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.
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