9) Green Bay Tyson Jackson (Defensive end/Louisiana State): Jackson never maximized his potential with Louisiana State, but he’s terrific against the run and can learn the art of pass rushing from one of the best in Aaron Kampman.

8) Jacksonville Darrius Heyward-Bey (Wide receiver/Maryland): The Jaguars signed veteran receiver Torry Holt) during the off-season, but he’s no long-term solution. Heyward-Bey is a speed demon who could eventually groove into that No. 1 receiving slot.

7) Oakland Jeremy Maclin (Wide receiver/Missouri): At the risk of sounding redundant, Oakland owner Al Davis loves speed. Maclin has that in spades.

6) Cincinnati Eugene Monroe (Offensive tackle/Virginia): Before the Bengals return to 2005 form, they’ll need an offensive line that can keep quarterback Carson Palmer out of the infirmary. Taking Monroe to plug a hole at left tackle would be a good start.

5) Cleveland B.J. Raji (Defensive tackle/Boston College): The Browns have more pressing needs, especially at cornerback and linebacker, but taking any such players with a pick this high would be a reach. Raji could give Shaun Rogers a breather when necessary.

4) Seattle Michael Crabtree (Wide receiver/Texas Tech): Like the Jaguars, the Seahawks signed a veteran receiver in T.J. Houshmandzadeh earlier this off-season, but their offense is still pretty dry. They give it a jolt of energy with Crabtree, who is arguably the premiere offensive player in this draft.

3) Kansas City Aaron Curry (Linebacker/Wake Forest): The Chiefs get a dynamic player in Curry, who is widely considered the best player and safest pick in this draft. Curry was extremely productive at Wake Forest, and compounded his solid career with the Demon Deacons with an incredible showing in the scouting combines.

2) St. Louis Jason Smith (Offensive tackle/Baylor): It’s time for the Rams to find a replacement for perennial Pro Bowler Orlando Pace. They find one in Smith, who has the athleticism to excel as a mauler in both running and passing situations.

1) Detroit Matthew Stafford (Quarterback/Georgia): The fans will gripe and groan, but that won’t stop the Lions’ brass from rolling the dice on the big-armed Stafford. Stafford’s lousy completion percentage in college and the litany of early-entry quarterbacks who have gone bust after making the early jump to the NFL raise red flags, but the upside of a Stafford/Calvin Johnson passing tandem is too intriguing to pass up.