Graziano's (Feel-Free-To) Mock NFL Draft

Georgia's Matthew Stafford and Knowshon Moreno both figure to go in the first round of this year's NFL Draft, but where, and to which teams? Dan Graziano tries to come up with the answers.

So, since I'm new 'round these parts, and it doesn't look as if anybody can get enough of NFL draft stuff, I figured I'd throw up a mock draft and let y'all just have at it. Because it's Monday, and it beats working.

This is just one man's opinion, which (for better or [more likely] worse) distinguishes it from the outstanding compilation of opinions that is the FanHouse Mock Draft.

This mock views this year's first round as a love/hate proposition. There are reasons to love all of these picks, and reasons to hate them, and those reasons are presented here in tandem.

I welcome your feedback -- glowingly positive, brutally negative or anywhere in between -- and hope to turn this into a running dialogue with periodic updates. While respectful discourse has a much better chance to get acknowledged and responded to than name-calling, profanity or insults, I promise I can take whatever you've got, and I'm eager to make this thing as good as it can be leading into draft weekend. So fire away. And don't worry about being gentle.

1. Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: The Lions need everything, so why not start at the most important position? Stafford has the arm and the athleticism to be a franchise quarterback, and the Lions are at a point in their history where a franchise quarterback looks like a pretty good idea.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because he's not Peyton Manning, or even Matt Ryan, most likely. Because he's going to cost a fortune and underclassman QBs are risky. And because if I could pick anybody in this draft, I'd pick Aaron Curry.

2. Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: If Mark Bulger is to have any chance of surviving the season, the Rams should try and replace Orlando Pace at left tackle.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because the Rams have experienced tackles in their primes, and there are other needs. Because they could stand to replace Torry Holt, too, and there's a franchise WR available here (see Raiders, below). And because if I could pick anybody in this draft, I'd pick Aaron Curry.
3. Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: Because if I could pick anybody in this draft, I'd pick Curry. He's a complete animal, and the reasons not to take him don't hold water. He's athletic enough to play on third down, and he's got the skills to be a pass rusher -- he just needs to add the experience.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: The Chiefs have so many holes to fill, and they don't pick again until the third round. As great as it would be to have Curry, they just picked up Zach Thomas and suddenly have some depth at LB. They might be better served by trading down and adding a couple of late-first- or second-round picks. They need volume.
4. Seahawks: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: Seattle lacks depth on the offensive line, isn't sure Kyle Williams is the long-term answer at left tackle and is concerned about Walter Jones' advancing age. Monroe, a polished technician who could play tackle or guard in the pros right away, is the safe pick here.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because safe is boring! The Seahawks need help on defense more than they need it on the O-line. If Curry got past the Chiefs, Seattle would be nuts not to grab him here. (Have I told you how I feel about Curry?) And if Curry is gone, they have to at least look at one of the DEs. Like this next guy.
5. Browns: Brian Orakpo, DE/LB, Texas
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: The Browns had just 17 sacks last year, and they need somebody who can knock down a quarterback. With Antwan Peek and Willie McGinest gone, Orakpo could play OLB or on the line and improve an area of need.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Well, because it's risky. Orakpo wasn't consistently healthy in college, nor was he consistently mean and nasty play in and play out. And because this pick is going to remind a lot of people of Eric Mangini's Vernon Gholston pick a year ago in a similar spot. And because, with Braylon Edwards headed out the door next year or sooner, Michael Crabtree would be a far more exciting pick here.
6. Bengals: Andre Smith, OT, Alabama
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: Because Smith might be better than the two OTs that have already been taken, which would mean Cincinnati's getting a steal here. He'd more than adequately fill the hole created by Stacy Andrews' free-agent departure, and he never had any off-field issues until the very end of his college career, when he got suspended from the Sugar Bowl for contact with an agent.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: The O-line is one of two major needs for the Bengals, and Crabtree would be a thrilling way to address the other. With T.J. Houshmandzadeh gone and Chad Ocho Cinco being...well, kind of hard to count on, a monster WR is tempting. Maybe they should ask Carson Palmer which he'd prefer -- protection in front of him or a flashy new target down the field.

7. Raiders: Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: Because Crabtree was the kind of college player that I felt like I had to watch every single week, in case he did something incredible. Because a dynamic offense starts to take shape when you add him to JaMarcus Russell and Darren McFadden. And because has anything ever felt like more of a slam-dunk than Al Davis pick than this big superstar WR?
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because the Raiders are a franchise that needs foundation help more than skill-position help, and it'd be at least as smart, if not smarter, for them to address their run-stopping needs along the defensive line. With, say, this next guy.
8. Jaguars: B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: In Jacksonville, Raji could team with and learn from veteran DT John Henderson, and eventually form a tremendous interior-line tandem on which to base a high-caliber defense. Sure, you could see the Jags grabbing Mark Sanchez or Jeremy Maclin here, and either would make sense. But Raji's the safer long-term bet, and a bargain at No. 8.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Only because I fear they'll take Maclin and I'll feel silly for overlooking the obvious. But if we're going to poke a hole we'll point out that interior defensive lineman is the position that takes the longest to develop in the pros. A guy like Raji, who was a pure physical dominator in college, will take time to learn the technique he'll need to run over NFL lineman, and can Jacksonville be that patient?

9. Packers: Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: As the Packers switch to the 3-4, a guy like Maybin who played DE and OLB in college feels like a perfect fit. He's a pass-rusher and a playmaker with great instincts, and while they might rather have Orakpo, Maybin is much more than a consolation prize.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: You could make the argument that the Packers should go with offensive instead of defensive line here, and if Andre Smith is still around they're going to have a tough call to make. Incumbent tackles Chad Clifton and Mark Tauscher both come with question marks, and if they decide they need to beef up at those spots Michael Oher might even make sense here.

10. 49ers: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: Because Sanchez might be better than Stafford, who (you may remember) went nine picks earlier. He's technically sharp and showed an instinctive leadership ability in his short time as the Trojans' starter. Might need time to develop, but the Niners can offer that.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because offensive line, defensive line and defensive back stand as more glaring needs in San Francisco than quarterback. They could get away with taking any of the next three guys on this list, or somebody like Oher or Malcolm Jenkins, and solve a more obvious short-term problem.

11. Bills: Everette Brown, DE, Florida State
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: Right now Buffalo's pass rush consists of Aaron Schobel and hope. Now that Maybin's off the board, Brown stands as the draft's best pure pass rusher and would plug in immediately on the Bills' line. With the Jason Peters situation unresolved, a left tackle might make more sense here, but with so many strong options available at DE, the Bills are more likely to go defense.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: The Bills need a tight end too, and we're starting to move toward Brandon Pettigrew territory. This is too high to take Pettigrew, but if Buffalo could get somebody else interested in this pick, they could trade down and have a high-impact option for Trent Edwards when Terrell Owens is double-teamed.

12. Broncos: Tyson Jackson, DE, Louisiana State
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: Denver needs help on defense, and Jackson would help shore them up against the run. Assuming they stay at No. 12, this is the pick that makes the most sense. But that's assuming they stay at No. 12, which may not happen if they decide they have to have Sanchez and trade up into the top 10.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because there's a reasonable chance they could get Jackson with the No. 18 pick (unless San Diego snatched him up at 16), and they might decide to get creative here. For example, they could decide their unsettled QB situation means they should upgrade their running game and take Beanie Wells. When you think about it, Wells + Jackson would be a pretty sweet first round.

13. Redskins: Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: In an effort to surround free-agent signing Albert Haynesworth with as much help as possible, the Redskins could pick between Ayers and Jackson if they're both still on the board here. Either would be an immediate help on defense, as would a pass-rushing LB like Brian Cushing.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because the Redskins could use help on the offensive line as well, and eventually somebody's going to have to take Michael Oher, right?

14. Saints: Chris "Beanie" Wells, RB, Ohio State
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: Supposedly the Saints need a defensive back and are planning to take Malcolm Jenkins. But Wells would round out their backfield so beautifully, giving them a power runner to team with Reggie Bush and Pierre Thomas and form something like the RB situation the Giants used the past couple of years. And honestly, a running game like that could help the defense at least as much as a rookie cornerback could -- just by keeping it off the field and well rested.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Tom Mantzouranis has made it clear that the Saints need secondary help and will take Jenkins here. This is understood as one of the few givens of the first round. Mantz has spent more time studying and thinking about this than I have, and there's no reason to think he's not right. I still think Wells would be the more dynamic and creative pick, but dynamism and creativity aren't exactly prized virtues in today's NFL.

15. Texans: Brian Cushing, LB, USC
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: The Texans need a lineback and could have their pick among the USC stars here. Cushing versus Clay Matthews might be pretty close to a coin-flip for them, but we'll go with Cushing here because he seems to be the slightly more highly rated one. This week, at least.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: I don't, really. LB makes a lot of sense for Houston, especially with the big DEs off the board. But if they decide to go a different direction, they could take Wells if he's still around or even a versatile receiver such as Percy Harvin to add some excitement to the offense.

16. Chargers: Rey Maualuga, LB, USC
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: If Maybin or Jackson were still on the board, the Chargers would be thrilled and grab either. But failing that, Maualuga would give them the explosive defensive playmaker they need.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because they already got Kevin Burnett and could decide they don't need another ILB. Because they also need defensive secondary help (at the safety spot) and might be better off trading down for that. And because I have the feeling that, if he's still on the board, they'll be too excited about this next guy.

17. Jets: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: Are you kidding? The Jets will lose their minds if Maclin is still on the board at 17. If he's still on the board at 12, they'll probably start making frantic calls to try and move up. He's faster than Crabtree and he's a stud kick returner on top of everything else. Whichever huge question mark wins the training-camp battle for the starting QB job would instantly become a better QB with Maclin on the team.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because there's no way, right? Cincinnati will take him. Or the Raiders if Cincinnati takes Crabtree. Or Jacksonville. Or San DIego. It's a dream scenario for the Jets, who are looking at guys like Darrius Heyward-Bey, Hakeem Nicks and Kenny Britt because they don't think there's a chance of Maclin dropping this far. People will say I'm a Jets fan just because I suggested it might happen. And I'm not. I'm really not. I swear.

18. Broncos: Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: I don't, but I don't love Kyle Orton either. The Broncos are probably going to need to replace him eventually, and a big-armed guy like Freeman could be ready as early as 2010.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because it's too high to take Freeman, and I just can't help thinking the Broncos are planning something bigger than just sitting at 12 and 18 and picking through this mediocre first-round pool.

19. Buccaneers: Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: The Bucs' off-season has been all about offense so far, with the additions of Derrick Ward, Kellen Winslow and Byron Leftwich. So it looks like the draft is for defense. They might rather grab a pass-rushing DE like Brown or Ayers, but in this mockeroo those guys are gone, and Jerry is the next best option on the D-line.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because I wonder if they'll just keep beefing up on offense and grab a big target like Heyward-Bey or Nicks. And because, while Jerry should eventually be an impact pro, he's neither a perfect fit nor a quick fix, and the Bucs don't seem like they're in rebuilding mode.

20. Lions: Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: Because Stafford isn't going to develop very well or very quickly if he's on his back. Because he'd help Kevin Smith and the running game too. And because this is actually a little low for Oher.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because for every hole the Lions fill, there are so many more that still need filling. Could they use a tight end? Sure. A wide receiver? Yup. Defense of almost any kind? You betcha. No matter how Detroit comes out of the first round, they're still going to have a lot more work to do.

21. Eagles: Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: Moreno should be a nice West Coast offense back, deepening the Eagles at the position, and he's got high-level competitive experience. Assuming all of the big OTs are gone, Moreno make sense here.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because Moreno might still be there at No. 28, when the Eagles pick again, and they could get somebody like Pettigrew here and snag two playmakers in the first round.

22. Vikings: Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: The Vikings' quarterback situation is a well-documented mess, but there's no way to address that directly here. Giving whoever takes the snaps another high-octane option is one way to address it indirectly.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because the Vikings might need an offensive lineman more, and with Eben Britton still sitting around, they could go that way instead. Adrian Peterson is the kind of running back that makes you wonder if you even really need receivers.

23. Patriots: Clay Matthews, LB, USC
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: Because Mike Vrabel is gone,Julius Peppers seems like a pipe dream and outside linebacker looks like the only position of real need on the New England roster.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because there are reasons for New England to like Pettigrew, Britton and Hakeem Nicks, too, and you always worry that the Patriots might outsmart you.

24. Falcons: Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: Pettigrew is the clear top tight end in this year's draft and was a dazzling collegiate playmaker. He'd be a great new option for Matt Ryan as Ryan continues to grow into a top-level QB.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because the Falcons really do need help on defense. They could use a pass rusher like Michael Johnson, or a safety like Louis Delmas, or an interior defensive lineman like Evander Hood. And all of those guys are still available here. Another team that might be wise to trade down and get the guy who fills the hole.

25. Dolphins: Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: Because you know how much Bill Parcells likes to draft defense, and the Dolphins need help at cornerback. Jenkins or Vontae Davis would be a neat fit.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because with Nicks and Britt still on the board, and a big hole at receiver, the Dolphins have a tough choice to make between drafting for offense and drafting for defense. They might take a chance that Jenkins or Davis is available later on.

26. Ravens: Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: Because a big, fast receiver who can get down the field, get open and catch anything is exactly what Joe Flacco needs at this point in his career.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: I don't. I love this pick. The only way to make it better would be to trade up and get Bey or Maclin or Crabtree, but Nicks fits just fine.

27. Colts: Evander Hood, DT, Missouri
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: The Colts need help at defensive tackle, and with Hood and Ron Brace still around, there's a level of quality at this pick that they might not have anticipated when the off-season began.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because it's still Peyton Manning's team, and that makes you wonder if it's going to be tempting to pick a big WR like Britt and address the defense with the rest of their picks.

28. Eagles: Eben Britton, OT, Arizona
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: The Eagles need a left tackle, and while he's a notch below the four OTs already taken here, Britton is huge and seems coachable. The Eagles might grab Oher or Andre Smith at 21 if either is still there, then hope to get Moreno here. But assuming they got Moreno already, Britton + Moreno looks like a nice first round for Philly.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: I know this is starting to sound redundant, but the Eagles could use a pass-catcher too, and you wonder if they might want to frustrate a division rival by snatching up this next guy.

29. Giants: Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: He's exactly what the Giants need to replace Plaxico Burress -- a big, speedy wideout. That's what the Giants were missing late last year, and it would be a huge help to Eli Manning to have it back. Plus, Britt's a local kid, having starred at Rutgers, and it's a nice story.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: A linebacker like James Laurinitis is going to be tempting, especially if Britt and Nicks and all the top WRs are gone. And the Giants could use a tackle, too. It just feels like this is too early to take somebody like William Beatty or Jamon Meredith.

30. Titans: Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: I don't, actually. I just feel like it's a Titan thing to do -- draft a defensive back with big potential even though that's not really a need position. So I'm predicting Davis here, even though I don't think it's the right call.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because they really could use a receiver, and Percy Harvin would be awfully useful. And because if they're going to go defense, they'd be better off with a lineman like Brace. The hole on their defense is the one Albert Haynesworth used to occupy, after all. Tough to fill that with a cornerback.

31. Cardinals: Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: Because Edgerrin James isn't going to be the answer, even if he's still around, and there's a lot to like about Brown and the way he runs the ball.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Because you wonder if Brown has the size to be a franchise back, and a franchise back is what the Cardinals actually need.

32. Steelers: Alex Mack, C, California
WHY I LOVE THIS PICK: Pittsburgh needs depth on the O-line, and either Mack or Oregon's Max Unger (flip a coin, really) would slot in perfectly.
WHY I HATE THIS PICK: Looking long-term, the Steelers need to be grooming some replacements for their defensive line, and a guy like BC's Brace, given time to learn in Pittsburgh's system, might be a star for years to come.