Top Ten 2009 NFL Draft Picks
Before Matthew Stafford could finish his signature on his record-setting contract with the Lions, a large amount of memorabilia was already hitting the market of the 2009 top draft pick. But which pick of the 2009 NFL Draft will keep his memorabilia always rising in value? This is always a question when buying items of the top prospects in the draft of any sport. What have these players proven? That they can play college football?
While it is a fact that some of these players show a lot of promise and many of them will be successful at the next level, the bottom line is that some will fail. The biggest difference between college football and the NFL is that rather than there being a couple of tremendous athletes on each team, every team has one at every position. So which one will beat expectations? Here are the Top 10 Draft Picks from the 2009 NFL Draft along with links to their memorabilia currently up for auction.
1. Matthew Stafford - Detroit Lions - NFL.com Analysis: The Lions land their franchise quarterback with the selection of Stafford. Though there was some debate about whether the former Bulldog would be their guy, the team wrapped up negotiations on a six-year, $78 million contract, with $41.7 million in guarantees. As a classic pocket passer with excellent arm strength, he gives the team a legitimate quarterback to build an offense around.
2. Jason Smith - St. Louis Rams - NFL.com Pick Analysis: The Rams tab the ultra-athletic Smith to replace Orlando Pace at left tackle. Smith has outstanding feet and movement skills. He will not only protect Marc Bulger’s blind side, but he’ll provide the push on the edge to spring Steven Jackson for long runs. With Smith in place, the Rams have completed the process of rebuilding an offensive line that struggled mightily last season.
3. Tyson Jackson - Kansas City Chiefs - NFL.com Pick Analysis: The Chiefs pick up the best 3-4 defensive end on the board with their selection of Jackson. Though the pick was a bit of a surprise, Jackson gives the team a stout player on the edge capable of occupying multiple blockers at the point of attack.
4. Aaron Curry - Seattle Seahawks - NFL.com Pick Analysis: The Seahawks add Curry to a defense that features a pair of standout young linebackers (Lofa Tatupu and Leroy Hill). Though the financial commitment to the trio is significant, the team has the flexibility to attack offenses in a variety of ways due to the dynamic skills of each player. The ‘Hawks are expected to transition into a blue-collar unit under Jim Mora, and this is a key step.
5. Mark Sanchez - New York Jets - NFL.com Pick Analysis: In an aggressive move, the Jets pick up their quarterback of the future in Sanchez. Although the former Trojan only recorded 16 starts in college, he is regarded as the quarterback prospect with the biggest upside due to his superior arm strength, accuracy and leadership skills. With extensive experience in the West Coast offense, Sanchez is in line to be the Jets’ starting quarterback on opening day.
6. Andre Smith - Cincinnati Bengals - NFL.com Pick Analysis: Marvin Lewis has stated that he wants to get back to running the football, and Smith gives the Bengals a dominating offensive tackle to run behind. Though he had a series of mishaps in the run up to the draft, there is no denying that Smith is one of the best tackle prospects in the draft.
7. Darrius Heyward-Bey - Oakland Raiders - NFL.com Pick Analysis: In a bit of a head-scratcher, the Raiders bypass Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin to select Heyward-Bey. Although the former Maryland speedster recorded the best 40 time (4.30) at the combine, he is raw and unrefined as a receiver. He may eventually develop into a big-time weapon in the Raiders’ offense, but he is a bit of a reach as a potential No. 1 receiver.
8. Eugene Monroe - Jacksonville Jaguars - NFL.com Pick Analysis: The Jaguars go for the most polished tackle prospect on the board. Though Monroe is highly regarded as a pass blocker, he is equally adept at creating a push in the running game. With the Jaguars hoping to return to their power running attack, Monroe gives them another pile-pusher in the lineup.
9. BJ Raji - Green Bay Packers - NFL.com Pick Analysis: The Packers pick up a dominating nose tackle to anchor their new 3-4 defense. Raji excels at whipping double teams, and his presence in the middle will keep blockers off A.J. Hawk and Nick Barnett. Though many thought the Packers would opt for a pass rusher, the decision to fortify their run defense will go a long way toward helping them increase their sack total.
10. Michael Crabtree - San Francisco 49ers - NFL.com Pick Analysis: The 49ers surprisingly land the draft’s biggest playmaker in Crabtree. The two-time Biletnikoff Award winner is a natural pass catcher with outstanding ball skills and awareness. Crabtree gives the team its best receiving threat since Terrell Owens, and he’s poised to become an instant star in the NFC West.
