Spring Break
Lions on the clock for Saturday's NFL Draft
Sean Labar
Issue date: 4/23/09 Section: Sports
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5. Cleveland Browns: Jeremy Maclin, WR, Missouri
With the departure of tight end Kellen Winslow, Donte Stallworth's potential manslaughter charge and recent talks of trading Braylon Edwards, the Cleveland Browns are in desperate need of a playmaking wide receiver. Jeremy Maclin's stock has increased in the last week and I believe he is now the best wide out in the draft. Unlike Michael Crabtree of Texas Tech, Maclin isn't injury prone and is a safe pick. At 6-foot-1, 200 pounds, the Missouri standout has the size to create space and get downfield. He has incredible speed and can also be used as a kick and punt returner. Maclin has the ability to jet into second gear, leaving opposing defenders in their tracks. I like this guy and think he would be a key addition for Eric Mangini's offense as he makes his debut as the Browns' head coach.
4. The Seattle Seahawks: B.J. Raji, DE, Boston College
Most mock drafts don't have B.J. Raji going this early, but I see something special in him and think he will become a dominant force at the defensive end position. There is a lot of speculation after he tested positive for marijuana at the 2009 NFL combine, but I think any intelligent general manager could see past that and recognize his sheer talent. At 6-foot-2, 337 pounds, Raji is a human bulldozer and the kryptonite for opposing quarterbacks. The Seahawks ranked dead last in 2008 in yards allowed-per game. I believe Raji is a necessity for Seattle and can easily become the new face of their franchise.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest
Kansas City trusts its offense under the leadership of newly-signed quarterback Matt Cassel and will look to bulk up a struggling defense in the draft. Aaron Curry is significantly better than any other linebacker in the 2009 class. I believe he is a lock to become a Chief. Curry stands a healthy 6-foot-2 and weighs 245 pounds. He comes from the ACC, a conference struggling to compete with the other elites. He is hungry for competition and has the skill to succeed his first year in the NFL. Lift your chins, Kansas City; if I predict correctly, you are getting something truly special come Saturday night.
2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, OT, Baylor
At 6-foot-5, 309 pounds, Smith is a giant. Quarterback Marc Bulger still has the talent and leadership to command the offense, but lacks the protection to do so. Since the departure of offensive tackle Orlando Pace, the Rams have had dismal offensive protection, making it difficult for running back Steven Jackson and the entire offense to produce points. Smith has the edge on offensive tackle Eugene Monroe of Virginia and is the best offensive tackle in the draft. I hope the Rams' front office makes the right decision and gives the former Bear a new den in St. Louis.
1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia
Detroit, historically known for successful sports franchises and hard-working American citizens, needs a sports hero to rescue the city from its economic woes. Coming off of a 0-16 season is certainly tough, but there is nowhere to go but up. Matthew Stafford is capable of becoming a leader for this team and winning a few games along the ride. On top of that, he will fill up Ford field with the Lions' faithful fans that have been miserable since the departure of standout back Barry Sanders. I don't think Stafford has the ability to do what Matt Ryan did with the Falcons, but I am confident that he can win at least a quarter of his games and put Detroit back in the right direction. Former GM Matt Millen is finally gone and I believe the new decision makers won't miss this one.
This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.
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