2011 NFL Mock Draft: Andrew Luck Poised To Be the Top Selection

With the NFL season winding down and many fans' playoff dreams coming to an end, it is time to look forward to the 2011 NFL Draft.  I have taken the time to put together a mock draft based on my review of college players this season, and will continue to monitor draft stocks and player workouts throughout the bowl season and playoffs to keep this list up to date.  

 
2011 NFL MOCK DRAFT

1. Carolina Panthers- Andrew Luck QB, Stanford: I can see Carolina trading out of this pick if the Bills want to pony up multiple picks like you saw the Jets do with Mark Sanchez, but if Carolina stays, this is a no brainer, as Andrew Luck will be the face of the Panthers franchise, something they have been lacking for a long time.  Other options: Cam Newton, AJ GREEN

2. Detroit Lions- Patrick Peterson CB, LSU: The Lions have a terrible secondary and a strong pass rush, so I look for them to upgrade at CB. They have a young offense that is coming around, they need some O-line help, but I don’t see anyone worth taking at any point in the top 10, so with this pick the Lions choose between Peterson of LSU and Amukamara of Nebraska.  I think Peterson will be the choice, but Amukamara is clipping at his heels. Will consider: Patrick Peterson, DaQuan Bowers

3. Cincinnati Bengals- DaQuan Bowers DE, Clemson: The #1 high school prospect coming into college ends up as the #3 prospect in this draft. Injuries hampered his career early, but he is a physical beast and the Bengals need a playmaker on defense. The Bengals couldn’t rush the passer this year, so adding the guy who leads the nation in sacks seems like a good idea. I think the Bengals take a strong look at Cam Newton here, as well as AJ Green (due to the age of TO and Ocho), but in the end choose Bowers. Will consider: Cam Newton, AJ Green

4. Buffalo Bills- AJ Green WR, Georgia: This one could go multiple directions, but if the Bills cannot get Luck, I feel they will accept Fitzpatrick as their QB for the time being; unless Mallett or Newton really impress them, they will go in a different direction. Don’t expect Lee Evans to be wearing a Bills uniform next year, and AJ Green is the next Calvin Johnson. Other options: Patrick Peterson, Cam Newton, Ryan Mallett, Robert Quinn

5. Arizona Cardinals- Ryan Mallett QB, Arkansas: Think Kurt Warner. Need I say more? The Derek Anderson/Max Hall era has been a disaster, and they need someone that can get the ball to Fitzgerald.  Ryan Mallett has all the physical tools to be a premier pocket passer. The only knock on him is that he can't deliver in the big game...lets see what he does against Ohio State. Other options: Cam Newton

6. Denver Broncos- Robert Quinn DE/OLB, UNC: The guy would have been the #2 selection had he played this year.  Quinn has all the tools to be successful; he reminds me of Terrell Suggs in the way he plays the game, and is one of the most versatile guys in the draft, as he can play both standing up or on the line. Denver could use a WR, and depending on who the next coach is, they could go with a QB, but they already have a poor man's Cam Newton on the roster in Tim Tebow. Other options: Julio Jones, Marcell Dareus

7. San Francisco 49ers- Cam Newton QB, Auburn: Surprise, surprise, three months ago I would have laughed at myself, but after the Alabama and South Carolina games, I don’t think it is a question whether or not he can play on Sundays. I’m thinking Big Ben combined with Michael Vick. The Heisman Trophy winner has catapulted his stock into the top 10, and he will be the steal of the draft at #7 with his #1 quarterback rating (yes, that would be the best PASSER rating in the NCAA). Other options: Jake Locker, Nick Fairley

8. Dallas Cowboys- Prince Amukamara CB, Nebraska: Dallas’ defense has struggled at times this season. Amukamara has the potential to be one of the best cover guys in the NFL and will surely be able to shut down whichever #2 WR he is up against since he has Newman to rely on to cover the #1.  This combination has the potential to be one of the best cover duos in the league, ahead of the Jets.  Other options: Nick Fairley, Marcell Dareus

9. Minnesota Vikings- Nick Fairley DE/DT, Auburn: After watching the top two CB's and the top three QB's already go off the board, I think Minnesota will look to replace Ray Edwards, who is a free agent after the season. Minnesota’s defense hasn’t been as mind-blowing as it was the past couple years, so they could use some upgrades. Nick Fairley will make an immediate impact here in rushing the passer and shutting down the run. This guy has a knack for finding the quarterback and creating turnovers. Other options: Jake Locker, Marcell Dareus

10. Washington Redskins- Julio Jones WR, Alabama: After watching a guy with a broken hand have a phenomenal game against South Carolina, I was convinced he was one of the top WR's in the country. Statistically, he doesn’t jump off the charts, but he is playing in a run first, run second system with an average QB.  His questionable hands will make us compare him to TO, but I don’t think McNabb will object to another TO after this season. He is tough, fast, and a highly skilled route runner, and Justin Blackmon‘s DUI won‘t help his case. Other options: Mark Ingram, Justin Blackmon

11. Tennessee Titans- Marcell Dareus DE/DT, Alabama: Could fill in where Haynesworth left off as both a skilled run stopper and effective pass rusher. Dareus is an elite talent, and Tennessee knows how to get production out of their defensive linemen.  The Titans would have interest in a QB, but with Newton, Mallett, and Luck off the board, I don't think they will overdraft Locker. Other options: Akeem Ayers, Stephen Paea, Jake Locker

12. Cleveland Browns- Justin Blackmon WR, Oklahoma St: Colt McCoy needs someone to throw to, and Blackmon fits the bill for the Browns. With the top defensive linemen off the board, I think this is a no brainer. The only question about Blackmon is the DUI, but the sky is the limit for the guy who is putting up Dez Bryant numbers this year.  Other options: Marcell Dareus, Ryan Kerrigan

13- Houston Texans- Janoris Jenkins CB, Florida: Someone, anybody….in the secondary. The Texans are the worst pass defense in the NFL for a reason.  The offense is good, well great, but they need some defense and an elite CB would be a start, Florida has been known to produce great CB's, and Jenkins filled in where Joe Haden left off with his 1st Team All SEC performance this season. Other options: Aaron Williams

14. Miami Dolphins- Mark Ingram RB, Alabama: Ingram will be taking his talents to South Beach next season (sorry, I had to do it).  He had a down year this past year, but he was coming off a knee injury which could have slowed him down.  Expect his stock to remain high with a solid Pro Day workout.  With Ronnie Brown hurt every season and Ricky Williams contemplating retirement, expect the Dolphins to address their offensive woes with the best RB in the draft still on the board. While Chad Henne has been a bust, I don’t think the Dolphins will see Jake Locker as the answer. Other options: Jake Locker, Allen Bailey, Ryan Kerrigan

15. Seattle Seahawks- Ryan Kerrigan DE, Purdue: The Seahawks have no pass rush after unloading three starters from their defensive line coming into the 2010 season. Look for them to revamp the defensive line with this pick. Kerrigan is on the rise after leading the nation in tackles for loss this season and coming in third in the NCAA in sacks. Other options: Jake Locker, Adrian Clayborn, Allen Bailey

16. New England Patriots (from Oakland)- Aaron Williams CB, Texas: The Patriots don't have many weaknesses outside of their pass defense, which has been shaky at times so expect them to take the best corner on the board.  Mark Ingram or Justin Blackmon would have been options but with them off the board expect the Patriots to select a corner or trade down.. Other options: LaMichael James, Brandon Harris

17. St. Louis Rams- Allen Bailey DE, Miami (FL): The Rams desperately need a WR, but with Jones, Green, and Blackmon off the board, there is no one worth taking with this pick, so they will look to improve their pass rush. Spags will utlilize Allen Bailey like he did Tuck and Osi in New York. Spags is licking his chops to get a talent like Bailey. Other options: Adrian Clayborn, Cameron Jordan

18. Jacksonville Jaguars- Adrian Clayborn DE, Iowa: This guy had a monstrous junior year but slowed down a little bit his senior year, so he has slid out of my top 10; however, he makes sense for the Jaguars because they can’t rush the passer (unless they are playing the Browns). Averaging only one sack per game outside of the Browns game, they need someone that can rush the passer, and while Clayborn is not the most athletic guy in the draft, he has good technique and plays hard on every down—something you can’t teach. Other options: Cameron Jordan, Akeem Ayers

19. San Diego Chargers- Akeem Ayers LB, UCLA: With the loss of Merriman, the Chargers could use some help at LB even though their defense has been solid for most of the year. The offense seems set with the RB rotation and the Gates/Rivers combination. Malcom Floyd is coming along nicely if he can stay healthy, and while Vincent Jackson appears to be headed out of San Diego, there is no WR worth selecting at the 19th pick. Other options: Cameron Jordan, Stephen Paea

20. Indianapolis Colts- Stephen Paea DT, Oregon State: Year in and year out, we have the Colts selecting a DT, and for some reason it never works out. Someone needs to jam the middle up and stop the run for the Colts, who rank near the bottom of the league in rush defense every year. While Paea isn’t one of the elite defensive tackles available, he will serve the needs of the Colts and should start to improve that poor rush defense. Other options: Cameron Jordan

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Bruce Carter LB, UNC: A perfect fit for Raheem Morris, who loves guys that play with heart and soul; Bruce Carter fits that mold. He runs a 4.4 40 time and is built like Ray Lewis. This guy is going to be a star and Raheem Morris will take him to the top. Other options: Cameron Jordan, Anthony Costanzo

22. Kansas City Chiefs- Cameron Jordan DE, California: Think New England Patriots. They never take the flashy player but always take the guy with the all around skills needed to help the team win. Cameron Jordan is that guy and Kansas City is looking more like the Patriots and less like the Lions since the arrival of Pioli. Other options: Bruce Carter, Anthony Costanzo

23. Green Bay Packers- Anthony Costanzo OT, Boston College: Aaron Rodgers is always running for his life, and with the 23rd pick in the first round, the Packers somehow score the best OT in the draft. Costanzo might not be a cornerstone LT, but he is very well rounded and will probably serve at RT for most of his career and will be a good fill-in at LT. Other options: Drake Nevis, Nate Solder

24. New York Giants- Travis Lewis OLB, Oklahoma: How old is Keith Bullock? It would be best served for the Giants to look to add youth to their aging LB core. Travis Lewis appears to be the best one still on the board. Other options: Drake Nevis, Von Miller

25. Baltimore Ravens- Brandon Harris CB, Miami (FL): The Ravens' only weakness is their pass defense; the key pieces on the offense are young, so expect them to improve their already stout defense with a future shut down corner. Ed Reed and Ray Lewis would enjoy mentoring another player from the U. Other options: Brandon Burton, Michael Floyd

26. Chicago Bears- Nate Solder OT, Colorado: Someone needs to protect Jay Cutler, and Solder is a good project for them. A former TE, he has made a fine transition to OT but is still raw. The Bears could use a #1 WR here, so don’t count Michael Floyd out. Other options: Michael Floyd, Brandon Burton, Jonathan Baldwin

27. New Orleans Saints- Justin Houston OLB, Georgia: Since the Saints lost Fujita last season, they are still lacking that presence in the middle of the defense. The Saints will try to do with Houston what the Redskins did with Orakpo and make him a LB. Gregg Williams will have fun letting this guy loose on the outside, as he has jumped off the charts with 19.5 tackles for loss in the extremely difficult SEC. Other options: Von Miller

28. New York Jets- LaMichael James RB, Oregon: I know, I know, I have heard the knocks on him, that he is too small and can’t play on Sundays, but this guy has explosive written all over him. However, the Jets defense is pretty much set, so they need help on the offense. If Braylon Edwards leaves after the season, Jonathan Baldwin could be the pick here, but Rex Ryan likes the “sexy” pick and I think James replaces LT as the speed back opposite Shonn Greene. Other options: Jonathan Baldwin, Michael Floyd

29. Philadelphia Eagles- Brandon Burton CB, Utah: Philadelphia could use a CB. Their offense is young and they have been good at stopping the run this year, but the corners have been shaky outside of Samuel.  I have a CB heavy first round here, as Burton reaps the benefits of being the best CB available. I have him as a late first round or early second round guy that could jump with a good performance at the combine. If he declares and has a good combine, I think he is the 6th CB drafted. If not for his poor performance against TCU, he goes higher. Other options: Von Miller, Jonathan Baldwin, Ras-I Dowling

30. Pittsburgh Steelers- Jonathan Baldwin WR, Pittsburgh: I’m sure Mike Tomlin has taken notice of this guy's skills since he is a local guy and all. Pittsburgh needs help on the O-line but I’m not sure they are able to pass Baldwin’s size up at this point. Baldwin was the lone bright spot for the Pittsburgh offensive unit this year and Hines Ward is not getting any younger. Plus you have Big Ben; who needs an offensive line?

31. Atlanta Falcons- Gabe Carimi OT, Wisconsin: A big, physical guy that lacks the speed needed to protect the blind side. Sam Baker has struggled at times protecting Matt Ryan’s blindside and there is no quick fix on the board, so the Falcons look to add some depth here with a project in Carimi. He could look to drop a few pounds and work on his foot speed and be a project LT. Other options: Michael Floyd, Greg Jones, Matt Reynolds

32. New England Patriots- Stefen Wisniewski C, Penn State: Just the kind of guy the Patriots like—a versatile offensive lineman that can play both center and guard. At this time, it doesn’t appear that you will see Logan Mankins in a Patriots jersey next year, so the Patriots will just keep trucking along and plugging in guys. Other options: Michael Floyd, Ras-I Dowling