2009 NFL Mock Draft: Picks 1-3

As promised, we'll be conducting our first ever full first round mock draft, beginning today. Given how much things change over the course of the pre-NFL Draft weeks, we don't advise you take any of these picks and bet on them. 

When the NFL Draft rolls around, we'll offer some insight on who might go where and what odds are worth taking, but for now, this is merely for the fun and entertainment of it. 

So, without further ado, here are the first two picks of our 2009 NFL Mock Draft. 

1. Detroit Lions: Matthew Stafford, QB, Georgia

While there are questions as to whether or not Stafford is worthy of the No. 1 overall pick, the strong-armed kid can do some good in Detroit. Taking one of the premiere tackles might make more sense here, but we think the Lions will go for a new face of the franchise in Stafford. If anyone needs a new face of the franchise, it's the 0-16 Lions. 

2. St. Louis Rams: Jason Smith, T, Baylor

The main beneficiary of Detroit's decision to go with Stafford is the Rams, who are picking second for the second year in-a-row. With a need at left tackle, Jason Smith can step right in and fill the void. There are a number of other solid tackle prospects out there, but Jason Smith will likely be the first off the board.

3. Kansas City Chiefs: Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

In our opinion, Curry is the best player in the draft and the absolute safest pick. Curry, along with any of the top three offensive tackles, should be around ten years from now still dominating at his position.

We'll have picks 4-6 for you most likely tomorrow, so make sure to check back and continue to do so as we unveil the rest of our first ever full NFL Mock Draft. 

Keep an Eye on the Patriots Line

As Tom Brady limped off the field Sunday, we couldn't wait to see the line for the Patriots next game agains the Jets this week. We figured, with the star quarterback lost for the year in a game that saw his team barely sneak by the Chiefs, the Patriots won't be getting any respect this week against Brett Favre and the J-E-T-S.

We were right.

The Patriots line is +1 1/2 on Bodog, and that will be one to watch for this weekend as we dish out our Free NFL Picks (which were 60% in week one). Keep a close eye on this line, as the public might give the Patriots even more points!

The bottom line is this: the Patriots went 18-1 and earned a Super Bowl appearance last year as a team. Although Brady was a huge part of that, the Patriots still have a great team, and should still be able to beat the Jets.

Brady or no Brady, Favre or no Favre, there's no way we pass up on a chance to take the most dominant team in the league at +1 1/2 over the Jets, who looked shakey at best last week against the Dolphins.

All that the new Pats QB Matt Cassel has to do is chuck it up to Randy Moss, which he proved capable of in Kansas City, and the Patriots stellar offensive line, underrated rushing game, and solid defense should take care of the rest.

When the Patriots steamroll the Jets this weekend, remember to thank us. And Bernard Pollard.

NFL Mock Draft Top 5

The NFL Draft is about an hour away, so if you can get on any of these picks at reasonable odds, it's time to pull the trigger.

1. Miami Dolphins- Jake Long, G

2. St. Louis Rams- Chris Long, DE

3. Atlanta Falcons- Matt Ryan, QB

4. Oakland Raiders- Darren McFadden, RB

5. Kansas City Chiefs- Glenn Dorsey, DT