2009 NFL Draft Prospects

With the 2008 NFL Draft in the books, the next step is grading each individual team draft. In the mean time to keep you busy, here is a list of my top 10 NFL Draft prospects (in no particular order) as of right now for the 2009 NFL Draft.

1. QB Matthew Stafford, Georgia *JR

With an unsettled group of QB's heading into the 09' class, we may run into a slight rut until a Senior QB really begins to shine. Until that happens, Matt Stafford is my #1 QB. Being a top recruit out of high school and at this point, the best pro-style QB is giving us a lot to look forward too, going into the college season.


2. RB Chris Wells, Ohio St. *JR

Chris "Beanie" Wells coming out of Ohio St. has more athleticism at the RB position then any other of the future class. His old school-esque style and excellent measurables make him far and away the top RB of those likely to be in this class.


3. WR Percy Harvin, Florida * JR

The "jack of all trades" trait best suits Percy Harvin; lining up at halfback, slotback, wide receiver, tail back, etc. He is a very versatile playmaker that will hurt a defense in more then one way. Some question his ability to be a pure #1 WR in the NFL, but with his skill and home run ability, it's hard to not be intrigued by Harvin.

4. CB Malcolm Jenkins, Ohio St.

Jenkins by many is considered to be the nations top CB heading into the college season, and for good reason. You can make a case that he may have been one of, (if not the) top CB in the 2008 NFL draft. Excellent size (6'1 - 200 lbs.) and a nose for the ball, there is no reason why Jenkins shouldn't be considered a top defender.

5. MLB Rey Maualuga, USC

Similar to Jenkins, Maualuga would have been a very highly coveted player in the 2008 NFL Draft. A rangy middle man that can really deliver intimidating hits anywhere on the field. Not th best technique linebacker you'll find, but without question, an extremely athletic defender with top speed at the position.

6. OT Michael Oher, Ole Miss

Headlining a very good group of top offensive lineman is the versatile Michael Oher. He is versatile because he can play tackle, and do it at a very high level, as well as play guard, which he has experience at. Oher in all likely hood made a good decision going back to school, as many now consider him far and away the #1 offensive lineman in the 09' draft.

7. FS Taylor Mays, USC

Mays has always had the nations eye, but the bare fact that he has the size of a linebacker (6'4 - 233 lbs.) and he has 4.3 caliber speed, you have a freak. He roams the middle of the field very aggressively and while being stout in coverage, can still jolt a receiver over the middle if the opportunity presented itself.

8. MLB James Laurinaitis, Ohio St.

Laurinaitis plays the middle linebacker spot with such an old school demeanor, and is a tenacious run stopper. He is the heart and soul (and captain) of a tough Ohio St. defense. Although less athletic as Rey Maualuga, he can do everything well; tackle, rush the quarterback, and drop into coverage. The only problem with Laurinaitis is that he isn't as aggressive/physical at the point of attack, which is why some teams ran it right at him last year.

9. DT Fili Moala, USC

Oh yes, another Trojan. This is the year of the USC defenders to be quite honest, and Moala has all the potential in the world to be the first of them selected. Those who don't like him call him a tweener and those who love him call him versatile. Looking at his size (6'5 - 300 lbs.) it's hard to label him anything less then a versatile monster. Moala could play a solid 3 technique in a 4-3 scheme or he could be the ideal 3-4 defensive end at this point. Eating up blocks in college has made his teammates better as well, and he should do the same at the next level.

10. SS William Moore, Missouri

When looking at what could be a fantastic group of safeties early in the 09' draft most look at Taylor Mays of SC, Myron Rolle of Florida St., or even Kam Chancellor of Virginia Tech. However, there is a former All-American and 2008 Cotton Bowl defensive MVP that gets forgotten. That is, William Moore from Mizzou. He has excellent size (6'1 - 230 lbs.) and fantastic range for any safety. Stout tackling ability, a real nose for the ball, and of course, he can lay the lumber.
William Moore is the total package at Strong Safety.


Honorable Mentions:

WR Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech - redshirt sophomore that would be highly coveted at 6'3, 208 lbs with room to grow; 2007 unanimous All American, Biletnikoff, Paul Warfield award winner.

RB Knowshon Moreno, Georgia - another redshirt sophomore who blew up in 07' as a freshman.

LB Brian Cushing, USC - Great size, and will thrive in the correct 3-4 scheme.

DE George Selvie, USF - a little undersized, but a nice pass rusher that could possibly be an outside linebacker in a 3-4

DE Maurice Evans, Penn St. - dominant bull rusher that had 12 1/2 sacks in 07 as a true sophomore.

OT Andre Smith, Alabama - has even more upside then Oher, and can dominate man to man.

CB Victor "Macho" Harris, Virginia Tech - has a great nose for the ball and is possibly, the ideal tampa 2 CB from this draft.