Facebook Twitter Mobile alerts

Home | Sports | Access Vikings

Picks abound: A team-by-team look at the 2009 draft

Last update: April 24, 2009 - 6:32 AM

1. Detroit (0-16 in 2008) The Lions also have the 20th overall pick, from Dallas. Detroit desperately needs franchise QB, but giving Matt Stafford $30-plus million in guaranteed money might make OT Jason Smith or LB Aaron Curry more affordable options.

2. St. Louis (2-14) The Rams have new GM Billy Devaney and coach Steve Spagnuolo in charge. They lack depth at OL and WR after releasing veterans Orlando Pace and Torry Holt, so OTs Smith and Eugene Monroe are possibilities, as is WR Michael Crabtree.

3. Kansas City (2-14) New Chiefs GM Scott Pioli already addressed most important position, trading with his old employer for New England quarterback Matt Cassel. The Chiefs badly need to upgrade D-line and wide receivers and right side of O-line.

4. Seattle (4-12) The Seahawks aren't squashing speculation they might take Southern Cal QB Mark Sanchez, or Stafford if he's not gone. But new coach Jim Mora has a defense-first mind.

5. Cleveland (4-12) Former Jets coach Eric Mangini moves to the Browns. Many expect weekend trades, possibly involving WR Braylon Edwards, or QBs Brady Quinn and Derek Anderson.

6. Cincinnati (4-11-1) The Bengals' priority is to upgrade both lines. They gave up 51 sacks and had only 17 last season. Signing DT Tank Johnson from Dallas could help get pressure on passer.

7. Oakland (5-11) The Raiders need more help for young QB JaMarcus Russell. They'd probably love to nab Crabtree, or get DT B.J. Raji to help their run defense.

8. Jacksonville (5-11) The Jaguars are rebuilding, and signed free agent WR Torry Holt this week. Owner Wayne Weaver cleaned house, parting with eight veterans. With new GM Gene Smith calling the shots, the Jaguars hope to reverse fortunes.

9. Green Bay (6-10) The Packers and their defense unraveled after injuries. They are switching to 3-4 under new defensive coordinator Dom Capers and are desperate for defensive ends who fit that scheme, along with an outside linebacker.

10. San Francisco (7-9) The 49ers missed the playoffs in their sixth consecutive year with losing record, but surged late in season with new coach Mike Singletary and QB Shaun Hill. They need a star receiver, a physical nose tackle and a DB.

11. Buffalo (7-9) After signing WR Terrell Owens, the Bills need either a pass-rushing specialist to complement Aaron Schobel, or run-stuffing tackle to play alongside Marcus Stroud.

12. Denver (8-8) The Broncos also have the 18th overall pick after trading QB Jay Cutler to Chicago. They signed 16 free agents, but new coach Josh McDaniels plans to build his front seven through draft. He needs a nose tackle and pass rushers as he switches to 3-4 defense.

13. Washington (8-8) Both lines are aging, although signing DT Albert Haynesworth will bolster the Redskins defense. QB Jason Campbell was almost traded ... if Sanchez falls to here, Redskins might bite.

14. New Orleans (8-8) Disappointment with 2007 free-agent acquisition Jason David is a reason for the Saints to take a CB. They need versatility at LB and could use a punishing RB.

15. Houston (8-8) The Texans might be on the verge of a big season. They need a CB to play opposite Dunta Robinson and an OLB to pair with star MLB DeMeco Ryans.

16. San Diego (8-8) The Chargers don't have a second-rounder, so might trade down. They also might want an eventual replacement for LaDainian Tomlinson.

17. New York Jets (9-7) New coach Rex Ryan says Kellen Clemens, Brett Ratliff and Erik Ainge will compete for starting QB job, but speculation is they could trade up for Sanchez. The Jets retooled through free agency but need a speedy WR and depth at DE.

19. Tampa Bay (9-7) New GM Mark Dominik and coach Raheem Morris could use their first-round pick to tab a QB of the future. LB and DT are priorities, too, especially after surprise release of LBs Derrick Brooks and Cato June.

21. Philadelphia (9-6-1) The Eagles, who lost in the NFC title game, also have the 28th pick in the first round. They could trade up or trade one of the picks to get player who can make immediate impact at wide receiver or offensive tackle.

22. Vikings (10-6) The Vikings would love to snag a starting RT to replace ineffective Ryan Cook or a playmaking WR to complement Bernard Berrian.

23. New England (11-5) The Patriots need youth at LB, DB and WR. They received only a second-round pick when they traded QB Matt Cassel and LB Mike Vrabel to Kansas City, but have four of the top 58 choices.

24. Atlanta (11-5) The Falcons had a strong season behind rookie QB Matt Ryan, but they need help on defense, at line, LB and secondary. They addressed TE by trading for Tony Gonzalez.

25. Miami (11-5) The departure of Andre Goodman left glaring hole at CB. An OLB to play opposite Joey Porter also would upgrade defense, and Miami has lacked a No. 1 receiver since trading Chris Chambers in 2007.

26. Baltimore (11-5) GM Ozzie Newsome usually chooses talent over need, but he might decide to fill a void at WR, CB, OL or LB early because Baltimore has only six picks.

27. Indianapolis (12-4) Opponents repeatedly exposed Indy's soft middle last season, making a bigger, stronger player at DT or LB a necessity -- or at least an OLB who can make plays more consistently.

29. N.Y. Giants (12-4) Without deep threat Plaxico Burress, the Giants lost four of their final five. They might pluck a WR at this spot, but have 10 picks (five in first three rounds) and could move up or swing a trade.

30. Tennessee (13-3) The Titans need offensive speed to ease the pressure on RB Chris Johnson, and a defensive tackle and defensive end to help replace All-Pro Albert Haynesworth, who left for massive contract from Washington.

31. Arizona (9-7) The Cardinals could use an RB to help the worst running game in NFL. Also an OLB because team needs to improve pass rush. Will WR Anquan Boldin be traded this weekend?

32. Pittsburgh (12-4) The Super Bowl champions know WR and CB are necessities, and their defensive linemen all are in their 30s. They didn't take the big hit in free agency that some Super Bowl winners do.

49. Chicago (9-7) The Bears' trade for Denver QB Jay Cutler cost them their first-rounder. Now, they need to add some WRs.

51. Dallas (9-7) The Cowboys traded their first-rounder to Detroit in the Roy Williams deal. They still need help at WR after losing Terrell Owens, depth on both lines and youth at LB.

59. Carolina (12-4) The Panthers traded their first-rounder to the Eagles to draft RT Jeff Otah last year. They wil seek help on the DL and OL and look for a WR.

Recent Access Vikings stories

Picky defense helps Saints stay perfect - April 24, 2009
Picky defense helps Saints stay perfect - Jabari Greer returned an interception for a touchdown, and New Orleans improved to 7-0, its best start since 1991. More

Comment on this story   |   Read all 6 comments   |  Hide reader comments

Subscribe
Access Vikings Premium
Want even more Vikings coverage?
Sign up to get exclusive online access to Access Vikings columnists, live chats, post-game photo galleries and more.

Login or Join now!

Win tickets and gear: This week’s prize is 2 tickets to the Nov. 29 Vikings vs. Chicago game. Enter now!

Play Upick’em: Join our weekly contest. It’s fun and free, and you can win prizes. Play now!

Meet Grand Prize winner Kay and her friends! Plus view all entries from our Fanatical Football Fan contest! Go now!

see all StarTribune.com contests >>


Date/Opponent Time W L Score
Sep 13 - at Cleveland 12:00 PM1034-20
Sep 20 - at Detroit 12:00 PM2027-13
Sep 27 - vs. San Francisco 12:00 PM3027-24
Oct 5 - vs. Green Bay 7:30 PM4030-23
Oct 11 - at St. Louis 12:00 PM5038-10
Oct 18 - vs. Baltimore 12:00 PM6033-31
Oct 25 - at Pittsburgh 12:00 PM6117-27
Nov 1 - at Green Bay 3:15 PM7138-26
Open     
Nov 15 - vs. Detroit 12:00 PM   
Nov 22 - vs. Seattle 12:00 PM   
Nov 29 - vs. Chicago 12:00 PM   
Dec 6 - at Arizona 3:15 PM   
Dec 13 - vs. Cincinnati 12:00 PM   
Dec 20 - at Carolina 7:20 PM   
Dec 28 - at Chicago 7:30 PM   
Jan 3 - vs. NY Giants 12:00 PM   

© 2009 Star Tribune. All rights reserved.

Contact UsAbout UsTerms of Service
Privacy PolicyMember CenterAdvertise

Powered by Clickability