2011 NFL Mock Draft: Can A.J. Green Claim Top Spot Over Andrew Luck?
It's never too early for a mock draft, even if the NFL season hasn't even ended yet! We're going to take a look at the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Draft order was determined by the NFL's current standings. There's four quarterbacks taken within the first 13 picks.
So who goes where? Does a QB own the top spot?
32. New England Patriots - Allen Bailey, DE
1 of 32
State of the Franchise: The Pats have the look of a team on a mission, as evidenced by their 45-3 drubbing of the New York Jets
Why they’ll take Bailey: The Pats have no glaring needs on offense, so they’ll again look to bolster the defense. He should be able to help almost immediately.
Outlook: If Bailey can show himself to be a disruptive pass rusher, he could crack the starting lineup.
31. Atlanta Falcons - Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
2 of 32
State of the Franchise: The Falcons boast the best record in the conference and are nearly unbeatable at home. This is a very dangerous team come playoff time.
Why they’ll take Floyd: The Falcons need a second target to compliment Roddy White. Tony Gonzalez, though still effective, has shown signs of slowing so Matt Ryan will soon need another reliable pass-catching target.
Outlook: Floyd could challenge for the starting job, but he should see some playing time either way.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
3 of 32
State of the Franchise: The Steelers continue to win games late and are a big threat in the playoffs.
Why they’ll draft Carimi: There’s some uncertainty on Pittsburgh’s offensive line, and they could use the added depth. Carimi would be a good fit in Pittsburgh’s blocking scheme.
Outlook: It’s difficult to say whether or not Carimi would start until we learn the fate of free agent to be Max Starks.
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29. Chicago Bears - Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
4 of 32
State of the Franchise: A reinvigorated defense coupled with a surprisingly methodical offense has the Bears primed for the playoffs.
Why they’ll draft Castonzo: Chicago needs to keep Jay Cutler off of his back, especially with his history of concussions. Castonzo should be able to help.
Outlook: If Castonzo shows that he can get the job done against the pass rush, he may crack the starting lineup.
28. New Orleans Saints - Von Miller, LB, Texas A&M
5 of 32
State of the Franchise: It’s hard to believe how little talk there seems to be about the 9-3 defending Super Bowl Champions, but the Saints have as good of a chance as anyone to repeat. The defense hasn’t been quite as good as last year, but they’re finding a way to win games late.
Why they’ll draft Miller: The Saints will recognize that Miller could be a late-round steal after he dealt with some injuries at the start of his senior campaign. The Saints have only 23 sacks, and Miller could help boost that total next season.
Outlook: Miller would get some playing time during passing downs and his speed rush could create havoc for opposing offenses.
27. New York Jets - Cameron Jordan, DE, California
6 of 32
State of the Franchise: Despite last week’s demolishment at the hands of the Patriots, the Jets have walked the walk after talking the talk all offseason. They sit at 9-3 and in all likelihood will reach the postseason.
Why they’ll draft Jordan: To blitz Tom Brady. The Jets need to continue to add playmakers, and they’ll like the way he’s performed at California, especially in recent weeks.
Outlook: The Jets don’t tend to shy away from starting rookies, and Jordan will be no exception. Look for him to at least be on the field during obvious passing downs.
26. Philadelphia Eagles - Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
7 of 32
State of the Franchise: The Eagles could be closing in on the NFC East crown and could contend for the Super Bowl.
Why they’ll draft Solder: The Eagles will need to beef up their offensive line in order to ensure that Michael Vick stays healthy. This isn’t the same offense when Vick isn’t on the field, so protecting him needs to be Philly’s top priority.
Outlook: The 6’8”, 304-pound Solder would likely challenge for the starting job and could easily be a Philadelphia main-stay.
25. Kansas City Chiefs - Akeem Ayers, DE/OLB, UCLA
8 of 32
State of the Franchise: In a surprisingly good campaign, the Chiefs looked primed to claim the AFC West.
Why they’ll draft Lewis: The Chiefs need another pass rusher to compliment Tamba Hali, and they would benefit from his versatility.
Outlook: KC’s defense has been above average this season, but adding a guy like Ayers could solidify them as a top third unit.
24. New York Giants - Travis Lewis, OLB, Oklahoma
9 of 32
State of the Franchise: The Giants are in a heated battle with the Eagles for NFC East supremacy. As per usual, the Giants have some very impressive wins coupled with some head-scratching losses.
Why they’ll draft Lewis: New York’s linebacker crew is underwhelming, if not below average. The Giants could use a pass-rushing outside linebacker to go along with their outstanding defensive line.
Outlook: Lewis could immediately start for the Giants, especially with the uncertainty as to whether or not Keith Bullock will be back next year.
23. Baltimore Ravens - Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
10 of 32
State of the Franchise: Baltimore is making another charge to the playoffs and is a team not likely to be effected by having to play postseason games on the road.
Why they’ll draft Williams: The only question mark on Baltimore’s defense appears to be at corner, so they’ll look to quickly repair their Achilles’ heal.
Outlook: With several Ravens corners heading for free agency, Williams could start in his rookie season.
22. Green Bay Packers - Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
11 of 32
State of the Franchise: The Packers seem to be hitting their stride at the right time with the playoffs looming. They still have time to wrestle the NFC North from Chicago.
Why they’ll take Burton: Green Bay will want to groom a cornerback to be ready to step in for Charles Woodson. They’ll need a long-term starter next to Tramon Williams once Woodson retires.
Outlook: Burton would probably start with a reserve roll before eventually taking Woodson’s spot.
21. Jacksonville Jaguars - Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
12 of 32
State of the Franchise: Picked by many to finish dead last in the AFC South, the Jags have managed a 7-5 record and currently sit atop the AFC South.
Why they’ll take Paea: Jacksonville will likely look to bolster their average run defense. Since coach Jack Del Rio’s arrival, Jacksonville has always strived to out-muscle its opponent and the 304-pound Paea fits that mentality.
Outlook: The Jags probably wouldn’t hesitate to start Paea right away, especially if he shows them the burst that he’s exhibited throughout his college career.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
13 of 32
State of the Franchise: The Bucs are one of the surprise teams in the NFL thanks in large part to the rapid development of Josh Freeman and Mike Williams.
Why they’ll take Heyward: The Bucs would like to add an outside pass rusher to team up with Gerald McCoy. The offense looks surprisingly settled, so Tampa will likely look to beef up the defense.
Outlook: The Bucs have held opposing QB’s to a 75.4 rating, but they’ve managed only 18 sacks. Heyward would help turn up the heat in 2011.
19. Indianapolis Colts - Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
14 of 32
State of the Franchise: Injuries threatened to derail Indy’s season, but they’re just a half game behind the Jags for first in the AFC South.
Why they’ll take Sherrod: It is impossible to understate the importance of keeping outside rusher’s at bay against Peyton Manning. The Colts know they need to do a better job of protecting Manning, and Sherrod should be able to help shore up the blindside.
Outlook: It’s difficult to say whether or not Sherrod would start right away (current left tackle Charlie Johnson is an impending free agent), but Sherrod would be a long-term solution to protecting Manning’s blindside.
18. San Diego Chargers - Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
15 of 32
State of the Franchise: The Chargers will likely have to win their last four games in order to get into the playoffs. A puzzling home loss to the Raiders has put them two games behind the Chiefs.
Why they’ll take Clayborn: With Shawne Merrriman’s departure, San Diego needs to replace his productivity and big-play potential. Clayborn is a disruptive force who often gets deep into the backfield.
Outlook: San Diego has the top-ranked defense in football, but Clayborn has the potential to make them that much better.
17. Miami Dolphins - Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
16 of 32
State of the Franchise: Miami’s offense has been surprisingly ineffective this season.
Why they’ll take Ingram: Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams hardly look like themselves this season, and it’s entirely possible that neither will be back with the team next year. The Dolphins can replace them with Ingram, who has a similar power-running style.
Outlook: Ingram would likely be a major contributor right away, even if Brown or Williams is retained. It wouldn’t be long before Ingram is receiving the majority of carries.
16. New England Patriots (from Oakland) - Brandon Harris, CB, Miami
17 of 32
State of the Franchise: The Pats dealt Richard Seymour away for the Oakland’s first round pick. Seymour has been solid for the Raiders, but the Pats got the better of this deal.
Why they’ll take Harris: New England’s offense is firing on all cylinders, so there’s no reason to think they would mess with success. Harris has shutdown corner potential.
Outlook: The Patriots defense has been steadily improving all season, but corner is one position that remains a question mark. Harris would add some youth to match up with the many talented receivers in the AFC East.
15. Seattle Seahawks - Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
18 of 32
State of the Franchise: They’ve had a bounce back season of sorts and are tied for first in the weak NFC West.
Why they’ll take Fairley: Seattle’s defense is nothing special against the run, and Fairley is the best player left on the board to this point.
Outlook: Fairley should boost Seattle’s defense by getting good penetration into the backfield, setting up other’s to make plays.
14. St. Louis Rams - Jonathan Baldwin, WR, Pittsburgh
19 of 32
State of the Franchise: The Rams have rebuilt rapidly and will look to the draft to further solidify their status as an up-and-coming young team.
Why they’ll take Baldwin: The Rams need a big, play-making receiver to team up with Sam Bradford.
Outlook: Baldwin and Bradford could combine to form a very strong foundation for this team to build around. Baldwin’s size and athletic ability could make him a first year starter.
13. Minnesota Vikings - Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
20 of 32
State of the Franchise: A dysfunctional locker room and an inability to repeat last year’s magic put the Vikings in too big of a hole to make any kind of a playoff run.
Why they’ll take Newton: The Vikings need a quarterback, plain and simple. Favre is retiring (for real this time, I think) and the organization has never shown a true commitment to Tavaris Jackson.
Outlook: Unlike the other quarterbacks up to this point, Newton probably wouldn’t start right away, but we could easily see him by season’s end. Newton offers much more long-term upside than Jackson.
12. Houston Texans - Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
21 of 32
State of the Franchise: It’s another mediocre season in Houston thanks in large part to a horrendous defense.
Why they’ll take Jenkins: No one player is going to turn Houston’s defense into world-beaters overnight, but drafting Jenkins a step in the right direction, as he could at least attempt to neutralize his half of the field.
Outlook: Houston is still going to give up yardage next season, but a ball-hawking corner like Jenkins would at least be able to make some plays on the ball to cut drives short.
11. Cleveland Browns - Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
22 of 32
State of the Franchise: The Browns have proven this year that they are capable of beating or losing to just about any team in football. The offense has improved since last year, but they are still missing a big-play threat.
Why they’ll take Blackmon: Blackmon gives the Browns an explosiveness which has been lacking for years. He will command the defense’s attention, and doing so could lead to more opportunites for secondary targets like Mohammad Massaquoi and Josh Cribbs.
Outlook: Blackmon would immediately challenge for the starting role. His ability to make plays after the catch and stretch the field will probably get him the starting job.
10. Washington Redskins - Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
23 of 32
State of the Franchise: Expectations were high after the hiring of Mike Shanahan, but the Redskins have struggled with consistency on both sides of the ball.
Why they’ll take Jones: The Skins need a young receiver to jumpstart their offense, and Jones could emerge as one of the team's biggest red zone threates. Santana Moss is still a solid receiver, but he won’t be around forever .
Outlook: Jones should be a major contributor right away, and he could become one of Donovan McNabb’s favorite targets.
9. Tennessee Titans - Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
24 of 32
State of the Franchise: The turbulence between Jeff Fisher and Vince Young has erased hopes of what looked like a promising season. Fisher could be on the way out.
Why they’ll take Quinn: The Titans are likely to lose Jason Babin to free agency, so they’ll want to have someone in place to take his spot. Quinn should be able to fill the void.
Outlook: Tennessee needs to get back to playing smash-mouth football and drafting Quinn is a step in the right direction.
8. Dallas Cowboys - Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
25 of 32
State of the Franchise: A disastrous 1-7 start resulted in the firing of Wade Phillips and dashed any hopes of hosting this year’s Super Bowl. They’ve managed to right the ship under Jason Garrett, but the focus here is on next season.
Why they’ll take Amukamara: Even in recent weeks, Dallas has really struggled against the pass. Amukamara and Patrick Peterson are in a tier of their own, so this would be Dallas’ last chance to try to patch up a shaky secondary.
Outlook: Amukarmara provides big play potential and should challenge for a starting gig. Dallas has to figure out a way to boost its pass defense, and Amukarmara should contribute immediately.
7. San Francisco 49ers - Jake Locker, QB, Washington
26 of 32
State of the Franchise: Picked by many to win the NFC West, the 49ers have again failed to live up to expectations. They always seem like a team on the verge of turning the proverbial corner, but it never seems to happen.
Why they’ll take Locker: After another lost season, the Niners are likely to finally move on from Alex Smith. They need a franchise quarterback to maximize the skills of Frank Gore, Vernon Davis and Michael Crabtree.
Outlook: Smith is as good as gone next season, so Locker is likely to step in and start right away. He’s almost certain to provide an upgrade over Smith, especially in the long-term.
6. Arizona Cardinals - Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas
27 of 32
State of the Franchise: After making into the Super Bowl a mere two years ago, lousy quarterback play and poor defense have turned the two-time defending NFC West Champs into a laughing stock.
Why they’ll take Mallet: Mallet has a strong and accurate arm, as evidenced by his 66.5 completion percentage in the always challenging SEC. The Arizona coaching staff has to be sick of watching inept play from their quaterbacks.
Outlook: Mallet would compete for the starting job right away and could be considered the front-runner. The Cardinals would be anxious to write off the 2010-11 season as a fluke, and starting Mallet would give them their best chance to do so.
5. Denver Broncos - Marcell Dareus, DT/DE, Alabama
28 of 32
State of the Franchise: Even under the crumbling Josh McDaniels’ regime, the Broncos have been surprisingly efficient on offense, so we think they’ll turn to fixing the defense.
Why they’ll take Dareus: Denver’s 31st-ranked rush defense has been an issue for some time, and it’s a problem that need to address. The 303-pound Dareus would likely lineup at defensive tackle and could be a disruption on inside handoffs.
Outlook: By taking Dareus, Denver could be taking the right step to turning their relatively weak front seven into a strength, especially if Elvis Dummervil comes back healthy next season. He would start immediately.
4. Cincinnati Bengals - Da’Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
29 of 32
State of the Franchise: The window of opportunity seems to have slammed shut in the faces of the Bengals. After winning the AFC North last season, everything has fallen apart and it may be time to rebuild.
Why they’ll take Bowers: The Bengals are dead last in the NFL with 13 sacks and are consistently unable to provide any sort of pressure on the quarterback. They need a bona fide pass rusher.
Outlook: The split second he’s drafted, Bowers might be the best defensive lineman on the team, and he should start immediately. Despite not having any pass rush, the Bengals pass defense has surprisingly been above average, and adding Bowers to the D-line could make the secondary that much better.
3. Detroit Lions - Patrick Peterson, CB, LSU
30 of 32
State of the Franchise: Same old story for these Lions: Close, but no cigar. At the very least, the Lions have managed to play competitive football in the high majority of their games, though it hasn’t reflected in their 2-10 record.
Why they’ll take Peterson: The Lions pass defense has permitted opposing quarterbacks a rating of 96.3 They’re susceptible to giving up the big play, and they need a lockdown corner like Peterson to give them a fighting chance on defense.
Outlook: The Lions have actually managed to make some good draft picks in the post Matt Millen era, and they could have a deadly combination if they add Peterson’s ball-hawking skills to go along with Ndamukong Suh’s fierce pass rush.
2. Buffalo Bills: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
31 of 32
State of the Franchise: To no one’s big surprise, the Bills have struggled in 2010-11. They seem to play hard every week, and they’ve even managed to take the Chiefs, Ravens and Steelers into overtime, though they lost all three of those games.
Why they’ll take Luck: The Bills have a lot of work to do, and drafting a franchise quarterback is probably step one. Buffalo has received solid play from current starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, but they likely don’t envision him as their long-term starter. Luck, on the other hand, comes from a winning program and is the most polished quarterback in this draft class.
Outlook: It is entirely possible that Luck would start from Week 1 next season. Either way, he’s shown the leadership qualities that would make him likely to get the most out young talented players like Stevie Johnson and C.J. Spiller.
1. Carolina Panthers - A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
32 of 32
State of the Franchise: The Panthers are mired in the midst of a disastrous 1-11 campaign. A leaky defense, shaky quarterback play, injuries and an overall inept offense have all led to the downfall. The Panthers have scored the fewest points in football, and there has been very little for this franchise to salvage from the 2010-11 season.
Why they’ll take Green: Carolina needs someone to alleviate some of the pressure from Steve Smith, the team’s only established wideout. The Panthers will want to put some playmakers around Jimmy Clausen in order to give him a fair shot, and Green has been dubbed the second-best receiving prospect since Randy Moss (Calvin Johnson). He’s the “can’t miss” pick of the draft.
Outlook: Green is likely to be penciled into the starting lineup right away, and he could have an immediate impact. Though some have speculated that the Panthers may take Andrew Luck with the top overall pick, we don’t see them giving up on Clausen just yet, despite his struggles. At the very least, Green will provide a shot of energy to an offense badly in need of one.
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