2009 NFL Draft Live Blog

On Saturday, April 25, AC live blogged the 2009 National Football League Draft. From the start of the draft at 4 p.m. eastern through the end of the second round, Forrest Kobayashi provided constant updates and breaking news on everything that went down at the NFL Draft.

If you would like to contact me with any questions, comments, or shout-outs, please feel free to do so!

You can leave me a message in the comments section below the post. I may respond directly to your comment down there, or it may be selected for coverage on the live blog itself.

I will be monitoring my Twitter, so please feel free to send me a message @forrestfanatic.

Also, feel free to email me at forrestk@gmail.com. If you can include your first name and your location, I can attribute a quote or portion from your comments within the live blog.

I hope you enjoyed the live blog and the constant updates throughout the evening. The NFL Draft is one of the most exciting days of the year. Best of luck to your favorite NFL team as they attempt to acquire the best collegiate talent.

Recap:

The Big Winner: Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks add the best overall player in this draft, OLB Aaron Curry, and solidify their linebacking core. Then, they make a move to grab Max Unger in the second round, who will be an immediate starter on their offensive line. The Seahawks truly had a remarkable Day I of the draft.

The Big Loser: Oakland Raiders. They reached a bit for WR Darrius Heyward-Bey in the first round, then they go off and draft a no-name safety in Michael Mitchell. Oakland fans will be calling for Al Davis' head after today-that's for sure.

Thanks to everyone who followed the live blog today! It was truly a pleasure. I want to thank Associated Content for the tremendous opportunity.

Second Round Highlights

9:16 PM EST:

CAR: Everette Brown - DE-OLB/Florida State: Carolina gave up their first round pick next year to acquire Brown, and depending on how you see it, it may or may not be worth it. Brown was graded as a late first round pick, and he slid all the way to the middle of the second round. Brown could be a terrific fit as a defensive end or outside linebacker in the Panthers' scheme.

MIA: Pat White - QB-WR/West Virginia: White was a successful college player, and will be able to contribute immediately in Miami's wildcat formation. However, some analysts believe that White was taken a little high. I believe that White was picked at the right spot, and could end up being one of the most effective NFL players from this second round.

SEA: Max Unger - C/Oregon: Unger was a tremendous value, after Seattle traded with the Bears to grab him. Unger was projected as a late first round pick, and will immediately bolster the Seattle offensive line.

PHI: LeSean McCoy - RB/Pittsburgh: McCoy was a successful runner at the collegiate level, and Philadelphia pick up some nice insurance and a solid backup for Brian Westbrook.

8:24 PM EST:

DET: Louis Delmas - S/Western Michigan: Delmas is a fairly faw safety coming out of Western Michigan, but he has the ability to develop into a standout player on the shoddy Detroit Lions defense. I like this selection at the beginning of the second round for them.

STL: James Laurinaitis - ILB/Ohio State: The Rams needed to solidify their linebacking core, and can you think of a better fit than Laurinaitis? He was a great linebacker at Ohio State and had strong character and leadership. He should be a great fit in the Rams defense under Steve Spagnuolo.

CLE: Brian Robiskie - WR/Ohio State: Picked one selection after his teammate, I felt that Robiskie was a bit of a reach here. The Browns have more pressing needs to fill, and could have selected a solid defensive player that could have helped them out immediately.

JAX: Eben Britton - OT/Arizona: Britton was the best tackle left on the board, and along with Eugene Monroe, they should open up some major outside running lanes for their star RB, Maurice Jones-Drew. A great pick for Jacksonville.

NE: Patrick Chung - S/Oregon, Ron Brace - DT/Boston College, Darius Butler - CB/Connecticut: All three of these picks were great values for the Patriots. After completing a trade with the Raiders, they were able to select Ron Brace, the best defensive tackle left on the board. Butler was the best cornerback/safety left, and could end up playing similar to Eugene Wilson. Chung is also a speedy safety who should be an effective player.

7:35 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Pittsburgh Steelers: Evander "Ziggy" Hood - DT/Missouri

A solid pick to solidify the Steelers' defensive line-look for Ziggy to get some opportunities in spot situations for the defending champions next season.

Now that the first round is over, I will update two or three times over the second round to update any standout picks I observe. Thanks for following the live blog thus far!

7:25 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Arizona Cardinals: Chris "Beanie" Wells - RB/Ohio State

Chris "Beanie" Wells is a solid value at this draft position, and will definitely help the Cardinals improve their dismal running game. With great size and speed, Wells is a great platoon running back who is a breakaway threat. Look for the Cardinals to release Edgerrin James, as Chris Wells should take his spot on the depth chart immediately.

7:18 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Tennessee Titans: Kenny Britt - WR/Rutgers

The Titans, who are still searching for solid wide receivers to add to their stable. Britt made a late surge up the draft boards, and he finds himself off to a strong organization in the Tennessee Titans.

Playing with Kerry Collins should allow Britt some great opportunities to contribute to a playoff run in his first year. This is a solid pick by Jeff Fisher and his front office group.

7:09 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: New York Giants: Hakeem Nicks - WR/UNC

Nicks is an excellent wide receiver, and fills an immediate need for the New York Giants. With the release of former start wide receiver Plaxico Burress, Nicks is NFL-ready and could start as the #2 wide receiver in 2009.

One big plus for Nicks is his reliable hands-a solid, tall possession wide receiver is just what they needed.

A great pick here.

7:04 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Buffalo Bills: Eric Wood - C/Louisville

Wood is a tough-nosed center whose stock has risen significantly in the past few weeks. A four year starter at Louisville, Wood should start immediately on an offensive-line needy Buffalo Bills squad.

He is a great value at #28 overall.

7:00 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Indianapolis Colts: Donald Brown - RB/Connecticut

While Joseph Addai is the clear starter in this backfield, Brown is a versatile running back who should provide a solid backup and insurance for him. He is extremely fast, and is a great blocker.

I like this selection-though RB was not a pressing need for the Colts, they get a good player here.

6:54 PM EST: The New England Patriots have traded their pick to the Green Bay Packers.

CURRENT SELECTION: Green Bay Packers: Clay Matthews - DE-OLB/USC

The second USC linebacker to be selected in this year's draft, Matthews was a solid pick for the developing Green Bay defense. Matthews will step in immediately and will provide a solid pass rushing force-he could end up playing defensive end for them.

6:46 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Miami Dolphins: Vontae Davis - CB/Illinois

Miami was in need of a shutdown corner, considering the quality of wide receivers in their division. He is a fast cornerback who can force turnovers and interceptions.

There are minor concerns about his consistency in technique, as well as his drive to improve. However, this was the right pick for the Dolphins at #25 overall.

6:42 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Atlanta Falcons: Peria Jerry - DT/Mississippi

Jerry is a nice pickup for the Atlanta Falcons who solidifies the interior defensive line. He is a nice pass rusher from that position, and will allow for flexibility in gameplanning. He was one of the best players left on the board.

The Miami Dolphins are now on the clock.

6:36 PM EST: The Baltimore Ravens have traded into the New England Patriots' draft spot.

CURRENT SELECTION: Baltimore Ravens: Michael Oher - OT/Mississippi

After a long wait in the green room, Oher finally is off the board to the Baltimore Ravens. Offensive tackle was a clear need for the Ravens, and they got a great value after moving up to the Patriots draft spot.

6:28 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Minnesota Vikings: Percy Harvin - WR/Florida

Harvin is a great playmaking wide receiver, but there is no doubt that wideout was a real area of need for the Minnesota Vikings. However, the Vikings have swung and missed on a few of the smaller playmaking wide receivers they have drafted in the future-most notably, former first round pick Troy Williamson. Harvin does not appear like he will disappoint.

Harvin was a good selection-let's hope that Rosenfels or Jackson can help Harvin reach his full potential.

6:25 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Cleveland Browns: Alex Mack - C/California

The Browns could have opted to take OT Michael Oher here (do I sound like a broken record?), but they opted to go with arguably the best center on the board. Trading down was the right decision for the Browns, but this still seems like a small reach.

This was a decent pick for the Browns, and Mack should be able to contribute immediately on their line.

6:19 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Detroit Lions: Brandon Pettigrew - TE/Oklahoma State

Pettigrew is an interesting pick for the Lions, but not really a surprise. They could have opted to solidify their line with Michael Oher. However, Pettigrew is a nice tight end/offensive line hybrid that should provide Stafford with some protection.

The Eagles could have easily taken Pettigrew one pick before-this is another nice add for the Lions.

6:12 PM EST: The Cleveland Browns have traded their acquired TB first round pick to the Philadelphia Eagles, in exchange for the Eagles' 2009 first round pick and sixth round pick.

CURRENT SELECTION: Philadelphia Eagles: Jeremy Maclin - WR/Missouri

The Eagles have finally gotten Donovan McNabb another target. Teaming up with DeSean Jackson and Kevin Curtis, Maclin will be able to spread the field and provide a great speed threat from the other side or slot.

Maclin can also return kicks and punts: an exciting young player. A solid value for the Eagles-Maclin could have easily gone in the top ten of the draft.

6:06 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Denver Broncos: Robert Ayers - DE-OLB/Tennessee

I wonder if Denver is regretting picking Moreno at 12, seeing that they could have gotten Chris "Beanie" Wells with this selection. That being said, Ayers is a nice quick force off of the end, and should fit well as a pass rusher in their system.

This is a solid value for the Broncos.

5:59 PM EST: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have moved up two picks, trading with the Cleveland Browns. The Browns will receive the Tampa Bay 2009 first round pick (#19) and sixth round pick.

CURRENT SELECTION: Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Josh Freeman - QB/Kansas State

Freeman is a star underclassman from Kansas State, and boy, is he a massive presence. He is a mobile quarterback with a strong arm. Tampa Bay was in need of a long term solution at their quarterback position, and Freeman seems like the ideal developmental type quarterback.

Freeman will undoubtedly be considered a boom-or-bust pick, but with enough time in the Tampa Bay system, he should enjoy a productive NFL career. Since this quarterback class was extremely thin, Freeman was taken about a round ahead of where he would have gone with a stacked quarterback class.

Tampa has to be happy that they got their guy.

The Denver Broncos are now on the clock.

5:50 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: San Diego Chargers: Larry English - DE-OLB/Northern Illinois

Here is another minor surprise in the draft. English was graded as more of a late first-early second pick, but he should be a good fit within the Chargers' defensive system.

Not a terrible pick, but trading down seems to have been the better option for the Chargers at this draft position. He was a little bit of a reach, but should still be able to challenge Shawne Merriman in the linebacking core.

5:45 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Houston Texans: Brian Cushing - OLB/USC

The Houston Texans needed to add an outside linebacker, and they got a great one in Cushing. Cushing was extremely well coached as part of the dangerous USC defensive unit, and is incredibly strong.

The Texans must have thought that he would be the best fit in their system, because there are a few outside linebackers available that have comparable talent to Cushing. However, this pick is not a bad pick, and the Texans should be happy with their addition.

5:39 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: New Orleans Saints: Malcolm Jenkins - CB/Ohio State

Realistically, the New Orleans Saints had two choices as what to do with this pick. They could have taken Jenkins, or they could have traded out to acquire more draft selections later on in the draft. They elected to go with Jenkins-and in my opinion, this was the right move.

Jenkins is an all around great athlete with top-end speed.

The pressing need in New Orleans is at the safety position, and more likely than not, Jenkins will move to the safety position. No other safety was worthy of selection at this point in the draft, and the Saints are getting a player with a high ceiling.

5:33 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Washington Redskins: Brian Orakpo - DE/Texas

This is a stellar pick for the Washington Redskins-I can't remember the last time they got this much value in the first round.

Washington had a real need at the defensive end position, and they got a great player in Orakpo. Orakpo was rumored to be going as high as #9 to the Green Bay Packers, who ended up picking BJ Raji. Quite frankly, the Redskins should consider themselves lucky to have acquired him.

5:30 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Denver Broncos: Knowshon Moreno - RB/Georgia

Matthew Stafford's partner in crime at Georgia, Moreno is the first running back off the board to the Denver Broncos. Very rarely do people think about the Broncos drafting running backs early-then we remember that Mike Shanahan is no longer coaching there.

This pick is a mild surprise. While RB was a moderate area of need for the Broncos, they had more pressing needs at the defensive end spot-making Brian Orakpo the almost-certain choice.

Depending on what new head coach Josh McDaniels does with his next first round selection, the Broncos could be one of the highly criticized teams after Day 1.

5:26 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Buffalo Bills: Aaron Maybin - DE-OLB/Penn State

Aaron Maybin is selected by the Buffalo Bills here at #11. As an underclassman coming off of one good year in Happy Valley, Maybin has been considered overrated by some scouts and analysts. However, he fills one of the Buffalo Bills' top needs-a pure pass rusher.

He should step in immediately and make a solid impact on their defensive unit.

Now up: the Denver Broncos.

5:21 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: San Francisco 49ers: Michael Crabtree - WR/Texas Tech

In dire need of a top wide receiver, the 49ers also have to be extremely excited to get one of the best players in the draft at their draft spot. Crabtree is a complete wide receiver-a physical presence, good speed, good hands. There are very few flaws with Crabtree.

Singletary, the 49ers head coach, is a defense-first guy. I am glad that he did not go defense first with his #10 overall. Crabtree is an excellent value at this draft spot and could become the next great wide receiver in San Francisco. If he develops fully, Crabtree could draw comparisons to Jerry Rice.

The San Francisco 49ers should send a personal thank you card to Al Davis for allowing Crabtree to fall this far.

The Buffalo Bills are now on the clock.

5:14 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Green Bay Packers: BJ Raji - DT/Boston College

The Packers make their selection and solidify their interior defensive line while doing it. This was an absolute need for the Packers, and they have to be ecstatic to get one of the best from this year's draft class.

The Packers also have needs on their offensive line, but they decided not to go with Oher here, which was the right decision. Raji has the chance to be a standout player in the defense. Look for the Packers continue to address other needs later on in the draft on the outside defensive line and the outside linebacking positions.

The San Francisco 49ers are now on the clock. Will they take WR Michael Crabtree?

5:05 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Jacksonville Jaguars: Eugene Monroe - OT/Virginia

Following in the footsteps of some great Virginia offensive linemen, Eugene Monroe is headed to Jacksonville to anchor their offensive line. Monroe is a physical specimen who has had a lot of experience at the collegiate level.

He is extremely well sized, at 6'5" 1/4, 309 pounds. He is a consistent player and perhaps the safest top pick in this year's draft class. A great selection.

The Green Bay Packers hold the ninth overall pick, and are now on the clock.

4:56 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Oakland Raiders: Darrius Heyward-Bey - WR/Maryland

Wow. Heyward-Bey was the fastest receiver at the combine, but this is a real shock pick. Michael Crabtree is still on the board (widely considered to be the top wide receiver available), and owner Al Davis takes the speed guy over the most complete prospect.

Even Jeremy Maclin, out of Missouri, would have been a better pick at this position.

This pick will be the water cooler talk on Monday: Bey is most certainly going to be the surprise of the first round.

The Jacksonville Jaguars are now on the clock.

4:50 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Cincinnati Bengals: Andre Smith - OT/Alabama

Andre Smith is a high-level offensive tackle prospect who will play for the Bengals next season. However, there are some character issues involved with Smith, and there were questions over how seriously he took the draft process.

Out of the first six picks in the draft, this is the first player who has had serious questions about character-and the Bengals have struggled with this in the past.

That being said, Smith has the raw ability to be an elite tackle in the NFL.

The Oakland Raiders are now on the clock.

4:45 PM EST: The Jets receive the fifth overall pick, used to select Mark Sanchez. The Browns receive the 2009 NYJ first round pick (17th overall), the NYJ 2009 second round pick (52nd overall), Kenyon Coleman, Brett Ratliff, and Abram Elam.

4:40 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: New York Jets: Mark Sanchez - QB/USC

The New York Jets have traded with the Cleveland Browns to select Mark Sanchez. The Jets' biggest need was at the quarterback position after Brett Favre was traded. Sanchez is still a bit raw, but has incredible potential to become a great franchise quarterback. It is still unknown what the Jets surrendered to the Browns.

4:39 PM EST: The Cleveland Browns have traded with the New York Jets. They have acquired the Browns first round selection. Details to follow.

4:37 PM EST: The Cleveland Browns are on the phones, and a trade is possible, per NFL Network.

4:31 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Seattle Seahawks: Aaron Curry - OLB/Wake Forest

Will the Kansas City Chiefs regret not taking Aaron Curry? With Julian Peterson moving on, outside linebacker was a need for the Seahawks, and this was a stellar selection. It didn't take very long for Seattle to submit their pick, so there is a chance they were banking on Curry being there anyway. I really like this pick for the Seahawks: Curry may be the best overall player in this draft.

The Cleveland Browns are now on the clock.

4:24 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Kansas City Chiefs: Tyson Jackson - DE/LSU

The Kansas City Chiefs have chosen to go with Tyson Jackson, and with former NE general manager Scott Pioli there, Jackson should play immediately in the KC 3-4 scheme. A nice player, but a bit of a reach at #3. Kansas City probably could have traded out with a team who coveted Sanchez, and still gotten their man.

The Seattle Seahawks are on the clock.

4:14 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith - OT/Baylor

Jason Smith, a massive offensive tackle out of Baylor, should provide immediate dividends to the St. Louis offensive line. He is an imposing force who will protect Marc Bulger's blind side. With T Orlando Pace now with the Chicago Bears, Smith will be able to step right in and help out the St. Louis offensive line.

The Kansas City Chiefs are on the clock now.

4:04 PM EST: CURRENT SELECTION: Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford - QB/Georgia

Matthew Stafford is selected by the Detroit Lions with the first overall pick. No surprise here. Stafford was the best choice for the Detroit Lions (like they really had a choice to pick any other player). Stafford, a four year starter at Georgia, should be a great quarterback in the league for years to come.

The St. Louis Rams are now on the clock. Barring a surprise, they should select Jason Smith out of Baylor.

3:58 PM EST: Jason Smith was just shown on the camera talking on his cell phone. Is he a St. Louis Ram?

3:40 PM EST: POLL RESPONSE (via Twitter)

Whichever one gets to sit for a year or two, really. They all are very suspect QB prospects. (Will)

Yes, this is a great point. If Stafford is thrown into the fold too early in Detroit, he could be in real trouble. That being said, both Sanchez and Freeman are underclassmen players, and they seem to have garnered a lot of boom or bust talk around the league.

3:04 PM EST: Just under one hour until draft time!

POLL: Which top QB in the 2009 draft class do you believe will have the best professional career? Matthew Stafford, Mark Sanchez, or Josh Freeman?

Leave a comment below!

2:53 PM EST: When does it start? It takes so long. (Michael Schaper)

The NFL Draft will start shortly after 4PM EST on ESPN.

Please, Seahawks, draft MARK SANCHEZ! I ask for so little. (Jonathan)

At this point, who knows where Mark Sanchez will go. St. Louis could even take him at #2, but that is highly doubtful. The Seahawks may have their choice of Aaron Curry or Mark Sanchez at their pick.

If a team wants Sanchez bad enough, the Seahawks may trade out of this selection, but I also find that highly unlikely (unless they get a killer offer). The Browns have been rumored to want Sanchez.

2:25 PM EST: The live blog has been listed on the front page! Please feel free to visit periodically (or throughout the entire two rounds)!

1:21 PM EST: I'm getting excited for the start of the NFL Draft today! Looking forward to live blogging this one through the end of the first day today. Check out NFL.com and ESPN.com for the latest NFL Draft information. I will start up the live blog around 3PM today as the draft closes in on the start!