Harvin could be steal of 2009 NFL Draft

The 2009 NFL Draft is less than one week away. This week, Sean Labar plays the role of general manager and predicts the back half of the top-10 picks. Look for Labar's top-5 picks in Thursday's issue.

10. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Sanchez, QB, USC

Alex Smith has had plenty of time to succeed in the NFL and secure his position as a franchise quarterback. He has showed little improvement going into his fourth season in San Francisco. I believe that this is a make or break season for Smith and a win-focused coach like Mike Singletary will throw in some competition during training camp in order to decide the future path the 49ers will take. Mark Sanchez is an outstanding quarterback and has the traits necessary to emerge has a leader early in his pro career. He has tremendous arm strength and has demonstrated on several occasions that he can handle the spotlight of a big game. The Washington Redskins showed little faith in their signal caller Jason Campbell a few weeks ago as they chased after Jay Cutler before he ultimately signed with Chicago. Unless the Skins trade up from their 13th overall pick to land Sanchez, the young gun will remain out West as he makes his professional debut.

9. Green Bay Packers: Brian Orakpo, DE, Texas

Green Bay finally has its offense headed in the right direction after quarterback Aaron Rodgers exceeded expectations in 2008. The Packers' defense is still unstable and they need a big playmaker to match the intensity of LB A.J. Hawk. Brian Orakpo is known to create havoc for opposing quarterbacks and running backs alike. The former Texas Longhorn is hands-down the best defensive end on the board. I compare him to Carolina's Julius Peppers and his size, matched with his unusual speed, gives coaches the leisure of using him as a linebacker or defensive end, depending on the given circumstance. This versatility separates Orakpo from the competition and I believe the "Cheeseheads" will be getting a real treat if they land him on draft day.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars: Percy Harvin, WR/RB, Florida

I see the Jaguars doing something very unique with this pick. Jacksonville is in need of a reliable wide receiver after the departure of wide receiver Matt Jones following several run-ins with the law. Throw in Reggie Williams' pending cocaine charges and the Jags are left with a bullseye placed squarely on a wide out. Percy Harvin has the ability to make huge plays as both a receiver and a tailback. The Jags are known for running a two-tailback offense, and after releasing running back Fred Taylor, Jacksonville will need another horse in the backfield. Harvin is a dual position player and with a small amount of guidance could fill both of these voids. The former Gator galloped for 659 yards in 2008 and still managed to pull in another 40 receptions for 644 yards. Harvin isn't a stranger to the end zone either, scoring seven times on the ground and 10 through the air during his last season at Florida. I realize this one is a long shot, but if the draft goes as I expect, look for Harvin to be a Jaguar in 2009.

7. Oakland Raiders: Derrius Heyward-Bey, WR, Maryland

Derrius Heyward-Bey has the ability to immediately make his presence known as a playmaking receiver in the NFL. I see him as a great fit in the tough football town of Oakland, Calif. Since their fallout with Randy Moss in 2006, the Raiders have failed to produce an offensive star, and owner Al Davis will be smart to pick this guy up. If quarterback Jamarcus Russell can finally play up to his potential, then the young combo could be deadly for opposing defenses. Standing 6-foot-2, Heyward-Bey has the size needed for a high caliber NFL wide out. In the 2009 NFL scouting combine, he impressed scouts with a blistering 4.0 40-yard dash time. Heyward-Bey will do big things in 2009; let's just see if the Oakland front office can make a wise decision.

6. Cincinnati Bengals: Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

The Bengals are in desperate need of offensive protection in order to elevate the talent of their explosive players. Consider this: In 2008, Cincinnati ranked dead last in the league in both points and yards per game. Their rushing offense was 29th in the NFL and their passing offense was a meager 30th. Clearly the Bengals aren't the franchise they were a couple of seasons ago, and the 2009 draft could help them get back on the map. With the 2008 departure of offensive tackle Willie Anderson, I like the Bengals to bulk the offensive line back up in order to protect a healthy Carson Palmer. If Palmer bounces back from injury and has ideal protection, then Chad Johnson will naturally have a standout season. It is a simple equation -- Eugene Monroe is the best offensive tackle in the draft and I see him as a big contributor in the 2009 season.

This writer can be contacted at sports@theeastcarolinian.com.