Pancake Blocks Mock: Pick No. 8
Matt G. steps in with the Jags' pick at No. 8.
Let me preface this by saying, there is no way the Jaguars will be picking at #8. With the way this draft has unfolded and with the likely way the actual draft will unfold one of the lower teams that is targeting either Matthew Stafford or Mark Sanchez will trade into this spot.
The Jags are hurting for a few things. WRs, Interior Linemen, a run stuffer, and a DB. An OT would be nice but not a must with the signing of Tra Thomas.
The two WR's that might have been justified going here are gone. The interior linemen can be had in the 2nd or 3rd round. Andre Smith would address a long term need at tackle but the guy is floppy, nutty and lazy. He isn't worth the risk of a top 10 contract.
As such the Jags are left with a choice between the top CB Vontae Davis, or top DT in BJ Raji. The difference is one's a reach and the other a steal at this point.
The Jags live and die by the run. Last year they just died. Mike Peterson faded into a shadow of himself, but the younger LB's like Brian Iwuh helped step in to fill that void. John Henderson hasn't been the same since Marcus Stroud left.
As such, with the 8th selection, the Jaguars take big man BJ Raji, defensive tackle from Boston College.
2009 Pancake Blocks Mock Draft
1. Detroit Lions (Sparty) - Jason Smith
2. St. Louis Rams (Evan) - Eugene Monroe
3. Kansas City Chiefs (Dude Abides) - Michael Crabtree
4. Seattle Seahawks (LunaticFringe) - Aaron Curry
5. Cleveland Browns (Thomas G.) - Aaron Maybin
6. Cincinnati Bengals (Wesseling) - Brian Orakpo
7. Oakland Raiders (Andrew W.) - Jeremy Maclin
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (Matt G.) - B.J. Raji
9. Green Bay Packers (Bob) - On the clock.
Comments
No way.
Posted by: Drunkmonkey | April 15, 2009 02:24 PM
That should complete the heart break for spookly.
BPA plus a need. Should free last years #8 for more QB pursuit as well.
Posted by: Matt G | April 15, 2009 02:26 PM
I agree that the jags will probably trade out, and with the economy, and the weak QB class, I am guessing that a lot of teams will be looking to trade down, so the price to move up and nab a QB will be fairly cheap. Come on vikings!!(there is no way I am that lucky) Raji is the obvious choice at this point with no sure fire linebackers to take.
Posted by: John M | April 15, 2009 02:28 PM
Theres a good shot that Broncos or Washington will trade into this spot (outside chance Philly moves up for Andre Smith) in the real draft
At 12 or 13 Rey Malagua would be a pretty good fit
Posted by: Matt G | April 15, 2009 02:39 PM
good pick. i could see raji going higher in real life.
Posted by: scott c | April 15, 2009 02:44 PM
rotoworld,
btw... whats the best mock draft out there in your opinion?
Posted by: scott c | April 15, 2009 02:47 PM
Good pick, solid reasoning, entertaining write-up.
FWIW, I agree the Jags will trade out, and there's no way they draft a QB with so many other needs.
But Raji is easily the pick here considering team needs and what's left on the board. I think Raji goes higher 8th in the real deal.
Posted by: Wess | April 15, 2009 03:00 PM