# The 2009 NFL draft thread **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [February 8, 2009, 10:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914 "2009-02-08T10:43:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [April 8, 2009, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/81 "2009-04-08T16:26:46Z")
> [@Death\_of\_Rats](#): > > Does anyone have a perspective on OG Herman Johnson, LSU? I have seen him in the combine and I know the guy is a beast size-wise, but can he actually play? Looking at his drills in the combine I would call him a safe third or early fourth-round pick, but was he an important part of the strenghth of LSU’s line? I haven’t seen much of him live, but I haven’t been really impressed with LSU’s run blocking over the last couple years. There are a ton of red flags with the guy starting with his weight and relative drive and strength, you’d expect a guy of his size to dominate much more than he does. In the NFL I’m not sure that many coaches see massive size as a benefit to a OG who needs to pull and move and zone block. He looks like a guy that could get blown past on blitzes and can’t compensate by being a road grader in the run game. That said, I almost guarantee you that he’ll be a reach in the 3rd round, OGs aren’t that rare or coveted, and in this very mediocre class the top candidates will come off the board no earlier than the 3rd round. A second or third tier guy like Johnson probably will still be available in the 5th round. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2009, 4:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/82 "2009-04-09T04:15:37Z")
> [@Death\_of\_Rats](#): > > Does anyone have a perspective on OG Herman Johnson, LSU? I have seen him in the combine and I know the guy is a beast size-wise, but can he actually play? Looking at his drills in the combine I would call him a safe third or early fourth-round pick, but was he an important part of the strenghth of LSU’s line? Here is the evaluation of him via ESPN: Overall Football Traits Production 2 Granted a medical red-shirt in 2004 after playing in two games. Played in 23 games (11 starts) the next two seasons, primarily at LOG and ROT. 2007: Starts all 14 games at LOG. 2008: Starts all 13 games at LOG and earns multiple first-team All-American honors. Height-Weight-Speed 2 Enormous offensive lineman. Biggest player in LSU football history. Weight will always need to be monitored. Speed is marginal for the position but adequate considering his enormous frame. Durability 2 Missed all of fall camp in 2004 due to an infection from a spider bite. Has dropped close to 50 pounds since enrolling at LSU in 2004, when he weighed nearly 400 pounds. Has shown good durability the past three seasons (2006-'07), though. Started all 27 games during his past two seasons. Character 1 Has shown resiliency throughout his entire life. His parents are the late Herman Johnson and Karen Johnson. He has shed a significant amount of weight throughout his career and also overcame a spider bite that resulted in a medical red-shirt in 2004. Offensive Guard specific Traits Strength/Toughness 3 He’s enormous and flashes a mean streak. Generally works to finish his blocks. However, he is surprisingly weak for such a massive lineman. There is very little power to his game. He also loses a lot of his strength at the point of attack because he plays so high. Agility 5 He is slow out of his stance and generally comes out of it too high. He’s a waist-bender that lacks the agility to mirror-and-slide efficiently in space. Shows marginal lateral quickness and poor balance. Awareness 3 Recognition skills are improving. Better awareness in pass pro than as a run blocker. Does a good job of recognizing stunts and blitzes, but struggles to find his assignment in space when run blocking. Pass Protection 4 Massive frame makes him difficult to get around, especially in tight quarters at the OG position. Long arms and huge hands allow him to keep separation. However, he does not have a powerful punch to jar DL initially and he struggles to redirect versus quick double moves. He’s not a natural knee bender. The more space he’s in the more vulnerable he becomes. DT’s with excellent first-step quickness are also problematic. Run Blocking 3 Enormous frame allows him to engulf most DL at the point of attack when he’s in position. But he lacks the explosive power to drive DL off the line and, despite his efforts; he struggles to sustain his blocks at times. He falls off too many blocks and ends up on the ground too frequently. Trait Scale 1 = Exceptional 2 = Above average 3 = Average 4 = Below average 5 = Marginal ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2009, 12:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/83 "2009-04-09T12:09:26Z")
#5 is a crappy place to draft this year unless Curry falls there. I was settling on the idea of BJ Raji with the pick, teaming up next to Shaun Rogers to create a scary d-line, but the positive marijuana test almost takes him out of the running. I don’t really care that he smoked pot - but what kind of idiot do you have to be to smoke pot before you know you’re going to get tested in the most important time in your life to make the right impression? It’s staggering to me that any potential first day pick would even consider fucking this one up. So what does that leave? Crabtree would be my next pick I guess - but between the pass happy system and his foot injury I’m not that enthusiastic about him. He seems more of an effort/smarts/hands guy than a physical specimen - how do those receivers usually work out as high draft picks? Hmm… Orakpo is looking like the pick assuming Curry is gone. He scares me - although he has some college production he has insane strength workout numbers that raised his stock, I think. #5 is a big risk drafting a DE-\>OLB prospect… you better be pretty sure you’re getting Shawne Merriman if you’re gonna do that. If Curry isn’t there, I’m hoping someone falls in love with Sanchez and wants to trade up into the 5 slot to grab him. My sleeper pick of the year: Michael Mitchell, S, Ohio University. Someone’s gonna be happy when they pick him up in round 6 or so. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2009, 1:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/84 "2009-04-09T13:20:39Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > So what does that leave? Crabtree would be my next pick I guess - but between the pass happy system and his foot injury I’m not that enthusiastic about him. He seems more of an effort/smarts/hands guy than a physical specimen - how do those receivers usually work out as high draft picks? Hmm… I don’t know about that. You have to be a beast to put up the sort of numbers he did as a freshman. Receivers taken early can and do work out well: Andre Johnson, Calvin Johnson and Larry Fitzgerald would be the most recent examples. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2009, 6:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/85 "2009-04-09T18:35:39Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > #5 is a crappy place to draft this year unless Curry falls there. I was settling on the idea of BJ Raji with the pick, teaming up next to Shaun Rogers to create a scary d-line, but the positive marijuana test almost takes him out of the running. I don’t really care that he smoked pot - but what kind of idiot do you have to be to smoke pot before you know you’re going to get tested in the most important time in your life to make the right impression? It’s staggering to me that any potential first day pick would even consider fucking this one up. It seems most likely that he [did not](http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft09/news/story?id=4049988) test positive. > [@](#): > > “On Friday, the NFL issued a statement challenging the foundation for these reports and indicating that neither the league nor its member clubs know the results of drug or steroid tests taken at the 2009 combine and that the independent medical advisers who administer the tests have notified in writing those players – and only those players – who tested positive at the combine,” the statement said. “B.J. Raji has NOT received any letter from the NFL or the Independent Administrator indicating that he tested positive for drugs at the combine.” ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2009, 7:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/86 "2009-04-09T19:48:55Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > #5 is a crappy place to draft this year unless Curry falls there. I was settling on the idea of BJ Raji with the pick, teaming up next to Shaun Rogers to create a scary d-line, but the positive marijuana test almost takes him out of the running. I don’t really care that he smoked pot - but what kind of idiot do you have to be to smoke pot before you know you’re going to get tested in the most important time in your life to make the right impression? It’s staggering to me that any potential first day pick would even consider fucking this one up. > > So what does that leave? Crabtree would be my next pick I guess - but between the pass happy system and his foot injury I’m not that enthusiastic about him. He seems more of an effort/smarts/hands guy than a physical specimen - how do those receivers usually work out as high draft picks? Hmm… > > Orakpo is looking like the pick assuming Curry is gone. He scares me - although he has some college production he has insane strength workout numbers that raised his stock, I think. #5 is a big risk drafting a DE-\>OLB prospect… you better be pretty sure you’re getting Shawne Merriman if you’re gonna do that. > > If Curry isn’t there, I’m hoping someone falls in love with Sanchez and wants to trade up into the 5 slot to grab him. > > My sleeper pick of the year: Michael Mitchell, S, Ohio University. Someone’s gonna be happy when they pick him up in round 6 or so. There’s still Andre Smith. 5 is a good spot. Besides, it’s right around the start of where you can actually trade out of it. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2009, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/87 "2009-04-09T21:33:55Z")
> [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](#): > > There’s still Andre Smith. 5 is a good spot. Besides, it’s right around the start of where you can actually trade out of it. If Sanchez gets past Seattle I would bet that they’d be getting lots of calls. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2009, 10:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/88 "2009-04-09T22:05:22Z")
> [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](#): > > There’s still Andre Smith. 5 is a good spot. Besides, it’s right around the start of where you can actually trade out of it. Isn’t Andre Smith considered a second round prospect after he totally shit his pants when given a chance to be a responsible adult at the combine? He’d be the right tackle on our team anyway and I don’t think anyone’s ever dropped a top 10 pick on someone they planned to have a as a right tackle. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2009, 10:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/89 "2009-04-09T22:39:20Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > Isn’t Andre Smith considered a second round prospect after he totally shit his pants when given a chance to be a responsible adult at the combine? Nah, everyone overreacted to that in the media. He cost himself a lot of money and probably went from a likely top 3 pick down to the 10-20 range. No one has had him out of the first round, remember his on-field performance had him as the consensus #1 LT. Though 5 is probably too high to gamble with him when there are other OTs in his class and either Smith or Monroe will probably be available. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2009, 10:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/90 "2009-04-09T22:49:07Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > #5 is a crappy place to draft this year unless Curry falls there. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the 5th spot, it’s not like there are 4 “sure things” and a big step down. It’s just that Cleveland’s needs don’t match up especially well with the talent available. There will be a elite LT available there and there are teams that would love to be in that spot, ditto Sanchez. Here’s the most recent Mock from Mel Kiper: > [@](#): > > 1. Detroit Lions (Record: 0-16) > > Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia: Stafford is worthy of being the No. 1 overall pick, thanks to his overall skill set. > > 1. St. Louis Rams (2-14) > > Jason Smith, OT, Baylor: The OT spot is strong at the top with Smith, a former tight end who is supremely athletic and exactly what you want in a left tackle: someone you can count on to protect the blind side of your quarterback. > > 1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14) > > Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest: He’s a complete OLB with great character and work ethic, which is why it was no surprise when he nailed his combine workout. > > 1. Seattle Seahawks (4-12) > > Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia: Monroe is just a shade below Jason Smith, in my opinion, but is a legit top-five pick. > > 1. Cleveland Browns (4-12) > > Michael Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech: The stress fracture in his left foot shouldn’t affect his draft status. He’s a big-time player who should have a Larry Fitzgerald-type career in the NFL. > > 1. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1) > > Andre Smith, OT, Alabama: Smith has to manage his weight in order to remain on the left side. If he doesn’t, he’s a mauler at right tackle who could really assist the running game and do the job at that spot in pass protection. Hopefully, he’ll maximize his skills in the NFL by paying more attention to detail. If he doesn’t, you’re looking at a major bust. > > 1. Oakland Raiders (5-11) > > Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri: Maclin will have to adjust to an NFL offense, but I really like his big-play capability and the fact that he’s much more explosive with the pads on than his 4.46-second 40-yard dash at the combine would lead you to believe. > > 1. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11) > > Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas: I view Orakpo as a 4-3 end with the ability to also play on his feet in a 3-4 as an attacking outside linebacker. He is super-athletic and incredibly strong, but there is concern about his durability. > > 1. Green Bay Packers (6-10) > > B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College: Raji is the top defensive tackle in this draft. > > 1. San Francisco 49ers (7-9) > > Aaron Maybin, DE, Penn State: Maybin is another combo-type who is explosive out of the blocks and relentless in his pursuit of the quarterback. > > 1. Buffalo Bills (7-9) > > Robert Ayers, DE, Tennessee: Ayers enjoyed a solid season in the SEC and then was one of the standouts during Senior Bowl week. He ran the 40 in 4.80 at the combine, though, which could give some teams pause. > > 1. Denver Broncos (8-8) > > Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU: Jackson would be ideal in a 3-4, thanks to his ability to shift inside in passing situations. > > 1. Washington Redskins (8-8) > > Mark Sanchez, QB, USC: Sanchez definitely is one of the top five to eight players available in this draft, and getting him here would be a bit of a steal, because had he returned to USC for his senior season, he likely would have been the No. 1 overall pick. > > 1. New Orleans Saints (8-8) > > Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State: Wells is a nice fit for the Saints after they let running back Deuce McAllister go in the offseason. He could be a perfect complement to Reggie Bush. > > 1. Houston Texans (8-8) > > Brian Cushing, OLB, USC: Cushing’s ability to fit both inside and outside is the reason I’ve always viewed him as a surefire first-rounder. > > 1. San Diego Chargers (8-8) > > Rey Maualuga, LB, USC: Maualuga is capable of becoming a quality “Mike” linebacker in the NFL but needs to use his hands better to ward off blocks and must be more consistent from week to week. > > 1. New York Jets (9-7) > > Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland: Heyward-Bey’s awesome size-speed ratio should win out here and give the Jets the kind of receiver they need to open up the passing game. > > 1. Denver Broncos (from Chicago) (8-8) > > Everette Brown, DE, Florida State: Brown could make an immediate impact in the Broncos’ defense because of his strong skill set. > > 1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7) > > Josh Freeman, QB, Kansas State: Freeman is an interesting prospect because he throws a great ball and has imposing size at nearly 6-foot-6 and 245 pounds. However, his inconsistent play puts him in the boom-or-bust category. > > 1. Detroit Lions (from Dallas) (0-16) > > Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi: Oher is one of the more intriguing prospects in the draft. He’s loaded with talent and can dominate the defense he’s working against, but he also seems to have lapses in concentration when he struggles to keep his opponents at bay. > > 1. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) > > Knowshon Moreno, RB, Georgia: There isn’t anything remotely close to the talent and depth at running back available in the draft last year, but Moreno is a good fit for the Eagles at this spot. > > 1. Minnesota Vikings (10-6) > > Kenny Britt, WR, Rutgers: Britt has a ton of talent and is just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential. > > 1. New England Patriots (11-5) > > Donald Brown, RB, Connecticut: Brown could end up being one of the more productive rookie backs in 2009 because of his all-around skills and tremendous character. > > 1. Atlanta Falcons (11-5) > > Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State: Pettigrew remains the No. 1 tight end on the board and would be a help to young Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan. > > 1. Miami Dolphins (11-5) > > Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State: Jenkins has all the qualities you look for, with the exception of top-flight recovery speed, which is an obvious concern. Even so, he’s too good an overall performer to pass up in the middle of the first round. > > 1. Baltimore Ravens (11-5) > > Vontae Davis, CB, Illinois: Davis is an impressive physical specimen, but he lacked consistency with the Illini, not always performing at the elite level you would expect from a player with his natural talent and ability. He’ll be a gamble. > > 1. Indianapolis Colts (12-4) > > Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi: Jerry is a very underrated prospect, and would be a good fit in the Indianapolis scheme. > > 1. Philadelphia Eagles (from 12-4 CAR) (9-6-1) > > Eben Britton, OT, Arizona: Britton could be a good fit for the Eagles’ offensive line, although I would have liked to see him return for his senior year. > > 1. New York Giants (12-4) > > Hakeem Nicks, WR, North Carolina: Nicks won’t wow you in a workout, but on game day he makes the tough catches and is the type of player who wants the ball thrown his way in clutch situations. > > 1. Tennessee Titans (13-3) > > Percy Harvin, WR, Florida: Harvin reminds me of the Reggie Bush we now see with the Saints. You can utilize Harvin in a number of ways, and, like Bush, he’s a scoreboard-changer. However, he also carries the same durability concerns as Bush. > > 1. Arizona Cardinals (9-7) > > Larry English, LB, Northern Illinois: English set the all-time sack record at Northern Illinois, and could be an impact player in Arizona. > > 1. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) > > Eric Wood, C, Louisville: Wood has been a player on the rise of late, and with his size and skills he could find himself a Steeler for a very long time. He’s got Crabtree going to the Browns, they should be pretty happy with that. Crabtree is a stud, especially since Edwards is almost certainly gone, either via trade before the season starts or when his contract is up next year. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2009, 11:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/91 "2009-04-09T23:01:57Z")
The media circus around Edwards this season has been somewhat overblown, it’s not that clear he’ll be gone. There’s a good chance of it, but it’s not as if irreparable damage has been done. He doesn’t seem to have a problem with the new coaching staff - if he bolts it’s because he wants to go to a bigger stage. If no CBA is signed, Edwards is an RFA in '10. If the CBA is signed and the franchise tag is still in place, he could be franchised. He may resign on his own. I’d guess there’s probably a 50/50 chance Edwards is a Brown in '10. But that’s no reason not to draft Crabtree. The receiver depth sucks, Edwards may be gone anyway, and it’s not exactly a bad thing to have 2 good receivers. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2009, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/92 "2009-04-09T23:13:54Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > Isn’t Andre Smith considered a second round prospect after he totally shit his pants when given a chance to be a responsible adult at the combine? > > He’d be the right tackle on our team anyway and I don’t think anyone’s ever dropped a top 10 pick on someone they planned to have a as a right tackle. You read wrong. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [April 9, 2009, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/93 "2009-04-09T23:44:54Z")
> [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](#): > > You read wrong. Well.. no one is really considering him top 5. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [April 10, 2009, 1:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/94 "2009-04-10T01:05:14Z")
> [@SenorBeef](#): > > Well.. no one is really considering him top 5. Maybe. Maybe not. I think you have to consider him if you want a top-tier tackle, and while Cleveland doesn’t need one, that pick could get marketable. ---
**Author:** ![Death\_of\_Rats](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a6a055/32.png) [@Death\_of\_Rats](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Death_of_Rats)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2009, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/95 "2009-04-13T21:21:23Z")
The NFL has announced the invitees to the Green Room at the Draft. Our lucky contestants are: WR Michael Crabtree LB Aaron Curry LB Brian Cushing QB Josh Freeman T Eugene Monroe T Michael Oher DE Brian Orakpo T Jason Smith QB Matthew Stafford Who is your vote for this years “Guy waiting around alone for his name to be called long after eveyone else is gone” award? I am thinking it will either be Oher or Freeman, with my money leaning toward Oher. Freeman may go in the teens, Oher should at least go in twenties. ---
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [April 13, 2009, 10:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/96 "2009-04-13T22:08:57Z")
That’s a strange group. I wonder why Sanchez isn’t in the mix, some people think there’s an outside chance he’ll go #1 overall and certainly in the top 5. What about Maclin, Maualuga and Raji? I think Freeman will be the lonely man left late in the 1st round. With Tampa signing Leftwich today that probably takes him off the board for them and a lot of people really are down on him as a 1st round possibility. Oher could fall just because there are a bunch of other OTs available, but maybe Andre Smith’s questions will boost him into the top 20. I also think Cushing could slide and there’s a lot of debate on which of those second tier LBs is best. For ESPN Insiders, here’s a fun little Draft Glossary that they came up with to explain some of the goofy terms that Kiper and other draftniks will throw out there. > **[FBO: A complete football terminology glossary](https://insider.espn.com/nfl/insider/news/story?id=4034344)** > > When the NFL draft season rolls around -- at this point, it's almost NFL draft season all the time -- do you ever get confused by what scouts and analysts say? 'Two-gap DT' and such? Football Outsiders brings you a detailed glossary to simplify it... ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2009, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/97 "2009-04-14T00:58:43Z")
Nine of them? Aren’t there usually five or so? I clearly remember Cadillac Williams not being invited in 2004 even though everyone knew he was going to be the fifth pick. > [@](#): > > That’s a strange group. I wonder why Sanchez isn’t in the mix, some people think there’s an outside chance he’ll go #1 overall and certainly in the top 5. What about Maclin, Maualuga and Raji? Looks like they’re trying to represent each position kind-of-evenly. Oher can play all three line spots. Bit odd that they invited Cushing instead of a D-back, though. I will be very surprised if Sanchez goes in the top 5. And Freeman is a total waste of space. I won’t shed a tear if he’s this year’s Aaron Rodgers. ---
**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2009, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/98 "2009-04-14T01:00:30Z")
I’m thinking Maualuga is going to drop to the mid twenties at the earliest. He seems like a highlight reel player who occasionally demolishes people but often screw things up but it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb because he’s surrounded by a lot of very talented players. It’s strange that Freeman was invited over Sanchez. He’s totally unpredictable… in mocks I’ve seen him anywhere from #12 to round 2. ---
**Author:** ![vinniepaz](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b4bc9f/32.png) [@vinniepaz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/vinniepaz)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2009, 1:15am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/99 "2009-04-14T01:15:19Z")
No cite, but I’m pretty sure Sanchez was invited and opted to watch it at home in California with his team/family ---
**Author:** ![Jules\_Andre](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jules_andre/32/9334_2.png) [@Jules\_Andre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jules_Andre)\ **Post date:** [April 14, 2009, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914/100 "2009-04-14T01:24:33Z")
I had read on ESPN that Sanchez was invited, but he declined in order to spend the time with his close friends and family. (Guess I should have hit preview, eh?) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/the-2009-nfl-draft-thread/484914.md?page=6)