NFL Rookie Profiles - 2009

Matthew Stafford, Quarterback, Detroit Lions

Pick: 1st Rnd, #1
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 225
College: Georgia
Conference: SEC
Hometown: Dallas, TX
High School: Highland Park

The Lions land their franchise quarterback with the selection of Stafford. Though there was some debate about whether the former Bulldog would be their guy, the team wrapped up negotiations on a six-year, $78 million contract, with $41.7 million in guarantees. As a classic pocket passer with excellent arm strength, he gives the team a legitimate quarterback to build an offense around.

Scott Boehm, Getty Images

David Cushing, Linebacker, Houston Texans

Pick: 1st Rnd, #15
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 243
College: Southern Cal
Conference: Pac 10
Hometown: Park Ridge, NJ
High School: Bergen Catholic HS

Cushing is a linebacker capable of manning either outside linebacker position, and gives the Texans numerous options for filling out its lineup. With Cushing in place, the Texans have the potential to craft an aggressive blitz package that attacks offenses from multiple angles.

David J. Phillip, AP

Brian Orakpo, Defensive End, Washington Redskins

Pick: 1st Rnd, #13
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 263
College: Texas
Conference: Big 12
Hometown: Houston, TX
High School: Lamar

Though Orakpo was projected by many as a hybrid rusher, but Orakpo will play as a conventional end rusher alongside Pro Bowler Albert Haynesworth. With the big man occupying double teams inside, Orakpo has an opportunity to record double-digit sacks in his first season due to a high number of man-on-man blocks off the edge.

Win McNamee, Getty Images

Chris Wells, Running Back, Arizona Cardinals

Pick: 1st Rnd, #31
Height: 6'1"
Weight: 235
College: Ohio State
Conference: Big 10
Hometown: Akron, OH
High School: Garfield

The Cardinals get their power runner with Wells. The former Buckeye excels at grinding between the tackles, and his physical running style gives Ken Whisenhunt the option of playing smash-mouth football. Though there have been durability questions, Wells has been productive as a featured runner. He could put up big numbers in an offense that has normally moved the ball through the air.

Jonathan Willey, Getty Images

Clay Matthews, Linebacker, Green Bay Packers

Pick: 1st Rnd, #26
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 240
College: Southern Cal
Conference: Pac 10
Hometown: Agoura Hills, CA
High School: Agoura

The Packers add a versatile outside linebacker to their 3-4. Matthews' multi-dimensional game serves as the perfect complement to Aaron Kampman. As a credible rushing threat with underrated cover skills, Matthews gives Dom Capers the ability to mix and match rush schemes. Though he only spent one season as a starter in college, he has the potential to be a solid pro in the Packers' defense.

Jonathan Daniel, Getty Images

Darrius Heyward-Bey, Wide Receiver, Oakland Raiders

Pick: 1st Rnd, #7
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 210
College: Maryland
Conference: ACC
Hometown: Silver Spring, MD
High School: McDonogh School

The Raiders bypassed Michael Crabtree and Jeremy Maclin to select Heyward-Bey. Although the former Maryland speedster recorded the best 40 time (4.30) at the combine, he is raw and unrefined as a receiver. He may eventually develop into a big-time weapon in the Raiders' offense, but he is a bit of a reach as a potential No. 1 receiver.


Jed Jacobsohn, Getty Images

Donald Brown, Running Back, Indianapolis Colts

Pick: 1st Rnd, #27
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 210
College: Connecticut
Conference: Big East
Hometown: Atlantic Highlands, NJ
High School: Red Bank Catholic

The elusive runner from Connecticut has outstanding speed, quickness and vision. He excels at running between the tackles and is an ideal fit in the Colts' zone-based running game. With Joseph Addai suffering from durability issues, Brown could blossom as a rotational player.

Scott Boehm, Getty Images

Eric Wood, Center, Buffalo Bills

Pick: 1st Rnd, #28
Height: 6'4"
Weight: 310
College: Louisville
Conference: Big East
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
High School: Elder

The Bills add a versatile offensive lineman to their reshuffled lineup. Though Wood is viewed as a pivot by some scouts, he has the size, skills and football IQ to man several positions along the line. With the team attempting to cope with the loss of Jason Peters, Wood could be a key player in the Bills' rebuilding efforts.

Rick Stewart, Getty Images

Eugene Monroe, Offensive Tackle, Jacksonville Jaguars

Pick: 1st Rnd, #8
Height: 6'5"
Weight: 309
College: Virginia
Conference: ACC
Hometown: South Plainfield, NJ
High School: Plainfield

The Jaguars go for the most polished tackle prospect on the board. Though Monroe is highly regarded as a pass blocker, he is equally adept at creating a push in the running game. With the Jaguars hoping to return to their power running attack, Monroe gives them another pile-pusher in the lineup.

Al Messerschmidt, Getty Images

Evander Hood, Defensive Tackle, Pittsburgh Steelers

Pick: 1st Rnd,
Height: 6'3"
Weight: 300
College: Missouri
Conference: Big 12
Hometown: Amarillo, TX
High School: Palo Duro

The Steelers snag the energetic Hood at the bottom of the first round to upgrade their depth along the line. Though many pegged Hood as a "one-gap" interior tackle, his combination of strength and movement fit in nicely as a 3-4 defensive end. With the luxury of learning behind a veteran crew, Hood should develop into a starter in a year or two.

Michael Conroy, AP