2011 NFL Mock Draft (With Trades)- Version 1

This is a little different to the version of my mock I posted last week. First off, this is not a predictive mock, but one in which I draft as if I was the general manager of each of these teams. Therefore, I have decided to include trades. It is a little less serious than last week's mock, and was great fun to produce.

2011 NFL Mock Draft Version 1

Round 1

Carolina Panthers- Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn.

Fairley is a stud in the making if he is coached well, and Ron Riveira has to believe that he can turn Fairley’s attitude around. This is Carolina’s biggest need that could be filled in the draft at this point, and Fairley has the potential to be a Pro Bowl player from his first season in the league.

Denver Broncos- Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson.

Bowers may have injury concerns, but Jon Fox knows better than most coaches the importance of a stud pass rusher- he had Julius Peppers for a long time at Carolina. Bowers has the potential to be as effective, and Fox will be pushing Jon Elway to okay the pick, which he does.

Buffalo Bills- Robert Quinn, DE/OLB, North Carolina.

The Bills wanted either Fairley or Bowers here, and tried to ship this pick, but no-one would offer them enough to move down. They consider Cam Newton and Von Miller, but Quinn’s versatility makes him the pick here.

TRADE: Detroit Lions receive pick four, Cincinnati Bengals receive picks 13 and 44.

Detroit Lions- Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU.

Peterson will be a star in the NFL, and the Lions have a massive need which they will not be able to fill lower in the draft. The Bengals wanted one of the players picked one, two or three, so they happily accept the chance to move down and add more picks to their arsenal. Detroit get good value with this trade, and a potential lockdown corner for years to come.

TRADE: St. Louis Rams receive picks 5 and 166, Arizona Cardinals receive picks 14, 47 and 142.

St. Louis Rams- A. J. Green, WR, Georgia.

The Rams need a number one receiver, and Green is one of the best to come out for a long time. Rather than allowing him to be picked by the Browns, the Rams make a big move up and get their man. It may hurt them in the short term, as Green may not emerge straight away, and they lose picks, but this is a good move in the long term.

Cleveland Browns- Marcel Darreus, DT, Alabama.

Darreus’ stock is rising steadily, and the Browns need an interior lineman for their transition to the 4-3. This is not the flashy pick many would have liked, but it is the best pick considering the players available.

San Francisco 49ers- Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska.

Amukamara may not be the best value pick here, but he should be a good corner and fits a need. The 49ers would consider Blaine Gabbert and Cam Newton, but neither will have a better year than Alex Smith would, and Coach Harbaugh will be able to find other options elsewhere, so Amukamara becomes another piece added to the defensive puzzle.

Tennessee Titans- Cam Newton, QB, Auburn.

A lot of teams have considered him, but Tennessee finally wipe Cam Newton’s name off the board. They need a quarterback, and his upside is too much ignore, especially considering they have Kerry Collins who can start for a year while Newton learns how to adapt to the NFL. It’s a risk, but one the Titans are willing to take.

TRADE: Houston Texans receive pick 9, Dallas Cowboys receive picks 11 and 104.

Houston Texans- Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M.

The Texans feel the need to jump the Redskins here, and Dallas are very willing to allow them to take a potentially disruptive player not only out of their conference but also their division. Miller has his issues, but the Texans will like the prospect of him slotting into their 3-4 as their outside rusher, especially as it will help them against division rivals the Colts.

10) Washington Redkins- JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin.

The Redskins wanted the take Miller here, but they need linemen, and Watt fits the bill well. A quarterback was never considered, as neither Locker nor Gabbert fit the bill, so Watt joins the Redskins as a player who need some work, but will be able to see playing time from week one.

TRADE- Seattle Seahawks receive pick 11, Dallas Cowboys receive picks 25 and 57.

Seattle Seahawks- Jake Locker, QB, Washington.

The Seahawks want Locker, and do not want to risk anyone jumping ahead of them for him, so they make a deal with Dallas, who think they can still find an offensive tackle of defensive end at pick 25, and are happy to rack up second round picks. Seattle get their quarterback of the future to sit behind Hasselbeck in 2011, which makes the trade worthwhile.

Minnesota Vikings- Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri.

The Vikings wanted Locker, but are determined to find a quarterback of their own. Gabbert has shown NFL ability, and the Vikings will take him as much for that as for the fact that he is close to being able to come in and start straight away. It will take some time for Gabbert to bed into the NFL, but he gives the Vikings the chance to build around him.

Cincinnati Bengals (from Detroit Lions)- Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri.

The Bengals want to add to their defensive line, and Smith is a pass rushing expert. He has top ten talent, but had injury issues in 2010, so falls a little, but the Bengals are happy with the result of their trade. If Locker had fallen they would have considered him, but they will be content with a quarterback later.

Arizona Cardinals (from St. Louis Rams)- Tyron Smith, OT, USC.

The Cardinals traded down in the hope of picking up a tackle, and they have picked up the first off the board. Smith is potentially the best in this draft, with high upside, and the Cardinals are glad the Cowboys decided to trade down rather than pick him. An ideal situation for Arizona.

TRADE: Tampa Bay Buccaneers receive pick 15, Miami Dolphins receive picks 20 and 84.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue.

The Buccaneers want Kerrigan, and are unwilling to risk losing him to Jacksonville. He fills a big need for the Buccs, and is an ideal pick. Miami are happy to move down in the knowledge that Mark Ingram will still be on the board at pick 20 if they want to pick him, and they know they could also trade down further and pick up second round picks.

Jacksonville Jaguars- Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa.

The Jags were happy with Kerrigan or Clayborn at the position, so they are not overly concerned with Tampa’s trade, and did not attempt to better the offer when the Dolphins got on the phone. Clayborn should slot in just fine.

TRADE: Dallas Cowboys receive picks 17 and 92, New England Patriots receive picks 25 and 57.

Dallas Cowboys- Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin.

The Cowboys use the two picks they received from Seattle to trade back up and select the second tackle on their board. Cameron Jordan was tempting, but the Cowboys wanted to pick up a top right tackle who could move to the left after a few years, and are happy to have done so and also gain picks.

San Diego Chargers- Cameron Jordan, DE, California.

Jordan should have been off the board already, but San Diego will not be worried about that. They want to add to their front three, and Jordan is a top player waiting to happen. Another piece to add to the puzzle, which is starting to look a lot like the end image.

New York Giants- Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA.

The Giants need an outside linebacker, and Ayers has the talent to fill that slot in their 4-3. He plays the run well, and drops into coverage very well. The biggest question on his ability to play the position in a 3-4 is his pass rush ability, which will not be as important in a 4-3. An ideal pick for the Giants, as it fills arguably their biggest need.

Miami Dolphins- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama.

Receivers have been known to fall in the draft, and Jones does so here. While his combine numbers impressed, teams have other needs ahead of receiver, and noone has been able to trade up for him. Miami will be delighted to pick him up, as they were looking at Mark Ingram otherwise. They considered him with pick 15, but preferred to pick up more picks, especially considering their lack of second rounder.

TRADE: Chicago Bears receive picks 21 and 177, Kansas City Chiefs receive picks 29 and 62.

Chicago Bears- Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College.

The Bears have a big need at tackle, and there is a chance that the next three tackles could be off the board by the time they pick. This trade gets them a shot at one of the draft’s best at the position, and means the Chiefs can drop back and yet still have a chance to draft a nose tackle in round one if they so desire.

Indianapolis Colts- Nate Solder, OT, Colorado.

Solder is a solid prospect at a big position of need for the Colts. They may not show the need statistically, but it is there, and Solder gives them help. There are other needs, and they consider Stephen Paea, but the value is too high to pass up, as they should be able to find a defensive tackle later in the draft.

Philadelphia Eagles- Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado.

The Eagles were looking to trade down here, but they could not find an acceptable partner. Smith fits their needs, and is a highly talented corner. If the Eagles can overlook his character questions, they will be very happy with picking him up here. Even with those concerns, this pick provides good value for the Eagles.

New Orleans Saints- Muhammed Wilkerson, DT, Temple.

The Saints watch all of the chaos going on around them with trades but sit tight and are rewarded with a quality defensive tackle. Wilkerson will be popular with a lot of teams, and the Patriots are regretting not trading up past the Saints to pick him up. Wilkerson should step into the interior of the line straight away and be a big upgrade at a position where the Saints need one.

New England Patriots (from Seattle Seahawks through Dallas Cowboys)- Derrick Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State.

The Patriots would have liked Wilkerson here, but instead they go with Sherrod, who should be able to play right tackle and allow Sebastian Vollmer his chance on the left side. There were no trade offers, so the Patriots have to use their pick, and they will not be too disappointed.

Baltimore Ravens- Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh.

Baldwin is a big of a risk for the Ravens, but his talent is beyond question. They need a receiver who can generate some excitement and give Joe Flacco a target down the field, and Baldwin can do that. They considered Justin Houston here, but decided they can find an outside linebacker later in the draft.

Atlanta Falcons- Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois.

A pick the Falcons wanted to make, Liuget fills a need next to Jonathan Babineaux. The Falcons would have liked a defensive end to fall, or possibly Baldwin, but instead they pick up another piece to add to their already solid defense.

TRADE: Green Bay Packers receive pick 28, New England Patriots receive picks 32 and 96.

Green Bay Packers- Justin Houston, OLB, Georgia.

Houston may not be the most rounded prospect, but the Packers would like to have him lining up across from Clay Matthews. He will add to their pass rush massively, and could develop into a player to rival Matthews, although that will take some time. The Packers wanted to ensure they could pick him up, as Kansas City and the New York Jets will both have been interested.

Kansas City Chiefs (from Chicago Bears)- Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor.

The Chiefs will have wanted Houston, but Taylor is just as useful to them, and he comes off the board here. He has some concerns, but he also has a lot of potential, and Romeo Crennell should be able to do a great job with him.

New York Jets- Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA.

That sound is the collective groan of Jets fans all across America as Houston and Taylor come off the board ahead of them. They will have thought about trading up ahead of Kansas City, but then they saw that the Patriots would have been the partner, and decided not to bother trying. Moore fits a need however, and should up the interception numbers.

Pittsburgh Steelers- Mike Pouncey, G, Florida.

The Steelers will be happy to pair the Pouncey twins on their line, which should be upgraded by the pick. Pouncey may be somewhat overrated, but he is a talented player, who can add to the pass protection given to Ben Roethlisberger.

New England Patriots- Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama.

The Patriots have the luxury of two picks on the bounce, so they can pick whichever player they want here with no concern over losing another. Ingram is not a pick they would often make, but he has fallen to the bottom of the first and provides excellent value. They are able to make a luxury pick and think about their options for the first pick of round two, including potential trades.

Round 2

New England Patriots- Stefen Wisniewski, C/G, Penn State.

The Patriots get the chance with their multitude of picks to add to their offensive line, and rebuild for the future, and they add to their earlier pick of Sherrod with Wisniewski, who should be able to slot into one of the interior positions straight away.

Buffalo Bills- Torrey Smith, WR, Maryland.

The Bills picked up a playmaker on defense with their first pick, and will look for a potential playmaker on offense here. The offensive linemen are not attractive, and no team was willing to give up much to trade up for Ryan Mallett, so the Bills pick up the top receiver left on the board.

Cincinnati Bengals- Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State.

Having already found a defensive end in the first round, the Bengals look to sure up the interior of their line here. It was a straight choice between Paea and Mallett here, but the Bengals will be hoping that Mallett is still on the board when the Bengals pick later in the round.

TRADE: The Carolina Panthers receive pick 36, the Denver Broncos receive pick 111 and the Carolina Panthers’ 2012 second round pick.

Carolina Panthers- Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas.

The Panthers need a quarterback, and Mallett has all the ability in the world. They have to believe they can improve in 2011, so they are more willing to give up their second round pick to get a potential franchise quarterback. If his character concerns are worked out, this is a great trade.

Cleveland Browns- Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami.

The top of the second round often sees a number of receivers come off the board, and the Browns do not want to miss out on one. They already have a talented defensive tackle, and add a weapon for Colt McCoy to their offense to give them a chance to help his development, and that of the team itself, though 2011 and beyond.

Arizona Cardinals- Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona.

An ideal situation, where the Cardinals pick up a tackle and an outside linebacker in their first two picks, helped by the fact that Reed is coming out of Arizona. He is rising up boards, and the Cardinals have no issues whatsoever taking him here.

Tennessee Titans- Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina.

Austin is a controversial pick, but the Titans need a defensive tackle, and he is the best on the board. He has first round talent, but character issues, and missed the entire 2010 season through suspension. However, the Titans see the talent and are happy to be able to work with it.

Dallas Cowboys- Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State.

Heyward falling here is somewhat of a surprise, but the Cowboys will not be too upset. He is a good two gap player, so Rob Ryan will like him, and he could play at end opposite Jay Ratliff, with a new nose tackle in the middle making up a formidable defensive front.

Washington Redskins- Ben Ijalana, OT/G, Villanova.

The Redskins need help in the trenches on both sides, and can use Ijalana at tackle of guard on offense. Having already picked up a defensive end in the first, Ijalana makes a lot of sense for the Redskins who look to sure up their non-skill position players rather than make a lot of flashy picks.

Houston Texans- Sam Acho, OLB, Texas.

Acho is not an ideal pick this early, but there are few other players available to fit Houston’s needs. Acho will take some coaching, but can get into the rotation straight away and develop while seeing considerable playing time. A trade would have been nice, but no offers came in.

Minnesota Vikings- Brandon Harris, CB, Miami.

While the Vikings are hardly lacking at corner, Harris is far too good to pass on here. The Vikings are surprised to see him get past Houston, but are more than willing to pick him up to play opposite ANtoine Winfield.

Cincinnati Bengals (from Detroit Lions)- Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State.

Ponder may not be the perfect quarterback, and may not have the character issues that the Bengals seem to look for, but he could develop into an at least average starter. The Bengals may need an average starter in 2011, and he could come in and start, developing on the job much like Mark Sanchez has been asked to do in New York.

San Francisco 49ers- Jabaal Sheard, OLB, Pittsburgh.

Another overdrafted outside linebacker, but the 49ers like what they see in Sheard, and think he can come in and help their pass rush straight away. Another, like Acho, who needs some developing by the coaches, but he has solid upside when he plays as well as he has shown he can.

Denver Broncos (from Miami Dolphins)- Aaron Williams, CB, Texas.

The Broncos would have gone corner with their earlier pick in the second, but the trade tempted them, knowing that they could find a good corner later. They have done just that, and Williams should be able to come in and start straight away, which is useful is Perrish Cox is thrown in jail.

Arizona Cardinals (from St. Louis Rams)- Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois.

The Cardinals have enough at running back when Beanie Wells is healthy, but he is rarely healthy enough to last longer than one play. Leshoure comes in and provides a solid accompaniment to Tim Hightower in the running game, which should help to take some of the pressure off whoever starts under centre for the Cardinals in 2011.

Oakland Raiders- Brandon Burton, CB, Utah.

The Raiders are 99% certain to lose Nnamdi Asomugha when free agency comes, and a corner therefore becomes instantly their biggest need. Burton may not be the best in this draft, but he can come in and develop under newly acquired coach Rod Woodson, who should be able to bring out ability in any corner.

Jacksonville Jaguars- Titus Young, WR, Boise State.

This is a little high for Young after his poor forty time at the Combine, but his speed is clear on tape, and the Jaguars need a new receiver after they cut Mike Sims-Walker this offseason. Young can be a big threat down the field, and will stop teams being able to clog the middle to limit the effectiveness of Mercedes Lewis.

San Diego Chargers- Martez Wilson, LB, Illinois.

Wilson being on the board here is highly unexpected, but the Chargers are delighted. He is versatile, and can slot into the Chargers’ 3-4 system in a number of different ways. He should be able to come in and start straight away, providing an upgrade in an already solid position for San Diego.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Marcus Cannon, G, TCU.

The Buccaneers believe Cannon provides excellent value at a position of need. The offensive line is good in Tampa Bay, but the interior could do with a young talent like Cannon, who can come in and be a mainstay in a very young offense for years to come.

New York Giants- Orlando Franklin, OT, Miami.

The Giants need a young offensive tackle, and Franklin is just that. He could start at guard or right tackle, and should provide someone with good development potential for an offensive line which is aging. He may be a little higher than he should be here, but he should prove to be a useful pick going forward.

TRADE: Denver Broncos receive pick 53, Indianapolis Colts receive picks 67 and 111.

Denver Broncos- Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame.

Rudolph has first round talent, and should have been taken much earlier. Denver see him fall and start to take interest, before finding a willing trade partner in Indianapolis. This gives another dimension to the Broncos’ offense; who’s coaches will remember that Tim Tebow’s favorite target in college was his tight end.

Philadelphia Eagles- Danny Watkins, G, Baylor.

The Eagles need some interior help, and Watkins’ value here helps them overcome their reluctance to draft that help high. Watkins could go at the top of the second, so turning him down here would be a bad move for a team which could use him so much.

Kansas City Chiefs- Chris Carter, OLB, Fresno State.

The Chiefs are choosing between an outside backer and a receiver here, but they have to believe a receiver will be there for them in seven picks time, whereas Carter will be much more likely to be off the board. He should be able to come in and make an impact straight away, and develop into a good starter in time.

TRADE: Miami Dolphins receive pick 56, New Orleans Saints receive pick 79 and the Miami Dolphins’ 2012 third round pick.

Miami Dolphins- Ryan Williams, RB, Virginia Tech.

The Saints did all they could to ship this pick as there was noone at all that they liked on the board. The Dolphins wanted a running back, and Williams could be the best in this draft class. The Saints will not be overly happy with the deal, but they at least got something for their pick.

New England Patriots (from Seattle Seahawks via Dallas Cowboys)- Christian Ballard, DE, Iowa.

Ballard is very durable, and shows flashes of good ability. He is inconsistent however, and the Patriots’ coaches will have some work on their hands. However, his value here is relatively good, and New England will be happy enough to pick him up. He will need to bulk up a little more if possible however.

Baltimore Ravens- Curtis Brown, CB, Texas.

The Ravens passed on Brandon Harris in the first round in favor of a receiver, but this time they pick up their corner. A front seven playmaker would have been nice, but they do not like any still on the board with this pick, whereas Brown provides good value at a position where they need to add another body.

Atlanta Falcons- Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky.

Although not a traditional receiver, Cobb is a good pick for the Falcons here. He can be moved around a lot in their offensive formation and cause matchup problems for opposing defenses. He should help them take some of the pressure off Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez, and offensive coordinator Mike Mularkey should be able to find ways of utilising Cobb well.

New England Patriots- DeAndre McDaniel, SS, Clemson.

The Patriots are not looking too favorably on Brandon Merriweather at the moment, and he will likely not be a Patriot after the 2011 season. McDaniel had a very strong 2009 before a disappointing 2010, but the Patriots see the ability he can bring to the table and believe that good coaching can turn him into a solid contributor.

TRADE: San Francisco 49ers receive pick 61, San Diego Chargers receive picks 76 and 107.

San Francisco 49ers: Andy Dalton, QB, TCU.

Dalton is a good fit for the 49ers offense, and they do not think he will fall to them in round 3. They did not feel comfortable taking him in early round two, but a trade to this point works for both them and the Chargers. Dalton will be able to come in and compete for the starting job straight away, and will make a good backup at worst.

Kansas City Chiefs (from Chicago Bears)- Rodney Hudson, G, Florida State.

The Chiefs were not expecting Hudson to be on the board here, and take him over a receiver, who they can pick up in the next round. Hudson has a lot of upside potential, but a considerable degree of bust potential too. At this point, the Chiefs see the upside outweighing the downside and bring him in knowing he could be a mainstay on their line for the next ten years.

Pittsburgh Steelers- Jarvis Jenkins, DE, Clemson.

Jenkins has a good build for the position, and will not need to come in and start straight away, so can be coached into it. The Steelers should be able to find a place for Jenkins, and will be happy to take him a little higher than a number of other teams would here.

Green Bay Packers- Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU.

Barksdale is a very strong pass blocker, lacking somewhat in the running game, but the Packers will be happy to take him here. He can come in and work in a rotation with Chad Clifton and Brian Bulaga while learning run blocking and developing into an all round tackle. A lot of upside, so the Packers reach a little for him.

2011 NFL Mock Draft Version 1

This week sees the debut of my mock draft. This is the first version of a probably three which will hit the blog before the Draft in late April and is a prediction-based mock, where I give my thoughts on which players will likely be selected at which position. Next week will see a slightly different version, where I draft as if I was in control of each team, and is more of the way I would go about things rather than how I think they will be done. Enjoy.

2011 NFL Mock Draft Version 1.0

Round 1:

Carolina Panthers- Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn.

This is a difficult pick to make, as there are cases to be made for at least four players here. There are some concerns over Nick Fairley’s work ethic as tape has shown him drifting through games sometimes. However, it has also shown that he can be as dominant as Ndomukong Suh was in college. Defensive tackle is one the biggest needs for Carolina, and they will not be able to fill that need in the third round (they do not have a second round pick), so they take Fairley off the board at this point.

Denver Broncos- Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson.

The Panthers’ taking Fairley makes this pick easy. As they resigned Champ Bailey, the Broncos need to select the best defensive lineman available. Bowers may be that man even with Fairley on the board, but with Fairley having gone at number one, the Broncos have no qualms whatsoever about taking Bowers, who exploded onto the scene with a big year last year, showing excellent ability to break into the backfield and make plays once he gets there.

Buffalo Bills- Cam Newton, QB, Auburn.

Where to put Cam Newton is a hard one for me, as he could go anywhere in the top ten or even drop out of it altogether. However, his stock is rising, and the media will ensure it continues to do so. Buffalo need a franchise quarterback, and a star to attract attention their way, and Newton will certainly do the latter. He has the potential to be the former as well, although he will not come in and be that player straight away. A season of working on his mechanics behind Ryan Fitzpatrick should be enough for Newton to make an impact on the NFL.

Cincinnati Bengals- Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina.

The Bengals would have liked either Fairley or Bowers here, but as they are both gone, they take the next best defensive lineman. They will consider AJ Green, but receiver is not a big need, whereas pass rush certainly is. Quinn sat out all of 2010 with a suspension, but his ability is enough to put him back to the top of draft boards, and the Bengals are rarely put off by concerns such as that. He can come in and become an impact starter right away.

Arizona Cardinals- Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU.

Corner is not the biggest need for the Cardinals, but they sit here in a great position, with the draft’s two top talents still on the board. Von Miller will tempt them, but concerns over his ability to play the run will lead them towards the safer pick of Peterson. He can play corner or safety at the top level, and should develop into a star quickly. The Cardinals need a corner to play opposite Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, and Peterson should fit into the starting lineup straight away.

Cleveland Browns- AJ Green, WR, Georgia.

The second of the NFL Draft’s top two talents goes off the board here, as Cleveland look to boost their receiving core with another safe pick. Green is the best receiver to come out for a long time, and many have compared his talent to that of Randy Moss. The Browns will be tempted by Marcel Darreus here, as they need to upgrade their defensive line, but they should have a chance to do just that in the second round. Green is too good to pass up for a team who need a star receiver to help their young quarterback grow.

San Francisco 49ers- Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska.

The 49ers were hoping to see Von Miller come off the board at five, so Patrick Peterson would fall their way, but they will be happy with Amukamara, who has excellent speed and a good technique at the position. His arms and hands are a little small, so he may struggle with press coverage, but he is a very talented corner, and will be a big help to the 49ers defense.

Tennessee Titans- Marcel Darreus, DT, Alabama,

This falls perfectly for the Titans. Although they have a need at quarterback, the defensive tackle position is one at which they could use an upgrade. With the chance of new Head Coach Mike Munchak looking to play a mix of 4-3 and 3-4 packages in 2011, Darreus is a good fit, as he could play 4-3 defensive tackle, or as a nose tackle in a one gap 3-4, if not at end in a two gap system. He has questions over exactly where he fits into the defensive line, but at eight, he is a good value pick.

Dallas Cowboys- Tyron Smith, OT, USC.

The Cowboys have bigger needs than at tackle, but with no corner or defensive lineman worth this pick, Smith is their best option. He has answered questions over his size at the Combine by weighing in at 307lbs, and will be looking to get a little bigger, and his arm length is excellent. He has the potential to play left tackle to a very high standard, but can immediately come into Dallas and play opposite Doug Free on the right.

Washington Redskins- Von Miller, OLB, Texas A&M.

The Redskins are trying to run the 3-4 defense, but are still building the personnel to do so. Miller is a perfect fit as an outside pass rusher, and at ten the concerns against playing the run are less of a turn off than they are a little higher. He could come in and have a big impact for the Redskins straight away, and will improve against the run as time goes on. Miller falling down the board a little is a big bonus for Washington.

Houston Texans- Cameron Jordan, DE, California.

This is not the ideal situation in which a corner, nose tackle or outside pass rusher falls to Houston, but they will happily take Jordan as a consolation prize. He showed ability to get into the backfield and make plays at Cal, and should fit into Wade Phillips’ one gap scheme perfectly. It is not their biggest need, but it does fill a need and aids the transition to the 3-4.

Minnesota Vikings- Blaine Gabbert, QB, Missouri.

The Vikings will be hoping to see Gabbert on the board at twelve, and here he is. He and Jake Locker are the only quarterbacks who could be considered to come in and start straight away for a team, and the Vikings need a quarterback who can do just that. He may not be the best prospect since Peyton Manning, but his skill set is solid, and he shows potential to develop into an above average starter in the NFL.

Detroit Lions- Julio Jones, WR, Alabama.

The Lions are known for taking the best player on the board, and, especially after the Scouting Combine, Julio Jones is that player. He has a little less ability than AJ Green, but he has great potential and would give Detroit a passing attack with Jones slotting in alongside Calvin Johnson. Ideally, one of the top corners or Tyron Smith would be on the board, but Jones is definitely the best available.

St. Louis Rams- Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue.

With Jones off the board here, the Rams will be looking to add to their pass rush. Kerrigan has all the tools to be a long-term starter in the NFL, with no issues relating to off-field concerns. On the field he is a solid, dependable player, who’s work ethic and strong motor should give Chris Long the chance to flourish playing opposite him.

Miami Dolphins- Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama.

Unimaginative, but the Dolphins need help in the running game, and Ingram is the best running back in the Draft. There are merits to looking elsewhere, as running backs can traditionally be found outside of the first round, but Ingram has the tools to be one of the best in the league, and will add a new depth to Miami’s offense. His bad Combine performance will put off some teams, but he is not a player who gets by on measureables alone.

Jacksonville- Aldon Smith, DE, Missouri.

Smith is a very talented player, with some injury concerns causing him to miss parts of the 2010 season. However, he has shown great ability, especially in rushing the passer, which is just what Jacksonville need. He may not make an immediate impact, but should be a star of the future if coached well.

New England Patriots (from Oakland Raiders)- JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin.

Watt has the potential to push the top ten, but there are few teams who would need him at that point. Houston will have had him high on their board, but their pick of Cameron Jordan leaves the Patriots free to select Watt, who should have an immediate impact lining up at defensive end in their 3-4. He may need a little improvement, but should not have a problem slotting into their line.

San Diego Chargers- Nate Solder, OT, Colorado.

Watt would have been perfect for San Diego here, but instead they go for an offensive tackle. Solder has question marks, but he has the perfect physical frame for the position, and could grow into an elite player. San Diego do not have a massive need at the position, but a front-seven player is not quite worth the pick here. Solder may not have a huge impact immediately, but he could be a cornerstone to build around for years to come.

New York Giants- Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College.

The Giants could use a tackle to give their offensive line some youth, and Castonzo has the talent to do so. He may not be perfect on tape, but he had a very strong combine, and this will be a big plus when it comes to draft day. This is his range, and he comes off the board just inside the top twenty, which will not please teams like Indianapolis and Philadelphia who are looking for tackles lower in the draft.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa.

This is a simple pick to make, as the Buccs need an edge rusher for their 4-3. Clayborn is the best on the board at twenty, and Tampa Bay will have no difficulty in taking him off the board. He dropped a lot through the course of 2010, but he still has the ability he showed to put him in the top ten originally, and Rahim Morris should be able to get him to a level where he can make an impact on the Buccaneers.

Kansas City Chiefs- Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA.

Ayers has a lot of tools to work with, but has not managed to fully develop them yet. He is very athletic, and will be able to come in and start straight away due to his skills in dropping into coverage and sealing the edge against the run. Romeo Crennell should be able to develop his pass rush skills, and this pick could be a steal for the Chiefs. Ayers is unlikely to be a bust, due to his overall skill set, but he may not be dominant outside linebacker teams look for.

Indianapolis Colts- Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin.

This may not be the greatest fit, as Carimi is not the strongest pass blocker in this draft class, but he is the best tackle left on the board. The Colts have a need for a dominant player at the position, and Carimi should be able to come in and make an impact on the right side of the line, with the potential to play left tackle after some good coaching. He is by no means a sure fire star, and there is some work to be done, but he is a solid pick in a position of need.

Philadelphia Eagles- Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado.

With no offensive tackle on the board, the Eagles look to address another big need with a big talent. Smith may not compare favorably to Amukamara and Paterson, but he is a highly talented corner with good size and speed. He should be able to start alongside Asante Samuel from the off, and should soon assert himself as a better overall cornerback than Samuel. Not the first choice pick for Philadelphia, but they will not complain.

New Orleans- Muhammed Wilkerson, DT, Temple.

Many have Corey Liuget ranked above Wilkerson, but his extra size will be attractive to New Orleans, who need some help in stopping the run. Justin Houston will have been tempting at defensive end, but he has a lot of question marks, whereas Wilkerson seems to simply have a lot of upside. He should be a solid starter for the Saints, and should mean that Shaun Rodgers does not see a huge amount of the field as the season goes on.

Seattle Seahawks- Jake Locker, QB, Washington.

Locker is the top quarterback in this class for me, despite some accuracy issues. He managed to carry an entire college on his shoulders for his career, and led them to a bowl victory over Nebraska to end his time at Washington, after performing terribly against them earlier in the season. He should be able to come in and sit for a season behind Matt Hasselbeck, who can teach him a thing or two, before being handed the reigns in 2012.

Baltimore Ravens- Justin Houston, OLB/DE, Georgia.

Houston is not without his critics, but he is equally not without his talent. While his true position is yet to be found, the Ravens mix up their defenses massively, playing a variety of three and four man fronts, giving Houston the chance to play at end and outside linebacker. With some work, he can be turned into a very productive player for the Ravens, but the risk of him not fitting either 3-4 or 4-3 is there.

Atlanta Falcons- Corey Liuget, DT, Illinois.

The Falcons need some help on the defensive line, and Liuget is excellent value at 27. He can upgrade the position playing alongside Jonathan Babineaux, and should help the Falcons play the run. He has also shown the ability to get into the backfield, which will be of some use to the Falcons, although he is certainly not Ndomukong Suh. Not the explosive receiver that many Falcons fans will be hoping for, but he should prove a worthwhile pick.

New England Patriots- Dereck Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State.

Any position along the offensive line could be addressed with this pick, as there are some talented prospects at guard and centre still on the board. However, Sherrod has shown talent, and had a solid combine which will not harm his stock whatsoever. The Patriots are not necessarily keen to draft offensive linemen high, but with Matt Light pushing on in years, they will look to draft a player who can start on the line for a long time.

Chicago Bears- Mike Pouncey, G, Florida.

The Bears will be hoping to see Pouncey’s name still on the board here, and will be happy to take him. His stock has received a big boost after the excellent, and well publicised, performance of his twin brother Maurkice in his rookie year, and if Chicago do not target him Pittsburgh would love to unite the brothers. Pouncey may be a little overrated, but he should be a solid addition to a weak offensive line.

New York Jets- Phil Taylor, NT, Baylor.

This pick is between Taylor and Steven Paea, but Taylor just gets the nod. The Jets need someone to step into the void left by Kris Jenkins constant speight of injuries, and Taylor should be able to do just that. He has character issues, but Rex Ryan will see that as more of a challenge than a problem, and will happily turn him into a productive nose tackle in the NFL.

Pittsburgh Steelers- Brandon Harris, CB, Miami.

With no tackle worth this pick, and the only defensive end worth the pick too risky to be selected here, the Steelers look to boost their secondary. Harris should be a good corner at this level, perhaps not elite, but there is no reason why he cannot play to a similar level as Ike Taylor in 2010, if not better. With Taylor a little in the air with regards to contracts, the Steelers look to secure the future of the secondary.

Green Bay Packers- Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State.

The Packers have a good crop of defensive ends as it is, but there are contract problems, and bringing in a young talent who they will feel that they can coach into the starting lineup will be an attractive prospect for the Super Bowl champions. Heyward has a lot of questions, so bringing him into a team where the pressure will not be on from the off is a positive, and Green Bay could be getting good value with this pick.

Round 2:

New England Patriots (from Carolina Panthers)- Stefen Wisniewski, OG, Penn State.

The Patriots will have wanted to pick up a pass rusher at outside linebacker with one of these picks, but the way things fall make them look elsewhere. Wisniewski projects best to guard in the pros, but could play centre, and the Patriots have greatly strengthened their offensive line Sherrod and Wisniewski. Perhaps not the exciting picks fans will have wanted, but certainly useful picks for this team.

Buffalo Bills- Benjamin Ijalana, OT, Villanova.

The Bills do not like picking offensive tackles high in the draft, but Ijalana provides good value here, and he should come in and help the Bills straight away. Torrey Smith and Jonathan Baldwin will be tempting here, as the Bills will want to give Cam Newton some more weapons, but receivers can be picked up later in the draft, whereas tackles are at more of a premium.

Cincinnati Bengals- Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas.

The Bengals have no qualms over character, and Mallett’s character is as questionable as it comes in this draft. His ability is unquestionable, although his feet are not the best, and the Bengals will believe they can turn him into a star in the NFL. Carson Palmer seems to be on the way out, and Mallett is not an ideal replacement, but he has the arm to have success in the NFL.

Denver Broncos- Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State.

Denver have needs all over the defense, and having addressed the need at defensive end Paea can come in and help at defensive tackle. A run stuffer, Paea is never going to be a star, but he could be a very useful player for the Broncos. His bench press record at the Combine will push him up the board, and will make some teams look past his limitations. The Broncos should see an improvement against the run straight away.

Cleveland Browns- Marvin Austin, DT, North Carolina.

After having passed on Marcel Darreus in the first round, the Browns address their defensive line here with Austin. He has the ability to make an impact straight away, but he missed all of 2010, and has enough character concerns for that to matter more than it does for teammate Robert Quinn. The Browns may not have got the star they need, but Austin could be an integral piece of the puzzle as the Browns look to build their 4-3 defense for the future.

Arizona Cardinals- Sam Acho, OLB, Texas.

Acho had a good Combine and is a very intelligent player, which will make him an attractive prospect. While the Cardinals will be disappointed not have picked up Von Miller, Acho can come in and have an impact. He still needs some coaching, but will be able to play as a pass rusher from the off, and should not take long to develop into a solid starter.

Tennessee Titans- Christian Ponder, QB, Florida State.

Ponder may have concerns over his arm strength, but he is accurate and a good game manager. Arm strength can be coached up, as shown by Tom Brady in New England, and Ponder can sit for a year behind Kerry Collins to learn his trade. He is not the type who is likely to develop into a star, but he should be an average starter, something the Titans have been lacking ever since Steve McNair left. He has his injury issues, but if his medical checks out, Tennessee will be happy to take him.

Dallas Cowboys- Rahim Moore, FS, UCLA.

Moore is an absolute steal at pick forty, and the Cowboys will be addressing a need by taking him off the board. Moore is very good in coverage, but a little small, so needs to add some bulk, but that should not be a problem, and he will be able to come in and start for the Cowboys from week one.

Washington Redskins- Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh.

Baldwin is far from the perfect prospect, although his talent is beyond question. He has the potential to develop into a top level receiver, and the Redskins certainly have a need for one. If a good attitude can be installed, Baldwin will be a star, and will help Washington’s quarterback, whoever they may be in 2011 and beyond.

Houston Texans- Brooks Reed, OLB, Arizona.

The Texans need to bolster their front seven, and will do so with their first two picks. Reed is not the prospect that Von Miller is, but he should be able to work his way up the rotation and develop into a solid contributor for the Texans. It may take him some time to become a starter, and Houston will not expect that right away, but he should make a contribution through 2011 and beyond.

Minnesota Vikings- Titus Young, WR, Boise State.

Having picked up their new quarterback in the first round, the Vikings look to replace Sidney Rice, who looks like leaving in free agency. Young is possibly the best deep threat in this class, and should overcome concerns about his forty time with tape showing that he can certainly get separation. Although a little small for the NFL, comparisons to DeSean Jackson will make him sought after, and the Vikings could be getting a steal at this pick.

Detroit Lions- Martez Wilson, ILB, Illinois.

This may be a little high for Wilson, but the Lions have needs all across their linebacking core, and Wilson’s stock is rising fast. He had a good showing at the combine, and will be pushed up by the lack of viable inside linebacker prospects in this draft class. He could play any of the three positions for Detroit, and this versatility should be a positive, provided they decide where to put him early and stick with him. Moving him around too much could slow his development, but he should be a starter quickly.

San Francisco 49ers: Quinton Carter, FS, Oklahoma.

This one will cause some headaches for the 49ers, as there is no-one who necessarily fits the bill who they will be chasing at this point. Carter is a solid coverage safety, who will help them out in the secondary, and will give them a young base with Amukamara and Taylor Mays. Carter may be a little reach, but he will be a useful addition for the 49ers.

Denver Broncos (from Miami Dolphins)- Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia.

Dowling has the ability of a first round pick but the durability of a butterfly. He managed to pull a hamstring while running his forty at the Combine, which will put a number of teams off. However, Denver will be thinking of the value they get at this pick, as Dowling could become a very good starter, if he can stay healthy. That if is the biggest mystery, and wherever he is picked there will be an element of risk.

St. Louis Rams- Leonard Hankerson, WR, Miami.

Hankerson is a talented player who has a few concerns regarding his measureables. However, the Rams are desperate for a talented receiver who can give Sam Bradford the chance to throw a deep ball occasionally. Titus Young would have been a preferred option here, but him being off the board paves the way for Hankerson to become a Ram.

Oakland Raiders- Brandon Burton, CB, Utah.

Burton has good measureables, and shows good talent, but needs a little work. With Rod Woodson having been brought into the Raiders’ coaching staff, working on the secondary should not be much of a problem. Burton can come in and be a part of the attempts to replace Nnamdi Asomugha. He will not be an immediate replacement, but he is a start, and he fills a big need for the Raiders.

Jacksonville Jaguars- Randall Cobb, WR, Kentucky.

Cobb is a similar player to Percy Harvin, who can do everything, including return kicks. With Mike Sims-Walker having been released the Jaguars need a receiver to play alongside Mike Thomas and tight end Mercedes Lewis. Cobb may not be a traditional outside receiver, but he should add something to the Jaguars’ passing games.

San Diego Chargers- Jabaal Sheard, OLB, Pittsburgh.

The Chargers are looking to add to their front seven, and Sheard has shown flashes of being able to make a big impact. However, his game is a little patchy, and he may not have the best numbers for San Diego. However, adding to their front seven is always useful, and Sheard should slot into the rotation instantly. He could grow into a very solid player, and should help out with sack numbers after a big of development.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Tyler Sash, SS, Iowa.

The Buccaneers have a lot of young talent on offense, but they need to add to their defense. Sash has shown ability to play both pass and run, and should be able to come in and start for the Buccaneers. Sash can be another piece to the Buccaneers puzzle, and should help to sure up the defense for the future.

New York Giants- Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina.

The Giants have a big need at the position, and Carter has performed consistently well for North Carolina, who have had problems and suspensions all over the defense in 2010. Keith Bulluck was an acceptable stop-gap for the Giants, but he will not be able to continue for long, so Carter should be able to replace Bulluck in the Giants line up and be an upgrade.

Indianapolis Colts- Drake Nevis, DT, LSU.

Nevis’ size is a problem, and to run a forty yard dash of over five seconds at 294 lbs is a concern. However, he got results at LSU, at should help the Colts at a big position of need. Nevis certainly has talent, and needs to bulk up and gain some more experience, but the Colts’ organisation should be able to mould him into a useful player.

Philadelphia Eagles- Marcus Cannon, OG, TCU.

The Eagles need to protect Mike Vick, and Cannon projects well to the next level. He could possibly play tackle in the NFL, but the Eagles will start him at guard and see what happens from there. He moves well for his size, and has the potential to be a starter in the position for ten years plus.

Kansas City Chiefs- Rodney Hudson, OG, Florida State.

The Chiefs have still not found a nose tackle worth their pick, and are unlikely to find a useful defensive lineman at this spot, so they go with a player to boost their offensive line. Hudson has the potential to be a Pro Bowl calibre guard, but many have questioned his ability to perform effectively in the NFL. He is small for a guard, and his weight gain has not looked good, although it has not hindered him in Combine drills.

New Orleans Saints- Mikel Leshoure, RB, Illinois.

The Saints will not be looking actively to take a running back at this point, but Leshoure has fallen far enough, and he provides excellent value here. He is a power back, the type that the Saints have looked for in free agency for the past two years, using a number of players, and Leshoure should provide excellent service as a goal line back, before being given an increasing role in the offense as he develops.

Seattle Seahawks- Aaron Williams, CB, Miami.

Williams’ stock is falling after being criticised by Mike Mayock at the Combine, and he falls all the way to Seattle here. They will not mind him falling so far, and will be happy to take him off the board, as corner is a position of major need for the Seahawks. He may have to play free safety, but either way, he should be able to have a solid career in Seattle.

Baltimore Ravens- Jerrel Jernigan, WR, Troy.

Jernigan has explosive speed, despite a disappointing forty time at the Combine, and has shown the ability to get deep. He is also a strong kick returner, and can help the Ravens in this regard, but they will be looking to him to provide the deep threat they were missing in 2010. Jernigan may not have an impact straight away in the passing game, but he should be able to make an impact in the return game.

Atlanta Falcons- Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame.

Rudolph should go higher than this, and a team may trade up for him, but Atlanta happily accept him at pick fifty-nine. He will be able to share playing time with Tony Gonzalez, and can learn under possibly the greatest tight end to ever play the game, before allowing Gonzalez to retire at the end of the season. He should be a good weapon for years to come in Atlanta.

New England Patriots- Dontay Moch, OLB, Nevada.

Moch has all of the athletic ability in the world, and ran a sub 4.3 forty in Nevada at one point. He ran the fastest forty for a linebacker in the last decade at the Combine. Bill Belichick, who worked with Lawrence Taylor in New York, will like the prospect of working with Moch. This is a little high for him, but other teams will fall in love with his athletic prowess and draft him higher than he should be.

San Diego Chargers (from New York Jets)- Allen Bailey, DE, Miami.

Bailey has a lot of questions, especially after disappearing during Senior Bowl week, but he has improved throughout his time at Miami, his play rising to match his athletic ability. Another uninspiring pick, but one which could help to solidify the Chargers’ defense as they attempt to make a serious push for the Super Bowl.

Chicago Bears- Orlando Franklin, OT, Miami.

Franklin could play either guard or tackle in the NFL, but his measureables are good enough to play tackle. He has good arm length, and ran a solid forty for his size. The Bears could use him and Pouncey working their way into their offensive line for the start of the 2011 season, and those two players should be able to anchor their line for a few years to come.

Pittsburgh Steelers- Jarvis Jenkins, DE, Clemson.

Jenkins has talent but he has not shown enough consistency in his college career. The Steelers however have time to develop a player at the position as they have some solid, experienced starters. Jenkins can sit and develop behind them and hopefully be ready to start in 2012 when the Steelers look to move forward with youth.

Green Bay Packers- Tandon Doss, WR, Indiana.

Wide receiver is not the biggest need for this team, but Doss is the best player at a position of need here. He returned kicks at Indiana, which will be an attractive aspect for the Packers, who are still searching for their return man. He may not have the biggest impact immediately, but he has a long time to learn from Greg Jennings and Donald Driver.