also help in protecting him given his elite blocking ability. Being able to select him that late in the first made him a steal for the Lions. I expect him to become an impact player on this squad immediately.

They then took Western Michigan FS Louis Delmas with the first pick in the second round. He is a very versatile player who can play FS or SS because of his speed, consistent tackling, and ball skills. He is physically punishing and should help this defense out immediately. Finally in the third they took the speedy Penn State WR Derrick Williams. He will help spread the field with that speed and YAC ability and be a great complement to WR Calvin Johnson and TE Brandon Pettigrew. His return ability will also benefit Detroit immediately.

3. Green Bay Packers- Their success mainly came from just their two first round selections of Boston College DT B.J. Raji and USC OLB Clay Matthews. Snagging Raji with that 9th pick was crucial because he will serve as the foundation in their new 3-4 defensive scheme. A massive playmaker at NT is necessary for this type of scheme and wil take the pressure off every other player behind him and on the line as well. They can also move the disappointing DT Justin Harrel over to the end on the line where many feel he is better suited.

They then traded up to fill a huge need and get OLB Clay Matthews late in the first round who may be the best pure 3-4 scheme pass rusher in the whole draft. Elite pass rushers on the edge are also crucial in a 3-4 scheme, so they really scored with this pick. Not only should he be very effective but he will help take the pressure of DE Aaron Kampman making the switch to OLB in their new scheme. Their starting defensive front seven is now complete and have potential to be a very scary unit in 2009.

4. New England Patriots- The Patriots were at it again this year displaying why they have become so successful this decade. They are just simply brilliant when it comes to drafting. They were able to trade back multiple times and pick up four impact players in the second round and then a great receiver who slipped to the third round.

The Patriots selected Boston College DT Ron Brace, UConn CB Darius Butler, Oregon SS Patrick Chung, and Houston RT Sebastian Vollmer all in the second round. Each were considered top prospects at their respective positions. Butler may be the best CB in the whole draft, and Chung is a relentless and punishing safety. Their secondary was probably their weak spot on their entire team and should be drastically improved with these selectoins. Brace will serve as insurance for their defensive line which is already stellar and Vollmer will help the depth on that offensive line.

In the third round, they then were blessed to have the explosive UNC WR Brandon Tate fall to them. It was revealed that he tested positive for marijuana at the combine immediately before the draft, but for him to be available in the third was huge for them. He will compete with WR Joey Galloway as a starting receiver and will help immediately with the return game, as he is the NCAA's all time leading kickoff and punt return yardage leader.

5. Philadelphia Eagles- While addressing team needs they were able to select elite players at later picks which gave them great value. With the 19th pick in the 1st round, they were able to steal Missouri WR Jeremy Maclin, who most expected to go in the top 10. Not only was this a great move to trade up and grab the elite WR this late in the first round, but the Eagles desperately needed another impact receiver to start opposite WR Deasean Jackson. QB Donovan Mcnabb was surely thrilled with this pick as he has been complaining for more weapons for years now. Jackson transitioned to the pro game very quickly and all indications lead to that Maclin will also, especially under the help of Jackson.

Pittsburgh RB LeSean McCoy was then selected in the second round to help out with that running game. RB Brian Westbrook has been breaking down lately and they needed to get him a complement to help him out. Although McCoy is not the most ideal complement due to their similar styles, he is still very talented who many thought would be a first round pick at the beginning of the off-season. He has great pass catching ability and should fit into Philly's offensive scheme quite well.

In the fifth they took a chance on Florida TE Cornelius Ingram. He was considered one of the top TE prospects in this draft who was a solid second round pick, but there were many negative reports surfacing about his surgically repaired knee which forced him to miss all of the 2008 season. A fifth round gamble will certainly be worth it though, given him gamebreaking ability and the Eagles need for a pass catching TE.

CB Ellis Hobbs was also acquired after giving up a few late round draft picks to New England to replace Lito Sheppard. One must also not forget that they traded a first round pick to Buffalo for the young and former all-pro LT Jason Peters who will now serve as their franchise left tackle. These could be the pieces that push them over the edge and finally get them that Super Bowl victory.