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.
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