The 2009 NFL Draft begins tomorrow at the Radio City Music Hall in New York, New York. The annual event is scheduled to get under way at 4:00pm ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN. Most people expect that Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford will be the number one overall pick, but Wake Forest linebacker Aaron Curry is seen as the safest pick in the draft.

NFL Draft: Aaron Curry Top Defensive Prospect odds at Bodog.com favor the Wake Forest standout to go to the Kansas City Chiefs with the third overall selection (5/9 odds to be the third pick).

Curry capped off a brilliant college career at Wake Forest by winning the Butkas Award, which goes to the nation's top linebacker. The 6'3" outside linebacker played in 13 games for the Demon Deacons last season, accumulating 105 tackles (16 for loss), two and a half sacks, and one interception. His junior year was perhaps even more prolific, as he racked up 99 tackles (13.5 for loss), three sacks, and four interceptions. Curry also tied an NCAA record that year by becoming only the second linebacker to return three interceptions for a touchdown in a single season.

In his four years at the ACC school, the Fayetteville, North Carolina native amassed 332 tackles, six interceptions, nine and a half sacks, and 45.5 tackles for loss. The Demon Deacons went 31-19 in his tenure there and they were 2-1 in three bowl game appearances. 

Curry's play on the field certainly drew the attention of NFL scouts, but the 254lb. outside linebacker further impressed club officials at the annual NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis. In the seven categories measured at the event (40 yard dash, bench press, vertical jump, broad jump, 20 yard shuttle, 3-Cone Drill, and 60 yard shuttle), Curry placed first in four of them among the linebackers group. He registered the top 40 time (4/56), vertical jump (37"), broad jump (10'4"), and 60 yard shuttle time (11:35).

It is believed that Curry would make an immediate impact on any defense he joins. For that reason, it is speculated that the Lions might even go after him with the first overall pick. Detroit, however, has many needs on both sides of the ball, not the least of which is quarterback. Kansas City seems like a good fit for Curry as they need a young, instinctive linebacker to work in their new 3-4 defensive scheme. 

The only knock on Curry are his low sack totals, nonetheless, he is viewed as a complete player. Many scouts and analysts feel that Curry will be a player more in the mold of a Lance Briggs or Chad Greenway than a Lawrence Taylor or James Harrison. 

Bodog.com NFL Draft: Aaron Curry Top Defensive Prospect

Odds to be the second pick (St. Louis Rams) 11/4

Odds to be the third pick (Kansas City Chiefs) 5/9

Odds to be the fourth pick (Seattle Seahwaks) 19/4

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