We’re at the midway point in the NFL as we approach Week 10 and with a couple of teams (Tennessee Titans and New York Giants) separating themselves from the rest of the league, the others are trying to keep their head above water. There are three teams (Detroit Lions, Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs) that already have their future planned out and are vying for the top selection in the 2009 draft.
Just like last year’s offseason spectacle, the ’09 draft is dependent on the underclassmen who decide to forego their collegiate careers and pursue the ultimate dream of playing in the National Football League. In my latest mock draft, there’s an even split; 16 seniors and 16 underclassmen selected in the first round.
Two underclassmen quarterbacks that are not featured in this mock draft are Florida’s Tim Tebow and Oklahoma’s Sam Bradford. They’re highly touted prospects, who have the potential to be top-10 selections. But with Bradford being a redshirt sophomore and Tebow most likely staying in school for his senior season, I decided not to include them.
With that said the intrigue builds as to who the Detroit Lions will select with the first pick in the 2009 draft. The Lions are on the clock…
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* denotes draft-eligible underclassmen
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A member of the Pro Football Writers of America and the Football Writers Association of America, Chris Steuber has provided his analysis of the NFL and NFL Draft prospects on the web and on the radio since 1999. Steuber’s features are published across the Scout.com network and on FoxSports.com. If you wish to contact Chris Steuber, email him at: csteuber@scout.com.