Steelers Today – A Pittsburgh Steelers blog

Each year I am asked to participate in several blogger mock drafts.  My selection is approaching in one of those drafts, so I thought it would be wise to get my readers’ input on who you think I should be considering in this year’s draft. 

With that in mind, I am posting the picks that have already been made.  My selection is coming up soon.  I will post each selection leading up to mine, so you know exactly who is still on the board when pick #18 comes around. 

Here is the most recent selection, along with a recap of all of the previous picks.  This pick is being made by Jimmy Morris of the Tennessee Titans blog Music City Miracles.

With the 16th pick in the 2010 NFL Mock Draft Among Bloggers, the Tennessee Titans select…..

***Derrick Morgan, DE, Georgia Tech***

The Titans would be thrilled to see Derrick Morgan here.  Jeff Fisher has made no secret that this off-season is all about upgrading the defense.  Morgan is a big guy that can get after the passer, and that is where it all starts.  Morgan is arguably the best player on the board here, and he fills the biggest need for the Titans.

The San Francisco 49ers are now on the clock.

No Logo Needed’s 2010 Mock Draft Among Blogs selection recap:

2. Detroit Lions: The Wayne Fontes Experience
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma

3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucs Central
Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma State

4. Washington Redskins: The Curly R
Trent Williams, OT, Oklahoma

5. Kansas City Chiefs: Chiefs Report
Bryan Bulaga, OT, Iowa

6. Seattle Seahawks: Dave Krieg’s Strike Beard
Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma

7. Cleveland Browns: No Logo Needed
Eric Berry, DB, Tennessee

8. Oakland Raiders: Just Blog Baby
Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

9. Buffalo Bills: Buffalo Sports Now
Jimmy Clausen, QB, Notre Dame

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: Black and Teal  

Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama

11. Denver Broncos (from Chicago Bears): Bronco Talk

Mike Iupati, G, Iowa

April 24, 2009
By Donald Starver

Steelers Today has hooked up with 31 other NFL bloggers from around the country to do a bloggers’ mock draft. All 32 NFL teams are represented in the mock draft.

The mock draft is sponsored by Cleveland Browns blog No Logo Needed. For more details on the bloggers’ mock draft, click here.

To recap, the picks to date have gone as follows.  You can click on each pick to read the blogger’s rationale for the selection.

Round 1

33. Detroit Lions, James Laurinaitis, LB (OSU)
34. New England Patriots (from Kansas City) Connor Barwin, LB (Cincinnati)
35. St. Louis Rams, Brian Robiske, WR (OSU)
36. Cleveland Browns, William Moore, S (Missouri)
37. Seattle Seahawks, Robert Ayers, DL (Tennessee)
38. Cincinnati Bengals, Brandon Pettigrew, TE (Oklahoma State)
39. Jacksonville Jaguars, Ron Brace, DT (Boston College)
40. Oakland Raiders, Michael Johnson, DE (Georgia Tech)
41. Green Bay Packers, William Beatty, OT (Connecticut)
42. Buffalo Bills, Max Unger, G/C (Oregon)
43. San Francisco 49ers, Josh Freeman, QB (Kansas State)
44. Miami Dolphins (from Washington), Darius Butler, CB (UConn)
45. New York Giants (from New Orleans), Marcus Freeman, OLB (Ohio State)
46. Houston Texans, Tyrone McKenzie, OLB (South Florida)
47. New England Patriots (from San Diego), Evander Hood, DT (Missouri)
48. Denver Broncos, Cody Brown, OLB (UConn)
49. Chicago Bears, Duke Robinson, OG (Oklahoma)
50. Cleveland Browns (from Tampa Bay), Eric Wood, C, Louisville
51. Dallas Cowboys, Patrick Chung, S (Oregon)
52. New York Jets, Donald Brown, RB (UConn)
53. Philadelphia Eagles, Jared Cook, TE (South Carolina)
54. Minnesota Vikings, Phil Leadholt, OT (Oklahoma)
55. Atlanta Falcons, Shawn Nelson, TE (Southern Miss)
56. Miami Dolphins, Sean Smith, CB (Utah)
57. Baltimore Ravens, Victor Harris, CB (VA Tech)
58. New England Patriots, Louis Delmas, S (Western Michigan)
59. Carolina Panthers, Alphonso Smith, CB (Wake Forest)
60. New York Giants, Shonn Green, RB (Iowa)
61. Baltimore Colts, LeSean McCoy, RB (Pitt)
62. Tennessee Titans, Derrick Williams, WR (Penn State)
63. Arizona Cardinals, Lawrence Sidbury, DE, Richmond

With the 64th pick in the 2009 bloggers’ mock draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers select…….

Steelers fans have been burning up message boards expressing their desire to see the Steelers select a player from San Jose State.  Unfortunately, that player was Jarron Gilbert, and not Coye Francies.

I looked hard at Gilbert.  honestly, I did.  Moreover, when the Steelers signed former Colts’ CB Keiwan Ratliff today, I almost backed away from this selection.  However, Ratliff was only signed to a one year deal, and Francies is too good to pass up.

Some fans will say “Coye Who?”.  Francies started his career at a junior college before transfering to Oregon State. Unfortunately, he was kicked off the Oregon State team due to an off-field issue.  Since transferring to San Jose State, Francies has been a model citizen and a team captain.  His coaches have nothing but positive things to say about him.

Francies had outstanding performances in both the East-West Shrine game and in the Senior Bowl.  He’s tall, fast, and very athletic.  He is a bit light for his height, but he has the frame to put on weight.  More importantly, he plays very physical, and likes to deliver hits.  He is definitely the most under-rated CB in the draft, and now he is a Pittsburgh Steeler.

I know that Steelers fans are going to disagree with this pick, so let me know your thoughts.  Frankly, I predict that once fans look into Francies, they’ll find that he is a hidden gem.

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April 23, 2009
By Donald Starver

The Arizona Cardinals are on the clock, and the Steelers are on deck in the 2009 bloggers mock draft.  To recap, the picks to date have gone as follows.

Round 1

33. Detroit Lions, James Laurinaitis, LB (OSU)
34. New England Patriots (from Kansas City) Connor Barwin, LB (Cincinnati)
35. St. Louis Rams, Brian Robiske, WR (OSU)
36. Cleveland Browns, William Moore, S (Missouri)
37. Seattle Seahawks, Robert Ayers, DL (Tennessee)
38. Cincinnati Bengals, Brandon Pettigrew, TE (Oklahoma State)
39. Jacksonville Jaguars, Ron Brace, DT (Boston College)
40. Oakland Raiders, Michael Johnson, DE (Georgia Tech)
41. Green Bay Packers, William Beatty, OT (Connecticut)
42. Buffalo Bills, Max Unger, G/C (Oregon)
43. San Francisco 49ers, Josh Freeman, QB (Kansas State)
44. Miami Dolphins (from Washington), Darius Butler, CB (UConn)
45. New York Giants (from New Orleans), Marcus Freeman, OLB (Ohio State)
46. Houston Texans, Tyrone McKenzie, OLB (South Florida)
47. New England Patriots (from San Diego), Evander Hood, DT (Missouri)
48. Denver Broncos, Cody Brown, OLB (UConn)
49. Chicago Bears, Duke Robinson, OG (Oklahoma)
50. Cleveland Browns (from Tampa Bay), Eric Wood, C, Louisville
51. Dallas Cowboys, Patrick Chung, S (Oregon)
52. New York Jets, Donald Brown, RB (UConn)
53. Philadelphia Eagles, Jared Cook, TE (South Carolina)
54. Minnesota Vikings, Phil Leadholt, OT (Oklahoma)
55. Atlanta Falcons, Shawn Nelson, TE (Southern Miss)
56. Miami Dolphins, Sean Smith, CB (Utah)
57. Baltimore Ravens, Victor Harris, CB (VA Tech)
58. New England Patriots, Louis Delmas, S (Western Michigan)
59. Carolina Panthers, Alphonso Smith, CB (Wake Forest)
60. New York Giants, Shonn Green, RB (Iowa)
61. Baltimore Colts, LeSean McCoy, RB (Pitt)
62. Tennessee Titans, Derrick Williams, WR (Penn State)
63. Arizona Cardinals
64. Pittsburgh Steelers

I don’t know who the Cardinals are going to take, but I know who I don’t want them to take.  I have my eyes on a certain player, and I am really excited about the opportunity to draft him.  Just like my first selection, I know that Steelers fans are going to disagree with this pick.  But trust me, it’s a GREAT pick.

If you have suggestions about who you think I should take, please drop me a line and let me know who you would pick.  Then stop by tomorrow to see if our selections match.

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Steelers Today has been participating in a mock draft among bloggers. 31 picks have been made, and the Steelers are on the clock.

To see all of the players who have been drafted so far, click here.

Many of the players that fans want the Steelers to take like Tyson Jackson and Alex Mack are already off the board. So, who do you think the Steelers should select of the players who are still left?

I have to make my selection by tomorrow morning, so let me know what you think.

(If you enjoyed this article, please consider leaving a comment below. Also, please subscribe to our blog by pressing the orange button below. Thanks.)

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Steelers Today has hooked up with 31 other NFL bloggers from around the country to do a bloggers’ mock draft. All 32 NFL teams are represented in the mock draft.

The mock draft is sponsored by Cleveland Browns blog No Logo Needed. For more details on the bloggers’ mock draft, click here.

With the 31st pick of the 2009 NFL Draft the Arizona Cardinals select……

The Cardinals could also use an upgrade at center and after the way James Harrison abused Mike Gandy in the Super Bowl they have to at least consider bringing in a new left tackle as well. Keep an eye on outside linebacker here too because even though the Cards have some solid options like Travis LaBoy and Chike Okeafor they really don’t  have that impact pass rusher at  the position.

1. Detroit Lions: Mathew Stafford, QB (Georgia)
2. St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe, OT (Virginia)
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB (Wake Forest)
4. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Crabtree, WR (Texas Tech)
5. Cleveland Browns: Rey Maualuga, LB (Southern California)
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Jason Smith, OT (Baylor)
7. Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin, WR (Missouri)
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: B.J. Raji, DT (Boston College)
9. Green Bay Packers, Brian Orakpo, DE (Texas)
10. San Francisco 49ers, Everette Brown, OLB (Florida State)
11. Buffalo Bills, Clay Matthews, OLB (Southern California)
12. Denver Broncos, Malcolm Jenkins, CB (Ohio State)
13. Washington Redskins, Andre Smith, OT (Alabama)
14. New Orleans Saints, Brian Cushing, OLB (Southern California)
15. Houston Texans, Michael Oher, OT (Ole Miss)
16. San Diego Chargers, Eben Britton, OT (Arizona)
17. New York Jets, Tyson Jackson, DE (LSU)
18. Chicago Bears, Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR (Maryland)
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Percy Harvin, WR  (Florida)
20. Detroit Lions, Aaron Maybin, DE (Penn State)
21. Philadelphia Eagles, Vontae Davis, CB (Illinois)
22. Minnesota Vikings, Mark Sanchez, QB (Southern California)
23. New England Patriots, Knowshon Moreno, RB (Georgia)
24. Atlanta Falcons, Clint Sintim, LB (Virginia)
25. Miami Dolphins, Larry English, LB (Northern Illinois)
26. Baltimore Ravens, Kenny Britt, WR (Rutgers)
27. Indianapolis Colts, Peria Jerry, DT (Mississippi State)
28. Philadelphia Eagles, Alex Mack, C (California)
29. New York Giants, Hakeem Nicks, WR (North Carolina)
30. Tennessee Titans, D. J. Moore, CB (Vanderbilt)
31. Arizona Cardinals, Chris Wells, RB (Ohio State)

The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the clock.

(If you enjoyed this article, please consider leaving a comment below. Also, please subscribe to our blog by pressing the orange button below. Thanks.)

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Steelers Today has hooked up with 31 other NFL bloggers from around the country to do a bloggers’ mock draft. All 32 NFL teams are represented in the mock draft.

The mock draft is sponsored by Cleveland Browns blog No Logo Needed. For more details on the bloggers’ mock draft, click here.

With the 30th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft the Tennessee Titans blog Music City Miracles selects……

The draft results so far are shown below. Click on the individual pick to read each blogger’s rationale for his selection.

1. Detroit Lions: Mathew Stafford, QB (Georgia)
2. St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe, OT (Virginia)
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB (Wake Forest)
4. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Crabtree, WR (Texas Tech)
5. Cleveland Browns: Rey Maualuga, LB (Southern California)
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Jason Smith, OT (Baylor)
7. Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin, WR (Missouri)
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: B.J. Raji, DT (Boston College)
9. Green Bay Packers, Brian Orakpo, DE (Texas)
10. San Francisco 49ers, Everette Brown, OLB (Florida State)
11. Buffalo Bills, Clay Matthews, OLB (Southern California)
12. Denver Broncos, Malcolm Jenkins, CB (Ohio State)
13. Washington Redskins, Andre Smith, OT (Alabama)
14. New Orleans Saints, Brian Cushing, OLB (Southern California)
15. Houston Texans, Michael Oher, OT (Ole Miss)
16. San Diego Chargers, Eben Britton, OT (Arizona)
17. New York Jets, Tyson Jackson, DE (LSU)
18. Chicago Bears, Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR (Maryland)
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Percy Harvin, WR  (Florida)
20. Detroit Lions, Aaron Maybin, DE (Penn State)
21. Philadelphia Eagles, Vontae Davis, CB (Illinois)
22. Minnesota Vikings, Mark Sanchez, QB (Southern California)
23. New England Patriots, Knowshon Moreno, RB (Georgia)
24. Atlanta Falcons, Clint Sintim, LB (Virginia)
25. Miami Dolphins, Larry English, LB (Northern Illinois)
26. Baltimore Ravens, Kenny Britt, WR (Rutgers)
27. Indianapolis Colts, Peria Jerry, DT (Mississippi State)
28. Philadelphia Eagles, Alex Mack, C (California)
29. New York Giants, Hakeem Nicks, WR (North Carolina)
30. Tennessee Titans, D. J. Moore, CB (Vanderbilt)

The Arizona Cardinals are on the clock.

(If you enjoyed this article, please consider leaving a comment below. Also, please subscribe to our blog by pressing the orange button below. Thanks.)

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Steelers Today has hooked up with 31 other NFL bloggers from around the country to do a bloggers’ mock draft. All 32 NFL teams are represented in the mock draft.

The mock draft is sponsored by Cleveland Browns blog No Logo Needed. For more details on the bloggers’ mock draft, click here.

With the 27th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft the Indianapolis Colts blog 18 To 88 selects……

Bill Polian has an unblemished record of hitting on first round picks in Indianapolis.  Every player he has taken has become a starter, if not an outright star.  At the same time, many of his picks were roundly criticized at the time.  Edge James wasn’t Ricky Williams.  Dwight Freeney was too small and a reach.  Reggie Wayne should have been passed over for a defender.

The Colts do not draft for need, but always take the highest player available on the board.  2009 is the rare exception where the Colts greatest need IS the highest player on the board.  Polian has said publicly that he doubts the team will take a defensive tackle, primarily because history tells us that good DTs are off the board in the top 15 picks, and that the next ‘value slot’ is down around the 5th round.  If Peria Jerry were to miraculously fall to 27, however, Polian would probably do a dance and happily select him.

Jerry would be the perfect DT for the Colts system, as he is a disruptive tackle who makes plays in the backfield.  His only negative is that he is slightly undersized (something the Colts simply do not worry about).  Indy desperately needs a DT, but will not reach for a player just to fill a need.  The results have been spectacular for the Colts this decade, and the selection of Jerry would cause widespread rejoicing among the Colt faithful.

A word of caution to Mr. Jerry:  If selected he should immediately take out a large life insurance policy.  The Colts are currently experiencing the “Curse of Corey Simon” when it comes to DTs.  Indy has had a need for a top flight DT for 4 seasons now, but every time Polian addresses the need, something horrible happens to the player:

2005 Corey Simon is signed…one year later he is out of the league (chronic fatness)

2006 Montae Reagor is in a severe car accident and never plays for the Colts again

2007 Booger McFarland blows out a knee in training camp

2008 Ed Johnson is cut for refeer

2008 Quinn Pitcock decides to retire at the ripe old age of 23

2008 John McCargo fails a physical and is returned to Buffalo after a trade. He never plays with the Colts.

The draft results so far are shown below. Click on the individual pick to read each blogger’s rationale for his selection.

1. Detroit Lions: Mathew Stafford, QB (Georgia)
2. St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe, OT (Virginia)
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB (Wake Forest)
4. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Crabtree, WR (Texas Tech)
5. Cleveland Browns: Rey Maualuga, LB (Southern California)
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Jason Smith, OT (Baylor)
7. Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin, WR (Missouri)
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: B.J. Raji, DT (Boston College)
9. Green Bay Packers, Brian Orakpo, DE (Texas)
10. San Francisco 49ers, Everette Brown, OLB (Florida State)
11. Buffalo Bills, Clay Matthews, OLB (Southern California)
12. Denver Broncos, Malcolm Jenkins, CB (Ohio State)
13. Washington Redskins, Andre Smith, OT (Alabama)
14. New Orleans Saints, Brian Cushing, OLB (Southern California)
15. Houston Texans, Michael Oher, OT (Ole Miss)
16. San Diego Chargers, Eben Britton, OT (Arizona)
17. New York Jets, Tyson Jackson, DE (LSU)
18. Chicago Bears, Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR (Maryland)
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Percy Harvin, WR  (Florida)
20. Detroit Lions, Aaron Maybin, DE (Penn State)
21. Philadelphia Eagles, Vontae Davis, CB (Illinois)
22. Minnesota Vikings, Mark Sanchez, QB (Southern California)
23. New England Patriots, Knowshon Moreno, RB (Georgia)
24. Atlanta Falcons, Clint Sintim, LB (Virginia)
25. Miami Dolphins, Larry English, LB (Northern Illinois)
26. Baltimore Ravens, Kenny Britt, WR (Rutgers)
27. Indianapolis Colts, Peria Jerry, DT (Mississippi State)

The Philadelphia Eagles are on the clock.

(If you enjoyed this article, please consider leaving a comment below. Also, please subscribe to our blog by pressing the orange button below. Thanks.)

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Steelers Today has hooked up with 31 other NFL bloggers from around the country to do a bloggers’ mock draft. All 32 NFL teams are represented in the mock draft.

The mock draft is sponsored by Cleveland Browns blog No Logo Needed. For more details on the bloggers’ mock draft, click here.

With the 26th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft the Baltimore Ravens blog The Ebony Bird selects……

The Ravens have had their most active offseason in team history, re-signing Ray Lewis, signing CB Dominique Foxworth, CB Chris Carr, C Matt Birk and TE L.J. Smith, along with bringing in multiple new coaches and cutting veterans Samari Rolle and Chris McAllister.

In re-signing Lewis, the linebackers corps remains strong, and the secondary should be helped by the new additions and the emergence of Fabian Washington.  Therefore, the main need that the Purple and Black  have is at receiver.  Derrick Mason is getting old, Mark Clayton is inconsistent and Demetrius Williams has never been healthy enough or productive enough to become a regular for the team.

With Joe Flacco as the team’s most successful quarterback since Trent Dilfer, Unibrow Boy needs a “toolsy” receiver to help him become a star.  Britt has very good speed, and great hands, and his 6’3″, 218 lb. frame makes him a big target.  When you combine all of those, you get one of Rutgers’ best receivers in school history.  Seeing him in person 8 times in Piscataway, I can tell you from firsthand accounts how daunting a task it is to cover Mr. Britt.  Picking Britt would bring the Ravens that much closer to the lofty status of Super Bowl champion.

The draft results so far are shown below. Click on the individual pick to read each blogger’s rationale for his selection.

1. Detroit Lions: Mathew Stafford, QB (Georgia)
2. St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe, OT (Virginia)
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB (Wake Forest)
4. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Crabtree, WR (Texas Tech)
5. Cleveland Browns: Rey Maualuga, LB (Southern California)
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Jason Smith, OT (Baylor)
7. Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin, WR (Missouri)
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: B.J. Raji, DT (Boston College)
9. Green Bay Packers, Brian Orakpo, DE (Texas)
10. San Francisco 49ers, Everette Brown, OLB (Florida State)
11. Buffalo Bills, Clay Matthews, OLB (Southern California)
12. Denver Broncos, Malcolm Jenkins, CB (Ohio State)
13. Washington Redskins, Andre Smith, OT (Alabama)
14. New Orleans Saints, Brian Cushing, OLB (Southern California)
15. Houston Texans, Michael Oher, OT (Ole Miss)
16. San Diego Chargers, Eben Britton, OT (Arizona)
17. New York Jets, Tyson Jackson, DE (LSU)
18. Chicago Bears, Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR (Maryland)
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Percy Harvin, WR  (Florida)
20. Detroit Lions, Aaron Maybin, DE (Penn State)
21. Philadelphia Eagles, Vontae Davis, CB (Illinois)
22. Minnesota Vikings, Mark Sanchez, QB (Southern California)
23. New England Patriots, Knowshon Moreno, RB (Georgia)
24. Atlanta Falcons, Clint Sintim, LB (Virginia)
25. Miami Dolphins, Larry English, LB (Northern Illinois)
26. Baltimore Ravens, Kenny Britt, WR (Rutgers)

The Indianapolis Colts are on the clock.

(If you enjoyed this article, please consider leaving a comment below. Also, please subscribe to our blog by pressing the orange button below. Thanks.)

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Steelers Today has hooked up with 31 other NFL bloggers from around the country to do a bloggers’ mock draft. All 32 NFL teams are represented in the mock draft.

The mock draft is sponsored by Cleveland Browns blog No Logo Needed. For more details on the bloggers’ mock draft, click here.

With the 25th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft the Miami Dolphins blog The Phinsinder selects……

There were two ways to go about this pick.  I could have taken the player I like the most that is still on the board – which would have been either CB Darius Butler or CB Sean Smith.  That would have also addressed Miami’s most glaring hole.  But this is a mock draft – and I’m going to select the player that I think the Dolphins would most likely draft if the actual draft played out this way.

Bill Parcells loves linebackers.  That’s no secret.  And among Miami’s top three needs is the outside linebacker position (right up there with CB and WR).  Larry English has the size and strength that this regime loves.  And while I worry a litle bit about English’s ability to drop back into coverage due to his lack of fluidity in his hips, I do think that Larry’s upside here is tremendous as a pass rusher and potential heir to Joey Porter.  He’s also tough, smart, and a “high-motor” player – all things that Bill Parcells demands from his linebackers.

The draft results so far are shown below. Click on the individual pick to read each blogger’s rationale for his selection.

1. Detroit Lions: Mathew Stafford, QB (Georgia)
2. St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe, OT (Virginia)
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB (Wake Forest)
4. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Crabtree, WR (Texas Tech)
5. Cleveland Browns: Rey Maualuga, LB (Southern California)
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Jason Smith, OT (Baylor)
7. Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin, WR (Missouri)
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: B.J. Raji, DT (Boston College)
9. Green Bay Packers, Brian Orakpo, DE (Texas)
10. San Francisco 49ers, Everette Brown, OLB (Florida State)
11. Buffalo Bills, Clay Matthews, OLB (Southern California)
12. Denver Broncos, Malcolm Jenkins, CB (Ohio State)
13. Washington Redskins, Andre Smith, OT (Alabama)
14. New Orleans Saints, Brian Cushing, OLB (Southern California)
15. Houston Texans, Michael Oher, OT (Ole Miss)
16. San Diego Chargers, Eben Britton, OT (Arizona)
17. New York Jets, Tyson Jackson, DE (LSU)
18. Chicago Bears, Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR (Maryland)
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Percy Harvin, WR  (Florida)
20. Detroit Lions, Aaron Maybin, DE (Penn State)
21. Philadelphia Eagles, Vontae Davis, CB (Illinois)
22. Minnesota Vikings, Mark Sanchez, QB (Southern California)
23. New England Patriots, Knowshon Moreno, RB (Georgia)
24. Atlanta Falcons, Clint Sintim, LB (Virginia)
25. Miami Dolphins, Larry English, LB (Northern Illinois)

The Baltimore Ravens (booo!) are on the clock.

(If you enjoyed this article, please consider leaving a comment below. Also, please subscribe to our blog by pressing the orange button below. Thanks.)

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Steelers Today has hooked up with 31 other NFL bloggers from around the country to do a bloggers’ mock draft. All 32 NFL teams are represented in the mock draft.

The mock draft is sponsored by Cleveland Browns blog No Logo Needed. For more details on the bloggers’ mock draft, click here.

With the 24th pick of the 2009 NFL Draft the Atlanta Falcons blog The Falcoholic selects……

Some may consider this pick a slight reach, but Sintim fills the absolute number one need for the Falcons. I would trade my first born son and the draft rights to my third born for a living, breathing pass rush in Atlanta, and Sintim goes a long way toward helping that.

Despite their magical, pixie-dust sprinkled season in 2008, Falcons not named John Abraham proved remarkably terrible at getting to the quarterback. Sintim could immediately contribute because he knows how to make his way into the backfield and has the speed and tackling potency to be one of the better pass-rushing linebackers in the league. He’s also no slouch against the run, making him–in my addled brain, at least–a legitimate first round talent.

The Falcons do have a host of needs here, including holes at safety, potentially at cornerback and a real need for a dual threat type of tight end. The first need is the pass rush, though, and Sintim represents a big piece of the puzzle.

The draft results so far are shown below. Click on the individual pick to read each blogger’s rationale for his selection.

1. Detroit Lions: Mathew Stafford, QB (Georgia)
2. St. Louis Rams: Eugene Monroe, OT (Virginia)
3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB (Wake Forest)
4. Seattle Seahawks: Michael Crabtree, WR (Texas Tech)
5. Cleveland Browns: Rey Maualuga, LB (Southern California)
6. Cincinnati Bengals: Jason Smith, OT (Baylor)
7. Oakland Raiders: Jeremy Maclin, WR (Missouri)
8. Jacksonville Jaguars: B.J. Raji, DT (Boston College)
9. Green Bay Packers, Brian Orakpo, DE (Texas)
10. San Francisco 49ers, Everette Brown, OLB (Florida State)
11. Buffalo Bills, Clay Matthews, OLB (Southern California)
12. Denver Broncos, Malcolm Jenkins, CB (Ohio State)
13. Washington Redskins, Andre Smith, OT (Alabama)
14. New Orleans Saints, Brian Cushing, OLB (Southern California)
15. Houston Texans, Michael Oher, OT (Ole Miss)
16. San Diego Chargers, Eben Britton, OT (Arizona)
17. New York Jets, Tyson Jackson, DE (LSU)
18. Chicago Bears, Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR (Maryland)
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Percy Harvin, WR  (Florida)
20. Detroit Lions, Aaron Maybin, DE (Penn State)
21. Philadelphia Eagles, Vontae Davis, CB (Illinois)
22. Minnesota Vikings, Mark Sanchez, QB (Southern California)
23. New England Patriots, Knowshon Moreno, RB (Georgia)
24. Atlanta Falcons, Clint Sintim, LB (Virginia)

The Miami Dolphins are on the clock.

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