The college football season isn’t even close to kicking off, but hey, it’s never too early to put together a NFL mock draft right? SI.com put together its mock for the 2009 NFL Draft.
1. Chiefs (via trade with Falcons) — Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia * — A quarterback has gone No. 1 overall six out of the past eight years, and Stafford looks like the most likely candidate to develop into that kind of elite QB. His numbers were mediocre last year, but he had no line or receivers. The Falcons will have the worst record, but be able to field trade offers because they don’t need a QB.
2. Raiders — Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech * — Plays in a big numbers system, but his size and speed still make him an elite receiver. And he will fit into the “Al Davis kind of player” category.
3. Lions — Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State * — Wells said he wants to stay four years at Ohio State, but an elite running back trying to save wear and tear on his body would be foolish not to go pro as soon as possible.
4. Falcons (via trade with Chiefs) — Andre Smith, OT, Alabama * — Smith doesn’t get the publicity of Ole Miss offensive tackle Michael Oher, but we’ll take a shot on a player many considered the top prospect in his high school class.
5. Rams — James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State — Could have been a top-15 pick this year. Goes higher than usual for an inside linebacker because of athleticism.
A year from now at least two of these five prospects probably won’t go higher than the fifth round. Happens every year.
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