First-Round Mock Draft I: Picks 9-16

Yesterday we unveiled picks one through eight, today we dish out nine through 16. And don’t forget, tomorrow is the day that we make our selection for our beloved Chiefs. Enjoy…

9. (Adam) – S LaRon Landry, Louisiana State

I also cover the Dolphins, so I know exactly how bad they need another tackle. However, I’m just not sold on Levi Brown. Since the Phins also need secondary help, I’ll pass on Brown and take the best available player — Landry.

10. (Zach) – CB Leon Hall, Michigan

At first I thought this was an easy pick, then I realized how many holes the Texans actually have. The Texans were very active in free agency, but brought in more band-aids than long-term solutions. They resigned CB Dexter McLeon and, as we Chiefs fans know all too well, that is a big mistake. They need a more dependable CB to go with Dunta Robinson.

11. (Adam) – WR Ted Ginn Jr., Ohio State

The Niners need another playmaker and there isn’t a better one on the board at this point. Plus, he could become a Devin Hester-esque return specialist. Watch his stock skyrocket after he sets stopwatches ablaze when he runs his 40 today. He might be as fast as any player in the NFL. Don’t believe me? OSU’s track coach has said that Ginn is fast enough to be an Olympic sprinter.

12. (Zach) – DT Alan Branch, Michigan

The Bills have to improve on both sides of the line. Branch slips to them because people are concerned about his work ethic, but he’ll be a solid choice for the Bills. I seriously wanted to go with RB Marshawn Lynch here, but I just couldn’t pull the trigger.

13. (Adam) – DE Adam Carriker, Nebraska

Some would consider this my first reach, but I disagree. The Rams were terrible against the run last year, and Carriker, a two-gap end as a Husker, single-handedly demolished rushing attacks in college. The 300 lb. monster is also an above-average pass rusher. His college stats were minimized by the system he played in, his rookie year will prove that.

14. (Zach) – LB Patrick Willis, Mississippi

Ever since Dan Morgan started having injury concerns (missed 40 of 96 games) this defense has missed something. If Morgan comes back at full strength the Panthers can move Willis outside. I think the Panthers know that Morgan’s days are severely numbered and they pick the best LB in the draft here.

15. (Adam) – LB Paul Posluszny, Penn State

An outside linebacker who would excel in the Steelers’ 3-4 system. His name may be a mouthful, but the the Steelers struck gold the last time the team picked the draft’s hardest last name to pronounce. He’s also a local product, so the name thing isn’t a big deal. I can hear Steeler fans already, “Joey Porter who?”

16. (Zach) – RB Marshawn Lynch, California

They desperately need talent at the RB position after losing Ahman Green to the Texans. Some might think that Lynch is a reach here, but it’s better than giving up a first and a third for Michael “Burner” Turner.

Remember, tomorrow we drop picks 17-24 and our Chiefs pick!