2011 NFL Mock Draft
1) Carolina Panthers- Blaine Gabbert-QB-Missouri: Gabbert has been making his way up draft boards very quickly, and he seems to be the most popular choice for top pick. Gabbert may have a great arm, but I am still not sold on the kid. There have been two previous QB’s at Mizzou that put up very similar numbers to Gabbert but Brad Smith is not even a QB any more and no one has given Chase Daniel (who had a quarterback rating his last year as a Tiger that was 32.4 points higher than Gabberts) a chance. Gabbert is coming out as a junior, and it is proven that QB’s that play four full seasons in college do better. If I was Carolina I would go defense with either DaQuan Bowers or Nick Fairly who can come in and make an instant impact. A.J. Green would also be a possible selection. With how much work Carolina has on their hands, it just does not seem worth it to use the number one overall pick on one of these quarterbacks with lots of question marks.
2) Denver Broncos-Patrick Peterson-CB-LSU: Peterson may be the best overall prospect in the draft, and he is a perfect fit in Denver. For now, he can play opposite and have the chance to learn from the best corner since Dion Sanders in Champ Bailey. Peterson could also take over for Brian Dawkins at safety after he retires, if the Broncos would like him to. Denver is certainly going to go defense with this pick, whether they go for the front seven of backfield is yet to be seen. Why not draft the best defensive player.
3) Buffalo Bills-Vonn Miller-OLB-Texas A&M: The Bills loved Vonn Miller at the Senior Bowl, and there is no wonder. Miller brings an elite blend of athleticism as a linebacker. The Bills need a pass rusher, and Vonn will give them that off the edge. The former Aggie also excels in pass coverage, which is also a plus for anyone looking to draft a linebacker. Drafting a Quarterback is still not out of the question here. The Bills are reported to be high on Cam Newton. It would not be a surprise to see them try and trade down and take an Offensive tackle.
4) Cincinnati Bengal-Cam Newton-QB-Auburn: The Bengals are an absolute mess right now. Carson Palmer wants to retire if he is not traded, but the Bengals cannot trade him because there is no CBA. Their coach is ripping on Chad Johnson, who is surprisingly not firing back. The whole team is crumbling just a season removed from making the playoffs. Newton is a typical Bengals pick. Lots of upside, and lots of questions. The Bengals could also take A.J. Green if they can convince Palmer to stay. An elite pass rusher like Vonn Miller or DaQuan Bowers is not out of the question.
5) Arizona Cardinals-DaQuan Bowers-DE-Clemson: Bowers is an incredible talent, and has one of the best upsides in this whole draft. He still has room to devlep, and should be a fearful sack artist in the NFL within two years. The Cardinals would love to get their hands on Patrick Peterson, but if he is not here, they will be happy to get a young pass rusher. They could also go quarterback here with Ryan Mallett, but they seem to like the two young quarterbacks on their roster in Max Hall and John Skelton. They both actually showed some talent last season in spots, but both have work to do. Arizona may want to bring in a veteran like Donovan McNabb to bring the two quarterbacks a long instead of coming into camp with three young, inexperienced players under center.
6) Cleveland Browns-Marcell Darius-DT/DE-Alabama: Darius can play anywhere on the defensive line, and he is a great physical athlete as well as a leader. Darius has a knack for making his biggest plays when his team needs him the most, and the Browns need a player like that. Cleveland could also go with a pass rusher like Robert Quinn or give Colt McCoy another weapon like Julio Jones. Do not be surprised if the Browns go with fellow defensive lineman Nick Fairly, but Darius has seemed to of moved ahead of Fairly since the end of the season.
7) San Francisco 49’ers-Prince Amukamara-CB-Nebraska: Most will probably have San Fran pegged with a QB here. I personally think that Harbough would rather bring in a veteran that can pick up his system immediately, and then maybe get a chance at his protégé Andrew Luck, who he refers to as “The best quarterback I have ever been around.” If they do go QB it would be probably be Ryan Mallett. Prince has the tools to be a shutdown corner in the NFL. He probably would not have a problem coming in and being a contributor immediately. The Niners could also go with a pass rusher here like Robert Quinn.
8) Tennessee Titans-Nick Fairly-DT-Auburn: People seem to be dropping on Nick Fairly since his dominating performance in the National Championship game. I personally do not see what the problem is. Some people say maturity, and some people say that he is a one year wonder. I understand the Maturity part, but the same people that are demoting him as a one year wonder are marveling over DaQuan Bowers. Oh wait, I forgot that Bowers was the top rated prospect out of high school. Yeah that makes sense, because High School and the NFL have so much in common. Point being, I feel like people are nitpicking just to nitpick. The Titans may also want to take a QB here, but with Gabbert and Newton already gone, they are probably going to go in a different area. It will be hard for the Titans to pass up on Fairly after bringing in Auburn defensive line coach Tracy Rocker as their defensive line coach. Fairly, certainly has a big proponent in the Tennessee camp.
9) Dallas Cowboys-Robert Quinn-DE/OLB-This may be a bit of a reach for a player who did not even play a snap last season, but I feel like Jerry Jones will be enamored with Quinn’s natural talent. Quinn is a great physical talent that will remind Jones of DeMarcus Ware. I feel the Cowboys will be looking to upgrade their front seven. They could also go with Wisconsin’s J.J. Watt, who would be a great fit at defensive end in their 3-4. Drafting Jordan Cameron would not be a surprise either. Defensive line seems to be their most important need.
10) Washington Redskins-A.J. Green-WR-Georgia: A.J. Green could be long gone by this point, and Washington will probably be jumping for joy to see him here. I do not think it will take them very long to get this card in, as they could really use a big time playmaker in the passing game, and Green would give them that. If Green is gone, they would probably also be happy to take Alabama’s Julio Jones. If they do not go wide receiver, they will probably want to go Quarterback. Mike Shanahan reportedly likes Jake Locker a lot, but ten is a bit of a reach. Do not be surprised if they trade down and take locker. They could use extra picks after trading away a second rounder for Donovan McNabb, and we all know how that worked for them.
11) Houston Texans-Aldon Smith-DE-Missouri: Smith Would be a nice Athletic fit for the new 3-4 defense of Wade Phillips. Primarily, Houston would like to pick up a big time cornerback to help their struggling secondary, but they will have to trade up to get their hands on one. If they don’t Smith can be the outside pass rush threat that all good 3-4 defenses need to be effective.
12) Minnesota Vikings-Cameron Jordan-DE-California: Jordan’s father Steve Jordan used to play for the Vikings, and his son is a great fit. They need someone on the other side of Jared Allen to rush the passer. They could also use a quarterback here with the retirement of Brett Favre, but this is a bit of a reach for Jake Locker here, so they may want to work with Tavaris Jackson or even bring in a veteran quarterback. They could also go with a linebacker here.
13) Detroit Lions-Tyron Smith-OT-Southern California: Mathew Stafford has already been on the IR twice in his short two-year career, and they will definitely want to get some protection for him this offseason. Smith has been labeled as the best tackle in the draft, and certainly he has the physical characteristics of one. However, do not be surprised if the Lions go with Anthony Castonzo instead. Smith is the better pass blocker, but struggles being aggressive when run blocking. Once again, the Lions are another team that need a corner, but this draft is not very deep at that position. They will probably not get much attention in people moving up to take their number 13 spot, and it will cost too much for them to go up and get Prince Amukamara. If they do not go offensive line at this spot, they could also go with a linebacker like Akeem Ayers here.
14) St. Louis Rams-Julio Jones-WR-Alabama: Sam Bradford is progressing very well, but he really does not have very many weapons to work with, so they may like to help him out. Jones would be a great addition; he has the ideal physical tools for a wide receiver, and is a great red zone threat. If Jones is not available, they may go with Jonathan Baldwin if they still want to stick with receiver. They could also go with J.J. Watt to help out their defensive line. If Jones is here I think that it is a guarantee, because it would give Bradford a big time threat.
15) Miami Dolphins-Ryan Mallett-QB-Arkansas: By the looks of it, the Chad Henne experiment is done in Miami, so they will probably be looking quarterback here. It would not be a surprise to see them go with Jake Locker either. The Dolphins could also go running back here if they do not think that they can bring back either Ricky Williams or Ronnie Brown. They could also go offensive line here.
16) Jacksonville Jaguars-Jake Locker-QB-Washington: This is the perfect fit for Locker. He would get a chance to learn behind a good game manager. Locker has all the physical tools, but needs to learn to limit his mistakes. David Garrard’s time is about up in this league, but he has a good year left to help bring Locker along and then a year as a solid backup. The Jags could also go for a defensive end here with some one like J.J. Watt or Adrian Clayborn.
17) New England Patriots-J.J. Watt-DE-Wisconsin: Watt would be a great addition to their defensive line, and is the perfect fit as a five technique in the Patriots system. This is just the first of the Patriots six picks in the first round, so with how much they have to work with, they may want to trade up a little bit to grab someone that they have their eye on. They could also use a pass rushing outside linebacker or even an offensive lineman. With all the ammo that the Pats have they could do anything with this pick. They could even trade up into the top ten to get at someone that they really have their eyes on.
18) San Diego Chargers-Adrian Clayborn-DE-Iowa: Clayborn was projected as a top ten talent going into the college football season. To be honest, the only thing that changed was that he was double teamed twice as much as the season before, and he still found a way to have a very good season. I would still take him in the top 15 without a second though. Down here at 18 is a steal. The Chargers could also go wideout here depending on what they plan on doing with the Vincent Jackson problem, but I figure that they will go with the defensive front seven
19) New York Giants-Anthony Castonzo-OT-Boston College: I would say that Castanzo is the best blocking talent in the draft. Unlike Tryon Smith, he is a more balanced blocker. He is a strong run blocker and pass blocker with good footwoark The Giants could also go with a defensive back, but it would be hard pressed for them to jump on a top 15 talent like Smith. Brandon Harris is a definite possibility, but the Giants could go almost anywhere with this pick.
20) Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Ryan Carrigan-DE-Purdue: The thought is that Tampa is really looking to upgrade at the defensive end position. Carrigan is a big physical lineman that is strong at the point of attack. He should be great playing beside Gerald McCoy. I also would not be surprised if they went with a wide receiver here if they like someone like Jonathan Baldwin. Josh Freeman could use another weapon. An outside Linebacker to play opposite Barrett Ruud would also be a nice addition.
21) Kansas City Chiefs-Gabe Carimi-OT-Wisconsin: The Chiefs certainly need an upgrade at offensive tackle this year. They did well last season in the first round, and this year they need to get someone who can both make holes in the run game, and protect their franchise QB in Matt Cassell. Carimi is just that kind of guy, who I personally think is very underrated. It would not be a surprise to see them ignore the position again to upgrade another pressing need at nose tackle with Stephen Paea. Which is where I had them going in my last mock.
22) Indianapolis Colts-Nate Solder-OT-Colorado: The Colts have uncharacteristically had a problem on the offensive line the last couple of seasons. Nate Solder is the kind of big, athletic offensive lineman that can make an instant impact in the NFL. Indy could also be looking for a big defensive tackle to play in between their great defensive ends. I would not rule out a linebacker either, because long time stalwart Gary Brackett is not getting any younger. If both Carimi and Solder are gone at this point look for them to either go defensive tackle with Paea or a linebacker as the eventual replacement of Brackett.
23) Philadelphia Eagles-Akeem Ayers-OLB-UCLA: has been in need of an outside linebacker upgrade for years now, and it is about time they draft one in the first. Ayers is a very good prospect, but his forty time was not so good at the combine. When you put on the tape Ayers can cover, play the run, and rush the passer. I really do not care what his forty time was, he is a complete linebacker, and those are hard to come by. Philly could also go defensive back here, which may be their more pressing need.
24) New Orleans Saints-Brandon Harris-CB-Miami (FL): Harris is a very solid cover corner, and he comes from a long line of Miami defensive backs, so you cannot help but love his pedigree. After letting Matt Hasselbeck and the Seahawks embarrass them in the playoffs, they may want to fix their defensive backfield, and Harris would be able to have an instant impact. The Saints could go anywhere on defense here. They need help on the defensive line, and on their linebacker core. They did grab some big help at defensive tackle by signing Shaun Rodgers, so defensive tackle is the one spot they won’t be going for. They will likely just be going best defensive player available. The only problem is that there might not be a lot available, as this is a very strong defensive draft class. A defensive end like Allen Bailey or Cameron Heyward would also be possible.
25) Seattle Seahawks-Allen Bailey-DE/DT-Miami (FL): The Seahawks certainly do not understand the idea of playing for a draft pick, because they should be drafting in the top ten right now. Needless to say, this is the worst team ever drafting at number 25 overall, and they have a lot of holes to fill. Why not play the best player available game? Bailey is not only another Cane, but he is a physical freak. He could have an instant impact anywhere on the defensive line that the Seahawks decide to put him. They could also go offensive line, wide receiver, defensive back, linebacker, or quarterback. Yeah, your right NFL teams without a winning record should go to the playoffs and should be playing home games. That way I can watch teams like this flounder in irrelevance even when they are in the playoffs.
26) Baltimore Ravens-Cameron Hayward-DE-Ohio State: Hayward would be the perfect five-technique replacement for Trevor Price. Hayward is a dominant defensive end that will not get pushed around at the point of attack. The Ravens do not have too many holes, they could pretty much go anywhere with this pick. Cornerback would be another way the Ravens could go with someone like Jimmy Smith or Brandon Harris.
27) Atlanta Falcons-Muhammad Wilkerson-DE-Temple: Wilkerson is a big time prospect that would probably be drafted in the top 20 or 15 if he had went to a bigger school. Wilkerson can play anywhere outside of the nose on the defensive line, which makes him a great value pick at this point in the first round. The Falcons really need an upgrade outside of John Abraham. The Falcons could also just go with who they think the best player available is to get some depth, if Wilkerson is gone, and they do not see anyone worth the 27th pick at defensive end.
28) New England Patriots-Jonathan Baldwin-WR-Pittsburgh: The Patriots draft so well, and this is what leads them to have few holes every season. However, now they need to find a replacement for Randy Moss. Baldwin is not Randy Moss, but he would give the Patriots the deep threat they have been missing since the future hall of famer’s departure. This is also the Patriots so you never know whom they are going to draft. The only position that I would rule out is QB. Mark Ingram may be a possible pick here.
29) Chicago Bears-Derrick Sherrod-OT-Mississippi State. Sherrod is a big tackle that excels in pass blocking. It is the perfect fit for the Bears at this point. They need a pas blocker, and can get away with the run blockers that they have. Sherrod needs to work on some stuff at the next level, but he can come in and make an instant impact protecting Jay Cutler. The Bears could also go defensive tackle or wide receiver here, as they really do not have a true number one pass catching threat.
30) New York Jets-Stephen Paea-DT-Oregon State:It is hard to guess what the Jets are going to do right now, because they have so many free agents. They have a lot of free agents on the defensive side of the ball (including both starting safeties) and both Santonio Holmes and Braylon Edwards will be hitting the market. Moore is the only safety that should be drafted in the first round, and even then some would say it is a reach. Rahim is a speedy ball hawk that has 13 interceptions in his three seasons at UCLA, and was a bright spot with Akeem Ayers on a poor UCLA team.
31) Pittsburgh Steelers-Aaron Williams-CB-Texas-The Steelers direly need an upgrade at corner back opposite Ike Taylor. Williams is another in long line of talented Texas defensive backs, and would be a great fit for the Steelers system. He is athletic, fast, and good in coverage. He also has good size, and is not the type of corner that is afraid to come up in run support or come off the end on a blitz. The Steelers could also go with an offensive lineman here like Mourkice Pouncey’s brother Mike Pouncey.
32) Green Bay Packers-Mark Ingram-RB-Alabama: The former Heisman winner could not ask for a better fit. Ingram will be able to come in and be the second head of a two-headed attack with Ryan Grant. It would sure up Green Bay’s depth at running back incase Grant goes down with another injury. The young champs do not have to many glaring needs, and this is more of a depth pick than anything else. The one spot that they could really use an upgrade at is a five technique defensive end, so if someone like Muhammed Wilkerson or Cameron Hayward were to drop down here, do not be surprised if they take one.
Honorable Mention First Rounders
- Rahim Moore-S-UCLA: Moore is a talented safety that is underated. He has the ability to be drafted in the first round but due to there not being a huge need at the position this season.
- Jimmy Smith-CB-Colorado: Smith is very athletic and talented, but consistency and work ethic are big question marks. He has great size, but he has a lot of technique to work on in the pros. Has all the physical tools you want from a corner, his brain is the problem.
- Mike Pouncey-OG-Florida: Many do not think he will fall this far, but to be honest, he is not as good as his bother was last year, and I think people are overrating him, because of what his brother did last season. It is also not very often that you see an interior lineman drafted in the first round. Usually selections like that are saved for the really great interior lineman prospects, which Mike Pouncey is not. I am not saying that he is not a good player, because I actually like him, but he did not play up to his ability this season without his brother there. Everyone seems to be forgetting about that.
- Justin Houston-DE/OLB-Houston is a good pass rusher that can either play with his hand on or off the ground at the next level. The problem with Houston is that he does not have much upside stopping the run or in coverage. He is a very good edge rusher, but will probably be a third down pass rush specialist at the next level.
- Corey Liuget-DT-Illinois Liuget is a quick, physical, three technique that is strong against the run. He is disruptive, and very effective running stunts. He is also athletic enough to drop into a short zone for confusing zone blitz schemes like Pittsburgh, Green Bay, ect.
- Brooks Reed-OLB-Arizona: Tough physical linebacker that plays with a motor that never stops, and a great football IQ. Reed is very strong against the run and rushing the passer.
