Commentary
Two quarterbacks, two seniors among latest mock top five
A pair if quarterbacks and a pair of seniors lead Todd McShay's latest mock top five.
Originally Published: December 31, 2008
By
Todd McShay | Scouts Inc.
|
Who fills out the top 10? Which other prospects look like first-rounders at this point? And who are the top remaining players on the board? Todd McShay has the answers. Mock Draft Extra |

1. Detroit Lions (Record: 0-16) -- Sam Bradford**, QB, Oklahoma
The Lions could have a tough choice here between Bradford and Georgia's Matthew Stafford. Bradford could use another year of experience and improved strength. There will also be concerns regarding his transition to the NFL from a shotgun-heavy offense at Oklahoma, where he is afforded the luxury of a first-class supporting cast. On the positive side, Bradford excels in the areas most critical to being a successful quarterback in the NFL: mental makeup, intangibles and accuracy. If the Lions aren't sold on any of the available quarterbacks in the upcoming draft, selecting an elite offensive tackle like Andre Smith wouldn't be a bad option. Just ask the Dolphins how the Jake Long pick worked out.
2. St. Louis Rams (2-14) -- Andre Smith*, OT, Alabama
While his suspension for improper dealings with an agent is disappointing, it doesn't appear to point to a larger issue regarding Smith's character. Assuming those concerns are unfounded Smith should be the first offensive lineman taken off the board. He's not as polished as Long was coming out of Michigan, but Smith possesses better overall physical tools. It's no secret the Rams wanted Long badly last year so it's safe to assume Smith will be high on their wish list a few months from now.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14) -- Matthew Stafford*, QB, Georgia
Tyler Thigpen showed some promise as a fill-in starter this season, which gives the Chiefs some flexibility at No. 3. There are people inside the Chiefs organization that are very high on Stafford, and for good reason. He plays under center in something close to a pro-style offense at Georgia. He faced top competition in the SEC and did not have a great supporting cast around him. Stafford also has a rifle for an arm and is very accurate when is footwork is correct. His inconsistency and lapses in judgment are concerning, which is why we could have an interesting arms race between Stafford and Bradford if both are available for the upcoming draft.
4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12) -- Aaron Curry, OLB, Wake Forest
Seahawks fans would certainly second-guess passing on a potential game-breaker like WR Michael Crabtree. It doesn't take much research, however, to realize the risks of taking a receiver this early in the draft. Curry is emerging as the top overall linebacker in the 2009 class because of his combination of physical tools, toughness and leadership. Teams build defenses around high-intensity guys like Curry and the Seahawks could be in the market if Leroy Hill bolts via free agency.
5. Cleveland Browns (4-12) -- Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State
It remains to be seen who will be making the decisions and what schemes the Browns will be running in 2009. They could be in the market for a rush-linebacker with this pick and a playmaker like Crabtree would be intriguing as well. Jenkins makes the most sense right now, though. The local product is an experienced and versatile playmaker who would instantly upgrade the athleticism of the secondary and also brings special teams value.Todd McShay is the director of college football scouting for Scouts Inc. He has been evaluating prospects for the NFL draft since 1998.
- ESPN College Football and NFL Draft Analyst
- Joined ESPN in 2006
- Played quarterback in high school and was a backup QB for the University of Richmond.
SPONSORED HEADLINES
MORE NFL HEADLINES
- Report: NFL calls for immediate HGH testing
- Goodson legal issues predate recent arrest
- Pack's Rodgers: Urlacher favorite opponent
- Vick says he's still NFL's fastest quarterback
MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM
EDITORS' PICKS

- Dizzying Heights
- Sid Gillman and his followers aired out the game. Coaching tree »

- Use Your Brain, RG III
- Robert Griffin III must be smarter when he starts to run. Chadiha »

- Double Take
- Greatest Coaches: Mike Shanahan went back to back. No. 19 »
- Bowen: 5 second-year breakout candidates
- Sprow: Namath wrong, Smith pick smart
- Joyner: 5 fantasy breakout players
- Red Flags: NFC East | North | South | West
- Kiper: 2014 Big Board | Top TEs | OLBs | ILBs

