The 2009 NFL Draft in Retrospect

With the 2009 NFL regular season in the books, I have compiled my list of the 15 best values from the 2009 NFL Draft. I have purposely excluded all top 10 picks (sorry Sanchez, Crabtree, Stafford, and Co.) to emphasize value and give credit where credit is due.

Top 15 Values of the 2009 NFL Draft

1. Percy Harvin Vikings 22nd Overall: The Vikings wisely ignored Harvin's perceived red flags on draft day and drafted the NFL's Offensive Rookie of the Year. As a rookie, Harvin has been electric as a returner and surprisingly effective as a receiver. Game-changers are few and far between, but the Vikings struck "purple and gold" with Harvin.

2. Shonn Greene Jets 65^th Overall: The Jets drafted up to draft Greene and he has been the difference-maker for them in the playoffs. His role in the offense will only continue to grow and look for Greene to be a future Pro-Bowler and top five NFL back for years to come.

3. Michael Oher Ravens 23^rd Overall: Not only was Sandra Bullock nominated for a Golden Globe for the Oher-inspired release, "The Blindside," but Oher proved himself likely to be the best offensive lineman from the 2009 draft. The Ravens received high value with this late 1^st round selection. Many Pro Bowls in Oher's future as well.

4. Brian Cushing Texans 15^th Overall: The Texans improved their defense tremendously in 2009 and the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year contributed immensely. Cushing simply has a nose for the fitness, is a natural leader, and gives the Texans a tough presence up the middle. 134 tackles, 5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles speak loudly.

5. Jairus Byrd Bills 42^nd Overall: In spite of missing the season's final 3 games, Byrd still lead the NFL in interceptions with 9. Byrd was unfortunately one of the lone bright spots for the dysfunctional Bills. Cornerbacks in the NFL are at a premium and Byrd displayed tremendous ball skills in his rookie season.

6. Brian Orakpo Redskins 13^th Overall: The Redskins chose the 2009 draft's best pass rusher in Orakpo with their 13^th selection. Orakpo was in the running late for Defensive Rookie of the Year and disruptively dominated certain games throughout the season. With more strength, experience, and consistency, Orakpo should become a Pro-Bowl defensive end.

7. Knowshon Moreno Broncos 12^th Overall: The Josh McDaniels regime picked Moreno with the 12^th pick and his potential remains tremendous. Moreno will be the every-down back of the future for the Broncos and will give them stability, explosiveness, and consistency as a downhill-runner.

8. Clay Matthews Packers 26^th Overall: Played as well as any Packer linebacker this season as part of the league's #2 regular season defense. Matthews has a high football IQ and made big play after big play with 10 sacks and 7 pass deflections.

9. Phil Loadholt Vikings 54^th Overall: The Vikings passed on Oher in the first round, but found value with Loadholt in the second round. Physically imposing, Loadholt started regularly for the Vikings on the right side and performed admirably as a rookie responsible for keeping rushers off of Favre.

10. Beanie Wells Cardinals 31^st Overall: Wells improved throughout the 2009 season and will continue to be an integral part of the Cardinals offense, especially when Kurt Warner retires. 7 touchdowns and 800 yards were highlights for Wells, who must improve upon his fumble total of 4 in the future.

11. Austin Collie Colts 127^th Overall: Collie has proven himself to be a reliable target for Peyton Manning with 60 receptions and 7 touchdowns in the regular season. Production from a 4^th draft pick such as Collie, illustrates why the Colts have been successful and will continue to be for the foreseeable future.

12. James Laurinaitis Rams 35^th Overall: Laurinitis compiled great numbers for the lousy Rams. He certainly needs lots of help, but performed his role exceptionally with 120 tackles and a pair of sacks.

13. Mike Wallace Steelers 84^th Overall: The Steelers landed a big play threat in Wallace, late in the 3^rd round. Roethlisberger loves to buy time and air it out and Wallace gives the Steelers a bonafide home-run hitter at slot receiver with 750 yards and 6 touchdowns.

14. Vontae Davis Dolphins 25^th Overall: Davis was arguably the 2^nd best rookie cornerback of the 2009 draft class as a starter for the Dolphins secondary with 53 tackles and 4 picks.

15. Louis Delmas Lions 33^rd Overall: The Lions' future looks a little brighter thanks to their promising 2009 draft class, bolstered by the 2^nd round pick Delmas. Delmas recorded 94 tackles and 2 defensive touchdowns from the safety position.