Been scouring all the mock drafts out there. I think it’s appropriate I do one for myself, at least through the first 10 picks. After that, it just gets sketchy. Without further ado, here we go:

1. Detroit Lions (0-16 last season): Matthew Stafford, Georgia — It’s sad that Daunte Culpepper didn’t work out for the hapless Lions, but it really illuminates their struggles. After being on a wide receiver binge for the last six years, they’ll likely draft to build first rather than win first. It’s a no-brainer, especially with the worries about Mark Sanchez and the USC quarterback’s who have floundered after being drafted as of late (ah hem, Matt Leinart).
2. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Jason Smith, Baylor — With the departure of Orlando Pace, and the struggles the Rams had in pass protection (45 sacks) and rushing (103 yards per game), they’ll focus in on the basis. And that starts up front with the hogs. The big if is whether Smith gets the nod, or Eugene Monroe from Virgina. Consider this a toss up of the two.
3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Aaron Curry, Wake Forest — After filling the quarterback hole, rethinking the tight end position (departure of Tony Gonzalez and signing of Sean Ryan) and having a new general manager to lead the draft, all eyes point to talent above need. Curry is the talent that most observers are saying is the “safe” pick, even though he’s marked as a guy who would flourish in a 3-4 defense, he’ll easily adjust. He looks that good.
4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12): Michael Crabtree, Texas Tech — He’s my favorite player in this draft. If you recall, last season the Seahawks went into the year with four or five receivers injured. They started signing guys off the street and it was just getting ridiculous after awhile. And then of course, this offseason people started looking at Matt Hasselback like he was the problem, or more nicely, the future problem. They’ve got one major need and Crabtree fills it. They’d be stupid to draft anywhere else so high.
5. Cleveland Browns (4-12): BJ Raji, Boston College — After getting this whole positive/negative drug test results cleared up, it appears the big defensive tackle will still be in the top-10. What better place to go than Cleveland, which gave up 356 yards a game (25th in the NFL) and finished with only 17 sacks last season. This Raji’s 337 pounds would help, if not now, down the line.
6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1): Eugene Monroe, Virginia — Every year I think the Bengals should focus on the basics (blocking and running) and every year I’m a little more disappointed. Here goes wishful thinking.
7. Oakland Raiders (5-11): Jeremy Maclin, Missouri — Al Davis has apparently taken a liking to the Missouri wide receiver. It comes as no surprise that Davis is a sucker for potent threats. Talent first, need second. In this case, Maclin fills a need and a want.
8. New York Jets (from Jacksonville Jaguars): Mark Sancehz, USC — As much as you (OK, really me) want to knock what Trojan quarterbacks have done in the pros lately, he’s the best thing available for this team with a quarterback identity issue.
9. Green Bay Packers (6-10): Brian Orakpo, Texas — The recent moves by the Packers to fix up their offensive line before the draft gives me the distinct hint they’re posturing toward a defensive player. This is a good time to take Orakpo, a defensive end who had 23 sacks in 21 starts for the Longhorns. They build football players at that school.
10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9): Andre Smith, Alabama — In a draft lacking a lot of depth, the 49ers will immediately fill a hole with Smith at tackle. Pass protection has been an issue the last few years. But even more important will be Mike Singletary’s emphasis on the running game. While a quarterback would be the team’s pick of choice, their top choice (Stafford) will be long gone by this point. And other top tackles will be gone, so Smith falls here by default. Josh Freeman, the No. 3 quarterback in most draft rankings, may not be sexy enough for the 49ers to grab here. But if it were up to me, they’d totally do it.

Here are some good mock drafts you should be aware of:

• CBS Sports experts
• Niners Nation: 49ers Mock Draft through seven rounds and nine picks
• National Football Post mock draft through three rounds
• Pro Football Talk mock draft

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