2011 NFL Mock Draft: Will Andrew Luck or AJ Green Be No. 1 Pick?
NFL Mock Draft is ready for viewing. Two big names that are expected to go early are Andrew Luck and A.J. Green.
Luck is being touted as a franchise quarterback, while Green is said to be a big receiver with superstar potential.
Every team in the NFL wants to have a shot at those two guys.ย Where will they go?
Will Andrew Luck be drafted before A.J. Green?ย Let's find out.
The mock draft begins now!
32. New England Patriots: Allen Bailey, DE, Miami
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Why He Is Special
He's got the versatility to play end or tackle at the next level.ย Bailey is 6'4", nearly 300 lbs. and can run the 40 in 4.6 seconds.ย
Why He Goes Here
What better team to pick up this talented defender than Belichick and the Patriots?
Why He Fits
Belichick loves guys that are versatile and athletic, and Bailey fits the bill.
31. Atlanta Falcons: Drake Nevis, DT, LSU
2 of 32
Why He Is Special
Nevis is coming from a great program in LSU. The Tigers develop strong defensive players at this position.
Why He Goes Here
The Falcons defensive line has been solid this season, but help is always welcome.ย
Why He Fits
His quickness and great burst will be an asset toย this defense.
30. Pittsburgh Steelers: Brandon Burton, CB, Utah
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Why He Is Special: Only a junior but already one of the best corners in the Mountain West Conference.
Why He Goes Here: This is a defensively oriented team but this guy has too much talent to pass up.
Why He Fits: Pittsburgh is loaded with defensive talent but it's never too early to start thinking about the future.ย Burton is someone that can help them in the future.
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29. Chicago Bears: Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State
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Why He Is Special
Blackmon took over for Dez Bryant on the Oklahoma State Cowboys team and has turned into one of the best pass catchers in the country.
Why He Goes Here
There really haven't been any big receiving stars out of Chicago connecting with Jay Cutler.ย Blackmon has the potential to be a Brandon Marshall type of receiver.ย
Why He Fits
He's physical and not afraid of contact.ย That's exactly what the Bears need.
28. New Orleans Saints: Corey Liuget, DT, Ilinois
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Why He Is Special
Only a junior, he had a successful season with the Fightin Illini.ย This kid can pile on the tackles.
Why He Goes Here
There's plenty of talent in New Orleans.ย But depth is also good.
Why He Fits
He's young and he can spend some time learning from all of the experience on this football team.
27. Baltimore Ravens: Cameron Heyward, DE, Ohio State
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Why He Is Special
He's got NFL genes.ย This Heyward is the son of former NFL running back Craig "Ironhead" Heyward.
Why He Goes Here
Baltimore is a team built around defense and it's always a good thing to stockpile young defensive talent.ย
Why He Fits
He's fundamentally sound and could develop opposite Haloti Ngata.
26. N.Y. Jets: Mike Pouncey, G, Florida
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Why He Is Special
Brother of Maurkice Pouncey, a stud offensive lineman for the Steelers.
Why He Goes Here
You've gotย a young quarterbackย on this team, and he needs protection.ย If Pouncey is here this late, this is definite steal for the Jets.
Why He Fits
It's always a good idea to stock up on help at the offensive line position, especially if you're theย aiming toย be oneย of theย best teams in the AFC.
25. Philadelphia Eagles: Tyron Smith, OT, USC
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Why He Is Special
He's a big kid at 6'5" and nearly 300 lbs., with plenty of strength and power.
Why He Goes Here
Pass protection is key to any offense, especially an explosive one like the Eagles'.
Why He Fits
Michael Vick could always use more protection, assuming he returns to the Eagles next year.
24. Kansas City Chiefs: Adrian Clayborn, DE, Iowa
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Why He Is Special
Clayborn is a well-rounded player coming from a program that prides itself on defense.
Why He Goes Here
With the the Chiefs offensive game steadily improving this season, a defensive pick in the first round would not be a surprise.
Why He Fits
A guy with plenty of heart and go all-out mentality could help bolster their defense.
23. Indianapolis Colts: Anthony Costanzo, OT, Boston College
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Why He Is Special
He comes from a great program in Boston College that has a history of developing NFL quality blockers.ย
Why He Goes Here
Either we can blame Peyton Manning for the Colts' deficiencies this year or blame his weak offensive line.ย Chances are someone that has won four MVP awards is not the reason this team is losing.ย
Why He Fits
The weak pass protection of the Colts need new talent.
22. Green Bay Packers: Derek Sherrod, OT, Mississippi State
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Why He Is Special
He's not just good at blocking pass rusher or opening up holes for runner, Sherrod is a well-balanced offensive lineman.
Why He Goes Here
With the Packers running game strugging this season, they could use a guy who will help open up running lanes.
Why He Fits
Aaron Rodgers could always use a big body to stand in front him, so he doesn't get so many head injuries.
21. Seattle Seahawks: Gabe Carimi, OT, Wisconsin
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Why He Is Special
He's a huge specimen at 6'8" and 320 lbs.ย But he's also got powerful arms and quick feet to provide ample pass protection as well as help open up running lanes.
Why He Goes Here
Have you seen the Seahawks offensive line?ย It's a never-ending turnstile of has-beens and never-was'.ย
Why He Fits
He can finally help solidify that glaring weakness with his size and talent.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Mark Ingram, RB, Alabama
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Why He Is Special
You're staring at a former Heisman trophy winner. He was also a part of Alabama's national title-winning team last year.
Why He Goes Here
LeGarrette Blount is probably not the long-term answer in the backfield.ย At the very least they can employ a split workload with Ingram on board.
Why He Fits
His quick feet and excellent running skills could be a perfect balance to Blount's reckless power-running game.ย Tampa could employ a backfield timeshare of Blount and Ingram next season.ย
19. New York Giants: Ryan Kerrigan, DE/OLB, Purdue
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Why He Is Special
Although he played defensive end in college, scouts can see him playing the outside linebacker position in the professional level.
Why He Goes Here
The Giants have tried a few names at their linebacker position this year, including veteran linebacker Keith Bulluck.ย They've had varied results but need new blood in the position.ย
Why He Fits
He's a versatile defender that can play end and linebacker for the Giants.ย He's the next big talent on this board.
18. San Diego Chargers: Akeem Ayers, OLB, UCLA
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Why He Is Special
He's a balanced linebacker with all the tools to become a force in the league.
Why He Goes Here
The Chargers have always been great at developing top linebackers with Junior Seau, Stephen Cooper and Shawne Merriman.ย Ayers could be next.
Why He Fits
San Diego just shed themselves of Shawne Merriman this season.ย They'll need to find their linebacker of the future.
17. New England Patriots (via Oakland): Janoris Jenkins, CB, Florida
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Why He Is Special
After Amukara, Jenkins is the next-best cornerback in most draft boards.ย His stock may have dropped a bit this season with the Gators in a rebuilding year.
Why He Goes Here
With Urban Meyer leaving, Jenkins may also be on his way out as a junior.ย The Patriots may be among the league's best teams, but they still give up a lot of passing yards.ย
Why He Fits
Jenkins can help their weak secondary โ plus, if he slips all they way to the Patriots, it should be a no-brainer.
16. Jacksonville Jaguars: Von Miller, DE/OLB, Texas A&M
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Why He Is Special
He's a special athlete with great speed for his size.ย
Why He Goes Here
The Jaguars have been a pleasant surprise this year, making a run for the AFC South title.ย But their defense could still use some help.
Why He Fits
He's young, versatile and very talented.ย Of course they can use him.
15. Miami Dolphins: Nate Solder, OT, Colorado
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Why He Is Special
He's got great hands โ Solder was a former tight end in his younger years.
Why He Goes Here
The Miami passing game has floundered at time this season.ย Chad Henne has been forced into making costly errors, with explosive receivers at his disposal.ย What he really needs is more pass protection.ย
Why He Fits
He is one of the top-rated offensive linemen in the draft, and Solder can play an immediate role with this team.
14. St. Louis Rams: Julio Jones, WR, Alabama
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Why He Is Special
Only a junior, this youngster has excellent size at 6'4" and 211 lbs.ย
Why He Goes Here
Young Sam Bradford needs himself a youngย go-to target to develop alongside him.ย Mark Clayton is due back next season, and the Rams could have a potent receiving corps with Clayton, Amendola and Jones.
Why He Fits
This is a young football team that is on the way up.ย He could slide right in there and be a contributor from day one.
13. Detroit Lions: Patrick Peterson, CB/S, LSU
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Why He Is Special
The guy can play safety or cornerback at the pro level and most scouts project him to be a shutdown force in the secondary.
Why He Goes Here
Between Peterson and Amukamara, Peterson is a year younger and is getting slightly more love in recent projections.ย
Why He Fits
The Lions have plenty of talent on the offensive side, so now it's time to start adding talent on the defensive side of the ball.
12. Minnesota Vikings: Ryan Mallet, QB, Arkansas
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Why He Is Special
The guy is a giant at 6'7" with a rocket throwing arm.ย Quarterbacks with that kind of size and throwing ability don't grow on trees.
Why He Goes Here
Brett Favre is done with the Vikings, believe it.ย Tarvaris Jackson is probably done as well.ย They'll need to find their quarterback of the present and future in this draft.
Why He Fits
Mallet should be the youngster they'll develop to become their franchise quarterback.ย
11. Houston Texans: Aaron Williams, CB, Texas
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Why He Is Special
Only a junior, he's a true NFL prospect worthy of a first-round draft pick.ย This kid has superstar potential.
Why He Goes Here
Although he's probably only the third-best cornerback prospect in most draft boards and probably not a Top 10 talent, the Texans may make the reach to pick up this Longhorn corner based on his potential to become a shutdown corner.ย
Why He Fits
Houston was among the worst in the league in defending the pass.ย Even young Williams could be an upgrade for this team if he's added to their weak secondary.
10. Washington Redskins: Robert Quinn, DE/OL, North Carolina
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Why He Is Special
He can play defensive end or outside linebacker.ย Despite not playing a game this season, Quinn is still a highly touted prospect.
Why He Goes Here
The Redskins need someone on the line to wreak havoc and help make plays on the defensive line.ย The Albert Haynesworth experiment is pretty much over.ย If Quinn drops because of his time away from football this year, he may be a steal just outside the Top 10 of the draft.
Why He Fits
He can help quickly clog up open running lanes with his size and speed as a run stopper. And as a pass rusher, Quinn also has the potential to rack up plenty of sacks.
9. Dallas Cowboys: Prince Amukamara, CB, Nebraska
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Why He Is Special
He has the size and speed to possibly become a shutdown corner in the league.
Why He Goes Here
Defense is what the Cowboys desperately need to improve upon, especially in their secondary
Why He Fits
Just like Peterson, this senior is being touted as having superstar potential.
8. Tennessee Titans: Stephen Paea, DT, Oregon State
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Why He Is Special
Great athleticism and quickness.ย This kid is still learning the game after picking it up late and only playing one year of high school football.
Why He Goes Here
Every team needs a powerful force on the defensive line that commands double teams.
Why He Fits
Outside of their quarterback conundrum, Tennessee needs help on defense.ย If one of the top QBs falls to this spot on the draft, don't be surprised to see the Titans pick one up.ย Otherwise, it's defense, defense, defense.
7. San Francisco 49ers: Jake Locker, QB, Washington
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ย Why He Is Special
After Andrew Luck, Locker is probably the most NFL-ready quarterback in this draft, though his stock has dropped a bit because of a poor season with the Huskies. ย
Why He Goes Here
Every year, the 49ers find an excuse to keep hanging on to Alex Smith. If Locker is still available at this pick, it's time to say goodbye to their former No. 1 pick.
Why He Fits
The Niners need a quarterback. The Smiths (Troy and Alex) have been been a Band-Aid solution for this team. But they will need to develop another young arm sooner or later.
6. Cleveland Browns: A.J. Green, WR, Georgia
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Why He Is Special
He's the best receiver on most draft boards and should be expected to go early in the draft.ย Green has already received comparisons to Calvin Johnson for his great size (6'4", 212 lbs.) and excellent hands.
Why He Goes Here
Outside of Peyton Hillis, the Browns offense has no other weapons.ย In fact, most of their receivers have suffered from one injury after another this year.
Why He Fits
The Browns need help on the offensive end.ย Having a top wideout with plenty of potential is a start.
5. Arizona Cardinals: Cameron Newton, QB, Auburn
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Why He Is Special
Newton has single-handedly launched the Auburn football program into nationwide prominence this season.ย ย He's a highlight play waiting to happen.ย
Why He Goes Here
There's desperation in Arizona, and Derek Anderson and Max Hall are not going to be the answer.ย They need someone exciting, and Newton may be the answer.
Why He Fits
The Cardinals need a quarterback.ย Why not Newton?ย At least he's shown a lot more athleticism at the quarterback position this year than former first-round pick and Heisman winner Matt Leinart has shown his entire NFL career.
4. Cincinnati Bengals: Marcell Dareus, DT, Alabama
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Why He Is Special
He has shown that is strong enough to stuff the run and quick enough to put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Why He Goes Here
The Bengals defense has been poor to say the least, giving up plenty of points all season.ย Their defensive line could use a boost and this guy is solid.ย
Why He Fits
An influx of young talent on this aging team can only help.ย
3. Buffalo Bills: Nick Fairley, DT, Auburn
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Why He Is Special
This 6'5" and 298 lb. junior is one of the best defensive prospects in the draft.ย With his size, he has the ability to break through offensives lines and stop runners in the backfield.ย
Why He Goes Here
The Bills are one of the worst run defenses in the league.ย Fairley can only help.
Why He Fits
A big run-stopping force will find a spot on the Bills.
2. Denver Broncos: DaโQuan Bowers, DE, Clemson
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Why He Is Special
Meet the nation's sack leader.ย As a high schooler, he was ranked by ESPN as the No. 1 recruit in the nation.ย
Why He Goes Here
The Broncos are desperate for defense and this guy should be one of the first defenders off the board.ย Bowers is 6'4" and 277 lbs.ย he's probablyย already an upgrade over anyone on the team right now.
Why He Fits
Denver's defense is a joke, they're among the worst in the league when it comes to giving up rushing yardsย and their pass rushย barely puts any pressure on opposing quarterbacks.ย Needless to say, this kid will be welcomed with open arms.
1. Carolina Panthers: Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford
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Why He Is Special
Luck is extremely hyped and according to most scouts is the undisputed No. 1 pick in this year's draft.ย Under the tutelage of former NFL quarterback Jim Harbaugh, Luck has shown he has the potential to succeed at the next level with a great balance of size, decision making and ability to throw the football.ย In fact, we're already hearing comparisons to Peyton Manning and even the young Matt Ryan, two former Top 3 picks.
Why He Goes Here
If you have a chance at drafting a potential franchise quarterback, you go for it.ย Forget about the second-round draft pick the Panthers used on Jimmy Clausen last season.ย Passing on Luck could be a major mistake.
Why He Fits
There should be a lot of changes coming to the team in the offseason. ย John Fox could be on his way out.ย And what better way for a new coach to get started with a new team than by drafting his own quarterback?
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