The 2009 NFL draft took place this past weekend, April 25-26. The first round saw some of the best players in the draft find a home for the season. Some of the selections weren’t surprising: Michael Stafford going to the Detroit Lions, while others defied expectations: Michael Crabtree was a later-than-expected number ten pick.

Let’s take a look at some of the highlights from the first round.

#1 – Quarterback and projected No. 1 overall pick Matthew Stafford lived up to his hype. The Detroit Lions had already signed the 21-year-old to a six-year deal with $41.7 million in guarantees. The Lions had a record-breaking season this year: 0-16, a losing feat that no other team in NFL history has accomplished.

With a winless season wrought by Matt Millen, the Lions look to Stafford to take over the franchise. At 6’3″ and 237 pounds, and with a strong, accurate throwing arm that has brought in 51 career touchdowns and 7,731 rushing yards, Stafford has the potential to become a franchise savior. Hopefully, the new Leon he’ll do better than Detroit’s last leading pick at quarterback, Joey Harrington.

Stafford left school a year early but is not expected to start the season. However, he is ready to start his career as a professional.

“I’m a competitive guy,” Stafford said. “I’m going to try to get ready as fast as I can.”

Stafford continues a trend in the NFL in which quarterbacks make up the best overall picks in the draft; in fact, 9 of the last 12 major picks have been quarterbacks. Time will tell if Stafford continues to live up to expectations during the football season.

#4- Another potential for the Lions was taken in the top 5. Aaron Curry, a linebacker from Wake Forest, had discussed being the first overall pick with Detroit. Curry has an exceptional combination of height, weight and speed for a linebacker which, combined with his strong instincts, aggression and all-around effort, makes him an ideal player. Seattle was able to capture Curry at number 4.

#5 – The second quarterback drafted, USC’s Mark Sanchez, was snapped up by the New York Jets after they traded Cleveland for the fifth overall spot. Sánchez started at USC for just one season, leading the Trojans to a 12-1 season and a Rose Bowl victory.

With the Jets, he’ll have to fill in for retiring quarterback Brett Favre. The 6’3″, 225lb quarterback has a strong arm, intelligence and leadership skills that make him a prize for the Jets’ West Coast Offense. His limited experience makes him a moderate risk, but he is not discouraged.

“It’s a very exciting time, a special time in my life,” explains Sánchez, “so I’m excited to get things rolling.”
#7- Wowed by his speed, the Oakland Raiders snagged Maryland’s Darrius Heyward-Bey at number 7 overall. Although Heyward-Bey had the fastest 40-yard time in practice, his underdeveloped receiving skills make him a risk. Although he may take time to develop, with his incredible speed and height-to-weight combination, Heyward-Bey exhibits real potential.

#10- Michael Crabtree, who was the highest rated receiver prior to the draft, completed the top ten when he was drafted by the 49ers. He lost first place to Heyward-Bey, who was selected three places before him. Although Crabtree lacks top-tier speed, he is still considered one of the best receivers in the draft, with the ability to catch just about anything thrown at him.

After just two seasons of football, Crabtree was awarded the Biletnikoff Award. Now in San Francisco, Crabtree is aiming high: “I’ve got some big shoes to fill when I go to the 49ers, you know, with Jerry Rice. I’m looking forward to that. I love a challenge.”

#12 – Knowshon Moreno was number 12 to the Denver Broncos. Moreno rushed for 1,400 yards last season to lead the SEC and was a second-team All-American. Although Moreno lacks the breakaway speed that the NFL’s top running backs possess, he has great instincts and good vision that make him an excellent pick for the Broncos.

#19- The Eagles were able to pick Missouri receiver Jerry Maclin at number 19 after the Browns traded the pick for number 21 and a second sixth-round pick. In 2008, Maclin was able to score 12 touchdowns, along with 1,260 receiving yards.

#27- The Indianapolis Colts selected Dan Brown at number 27. Brown was the 2008 Big East Offensive Player of the Year at Connecticut and, with over 2,000 rushing yards last year alone and 3,800 career rushing yards, leads the NCAA. He also has the distinction of being the first player from the University of Connecticut to be selected in the first round.

Overall, 19 offensive and 13 defensive players, 15 of whom were freshmen, were selected in the first round, for a total of 32 players.

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