2011 NFL Mock Draft: Will Cam Newton and Andrew Luck Both Be Top-5 Picks?
With college football's regular season coming to an end and the opening bowl games just around the corner, it is never to early to speculate rankings for this year's NFL draft.
With a highly touted quarterback class expected to headline this year's class, where will Auburn's Cam Newton and Stanford's Andrew Luck be selected?
Lets break down the first round and take a look at where teams will pick and who will be sporting their jerseys come draft day:
32. New England Patriots, Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame
1 of 32
Why Floyd is Special: He is a physical receiver with big-play ability. He has exceptional body control, which he is able to use to snag balls out of the air. He also has the knowledge of a pro style offense, playing under former Notre Dame coach Charlie Weiss.
Why Floyd Goes Here: He is a one of the most talented receivers in this years class, but note quite on the elite level with Jones, Green and Blackmon.
Why Floyd Fits: With the ugly departure of Randy Moss midway through the 2010 season, the Patriots are in need of a big play receiver that can stretch the field.
31. Atlanta Falcons, Nate Solder, OT, Colorodo
2 of 32
Why Solder is Special: He has great size, standing at 6'9, which is valuable because he can control pass rushing defensive ends with his long arms. He also has impressive mobility and can get out of his stance quickly.
Why Solder Goes Here: Because he has too many rare physical traits to pass up on. He is a work in progress, but his potential makes him worth it.
Why Solder Fits: The Falcons have shown that they have an elite passing game with young Matt Ryan behind center. Wouldn't you want a 6'9 tackle protecting your franchise quarterback?
30. Pittsburgh Steelers, JJ Watt, DE, Wisconsin
3 of 32
Why Watt is Special: He has the ideal work ethic and a nonstop motor that became more then evident as he terrorized Big Ten quarterbacks this season.
Why Watt Goes Here: He is only going to get stronger and better with time. He is quick off the end and will help bolster any teams defensive line.
Why Watt Fits: The Steelers are already stacked from top to bottom with linebackers, so how about adding a guy to put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
29. Philadelphia Eagles, Jimmy Smith, CB, Colorado
4 of 32
Why Smith is Special: He is a shutdown corner that possesses elite speed and athletic ability.
Why Smith Goes Here: This year's cornerback class is loaded with talent and Smith potentially could be the sleeper of the draft.
Why Smith Fits: While everyone knows that the Eagles can score points in bunches, it has been their inability to stop teams on the defensive end, specifically in the passing game, that has been their downside this season.
28. New York Jets, Cameron Jordan, DE, California
5 of 32
Why Jordan is Special: At 6'4, 282 pounds, Jordan has great size for a defensive end and is NFL ready as far as strength and indurance goes.
Why Jordan Goes Here: He is one of the best pass rushing end in the draft that could only help what is one of the NFL's most feared defenses.
Why Jordan Fits: He is an ideal power defensive end, which would fit perfectly into the Jets 3-4 defensive scheme.
27. Baltimore Ravens, Ras-I Dowling, CB, Virginia
6 of 32
Why Dowling is Special: Standing at 6'2 with exceptional speed, he is everything you could want in an NFL cornerback. He is also not afraid to come up and make a hit when needed, which is evident with his 58 tackles this season.
Why Dowling Goes Here: He is one of the elite cover corners in a deep cornerback class. Playing in the pass happy AFC, the cornerback position has great value to a defense.
Why Dowling Fits: An aggressive, in-your-face corner with great physical tools. Could there possibly be a better fit team for him then the Ravens?
26. New York Giants, Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
7 of 32
Why Sherrod is Special: He is a good pass protector with good range who has the ability to play on both sides of the line at either tackle position.
Why Sherrod Goes Here: He was a three-year starter at Mississippi State, who paved the way for one of the top rushing attacks in the highly compettive SEC this year.
Why Sherrod Fits: Did you see the hit that Eli Manning took against the Jets in their Monday Night preseason game? Sherrod will protect Manning's blind side to make sure that doesn't happen again to the Giants franchise quarterback.
25. New Orleans Saints, DeAndre McDaniel, S, Clemson
8 of 32
Why McDaniel is Special: He is a versatile safety; he has the physical ability to come up and make a hit, and the speed to make a play on the ball. He had a standout senior year at Clemson with 98 tackles and a team-high eight interceptions.
Why McDaniel Goes Here: This draft has a lot of safeties that should get selected, but the position itself is not very top-heavy. His size and speed combination make him the one of the top- 2 ranked safeties in this class.
Why McDaniel Fits: With the aging of Saint's safeties Darin Sharper and Roman Harper, it is time to bring some young talent into their defensive secondary. McDaniel should fit in perfectly.
24. Chicago Bears, Joseph Barksdale, OT, LSU
9 of 32
Why Barksdale is Special: He has been a mainstay at the tackle position for LSU since he first arrived on campus his freshman year. He has the perfect combination of size and athleticism that will make him successful at the next level.
Why Barksdale Goes Here: It is between him and Boston College's Anthony Costanzo for who is this year's top offensive lineman. Either way, the Bears will solve their problem of protecting Jay Cutler with this pick.
Why Barksdale Fits: He can play both tackle positions and will immediately help with one of the Bears top issues this season, which was getting Jay Cutler ample time to throw the ball.
23. Indianapolis Colts, Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
10 of 32
Why Ingram is Special: He is a powerful runner who was the most dominant player on the field at all times during Alabama's 2009-10 National Championship season.
Why Ingram Goes Here: He is hands down the top rusher in this years running back class. Combine his skills with the fact that he has played and succeeded on college footballs biggest stage, he is a can't-miss player for a team that is need of a running game.
Why Ingram Fits: With the loss of Joseph Addai to injury, the Colts rushing offense once again ranked amongst the leagues worst.
22. Jacksonville Jaguars, Cam Newton, QB, Auburn
11 of 32
Why Newton is Special: The way he dominated college football this season should answer that question in itself.
Why Newton Goes Here: Despite the scrutiny that has been associated with him throughout this years college football season, he was, without a question, the most talented player in the country. His ability alone makes him worthy of a first round selection.
Why Newton Fits: Fans in Jacksonville can not be pleased with the mediocre and inconsistent play that David Garrard has given the Jaguars over the past couple of years. It is time for Jacksonville to move on from the Garrard era and select their quarterback of the future.
20. San Diego Chargers, Bruce Carter, OLB, North Carolina
12 of 32
Why Carter is Special: He is one of the best all-around athletes in this year's draft. His speed and quickness make him the ideal outside linebacker.
Why Carter Goes Here: The talent is there, but his 225 pound frame stops him from being a potential top-10 pick.
Why Carter Fits: With the loss of Shawne Merriman, he is the perfect fit for the Charger's 3-4 defensive scheme, where he can rush the quarterback and also drop back into coverage when needed.
21. Green Bay Packers, Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
13 of 32
Why Williams is Special: He has good size for a corner, and even better speed. Williams is considered by many to be one of the fastest defensive backs in this year's draft class.
Why Williams Goes Here: Texas has had its fair share of defeensive backs being drafted in the first round. Williams adds to that list and has could be a starter from the get-go.
Why Williams Fits: The Packers are one defensive back away from being one of the top units in the NFL. He would have the opportunity to learn from one of the best in All-Pro Charles Woodson.
19. New England (From Oakland), Ryan Kerrigan, DE, Purdue
14 of 32
Why Kerrigan is Special: He is quick, powerful and posseses one of those "non-stop motors" that coaches love to see in players.
Why Kerrigan Goes Here: He has been one of the Big Ten's most feared pass rushers over the past couple of seasons, but needs to gain more strength before he can become an elite defensive end. With his work ethic, that will come in no time.
Why Kerrigan Fits: The Patriots have been searching for that dominant pass rusher to fill out their defensive line. In a few years, Kerrigan could be that guy.
18. Miami Dolphins, Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
15 of 32
Why Ayers is Special: At 6'4, 255 pounds with exceptional athletic ability and the will to improve, Ayers has everything that an NFL team looks for in an outside linebacker.
Why Ayers Goes Here: The Dolphins only potential need on the offensive side of the ball is at quarterback, and with the elite signal callers already off the board, Miami takes the route of selecting the best player available.
Why Ayers Fits: He has the ability to drop back in coverage or play the run, which should fit nicely in Miami's 3-4 scheme.
17. Seattle Seahawks, Kyle Rudolph, TE, Notre Dame
16 of 32
Why Rudolph is Special: He is a physical specimen at 6'6 265 pounds with the ability to go up and catch any ball that is put within his grasp.
Why Rudolph Goes Here: This year's draft is not very deep at the tight end position, but the Seahawks offense is in desperate need of a playmaker.
Why Rudolph Fits: Seattle has one of the NFL's least productive offenses this year. A physical tight end with big-play ability will only help that statistic improve.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Rahim Moore, S, UCLA
17 of 32
Why Moore is Special: He has very strong instincts and excels in breaking on the ball when it is in the air. He had 10 interceptions this season at the free safety position.
Why Moore Goes Here: He has been a starter since his freshman season, which means he has experience reading coverages and should adjust quickly to the pace of an NFL game.
Why Moore fits: When you play in the same division as Drew Brees and Matt Ryan, you need all the defensive backfield help you can get. Moore will provide the Bucs with just that.
15. Kansas City Chiefs, Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
18 of 32
Why Clayborn is Special: He has a non-stop motor and the ability to put constant pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Why Clayborn Goes Here: He has been one of college football's top defensive players the past two seasons and should be an immediate contribuor to a defensive line in need of some playmakers.
Why Clayborn Fits: By adding Clayborn and eventually moving Glenn Dorsey to DT, the Chiefs will feature one of the best, young defensive lines in football.
14. St. Louis Rams, Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
19 of 32
Why Blackmon is Special: He was best receiver in college football this year, leading the nation with 1,430 receiving yards and 17 touchdown receptions.
Why Blackmon Goes Here: He will be the best reciever available at this point and the Rams need to give Sam Bradford an explosive playmaker to work with.
Why Blackmon Fits: Because in all reality, Laurent Robinson and Donnie Avery are not NFL No.1 wideouts. Blackmon is.
13. Houston Texans, Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
20 of 32
Why Jenkins is Special: He has an aggressive playing style, which is needed at the next level. His speed and ability to jump routs make him one of the top cornerback prospects in this year's draft class.
Why Jenkins Goes Here: He is a proven cornerback, having gone up against and stopped some of the best receivers in the top conference in college football.
Why Jenkins Fits: The Texans desperately need help in their secondary, and Jenkins could fill in as a starter right away.
12. Minnesota Vikings, Jake Locker, QB, Washington
21 of 32
Why Locker is Special: He has passed for over 2,000 yards in two separate seasons and was expected to be the No.1 pick had he declared for last year's draft.
Why Locker Goes Here: He did not perform up to expecations in some big games this season, but still should be a first round lock based on talent alone.
Why Locker Fits: One would have to assume that the Brett Favre era is going to come to an end after this season. WIth that said, this is a no-brainer.
11. San Francisco 49ers, Nick Fairley, DE/DT, Auburn
22 of 32
Why Fairley is Special: He has great size, allowing him to stop the run, but can also be an effective pass rusher.
Why Fairley Goes Here: He was the most dominant defensive player on college football's most dominant team this season.
Why Fairley Fits: All-Pro linebacker Patrick Willis needs someone to create a push on the line. Fairley fits that need perfectly.
10. Washington Redskins, Robert Quinn, DE, North Carolina
23 of 32
Why Quinn is Special: He has the physical tools that every coach looks for in a defensive end. He has been compared to former UNC Tar Heel Julius Peppers.
Why Quinn Goes Here: Had it not been for his off-the-field issues this season, Quinn very well could have been a top-5 selection. Even with the baggage that might come along with him, he is too talented to pass up.
Why Quinn Fits: The Redskins a lot of needs on defense, but the pass rushing combination of Quinn and Brian Orakpo would not allow teams to expose other weak parts of their defense.
9. Tennessee Titans, Anthony Castonzo, OT, Boston College
24 of 32
Why Castonzo is Special: He's a four-year starter with good athleticism and size. Hands down the best offensive lineman in this year's draft class.
Why Castonzo Goes Here: A lot of teams in the NFL have an immediate need for a offensive lineman and he is the best one available.
Why Castonzo Fits: Chris Johnson needs someone to pave the way for him to get outside and be able to run off tackle. Castonzo can do just that.
8. Arizona Cardinals, Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas
25 of 32
Why Mallett is Special: He has the perfect size and arm strength to make him one of the NFL's elite quarterbacks down the road.
Why Mallett Goes Here: He has the talent and all-around skills to be the top pick in this draft, but he needs to work on his decision making before he can be a star at the next level.
Why Mallett Fits: Arizona is in desperate need of a quarterback, and with this pick, their quarterback of the future falls right into their lap.
7. Cleveland Browns, Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
26 of 32
Why Jones is Special: He has ideal size, strength and leaping ability to make an immediate impact at the next level. He has had big games on college footballs biggest stage.
Why Jones Goes Here: It is between Jones and Georgia's A.J. Green for who is this year's first receiver taken. Cleveland should be pleased with either of them. For now, we will say that is Jones.
Why Jones Fits: The Browns have one of the worst passing offenses in the league, but a playmaker like Jones will only help Colt McCoy improve over time.
6. Dallas Cowboys, Prince Amukamara,CB, Nebraska
27 of 32
Why Amukamara is Special: His size and physical style of play ahve allowed him to shut down some of college football's elite recievers.
Why Amukamara Goes Here: He has all the intangibles to allow him to be a starter from day one.
Why Amukamara Fits: Look at how many passing yards the Cowboys' secondary has allowed per-game this season and that should explain why.
5. Denver Broncos, A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
28 of 32
Why Green is Special: He has the type of big-play ability that doesn't come around every year in the draft.
Why Green Goes Here: He can stretch the field and make catches in traffic. He would have been the top receiver taken had he gone in last year's draft.
Why Green Fits: It is clear that the days of Denver Broncos power football are over. Adding Green would give Kyle Orton a true No.1 wideout to throw to.
4. Detroit Lions, Patrick Patterson, CB, LSU
29 of 32
Why Patterson is Special: He has been a mainstay in LSU's defensive backfield since he arrived there. He is a hard-hitting corner with great cover skills as well.
Why Patterson Goes Here: He has shown that he is worthy of being the top defensive back taken and the Lions need help wherever they can get it.
Why Patterson Fits: Chris Houston is likley to leave for free agency, leaving the Lions with yet another void in their defensive secondary. Patterson should fit in perfectly.
3. Buffalo Bills, Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
30 of 32
Why Luck is Special: He is talented, smart, and has the physical tools to be a successful NFL quarterback.
Why Luck Goes Here: His decision making ability is what seperates him from other top-tier quarterbacks.
Why Luck Fits: Buffalo needs a lot of work, but it all starts with getting a franchise quarterback, which Luck is sure to be
2. Cincinnati Bengals, Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
31 of 32
Why Dareus is Special: He was the top defensive player on one of the top defenses in college football. He has big game experience and was key to Alabama's 2010 National Championship victory.
Why Dareus Goes Here: He is a proven force, playing in the most physical conference in college football.
Why Dareus Fits: Cincinatti has plenty of problems to fix on the defensive side of the ball. This gives them a game-changer who will be ready to step in and play right away.
1. Carolina Panthers, Da'Quan Bowers, DE, Clemson
32 of 32
Why Bowers is Special: He is a menace to apposing quarterbacks, racking up 13.5 sacks this season for Clemson.
Why Bowers Goes Here: Because every team would like to get their hands on a dominant pass rusher, but Carolina will have their pick as to which one.
Why Bowers Fits: Carolina has a need for a dominant defensive player to make up for the loss of Julius Peppers. Bowers will be that dominant force.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")