2009 NFL draft
The 2009 NFL Draft was the 74th annual player selection meeting conducted by National Football League (NFL) franchises to choose newly eligible American football players.[1] Held over two days from April 25 to 26 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, the event was televised by both ESPN and NFL Network.[2][3] The draft featured seven rounds and 256 total selections, with the Detroit Lions—coming off an NFL-worst 0–16 record in 2008—holding the No. 1 overall pick and using it to select quarterback Matthew Stafford from the University of Georgia; as of late 2025, Stafford remains one of only two active players from the 2009 draft class.[4][5][6] Other prominent first-round choices included offensive tackle Jason Smith (No. 2, St. Louis Rams, Baylor), defensive end Tyson Jackson (No. 3, Kansas City Chiefs, LSU), linebacker Aaron Curry (No. 4, Seattle Seahawks, Wake Forest), and quarterback Mark Sanchez (No. 5, New York Jets, USC).[4] Among the draft class's standout performers were wide receiver Percy Harvin (No. 22 overall, Minnesota Vikings, Florida), who earned Associated Press NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors, and linebacker Brian Cushing (No. 15 overall, Houston Texans, USC), the Defensive Rookie of the Year; running back LeSean McCoy (No. 53 overall, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh), a six-time Pro Bowler and 2013 NFL rushing leader, remains a highlight of the class's long-term success.[7] Additional notable selections included linebacker Clay Matthews (No. 26, Green Bay Packers, USC), who became a six-time Pro Bowler and key contributor to the Packers' Super Bowl XLV victory.[7] The class remains remembered for its mix of quarterback prospects and defensive talents that shaped contending teams throughout the 2010s.[4]Background and Preparation
Eligibility Rules and Process
The eligibility for the 2009 NFL Draft required players to be at least three years removed from their high school graduation, a standard rule established to ensure maturity and development before entering professional football. College seniors were automatically eligible upon completion of their final season, forming the bulk of the draft pool, while underclassmen could apply for special eligibility only if they had completed at least three full seasons of college football and formally renounced their remaining amateur status. The declaration process for underclassmen involved submitting a written application to the NFL by the deadline of January 15, 2009, after which the league reviewed and approved eligible applicants, granting special entry to 46 players for the 2009 draft.[8] These early entrants joined approximately 300 total eligible players, creating a diverse pool for NFL teams to evaluate.[7] Underclassmen had until January 18, 2009, to withdraw their declarations and retain college eligibility if they chose to return to school.[9] The NFL Draft Advisory Board played a key role in guiding underclassmen, offering confidential evaluations of their projected draft status based on scouting reports to inform decisions on early entry.[10] This feedback helped players like those petitioning in late 2008 assess risks, with the board's opinions influencing whether to declare by the January deadline.[10] Special cases included international players who met standard eligibility through U.S. college play, such as German-born offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer, selected in the second round after starring at the University of Houston.[11] Additionally, the supplemental draft on July 16, 2009, addressed hardship situations for players ineligible for the main draft due to academic or conduct issues, exemplified by Kentucky defensive end Jeremy Jarmon, who was picked in the third round after a failed drug test violation.[12] No unique hardship waivers altered the primary eligibility process that year, but the supplemental mechanism provided a pathway for such cases.[12]Pre-Draft Evaluations and Expectations
The pre-draft evaluation process for the 2009 NFL Draft began with the Under Armour Senior Bowl, held on January 24, 2009, in Mobile, Alabama, where top senior prospects showcased their skills in practices and the all-star game, drawing significant attention from NFL scouts and coaches.[13] This event featured notable performances from players like Baylor offensive tackle Jason Smith, who impressed with his athleticism in drills, boosting his stock as a potential top-five pick.[14] Following the Senior Bowl, the NFL Scouting Combine took place from February 18-24, 2009, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, where over 300 draft-eligible players underwent physical testing, interviews, and medical evaluations.[15] Standouts included Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford, whose arm strength and 40-yard dash time of 4.81 seconds solidified his status as a premier prospect.[16] Pro days at major college programs, such as those at the University of Southern California, Baylor University, and the University of Georgia in March and April 2009, provided additional opportunities for prospects to perform in familiar environments, with USC's pro day on April 2 drawing crowds for quarterback Mark Sanchez's workouts.[17] Mock draft projections leading into the event consistently pointed to Stafford as the No. 1 overall selection by the Detroit Lions, driven by the team's desperate need for a franchise quarterback after their dismal performance.[18] Analysts like ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. frequently projected Sanchez falling in the top five, often to teams like the New York Jets or Seattle Seahawks, amid buzz about his pro-style passing and leadership.[19] Jason Smith generated similar excitement as a top tackle prospect, with many mocks slotting him to the St. Louis Rams at No. 2 due to his combine performance and blocking prowess.[20] These trends reflected broader anticipation for a quarterback-heavy draft, with Stafford and Sanchez dominating discussions as the elite signal-callers available, alongside other top prospects like Virginia defensive end Brian Orakpo projected in the top 10. The Detroit Lions' motivations were particularly acute following their 0-16 record in the 2008 season, the worst in modern NFL history, which secured them the top pick and intensified pressure to rebuild through the draft.[21] Across the league, the ongoing economic recession influenced team strategies, as franchises increasingly relied on the draft for talent acquisition to manage costs and avoid high veteran free-agent salaries amid financial uncertainty and the looming uncapped year in 2010. This environment heightened the value of high-upside draftees like Stafford and Smith, whose deals—though substantial—offered long-term potential without the immediate risks of unrestricted free agency spending. Prospect rankings from experts like Mel Kiper Jr. emphasized a strong class at quarterback and offensive line, with his final big board listing Stafford at No. 1, Sanchez at No. 3, and Smith at No. 2, highlighting their potential to address critical positional needs.[19] ESPN's top-10 lists similarly prioritized these players, alongside linebackers like Aaron Curry and receivers like Michael Crabtree, underscoring a draft perceived as talent-rich at premium positions.[22] However, scouting efforts in 2009 were predominantly domestic, with limited international involvement compared to contemporary drafts; only a handful of non-U.S. high school attendees had been selected league-wide from 1990 to 2011, reflecting minimal global outreach at the time.[23]Draft Event and Process
Venue, Dates, and Format
The 2009 NFL Draft took place over two days, April 25 and 26, at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.[24] The first and second rounds occurred on Saturday, April 25, beginning at 4:00 p.m. ET, while rounds 3 through 7 were held the following day, starting at 10:00 a.m. ET.[25][2] The event was broadcast live on ESPN and NFL Network, marking the first year both networks provided simultaneous coverage of all rounds.[26] NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced each selection on stage, a tradition that added to the ceremony's prominence.[27] Public attendance was permitted, with fans able to line up outside the venue starting the evening before the first round to secure standing-room viewing areas.[2] The draft format included seven rounds totaling 256 selections: 224 regular picks plus 32 compensatory selections awarded to 16 teams based on their net losses of unrestricted free agents during the 2008 offseason.[28] These compensatory picks were distributed at the ends of rounds 3 through 7 to offset free agency imbalances.[29] A separate supplemental draft was conducted later on July 16, allowing teams to select players who had newly become eligible due to academic or disciplinary issues, resulting in one additional pick that year.[30] Top prospects, including the 10 invitees such as quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and Mark Sanchez, gathered in a dedicated green room backstage for the first round, awaiting their selections amid heightened anticipation.[31][32] The atmosphere blended excitement with tension, as players donned team hats and jerseys upon being drafted.[33] Held amid the 2008–2009 financial crisis, the draft nonetheless attracted a record 39 million television viewers, up 2.5 million from 2008, demonstrating sustained fan engagement despite economic pressures.[26]Round-by-Round Proceedings
The 2009 NFL Draft's first round began at 4:00 p.m. ET on April 25 at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, with each team allotted 10 minutes per selection under the league's time rules. The round featured 32 picks and lasted approximately four hours, influenced by multiple trade negotiations that altered the order and pacing, allowing teams to maneuver for preferred prospects.[34] Round 2 followed immediately on the same day, proceeding at a quicker pace with seven-minute clocks per pick, completing 32 selections in about two hours and concluding the first day's proceedings around 10:00 p.m. ET. The draft then resumed the next morning, Sunday, April 26, at 10:00 a.m. ET, covering rounds 3 through 7 with progressively shorter time limits—five minutes for rounds 3-6 and four minutes for round 7—emphasizing selections of depth players, rotational contributors, and special teams specialists.[35] Throughout the event, the flow included notable surprises, such as an unexpected concentration of wide receiver selections in the first round, where six pass-catchers were chosen, tying for the second-highest total in draft history up to that point and reflecting teams' emphasis on offensive skill positions amid varying evaluations. Early buzz surrounded versatile wide receiver Percy Harvin, whose dynamic playmaking potential generated significant pre-draft anticipation before his selection later in the round. Trade discussions occasionally caused brief delays, as teams like the New England Patriots executed multiple swaps to accumulate picks across rounds.[36] The first round's broadcast on ESPN averaged 5.06 million viewers, demonstrating the draft's rising appeal as a major sports event despite the Saturday afternoon slot.[37]Selections and Transactions
Player Selections Overview
The 2009 NFL Draft consisted of 256 player selections across seven rounds, with the first two rounds featuring 32 picks each and later rounds expanded by trades and 32 compensatory selections awarded to teams that lost more free agents than they signed in the previous offseason.[38][39] The draft order was determined primarily by reverse records from the 2008 season, adjusted for playoff results and prior trades, resulting in varied allocations per team. The Tennessee Titans held the most picks with 11, while the Detroit Lions, coming off a 0-16 record, had 10 picks, acquired through earlier transactions that positioned them to rebuild extensively.[7] The top five selections highlighted a focus on foundational talent for struggling franchises: the Lions chose quarterback Matthew Stafford from Georgia at No. 1 to anchor their offense; the St. Louis Rams selected offensive tackle Jason Smith from Baylor at No. 2 for line protection; the Kansas City Chiefs took defensive end Tyson Jackson from LSU at No. 3 to bolster their pass rush; the Seattle Seahawks picked linebacker Aaron Curry from Wake Forest at No. 4 for defensive leadership; and the New York Jets drafted quarterback Mark Sanchez from USC at No. 5 (acquired via trade) to compete for the starting role.[7] Positionally, the draft emphasized rebuilding efforts following the high-scoring 2008 season, which saw league-wide defensive struggles with an average of 22.0 points per game allowed—the highest since 2000—prompting teams to prioritize defensive reinforcements alongside offensive skill players. A total of 12 quarterbacks were selected, reflecting uncertainty at the position after several veteran performances faltered; offensive tackles numbered 20, addressing line vulnerabilities exposed in the prior year; and wide receivers totaled 34, capitalizing on a deep class to enhance passing attacks. For example, the Cincinnati Bengals received four compensatory picks (one each in Rounds 4 through 7) due to net free-agent losses, allowing them to add depth.[7][38][39] Post-draft, most selections signed promptly, including Stafford to a six-year, $72 million deal, but notable holdouts emerged over contract disputes for other players, with several resolving negotiations by mid-July to join training camps.Key Trades
The 2009 NFL Draft saw 28 trades involving draft picks, with the highest concentration occurring in Rounds 2 through 4, as teams maneuvered to optimize their selections amid a deep talent pool.[40] A standout transaction was the New York Jets' move to secure quarterback Mark Sanchez, trading up from the 17th overall pick to the fifth overall with the Cleveland Browns. In exchange, the Jets surrendered their first-round pick (No. 17), second-round pick (No. 52), defensive end Kenyon Coleman, quarterback Brett Ratliff, and safety Abram Elam, allowing them to address their quarterback need decisively.[40] This deal exemplified the quarterback desperation prevalent among teams, as the Browns, despite their own interest in signal-callers, opted to accumulate additional assets for broader roster rebuilding.[41] The Philadelphia Eagles executed multiple trades during the draft to reposition in the second round, ultimately selecting running back LeSean McCoy at No. 53 after acquiring the necessary picks through swaps with other teams, enhancing their backfield depth.[40] These maneuvers, like many others, shifted the overall pick order and influenced compensatory selections for future drafts by altering team asset distributions. Strategic drivers behind the elevated trade volume included teams' efforts to stockpile future picks amid the economic recession following the 2008 financial crisis, which heightened caution around high-cost rookie contracts.[42] Additionally, anticipation of rookie wage scale reforms—formalized in the 2011 collective bargaining agreement—spurred activity, as franchises sought to trade current high-value picks for longer-term flexibility without the burden of escalating top-draft salaries.[43]Supplemental and Undrafted Players
Supplemental Draft Results
The NFL Supplemental Draft serves as a separate selection process for players who become ineligible to participate in the regular draft due to academic, disciplinary, or other NCAA-related issues, such as suspensions for violations including positive tests for banned substances. Held annually in mid-July, the 2009 edition took place on July 16, allowing teams to bid on a limited pool of such prospects without disrupting the primary draft timeline.[30] The supplemental draft operates via a blind bidding system, in which teams submit sealed offers indicating the round of a future draft pick they are willing to forfeit in exchange for rights to a player; the highest bid—defined as the earliest round—secures the selection, with ties resolved by the bidding team's position in the overall draft order. This mechanism ensures competitive balance but discourages frequent use, as teams must sacrifice valuable future assets for players often carrying risk due to their eligibility histories. In 2009, no higher-round bids were submitted beyond the third round.[44][45] The 2009 Supplemental Draft featured minimal activity, with only one player selected: defensive end Jeremy Jarmon from the University of Kentucky, taken by the Washington Redskins in the third round. Jarmon had been ruled ineligible for his senior season after testing positive for a banned substance in February 2009, prompting his entry into the draft; the Redskins forfeited their third-round pick in the 2010 NFL Draft to acquire him. No other players received bids, highlighting the event's historically low participation that year, as no major additional NCAA violation cases emerged to populate the pool.[30][46] Supplemental drafts have experienced a marked decline in usage since the early 2000s, attributed to stricter NCAA enforcement of eligibility standards that reduce the incidence of players losing college status mid-cycle, coupled with teams' reluctance to expend premium picks on high-risk prospects amid concerns over off-field issues. By 2009, such events had already become rare occurrences, with single-pick outcomes like Jarmon's underscoring their exception rather than the norm in the modern NFL era.[47][48]Notable Undrafted Free Agents
Following the 2009 NFL Draft on April 26, teams across the league immediately entered a competitive signing period for undrafted free agents, with more than 200 players securing rookie contracts within hours as franchises targeted prospects to fill roster gaps and practice squads. This annual frenzy operates on a priority system where teams offer signing bonuses—often ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 for top targets—and guaranteed money to outbid rivals, prioritizing players who address specific needs like depth at quarterback or special teams contributors. While the vast majority of these signees (typically fewer than 10% per team) fail to earn a spot on the 53-man roster or contribute meaningfully, the process has historically yielded high-value outliers who provide cost-effective talent and long-term stability.[49][50] Among the 2009 class, running back Arian Foster stands out as the most impactful undrafted signee, joining the Houston Texans on April 27 after going unpicked out of the University of Tennessee; he spent his rookie year on the practice squad before exploding in 2010 with 1,616 rushing yards to lead the NFL, earning four Pro Bowl nods and an All-Pro selection over a seven-year tenure (2009–2015) that included 6,472 rushing yards and 54 touchdowns.[51][52] Defensive end Michael Bennett, signed by the Seattle Seahawks on the same day out of Texas A&M, parlayed his raw athleticism into a 15-season career across five teams, amassing 69.5 sacks, three Pro Bowl appearances, and a Super Bowl XLVIII victory with Seattle in 2014.[53][54] Offensive tackle Demar Dotson exemplified perseverance after signing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on April 27 following limited college experience at Southern Mississippi; despite entering the league with minimal football background, he developed into a reliable starter, appearing in 138 games with 114 starts over 11 seasons, anchoring the right side of the offensive line through multiple rebuilds.[55][56] Linebacker Jovan Belcher, who inked a deal with the Kansas City Chiefs on April 27 out of the University of Maine, transitioned from special teams to a starting role by 2010, logging 59 games with 45 starts and 268 tackles before his career ended tragically in 2012.[57][58] These players highlight the draft's unpredictability, as undrafted free agents like Foster and Bennett often outperform mid-round picks by leveraging opportunity and determination to deliver Pro Bowl-caliber production at minimal initial cost—Foster's 2010 breakout alone equated to the value of a top-10 selection. In contrast to the supplemental draft for players with eligibility issues, the UDFA market focuses on overlooked college standouts, with teams like the Texans and Seahawks reaping outsized returns from strategic post-draft pursuits.[59]| Player | Position | Signing Team | Key Career Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arian Foster | RB | Houston Texans | 4× Pro Bowl (2010–2012, 2015); NFL rushing leader (2010); 6,527 rushing yards |
| Michael Bennett | DE | Seattle Seahawks | 3× Pro Bowl (2013–2015); Super Bowl XLVIII champion; 69.5 sacks |
| Demar Dotson | OT | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 11 seasons; 114 starts; 138 games played |
| Jovan Belcher | LB | Kansas City Chiefs | 59 games, 45 starts; 268 tackles |
Statistical Breakdown
Selections by Position
The 2009 NFL Draft emphasized defensive talent, with defensive players accounting for 94 selections, or roughly 37% of the 256 total picks, reflecting teams' priorities in bolstering front-seven and secondary units amid a competitive league landscape.[60] This defensive-heavy approach contrasted with offensive investments, particularly in premium positions like quarterback and offensive tackle, where teams sought high-upside starters to address immediate needs. Overall, the class highlighted a shift toward versatile athletes across positions, influenced by evolving schemes that valued mobility and multi-role capabilities. Quarterbacks led the offensive premium, with 9 selected, underscoring the position's perennial importance and the depth of that year's prospect pool.[7] Top selections included Matthew Stafford, taken first overall by the Detroit Lions for his arm strength and pocket presence, and Mark Sanchez, picked fifth by the New York Jets as a prototypical leader with pro-level accuracy.[4] The class trended toward mobile quarterbacks capable of extending plays, exemplified by later picks like Josh Freeman (17th overall, Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Tim Tebow (25th overall, Denver Broncos), who brought dual-threat elements to modern offenses. Running backs numbered 20 in the draft, with teams prioritizing versatile runners who could contribute in passing games and special teams.[60] Knowshon Moreno (12th overall, Denver Broncos) represented the workhorse archetype with his balance and vision, but the emphasis on multi-dimensional backs shone through in mid-round gems like LeSean McCoy, selected 53rd overall by the Philadelphia Eagles for his elusiveness and receiving skills.[4] Wide receivers totaled 32 selections, focusing on speed and route-running precision to complement spread offenses.[60] Percy Harvin, drafted 22nd overall by the Minnesota Vikings, stood out as a versatile threat with return ability and explosive YAC potential, influencing teams to value hybrid receiver roles.[61] Tight ends saw 20 players chosen, valued for their blocking and receiving versatility in modern offenses.[60] The offensive line saw 37 players chosen, broken down into 22 offensive tackles, 10 guards, and 5 centers, highlighting the position's foundational role in protecting quarterbacks and opening lanes.[60] Jason Smith, taken second overall by the St. Louis Rams, exemplified the premium on tackles, prized for his athleticism and pass-blocking prowess in a year when edge protection was critical.[4] Defensive selections totaled 94, distributed as 24 defensive ends, 19 defensive tackles, 14 linebackers, 28 cornerbacks, and 9 safeties, as teams invested heavily in pass rushers and coverage specialists.[60] Aaron Curry, selected fourth overall by the Seattle Seahawks, emerged as the top defender, valued for his sideline-to-sideline speed and coverage versatility at linebacker.[4] Special teams rounded out the class with 5 kickers and punters (2 K, 3 P), a modest number reflecting the position's lower draft priority but essential for field position battles.[60]Selections by College Conference
The 2009 NFL draft highlighted the uneven distribution of talent across college conferences, with power conferences dominating the selections and reflecting regional recruiting strengths. The Southeastern Conference (SEC) led all conferences with 37 players drafted, solidifying its position as the premier producer of professional talent due to robust southern recruiting pipelines. Notable SEC draftees included defensive end Tyson Jackson from Louisiana State University, selected third overall by the Kansas City Chiefs, and running back Knowshon Moreno from the University of Georgia, taken 12th overall by the Denver Broncos.[62][7] The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) ranked second with 31 selections, demonstrating depth from programs like Wake Forest and North Carolina. Key picks from the ACC included linebacker Aaron Curry from Wake Forest, the fourth overall choice by the Seattle Seahawks, and wide receiver Hakeem Nicks from North Carolina, selected 29th overall by the New York Giants. The Pacific-10 Conference (Pac-10) followed closely with 32 draftees, bolstered by Southern California stars such as quarterback Mark Sanchez (fifth overall, New York Jets) and linebacker Brian Cushing (15th overall, Houston Texans).[62][7][63] The Big 12 Conference contributed 28 players, with offensive tackle Jason Smith from Baylor going second overall to the St. Louis Rams as a highlight. The Big Ten Conference saw 28 selections, including cornerback Malcolm Jenkins from Ohio State (14th overall, New Orleans Saints). This distribution emphasized the SEC's growing edge, as it increased from 35 draftees in 2008 to 37 in 2009. Smaller conferences and divisions were underrepresented, with Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) schools producing just 15 players and no international prospects selected.[62][7][64][65]| Conference | Number of Players | Notable Draftees |
|---|---|---|
| SEC | 37 | Tyson Jackson (LSU), Knowshon Moreno (Georgia), Brian Orakpo (LSU) |
| ACC | 31 | Aaron Curry (Wake Forest), Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina), Alphonso Smith (Wake Forest) |
| Pac-10 | 32 | Mark Sanchez (USC), Brian Cushing (USC), Clay Matthews (USC) |
| Big 12 | 28 | Jason Smith (Baylor), Jermaine Gresham (Oklahoma), Phil Loadholt (Oklahoma) |
| Big Ten | 28 | Malcolm Jenkins (Ohio State), James Laurinaitis (Ohio State), Aaron Maybin (Penn State) |