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2009 NFL Draft: Day One Winners, Losers, and More
Published: April 26, 2009
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Day One of the 2009 NFL Draft is in the books and while it has been one of the more predictable drafts in recent years and has included just one dynamic trade (Mark Sanchez) but it has definitely had its moments including winners and losers:
Winners: (There are a lot to choose from in this category as a lot of teams did well)
Philadelphia Eagles – After filling their need for an offensive tackle by trading for Jason Peters, the Eagles filled their need for offensive playmakers with WR Jeremy Maclin and RB LeSean McCoy. McCoy in particular was an excellent selection and heir apparent to Brian Westbrook in the backfield.
New York Jets – The Jets entered the draft needing a quarterback more than anything else and were able to get their guy in Mark Sanchez without overpaying. Giving up a first, second, and three veterans who were no longer in their plans is a small price to play to get your franchise quarterback.
Getting Sanchez without giving up a 2010 pick was especially impressive.
Cincinnati Bengals – As usual the Bengals stood pat with their picks but filled their offensive tackle need with Andre Smith and received one of the biggest draft day steals in MLB Rey Maualuga.
It had to be tough for the Bengals to pass on highly rated C Max Unger but taking Maualuga was the right move and gives Marvin Lewis the MLB he has always wanted.
Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins did not get the wide receiver everyone expected them to take but managed to get two physical corners in the Parcells mold while also adding the ultimate Wildcat weapon in QB Pat White.
Cleveland Browns – They were able to accomplish what Kansas City’s Scott Pioli was not and traded out of the top five adding an additional second rounder in the process. The pick of C Alex Mack brought back memories of Mangini’s Nick Mangold pick from 2006 and while also adding one of the drafts top possession receivers in Brian Robiskie.
You can debate the Mohammed Massaquoi and David Veikune picks a little bit but the hidden gems of their day were the collection of role players they received from the Jets including S Abram Elam (fills a need) and Brett Ratliff (a darkhorse candidate for their quarterback derby).
Other teams that did well include the Colts, Packers, Baltimore, Jacksonville, and Minnesota.
Losers:
Denver Broncos – They did well with first rounders Knowshon Moreno and Robert Ayers but baffled with their trades in round two including giving up a 2010 first round pick for Alphonso Smith and trading up to get mildly regarded blocking tight end Richard Quinn.
When you have the bounty of pick the Broncos had there is no reason to give up a first round pick the following year.
Oakland Raiders – They reached for speedy WR Darrius Heyward-Bey at seventh overall (not a big surprise). Not satisfied that they had reached far enough they made the day one version of last year’s William Hayes pick by selecting lightly regarded workout warrior Michael Mitchell.a safety out of Ohio University.
The networks did not have film on a day one selection which has to be a first. Kudos to Sonny Jacobs for actually writing an article on Bleacher Report on April 24 requesting them to draft Mitchell. Of course, I doubt Jacobs meant for them to do it on day one.
Buffalo Bills – I liked the team’s focus on the offensive line with C Eric Wood and G Andy Levitre but I am not sold on Aaron Maybin at defensive end (esp. at 11th overall money) and CB Jairus Byrd was a bit of a reach (and not a great scheme fit).
Anquan Boldin and Chad Johnson—both veteran wide receivers wanted to relocate to get new contracts but after watching the teams with wide receiver needs select receivers in round one they are both resigned to playing under their current deals once again.
Awards:
Biggest Reach: Michael Mitchell by Oakland
Surprised to See Fall to Round Two: Rey Maualuga
Trader Jack Award: Cleveland—entered the draft with just five picks and managed to get three more while also adding three solid veterans in the process. The multiple trade downs for two extra six rounders was a nice display of managing the draft.
Nothing to Show for Day One Award: Dallas and Chicago both elected to trade out of day one altogether. Nothing wrong with it, but just wanted to mention how odd it was to have two teams come out of day one empty handed (aside from additional day two picks).
Best Available Entering Day Two According to NFLDraft101.com:
TE Shawn Nelson
CB DJ Moore
DT/DE Jarron Gilbert
G Duke Robinson
ILB Darry Beckwith
DE Michael Johnson
DE Lawrence Sidbury
TE Cornelius Ingram
OT Fenuki Tupou
S Rashad Johnson
TE Jared Cook
Be sure to check out NFLDraft101.com for Live Coverage of Day Two of the NFL Draft including Live Chat and Pick By Pick Commentary.
Chris Maier is Senior Editor for NFLDraft101.com. He can be reached at cmaier@nfldraft101.com
