Mock drafts
While Steve Wyche has the Lions taking Matthew Stafford with the No. 1 overall pick, Pat Kirwan thinks Detroit will be better served going with a different position of need at that spot.
My pre-combine, pre-free agency mock draft looks a lot different than this version as combine performances, or lack thereof, affected perceptions. I still have Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford going No. 1 to Detroit, but that's hardly a lock. A good pro day on March 19, at which I will atttend, could make it one, though.
Alabama tackle Andre Smith's disappearing act at the combine hurt him, but if he interviews well and shows that he is in shape at his pro day and during private workouts for teams, I can't see Cincinnati, which just lost OT Stacy Andrews to free agency, passing. If Smith continues to falter, he still might not get past San Francisco at No. 10. Sure the Bengals need a WR, but they can get one in free agency or find a good one, like T. J. Houshmandzadeh-type Brian Robiskie, in the second round.
Though Ohio State CB Malcolm Jenkins didn't run a blazing 40 at the combine, I think coaches know he can play ball and could still be a top-five pick, even if he's moved to safety. Though the Raiders love speed, they need somebody who can catch for still-learning quarterback JaMarcus Russell, which is why I don't think Texas Tech WR Michael Crabtree falls past Oakland at No. 7, despite his pending foot surgery that will leave teams guessing about his speed.
What is it GMs say? "The film doesn't lie." If that's the case, Crabtree is still the best receiver in the draft.
